International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics

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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Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 930
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    Health and nutritional status of school children from a rural area of Andhra Pradesh
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) G., Nanditha; Iyer, Chandrakala R.; A., Chandrashekar M.; Kancherla, Poojitha; Golluri, Raghuveer; Janakiraman
    Background: Healthy children build a wealthy nation. Good health of children is of paramount importance to the nation’s growth. Health and nutritional status of school children is highly variable from one region to another due to different environmental, socioeconomic and cultural factors. Hence health status of school children from each area should be assessed periodically so that relevant health programmes can be applied to prevent common morbidities such as malnutrition, infections and infestations. Methods: A cross sectional study of 500 rural school children from 5 to 15 years was conducted to assess the nutritional status by anthropometry and health status by clinical examination.Results: Out of the 500 school children 46.8% girls, 71.4% were 5 to 10 years old, 70.2% studying in 1st to 5th class.  33.4% were stunted. 25.6% and 27% were underweight according to weight and Body mass index criteria respectively. Common health problems among school children in this study were anemia (31%), dental caries (27.2%), upper respiratory infections (13.4%), skin infections and scabies (12.6%), head lice infestation (6.8%), refractive errors (6%) and ear discharge (5.2%).Conclusions: Though the pattern of nutritional and health problems were same in different studies, the severity of them varied from region to region. Hence periodic screening of school children to identify them and to apply relevant health programmes goes a long way in reducing such morbidities.
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    Clinicolaboratory profile and outcome of dengue fever cases in peak season of an academic year among pediatric population admitted to teaching hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Varghese, Deepthy Alice; C., Shivaprakash Sosale; Keshavmurthy; P., Anusha P.; Reddy, Chikkanarasa
    Background: Dengue is a vector borne diseases with varied clinical manifestations, a major concern to public health globally. This study was done to describe the salient clinical as well as haematological profile of serologically confirmed cases of dengue fever and outcome in admitted cases.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at major Government teaching Hospitals in Bangalore from July 2019 to December 2019. Total 164 cases of dengue fever were enrolled and classified as per WHO guidelines. The clinical profile and demographic profile was recorded in a structured questionnaire format. Haematological parameters on admission, duration of stay and outcomes were analysed. The outcomes of the cases were mentioned as improved and death.Results: In this study commonly affected age band was adolescents group (36.6%) without any sex predilection. Maximum number of dengue cases were presented with warning signs (87.5%), 14 (8.69%) cases without warning signs and 6 (3.72%) with severe dengue. Fever was the most common symptom (100%), followed by vomiting (58%) and abdominal pain (38.5%). NS1 antigen positive cases (61.5%). Severe Leukopenia was present in 57% of cases and Thrombocytopenia in all admitted patients (100%). Most of the cases were treated with antipyretics, oral fluids (46%) and IV fluids (53%), only single case received platelet transfusion. Duration of stay was more in severe dengue cases. Mortality of our study was 1.8%.Conclusions: Dengue presents with varied clinical features. Community awareness, early diagnosis and management and vector control measures needs to be strengthened in order to reduce the increasing number of dengue case. Both clinical, haematological parameters should be monitored for better outcome.
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    Frequency of nutritional rickets, its clinicobiochemical profile and its relationship to the lower respiratory tract infections in indoor patients from 2 to 60 months of age
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Thakur, Bhagat Ram; Kumar, Pancham
    Background: Frequency of nutritional rickets, its clinicobiochemical profile and its relationship to the lower respiratory tract infections in indoor patients from 2 to 60 months of age.Methods: Children aged 2 to 60 months admitted for the first time were included in the study and divided into two groups i.e. with and without clinical signs of rickets. Disease profile was studied in both groups. Incidence of lower respiratory tract infection was compared between two groups.  Children with clinicoradiological signs of rickets were also investigated for biochemical abnormalities.Results: During the one year study period a total of 393 children were admitted, 65 were found to have rickets constituted as study group and 328 were without rickets were included the controls. Rickets incidence was 16.5% of which majority (74.6%) were males and most rachitic children (64.6%) were below six months of age. Acute lower respiratory tract infection (64.6%) was commonest in study group and acute gastroenteritis (24.4%) in the controls. The rate of ALRTI was nearly three times in study group.  Frontal bossing (67.7%) was most common sign of rickets and increased alkaline phosphatase (93.8%) was the commonest biochemical abnormality.Conclusions: Nutritional rickets, a multifactorial disease, is easily preventable. The present study has revealed the high incidence of rickets i. e., 16.5% and also show the strong statistically significant association of nutritional rickets with acute lower respiratory tract infections.
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    Study the universal critical congenital heart disease screening in a peripheral area of Uttarakhand, India
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Sahota, Ravi; Kaur, Navpreet; Singh, Gurpal; Joshi, Veena; Gahtori, Bharti; Mehrotra, Divya; Upadhyay, Nisha
    Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequently occurring congenital disorder, responsible for 28% of all congenital birth defects. The birth prevalence of CHD is reported to be 8-12/1000 live births. Considering a rate of 9/1000, about 1.35 million babies are born with CHD each year globally. Objective of research work to study the prevalence of CHD among newborn and its types.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried among 34 cases of CHD/5126 newborn screened at 4 birthing places in Kashipur a small town in Uttrakhand at pediatrics department of Sahota Super-specialty hospital, Kashipur, Uttarakhand. Screening program between 22 August 2014, and March 30, 2019. All newborns, including preterm babies, delivered in these facilities were eligible for inclusion in this study.Results: Present study found the prevalence of CHD was 0.7 per 1000 children (34/5126). Around 26.5% participants have cyanotic CHD and 73.5% have acynotic CHD. Almost 44%, 28%, 20%, 4% and 4% participants of acynotic congenital heart diseases have VSD, ASD, PDA, AVSD and valvular PS respectively and 55.6%, 22.2%, 11.1% and 11.1% participants of cynotic congenital heart diseases have TOF, DORV/VSD, dTGA/VSD and tricuspid atresia respectively.Conclusions: Screening for congenital heart disease should be included as a part of newborn assessment as it is a common congenital problem. Early identification influences outcome. Barriers in implementation of the screening programmes in resource limited setting is a challenging feature. This study can provide observed data that can help in policy making in the health sector.
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    Neurofibromatosis type-1 with seizures and cerebrovascular malformation: a case study
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Gopaal, Nishant; Sharma, Jagdish N.; Mathur, Priyanshu; Agarwal, Vijay; Jadoun, Laxman
    Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common autosomal dominant neurocutaneous among humans. Epilepsy is more prevalent in NF1 patients than in the general population. NF1 vasculopathy is also a significant but underrecognized complication of the disease, affecting both arterial and venous blood vessels. Herein, we report a 2 year old female child with seizures and multiple cafe-au-lait spots on the body. The patient was diagnosed with NF1 based on clinical findings and family history. MRI Brain revealed middle cerebral artery dysplasia. Here we discuss diagnostic and treatment challenges and briefly reviews the existing literature.
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    A longitudinal study of immunization status and reasons for non-vaccination of children in OPD and pediatric ward of a teaching hospital
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Khurram, Mir Sumsam Ali; Khan, Khaja Amer
    Background: The present study was to find out the immunization status of children in the age group of 0-7 years from OPD and those admitted in hospital attached to Deccan College of Medical Sciences with respect to primary immunization (BCG,OPV/DPT 1, 2, 3, measles), 1st booster dosage of OPV, DPT and also primary doses of Hepatits-B vaccine and coverage of vitamin A with measles vaccine. The objectives of this research work were to study factors which influence the immunization status and to know reasons for partial and non-immunization and their follow up over 2 years. Also, to know proportion of vaccine preventable diseases in children under study group.Methods: An oral questionaire method was adopted for parent of children in the age group 0-7 years to assess their immunization status and social factors influencing immunization coverage. Systemic random sampling method was applied to select 200 chlildren i.e. every 5th child admitted in the age group of 0-7 years was taken for analysis.Results: The study showed that out of 200 children 115 were fully immunized, 78 were partially immunized and 7 were non- immunized, 66 children among male and 49 among females were fully immunized, & the study shows that males had better immunization than females.Conclusions: Out of total 200 cases 57.6% were fully immunized, 38 % were partially immunized while 3.5% were unimmunized. Immunization coverage was better in urban children than rural children.
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    Assessment of quality of life in parents of epileptic children and its associated factors
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Goti, Ashish; Dihora, Rameshkumar; Desai, Sweta
    Background: Aim of the study was to assess quality of life (QOL) of parents of epileptic child and its association with various factors like demographic, clinical, therapeutic and behavioral factors.Methods: Consenting parents of 160 epileptic children were enrolled after finishing child’s visit to the pediatrician. Parents were enquired on baseline demographic variables like age, gender, socio-economic status, parental education; clinical details like type of epilepsy, duration of seizure, seizure frequency and co-morbidity and therapeutic factors like treatment of epilepsy and adverse drug reactions. QOL was evaluated using QOLCE questionnaire and Childhood Illness-related Parenting Stress Inventory and analysed.Results: Out of 160 parents, 85% belong to 30-40 years of age and 62.5% were male. Deteriorated quality of life was reported by parents as mean score 63.46±7.69. QOL was significantly poor (p<0.05) in parents of younger child (<6 yrs), education status (upto primary school only), employment status of parent (unemployed) and lower socioeconomic status. Assessment of disease related parameters revealed that type of seizure, seizure frequency, duration and co-morbidity were factors significantly affecting quality of life of parents with lower QOL scores(p<0.05). QOL of parents of child with epilepsy undergoing polytherapy with multiple AEDs treatment, particle seizure control and having adverse drug reaction were associated with poor scores of health and well being (p<0.05). It was found that parents of epileptic child had deteriorated QOL score with respect to behaviour patterns irrespective to conditions of epilepsy due to constant stress and anxiety and poor state of mind.Conclusions: QOL of parents was compromised in Indian children with epilepsy. Demographic factors like age of child, parental education, socio-economic status and clinical factors like type of seizure, frequency & duration of seizure and co-morbid conditions significantly affect the QOL of parents. Significantly poor QOL scores was also due to therapeutic factors like treatment with polytherapy and adverse drug reactions with poor behavioral patterns which was observed in parents that should be taken care and should not be overlooked.
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    Fungal endocarditis in neonate
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Verma, Manoj Kumar; Bharti, Abnish Kumar; Jaiswal, Rahul; Gupta, Amit; Gupta, Anuj
    Neonatal endocarditis is a rare but usually fatal disease. Fungal endocarditis is an uncommon complication of invasive fungal infections and is associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It frequently occurs in premature infants. The majority of these infections are caused by Candida (60-70%) and Aspergillus species (20-25%). The diagnosis is difficult because the criteria that have suggested and used in adults are not readily applicable for neonates. The incidence of fungal endocarditis in a neonate is on the rise, reported in the last decade secondary to use of central venous lines, frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and neonatal surgical interventions.
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    Study the iron status in children with febrile seizures: a hospital based cross sectional study
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Goyal, Rajat; Gupta, Alpa; Pandita, Neerul; Sharma, Anita
    Background: Febrile seizures are most common among childhood seizures, accounts to 2% to 5% in children below 5 years of age. Iron deficiency can cause many neurological deficits and may lower the seizure threshold. The present study was conducted to determine the iron status in children with febrile seizures.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, HIMS, Dehradun, over a period of 12 month from January 2018 to December 2018. A total of 105 children of age group 6 month to 5 years, coming to pediatrics department were included in the study. Total study subjects were divided into two groups, Group I (febrile seizure) and Group II (other than febrile seizure).  A consecutive sampling method was done for selection of study subjects.Results: In Group I (febrile seizure), the number of males were 71.7% while females were 28.3% with male: female ratio of 2.5:1. In Group I (febrile seizure), 61.7% of subjects had deficient iron level while 38.3% of subjects had normal serum iron level. Our study shows significantly low mean serum ferritin and mean serum iron level in subjects with febrile seizures.Conclusions: We concluded that iron deficiency is more common in febrile seizures and there is a positive association between serum iron level and febrile seizures.
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    Van der Knaap disease: a case report
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Ramzan, Younus; Bukhari, Syed Tariq Ahmed; Ashraf, Mohd; Kazime, Umeair Farooq; Wani, Asma
    Van der Knaap disease or megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare autosomal recessive degenerative disorder characterized by megalocephaly, cerebral leukoencephalopathy, and motor deterioration. Most cases reported with this disease are from our country India, belong to Agarwal community, who have high rates of consanguinity. We report a 4 and 1/2year old boy, with a history of delayed motor milestones, ataxia, increasing head circumference and abnormal body movements, who is belonging to the Bhat family of Handwara town of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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    Child with community acquired staphylococcal pneumonia complicated by bilateral pneumothorax
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Kumar, Magesh; Jain, Chirag
    Community acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia usually present in children with some comorbidity and may have fulminant course in these children. In this case report authors have described a healthy child with MRSA pneumonia complicated by bilateral pneumothorax.
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    Rare presentation of mycoplasma pneumonia: a case report
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Vaishnavi, Bhimana; Janakiraman, Lalitha; Dhanalakshmi, K.
    Mycoplasma is a frequent cause of community acquired pneumonia in children accounting for 20 percent of the cases. Though CNS complications are the most common extra pulmonary manifestations of M. pneumoniae stroke is a rare entity. Here we report a case of 7 years old male child with macrolide resistant M. pneumoniae complicated pneumonia that developed right hemiparesis and dysphasia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and angiography showed left fronto parietal infarct and left carotid artery stenosis. He responed to non-macrolide antimicrobial regimen. This potential yet rare complication should be considered and closely monitored for in children presenting with complicated pneumonia.
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    Chronic urticaria in a two year old child: a diagnostic dilemma
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Suresh, Jayasurya; R., Nidheesh Chandran
    A 2 year old child presented with history of recurrent urticaria for 2 months. The cause was initially idiopathic. On close questioning about diet and observation it was found that mother started using a coriander based masala powder 2 months back and it was found that the child was allergic to coriander. Chronic urticaria should be dealt with extreme caution and careful elicitation of history for the offending agent should be taken in a case of urticaria which poses as a diagnostic dilemma.
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    Visual perception skill profile pattern in children with learning disorder
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Patel, Ankita; Gajre, Mona; Bhandarkar, Prashant; Parlikar, Vyankatesh
    Background: Visual perception skill related problems are important in poor academic performance in learning disability (LD) children. Visual perception skill often not tested in LD children. The objective of the study is to explore visual perception skill pattern among children with learning disorder.Methods: Retrospective observational study was conducted at LD clinic of tertiary hospital. Children diagnosed with learning disorder were includes. Visual perception data were collected using predefined standard questionnaire of third edition total visual perception score (TVPS-3). Trained medical professional collected the details.Results: Total 103 children diagnosed with LD were evaluated for TVPS-3. Majority of the children had all three learning disorders-dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. 58.42% children had co-morbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. From the 7 subtests of the TVPS visual discrimination, visual memory, form constancy and visual figure - ground affected more in boys and also in lower age children.Conclusions: Assessment of visual perception skill in children with learning disorder is crucial. Visual perception rehabilitation with other management of LD can benefit the overall functionality of these children.
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    Study of electrolyte disturbances and renal parameters in acute gastroenteritis under 5 years of age in a tertiary care hospital of Bengaluru, India
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Shankar, Poornima; Mahamud, Shajna; A., Anjum Aara C.
    Background: Diarrhoea still continues to be a major cause of hospitalization and death in under fives. Electrolyte disturbances play an important role in the associated morbidity and mortality.  Acute renal failure is one of the important complications of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. Early intervention and proper fluid replacement may lessen this risk. This study was designed to find out the incidence of acute gastroenteritis and the status of associated electrolyte derangements and renal involvement.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at KIMS, Bengaluru in which 117 children from the age of 1 month to 5 years with acute diarrhea were included based on a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic profile of the patients, details of diarrhea, clinical examination and accompanying degree of dehydration (defined as per WHO criteria) were recorded. Serum electrolytes along with renal parameters were investigated.Results: Total 117 children with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled in the study as per the inclusion criteria which constituted 5% of total paediatric admissions. Children aged 1-12 months had the highest incidence of diarrhea (50%). Male to female ratio is 1.3:1. 65% had some dehydration, 19% no dehydration and 16% had severe dehydration. Isonatremia was seen in 58% followed by hyponatremia in 35% and hypernatremia in only 7%. 83% had isokalemia, hypokalemia in 12%, hyperkalemia in 5%. Levels of serum sodium and potassium decreased with the severity of dehydration. Serum urea and creatinine were significantly high in severe dehydration (p value 0.001). Out of 28 children who were given diluted ORS before admission, majority had hyponatremia (39%) and all of them who received concentrated ORS had hypernatremia.Conclusions: Hyponatremic dehydration is the second most common type of dehydration next to isonatremic dehydration, but it is more common in children who took diluted ORS. Increased awareness regarding ORS preparation may help in preventing electrolyte imbalance in AGE. The levels of serum sodium and potassium decreased and urea and creatinine increased with severity of dehydration. Measurements of serum electrolytes and renal parameters early can help to predict the complications due to AGE and may help in the prevention of diarrhea related complications in children.
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    Detection of fetal malnutrition and its associated maternal factors in a rural setting
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Janardhan, Alok M.; Alok, Sandhya; Janardhan, Leelavathi
    Background: The objectives of study were to analyse and compare the methods for detection of fetal malnutrition and to study the maternal factors associated with fetal malnutrition in babies born in rural hospitals.Methods: Periodic prospective cross-sectional case-control questionnaire-based study. Nursing home and Hospital based in rural population from January 2017-March 2018. There were 350 term newborns born in Shrinivasa Nursing Home, and Crawford General Hospital, Sakleshpur, were selected consecutively. Inclusion criteria: live, singleton term neonates. Exclusion criteria: Preterms, post-terms, those with congenital malformation, multiple gestations, cephalhematoma, subgaleal bleed. Anthropometry, fetal malnutrition assessed using clinical assessment of nutrition (CAN) score, Ponderal and Kanawati indices between 24–48 hours of birth. Newborns with fetal malnutrition (cases), and well-nourished babies (controls) assessed for maternal risk factors using standardised questionnaire from mothers.Results: CAN score identified 185 (52.9%) as malnourished and 165 (47.1%) as normal; Ponderal index classified 170(48.6%) as malnourished and 180 (51.4%) normal. Kanawati index grouped 151 (43.1%) as malnourished. Maternal factors:  age (91.7% among <20 yr mothers-malnourished, 25% among >35 yrs), socioeconomic status (status 3, 4 had 57.2%, 66.7% malnourishment), improper antenatal care(80.7% irregulars; 38.5% among regulars), primiparity (60%;against  38.3% among multipara), pre-eclampsia (78.7%; 41.3% in normotensives), anemia (55.4%), weight gain (83.2% in <10 kg; 33.33% in >10 kg), stature (73.5% in <145 cm; 39.7% in >145 cm), medical illness (55.81%).Conclusions: CAN score is simple, systematic, clinical method of identifying malnutrition; statistically superior as screening tool. Maternal factors: improper antenatal checkups, primiparity, pre-eclampsia, medical illness, inadequate weight gain, short stature had significant association with fetal malnutrition. Maternal age, socioeconomic status, anemia not statistically significant.
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    Unmet goals of neonatal nursing - an observational study
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Deshabhotla, Saikiran; Sandeep, Sonnathi; Tandur, Baswaraj
    Background: Neonatal nurses are the backbone of any neonatal service, spending maximum time in the care of the sick New-borns in the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Objective of the study was to know about the educational qualification and assess the self-reported confidence in various clinical skills among the nurses working in level 2 & 3 NICUs, preferred learning methodology and assess self-reported stressors among the nurses working in level 2 and level 3 NICUsMethods: This cross-sectional study was done across Level II and Level III Neonatal intensive care units in urban areas of the city of Hyderabad, India over one year from January 2019 to December 2019. Individual questionnaires were distributed to each registered nurse working in the NICU for a minimum duration of six months who were willing to participate.Results: A total of 217 respondents were enrolled. The majority of the nurses were having General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) qualification 52% (n=112). Nearly 26% (n=58) of the nurses were not comfortable performing bag and mask ventilation. Learning from senior nurses/colleagues as the most preferred mode of learning 45% (n=98). Low salaries 45% (n=98) followed by absence of doctors in emergency situations 37% (n=81) and high documentation (paperwork) 36% (n=78) were most frequently reported stressors.Conclusions: Most of the nursing participants qualified as GNM. Lacking skills of neonatal resuscitation. Mentor based learning needs to be facilitated by raising a cadre of neonatal nursing tutors in various nursing colleges. Paperless monitoring systems and other automation methods should be developed to reduce the documentation work of the staff.
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    Clinical profile of pediatric patients with tuberculosis in a tertiary care centre in India
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Kumar, Ashna; Ahmad, Javid; Bharti, Pooja; Bakshi, Vasundhara
    Background: India has one of the highest TB burden globally. Children contribute a significant proportion of TB burden, in whom the diagnosis can be challenging because many childhood diseases mimic TB. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis to prevent poor outcome. Objectives was to evaluate the prevalence and profile of childhood tuberculosis cases and to determine the risk factorsMethods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months at a hospital in north India and the prevalence and profile of the children admitted with the clinical suspicion of tuberculosis was studied. Case specific diagnostic approach was used for diagnosis and the appropriate treatment was instituted.Results: The prevalence of childhood TB was 2.3% among hospitalized children. Of these, 66.5% were males and 33.49% were females. The majority of cases were more than 8 years. The history of contact was present only in 31.1%. Tuberculin skin test was positive in 53.11%. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most common type of childhood tuberculosis (45.45%) followed by neurological tuberculosis (42.8%), abdominal tuberculosis (6.45%), tuberculous lymphadenitis (2.63%), others (2.61%). Malnutrition was a potent contributing factor present in 91.86%. The mortality rate observed in the study was 9.56%.Conclusions: Owing to the high burden of tuberculosis among pediatric population in India, there is an alarming need to develop more economical and advanced diagnostic methods for better patient management and above all there is urgent need of the hour to educate the masses about the transmission and risk factors for this disease.
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    Profile of severe acute malnutrition children admitted at nutritional rehabilitation centre at tertiary care treatment centre of Gujarat
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Prajapati, Nisha; Shah, Seema
    Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) may be major obstacle for India to achieve targeted Infant Mortality Rate and under five mortality rate. Malnutrition and infection form vicious cycle and contributes towards mortality. So, malnutrition prevention is major objective of government. Study of malnourished children helps to know aetiology and their response to treatment. The objective of study is to understand clinic-demographic profile of SAM children.Methods: It is retrospective secondary data analysis study. For the purpose of this analysis, we retrieved the data of all children with SAM admitted from 1 January, 2018 to 31 December, 2018 to NRC. At the NRC, a physician conducted a clinical examination in children to detect the presence/absence of medical complications during their admission and these data were available in case sheet.Results: A total of 162 children, aged 6-59 months were referred to the NRC. Around fourty seven percentage of children were in age group 6–12 months Majority of children were in age group of 7 months to one year of age. Majority of children were admitted based on weight of height criteria (Z score < 3SD). Mean admission weight is lower in female compare to male children.Conclusions: Faulty weaning practises and delay in weaning in some cases predisposes later half of infancy period to undernutrition. So, proper health education and good IYCF practices prevent children from undernutrition.
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    Association of nutritional status with dietary and behavioural patterns among adolescents
    (Medip Academy, 2020-09) Elizabeth, Kandathil Eapen; Ashwin, David Ashok; Jyothidev, Kesavadev
    Background: Changing trends in dietary habits, behavioral patterns, and prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents is of great concern.Methods: 6469 school children from five districts of Kerala, India were enrolled. Dietary habits and behavioral patterns were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and compared with regional Indian Academy Pediatrics (IAP) reference charts. Data was computed and analyzed.  Results: Mean age: Boys 14.51±0.93, Girls 14.42±1.04 years. Male: Female ratio 0.92:1. Practices like missing breakfast, non-compliance to weekly Iron Folic Acid supplementation and not taking exercise >2 hours/week were more in girls. Increased consumption of junk food, screen time >2 hours/week and not sharing life events with parents were more in boys. Mean anthropometric parameters were <50th percentile of reference charts. 6.1% had low BMI (boys, 4.2% vs. girls,7.6%,), 12.3% were overweight (boys, 14.9% vs. girls,10.2%) and 4.4% had obesity (boys, 4.7% vs. girls, 4.2%). Mean anthropometric parameters were higher in more urbanized districts.  Daily consumption of junk food showed significant association with obesity and exercise >2 hours/week with normal BMI.Conclusions: Dietary and behavioral patterns and prevalence of overweight/obesity showed variability with respect to gender and region of residence. 12% were overweight and 4% had obesity. Daily consumption of junk food showed significant association with overweight/obesity and daily exercise >2 hours/week with normal BMI. Health education addressing behavioral change is recommended for better health.