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Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new entity affecting a small percentage of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Demography, clinical, and laboratory variables of children admitted from April to September 2020 with MIS-C were studied retrospectively at eight hospitals in Delhi, India. Results: We identified 120 patients [median age: 7 years (interquartile range (IQR): 4-10)] with male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1. Overall, 73 out of 120 children (60.8%) presented with shock, 63 (52.5%) required inopressor support, and 51 (43%) required respiratory support. We categorized the cohort into three observed clinical phenotypes: MIS-C with shock (n = 63), MIS-C with Kawasaki disease (KD) (n = 23), and MIS-C without shock and KD (n = 34). Atypical presentations were hypothermia, orchitis, meningoencephalitis, demyelination, polyneuropathy, pancreatitis, and appendicitis. Ninety-four percent had laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 (78.3%, seropositive and 15.8%, RT-PCR positive). The median C-reactive protein (CRP) was 136 mg/L (IQR, 63.5-212.5) and ferritin was 543 ng/mL (IQR, 225-1,127). More than 90% received immunomodulatory therapy (intravenous immunoglobulins and/or steroids) with an excellent outcome (96% survived). CRP and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were correlated statistically with severity. Conclusion: MIS-C data from Delhi are presented. Rising CRP and ANC predict the severe MIS-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Availability and advertising of caffeinated drinks is on the rise in Indian market. Excess caffeine intake may have deleterious effects on health. Objective: To estimate the daily consumption of caffeine among urban school-going adolescents from Delhi. Materials and Methods: A school-based survey was conducted to determine the amount and pattern of caffeine consumption among students of classes 9-12, using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Of 300 participants (median age 15 year, 174 boys), 291 (97%) were consuming caffeine [mean (SD): 121.0 (98.2) mg/day]. Nineteen (6%) students were consuming more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. Tea/coffee contributed to more than 50% of the caffeine intake. The rest was derived from cola beverages, chocolates, and energy drinks. Conclusion: Average caffeine consumption amo [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]