Brain stem auditory evoked responses and visual evoked responses in children with tubercular meningitis.

Thirty two patients between 6 months and 14 years of age with tubercular meningitis were evaluated for brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) and Visual evoked responses (VER), within 7 days of admission. Absolute latencies and interpeak latencies were compared with values obtained from normal children. BAER abnormality was found in 56.25% and VER in 28%children, respectively. BAER abnormality correlated with Glasgow Coma Scale at admission and discharge, stage of meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, seizure activity, and poor outcome. VER abnormality correlated with abnormal fundus findings only.

Anthropometric profile and perinatal outcome of babies born to young women (< 18 years).

This study was conducted to ascertain the sociodemographic profile, maternal characteristics, neonatal anthropometry and perinatal outcome in adolescent pregnancy (18 years or less). 128 consecutive primiparous women more than 18 years of age served as the control group. There were 4556 deliveries during the study period. Young adolescents accounted for 1.25% of total pregnancies. The proportion of shorter (<145 cm), lighter (<45 Kg), and anemic (Hb. <9 g/dL) women was significantly higher in the study group. Incidence of premature delivery in the young adolescents was significantly higher. Mean birth weight, length, head circumference and chest circumference of full-term babies of adolescent mothers were significantly lower.

Prevalence of goitre in school-going children in Jabalpur.

To determine the prevalence of goitre in school going children in Jabalpur city and critically evaluate clinical, biochemical and hormonal profile of goitrous children, 1205 children (800 boys and 405 girls) between 6 to 15 years of age were enrolled from 6 different schools located within the Jabalpur city limits. Conducting a Cross-sectional survey relevant family variables, eating habits (including type of salt used), anthropometry and general physical details were recorded in a pre-designed proforma. Thyroid gland was examined and graded as per standard technique. Spot urinary iodine excretion (UIE) of all goitrous children (n = 26) and randomly selected age and sex matched normal non-goitrous children (n = 63) was determined by dry-ashing method. Thyroid hormone profile of goitrous children was assessed by radio-immuno-assay. Student's t-test, z-test and proportionate test were employed to evaluate the statistical significance of the observations. It has been drawn a result that there was low prevalence of goitre in school going children of Jabalpur city. (2.4%, 26/1205). Girls had a higher prevalence (3.2%) than boys (1.6%), however the difference was statistically not insignificant. All goitrous children had small goitre (Grade I) 88.76% children had spot UIE > 100 mcg/l with as many as 13.4% having spot UIE > 150 mcg/l. No child had spot UIE < mcg/l. 11.23% of children had spot UIE of < 100 mcg/l with higher proportion of goitrous children (7/26, 26.92%) than the age matched, non-goitrous controls (3/63, 4.76%). The mean UIE of goitrous children was 109.6 +/- 22.1 mcg/l (range 80-150 mcg/l) and that of control children was 122.9 +/- 17.0 mcg/l (range 90-150 mcg/l). Thyroid hormone profile of goitrous children was in euthyroid range. Salt iodine content could not be done due to non-availability of kit. Jabalpur city is not endemic for iodine deficiency both by clinical as well biochemical criteria. The observed goitre cases are of sporadic variety.

Changing trends in mortality and morbidity in a teaching hospital in central India.

A comparison of mortality and morbidity pattern of hospital admissions of children under 14 years during 1966-68 and 1977-81 has been made. Annual admission rate has increased from 1515 to 2515, which is in proportion to the population increase of 3 lacs from 1966 to 1981. Recently more than 70% were discharged within a week as against 52% during 1966-68, indicating a faster turnover and a need for more beds. Protein energy malnutrition, infections and diarrhoea with dehydration were main killers. The pattern of mortality and morbidity has not much changed from 1966 to 81 but mortality rates at all ages have considerably declined in recent years (neonatal, post neonatal, preschool and school). Measures to decline it further have been discussed. The data should be of interest to those engaged in planning health strategies and to teachers in defining priorities in Medical education.

PIP: A comparison of mortality and morbidity patterns of hospital admissions for children under age 14 between 1966-68 and 1977-81 has been made. Annual admission rate has increased from 1515 to 2515, which is in proportion to the population increase of 3 lacs from 1966-81. Recently, more than 70% were discharged within 1 week as compared to 51% during 1966-68, indicating a faster turnover and a need for more beds. Protein energy malnutrition, infections, and diarrhea with dehydration were the main causes of death. The pattern of mortality and morbidity has not changed much from 1966-81, but mortality rates at all ages have declined considerably in recent years (neonatal, postneonatal, preschool and school-age). Measures to decrease it even further have been discusses. the data should be of interest to those engaged in planning health strategies and to teachers in order to help define priorities in medical education.