RESUMEN
Objective: meconium aspiration syndrome [MAS] is one of the serious and life-threatening disorders in newborn infants and is still one of the most challenged neonatal diseases. This study was conducted in order to determine the efficacy of steroids use in the management of this syndrome
Study Design: this was a randomized controlled study
Period and Place of study: six month period in the neonatal unit of the Gangaram hospital, Lahore
Materials and Methods: we included sixty eight [68] babies with MAS which were then distributed randomly into two groups i.e. Group A [n = 34], patients in this group served as controls and Group B [n = 34], patients who were treated with steroids. Injectable decadron was administered at 0.2mg per kg per day in two divided doses [i.e. every 12 hours]. Infants in present trial were evaluated on the basis of duration of stay at hospital, mortality rate and were also assessed for other morbidities and infections
Results: we observed a statistically significant difference in the duration of stay between the two groups. However, the use of steroids was not correlated with mortality rate since it was same in two groups
Conclusion: the conclusion of our study is that steroids revealed shorter duration of stay and less morbidity I newborns with MAS affect the mechanistic way of MAS and thus favorably affect the outcome
RESUMEN
Objective: bacterial sepsis and meningitis are still major causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns all over the world, especially in premature infants. They must be recognized and treated quickly to prevent death or disability
Study Design: this prospective cross-sectional study
Period and Place of study: 6 months period in Pediatrics Department of Sir Gangaram Hospital Lahore
Materials and Methods: a total of 190neonates fulfilling the inclusion criteria [> 7 days with positive septic screen] were included and subjected to detailed history, clinical examination followed by investigations. All babies with positive septic screen underwent lumber puncture [LP] and cerebral spinal fluid [CSF] was sent to laboratory for cytology and biochemistry
Results: mean age of patients was 15.6+/-6 days with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Frequency of Meningitis in babies with late-onset sepsis was 39.5% [75 patients out of 190]
Conclusion: meningitis is commonly associated with late onset sepsis hence LP should be done as standard protocol in such neonates and the outcome is directly proportional to the diagnosis at initial presentation