Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases in childhood.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is common in most industrialised countries and childhood IBD accounts for nearly 30% of total cases. Various studies, mostly from Europe and USA have reported epidemiological characteristics of childhood IBD. The incidence figures vary greatly from region to region and within a region over time. Almost all reported studies have documented an increase in the incidence, mainly of Crohn's disease over the last few decades. The reasons for the increase are not clear but epidemiological observations have led to many postulates. Incidence in developing countries is perceived to be low, but limited data suggest that it may not be as uncommon as previously thought. IBD can occur at any age but is rare in infancy. Among childhood IBD, early onset IBD appears to be different epidemiologically and is characterised by predominance of colonic involvement and high positive family history. It has become apparent that only about 25% of childhood Crohn's disease presents with classical triad of abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss. Pediatricians should be aware of atypical manifestations and should maintain high index of suspicion. Though epidemiological studies of childhood IBD done so far have contributed towards understanding of IBD, they have differed in study design, population, time period, age group and case definitions. Unfortunately there are no uniform, clear diagnostic criteria which are evidence based. To address this problem, recently the IBD working group of European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) has published "The Porto Criteria" which details a consensus based diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of childhood IBD. This should bring uniformity in ascertainment of newly diagnosed IBD cases. An European multicentre prospective database has also been established to facilitate future epidemiological studies.

Early neonatal mortality in an intramural birth cohort at a tertiary care hospital.

Early neonatal mortality (ENM) occurring among 12,283 consecutive live births over a period of 3 years were analysed. The early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR) was 26.6/1000 live births. Birth weight less than 2,000 gm, lack of antenatal care, male sex, operative vaginal delivery, prematurity and multiple pregnancy were significantly associated with early neonatal deaths. Birth asphyxia was found to be the most important cause of death, followed by hyaline membrane disease and congenital malformations. Majority of the asphyxia related deaths were due to late intrapartum referral of the mothers. Forty-two per cent of early neonatal deaths occurred in babies weighing less than 1,500 gm. Early identification and referral of high risk mothers and health education would significantly reduce the early neonatal deaths.

Nerve injuries due to obstetric trauma.

The incidence of nerve injuries among 32,637 deliveries over a period of ten years was 1.81/1000. Brachial plexus injury (1/1000) and facial nerve injury (0.74/1000) accounted for 98% of nerve injuries. Both the right and left side were involved equally. Bilateral nerve injury was not seen. Lack of antenatal care, macrosomia, abnormal presentations, and operative vaginal deliveries significantly increased the risk of nerve injuries. These babies had significantly higher incidence of meconium stained liquor and intrapartum asphyxia. Parity of the mother, gestational age and sex of the baby did not have significant role in the causation of nerve injuries. Injuries to brachial plexus and facial nerve were seen even in babies born by caesarean section, when it was performed for obstructed labour caused by cephalo-pelvic disproportion and abnormal presentations. Three babies with injuries expired and forty-three could be followed up for varying periods. None of the babies had residual defects. Detection of cephalopelvic disproportion and abnormal lie in the third trimester and their appropriate management would decrease the incidence of obstetric palsies to a significant extent.