ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes an enterically transmitted viral disease mainly affecting children and endemic in many developing countries, including India. There is an epidemiological shift with an increased incidence of symptomatic cases among children. This study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of HAV among young children aged below 5 years and the need for universal immunization. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in Northern India, from Apr 2014 to Jul 2015, among healthy children aged between 1 and 5 years. The sample size was calculated based on the prevalence of HAV seropositivity of 40% among children aged <10 years [16-60%] and alpha error of 5%. Analysis of serum IgG against HAV was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and results were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1084 children aged between 12 and 60 months were enrolled, with male-to-female ratio of 1.86:1. A total of 471 children (43.5%) were found to be positive for IgG against HAV. The seroprevalence of HAV was lower among younger children aged 12-23 months (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52-0.87, p = 0.03), which was statistically significant. Seropositivity of HAV was lower among boys and families consuming safe drinking water and having improved sanitation facilities. CONCLUSION: The study observed lower seropositivity against HAV among younger children, making them susceptible of contracting the disease. Possible underlying risk factors were younger age, unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and low education status of parents. Therefore, vaccination may be recommended as optional vaccine at one year of age, along with improved public health efforts for safe drinking water, hygiene practices, and food safety.
ABSTRACT
We report the case of a 10-year-old male who developed gangrene of his fingers and toes following severe dengue fever complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Child developed bilateral dry gangrene of fingers and toes. All the peripheral pulses of the affected limbs were palpable. The child had no history of taking B-blockers, ergot alkaloids or other related medications. Color Doppler of peripheral arterial and venous systems of all limbs indicated normal flow. Blood was positive for D-dimers and fibrin degradation products. The patient was managed with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, low molecular weight heparin, blood transfusions, fresh frozen plasma and other supportive measures. Peripheral gangrene seen in DIC associated with dengue is very rare and carries a higher mortality.
