Childhood Pneumonia: What’s Unchanged, and What’s New?

Childhood pneumonia is still a significant clinical and public health problem. India contributes the highest number of deaths due to pneumonia, accounts for about 20% of global mortality among under five children. Various etiologic agents including bacteria, viruses and atypical organism are responsible for childhood pneumonia. Recent studies suggest that viruses are one of the major causes of childhood pneumonia. Among viruses, respiratory syncytial virus has got great attention and several recent studies are reporting it as an important organism for pneumonia. Lack of exclusive breast feeding during first six months, improper timing of start and content of complimentary feeding, anemia, undernutrition, indoor pollution due to tobacco smoking and use of coal and wood for cooking food and lack of vaccinations are important risk factors. X-ray chest is not routinely performed to diagnose pneumonia while use of lung ultrasound is increasing to detect consolidation, pleural effusion, pneumothorax and pulmonary edema (interstitial syndrome). Role of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin is similar, to differentiate between viral and bacterial pneumonia, however duration of antibiotics is better guided by procalcitonin. Newer biomarkers like IL-6, presepsin and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 are needed to be evaluated for their use in children. Hypoxia is significantly associated with childhood pneumonia. Therefore, use of pulse oximetry should be encouraged for early detection and prompt treatment of hypoxia to prevent adverse outcomes. Among the available tools for risk of mortality assessment in children due to pneumonia, PREPARE score is the best but external validation will be needed.

Pancycle Aortic Incompetence and Double Alternans in Pediatric Heart Failure

A 12?year?old boy presented with bicuspid aortic valve, severe aortic regurgitation, and dilated dysfunctional left ventricle in heart failure. He underwent aortic valve replacement with a 23 mm TTK Chitra heart valve prosthesis (tilting disk). He was gradually weaned off milrinone and noradrenaline in the intensive care. Echocardiography showed severe left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 24%. The radial pulse was regular and of normal volume but exactly half that of the heart rate. Evaluation of the rhythm and echocardiography revealed an interesting hemodynamic phenomenon with double alternans.

Programmed ventricular stimulation in structural heart disease: Implications of patterns of ventricular arrhythmias induced to long-term outcomes

Introduction: Currently available data gives some credence to utility of VT induction studies in patients with stable ischemic cardiomyopathy, there are some unresolved questions as to define sensitive threshold for low-risk and the prognostic relevance of ill sustained or non-specific tachycardia on induction study. We evaluated potential ability of VT inducibility to predict likelihood of SHD (Structural heart disease) patients for subsequent arrhythmic or adverse cardiac events. Material and Methods: All consecutive patients with syncope/documented arrhythmia who had VT induction done were included and patients with VT storm, ACS,uncontrolled HF were excluded. We studied in 4 groups-monomorphic VT, sustained polymorphicVT, ill sustainedVT/VF and no VT/VF induced. The primary-endpoints were e Sudden death, all-cause mortality and secondary-endpoints were e MACE (AICD shock, death,HF, recurrence of VT). We screened 411 patients and included 169 within inducible (n ¼ 79) and non-inducible group (n ¼ 90). Results: There were a higher number of patients with coronary artery disease, LV dysfunction, patients on amiodarone in inducible group and no difference in usage of beta-blockers. Recurrence of VT, composite of MACE was significantly higher in inducible group (p < 0.05). Mortality was not different in 3 groups compared with no VT/VF group. We found that monomorphic VT group had significantly higher MACE as compared to others and also predicted recurrence of VT and AICD shock and showed a trend towards significance for prediction of mortality. Inducible patients on AICD had mortality similar to noninducible group. Conclusion: Induction of monomorphicVT/polymorphicVT with 3extrastimuli is associated with a higher number of MACE events on follow up. Induction of monomorphicVT predicts recurrence of VT/ICD shock.

Study of atrial arrhythmias after surgical or device closure of atrial septal defect

BACKGROUND Device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) has emerged as a treatment modality for the past 3 decades and has changed the natural history of ASD compared to that of surgical closure. Early intervention in ASD retards the geometrical and electrical remodelling of the atrium that contributes to the development of atrial tachyarrhythmias. We studied the incidence of atrial arrhythmias in patients undergoing surgical and device closure of ASD. METHODS We did this retrospective observational study at a tertiary referral centre, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Patients of all age groups undergoing surgical and device closure of ASD between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2008 were included to compare the incidence and nature of atrial arrhythmias and also analyse the difference in new-onset atrial arrhythmias between the two arms. RESULTS Of 277 patients, 144 with surgical closure and 133 with device closure were followed up for 10–15 years. A larger number of men underwent surgical closure (41.7%) compared to device closure (25.6%). The mean (SD) follow-up was 12.6 (3.7) years in the surgical closure group and 10.9 (2.6) years in the device closure arm. There were a larger number of patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias in the surgical closure group (6.3%) compared to the device closure group (0.8%) at baseline (p=0.02). A significantly larger number of patients had atrial fibrillation in the surgical closure group (5.6%) compared to the device closure group (0.7%) at baseline (p=0.003). Pulmonary hypertension at baseline was present in 38.9% of patients in the surgical closure group and in 23.3% of patients in the device closure group (p=0.006). New-onset atrial arrhythmias occurred in patients ?30 years of age (p=0.006) and exclusively in patients with pulmonary hypertension in the surgical group (3.7%) and in the device closure group (6.6%). This was statistically significant in the device closure group (p=0.05) but not in the surgical closure group (p=0.13). The incidence of new-onset arrhythmias was not statistically significant in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Atrial arrhythmias were significantly more common in patients who underwent surgical or device closure at ? 30 years of age and in patients with pulmonary hypertension. There was no difference in new-onset atrial arrhythmias between the surgical and device closure groups. Our study results suggest that surgical or device closure before 30 years of age and before the development of atrial arrhythmias may be beneficial with respect to the development of atrial arrhythmias.

Tachycardiomyopathy managed by successful ablation of right ventricular outflow tract premature ventricular complexes

Tachycardiomyopathy is a common reversible cause of left ventricular dysfunction. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition is essential to ensure a good prognosis for the patient. We report a case of tachycardiomyopathy due to frequent premature ventricular complexes arising from the right ventricular outflow tract midseptum managed with successful ablation.

Management of a complicated ‘pacemaker pocket’ site infection

Pocket site infection after implantation of a pacemaker is a dreaded complication which requires removing the device and reimplanting it at a contralateral site. Difficulties arise when the patient is dependent on pacing and when there are issues with venous access at the contralateral site. We report a patient with pacemaker pocket site infection with congenital complete heart block managed with explantation of the device, semi-permanent pacing during antibiotic treatment, reimplantation of the device at the contralateral site and management of subtotal subclavian vein stenosis noted during reimplantation.

Soft tissue neoplasms: a clinicopathological study

Background: The current WHO classification has categorized soft tissue tumours into benign, malignant and so-called intermediate neoplasms. Soft tissue sarcoma comprises <1% of adult cancers. The aim of the study was to clinically correlate soft tissue neoplasms and study the histomorphological features of various malignant soft tissue tumors.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, India from January 2019 to June 2020. Clinical details of all cases of soft tissue neoplasms retrieved from the medical records of our institution. Data collected included age, gender, presenting symptoms, site and size of soft tissue neoplasms and clinical diagnosis. Pathological diagnosis of these tumours was made and details recorded.Results: A total of 113 cases of soft tissue neoplasms were collected. 94.4% benign and 18.6 %. malignant tumours were present. 77% cases presented with swelling whereas 23% presented with pain. Majority of benign soft tissue tumours were located in the trunk (36.9%) and the most common type was lipomas (66.38%). Malignant soft tissue tumours showed male to female ratio of 1.33:1. Most predilection was noted for the extremities (42.8%) and leiomyosarcomas were the most common type (38%).Conclusions: The incidence of malignant soft tissue tumours is rare. Majority of the cases were noted in the extremities. Leiomyosarcoma was the most common type, in our study. Lipomas were the most common benign soft tissue tumours, and majority of the benign tumours were located in the trunk.

Quantum of cortico-cancellous bone safe for harvest from anterior iliac wing of pediatric patients: a finite element analysis with clinical correlation

Background: Objective was to assess the maximum quantum of cortico- cancellous bone that can be harvested from the Anterior Iliac Wing (AIW) of paediatric population.Methods: All patients reporting to the unit for the correction of bilateral cleft alveolus were included. A Computed Tomogram (CT) of the hip was recorded and the volume of cancellous bone available for harvest was assessed. Finite element model of the hip was generated using D2P and Geomagic Free form software and the impact of bone harvest on stress distribution along the anterior iliac wing was assessed by substituting the muscle forces (hip abductors and sartorius group) and was clinically correlated to volume harvested and donor site morbidities.Results: 10 patients were enrolled, 5 patients were excluded. CT volumetric evaluation revealed an average 0.5 cc to 4.7 ccof cancellous bone and 6.7 cc to 11 cc of cortical bone was available for harvest. Harvest of 50% of available graft volume was safe with minimal stress distributed along the line joining the tuberosity to the area between Antero Superior and Inferior spines (4.2 MPa at rest and 18.5 MPa at stance). The stress levels increased with increase in volume of bone harvested. Intra operatively 1.9 cc to 6.2 cc of cortico cancellous graft was harvested, which was equivalent to 60% of the graft available with no long-term morbidities.Conclusions: The volume of bone graft harvest should be restricted (up to 6 cc) to avoid long term morbidities.

P wave axis and its correlation with severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: COPD can affect the heart as secondary effects of the disease. The electrocardiography has been seen as a very best tool for early diagnosis of any cardiac changes that may occur as a result of secondary effects of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Objective of the study was to study the P wave axis and its correlation with severity of COPD.Methods: Here, 30 Patients of COPD confirmed by clinical history, examination and Pulmonary function tests were included in the study. These patients were clinically examined, and they underwent routine investigations like hemogram, urine examination, blood urea, serum creatinine, chest x-ray, random blood sugar, sputum examination and ABG analysis. These patients underwent pulmonary function test, ECG and ECHO.Results: In this study 36.66% of patients had RVH. Incomplete RBBB was seen in 20%. 13.33% had normal ECG. Most common finding in patients with less than one year of exposure was RVH. Low voltage complexes and R/S ratio in V1>1 were the only ECG changes with significant correlation with severity of the disease (p<0.05). Maximum no. of patients had a P wave axis of 71-800. the correlation between P wave axis and the duration of the disease was found to be statistically significant. the correlation between P wave axis and the severity of the disease was found to be statistically significant, 8/27 patients (29.63%) with less than one year of disease had features of corpulmonale.Conclusions: P-axis verticalization can serve as a very effective electrocardiographic screening tool for emphysema in the general population.

Clinical profile of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progresses if the exposure to aggravating factors continues. As lung function is declined, even after exposure is reduced or totally stopped, the COPD continues to progress though may be at a slower pace and as an effect of increasing age. Objective of the study was to study the clinical profile of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out among 30 patients as decided by inclusion and exclusion criteria at MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences, Medchal from November 2012 to June 2014. Detailed history, detailed clinical examination, Systemic examination and Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was done for all patients included. Pack years of smoking was calculated. Data was entered in Excel worksheet and analyzed using proportions.Results: Maximum number of patients was in age group of 60-69 years (36.67%). Majority were males i.e. 83.34%. Smoking was major risk factor. Maximum number of patients (90%) had symptoms of less than one year of duration. Maximum number of patients (80%) had moderate to severe airflow obstruction at time of presentation and only 13.34% had mild disease. Four patients had mild form of the disease. Majority of patients with severe to very severe disease had more than 20 pack years. All patients in the study had breathlessness at the time of presentation. Wheeze and Crepitations were present in 96.66% of patients.Conclusions: Smoking has been found to be the major risk factor and it was positively correlated with the severity of COPD.

Prevalence of teenage pregnancy in 2015–2016 and its obstetric outcomes compared to nonteenage pregnancy at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban (HTJS), Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: A retrospective case-control study based on the national obstetric registry

@#Objective: To determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and compare its obstetric and perinatal outcomes with those of non-teenage pregnancy. Method: This retrospective hospital-based case-control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban. The study made use of the Malaysian National Obstetric Registry (NOR) records of teenage pregnant women aged 11–19 at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban over a 12-month period between May 2015 and May 2016 (n=164). Socio-demographic profiles, obstetric outcomes, and perinatal outcomes were detailed for each pregnant woman. The results were compared to a control group of 169 pregnant women aged 20–30 who also delivered in hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban during the same period. The aim of this study was to assess the obstetric outcomes of teenage pregnancy and to compare them with those of the control group. A chi-squared test was used to identify the statistical significance of the relationship between teenage pregnancy rates and obstetric outcomes. Results with p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 2.8%. The mean age of the teenage group was 17.9; that of the control group was 26.4. Teenage mothers had a significantly higher risk of anemia (p<0.05), episiotomy (p<0.001), preterm labor (p<0.001), and delivering low-birthweight babies (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mode of delivery, antenatal complications, birth outcomes, APGAR scores at 5th minute, or neonatal complications. Conclusion: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in this study is relatively low but is associated with an increased risk of some perinatal complications. The primary care physician’s role is pivotal in educating adolescents on sexual health, providing continual care in hospitals, and empowering teenagers in their reproductive health decisions.

Management of leptomeningeal metastases in non-small cell lung cancer

In leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), malignant lung cancer cells reach the sanctuary site of the leptomeningeal space through haematogenous or lymphatic route and thrive in the leptomeninges because of restricted access of chemotherapeutic agents across the blood brain barrier. The incidence of LM is 3%–5% in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients; the incidence is higher in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, the real-world burden of undiagnosed cases may be higher. LM diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological, and cytological testing. Disease management remains a challenge because of low central nervous system penetration of drugs. The prognosis of NSCLC patients with LM is poor with an overall survival (OS) of 3 months with contemporary treatment and <11 months with novel therapies. Therapy goals in this patient population are to improve or stabilize neurologic status, improve quality of life, and prolong survival while limiting the toxicity of chemotherapeutic regimens. We reviewed therapeutic options for management of LM in NSCLC patients with or without genetic mutations. Radiotherapy, systemic, or intrathecal chemotherapy, and personalized molecularly targeted therapy prolong the OS in patients with LM. Newer third generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors have considerable brain penetration property and have been vital in increasing the OS especially in patients with EGFR mutations. Sequential or combination therapy third generation EGFR agents with radiotherapy or chemotherapy might be effective in increasing the quality of life and overall survival.

High grade renal trauma due to blunt injury in children: do all require intervention? / Trauma renal de alto grau devido a lesão contusa em crianças: será que todas necessitam intervenção?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the presentation and management of major grade renal trauma in children. Method: A retrospective study was performed including data collected from the patients who were admitted in Pediatric surgery with major grade renal injury (grade 3 and more) from January 2015 to August 2018. Demography, clinical parameters, management, duration of hospital stay and final outcome were noted. Results: Out of 13 children (9 males and 4 females), with age range 2-12 years (mean of 8 years), reported self-fall was the commonest mode of injury followed by road traffic accident. The majority (10/13, 75%) had a right renal injury. Eight children had a grade IV injury, one had a grade V injury, and four children had grade III injury. Duration of hospital stay varied from 3 to 28 (mean of 11.7) days. Three children required blood transfusion. One child required image guided aspiration twice and two required pigtail insertion for perinephric collection. All the 13 children improved without readmission or need for any other surgical intervention. Conclusion: Children with major grade renal trauma due to blunt injury can be successfully managed without surgical intervention and minimal intervention may only be needed in select situations.

RESUMO Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a apresentação e tratamento de grande trauma renal em crianças. Método: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo incluindo dados coletados dos pacientes que foram internados na cirurgia pediátrica com lesão renal de grau importante (grau 3 ou mais) de janeiro de 2015 a agosto de 2018. Coletamos dados a respeito de demografia, parâmetros clínicos, manejo, tempo de internação e resultado final. Resultados: Das 13 crianças (9 homens e 4 mulheres) com faixa etária de 2-12 anos (média de 8 anos), a queda auto-relatada foi o modo de lesão mais comum seguido de acidente de trânsito. A maioria (10/13, 75%) apresentou lesão renal direita. Oito crianças tiveram uma lesão grau IV, uma apresentou uma lesão grau V e quatro crianças apresentaram lesão grau III. A duração da internação hospitalar variou de 3 a 28 (média de 11,7) dias. Três crianças necessitaram de transfusão de sangue. Uma criança necessitou de aspiração guiada por imagem duas vezes e duas inserções de dreno pigtail exigidas para coleções perinefréticas. Todas as 13 crianças melhoraram sem re-internação ou necessidade de qualquer outra intervenção cirúrgica. Conclusão: Crianças com trauma renal de alto grau devido a lesão contusa podem ser manejadas com sucesso sem intervenção cirúrgica, e intervenção mínima pode ser necessária apenas em situações selecionadas.

Homocysteine Induced Neurological Dysfunctions: A Link to Neurodegenerative Disorders

Excessive level of Homocysteine (Hcy) is considered a neurotoxin since it has a very deleterious effect on the nervous system. It is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is reversibly formed and secreted during metabolism. Preclinically and clinically, Hcy exhibits several neurological mechanisms that have been reported in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neuronal cell death, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Homocysteine may promote Alzheimer’s disease by more than one mechanism, including oxidative stress, neuronal cell damage, tau phosphorylation, enhancement of beta-amyloid aggregation, and hyperactivation of NMDA receptor. Moreover, it increases the production of chemokines by stimulation of nuclear factor-kappa B. It is well known that the use of levodopa diminishes the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but also lead to an elevation in the level of homocysteine. In this review, we highlight the associate relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and neurological disorders by discussing its neurodegenerative effects.

Barriers and enablers to low vision care services in a tertiary eye care hospital: A mixed method study

Purpose: Visual impairment is a major health concern all over the world. Globally, it has been studied that utilization of low vision care (LVC) services varies from 3% to 15%. This study describes barriers to access the LVC services and suggest enablers to improve the uptake of services in a tertiary eye care hospital. Methods: A snapshot qualitative research design with purposive sampling was adopted. Qualitative part of the study involved 13 eye care practitioners (ECPs) and 7 patients with low vision participated in one to one in-depth interviews. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, inductively coded, and analyzed. The barriers to access LVC services were identified and enablers to improve the uptake of services were implemented. The referral rate and utilization of LVC services were analyzed in the quantitative part. Results: Themes emerged out of qualitative part of the study were barriers, perceived benefits, and enablers to improve the uptake of LVC services. Barriers among ECPs included lack of awareness on referral criteria and available LVC. Barriers among patients were lack of knowledge and understanding about the need for services. The enablers included development of referral criteria and referral pathway to LVC services, creating awareness of LVC services to patients and ECPs, stratification levels of LVC services, and implementation of LVC counseling chamber. Referral rate improved from 25.6% to 51.2% and the utilization of services increased from 67.9% to 81.7% after implementation of the recommended enablers. Conclusion: Execution of stratified enablers increased the uptake of LVC services benefiting more number of people with low vision in this study.

Study on Profile of Patients Suffering From Bacterial Meningitis Admitted in a Medical College Hospital

Bacterial meningitis is important cause of morbidity and mortality. The clinical profile is variable and diagnosis depends on clinical suspicion and laboratory investigations. Methods: The present observational study included 42 patients of bacterial meningitis to assess their clinicobacteriological profile. Details of background, clinical features and bacteriological diagnosis were obtained. Results: All of them suffered from fever, 73.8% from altered sensorium and 64.3% from inability to take food. S. Pneumonia was the most prevalent organism (38.1%) followed by H. Influenza (28.6%). Group B Streptococci (11.9%), Neisseria meningitides (7.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (4.8%), Klebsiella (4.8%), E. coli (2.4%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.4%) were the other organisms seen. Conclusion: Knowledge of clinical profile of meningitis is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation of labial versus labio-inferior lines of osteosynthesis using 3D miniplate for fractures of anterior mandible: A finite element analysis with a pilot clinical trial / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#The fractures of anterior mandible are subject to severe torsional forces due to muscles acting in opposite directions. 3D miniplate has been suggested as a good alternative by some researchers. However, finite element model (FEM) studies indicate that labio-inferior positioning of two miniplates perpendicular to each other offers better stability as compared to labial positioning. This study aims at combining the advantages of a single 3D miniplate and labio-inferior positioning of two conventional miniplates, which was assessed by finite element analysis along with a pilot clinical trial.@*METHODS@#Two FEM models were created using CT data of a 24-year-old patient with Angle class I occlusion: control model with labial plating and study model with labio-inferior plating. The models were processed with MIMICS® (materialise, Leuven, Belgium), CATIA® (Dassault Systemes) and finite element analysis softwares. Parameters adopted for analysis were (1) displacement (mm) of fracture fragments during each screw fixation, (2) lingual splay and post fixation stability of fracture fragments with masticatory load, and (3) stress distribution (MPa) across fracture fragments. Moreover, a pilot clinical trial including five patients with anterior mandible fracture was conducted. The fractures were managed by intraoral open reduction and 3D miniplate fixation in labio-inferior position. Intraoperative interfragmentary gap, post fixation lingual splay and radiographic fracture union and complications were assessed clinically.@*RESULTS@#Labio-inferior plating demonstrated less displacement (mm) of fracture fragments during screw fixation (0.059 vs. 0.079) as well as after application of masticatory load (1.805 vs. 1.860). Negligible lingual splay and less stress distribution (MPa) across fracture fragments (1.860 vs. 1.847) were appreciated in the study group as compared to control group. Clinical trial support the favorable outcome related to intraoperative and postoperative assessment parameters.@*CONCLUSION@#FEM analysis and clinical trial reveal better results with labio-inferior positioning of 3D miniplate when compared to labial positioning.

Solitary functioning kidney in children: clinical implications / Rim solitário em funcionamento em crianças: implicações clínicas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Children with solitary functioning kidney (SFK) are prone to develop long term problems, which are not well represented in the literature. The extent to which the presence of associated congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) further de-stabilize renal function is to be addressed. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the etiology, presentation, presence of CAKUT, and renal damage in children with SFK. Methods: All children with SFK who presented to the department of pediatric surgery from March 2014 to May 2016 were included in the study. Children with malignancy were excluded from the study. Results: Of the 20 patients with SFK, 14 (70%) had primary SFK (8 with agenesis and 6 with multicystic dysplastic kidney), 6 (30%) belonged to secondary SFK group, among them 3 had pelviureteric junction obstruction, 2 had posterior urethral valves and 1 had vesicoureteric reflux. Eight (40%) had associated CAKUT, 4 (20%) were asymptomatic while 8 (40%) had UTI and 6 (30%) had hypertension. Ten (50%) patients had reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) suggesting compromised renal function. Conclusion: Children with SFK have high morbidity especially when associated with ipsilateral CAKUT. Long-term periodical follow up is essential in these patients to improve clinical outcome.

RESUMO Introdução: Crianças com rim solitário funcional (RSF) tendem a desenvolver problemas de longo prazo, que não são bem representados na literatura. Devemos abordar o quanto a presença de malformações congênitas do rim e do trato urinário (CAKUT) desestabiliza ainda mais a função renal. Objetivo: Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a etiologia, apresentação, presença de CAKUT e dano renal em crianças com RSF. Métodos: Todas as crianças com RSF que se apresentaram no departamento de cirurgia pediátrica de março de 2014 a maio de 2016 foram incluídas no estudo. Crianças com doença maligna foram excluídas do estudo. Resultados: dos 20 pacientes com RSF, 14 (70%) tinham RSF primário (8 com agenesia e 6 com rim displásico multicístico), 6 (30%) pertenciam ao grupo RSF secundário, dentre eles 3 tinham obstrução da junção pelveuretérica, 2 tinham valvas uretrais posteriores e 1 refluxo vesico-uretral. Oito (40%) tinham ACRTU associado, 4 (20%) estavam assintomáticos, enquanto 8 (40%) tinham ITU e 6 (30%) tinham hipertensão. Dez (50%) pacientes apresentaram redução da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), sugerindo comprometimento da função renal. Conclusão: Crianças com RSF apresentam alta morbidade, especialmente quando associadas à CAKUT ipsilateral. O acompanhamento periódico a longo prazo é essencial nesses pacientes para melhorar o resultado clínico.

Addition Of Intrathecal Dexamethasone To Bupivacaine For Spinal Anesthesia In Orthopedic Surgery

Objectives:Spinal anesthesia provides profound nerve block that can be produced in a large part of thebody by simple injection of a small amount of local anesthetic. But Intrathecal local anesthetics have limited duration. Different drugs have been used as additive to prolong spinal anesthesia. corticosteroids in prolonging the analgesic effects of local anesthetics in peripheral nerves is well documented. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the addition of dexamethasone to intrathecal bupivacaine would prolong the duration of sensory analgesia or not.Methods:We conducted a randomized, prospective, double-blind, case-control, clinical trial. A total of 50 patients were scheduled for orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia. The patients were randomly allocated to receive 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% with 2 cc normal saline (control group) or 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% plus 8 mg dexamethasone (case group) intrathecally. The patients were evaluated for quality, quantity, and duration of block; blood pressure, heart rate, nausea, and vomiting or other complications.Results:There were no significantly higher in the case group (P<0.001). The duration of analgesia was 408.92±72.44 minutes in the case group; whereas it was 223±43.67 minutes in the control group (P<0.001). The frequency of complications was not different between two groups.

Factors associated with nutritional status among mothers and children in India

Background: This study examined the relationships between child, maternal, health care utilization and household characteristics and nutritional status of both mother and child in India. Nutritional status is the best indicator of the global well-being of a society. In India 36 percent of children, under five years of age suffer from underweight due to acute under nutrition. Methods: This study analyzed secondary data from fourth round of National Family Health Survey. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were preformed to estimate the effect of independent variables on dichotomous dependent variables. Results: Result shows that prevalence of stunting among male and female children was 39.14% and 37.52% respectively. Prevalence of underweight and stunting increases with the increase in child age group. Prevalence of underweight was more between both the rural and poorer mothers. The odds of stunting among female children was significantly lesser than their male counterparts (OR=0.93). Children belong to the older mother were less likely to be underweight (OR=0.81 and 0.70 for the mother in the age group 25-34 and 35-49 years respectively). Household characteristics show a significant result for the risk of underweight among women. Conclusion: Finding suggests that child sex and age influence the nutritional status significantly. Analysis indicate that increasing maternal age and educational attainment have statistical significant and positive effect on both maternal and child nutritional status. Study also found that utilization of health care services has better impact on nutritional status of both mother and child.