Serum magnesium level; comparison between healthy and malnourished children

To evaluate serum magnesium level in children with 3rd degree malnutrition and to compare these values with healthy children. Cross sectional comparative study. Pediatric Department of Allied Hospital Faisalabad from Oct. 2003 to Nov. 2004. Cases: 60 children of age six month to five year having weight < 60% of that for age. Control: 60 healthy children of age six month to five year having weight > 80% of that for age. Both cases and controls were selected from indoor and outdoor through simple random sampling. Detailed history and examination was done and S/Mg level were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS by applying T test and was presented by frequency tables. The cases showed decreased S/Mg level [1.11 +/- 0.24 mg/dl] as compared to controls [2.01 +/- 0.78mg/dl].S/Mg levels were also decreased in cases with height < 80% of that for age [0.98 +/- 0.5mg/dl] as compared to controls having height > 90% of that for age. S/Mg levels were markedly low in cases who had low albumin level [0.98 +/- 0.05 mg/dl] and those children who presented with persistent diarrhea [0.96 +/- 0.12mg/dl]. S/Mg levels were decreased in children with PEM as compared to those with age and sex matched control. This decrease in S/Mg levels was marked in those cases who had decrease serum albumin level and persistent diarrhea

Bronchiolitis with montelukast; to determine improvement in symptoms in 02 months to 02 years old children

To assess the efficacy of montelukast in children with bronchiolitis. Experimental-Preventive. Pediatrics department Allied/DHQ hospital affiliated with Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, from 1[st] Nov 2007 to 30[th] April 2008. One hundred children of bronchiolitis were studied in two equal groups, group A and group B. To group A montelukast along with symptomatic treatment was given. Group B was given only symptomatic treatment. The criteria of treatment efficacy was taken as number of symptoms free days and nights, bronchiodilator rescue therapy, duration of hospital stay and complications like worsening of symptoms, ventilatory support and side effects of drug therapy. Symptoms free days were increased in group A as compare to group B [P value = 0.000] whereas duration of symptoms free nights were significant numerically but not statistically. There was a significant reduction in exacerbations [P = 0.046] and use of rescue therapy [beta 2-agonist] in group A. Leukotriene receptor antagonist [LRTA] reduced the duration and severity of lung symptoms in children with Bronchiolitis

Comparison of serum zinc levels between healthy and malnourished children

To compare serum zinc levels of healthy and malnourished children. Prospective study. Department of Pediatrics and Dermatology Allied/DHQ Hospital Punjab Medical College Faisalabad between July 2006 to September 2006. Serum zinc levels of 150 children between the ages of 2 months to 14 years of either sex were studied, out of which 75 hospitalized children were suffering from malnutrition while 75 healthy children were taken as control from the outdoor. Both groups were further divided into three age groups 2 months to 4 years, 5-10 years and 11-14 years. Verbal consent was taken from all the parents. All the details of children were enrolled on a specific proforma designed for the study. No ethical issue was involved. Malnourished children were classified and sub-grouped according to modified Gomez classification. Serum zinc levels were measured at HiTech Laboratory, Agriculture University, Faisalabad by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, the most widely used and reliable method. The mean serum zinc level of 75 healthy children was found to be 99.97 micro g/dl [Standard Error +/- 10.2] while mean serum zinc level of 75 malnourished children was 51.2 micro g/dl [ +/- 1.14]. The children suffering from 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree malnutrition were 22, 27 and 26 in number with a mean level of 56.36 micro g/dl [ +/- 2.26], 51.56 micro g/dl [ +/- 1.89] and 46.46 micro g/dl [ +/- 1.36] respectively. Statistical analysis of data was done by calculating P-value with analysis of variance of serum zinc level for degree of malnutrition, age and sex. It showed that serum zinc level of malnourished children is significantly low [P-value = 0.001]. There is a significant difference of serum zinc levels between healthy and malnourished children especially in children with diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. This signifies a proper replacement of zinc as part of management of malnutrition and also during disease process

Frequently associated problems of cerebral palsy

To identify the frequently associated problems of cerebral palsy in our setup. Descriptive case series. Department of Pediatrics, Allied Hospital Faisalabad during the period of 2005-2006, Two hundred children from 1 to 12 years of age of either sex who were diagnosed as cerebral palsy on the basis of history and clinical examination were included and associated problems were identified. Out of 200 cases of CP, the most commonly identified problem was nutritional disorder and growth failure followed by mental retardation, constipation, seizures, contractures, aspiration pneumonia, urinary tract infection, oromotor dysfunctions, visual abnormalities, dental anomalies, hearing abnormalities, scoliosis and behaviour disturbances in that order

Neonatal lupus

The case presented here is of a newborn having cutaneous lesion which were noticed soon after birth. Cutaneous lesion included well demarcated macular erythematous rash over face. The cutaneous lesion was associated with positive anti Ro Ab in the newborn as well as in the mother. There was no evidence of hepatic, cardiac and hematological involvement in this newborn

Infections in pre-term babies; role of intravenous immunoglobulins

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of I/V immunoglobulins for prophylaxis against sepsis in preterm newborn. Design of study: Prospective study Setting: Department of Pediatrics at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: From October 1999 to August 2001

Material and Methods: Seventy newborns of either sex, weighing 1000 gms to 2000 gms [mean 1450 gms] with gestational age 28 to 35 weeks [mean 31 weeks] were included and assigned into 2 groups [35 babies in each group]. On alternate basis one group [study group] was given I/V immunoglobulins 500 mg/kg on day 1, 3 and 10 and the other was not [control group]. The serum level of Immunoglobulins was not determined

Results: Maternal and neonatal risk factors for infection did not differ between the two groups. There was a significant difference in development of sepsis [both culture positive and negative] as well as mortality in the study group as compared to control group. The drug was well tolerated without any significant adverse reactions

Conclusion: It is recommended to give intravenous immunoglobulins to preterm babies, for prophylaxis against infections especially in high risk group