Hypovitaminosis D; in children in the absence of significant clinical symptoms and signs

Objectives: to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children under 12 years of age in the absence of significant clinical signs and symptoms in an ambulatory care settings

Study Design: descriptive study

Settings and duration: this study was conducted in Pediatric out Patient Department of KAUH from June 2013 to June 2014

Materials and methods: patients attending the pediatric clinic in KAUH Riyadh, KSA, from June2013 to June 2014, in which 287 healthy children under 12 years were enrolled. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH] D] were measured .X ray wrists were taken for radiological evidence of rickets. 25[OH] D levels <50 ng/mL and <25 ng/mL were defined as insufficiency and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively

Results: a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is observed in healthy children even in absence of clinical signs and symptoms. The problem should be highlighted and there is a need to create awareness among people about the etiology of vitamin D deficiency and its prevention.There is a strong need for long term planning including populationscreening, dietary supplementation with vitamin D and food fortification

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