Pattern and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese adolescents aged 10-18 years: a community based study

Background: The prevalence and magnitude of childhood obesity is increasing in pediatric age group. Incidence of metabolic syndrome is high among obese children and adolescents leading to increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity in long term. For this reason, recognition of metabolic syndrome in obese children is of great importance.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study carried out among children aged 10-18 years from both urban and rural schools in Coimbatore. Children were screened, sample for metabolic studies collected after consent and analyzed.Results: Total 1582 children in the age group of 10-18 years were screened. 300 children were recruited. Among the studied group, 19.3% were overweight, 30.7% were obese. Metabolic syndrome was present in 55.1% of obese and overweight children. Hyperinsulinemia was present in 30% of obese children.Conclusions: This study done in adolescent school children showed a strong association between obesity and early onset of metabolic syndrome. Early intervention with lifestyle modifications is strongly recommended to prevent long term cardiovascular morbidity.

Leucocyte adhesion defect-1.

Leucocyte adhesion defect (LAD) is an inherited disorder of phagocytic function. It is characterized by inability of the leucocytes, in particular neutrophilis to migrate from the blood stream towards sites of inflammation. LAD -1 is characterized by the absence of b 2 integrins (CD 11 / CD18) on leucocytes. This disorder is characterized by delayed separation of the umbilical cord, recurrent severe infections, periodontitis, and delayed wound healing. We report an infant where the diagnosis was confirmed by flow cytometry.

Symptomatic hepatic hemangioendothelioma in a newborn.

A case of hepatic hemangioendothelioma presenting as congestive cardiac failure in a neonate is reported. There was also evidence of platelet consumption. The case was managed successfully with oral prednisolone, resulting in improvement of symptoms and tumor regression over 3 months.

Radiological evaluation of the urinary tract in children with urinary infection.

OBJECTIVE:This article in to study the association of structural abnormalities of the urinary tract in children with urinary tract infection (UTI) using ultrasound examination. METHODS: 262 children with culture proven urinary tract infection were studied. Antibiotics were given as per sensitivity pattern. All children had an ultrasound of the abdomen done within 3 weeks. A micturating cystourethrogram (MCU) was done in those with abnormalities of the lower urinary tract detected on ultrasound, as well as in those who had recurrence of infection, after a normal ultrasound. IVU and renal isotope scans were done in selected cases. RESULT: All children were followed up until one year after the study period. Fifty-four patients had an underlying urinary tract anomaly; 42 were picked up by ultrasound and 12 by MCU. 22.9% of males and 15.9% of females had anomaly of the urinary tract. Children less than 2 years had the highest incidence of anomalies. CONCLUSION: Pelviureteric junction obstruction with hydronephrosis, vesicoureteric reflux and non-refluxing megaureter are the major anomalies picked up. 20% of children with urinary tract infections have an underlying structural abnormality of the urinary tract, three-fourth of which are picked up on ultrasound. An ultrasound abdomen is recommended in all children after the first UTI. In addition, an MCU is also indicated in all boys below 2 years with UTI, since one-third of anomalies will be missed if only ultrasound is done.