ABSTRACT
This prospective analytical study was done to compare the accuracy of New Ballards score (NBS) and Parkins score (PS) in assessing the gestational age (GA) in newborns. The GA of 284 babies was assessed by the NBS and PS within 24 hours of birth. The two methods of assessment were compared using the Bland Altmann Plot. The mean difference between the two measurements was 1.530576. 95% of the values lay within the limits of agreement which are -1.82982 and 4.890974. The two methods are found to be in acceptable agreement. Parkins score enables us to easily assess the gestational age of babies within ±12 days, especially in sick and preterm babies.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the effect of expressed breast milk (EBM), 25% dextrose (25 D) and sterile water (SW) on procedural pain in neonates as assessed by the premature infant pain profile (PIPP), changes in heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and duration of crying. Design: Prospective, double blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Postnatal ward of a tertiary-care hospital. Participants: 210 babies who required venipuncture for blood sampling and who were on oral feeds were recruited into the study after parental informed consent. Methods: The enrolled babies were randomized into intervention groups (EBM, 25% dextrose) and control group (sterile water). Two ml of test solution was given to baby by paladay (a traditional cup with a spout) 2 min before venipuncture. The face and crying of baby were video graphed by an independent, blinded observer. The facial response to pain (brow bulge, eye squeeze, nasolabial furrow) was analysed from the video. Maximum HR and minimum SpO2 were recorded during, and 1, 3 and 5 min after venipuncture by another blinded observer. Outcome variable: :PIPP score, HR, SpO2 and crying time at 0/ 1/3/5 min after sampling. Results: 160 babies were considered for final analysis with 50 in 25 D, 62 in EBM and 48 in SW group. The mean PIPP score in the 3 groups were 5.22, 6.84 and 11.22 at 0-30 sec after venipuncture; 4.52, 6.34, and 10.88 at 1-1 ½ min; 3.96, 6.15 and 9.35 at 3-3 ½ min; and 3.12, 4.68 and 7.83 at 5-5 ½ min; respectively (P< 0.001). The median crying time was 10 ,37.5 and 162 seconds in 25 D, EBM and SW groups, respectively (P< 0.001). Conclusions: EBM significantly reduces procedural pain in neonates though to a lesser extent as compared to 25% dextrose.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To identify important factors (linked to lifestyle, eating and sedentary behaviors) relating to waist circumference among urban South Indian children aged 3 to 16 years. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Urban schools of Bangalore, from August 2008 to January 2010. Participants: 8444 children; 4707 children aged 3-10 years and 3737 children aged 10-16 years. Methods: Data were collected on the frequency of consumption of certain foods, physical activity patterns, sedentary habits at home, sleep duration and behaviors such as habits of snacking, skipping breakfast, eating in front of television and frequency of eating out. Simple linear regression analysis of waist circumference on various food items, physical activity, behavior and parental BMI were performed. A path model was developed to R E S E A R C H P A P E R identify potential causal pathways to increase in waist circumference. Results: Increased consumption of bakery items, non vegetarian foods, increased television viewing, decreased sleep duration, eating while watching television, snacking between meals, family meals, skipping breakfast (in older children), and parental BMI were found to be related to waist circumference. Older children possibly underreported their intake of “unhealthy” foods, but not behaviors. Conclusions: This study identified potential behaviors related to waist circumference in urban school children in India. Longitudinal studies with better measures of morbidity and adiposity are warranted in order to derive casual relationships between various determinants and waist circumference.