Clinical Profile of Children with Celiac Disease in Gujarat.

Introduction : Celiac Disease (CD), an autoimmune enteropathy, triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals, is one of the commonest causes of malabsorption in the west. It is now well documented from north India where wheat is the staple diet. We report here 22 children of CD from Gujarat to bring the awareness amongst the pediatricians for its early diagnosis. The clinical presentation, serological tests & duodenal biopsy confirms the diagnosis. The results of Gluten Free Diet (GFD) are quite gratifying. Methodology : Retrospective analysis of presentation of children diagnosed to have CD was done from maintained database of CD patients of last 5 years. Results : Twenty two children were diagnosed to have CD at our centre in last 5 years. The age of presentation was from 14 months to 11 years. Short stature, pallor & chronic diarrhoea were the commonest features. Distention of abdomen, anorexia, pain in abdomen & oedema were other manifestations. Vomiting, voracious appetite, irritability & dermatitis were also noted in some cases. Rickets, rectal prolapse & clubbing were less common findings. Serological tests, besides routine investigations & duodenal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Gluten Free Diet (GFD) showed impressive results in 3 to 6 months time. Conclusion : CD is well documented in north India, but it also exists in Gujarat. With clinical presentation of stunted growth, chronic diarrhoea & unexplainable anaemia, one should think of CD. Some other less common & atypical features should also be kept in mind. The results of serological tests for CD are fairly reliable. Still, it is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis by duodenal biopsy. The results of GFD are quite rewarding. To emphasize for compliance of GFD & to provide the list of GFD to the parent & regular follow up are essential components of management.

Advances in management of urinary tract infections.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are a common bacterial infection in children. The diagnosis of UTI is very often missed in young children due to minimal and non-specific symptoms. The developing renal cortex in young children is vulnerable to renal scarring resulting in hypertension and chronic renal failure. A clinically suspected case of UTI should be defined and documented with urine culture report. After the diagnosis of UTI, its category should be defined. It will guide for proper radioimaging evaluation, choice of antimicrobial agent, duration of treatment, need of chemoprophylaxis etc. Even a single confirmed UTI should be taken seriously. Rational use of modern radioimaging for proper evaluation is essential. UTI in neonates, nosocomial UTI and UTI due to ESBL producing organisms are special situations, to be identified and managed with advanced therapy promptly and appropriately.