Caesarian Vs Vaginal Delivery: From A Human Microbiota Perspective

The route of the birth delivery influences new born's health. Children born via Cesarean section are at increased risk of developing asthma, systemic connective tissue disorders, juvenile arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, immune deficiencies and leukemia. Part of these diseases is believed to be related to maturation of neonatal immune system. During vaginal delivery, the contact with the maternal vaginal and intestinal flora is an important source for the start of the infant's colonisation. During Caesarean delivery, this direct contact is absent, and non-maternally derived environmental bacteria plays an important role for infant's gastro-intestinal colonisation. The primary function of microbial colonisation during the foetal period, intrapartum and after the birth is crucial in maturation and development of new-bornimmune system. This review supports the choice of the route of birth delivery and consequently favours a decrease in unnecessary Cesarean sections. It is crucial to provide this information to pregnant women and/or couples and health workers to make informed and educated decisions

Sirenomelia

Sirenomelia is a rare and fatal congenital defect characterized by varying degrees of lower limb fusion, thoracolumbar spinal anomalies, sacrococcygeal agenesis, genitourinary, and anorectal atresia. We report a case of baby, born with narrow chest, bilateral hypoplastic thumb, fused lower limbs with a single foot and 5 toes, absent external genitalia, imperforate anus and umbilical cord with single umbilical artery. When diagnosed antenatally, termination should be offered

Demographic Evaluation of Pediatric Medico-Legal Cases in Casualty

Introduction: Paediatric medico-legal cases are important public health problems in the paediatric casualty in India. These cases are among the leading causes of paediatric disabilities and deaths. We conducted a study to evaluate the demographic features of the medico-legal cases who presented to our paediatric casualty. Methodology: In a total of two-year study period, 120 patients were presented in casualty as medico-legal cases. Information about the patients was obtained from hospital records and analysed by us from casualty. Results: 70 male (58.3%) and 50 female (41.6%) patients were included in our study. The majority of the patients were between 10- 14 years of age (n=30; 25.0%). Fall from height was the major complaint (n= 60; 50%) of our patients. Winter was the most common season (n= 37; 30.6%) and January (n=13; 11%) was the most common month for medico-legal admissions. The majority of the patients (n=42; 35%) presented to our emergency room between 18-24 hours. 78 cases (65%) had health risks at the time of presentation. Conclusion: Developing effective & preventive strategies is essential to prevent child injuries. Majority of cases were males and adolescents. There is an urgent need to focus more on this vulnerable age group i.e., adolescent age group. There should be increased awareness among paediatricians about these medico legal cases and improving counselling skills to handle relatives of patients

Neonatal Facial Subcutaneous Abscess: A Case Report

Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are common diagnosis in both the pediatric and adult populations and include abscesses and cellulitis. An abscess is a focal, contained, purulent infection with a clearly defined “cavity” and surrounding inflammation involving the deep subcutaneous tissues. There has been overall increase in SSTIs, with a concomitant rise in the incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). We here report a case of facial subcutaneous abscess in neonate, a 20-days-old male full term baby born to a G2P1D1 mother via LSCS in view of non-progression of labor with birth weight of 2.8 kgs presented in our hospital with subcutaneous abscess diffusely present on the left side of the scalp & face. Informant was father with good reliability. All relevant investigations sent & IVantibiotics like meropenem & vancomycin started. Incision & drainage done by pediatric surgeon & 100 ml pus removed. IVantibiotics given for 14 days. In summary, though upper & lower limb skin abscesses are more common, but one should not miss the facial subcutaneous abscess for their prompt and effective management.

Assessment of Rational Antibiotic Use in Pediatric Ward in A Teaching Hospital

Introduction:Antibiotics are a class of natural and synthetic compounds that inhibit the growth of or kill other microorganisms. These are among the most frequently prescribed medications in modern medicine. The use of antibiotics has contributed to the dramatic fall in morbidity from communicable and infectious diseases over the last 50 years globally. Overuse of antibiotic is one of the most important factors for the development and spread of resistance in the hospital, as well as in the community. Methodology:The present study was conducted in pediatric ward of a tertiary care institute. The study population included 250 children. The group consisted of 250 consecutive children admitted in one unit of the pediatric ward and they were analyzed for antibiotic use without any prior priming of the members of the unit regarding rationality of antibiotic use. Results: Age and sex wise distribution of 250 children included in the study. Of these 166(57%) were males and 84 (43%) were females. 60 received antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, this being the commonest disease for which antibiotics were received. 55 (44%) children received antibiotics in rational way. Conclusion: From this study it is clear that there is lack of proper rational antibiotic usage by unit doctors. To conclude it can be stated that inappropriate use of antibiotics is increasing and is responsible for rapidly developing antimicrobial resistance. To increase rational use of antibiotics the members of the unit (treating physicians) should be motivated regarding correct uses of antibiotics and hazards of their inappropriate use. A proper workshop should be arranged for this

An Observational Study of Clinical Profile & Short-Term Outcome with Use of Pulse Therapy of Methylprednisolone Alone Vs Methylprednisolone and Intravenous Immunoglobulin In Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. There is persistent fever along with inflammation, which can lead to medical emergencies and neonates and children may require critical care. Aims and objectives: This study evaluates use of pulse therapy of methyl prednisolone versus prednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC). Methodology: This analytical study was carried out in 30 children with history of SARS-CoV-19 or MISC attending the PICU or NICU of the Tertiary care centre of DVVPF's Medical College, Ahmednagar. The study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2021.Results: Total of 30 patients were studied with male majority (60%), and mean age of 7.35 years. 28 were kept in the ICU (93.33%). GI symptoms were seen in 24 cases (80%), Mucocutaneous manifestation in 25 cases (83.33%), Multiorgan involvement (>3 organs) in 23 cases (76.67%). D Dimer was raised in 29 cases (96.67%), Thrombocytopenia was seen in 24 cases (80%). CNS involvement in 14 cases (46.67%) with headaches in 7 (23.33%), encephalopathy in 5 cases (16.67%) and seizures in 4 cases (13.33%). Respiratory system involvement was seen in 16 cases (53.33%). We observed that the outcome characteristic features were better in the Methylprednisolone pulse therapy plus IVIG group. (p<0.05) Out of 15 patients in the two groups, 3 patients died in Methylprednisolone pulse therapy group (20%) while there was one death in the Methylprednisolone pulse therapy plus IVIG group. Significant difference was seen in the survival of the two groups. (p = 0.04). Conclusion: There is improvement in both the groups which received the treatment with either Methylprednisolone pulse therapy or Methylprednisolone pulse therapy plus IVIG. Comparatively there was less ICU stay, less complications and better patient survival in Methylprednisolone pulse therapy plus IVIG group.

Neonatal & Paediatric Point Of Care Ultrasound (Pocus): A Novel Standard Practice

An ever expanding branch of applications have been developed for ultrasound, including its goal directed use at the bedside, often called point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Although neonatologist-performed functional echocardiography has been at the frontline of the worldwide growth of POCUS, a rapidly growing body of evidence has also demonstrated the importance of non-cardiac applications, including guidance of placement of central catheterisation and lumbar puncture, endotracheal tube localisation as well as rapid estimation of the brain, lungs, bladder and bowel. Ultrasonography has become a pivotal adjunct to the care of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); but a full appreciation for its diagnostic capabilities in the NICU is lacking. Ultrasonography (USG) is no longer the exclusive domain of radiologists and cardiologists. With appropriate training, clinician performed ultrasound (CPU) is now practised widely in obstetrics, emergency medicine and adult intensive care .In many developed countries, it is standard practice in neonatology. In this review, we will discuss neonatal & paediatric point of care ultrasound (POCUS) as a novel standard practice & its clinical application for assessment of the head, heart, lung, gut and bladder for vascular line localization & for endotracheal tube placement. As new applications and adoption of point-of-care ultrasound continues to gain acceptance in paediatric and neonatal medicine throughout the world, a rapidly growing body of evidence suggests that the result will be faster, safer and more successful diagnosis and treatment of our patients.

Primary Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Due To Warm Reactive Autoantibodies: A Rare Case Report

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an acquired form of hemolytic anemia in which autoantibodies target red blood cell (RBC) membrane antigens, inducing cell rupture (lysis). It affects both pediatric and adult populations, although its presentation in childhood is relatively rare, with the annual incidence [3]estimated to be approximately 0.8 per 100,000 individuals under 18 years old . Here we report one such a rare case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia due to primary warm reactive autoantibodies in a 3 year old female child. As there was presence of hemolysis in peripheral blood smear & other investigations also, Direct coomb's test was done & it came out to be positive which was suggestive of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, as following laboratory reports are suggestive of continuous destruction of RBC & after introduction of steroids parameters of hemolysis came out to be normal suggestive of warm reactive autoantibodies type of AIHA. Clinically also patient improved & her urine colour also became normal after when prednisolone started. Patient also did not have any features of secondary causes of warm autoantibody like Systemic lupus erythematous, immunodeficiency disorders, ulcerative colitis & lymphoproliferative disorders so it was considered primary or idiopathic. W-AIHAtends to have a chronic course and is not expected to subside without treatment. It can be a fatal disease, with a mortality rate of up to 4% in children, either because of the acuity of the presentation or because of being refractory to treatment and requiring multiple lines of therapy with frequently associated toxicity. Fortunately, our patient responded to steroid therapy.

Impact of Educational Intervention on Rational Antibiotic Use In Pediatric Ward

Introduction: Introduction: Antibiotics are a class of natural and synthetic compounds that inhibit the growth of or kill other microorganisms. Overuse of antibiotic is one of the most important factors for the development and spread of resistance in the hospital, as well as in the community. Present study was designed to describe antibiotic use in children and to assess the impact of an educational intervention on antibiotic prescription. Methodology:The present study was conducted in pediatric ward of a tertiary care institute. The study population included two groups of children – each having 250 children. The first group consisted of 250 consecutive children admitted in one unit of the pediatric ward and they were analyzed for antibiotic use without any prior priming of the members of the unit regarding rationality of antibiotic use. This was followed by an intervention in the form of a 3hour workshop for all members of the unit. The second group included another 250 children consecutively admitted in the wards after this intervention. Results:In Pre intervention group 55 (44%) children received antibiotics in rational way, while in Post intervention group 90(60.40%) children received antibiotic in rational way. One hundred and thirty-six children (49.4%) received antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, this being the commonest disease for which antibiotics were received. As seen in the table, unindicated use of antibiotic was significantly reduced in Post intervention group (p = 0.03).Conclusion: The present study included 500 children. There were 285 (57%) males and 215 (43%) females. Amongst these 500 patients, 178 (35.6%) were below 1 year of age. This group had the highest number of patients. In the Pre intervention group, 55 (44%) children received antibiotics rationally, while in Post intervention group 90(60.40%) children received antibiotic rationally

Beta Thalassemia Major with Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report

Thalassemia occurs due to defects in normal hemoglobin production. Globally it is most common inherited anaemia. Diabetes is a complication of b-thalassemia major. We report a case of Diabetes mellitus in a known case of beta thalassemia major. Patient had undergone splenectomy 1 year back. Patient is taking chelating agent Defasirox 1000mg orally once a day in the morning. Family history reveals, born through third degree consanguineous marriage. The patient was then subjected for laboratory examination reveals BSLwas 490, urine ketone 2+, urine sugar 3+, ABG was normal, HbA1c was 13 & 3 month old report of serum ferritin 1200 ng/dl. TFTand GH studies normal. Multidisciplinary management was instituted. Blood sugar level got controlled over subcutaneous insulin. Patient may have landed in Diabetic ketoacidosis but was promptly diagnosed & treated. This case is presented for its rarity. Due to increase in life expectancy of patient with thalassemia major, patient will expose more years of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Sustaining metabolic control and controlling cardiovascular risk factors helps to prevent future complications.

Newer Therapies In Management of Neonatal Birth Asphyxia

Asphyxia is an insult to the fetus or newborn due to lack 1 of oxygen or lack of perfusion to various organs.National Neonatology Forum of India has de?ned asphyxia as gasping or ineffective breathing or lack of 2breathing at 1 min of life.Birth asphyxia is one of the most important causes of neonatal brain injury whose incidence ranges from 3.7 to 9/1000 deliveries in the 3west.With the advent of therapeutic hypothermia (TH), improved outcomes are being reported in moderate HIE. TH, however, has not demonstrated improvement in outcomes related to severe HIE. . This has led clinicians and researchers to continue evaluating complementary and/or alternative therapies for infants with HIE. In this review, we will discuss current and emerging therapies in the management of HIE, other than hypothermia. With issues of access to health care and the burden of birth asphyxia shifting to developing and least developed nations, there is a need for alternative and supplementary neuroprotective agents. Low cost and easy availability along with ease of use would assist in ensuring that these therapies have global applicability. So global efforts must be taken to increase such studies as birth asphyxia is causing more morbidity & mortality globally