Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome: Hindi translation and validation

BACKGROUND

Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is a common problem in school-aged children and is evaluated using questionnaires. Among available questionnaires, "Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome" (VSSDES) is considered superior in validity and reliability. We translated VSSDES into Hindi and performed validity and reliability testing of Hindi-VSSDES in children aged 4-16 years with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we followed Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments recommendation to develop Hindi-VSSDES. Forward-translation-harmonization-back-translation-expert committee review-prefinal version sequence of translation was followed by cognitive debriefing. One hundred and sixteen children with symptoms suggestive of LUTD and 106 healthy controls were recruited. Construct validity of Hindi-VSSDES was assessed via structural validity (factor analysis) and hypotheses testing. In addition, test-retest reliability and internal-consistency reliability were assessed.

RESULTS

Hindi-VSSDES had acceptable face validity. Factor analysis identified four factors representing three domains. All a priori hypotheses were met. The questionnaire displayed excellent convergent validity and discriminative ability (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.83). The cutoff scores for screening and diagnosis were 7 and 11, respectively. Scores were comparable whether children self-filled the questionnaire or parents were proxy. Scores in girls were significantly higher. It had an excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) and Cronbach's ɑ was 0.62. The smallest detectable change was 4.1 points. Median time to complete the questionnaire was 7 min and majority (91%) rated it as easy.

CONCLUSIONS

Hindi-VSSDES is the first validated and reliable Hindi questionnaire for children with BBD. Clinimetric properties of responsiveness and interpretability are yet to be tested.

Seroprotection against measles in previously vaccinated children with difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are vulnerable to infections. Measles infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed children. A suboptimal seroprotection against measles has been shown in immunocompromised children. There is limited published literature on measles immunity in children with difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome (DTNS). We compared the proportions of children with DTNS and healthy controls who were seroprotected against measles.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Measles-specific IgG antibodies of 108 children with DTNS (3 to 10 years of age) and an equal number of age-matched healthy controls were measured. All children had received two doses of measles-containing vaccine at 9-12 and 16-24 months of age under routine immunisation programme. Serum measles IgG antibody titres were measured by indirect ELISA. The assay results were interpreted as (1) > 11 NTU (NovaTec Units), positive/seroprotective titres; (2) 9-11, equivocal; and (3) < 9 NTU, negative. Inter- and intra-group comparisons were made to identify the disease characteristics related to seroprotection status.

RESULTS

The proportion of children with protective anti-measles antibodies (n = 70, 65%) was significantly lower in DTNS as compared to controls (n = 88, 81.48%) (p = 0.005). Their median [IQR] antibody titres were also significantly lower than those in controls (14.1 [14] NTU vs. 18.3 [15.2] NTU (p = 0.001). The age, gender, clinical subtype, duration of disease, and type of immunosuppressive therapy were not significantly different between seroprotected and non-seroprotected children with DTNS.

CONCLUSION

A significantly lower percentage of fully vaccinated children with DTNS were seroprotected against measles compared to healthy controls. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Postpartum depression in Covid-19 risk-stratified hospital zones: A cross-sectional study from India

Objective

To determine point prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and whether quarantine policies required in postpartum COVID-19 suspects increased the risk of depressive symptoms when compared COVID -19 non suspects in early postpartum period.

Methods

A cross-sectional study conducted in the postnatal ward of Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, New Delhi from August 2020 to February 2021 using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to estimate point prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in the stratified zones (suspect and nonsuspect) of the hospital.

Results

Total of 408 postpartum women,204 each (COVID-19 suspects, and nonsuspects zone) were enrolled. Prevalence of Postpartum depression using an EDPS score of >9 was 11.9%. Prevalence of depression (17.9%; vs 4.85%, p <0.001) and level of depression (5.01±3.41 vs 4.14± 2.54, p 0.004) was significantly higher in mothers in isolated quarantine wards of COVID-19 suspect zone as compared to nonsuspect zones. Anhedonia was reported significantly higher (p <0.001) in suspect zone mothers. Multivariate analysis showed 'stay in COVID-19 suspect zone' and 'COVID-19 Suspect status' as a significant predictor of PPD.

Conclusion

Covid -19 postpartum suspects are at increased risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms due to isolation and quarantine measures required in suspect zones to mitigate viral transmission.

Limitations - Due to the cross-sectional nature of the study long-term impacts on mental health due to isolation could not be assessed. Factors such as marital relationship, COVID -19 related risk factors weren't assessed which may have bearing on the risk of developing PPD.

The bridging bronchus: A comprehensive review of a rare, potentially life-threatening congenital airway anomaly associated with cardiovascular defects

The bridging bronchus is a rare congenital airway anomaly in which the right upper lobe of the lung is supplied by the right main bronchus while the right lower lobe, and often the right middle lobe is supplied by an aberrant bronchus arising from the left main bronchus. The aberrant bronchus crosses (bridges) the lower part of the mediastinum, hence the term bridging bronchus (BB). This potentially life-threatening condition, usually accompanied by diffuse or focal airway stenosis, commonly presents with signs and symptoms related to large airway obstruction, such as respiratory distress, apnea, wheezing, stridor, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. Diagnosis of the BB is often challenging because the associated signs and symptoms mimic those of common conditions such as bacterial and viral bronchiolitis, bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, and foreign body aspiration. The BB is also often accompanied by congenital cardiovascular anomalies, including left pulmonary artery sling, atrial, and ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, patent ductus arteriosus, and coarctation of the aorta. Patients presenting with the above signs and symptoms who are not responsive to standard treatment modalities, and have accompanying cardiovascular congenital anomalies should, therefore, be investigated for the BB. Herein, we review the anatomy, embryology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, imaging techniques and surgical management of the BB.

Novel fructose bisphosphatase 1 gene mutation presenting as recurrent episodes of vomiting in an Indian child

Fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of gluconeogenesis resulting in severe and recurrent life-threatening episodes of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis in infancy. We report a 16 month-old girl who presented with recurrent episodes of vomiting, rapid breathing, lactic acidosis, hyperuricemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Genetic analysis revealed a novel compound heterozygous mutation in FBP1 gene confirming the diagnosis of FBP1 deficiency. The patient was managed with treatment of acute episodes and preventive long-term dietary modifications. Long-term prognosis of FBP1 deficiency is excellent underlining the importance of early recognition of clinical signs, prompt diagnosis, and avoidance of fasting in this disease. FBP1 gene mutations have been described from various ethnic backgrounds, but there is limited data available from Indian population, hence the importance of this case.

Clinical Profile and Short Term Outcome of Children with Neutropenia

OBJECTIVES

To study the clinical profile and short term outcome of neutropenia in children during hospital stay.

METHODS

An observational study was carried out at a Children's Hospital. The study population comprised of 77 admitted children aged 1 mo to 18 y with a varied clinical profile and neutropenia; defined as absolute neutrophil count less than 1500/mm³. Patients known to have HIV, immunodeficiency, malignancy, aplastic anemia or chronic systemic illness were not enrolled. Necessary investigations were done to identify etiology as per clinical features. They were treated and followed up for a period of 4 wk or discharge; whichever was earlier. The primary outcome of duration of neutropenia and secondary outcomes of hospital stay duration, association with thrombocytopenia, incidence of complications and finally discharge/death were analyzed.

RESULTS

Acute transient neutropenia was seen, the median duration being 3 d in younger patients. Dengue fever was the commonest etiology. The median duration of hospital stay was 8 d. Fifty three (68.8%) patients had associated thrombocytopenia. Three children developed complications like nosocomial sepsis and shock. Seventy two (93.5%) were discharged, 1 died, 3 left against medical advice and one patient was followed up for 4 wk.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute febrile illnesses like dengue, enteric fever, malaria are the predominant causes of neutropenia. Mild neutropenia was seen in over 50% children requiring a short duration of admission (5-8 d); without any complications.

Neonatal exchange transfusions at a tertiary care centre in north India: an investigation of historical trends using change-point analysis and statistical process control

Background

The need for exchange transfusion (ET) as a treatment modality for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia declined in developed countries with the advent of effective phototherapy. The trends of ET from India are unknown. Our objective was to investigate the trends of ET in India.

Methods

Retrospective data (January 2006-December 2016) was collected on total outborn neonatal admissions and ET procedures from a centre in north India. A combination of change-point analysis (CPA) and statistical process control (SPC) was used to investigate the trends of ET.

Results

During the study period, a total of 39 217 outborn neonates were admitted and 1575 (4%) underwent 1816 ET procedures. The CPA unravels four critical change points (October 2009, May 2011, September 2011 and November 2014) in ET rates. An SPC chart showed a decline in mean ET rate from 89.3 (upper control limit [UCL] 176.9, lower control limit [LCL] 1.7)/1000 neonatal admissions at the start of the study to 7.7 (UCL 34.6, LCL 0)/1000 at the end of the study. The greatest decline in ET rate was witnessed in October 2009, from 89.3 (UCL 176.9, LCL 1.7)/1000 neonatal admissions to 34.8 (UCL 87.1, LCL 0)/1000 neonatal admissions.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated a progressive decline in the number of neonatal ET procedures over 11 y.

Citation classics in pediatrics: a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Citation analysis provides insights into the history and developmental trajectory of scientific fields. Our objective was to perform an analysis of citation classics in the journals of pediatric specialty and to examine their characteristics.

METHODS

Initially, all the journals listed under the category of pediatrics (n = 120) were identified using Journal Citation Reports. Web of science database was then searched (1950-2016) to select the top-100 cited articles in the above identified pediatric journals. The top-100 cited article were categorized according the study design, sub-specialty, country, institutional affiliation, and language.

RESULTS

The top-100 articles were published in 18 different journals, with Pediatrics having the highest numbers (n = 40), followed by The Journal of Pediatrics (n = 17). The majority (n = 62) of classics were published after 1990. The most cited article had citation count of 3516 and the least cited had a citation count of 593. The USA (n = 71) was the most commonly represented country, and 60 institutions contributed to 100 articles. Fifteen authors contributed to more than one classic as first or second author. Observational study (n = 55) was the commonest study design across all decades, followed by reviews (n = 12), scale development studies (n = 11), and guidelines (n = 11). Among the pediatric sub-specialties, growth and development articles were highly cited (n = 24), followed by pediatric psychiatry and behavior (n = 21), endocrinology (n = 15), and neonatology (n = 12).

CONCLUSIONS

The top-100 cited articles in pediatrics identify the impactful authors, journals, institutes, and countries. Observational study design was predominant-implying that inclusion among citation classics is not related to soundness of study design.

Are normative sonographic values of kidney size in children valid and reliable? A systematic review of the methodological quality of ultrasound studies using the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A plethora of research is available on ultrasonographic kidney size standards. We performed a systematic review of methodological quality of ultrasound studies aimed at developing normative renal parameters in healthy children, by evaluating the risk of bias (ROB) using the 'Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA)' tool.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar on June 04 2018, and observational studies measuring kidney size by ultrasonography in healthy children (0-18 years) were included. The ROB of each study was evaluated in five domains using a 20 item coding scheme based on AQUA tool framework.

RESULTS

Fifty-four studies were included. Domain 1 (subject characteristics) had a high ROB in 63% of studies due to the unclear description of age, sex, and ethnicity. The performance in Domain 2 (study design) was the best with 85% of studies having a prospective design. Methodological characterization (Domain 3) was poor across the studies (< 10% compliance), with suboptimal performance in the description of patient positioning, operator experience, and assessment of intra/inter-observer reliability. About three-fourth of the studies had a low ROB in Domain 4 (descriptive anatomy). Domain 5 (reporting of results) had a high ROB in approximately half of the studies, the majority reporting results in the form of central tendency measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant deficiencies and heterogeneity were observed in the methodological quality of USG studies performed to-date for measurement of kidney size in children. We hereby provide a framework for the conducting such studies in future. PROSPERO (CRD42017071601).

Reporting quality of trial abstracts-improved yet suboptimal: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature to determine if the publication of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) abstract guideline in 2008 was followed by change in reporting quality of randomized controlled trial (RCT) abstracts.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS

Evaluations were included if they compared reporting quality of RCT abstracts before and after the publication of CONSORT-abstract guideline. The literature search was performed (January 2008 to April 2017) in Medline (Ovid), EMbase, CINAHL plus and Cochrane methodologies register. We assessed study validity with a special validity tool, adapted from a previous Cochrane review.

RESULTS

Initial search identified 4142 articles, of which total 10 evaluations including 5184 abstracts were included. Total 22 outcomes related to individual items of CONSORT-abstract guideline were assessed, and 14 showed significant effect sizes favoring CONSORT-abstract guideline. Despite significant effect size, the overall post-CONSORT reporting (PCR) was suboptimal for ten items: title (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.59, PCR = 53.4%), participants (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.26, PCR = 24.5%), primary outcome (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.23, PCR = 65%), blinding (RR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.76, PCR = 13.9%), trial status (RR = 1.81, 95% 1.39 to 2.35, PCR = 10.6%), numbers analyzed (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.98, PCR = 26.5%), outcome (RR = 1.40, 95% 1.05 to 1.86, PCR = 21.9%), effect size and precision (RR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.19, PCR = 58.9%), harms (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.48, PCR = 41.8%), trial registration (RR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.50, PCR = 33.8%). Three items with favorable effect size in addition had wide CIs: randomization (RR = -4.28, 95% CI 1.56 to 11.75, PCR = -3.3%), allocation concealment (RR = -19.89, 95% CI 1.54 to 256.69, PCR = -5.7%), and funding (RR = -22.61, 95% CI 8.13 to 62.67, PCR = -11.32%).

CONCLUSION

The change in reporting quality of RCT abstracts is far from satisfactory, as evidenced by suboptimal post-CONSORT rates and wide CIs of effect sizes for majority of improved items. Mere publication of CONSORT-abstract guideline, without strict endorsement has failed to translate into good quality abstracts.

Chondrodysplasia Punctata with Severe Airway Stenosis

Chondrodysplasia punctata (CDP) is a group of skeletal dysplasias characterized primarily by punctate calcifications in cartilage. It is a rare disease with an incidence of 1:100,000 live births. Extensive airway involvement with calcification of tracheal, bronchial, and thyroid cartilage in CDP is an infrequent finding. We aim to report a case of CDP with characteristic radiological features and severe airway involvement.

Hepatomyoencephalopathy Secondary to Cassia occidentalis Poisoning: Report of Three Cases from North India

Cassia occidentalis is an annual tropical shrub causing toxicity in cattle. However, human case reports of its poisoning are scarce. We, here, report three young children, residents of Western Uttar Pradesh in North India, who presented with lethargy, jaundice, and altered sensorium after consumption of Cassia seeds. The toxidrome was defined as hepatomyoencephalopathy. The children were resuscitated, managed for acute liver failure, and subsequently discharged without sequel. Although few studies have previously documented this association, this is the first such case series documenting a direct causal relationship of Cassia to hepatomyoencephalopathy syndrome. Public and clinician awareness regarding this syndrome mimicking viral encephalitis has the potential to prevent further outbreaks.

The Correlation Between Inferior Vena Cava Diameter Measured by Ultrasonography and Central Venous Pressure

OBJECTIVE

To find a correlation between inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters, IVC compressibility index (CI) and central venous pressure (CVP).

METHODS

Prospective observational study was done at pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital (KSCH). Fifty children aged 5-18 y, presenting with shock were enrolled for the study. IVC diameters, CI and relevant clinical data were noted at enrollment, 30 min, 1 h, 6 h, and 12 h. Central line was placed at the time of admission.

RESULTS

Of 50 children enrolled, 28 were boys, with a mean age of 11 y. More than 80% of cases were diagnosed as septic shock. Mean maximum and minimum IVC diameter of 8.3 ± 2 mm and 3.7 ± 1.7 mm, respectively CI 58.2 ± 7% and CVP of 5.4 ± 1.5 cm of H₂O was observed at admission. CVP and IVC diameters showed a serial improvement with treatment; CI showed a serial decrease with treatment. Heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) also showed a serial improvement at 12 h (p < 0.05). CVP showed a positive correlation with IVC diameter (r +0.312; p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with CI (r -0.343; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Effective fluid resuscitation improves IVC diameters with a decrease in CI. IVC diameter has a positive correlation to CVP and CI has a negative correlation to CVP.

Reporting standards for Bland–Altman agreement analysis in laboratory research: a cross-sectional survey of current practice

Background and objectives

To carry out a cross-sectional survey of the medical literature on laboratory research papers published later than 2012 and available in the common search engines (PubMed, Google Scholar) on the quality of statistical reporting of method comparison studies using Bland–Altman (B-A) analysis.

Methods

Fifty clinical studies were identified which had undertaken method comparison of laboratory analytes using B-A. The reporting of B-A was evaluated using a predesigned checklist with following six items: (1) correct representation of x-axis on B-A plot, (2) representation and correct definition of limits of agreement (LOA), (3) reporting of confidence interval (CI) of LOA, (4) comparison of LOA with a priori defined clinical criteria, (5) evaluation of the pattern of the relationship between difference ( y-axis) and average ( x-axis) and (6) measures of repeatability.

Results and interpretation

The x-axis and LOA were presented correctly in 94%, comparison with a priori clinical criteria in 74%, CI reporting in 6%, evaluation of pattern in 28% and repeatability assessment in 38% of studies.

Conclusions

There is incomplete reporting of B-A in published clinical studies. Despite its simplicity, B-A appears not to be completely understood by researchers, reviewers and editors of journals. There appear to be differences in the reporting of B-A between laboratory medicine journals and other clinical journals. A uniform reporting of B-A method will enhance the generalizability of results.

Partial trisomy of chromosome 15q and partial monopsony of 6q due to maternal balanced translocation

A 7-month-old male presented with developmental delay and multiple congenital anomalies. He was found to have partial trisomy for the distal segment of chromosome 15 (q22-qter). Chromosome analysis of the mother showed a reciprocal balanced translocation between long arms of chromosome 6 and 15, t (6;15)(q26;q22).

Impact of an educational intervention on hand hygiene compliance and infection rate in a developing country neonatal intensive care unit

Nosocomial infections are a significant problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and hand hygiene (HH) has been stated as an effective mean to prevent spread of infections. The aim of study was to assess the baseline compliance HH practices and to evaluate the impact of hand washing educational programme on infection rate in a NICU. Continuous surveillance of nosocomial infections was done. A total of 15,797 and 12 ,29 opportunities for HH were observed in pre-intervention and postintervention phases, respectively. Compliance of health-care workers for all HH opportunities combined was 46% before intervention and improved significantly to 69% in postintervention (RR 1.49, CI 1.46-1.52, P < 0.0001). Compliance for nurses and doctors was similar. Nosocomial sepsis rate showed a significant decline from 96 per 1000 patient-days in pre-intervention to 47 per 1000 patient-days in postintervention phase (RR 0.44, CI 0.33-0.58, P < 0.0001). We conclude that effective HH practices can serve as an economical and effective nosocomial infection control approach especially important in developing nations.

Is liquid heparin comparable to dry balanced heparin for blood gas sampling in intensive care unit?

INTRODUCTION

Blood gas (BG) analysis is required for management of critically ill patients in emergency and intensive care units. BG parameters can be affected by the type of heparin formulations used-liquid heparin (LH) or dry balanced heparin (DBH). This study was conducted to determine whether blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolite estimations performed by using DBH and LH are comparable.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted at pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care hospital. Paired venous samples were collected from 35 consecutive children in commercially prepared DBH syringes and custom-prepared LH syringes. Samples were immediately analyzed by blood gas analyzer and compared for pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3 (-), Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), and lactate. Paired comparisons were done and agreement was assessed by Bland-Altman difference plots. The 95% limits of absolute agreement (LOA) were compared with the specifications for total allowable error (TEa).

RESULTS

The P values were significant for all measured parameters, with the exception of pCO2 and K +. Bland-Altman difference plots showed wide LOA for pCO2, pO2, HCO3 (-), Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) when compared against TEa. For pCO2, HCO3 (-), Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-), 40%, 23%, 77%, 34%, and 54% of samples were outside the TEa limits, respectively, with LH.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that there is poor agreement between LH and DBH for the BG parameters pCO2, pO2, HCO3(-), K(+), Na(+), and Cl(-) and, thus, are not comparable. But for pH and lactate, LH and DBH can be used interchangeably.

Use of liquid heparin for blood gas sampling in pediatric intensive care unit: A comparative study of effects of varying volumes of heparin on blood gas parameters

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pre-analytical errors in sample collection affect the reliability of blood gas (BG) analysis. Amount of liquid heparin as anticoagulant in samples for BG can affect results by its dilutional direct binding and compositional effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of varying amounts of heparin in blood samples on results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prospective study was conducted on 15 children at a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Three different heparinized syringes were used containing minimal, 60 IU and 120 IU of heparin. A total volume of 1 ml blood in each syringe was taken and was analyzed by blood gas analyzer. Statistical analysis used related samples Friedman's test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired comparisons. The observed bias was also compared with the desirable bias according to specifications by Ricos et al.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in values of pH, pCO2, HCO3 (-), Hb and Na(+) in the three syringes. The pCO2, HCO3 (-) and Na(+) levels decreased with the increasing amount of heparin. The observed percentage bias was more than desirable percentage bias specifications for pCO2, HCO3 (-), Hb, Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Syringes with minimal liquid heparin are most appropriate for studying BG parameters as they have the least effect on these parameters. There is a need to standardize the procedure of syringe preparation for BG analysis. Further studies are needed to compare minimal amounts of heparin with commercially available dry balanced heparin syringes.

Accurate estimation of body surface area in under-5 children with non-edematous severe acute malnutrition

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of commonly used body surface area (BSA) equations and to devise a new equation for BSA calculation in non-edematous severe acute malnourished (NE-SAM) children.

METHODS

Children aged between 2 months and 5 years fulfilling World Health Organization criteria for NE-SAM were included. Seven commonly used equations were used for calculating the BSA. Mean BSA from the equations was used as reference for comparison. A new equation SAM Mosteller modified was also derived.

RESULTS

A total of 471 children were included. Of the seven equations, Mosteller had minimum root mean square error (RMSE) value of 2.89. The goodness of SAM Mosteller modified equation was subsequently compared with Mosteller and Boyd in 66 NE-SAM children. The SAM Mosteller modified showed least RMSE (2.65), whereas Boyd had maximum.

CONCLUSIONS

Among seven equations, Mosteller is useful for BSA calculation in NE-SAM. SAM Mosteller modified equation (164.551 × [Ht × Wt](0.5)) has least error and can serve as best measure of BSA in SAM children.

Hyponatremic-hypertensive syndrome: think of unilateral renal artery stenosis

Hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon disorder, in which hypertension is associated with profound hyponatremia. It is mostly encountered in adults with unilateral renal artery stenosis. Although renovascular hypertension is one of the commonest causes for severe hypertension in children, HHS is rarely reported in childhood. The authors report a 9-y old boy with hypertensive emergency and severe hyponatremia due to unilateral renal artery stenosis who was successfully managed by vascular stenting of the affected vessel. Prompt recognition of this disorder can be life-saving and can subsequently lead to appropriate referral and treatment as in the present case.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome with PHOX2B gene mutation: are we missing the diagnosis?

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome is a rare disorder of autonomic and central nervous system dysfunction with impaired control of breathing. The authors report a 37- d-old girl infant with recurrent apnea requiring repeated mechanical ventilation with no evidence of neuromuscular, cardiac or lung disease. A mutation analysis of PHOX2B gene revealed 25 polyalanine repeat expansion mutation on chromosome 4p12. This article aims at raising awareness among pediatricians about molecular basis and availability of confirmatory genetic testing for diagnosis and to help with prognosis in this disorder.

Post-diphtheritic neuropathy: a clinical study in paediatric intensive care unit of a developing country

Summary

A retrospective study was done on 48 consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of postdiphtheritic neuropathy admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital in North India between January 2008 and December 2010 to study the clinical profile of post-diphtheritic neuropathy in children. The case records were reviewed and information regarding personal details, clinical features, recovery parameters and outcome was recorded using a predesigned proforma. Median age was 4.25 years. All cases were unimmunized. Median latency period was 15 days. Of the children, 52% had palatal palsy whereas 48% had limb weakness initially. Median duration of progression of weakness was five days. Limb muscle weakness was present in 94%. Respiratory muscles were involved in 85.4% cases and 60.4% required mechanical ventilation, while 14.6% had fatal outcome and 10.4% had hypoxic neurological injury. Boys were affected more. Median duration of latency was shorter; muscle weakness, progression and recovery were faster as compared with observational studies in adults.