International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics

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https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/156149

Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Bhaven Kataria
ISSN: 2349-3283 (Print); 2349-3291 (Online)

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.ijpediatrics.com/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 1847

Comparison of the efficacy of hypertonic saline (3%) with salbutamol nebulization for treatment of acute bronchiolitis: a randomized clinical trail
(Medip Academy, 2025-04) Das, R; Roy, MS; Akter, H; Hoq, T
Background: Acute bronchiolitis is a common respiratory condition in infants and nebulized solutions are often used as part of its management. This study compares the efficacy and safety of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline (HS) versus salbutamol with normal saline (NS) in treating bronchiolitis. Methods: This was a Randomized controlled trial conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of Chattogram Medical College Hospital and Chattogram Maa- O- Shishu Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh, during the period from February 2018 to February 2019. We included 204 children and divided them into two groups – Group A (Children who were given nebulized 3% HS (4 ml) with an oxygen flow rate of 6-8 l/min) and group B (Children who were given nebulized salbutamol in a dose of 0.15 mg/kg body weight in normal saline). Results: The mean age of patients was comparable between groups (8.54±4.41 vs. 8.25±4.46 months, p=0.644). Both groups had a male predominance (63.7% vs. 62.7%, p=0.885). Baseline clinical characteristics, including respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature and oxygen saturation, were similar across groups. At 72 hours, CSS showed significant improvement in both groups (p<0.001), with a greater reduction in the HS group (Group A) compared to the salbutamol group (Group B) (p=0.034). LOS was significantly shorter in the HS group, with 82.35% discharged within 72 hours compared to 55.9% in the salbutamol group (p=0.013). No adverse events were reported in either group. Conclusions: Nebulized 3% hypertonic saline demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing clinical severity scores and shortening hospital stays compared to salbutamol with normal saline, with no adverse events reported. This suggests that 3% HS is a safe and effective option for the management of acute bronchiolitis in infants.
A comparative study on preterm birth in elderly mothers and young mothers
(Medip Academy, 2025-04) Malavika, PS; Guruprasad, KGA; Vinaykumar, S; Bhavya, SO
Background: In the present-day scenario women are career oriented and ambitious. They might not want to spoil their focus by getting pregnant. Late motherhood helps them sort their career, and when they do have children, it allows them to spend more time and money on their kids. In order to achieve this woman are choosing to embrace the motherhood in later age. Most of them not understanding the consequences of delayed marriage and late pregnancy. Advanced maternal age at birth has been found to be associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight, intrauterine foetal death and increased perinatal morbidity and mortality The aim of our study was to know the preterm birth in elderly mothers and young mothers, and to compare preterm births in these two groups. Methods: Our study was a cross sectional, analytical case control study, done in babies delivered to mothers >35 years and <35 years. Information like age of the mother, gestational age, period of gestation at birth etc were recorded in a proforma. Collected data was analysed using frequency, percentage, chi square test and odds ratio Results: In our study, total sample size was 460 (230 cases and 230 controls). Incidence of preterm deliveries were significantly more in case group (babies born to mothers >35 years) than the control group (babies born to mothers between 19 to 35 years). Conclusions: It was observed that premature births were more common in babies born to elderly mothers than young mothers.
The world faces a new viral threat: monkeypox
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Bongurala, AR; Kadam, SJ; Nguyen, V; Patel, M; Sharma, R; Srivastava, A
Monkeypox, a zoonotic viral disease, has re-emerged globally, presenting a significant public health challenge. Initially affecting primarily men who have sex with men, the virus has demonstrated broader transmission patterns, raising concerns about its potential to become endemic. The recent outbreak has highlighted the rapid spread of Monkeypox through close contact, particularly during sexual activity. This shift in transmission dynamics necessitates a robust global response, including surveillance systems, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns. Understanding the virus's epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and transmission routes is crucial for effective prevention and control. While supportive care remains the primary treatment, antiviral medications and vaccines offer additional tools to mitigate the impact of Monkeypox outbreaks. Continued vigilance and timely interventions are essential to prevent further spread and protect public health.
A case of mucopolysaccharidosis type VI in Indian family: importance of clinical characteristics, urinary GAG and enzyme assay in diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Ali, MA; Maheshwari, S; Mohapatra, MD; Dash, DK
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) are hereditary progressive disease caused by mutations in genes coding for lysosomal enzymes essential to breakdown GAG. The inadequate degradation process leads to accumulation GAG in lysosome of diverse tissues, which interfere with cell functioning and leads to characteristic patterns of clinical, radiologic and biochemical problems. Patient appears to be healthy at birth and, symptoms start about 2-3 years of age. Clinical characteristics, radiographic findings, and notably enzyme assays have allowed us to make a clear diagnosis in these situations. There are extremely few cases of MPS VI reported in India. Here we are reporting a case of 14 yr. old female patient with a combination of clinical, radiological and biochemical characteristics confirmed as a case of MPS type VI. This example illustrates that atypical clinical symptom, such as growth failure, coarse facial features, and joint difficulties, are key pointers for further investigations linked to MPS disease. However, in low- and middle-income countries, it is difficult to make a definite diagnosis of one of the MPS due to insufficient enzyme assay.
When head trauma conceals the cause: status epilepticus due to camphor poisoning
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Kulkarni, RG; Prajwal, BG; Manjunathaswamy, R; Pushpa, SN
A 2-year-old male child presented with status epilepticus following an accidental fall from the bed. Initial management focused on trauma-related seizures, but further evaluation revealed camphor poisoning as the underlying cause which was identified by the presence of a camphor-like odor in the nasogastric aspirate and confirmed by toxicology. This case underscores the importance of thorough clinical assessment and history-taking in cases of unexplained seizures. The patient was successfully treated with supportive care, including intubation, intravenous anticonvulsants, fluid therapy, and discharged in stable condition. Camphor poisoning, a common but under recognized cause of seizures in children, occurs in areas where camphor-containing products are widely available. The best possible outcomes in a child can only be assured when a condition is detected early and managed promptly as supportive management. Additionally, public health measures should be instituted to regulate and restrict access to camphor in order to prevent accidental poisonings.
Clinical profile of hepatitis A virus infection in children in a tertiary care hospital
(Medip Academy, 2025-04) Baidya, M; Mahmud, S; Rashid, R; Hasan, AR; Muaz, SSA; Farhana, T
Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a frequent form of hepatitis primarily affects the liver and is commonly observed in children particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. The disease is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations including jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. This study aims to evaluate the clinical, and biochemical of HAV infection in children in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Bangladesh Shishu hospital and institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2023 to December 2023. The study aimed to investigate the clinical and biochemical spectrum of HAV infection in children at the department of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. A total of 200 children with confirmed HAV infection were enrolled in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the study population. Results: Clinical features were dominated by jaundice and hepatomegaly (100%), followed by fever (98.5%), nausea (98%), anorexia (98%), and abdominal pain (92.5%). Cholestasis was the most common complication (9.5%), followed by acute liver failure (4.5%). Laboratory findings showed that 86.5% had total serum bilirubin levels ≤10 mg/dl, 67.5% had serum ALT levels between 500-1500 IU/L, and 4.5% had an INR >1.5. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the clinical and biochemical spectrum of HAV infection in children at a tertiary care hospital. The findings highlight the typical presentation of HAV in children, including symptoms such as jaundice, fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain, alongside elevated serum ALT and bilirubin levels. Despite the generally self-limiting nature of the disease, complications such as cholestasis and acute liver failure were observed, underlining the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management and emphasize the necessity of including hepatitis A vaccination in routine immunization programme.
The diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in children: a clinical perspective
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Sarma, VP; Aravind, CS.
The abnormalities in the filling and/or emptying phases of the bladder, with no obvious anatomical or neurological abnormality are considered as Functional disorders of the lower urinary tract (LUT). The term lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) includes a wide spectrum of disorders with variable clinical presentation. LUTD is a common problem seen in daily practice that accounts for up to 40% of paediatric urology clinic visits in a year. The fact that it has been reported to affect 5–20% of all children highlights the clinical significance of this disorder. A thorough literature review of the studies, recommendations and practice guidelines of LUTD in children was done based on the clinical experience of the management of these children over the past decades. All the currently relevant information was summarized under the specific headings pertaining to diagnosis, classification and therapy. Any functional disturbance in voiding (abnormal holding and/or voiding pattern) that occurs beyond the expected age of completion of toilet training, in the absence of anatomical or neurological causes, is considered a Voiding disorder. LUTD include a wide spectrum of clinical entities that inhibit the development of normal urinary control and originate from behavioural factors that affect toilet training. LUTD is often associated with functional constipation and emotional/behavioural disorders. LUTD can lead to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) with a significant risk of progressive renal scarring. The evolution of the understanding of the physiological basis of these disorders, aetiological factors, clarity in nomenclature and categorisation and advances in functional assessment have enabled the prospect of more definitive diagnosis and better therapy. Greater insight into the correlation of the findings of functional studies with specific disorders have facilitated more scientific and targeted therapy. The recognition of the importance of treatment of underlying factors and the use of escalating treatment protocols involving multiple specialists have aided to develop a more holistic and comprehensive therapeutic regime.
Factors associated with maternal knowledge, perception and practice of oral rehydration solution for diarrhoea in a health facility in Port Harcourt
(Medip Academy, 2025-04) Okari, TG; West, BA
Background: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is an effective, inexpensive intervention for preventing dehydration and mortality among children with diarrhoea. However, this benefit can only be achieved, if caregivers have appropriate knowledge and right perceptions to make them use it when needed in diarrhoeal illness. This study was carried out to assess the level of knowledge, perception and the practice of ORS by mothers attending the paediatric outpatient clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and determine factors associated with it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers of under-five children attending the clinic. Specific questions on knowledge, perception and practice of ORS were answered, correct responses collated and converted to percentages, with 50% used as cut-off for good knowledge, perception and practice of ORS. Data analysis was done using SPPS version 23. Results: A total of 143 mothers aged 22-50 (32.1±5.4) years, participated in the study. The ORS awareness among them was high with corresponding high level of knowledge (71.6%), perception (77.6%) and practice (69.4%) of ORS. However, there was poor knowledge and practice regarding when to start and duration of administering ORS to children with diarrhoea. Middle socioeconomic class and higher parity were significantly associated with good knowledge of ORS and being married with good perception. Good knowledge of ORS was significantly associated with good perception and good practice. Conclusions: Though the knowledge, perception and practice of ORS in this study were good, public enlightenment is needed to address the gaps in knowledge and practice.
Case of infantile obesity
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Kaja, R; Hussain, AM; Surendranath; Godala, ST; Chakiri, S
Congenital leptin receptor deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive form of monogenic obesity caused by loss-of-function mutations in the leptin receptor function. Due to its subtle signs and symptoms early diagnosis of this becomes a challenge. We report a case of a 7-month-old male child who presented with the complaints of excessive weight gain on exclusive breast feeding with no dysmorphism or developmental delay. Whole exome sequencing helped in diagnosis of leptin receptor deficiency. Specific investigations are needed for diagnosis of genetic forms of obesity. Specific diagnosis helps to prognosticate and counsel parents and help physicians to improve their care in patients with severe early onset obesity.
Role of maternal and neonatal plasma vitamin D levels on development of neonatal sepsis in term infants
(Medip Academy, 2025-01) Charoo, BA; Ganaie, AH; Lone, PA.
Background: Neonatal sepsis is characterized by signs and symptoms of infection with or without accompanying bacteremia in the first month of life and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. There is overwhelming experimental evidence that vitamin D has an important role in the regulation of both the innate and acquired immune systems. Therefore, low vitamin D status is expected to be one of the risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Methods: Between September 2016 and July 2018 term infants with clinical and laboratory findings of Neonatal Sepsis who were>37weeks of gestational age and were admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura, Srinagar and healthy infants (controls) who presented to our out-patient clinic for routine evaluation with no signs of clinical and laboratory infection were taken up for study. Blood for neonatal and maternal vitamin D levels was obtained from all infants and their mothers at the postpartum period at the time of hospital admission. Results: A total of 92 mother-neonatal pairs (46 cases and 46 controls) were enrolled in the study. In the study group the mean neonatal vitamin D level was 12.90 ng/ml and the mean maternal vitamin D level was 22.90 ng/ml. In the control group the mean neonatal vitamin D level was 25.99 ng/ml and the mean maternal vitamin D level was 37 ng/ml. Mean maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. Conclusions: There was a highly significant correlation between neonatal and maternal vitamin D levels in both study and control groups in our study. Thus, it was concluded that babies born to mothers with inadequate vitamin D levels have inadequate vitamin D levels.
Pancreatico pleural fistula-a rare complication of chronic calcific pancreatitis
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Kumbhar, SG; Karmarkar, AS
Chronic pancreatitis is associated with permanent structural changes in pancreas, leading to impairment of exocrine and endocrine function. Recurrent acute pancreatitis in chronic pancreatitis is a common complication in practice. We came across a rare complication of persistent left sided hemorrhagic pleural effusion due to pancreaticopleural fistula. Diagnosis was made by detection of high levels of pleural fluid lipase and amylase levels. An 11-year-old female presented with fever, abdomen pain and persistent left sided hemorrhagic pleural effusion for four months, which ultimately turned out to be acute on chronic calcific pancreatitis with pancreaticopleural fistula which was successfully surgically treated.
Rare neurological manifestation following hepatitis A infection: a report of 2 cases
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Pal, S; Nag, A; Sarkar, S
Hepatitis A is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in developing countries. Extra-hepatic manifestation is very rare occurrence in Hepatitis A. We report 2 cases, one developing Acute Cerebellar Ataxia and another Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia syndrome (OMAS). The former presented with Ataxia of acute onset one week after Hepatitis A infection. The patient did not have any neurological complication and responded to conservative management. The second patient was a 7-year-old girl presented with behavioral abnormality, jerky eye movements and ataxia with myoclonus following a Hepatitis A infection one week ago. Patient was treated with pulse dose methyl prednisolone followed by oral prednisolone and showed a prompt response. Neurological manifestation following Hepatitis A is a rare phenomenon.
Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy presenting as juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a case report
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Samuel, M; Rajamurugan, A; Subramanian, R; Ramamoorthy, R
Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO) is an inherited disorder, characterised by skin thickening of face and extremities, and periosteal proliferation of the long bones. It is caused by HPGD or SLCO2A1 gene mutations, inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern. It presents with characteristic skin changes and musculoskeletal pain. We present the case of an adolescent male patient with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. We managed him successfully with zolendronic acid.
A rare case of X-linked centronuclear myopathy in a neonate
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Santosh, N; Kyadiggeri, R; Kadambi, P; Sriranjini, KS; Reddy, AP
We present the case of a late preterm male neonate who was limp at birth requiring extensive resuscitation in delivery room, requiring mechanical ventilation requiring higher settings and progressively worsening respiratory failure. Investigative panel reports later showed that the baby had a X-Linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM)-centronuclear myopathy (CNM), which was the diagnosis responsible for the baby’s clinical presentation. Although CNMs do not have a specific treatment, early diagnosis of milder variants and understanding their pathophysiology helps in further facilitating diagnostic approach for the future.
Continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of meconium aspiration syndrome
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Dangriwal, K; Arora, V; Narnolia, P; Dhawal, A.
Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a significant neonatal condition, often associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), fetal distress and severe respiratory complications. Management involves various forms of respiratory support, with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) being an effective, non-invasive option. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of CPAP therapy in neonates with MAS and identify predictors of success and failure in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted at the Paediatric Department of RNT Medical College, Udaipur, from January 2024 to July 2024. A total of 77 neonates with MAS were enrolled, with data collected on maternal complications, delivery mode, clinical status, and neonatal outcomes. CPAP was initiated in most cases, and its effectiveness was monitored. Results: Fetal distress was present most commonly in newborns with maternal complications (55.26%), followed by pregnancy-induced hypertension (19.74%). Most infants were born via C-section (42.1%), with a mean birth weight of 2.53 kg. CPAP was successful in 85.53% of cases, with predictors of success including lower Downe’s scores. Severe asphyxia was the leading cause of mortality (13.16%). Conclusions: CPAP is a highly effective treatment for moderate-to-severe MAS, offering advantages over mechanical ventilation in terms of reduced complications. Early initiation improves respiratory outcomes and reduces the need for invasive ventilation. Monitoring and early identification of risk factors, such as Downe’s score, are crucial for optimizing management.
Critical care in paediatrics: the role of ventilation techniques in managing acute respiratory conditions
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Soni, P; Cheriathu, J
This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of ventilation techniques in managing paediatric acute respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. The review included 19 studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, published between 2015 and 2024. Findings showed that non-invasive ventilation (NIV) methods like CPAP along with BiPAP improve oxygenation and reduce intubation rates, with CPAP effective for mild cases and BiPAP for severe distress. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) outperformed standard oxygen therapy (SOT), though comparisons with NIV remain inconclusive. Invasive techniques like pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) along with pressure support ventilation (PSV) are vital for unstable patients, with PRVC preventing barotrauma and PSV easing respiratory effort. Additionally, four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) imaging proved valuable in optimizing ventilation strategies and improving diagnostic accuracy. In conclusion, NIV techniques like CPAP along with BiPAP are effective in improving oxygenation and reducing intubation rates in paediatric respiratory conditions, with BiPAP being more suitable for severe distress. HFNC shows promise over SOT, though further comparison with NIV is needed. Invasive ventilation methods, such as PRVC and PSV, are essential for managing unstable patients, with PRVC offering protection against barotrauma and PSV enhancing respiratory efficiency. The study underscores the importance of lung-protective strategies to minimize risks in paediatric ventilation.
Minimal dose inhaled salbutamol leading to diastolic hypotension (rare presentation) and significant lactic acidosis mimicking shock, a case report from tertiary care hospital in Ajman, UAE
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Badr, AO; Gattoo, IA; Abdelrahem, AA; Abdullh, RMH; Tayyem, AMA
Salbutamol is a selective β2-receptor agonist widely used to treat asthma in both emergency and outpatient settings. It has been associated with a various side effects ranging from mild to severe in presentation. Lactic acidosis and diastolic hypotension are rarely reported together following intermittent salbutamol nebulization in children, even less so at standard therapeutic doses. We present the case of an 11-year-old Emirati male child, known asthmatic but not on any preventive therapy, who experienced a serious drug reaction during an asthma exacerbation following inhaled salbutamol (5 mg back to back, overall 5 to 10 mg. while he was receiving the second dose of salbutamol nebulization in our emergency department, he developed persistent hypotension (lowest 70/45) despite fluid boluses, also he had elevated blood lactate levels (peak concentration 9 mmol/l), following the hyperglycemia (peak concentration 18 mmol/l), hypokalemia (lowest concentration 3.3 mEq/l).The aforementioned alterations improved within 24 hours after discontinuation of salbutamol and without any further fluid boluses which has been initiated initially at the causality based on the presentation that was mimicking shock status. We reinforce the message that even the use of intermittent nebulized salbutamol for acute moderate asthma can lead to severe transient complications in children. Then, healthcare providers should pay attention not only in emergency settings, to achieve prompt recognition and proper management of this adverse reaction. Careful reassessment could prevent similar reactions and further serious complications.
Exploring prevalence of sensory patterns among children with developmental disabilities: a cross-sectional study
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Verma, B; Dey, M; Sehgal, R
Background: Developmental disabilities prevalence appears to be significant worldwide. Sensory sensitivity has also been associated with developmental disabilities. To find prevalence of sensory sensitivity and to seek an association of sensory sensitivity among developmentally disabled children with selected factors. Methods: The study used a descriptive survey research design including 150 children aged 6-11 years diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, specific language disability and down syndrome attending child developmental centre of Safdarjung hospital, selected via purposive sampling technique. Data collected through structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, and a standardized tool i.e. Parent completed Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire. Results: Mean sensory sensitivity in terms of total, hyper and hypo sensitivity were higher in children with ASD, ADHD and Intellectual Disability. Similarly mean of vestibular, auditory, tactile and proprioception sensory sensitivity subscales were observed higher among children with ASD, ADHD and intellectual disability. The findings also showed that p values for type of family (p=0.033), socio-economic status (p=0.010), maternal occupation (p=0.022), nutritional status (p=0.004), diagnosis of child (p=0.000) were found to be statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance to seek the association between sensory sensitivity and selected variables. Conclusions: Aberrant sensory sensitivity may play an important role among children with developmental disabilities.
COVID-19 related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a case series from a tertiary care centre in Western Uttar Pradesh
(Medip Academy, 2025-03) Upadhyay, S; Dayal, R; Nayak, M
A minority of children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) present with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), usually 2 to 4 weeks post-infection, the pathophysiology of which is still unclear. MIS-C referred to overlapping clinical features of KD, TSS, and macrophage activation syndrome with acute abdominal presentations upon admission. This is a case series of 5 children which includes COVID-19 serology positive patients admitted to Sarojini Naidu medical college, Agra, Uttar Pradesh from May 2020 to January 2022, who met the world health organization (WHO) case definition of MIS-C. The most common presenting symptoms of MIS-C patients at our hospital were fever (100%), reduced oral intake (100%), conjunctival hyperemia (100%), rash (100%), abdominal pain (80%), diarrhea (60%) and, vomiting (40%). All MIS-C patients displayed hyper inflammation, abnormal coagulation profiles, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and ferritin levels. High B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP) and troponin levels were detected in 100% and 80% of the patients respectively. Two patients had ejection fractions (EF)<55% on echocardiography, indicating systolic ventricular dysfunction (case 4 and 5) with Mitral regurgitation was found in case 4 only. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, intravenous (IV) steroids and aspirin were administered to the all patients as per the ministry of health and family welfare guidelines for MIS-C. As this condition has severe effects on major systems, awareness among pediatricians is required for timely evaluation and treatment to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with MIS-C.
Prevalence of depression and its associated risk factors among children and adolescent screened at a tertiary care hospital
(Medip Academy, 2025-01) Abimannan, V; Pothapregada, S; Varadhan, BB; Abimannan, SV; Amisha
Background: Depression in children and adolescents has been increasing worldwide especially in the adolescence. Despite its high prevalence and its substantial impact, the detection and its treatment in primary care setting have been suboptimal. To estimate the prevalence of depression among 8-17 years attending OPD at a tertiary care hospital and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: A cross-sectional study done among 400 participants of 08 to 17 years of age presenting to Pediatric and Medicine Outpatient departments of a Tertiary Care Hospital at Puducherry. A three-step process on diagnosis was involved. Step 1 included screening for psychiatric morbidities using Tamil and English version of Strengths and Difficulties Standardized Questionnaire. Those scoring above 19 were subjected to a second screening test for depression using Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale for Children. All these participants were referred for psychiatric assessment irrespective of their CES-DC score for diagnosis. The data was analysed by descriptive statistics. Results: Among the study population, 49 (12.25%) participants had depression. Among the participants with 8 to 12 years of age, 10 (5%) participants had depression. Among the participants with aged 13 to 17 years, 39 (19.5%) participants had depression. The risk factors significantly associated with depression include age group, friends, sickness, constant fidgeting/squirming, temper tantrum, bullying, addiction in parents, parent education. Conclusion: Owing to the prevalence of depression in our study especially in the late adolescent, the importance is to be given for early diagnosis and appropriate management.

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