Rickets: a cause of delayed walking in toddlers.

OBJECTIVE: Children with complaints of not able to walk were investigated for rickets by appropriate history, clinical examination, serum biochemistry and radiology. METHODS: Children more than 1 yr were included. Each child was evaluated keeping in mind the possible causes of delayed walking. Also each child was thoroughly examined and diagnosed by combination of clinical, radiological, biochemical findings and response to treatment. RESULTS: Out of forty-two non-walkers during the study period, 25 patients turned out to be affected by nutritional rickets (60%). On follow-up at 3 weeks of treatment, all 25 patients (100%) showed radiological and biochemical response. Five patients were lost to follow-up after 3 weeks of treatment. Seventeen patients started walking within 3 months of treatment. Two patients did not start walking even after complete biochemical and radiological resolution. Radiological resolution, with limiting factor being the healing of lower end of ulna, averaged 5 months. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that majority of ricketic non-walkers start walking within 2 to 5 months of appropriate treatment.

Cefpodoxime - utility in respiratory tract infections and typhoid fever.

Cefpodoxime is a oral third generation cephalosporin active against most of gram positive and gram negative bacteria except Pseudomonas, B. fragilis and Entrococcous. Clinical studies have confirmed efficacy of cefpodoxime in acute otitis media, sinusitis and tosillopharyngitis. Twice daily administration and safety profile increases compliance and decreases failure rate. It has a role as switch over therapy from intravenous ceftriaxone in serious respiratory tract infections (RTIs). In areas where common respiratory pathogens show decreased sensitivity to penicillins and macrolides cefpodoxime can be used as empirical first line therapy in respiratory tract infections. It seems to be a promising molecule in pediatric typhoid fever because of its excellent activity against Salmonella species but clinical trials are limited.