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Objectives: The present study examined the clinical profile of COVID-19, related morbidity and mortality in children at a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand. Understanding the clinical profile of the disease in this specific population is vital for better preparedness and targeted interventions to safeguard the health of children during future outbreaks. This is the first study from this region in this Methods: The present study was a hospital based observational study carried out on patients aged 1 month-18 years who tested covid-19 positive and were admitted to Department of Pediatrics at a tertiary care center in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand during study period July 2020 to May 2023 after getting ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee and informed consent from patient or patient relatives. Statistical testing has been conducted using R Studio Software version 4. Results: A total of 51 patients with Covid-19 infection, tested positive by either rapid antigen test (RAT) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) were admitted to our hospital during the study period. History of covid contact was positive in 11% patients. Comorbidities were seen in 10% patients. Respiratory system (41%) was most commonly involved followed by central nervous system (febrile seizures). Fever (70%) followed by cough (33%) were the most common symptoms. Raised ESR levels was the most common laboratory finding. Conclusions: The infection in children is usually mild, with low mortality rate (2%). Respiratory system was most commonly involved and fever and cough were the most common symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on vitamin D status in Indian children has been confined to studies conducted on small samples from certain regions and using non-standard techniques to quantify 25(OH)D3. Vitamin D insufficiency was observed in this multicenter research that used a standardized technique to evaluate 25(OH)D3 concentrations from dried blood spots (DBS) in children and adolescents from 5 to 18 years old in India. This school-based cross-sectional observational research used a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. We picked a city and its surrounding hamlet from six states in India, which span a lot of ground. Data was gathered on demographics, anthropometry, body composition, food intakes, and DBS samples. Liquid chromatography with tandem-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate 25(OH)D3 in DBS. A total of 2450 youngsters had their vitamin D level checked, with a subset (n = 672) having extra data obtained for the purpose of evaluating predictors. In the study, 36.8% of participants had adequate vitamin-D levels (> 50 nmol/L), with greater concentrations seen in rural respondents and boys (p < 0.05). The mean vitamin-D concentration was 45.8 ± 23.9 nmol/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: Cystic fibrosis is the most common life-limiting genetic condition in Caucasians, affecting 1 in 2500 births. The study examined the percentage of cystic fibrosis patients in paediatric respiratory clinics with pancreatic insufficiency. To compare the clinical and demographic parameters of pancreatic insufficiency and sufficient cystic fibrosis children. Methods: This study was conducted on children with cystic fibrosis, specifically targeting individuals aged 0 to 15 years. It was an observational study aimed at describing and analyzing the characteristics of the participants. This study was conducted at the, Department of Pediatrics, Ayaan Institute of Medical Sciences, Moinabad, Telangana, India, between the November 2022 to December 2023. Pancreatic insufficiency was established when the faecal elastase level was below 200 micrograms per gramme of stool. The prevalence of pancreatic insufficiency was determined by calculating the percentage along with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Pancreatic insufficiency was observed in 62.4% of a group of 20 children. The faecal elastase test identified an additional 19% of patients with pancreatic insufficiency compared to relying solely on the standard history of steatoorhoea for diagnosis. All patients experienced recurrent respiratory infections and 78.8% had a weight below the 5th centile on the growth chart. Only a small proportion of patients had additional characteristic symptoms of cystic fibrosis, such as meconium ileus, rectal prolapse, and nasal polyposis. The pancreatic insufficient group had a higher prevalence of foul-smelling stool, frequent bowel movements, and lower Cooperman score, in comparison to both the pancreatic sufficient group. This disparity was shown to be statistically significant. Conclusions: From the above study it can be concluded two risk factors identified for calculating a clinical score to predict pancreatic insufficiency were a history of foulsmelling stool and frequent bowel movements. To generate this score, a more extensive investigation with a larger sample size will be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The occurrence of Down syndrome and chromosomal nondysjunction is more prevalent in the progeny of mothers who conceive at an advanced age. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency through the evaluation of 25(OH) Vitamin D levels in children diagnosed with Down syndrome. Material and Methods: This study employed a prospective descriptive design. The research was carried out at the Department of Pediatrics, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which is a medical center providing specialized care in India. The study spanned from May 2022 to April 2023. A total of 50 children who were thought to have Down syndrome were subjected to examinations. Results: A total of 50 youngsters who were thought to have Down syndrome were subjected to interviews. Two individuals exhibited a cytogenetic profile consistent with Down syndrome; nevertheless, they expressed a lack of willingness to undergo additional diagnostic pro cedures. Three individuals exhibited clinical characteristics consistent with Down syndrome, however, they declined to provide a blood sample for subsequent diagnostic testing and verification. The cytogenetic study of the youngster, consisting of 50 samples, did not reveal any evidence of Down syndrome. The analysis comprised a total of 50 children, consisting of 40 boys and 10 girls. The following table and graph provide an overview of the demographic composition of the children in terms of age and gender. Conclusion: Children with Down syndrome had a prevalence of 25 (OH) Vitamin D deficiency of 26.8%. Deficiencies in 25 (OH) Vitamin D had no appreciable effect on these children's height, bone age, or other biochemical indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About two billion people in the world’s population are affected by the soiltransmitted helminth infection, with children being the most affected with Soil Transmitted Helminth infection.[1] India alone contributes nearly 25% to the total global cases, with 220.6 million children in need of preventive chemotherapy. [2] In view of the above context, the present study was conducted with the aim and objective of to the prevalence of soiltransmitted helminth (STH) infection and its risk factors. Material and Methods: Study Design: A Cross-sectional Observational Study Study Setting: Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, Raipur, from January 1 to June 30, 2023 (6 months). Sample Size: 384 (n=Z2 1-ά/2 P(1-P)/d2). P=50%, CI=95%, d=5% Absolute Precision. Results: STH prevalence was 13.3%, more in males (68.8%), and significantly high (62.5%). P < 0.05) in school-going children between 6 and 12 years of age. The predominant STH was Ancylostoma duodenale (56.2%); STH infection was much less (12.5%) in those practising handwashing with soap. Fifty percent of children had an STH infection even after receiving deworming within the past six months. More egg counts—216 eggs per gramme of faeces—were found in 29 cases by the KK method. Entamoeba histolytica (56.5%) was predominant among non-STH infections. Conclusion: Contrary to the assumption of 50% prevalence, the actual prevalence was very low, only about 13.3%. School-going children aged 6–12 years were more affected, and handwashing with soap was the key factor in preventing STH infection. The proportion of participants having toilet facilities and using footwear regularly had no role in STH prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue virus infection has become a major public health concern in recent years due to an increase in its complex and unusual symptoms. Hepatomegaly increased liver enzymes to fulminant hepatic failure are just a few of the diverse signs of dengue's hepatic involvement. Material and Methods: At the Department of Paediatrics, Vishwanharathi Medical College & General Hospital, R T Nagar Near Penchikalapadu, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India, this was the prospective Cohort Study that was planned. The study used 50 people who were treated with a Dengue infection and had a positive test for Dengue. Patients with a Dengue Sero positive are chosen and checked for hepatomegaly and jaundice. They also get a full blood count, Liver function tests, and an ultrasound of the abdomen, PT, APTT, HBsAg, HCV and Widal. Study was done between February 2022 to January 2023. Results: Early detection of dengue's hepatic dysfunction could help determine how serious the condition is. Massive hemorrhage and other life-threatening consequences could be avoided with early management. Future research should test the role of hepatoprotective medications in dengue to promote early recovery and lower morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: There have been various reports of dengue outbreaks increasing hepatic involvement in emerging nations like India. Early detection of hepatic dysfunction should help to prevent lifethreatening consequences because it is temporary and reversible in dengue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are between 1 and 2 million annual deaths in children due to severe acute malnutrition. It's one of the leading preventable causes of death among kids every year. Severe acute malnutrition is a global problem that has been overlooked by child survival programs despite its criticality. Methods: The research was a descriptive study conducted in a hospital setting. During Department of Paediatric, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College, Siruvachur, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India, research was carried out at the December 2021 to November, 2022. All hospitalized kids diagnosed with SAM per WHO criteria. Results: 100 children with Severe Acute Malnutrition were hospitalized. Age at onset was, on average, 17.75 months in most cases, infants were seen at 15 months of age. Sixty of the youngsters were younger than two years old. Seven girls and 93 boys made up the total of 100 SAM youngsters hospitalized. Conclusion: Children with SAM who are hospitalized often suffer from multiple co-occurring diseases, the most common of which are acute gastroenteritis and acute respiratory infections. Significant risk factors for mortality were the presence of underlying organic illness, as well as sepsis and retroviral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly pruritic, chronic inflammatory, non-communicable and relapsing skin disease that affects all age groups, posing a significant burden on health-care resources and patients' quality of life (QoL). Objective: To study the clinical features, various risk factors, and their correlation with the severity of atopic dermatitis in northern Indian children. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive study conducted in the department of Dermatology in a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India. The study population included 380 atopic dermatitis patients upto 15 years of age attending the Out Patient Department of Dermatology. Results: The incidence of AD was 8.92%. Most of the patients (80.1%) were below six year of age. Male: Female ratio was 1.3:1. 50.5% of patients belonged to middle socio economic class, 58.9% of patients were from urban area. Family history of atopy was noted in 52.1% cases. 94.4% of patients have Pruritus and 88.9% had Chronic relapsing eczema. The most common site of involvement was face (70.5%), 64.2% of AD patients had mild disease. Conclusion: This guidance focuses on identifying the unmet gaps and provides practical recommendations for improving QoL, diagnosis, prognosis, and overall management of patients with AD in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharyngitis is common in children, accounting for nearly 12 million visits annually in the India . Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis for which antibiotics are indicated. Antibiotic treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis virtually eliminates the presence of bacteria from the pharynx and thus removes the risk of subsequent rheumatic fever. GAS is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets with a short incubation period of 2w5 days. GAS pharyngitis peaks in the late winter and early spring months when children are predominately indoors for school and sports. Colonization is also higher in winter months, and while up to 20% of school age children are colonized with GAS in their throat during this time, colonization has not been shown to contribute to the spread of disease. In low- and middle-income countries and other situations in which crowding is common (e.g., schools), outbreaks of pharyngitis are common. GAS pharyngitis can occur at all ages and it is most common in school-aged children with a peak at 7w8 years of age. Pharyngitis caused by GAS is rare in children <3 years of age and becomes much less common in late adolescence through adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a major health problem throughout the world in underdeveloped and developing countries including India. The present study was conducted to assess the risk factors of chronic suppurative otitis media in children. Materials & Methods: 320 patients of chronic suppurative otitis media of age ranged 6-15 years of both genders were included. Otoscopic examination was done. Pure tone audiometry was performed. Clinical risk factors and predisposing factors were recorded. Results: There were 180 males and 140 females. Families with >5 children were seen in 32%, smoking father in 41%, illiterate mother in 21%, bathing in dirty pond water in 17%, family history of ear discharge in 22% and living in congested houses in 15%. Socioeconomic status (SES) was lower in 14%, upper‑lower in 46%, lower‑middle in 30%, upper‑middle in 4%, high in 6%. Other risk factors were upper respiratory infection in 2%, nasal allergy in 4%, chronic tonsillitis in 12% and sinusitis in 7%. Conclusion: Common risk factors for CSOM in children were families with >5 children, smoking father, illiterate mother, bathing in dirty pond water, family history of ear discharge and living congested houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the effect of vitamin D supplementation in severity and control of bronchial asthma in children in Bihar region Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in the Department of pediatrics, Vardhman institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar, India for 1 year, after taking the approval of the protocol review committee and institutional ethics committee. 53 asthmatic patients and 53 healthy controls were included in this study. The level of serum vitamin D in both groups was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) method at the reference lab and was categorized as sufficient (> 30 ng/ml), insufficient (20 to 30 ng/ml), or deficient (< 20 ng/ml). The severity of asthma was also stratified according to the asthma guideline into four grades of intermittent or mild, moderate, severe persistent. Results: Regarding rate of admission, 13.2% of patients were hospitalized once, 9.4% of patients were hospitalized twice, and 1.9% of them were also hospitalized three times. In the patients group and regarding the severity of asthma, 11.3% were classified as mild asthma, 45.3% as moderate asthma, and 43.4% as severe asthma. Also regarding control status of asthma, the disease was controlled in 18.9 %, partially controlled in 34.0 %, and uncontrolled in 47.2 %. According to the level of disease attack risk, 5 of 31 children aged less than 5 years (16.1%) classified as high-risk, while 7 of 22 children older than 5 years (31.8%) classified as high risk. Assessing the serum level of vitamin D showed that the asthmatic children had significantly lower level of vitamin D compared to normal cases (14.53 ± 8.10 ng.ml versus 22.45 ± 13.46 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Also, in the groups with and without asthma, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 73.6 and 49.1%, and the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 18.9 and 18.9 %, while normal vitamin D level was revealed in 7.5 and 32.1%, respectively with a significant difference (p = 0.005). In this regard, mean serum level of vitamin D in the patients with mild asthma was 12.85 ± 7.06 ng/ml, in the group with moderate asthma was 16.98 ± 8.63 ng/ml, in the patients with severe asthma was 12.42 ± 7.52 ng/ml, and in those with persistent asthma was 12.01 ± 5.00 ng/ml (p = 0.25). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is a common finding among asthmatic children that may be associated by the physiological mechanism of this phenomenon. In fact, it seems that the use of supplement vitamin D can prevent progression of childhood asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]