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Objective: To evaluate the effect of the second dose of measles vaccine on measles antibody status during childhood. Setting: Immunization centre of Under-five Clinic of the Department of Community Medicine at a tertiary-hospital. Design: Randomized Controlled trial. Methods: Blood samples were collected from all subjects for baseline measles serology by heel puncture at 9-12 months of age. All subjects were given the first dose of measeis vaccine. At second visit (3-5 months later), after collecting the blood sample from all, half the children were randomized to receive the second dose of measles vaccine (study group), followed by collection of the third sample six weeks later in all the subjects. Results: A total of 78 children were enrolled and 30 children in each group could be analyzed. 11(36.6%) children in the study group and 13 (43.3%) children in the control group had protective levels of measles IgG at baseline. Around 93.3 % of children in the study group had protective measles antibody titers as against 50% in the control group at the end of the trial. The Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) of measles IgG increased from 14.8NTU/mLto 18.2 NTU/mL from baseline to six weeks following receipt of the second dose of the vaccine in the study group, as compared to a decrease from 16.8 NTU/mL to 12.8 NTU/mL in the control group. Conclusions: A second dose of measles vaccine boosts the measles antibody status in the study population as compared to those who receive only a single dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Justification: The indications and doses of most drugs used for heart ailments in children are extrapolated from data in adult patients. Separate guidelines are needed for neonates, infants and children because of the differences in underlying heart diseases and metabolic clearance of some of these drugs. Process: Consensus emerged following expert deliberations at the National Meeting on Management of Congenital Heart Diseases in India, held on 13 September 2008, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, supported by Pediatric Cardiac Society of India. Objectives: To review the literature and frame evidence based guidelines for (i) indications, doses, adverse effects and safety profile of commonly used drugs in pediatric cardiology practice; and (ii) to provide an algorithm for treatment in various clinical settings. Recommendations: Consensus review and recommendations are given for drugs used in children for heart failure, hypertension, thrombosis, supraventricular tachycardia and intensive care. Guidelines are also given for use of intravenous immunoglobulins and sildenafil in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]