A Hospital-Based Study of Vitamin D Levels in Children With Recurrent Respiratory Infections.

Background The association of sub-normal vitamin D levels with respiratory tract infections in children has been a topic of interest in the recent literature. Vitamin D insufficiency has been explored as a modifiable risk factor in the management of pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections. Methodology This hospital-based study included 108 children as cases aged six months to 15 years who were enrolled either as inpatients or outpatients with recurrent respiratory infections. In total, 55 healthy children of the same age group attending the hospital for vaccination and routine check-ups during the study period were included as controls. Venous blood specimens were collected from cases and controls to study serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Results The mean age of the cases and controls was 68.25 ± 40.3 months and 52.6 ± 40.9 months, respectively. Among the cases, 25% were vitamin D deficient and 75% had vitamin D insufficiency. The difference in proportions of vitamin D sufficiency status among cases and controls was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions There was a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children with recurrent respiratory infections compared to controls. The vitamin D status assessment should be included in the management of children with recurrent respiratory infections.

Aqueductal stenosis with optic atrophy in case of malignant osteopetrosis.

Malignant osteopetrosis is a rare autosomal recessive bone disease usually present with short stature, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and macrocephaly. Here we report a rare case of malignant osteopetrosis presented with evidence of short stature, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, rickets, aqueductal stenosis, and hydrocephalus with resultant optic atrophy.

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: A diagnostic dilemma.

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory damage to joints, kidney, central nervous system, and hematopoietic system in the form of fever, cutaneous lesion including skin rash, arthritis, anemia, and fatigue. We report a case in which the patient had features mimicking idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and juvenile dermatomyositis, but on a detailed Hematological investigation and kidney biopsy patient was diagnosed as juvenile SLE.