ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Data on neonatal COVID-19 are limited to the immediate postnatal period, with a primary focus on vertical transmission in inborn infants. This study was aimed to assess the characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 in outborn neonates. Methods: All neonates admitted to the paediatric emergency from August 1 to December 31, 2020, were included in the study. SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription- (RT)-PCR test was done on oro/nasopharyngeal specimens obtained at admission. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative neonates were compared and the diagnostic accuracy of a selective testing policy was assessed. Results: A total of 1225 neonates were admitted during the study period, of whom SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR was performed in 969. The RT-PCR test was positive in 17 (1.8%). Mean (standard deviation) gestation and birth weight of SARS-CoV-2-infected neonates were 35.5 (3.2) wk and 2274 (695) g, respectively. Most neonates (11/17) with confirmed COVID-19 reported in the first two weeks of life. Respiratory distress (14/17) was the predominant manifestation. Five (5/17, 29.4%) SARS-CoV-2 infected neonates died. Neonates with COVID-19 were at a higher risk for all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR): 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-8.9, P=0.03]; however, mortality did not differ after adjusting for lethal malformation (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 0.7-8.7). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative likelihood ratios (95% CI) of selective testing policy for SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission was 52.9 (28.5-76.1), 83.3 (80.7-85.6), 82.8 (80.3-85.1), 3.17 (1.98-5.07), and 0.56 (0.34-0.93) per cent, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate among the outborn neonates reporting to the paediatric emergency and tested for COVID-19 was observed to be low. The selective testing policy had poor diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing COVID-19 from non-COVID illness.
ABSTRACT
Background: Anemia is characterized by reduction in number of red blood cells or their oxygen carrying capacity to meet physiologic needs. It varies by age, sex, altitude, smoking, and pregnancy status. India has the uppermost prevalence (39.86%) of anemia among the 16MM i.e. 16 major pharmaceutical markets such as United States of America, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and South Korea.4 In India, a survey (2016) reported that the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age was 51.40%; pre-school children was 57.30%, and among non-pregnant women was 51.50%. Methods: The duration of study was over a period of one year. Study Area:-This study was conducted in Department of pediatrics in K M Medical College & Hospital, Mathura.100 total numbers of cases were included in this study. Results: The prevalence of anemia was moderate which were in 48 % cases followed by 24% mild,19% not anemic & 9% severe. Conclusions: This study concludes that the main reason behind this high percentage of children with anemia in this age group is prolonged breast feeding, inadequate weaning practices. They are lacking iron and other micronutrient rich diet. It should be provided to the children.