Study of urinary IgA in children with protein energy malnutrition

In this study, we measured 24 hr. urinary IgA and serum IgA in 20 male malnourished children [10 marasmus and 10 kwashiorkor] and 10 healthy children as control group, 8 cases have documented urinary infection. Malnourished children were found to have significantly lower urinary IgA and higher serum IgA than control group. Urinary IgA levels in our patients were not significantly related to the presence or absence of urinary infection. It was concluded that low urinary IgA in malnourished children might predispose them to urinary infection. The possible mechanisms behind the observed results were discussed

Detection of the presence of measles antibodies in vaccinated children

The present study aimed at detection of the presence of measles antibodies in children one and two years after vaccination with live attenuated measles vaccine at either 9 or 12 months of age. It was conducted on 46 children aged 2 or 3 years from those attending the outpatient clinic of Alexandria University Children's Hospital. The percentages of children having detectable post-vaccination antibodies against antibodies against measles were 63.64% and 54.55% in those vaccinated at 9 months one or two years after vaccination respectively and were 75% for those vaccinated at 12 months, one or two years after vaccination, with no significant difference between the 4 studied groups

study on electrocardiographic changes in vitamin-d-deficiency rickets

This study was conducted on 30 infants and young children with active rickets ranging in age between 9 and 30 months [mean 16.5 +/- 5.11 months] and ten normal control children of matching age. The diagnosis of rickets depended on the clinical signs and was confirmed by x-ray examination of the wrist joint and determination of serum levels of calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase. ECG was done for the patients and the control children. Inspite of the normal serum calcium level analysis of the results proved that cases of rickets gave ECG findings similar to those of hypocalcemia: prolonged Q-T and Q-Tc intervals, abnormal T wave [93.3% of cases] inverted T wave [70% of cases] and presence of U wave [one case]

E-rosette forming cells in children with pertussis

This work is an attempt to study one of the parameters of cell mediated immunity [CMI] in cases with the clinical syndrome of pertussis, by quantitation of the T-lymphocytes by the E-Rosette technique. For this purpose, twenty cases with pertussis and twenty healthy children were subjected to full clinical examination, complete blood picture and the E-rosette test. The mean total leucocyte count, the percentage and absolute lymphocytic counts were significantly higher in children with pertussis. Also, the mean percentage and absolute T-cell count by the E-Rosette test were significantly higher in pertussis patients

Fluid therapy in paediatric surgical emergencies a simplified scheme and its clinical application

A scheme is presented for fluid and electrolyte therapy in paediatric surgical patients. It was applied on 31 infants and children undergoing various surgical procedures. During application of the scheme frequent clinical assessment as well as laboratory estimation of serum electrolytes were undertaken. The clinical response was satisfactory in the majority of cases. The scheme could be applied safely to children and infants requiring emergency operation without the help of laboratory estimation except in few complicated cases. The response to intravenous fluid therapy in 31 newly born infants and children undergoing major surgery has been studied. The plan of treatment was designed to provide for correlation of dehydration if present and for maintenance of normal fluid and electrolyte levels. Solutions of glucose and of sodium chloride in varying concentrations were used to relief the dehydration, resume urinary flow and restore tissue fluids. Potassium salts were added to these solutions at the proper time. The scheme included an initial phase of 40-80 ml/kgm body weight, a maintenance quantity of 100-150 ml/kgm body weight and a replacement therapy for losses of 20 ml or more per kgm body weight. Cases with marked distension and low sodium levels and those with low potassium serum levels were given special attention. Laboratory estimations of sodium and potassium serum levels were undertaken on admission, and on the first and second post-operative days. Clinical progress in response to intravenous fluid therapy was satisfactory in the majority of cases. Since confidence in the present plan of treatment has increased, it can now be applied to children and infants requiring emergency operation without the help of laboratory estimation except in some complicated cases

Intestinal obstruction in the new-born

This paper deals with 20 cases of neo-natal intestinal obstruction admitted in the paediatric surgical unit during the period from 1958 to 1965. Of these, 5 cases were due to Hirschsprung's disease; 9 cases were due to intestinal atresia, 4 cases were due to malrotation and 2 were due to obstructed Omphalocele. The clinical picture, diagnosis and management are described. Intestinal obstruction in the newborn is a difficult and important pediatric and surgical problem. Most cases are due to congenital obstructive anomalies. Twenty cases of intestinal obstruction in the neonatal period are presented and discussed. The operative management and results of treatment are outlined