Role of probiotics in acute diarrhea in children

Objective: To determine the effect of Bifidobacterium BB12 on mean change in stool frequency and hospital stay in the management of acute diarrhea. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and duration of study: Study was conducted at department of pediatrics. DHQ hospital, Faisalabad from 1[st] July 2013 to 31[st] December 2013

Patients and methods: Ninety eight patients after fulfilling inclusion criteria were registered and sorted out into group A [study] and Group B [Control] randomly [By lottery method]. Group A patients were given Bifidobacterium BB12 [6 Billion units BD for five days] diluted in ORS while group B patients were given ORS only. The cases were assessed daily for decrease in frequency of stool and total duration of illness at discharge

Results: Mean age at the time of admission was 17.6 +/- 7 months for study group and 14.6 +/- 7.4 months for controls. Duration of hospital admission was 1.88 +/- 0.21 days in the probiotic group compared with 3.38 +/- 0.13 days in the control group [P = 0.02]. Mean reduction in the frequency of stool per day was 5.08 +/- 0.34 times for study group and 2.3 +/- 0.35 times for the control group [P = 0.05]

Conclusion: We conclude that effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum is statistically significant in reducing the mean change in stool frequency and hospital stay in management of acute diarrhea in children

Prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacterial gastroenteritis in Karachi, Pakistan

Multidrug resistant Escherichia coli [E. coli] associated diarrheal diseases are the most prevalent health problems in Karachi, Pakistan. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical experiences of individuals suffered from gastroenteritis and also to determine the prevailing sensitivity / resistance pattern of E. coli among the population of Karachi. A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted by distributing questionnaires to a total of 150 individuals in December, 2014. The data collected from the questionnaire was statistically analyzed. Majority of the surveyed population was found to be infected by gastroenteritis lately or sometime in their life. On asking the questions about the possible reasons for being infected, it was revealed that the use of untreated water was the major source for the occurrence of the infection. Diagnostic tests were not carried out in most of the cases. Evaluation of questionnaire also indicated that physicians prescribed 2nd line of drug therapy due to the failure of treatment by cephalosporins, quinolones and fosfomycin. The susceptibility pattern of E. coli against selective antimicrobials agents was determined by using disc diffusion method. A total of 50 non-duplicate isolates of bacteria were collected from clinical laboratory of tertiary care hospital. The results were evaluated according to the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI]. The findings of sensitivity determination supported the retrospective data indicating that cefexime and ceftriaxone failed to inhibit the growth of 80% of the bacterial sample while ciprofloxacin was also found to be less effective since 65% of the isolates showed resistance to it. A 50% resistance pattern was observed against cefoperazone and sulbactam. The most effective antibiotic against E. coli was found to be colistin [100% sensitive] followed by amikacin [90%], merepenem [90%] and gentamicin [70%]. Hence, the in-time monitoring of infection through diagnostic procedures is suggested to avoid treatment failure

Frequency of hepatitis B virus infection among children with chronic liver disease

To determine the frequency of Hepatitis B Virus infection and clinical profile among children with chronic liver disease. Descriptive, Cross sectional Study. The study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Medicine Allied Hospital Faisalabad from 1[st] June 2007 to 31[st] May 2009. The data of all patients admitted with chronic liver disease during the study period was recorded for age, sex, gender, risk factors, and socioeconomic factors, duration of disease, clinical signs and relevant investigations. A total of hundred patients with chronic liver disease were studied. Among them 54% were male and 46% were female. 15% of patients had positive history of blood transfusion. Hepatitis B seropositivity was found to be 30% in children with chronic liver disease tested by HBsAg in serum. Chronic HBV infection is serious viral disease that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B Vaccine should be given to all neonates regardless of maternal HBsAg status to prevent the disease

Serum magnesium level; comparison between healthy and malnourished children

To evaluate serum magnesium level in children with 3rd degree malnutrition and to compare these values with healthy children. Cross sectional comparative study. Pediatric Department of Allied Hospital Faisalabad from Oct. 2003 to Nov. 2004. Cases: 60 children of age six month to five year having weight < 60% of that for age. Control: 60 healthy children of age six month to five year having weight > 80% of that for age. Both cases and controls were selected from indoor and outdoor through simple random sampling. Detailed history and examination was done and S/Mg level were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS by applying T test and was presented by frequency tables. The cases showed decreased S/Mg level [1.11 +/- 0.24 mg/dl] as compared to controls [2.01 +/- 0.78mg/dl].S/Mg levels were also decreased in cases with height < 80% of that for age [0.98 +/- 0.5mg/dl] as compared to controls having height > 90% of that for age. S/Mg levels were markedly low in cases who had low albumin level [0.98 +/- 0.05 mg/dl] and those children who presented with persistent diarrhea [0.96 +/- 0.12mg/dl]. S/Mg levels were decreased in children with PEM as compared to those with age and sex matched control. This decrease in S/Mg levels was marked in those cases who had decrease serum albumin level and persistent diarrhea

Pathological threat of developing resistance against broad spectrum antibiotics

The objectives of the study were to describe the recent sensitivity pattern against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in relation to ciprofloxacin and cefepime as to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment regimen. Furthermore the resistance of these organisms was explored to estimate the impending burden of resistant infections. During the present study 50 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and 50 isolates of Escherichia coli have been collected from Dr. Ziauddin Hospital Laboratory and Imam Clinic laboratory. The study was done in the department of Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Karachi University. The sensitivity pattern of these isolates to ciprofloxacin and cefepime was determined by using Disc Diffusion Method. Data was analyzed by using National Committee for Clinical laboratory Standard [NCCLS]. Data indicated that the clinical isolate of Eschericia coli has exhibited 58% sensitivity, 42% resistance to Cefepime. Where as Staphylococcus aureus has shown 54% sensitivity, 46% resistance to Cefepime. The clinical isolates of Eschericia coli has exhibited 36% sensitivity, 64% resistance to ciprofloxacin, where as Staphylococcus aureus, has shown 44% sensitivity, 56% resistance to Ciprofloxacin. The prescribed drugs must not be used frequently otherwise resistance threat against the relevant microorganism would be increased at an alarming level

Frequently associated problems of cerebral palsy

To identify the frequently associated problems of cerebral palsy in our setup. Descriptive case series. Department of Pediatrics, Allied Hospital Faisalabad during the period of 2005-2006, Two hundred children from 1 to 12 years of age of either sex who were diagnosed as cerebral palsy on the basis of history and clinical examination were included and associated problems were identified. Out of 200 cases of CP, the most commonly identified problem was nutritional disorder and growth failure followed by mental retardation, constipation, seizures, contractures, aspiration pneumonia, urinary tract infection, oromotor dysfunctions, visual abnormalities, dental anomalies, hearing abnormalities, scoliosis and behaviour disturbances in that order

Colour blindness in school children of Multan

Background: This study was carried out to assess colour vision in school children and to detect colour blindness

Material and Method: Colour vision in 1115 school children [595 males and 520 females] of Multan was assessed with the help of Ischihara's charts. Their ages ranged between 6 to 12 years

Results: Colour blindness was present in 5.4% [30] of the male children and 0.02% [1] of the female children studied. Red-green colour deficiency in male children was 2.19% [13] while no school girl was redgreen colour deficient. Total colour blindness was found in 2.86% [17] males and in 0.02% [1] of the female children

Concluslon: It is concluded that an appreciable number of school children has colour blindness and it is much more common in males as compared to female school children