ABSTRACT
Justification: Data generated after the first wave has revealed that some children with coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) can become seriously ill. Multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and long COVID cause significant morbidity in children. Prolonged school closures and quarantine have played havoc with the psychosocial health of children. Many countries in the world have issued emergency use authorisation (EUA) of selected COVID-19 vaccines for use in children. In India, a Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has recommended the use of Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) for children from the ages of 2-18 years. The recommendation has been given to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for final approval. Objective: To provide an evidence-based document to guide the pediatricians on the recommendation to administer COVID vaccines to children, as and when they are available for use. Process: Formulation of key questions was done by the committee, followed by review of literature on epidemiology and burden of COVID-19 in children, review of the studies on COVID vaccines in children, and the IAP stand on COVID-19 vaccination in children. The available data was discussed in the ACVIP focused WhatsApp group followed by an online meeting on 24 October, 2021, wherein the document was discussed in detail and finalized. Recommendations: The IAP supports the Government of India’s decision to extend the COVID-19 vaccination program to children between 2-18 years of age. Children with high-risk conditions may be immunized on a priority basis. The IAP and its members should be a partner with the Government of India, in the implementation of this program and the surveillance that is necessary following the roll-out.
ABSTRACT
Background: Preterm birth is one of the major clinical problems in neonatology as it is commonly associated with perinatal mortality, serious neonatal morbidity and in some cases, it leads to childhood disability. The objective of this study was to find out the outcomes of VLBW and ELBW babies in the form of mortality and morbidity in neonatal period.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in SNCU, MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, Odisha between 2011 to 2013. All babies with birth weight less than 1500gm, admitted between days 1 to day 7 of life were enrolled in the study. Babies were broadly divided in to two groups i.e.VLBW group (weight 1000-1499gm) and ELBW group (weight<1000gm). Details of antenatal history, sociodemographic profile and birth history including significant events were noted. Outcome measures included were death, cured and with sequelae.Results: Total number of babies enrolled in this study were two hundred twelve (n=212) and following observations were made. Mortality of ELBW babies was 61.11% and that of VLBW babies was 26.41%. Death rate in babies with weight range 500-749gm, 750-999gm, 1000-1249gm and 125-1499gm was 87.50%, 53.57%, 30.76% and 20.97% respectively. It was found that morbidities such as RDS, HIE, shock and hypoglycemia are significantly higher in ELBW babies as compared to VLBW babies.Conclusions: Extremely low birth weight babies have shown high mortality and morbidity compared to very low birth weight babies and its related death multiply when associated with complications like hyaline membrane disease, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and sepsis.