Severity and Cardiac Involvement in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Multisystem infammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) occurs secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A retrospective study, involving 6 tertiary-care centers in Haryana, was conducted to evaluate the clinical features, severity, laboratory fndings, and outcomes of patients with MIS-C. Disease severity was graded (mild/ moderate/severe) and presence of cardiac abnormalities noted. Patients with and without cardiac abnormalities and with and without severe disease were compared. Forty-eight children with MIS-C were included (median age - 9.5 y). Fever (100%), gastrointestinal (83.3%) and mucocutaneous (50%) symptoms were common. Only 16.7% patients had previous history of documented SARS-CoV-2 infection/contact. Severe disease and cardiac abnormalities were seen in 47.9% and 54.2% patients, respectively. NT-proBNP>1286.5 pg/mL and thrombocytopenia (?119500/µL) were signifcant risk factors for severe MIS-C. Forty-fve patients (93.8%) recovered and 3 died. Median hospitalization duration was 7 d (5–9.5). MIS-C must be considered as a possibility in any febrile child, even if a positive epidemiological history is absent. High NT-proBNP and thrombocytopenia are signifcant risk factors for severe MIS-C.

Thoracoscopic Ligation of Thoracic Duct for Spontaneous Chylothorax.

Spontaneous chylothorax, without a predisposing factor is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion beyond the neonatal period. We present a case of left sided spontaneous chylothorax in a 20-month-old boy. We report successful management of this difficult problem with thoracoscopic ligation of thoracic duct after a failed trial with conservative management.

Under diagnosis of asthma in school children and its related factors.

A cross-sectional study was carried out on one thousand school children studying in three public schools of Delhi and Haryana between 10 to 17 year age group over the period of one year (2001-02). It aimed in studying under diagnosis of asthma in school children and its related factors. Questionnaires including details of medical, social, environmental factors precipitating asthma were filled by the parents and class teachers. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed. Based on questionnaires and PFT results, children were grouped as labeled and unlabeled asthmatics. Cough was found to be equally prevalent in both the groups while wheezing and shortness of breath were independent and significant factors associated with getting a physician diagnosis.

Cefpodoxime: pharmacokinetics and therapeutic uses.

Cefpodoxime is a semi-synthetic, third generation cephalosporin. The drug is available for use as a prodrug-Cefpodoxime proxetil, which is absorbed readily from the gut. It reaches adequate levels exceeding the MIC in most of the body fluids. It is excreted by kidneys, unchanged. Dose needs adjustment in compromised renal function. The drug is active against common gram-positive cocci like staphylococci including penicillinase producing strains, streptococci and gram negative bacteria like Hemophilus, E. coli, Klebsiella, Moraxella, Meningococci, Gonococci etc. The drug is useful in common upper and lower respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, and otitis media. The drug is also used in skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infection and respiratory tract infection. Cefpodoxime is being used as a step down from parenteral cephalosporin. The recommended dose is 8-10 mg/kg/d in a single or two doses. Different schedules have been given for different infections. The drug is safe, effective as a short course (5 vs. 10 days). With a low incidence of side effects, and twice a day dosing, it proves to be a useful drug.

Acute asthma in emergency room.

Acute asthmatic exacerbation is one of the commonest emergencies seen in the pediatric age group. Viral infections are the most important triggers which set up the inflammatory reaction in the bronchial mucosa. GINA 2002 guidelines for assessing the severity and management are very useful for day to day practice. There is evidence to support the view that metered dose inhaler alongwith spaceor with or without mask is as effective as the standard doses of beta-2 agonists given by nebulizer. Ipratrpium bromide adds to the benefits of short acting beta-2 agonists. Systemic steroids should be started early. Early introduction of l/v beta-2 agonists and trial of l/v magnesium sulfate in non-responders have been recently recommended. Intravenous aminophylline can be tried in addition to full dose beta-2 agonists in those who reach the PICU. A close watch on the patient by monitoring clinical parameters, pulse oximeter, arterial blood gases and peak flow rate help in deciding whether there is need to further step up the therapy. Non-conventional measures like ketamine should be tried only under constant monitoring.