Advertising of Pre-Packaged Foods in India: A Qualitative Analysis

Objective: We examined the ‘nutrients of concern’ in pre-packaged food products that are commonly advertised, as per WHO standards and Nova Classification. Methods: This was a qualitative study, using a convenience sampling method, to identify advertisements of prepackaged food products. We also analyzed their content from information on the packets, and their compliance with applicable Indian laws. Results: We found that all the advertisements of the food products in this study did not provide important information about the amount of nutrients of concern i.e., total fat, sodium, and total sugars. These advertisements mostly targeted children, made health claims, and used endorsements of celebrities. All the food products were also found to be ultra-processed in nature and high in one or more nutrients of concern. Conclusion: Most of the advertisements are misleading, needing effective monitoring. Health warnings on the front-of- pack label and restrictions on marketing of such food products may go a long way in reducing non-communicable diseases.

Clinical presentation and fungal species distribution in otomycosis in a tertiary care hospital

Objective: Otomycosis is a common fungal ear infection in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This study aimed to perform mycological analysis on fungal debris from the external auditory canals of the patients to study the most common clinical presentation and fungal species distribution in otomycosis. Materials and Methods: Patients who met the inclusion criteria for this cross-sectional study were included and evaluated after providing written informed consent. After obtaining a thorough medical history, ear swabs for culture, sensitivity, and potassium hydroxide were provided. Patients with positive culture results were studied between September 2019 and March 2021. Results: Among 103 cases observed for 18 months in the Department of ENT, Rajarajeswari Medical College, and Hospital, Bengaluru, India, we found that males (56.31%) were more affected than females (43.68%). Itching (67.96%) was the most primary and common symptom that was observed, followed by pain (20.38%), and the most common predisposing factor was the usage of earbuds (26.21%) followed by water in the ear (23.3%) and oil in the ear (16.50%). Unilateral infection was most common (96%), and the left ear was most affected (64.07%). Aspergillus niger was the most common fungal isolate (60.19%), and otomycosis was very common in postmonsoon (October–December) (58.25%). Conclusion: The most frequent fungal isolates in otomycosis are from the Aspergillus and Candida species. The left ear was typically affected by otomycosis, which frequently had a unilateral predominance. The most common clinical symptoms were itching and pain.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Nutritional Anemia in Children: Recommendations of the Joint Committee of Pediatric HematologyOncology Chapter and Pediatric and Adolescent Nutrition Society of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics

Justification: Anemia in children is a significant public health problem in our country. Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18 provides evidence that more than 50% of childhood anemia is due to an underlying nutritional deficiency. The National Family Health Survey-5 has reported an increase in the prevalence of anemia in the under-five age group from 59% to 67.1% over the last 5 years. Clearly, the existing public health programs to decrease the prevalence of anemia have not shown the desired results. Hence, there is a need to develop nationally acceptable guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of nutritional anemia. Objective: To review the available literature and collate evidence-based observations to formulate guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of nutritional anemia in children. Process: These guidelines have been developed by the experts from the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Chapter and the Pediatric and Adolescent Nutrition (PAN) Society of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). Key areas were identified as: epidemiology, nomenclature and definitions, etiology and diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), treatment of IDA, etiology and diagnosis of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency, treatment of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency anemia and prevention of nutritional anemia. Each of these key areas were reviewed by at least 2 to 3 experts. Four virtual meetings were held in November, 2021 and all the key issues were deliberated upon. Based on review and inputs received during meetings, draft recommendations were prepared. After this, a writing group was constituted which prepared the draft guidelines. The draft was circulated and approved by all the expert group members. Recommendations: We recommend use of World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off hemoglobin levels to define anemia in children and adolescents. Most cases suspected to have IDA can be started on treatment based on a compatible history, physical examination and hemogram report. Serum ferritin assay is recommended for the confirmation of the diagnosis of IDA. Most cases of IDA can be managed with oral iron therapy using 2-3 mg/kg elemental iron daily. The presence of macro-ovalocytes and hypersegmented neutrophils, along with an elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV), should raise the suspicion of underlying vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or folic acid deficiency. Estimation of serum vitamin B12 and folate level are advisable in children with macrocytic anemia prior to starting treatment. When serum vitamin B12 and folate levels are unavailable, patients should be treated using both drugs. Vitamin B12 should preferably be started 10-14 days ahead of oral folic acid to avoid precipitating neurological symptoms. Children with macrocytic anemia in whom a quick response to treatment is required, such as those with pancytopenia, severe anemia, developmental delay and infantile tremor syndrome, should be managed using parenteral vitamin B12. Children with vitamin B12 deficiency having mild or moderate anemia may be managed using oral vitamin B12 preparations. After completing therapy for nutritional anemia, all infants and children should be advised to continue prophylactic iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation as prescribed under Anemia Mukt Bharat guidelines. For prevention of anemia, in addition to age-appropriate IFA prophylaxis, routine screening of infants for anemia at 9 months during immunization visit is recommended.

Isolation of Enterococcus spp. in various clinical sample and their antimicrobial resistant pattern with MIC of vancomycin in patient attending tertiary care centre, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Introduction- Enterococci are part of normal intestinal flora of humans and animals but have also emerged as important pathogens responsible for serious infections in hospital and community acquired infections.it is second most common cause of nosocomial infections in gastrointestinal tract, wound and genitourinary tract. To process all the clinicalAim- samples from various department in our hospital, for isolation of Enterococci spp. To speciate the isolates & to have resistance pattern of the isolates of vancomycin total 926 sample were collected from both outMaterial & Methods- patients and in patient in all clinical departments and transported to microbiology laboratory. specimens were processed by inoculating on to blood agar, MacConkey Agar, nutrient agar, potassium tellurite agar and incubated at 37°C for24-48 hr. Enterococci were identified by their typical arrangement in and salt tolerance test Gram stain, bile esculin test and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined by performing Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were identified by tube dilution methods. Result- a total of 926 sample, 645 (69.72%) were culture positive and 281 (30.28%) were culture negative. Among 645 culture positive cases, 81(12.55%) were Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial susceptibility & MIC done as per standard protocols. The E. Faecalis showed 99% sensitive to Vancomycin. the resistance to vancomycin was 1% & further confirmed by MIC via tube dilution methods. In which MIC was ?32 ?g/ml in one isolate. About 8 of Enterococcal strains showed MIC of 0.0125?g/ml. species level identification of Enterococcus is important forConclusions- epidemiological study and also for analysis of drug resistant pattern. Effective detection of vancomycin resistance helps in reducing the morbidity and mortality of VRE in hospitalized patients

Mortality audit of COVID-19 infection among children

Background & objectives: As severe COVID-19 and mortality are not common in children, there is a scarcity of data regarding the cause of mortality in children infected with SARS-CoV-2. This study was aimed to describe the all-cause mortality and COVID-19 death (disease-specific mortality) in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a paediatric COVID facility in a tertiary care centre. Methods: Data with respect to clinical, epidemiological profile and causes of death in non-survivors (0-12 yr old) of SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a dedicated tertiary care COVID hospital in north India between April 2020 and June 2021 were retrieved and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 475 SARS-CoV-2–positive children were admitted during the study period, of whom 47 died [18 neonates, 14 post-neonatal infants and 15 children (1-12 yr of age)]. The all-cause mortality and COVID-19 death (disease-specific mortality) were 9.9 per cent (47 of 475) and 1.9 per cent (9 of 475), respectively. Underlying comorbidities were present in 35 (74.5%) children, the most common being prematurity and perinatal complications (n=11, 24%) followed by congenital heart disease (n=6, 13%). The common causes of death included septic shock in 10 (21%), COVID pneumonia/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in nine (19%), neonatal illnesses in eight (17%), primary central nervous system disease in seven (15%) and congenital heart disease with complication in six (13%) children. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed a high prevalence of underlying comorbidities and a low COVID-19 death (disease-specific mortality). Our findings highlight that mortality due to COVID-19 can be overestimated if COVID-19 death and all-cause mortality in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 are not separated. Standardized recording of cause of death in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection is important.

Clinical characteristics & outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infected neonates presenting to paediatric emergency

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.

Indian Academy of Pediatrics Revised (2021) Guidelines on Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency and Rickets

Justification: The emerging literature on prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India, prevention and treatment strategies of rickets, and extra-skeletal benefits of vitamin D suggest the need for revising the existing guidelines for prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in India. Objectives: To review the emerging literature on vitamin D prevalence and need for universal vitamin D supplementation. To suggest optimum vitamin D therapy for treatment of asymptomatic and symptomatic vitamin D deficiency, and rickets. To evaluate the extra-skeletal health benefits of vitamin D in children. Process: A National consultative committee was formed that comprised of clinicians, epidemiologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists. The Committee conducted deliberations on different aspects of vitamin D deficiency and rickets through ten online meetings between March and September, 2021. A draft guideline was formulated, which was reviewed and approved by all Committee members. Recommendations: The group reiterates the serum 25- hydroxy vitamin D cutoffs proposed for vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency as <12 ng/mL, 12-20 ng/mL and >20 ng/mL, respectively. Vitamin D toxicity is defined as serum 25OHD >100 ng/mL with hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria. Vitamin D supplementation in doses of 400 IU/day is recommended during infancy; however, the estimated average requirement in older children and adolescents (400-600 IU/day) should be met from diet and natural sources like sunlight. Rickets and vitamin D deficiency should be treated with oral cholecalciferol, preferably in a daily dosing schedule (2000 IU below 1 year of age and 3000 IU in older children) for 12 weeks. If compliance to daily dosing cannot be ensured, intermittent regimens may be prescribed for children above 6 months of age. Universal vitamin D supplementation is not recommended in childhood pneumonia, diarrhea, tuberculosis, HIV and non-infectious conditions like asthma, atopic dermatitis, and developmental disorders. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level of >20 ng/mL should be maintained in children with conditions at high-risk for vitamin deficiency, like nephrotic syndrome, chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, and intake of anticonvulsants or glucocorticoids.

Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene – A Rare Clinical Manifestation of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a cutaneous manifestation of a wide array of infective and noninfective etiological factors and occurs due to hypoxemia, vasoconstriction, primary endothelial damage and/or decreased cardiac output. It is a devastating complication of underlying septicemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with a high mortality rate and commonly requiring amputation of the affected limb in those who survive. We here describe a case that presented with fever, cough, blackish discoloration of fingers and generalized lymphadenopathy. Investigation revealed anemia, leukocytosis, coagulopathy and positive D-dimer test. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed evidence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Profile of Back-Referrals to Special Newborn Care Units

Objective: To study the outcomes of neonates back-referred from a tertiary care centre to special newborn care units (SNCUs) for step-down care. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care neonatal unit and SNCUs in neighbouring states. We studied preterm and term neonates back-referred to district SNCUs from September, 2018 to April, 2019. The infants were followed up till 3 months corrected age, for mortality, re-hospitalization, emergency visits and unscheduled outpatient visits. Preterm inborn neonates <32 weeks gestation discharged directly to home formed the controls. Results: 201 back-referred neonates (study cohort) and 55 preterm neonates discharged to home (controls) were followed up till 3 months corrected age. Amongst the back-referred neonates, 5% died, 7% required re-hospitalization, 11% made emergency visits, and 24% made unscheduled outpatient visits. These outcomes were similar to the controls. Conclusion: Back-referral of convalescing neonates is a safe method of utilizing the limited healthcare resources in tertiary care centers in developing country settings.

Short-term Outcome and Predictors of Survival Among Neonates With Moderate or Severe Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: Data From the Indian Neonatal Collaborative

Background: Among term and late preterm infants, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an important cause of mortality, and neurologic morbidity among survivors. Objective: The primary objective was to study the incidence of survival to discharge among late preterm and term infants with moderate or severe HIE. Secondary objectives were to explore variation in the management of HIE across participating sites and to identify the predictors of survival. Setting: Indian Neonatal Collaborative (INNC), a network of 28 neonatal units in India. Study design: Retrospective cohort. Participants: Late preterm (34-36 weeks) and term (37-42 weeks) infants with moderate to severe HIE from 2018-2019. Outcome: The primary outcome was survival to discharge (including discharged home and transfer to other hospital). A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to identify the predictors of survival. Results: Of 352 infants with moderate or severe HIE, 59% received therapeutic hypothermia. Survival to discharge among infants with moderate or severe HIE was 82%. Severe HIE (aOR 0.04; 95% CI 0.02-0.10), persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) (aOR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08-0.61) and requirement of epinephrine during resuscitation (aOR 0.21; 95% CI 0.05-0.84) were independently associated with decreased odds of survival to discharge. Conclusion: Survival to discharge among infants with moderate or severe HIE was 82%. Severe HIE, requirement of epinephrine during resuscitation and PPHN decreased the odds

Update to Perinatal-Neonatal Management of COVID-19 Guidelines

The guidelines for diagnosing and managing perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection for the Indian context were last updated in May 2020. Newer evidence, the evolution of the pandemic, and its significant impact on mother-infant dyads led us to review and revise the guideline. This article summarizes the salient changes inthe perinatal-neonatal management of COVID-19.

Clinical Profile of COVID-19 Illness in Children—Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective To detail clinical profle and outcome in children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods This retrospective study was undertaken at a tertiary care pediatric teaching hospital in Northern India. The data on clinical characteristics and outcome of children (<18 y) with COVID-19 illness from April 2020–October 2020 were reviewed and analyzed. Results A total of 2919 children with suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) illness were tested for novel COVID-19 virus in the fu emergency (n=1744), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) ward (n=825), and non-COVID area (n=350) of the hospital. 8.73% (255/2919) children tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 255 positive cases, 144 (56.47%) were managed on an outpatient basis and 100 (59 boys) required admission in COVID ward. The mortality rate of patients with SARS-CoV-2 was 11.4% (29/255). Majority of children admitted with COVID-19 had severe to critical illness due to the presence of malnutrition and underlying comorbidities. Conclusions Children of all age groups were susceptible to COVID-19 illness with a slight male preponderance. Amongst infected, two-third were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms that required outpatient management and home isolation. The adverse outcomes were more commonly seen in infants and children>10 y of age with malnutrition and comorbid illness.

Aetiological Profile of Anaemia in Elderly at a Tertiary Care Centre

Anaemia is a common clinical condition in elderly commonly associated with increased morbidity and mortality, increased hospitalization, decreased physical performance, loss of mobility and disability at higher rates than those people without anaemia. The present study was undertaken to assess the aetiological profile of anaemia in elderly. METHODSA cross sectional study was done among elderly patients with anaemia admitted in general medicine department and / or attending general medicine OPD, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar. 100 consecutive patients were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were subjected to a thorough clinical examination and investigation, and data was analysed. RESULTSAnaemia is more common in males with a male to female ratio of 2.84:1. Maximum numbers of cases was in the age range of 61 to 70 comprising 70 % followed by 23 % in 71 to 80 years age group and 6 % in 81 to 90 years age group. Weakness was the most common presentation comprising 74 % cases. Comorbidities in patients along with anaemia were solid malignancy in 5 %, diabetes mellitus (DM) in 7 %, hypertension (HT) in 6 %, chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 5 %, cor pulmonale in 3 % and hypothyroidism in 1 %. 48 % patients were having moderate anaemia and 45 % patients were having severe anaemia. Morphologically most common variety of anaemia was normocytic normochromic contributing 57 % of the patients. Bone marrow examination done in 62 cases revealed hyper cellular marrow in 27, normocellular in 24, hypo cellular marrow in 6 and mildly hyper cellular to normocellular in 5 cases. Aetiological distribution showed 14 % of anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) and 14 % due to vitamin B12 deficiency. This was closely followed by iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in 13 % cases. CONCLUSIONSAnaemia in elderly is a common clinical condition commonly presenting with nonspecific symptom. Normocytic normochromic anaemia is the most common morphological type of anaemia with various underlying treatable aetiologies.

Level of C-reactive Protein in Obese and Overweight Individuals at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences: A Tertiary Care Center of Bihar

Introduction: Human adipose tissue releases interleukin-6 which is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that causes low-grade systemicinflammation. Acute-phase C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker for systemic inflammation. Low-grade systemicinflammation in overweight and obese can be measured by serum CRP level.Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of raised serum CRP level among the obese and overweightperson.Materials and Methods: Overweight and obese persons were screened for raised CRP (≥3.0 mg/L) after excluding comorbidity.Results: The prevalence of raised CRP among obese and overweight is 23%, the female has higher prevalence of 25.45% ascompared to male 20%. The prevalence among overweight and obese participants is 18.88% and 60%, respectively.Conclusions: The finding suggest a higher prevalence of low-grade systemic inflammation in obese as compared to anoverweight person.

Occurrence of Carbaryl, DDT and Deltamethrin Residues in Bovine Milk in Chhattisgarh, India and Risk Assessment to Human Health

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of pesticide residues in bovine milk and associated health risks in human. To assess the pesticide residues, a total of 200 milk samples were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Photo Diode Array Detector (PDA).The residues of carbaryl, 4’4’ DDT and deltamethrin pesticides were found in the 27.5%, 11% and 5% milk samples, respectively. The spatial distribution of pesticide residues in milk samples indicated that carbaryl was wide spread over the entire study area. The non-significance differences in mean residual concentrations of all three pesticides in cow and buffalo milk samples were recorded. The human health risk assessment in terms of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health hazard was calculated based on both lower bound [LB (mean residue levels)] and upper bound [UB (95th percentile level)] limits at current levels of pesticides in bovine milk samples. The estimated average daily dietary intake (EADDI) of studied pesticides was found below the acceptable dietary intake (ADI) for both adult and children, at mean as well as 95th percentile upper bound (UB) levels. The values suggesting lower carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk to adult however children are at greater health risk.Keywords: Bovine milk, carbaryl, deltamethrin

Comparison between laparoscopy and laparotomy in the management of ectopic pregnancy: a retrospective study

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is one of the most important causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the first trimester of pregnancy. Objective of this study was to compare the safety, feasibility and advantage of laparoscopic approach with that of laparotomy in management of ectopic pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals over a period of two years i.e.; from Aug 2015 to July 2017. Seventy-five patients who had histopathology confirmed tubal ectopic pregnancy were divided into two groups; laparoscopy (Group I, no-39) and laparotomy (Group II no-36). The main outcome measures were operative time, blood loss, and requirement of blood transfusion, requirement of analgesia and duration of hospital stay.Results: Seventy-five patients of ectopic pregnancy who were managed surgically were studied. There were 39 cases in laparoscopy group and 36 cases in laparotomy group. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 1.56% (out of all deliveries over 2 years). Ampullary region was the commonest site of ectopic pregnancy (74.6%). No difference was found in the two groups regarding age, site of tubal pregnancy, pre op Hb status and haemoperitoneum. Mean operating time was significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group 39 min (range 30 - 52 min) versus 50 min (range 40-60 min) in the laparotomy group. There was no difference between the groups regarding the treatment with blood products and perioperative complications. Hospital stay was significantly longer in the laparotomy group (3.5 days) as compared to 2 days in laparoscopy group. The duration of post op analgesia requirement was also longer in laparotomy group (4 days) as compared to 2 days in laparoscopy group.Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy is a safe, effective and beneficial option in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon even in cases of massive haemoperitoneum. It definitely offers the advantage of shorter duration of surgery, faster post op recovery, shorter duration of hospital stays and lesser requirement of post op analgesia.

A comparative study of various types of intravenous fluids on the changes during induction of general anaesthesia

Background: The induction and endotracheal intubation is the most risky and initial process of general anaesthesia. Without induction and endotracheal tube placement one cannot imagine the general anaesthesia. Propofol and fentanyl are the commonly used drugs for induction of general anaesthesia. These drugs produce hypotension and other cardiorespiratory disturbances. These hazardous and sometimes fatal effects can be reduced and eliminated by preloading the patients with colloid or crystalloid solutions.Methods: We selected 90 patients who visited our hospital in the last 2 years from June 2017 to May 2019. All the investigations and pre-anaesthetic check-up was done routinely. These patients had to undergo different surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. The induction of anaesthesia was done with propofol and fentanyl. These patients were divided in three groups A, B and C. Group A patients did not receive any preloading. Group B was given colloids (3.5% gelatins) and group C received crystalloids (Ringer’s lactate solution). The haemodynamic changes were noted and analysed statistically.Results: The study showed that IV fluids given before induction of general anaesthesia blunts the adverse cardiovascular response.Conclusions: We concluded that preload with fluids whether colloids or crystalloids are beneficial to counter the detrimental effects of propofol and fentanyl for induction of general anaesthesia. The preload fluids stabilise the patient haemodynamically. When compared the two, colloids were better to blunt the cardiovascular changes.

HIV-free Survival at the Age of 18 Months in Children Born to Women With HIV Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To assess HIV-free survival and nutritional status of HIV-exposed infants.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on infants born to woman with HIVinfection born at our Institute between January 2011 to March 2016, and followed usingcurrent National guidelines. HIV transmission rate, HIV-free survival, and nutritional statuswere assessed 18 months age. Results: Of the 155 infants, 10 (6.5%) died before 18 monthsof age. Two of 145 surviving infants were confirmed HIV-positive, the remaining were HIV-negative at 18 months (HIV-free survival 92.3%). Of the 10 infants who died, one wasconfirmed HIV-positive and three negative; the rest died before their HIV status could beascertained. HIV infection rate among the 149 infants for whom the test reports were availablewas 2%. At 18 months age, 14% HIV-uninfected infants were wasted, 28% stunted, and 3%had microcephaly. Conclusions: Infants born to mothers with HIV managed as per thecurrent National guidelines have a good outcome at 18 months of age.

Severe Pulmonary Arteriopathy in a Neonate with Congenital Rubella Syndrome and Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Neonates with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) are known to have associated congenital cardiac malformations. Patent ductusarteriosus (PDA) is one the most common cardiac anomalies associated with CRS. PDA refractory to medical management andassociated with ventilatory dependence is considered for surgical ligation. However, the management of PDA can be challenging in thepresence of underlying lung disease or pulmonary vascular disease. Outcomes after closure in neonates are dependent upon age,weight, nutritional status, pre-operative pulmonary arterial hypertension and presence of chronic lung disease. We present a neonatewith CRS who required surgical PDA closure. The neonate developed severe pulmonary arterial hypertension which led to fatal outcome.The clinical course is corroborated with histo-pathological changes observed on the autopsy of this neonate.

Indian Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines on the Fast and Junk Foods, Sugar Sweetened Beverages, Fruit Juices, and Energy Drinks

Justification: In view of easy availability and increasing trend of consumption of fast foods and sugar sweetened beverages (fruit juicesand drinks, carbonated drinks, energy drinks) in Indian children, and their association with increasing obesity and related non-communicable diseases, there is a need to develop guidelines related to consumption of foods and drinks that have the potential toincrease this problem in children and adolescents. Objectives: To review the evidence and formulate consensus statements related toterminology, magnitude of problem and possible ill effects of junk foods, fast foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and carbonated drinks;and to formulate recommendations for limiting consumption of these foods and beverages in Indian children and adolescents. Process:A National Consultative group constituted by the Nutrition Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), consisting of variousstakeholders in private and public sector, reviewed the literature and existing guidelines and policy regulations. Detailed review ofliterature was circulated to the members, and the Group met on 11th March 2019 at New Delhi for a day-long deliberation on framing theguidelines. The consensus statements and recommendations formulated by the Group were circulated to the participants and aconsensus document was finalized. Conclusions: The Group suggests a new acronym ‘JUNCS’ foods, to cover a wide variety ofconcepts related to unhealthy foods (Junk foods, Ultra-processed foods, Nutritionally inappropriate foods, Caffeinated/colored/carbonated foods/beverages, and Sugar-sweetened beverages). The Group concludes that consumption of these foods and beveragesis associated with higher free sugar and energy intake; and is associated with higher body mass index (and possibly with adversecardiometabolic consequences) in children and adolescents. Intake of caffeinated drinks may be associated with cardiac and sleepdisturbances. The Group recommends avoiding consumption of the JUNCS by all children and adolescents as far as possible and limittheir consumption to not more than one serving per week. The Group recommends intake of regional and seasonal whole fruits over fruitjuices in children and adolescents, and advises no fruit juices/drinks to infants and young children (age <2 y), whereas for children aged 2-5 y and >5-18 y, their intake should be limited to 125 mL/day and 250 mL/day, respectively. The Group recommends that caffeinatedenergy drinks should not be consumed by children and adolescents. The Group supports recommendations of ban on sale of JUNCSfoods in school canteens and in near vicinity, and suggests efforts to ensure availability and affordability of healthy snacks and foods. TheGroup supports traffic light coding of food available in school canteens and recommends legal ban of screen/print/digital advertisementsof all the JUNCS foods for channels/magazines/websites/social media catering to children and adolescents. The Group further suggestscommunication, marketing and policy/taxation strategies to promote consumption of healthy foods, and limit availability and consumptionof the JUNCS foods