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Paediatric pain management has remained understated practice over a period of time. Recently ultrasound-guided (USG) guided techniques are gaining popularity for perioperative analgesia, especially in the paediatric population. So, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of reduced dose ropivacaine-dexmedetomidine combination compared to standard 0.375% ropivacaine in USG guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block.Sixty children of either sex, aged 2-10 years, posted for elective open herniotomy under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group RD received 0.2% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine 1 mg kg 1 while group R received 0.375% ropivacaine at 0.5mL kg 1. Meantime to first rescue and total analgesics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) and Ramsay sedation score, haemodynamic parameters and adverse effects were noted.Time to first rescue analgesia in group RD and group R were 16.32 6 3.11 hours and 10.82 6 2.16 hours, respectively (P.0001). Mean CHEOPS score were 4.48 6 1.1 and 6.3 6 1.74 (P.024) in group RD and R. Post-op Ramsay sedation score was significantly greater in group RD. Heart rate and blood pressure remained similar in either of the group. No episode of respiratory depression, bradycardia or hypotension was noted perioperatively.Combination of 1 mg kg 1 dexmedetomidine with reduced concentration of ropivacaine (0.2%) produced significantly longer duration of post-operative analgesia and lowered post-operative CHEOPS pain score in comparison with 0.375% ropivacaine alone in USG guided TAP block for paediatric hernia repair.

Enteric fever is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical areas worldwide. The Indian subcontinent bears the brunt of the disease, both in terms of absolute case numbers and drug-resistant strains. Recent phylogenetic studies suggest that the multidrug-resistant clade H58 originated in India and subsequently expanded through Asia and Africa. In Africa, it caused unrecognised outbreaks in areas previously considered free of the disease. In this study, we discuss the current status of enteric fever in India, the factors preventing its control and its future directions in this rapidly developing nation.

Perioperative analgesia poses specific problems, especially when it comes to neonates and infants. The use of opioid in neonates is usually associated with the risk of delayed extubation and postoperative mechanical ventilation. Regional analgesia including epidural and caudal may be technically challenging or has limitations in a certain group of patients. Ultrasound (US)-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) is gaining popularity as a new technique of regional anesthesia applicable to infants and children. Precise drug administration is a major concern with TAP blocks in pediatric patients, especially infants and neonates. The application of US has enhanced the accuracy of local anesthetic deposition and hence the efficacy of analgesia in TAP block. We, hereby, report a series of five high-risk infants and neonates posted for abdominal surgeries wherein an ultrasonography-guided TAP resulted in satisfactory perioperative analgesia obviating the need of systemic opioids.

Rabies, a zoonotic viral encephalitis, continues to be a serious public health problem in India and several other countries in Asia and Africa. Survival is rarely reported in rabies, which is considered to be almost universally fatal. We report the clinical and radiological findings of eight patients with laboratory-confirmed rabies who survived the illness. With the exception of one patient who recovered with mild sequelae, all survivors had poor functional outcomes. The reported survival from rabies in recent years may reflect an increased awareness of the disease and greater access to better critical care facilities in rabies-endemic countries. Nonetheless, there is an urgent need to focus on preventive strategies to reduce the burden of this dreadful disease in rabies-endemic countries.

Background Rabies is nearly universally fatal with about 60,000 annual deaths globally; Methods A 26-year-old male was admitted with 2-day history of flu-like syndrome. He had category III dog bite on face 17 days prior. RIG was not given due to nonavailability; he had received ARV day 0, 3, 7, and 14 on time. On 4th day of admission (day 0), neurological features started—difficulty in walking and diplopia; hydrophobia was noted. Working diagnosis of rabies was made. MRI brain on day 1 showed subtle abnormal T2 and flair hyper intensities in pons, medulla, and left hippocampus. CSF (day 1) showed 105 cells; all lymphocytes. The RFFIT serum and CSF ABTs and rabies PCRs are tabulated below. Since ADEM was a possibility, he was begun on IVIg. Work up for other viral encephalitis was negative. Repeat CSF ABT on day 6 confirmed rabies. Postulating risk of death due to cerebral edema due to CNS immune response, dexamethasone (dexa) 6 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses was begun on day 8. Serial MRI and CSF were done. Dexa taper was done based on MRI and CSF ABT. Intensive supportive care was given. Results MRI on day 9 and day 12 showed no cerebral edema. Dexa taper was started from day 13 by half every alternate day; it was given till day 28. By day 17, there was intermittent eye opening, withdrawal to pain and some orofacial and limb movements. Further recovery had waxing and waning course. Now he is nearly 1 year post rabies encephalitis. He is unable to talk or comprehend, but can sit independently and is able to walk with support. Conclusion Immunosuppressive therapy with dexa to improve outcomes in rabies seems an exciting option. Optimal dose, time of start, and taper schedule need further studies. CSF ABT-based tapering appears promising. Larger studies with this approach are needed. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.