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Infantile Tremor Syndrome is a distinct clinical entity most commonly seen in Indian Subcontinent. Syndrome consists of tremors, mental and developmental retardation, abnormal skin pigmentation and anemia in children between 6 months to 2 years. The etiology is still elusive. Amongst various theories, nutritional theory is the most accepted. So far there are no cases reported of vitamin C deficiency in ITS. In this article, three cases of ITS associated with vitamin C deficiency are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is on rise globally. In India, Dengue epidemics are expanding geographically, even into the rural areas. Dengue can present with varied manifestations. The mortality rate has been brought down with high index of suspicion, strict monitoring and proper fluid resuscitation. Herewith, we are presenting clinical features and outcome of Dengue cases seen in and around Hubli (North Karnataka). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study the clinical profile and outcome of childhood tuberculosis treated with Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course regimen. Also to study the side effects of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT)., Methods: This prospective hospital based observational study was conducted at Department of Pediatrics, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli. Inclusion criteria were i) All newly diagnosed cases of tuberculosis from 0 to 12 y of age. ii) Children with relapse, treatment failure or defaulters. Exclusion criteria was children with tuberculosis on anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) other than DOTS regimen. A detailed history including demographic profile and clinical examination were carried out for each case. Diagnosis, categorization, treatment (DOTS regimen) and outcome measures were defined according to WHO/RNTCP guidelines. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17., Results: Total number of children enrolled in the study were 93. Mean age was 6 y. Male to female ratio was 0.9:1. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) was common 58 (62.4 %) than pulmonary tuberculosis 35 (37.6 %). The common symptoms/signs were fever (83.8 %), cough (46.2 %), convulsion (17.2 %), loss of appetite (11.8 %) and pallor (75.3 %), lymphadenopathy (18.3 %), hepatomegaly (9.7 %) and splenomegaly (6.5 %). Mantoux test was positive in 59 (63.4 %) children. Acid fast bacilli (AFB) was isolated in 13 (14 %) children in various fluid/histological specimens. The prevalence of HIV infection was 7.5 %. Among 93 children, 88(94.6 %) completed treatment and were declared cured; four children were lost to follow up and one child died. Compliance of DOTS was good and there were no side effects due to ATT., Conclusions: EPTB was common than pulmonary TB. Efficacy of DOTS in index study was 94.6 %. No adverse effects of ATT were observed.

In β-thalassemia, point mutations in the β-globin gene are largely responsible for either decreased or no β-globin synthesis. The β-globin gene has three exons and two introns. The molecular characterization of β-thalassemia is absolutely necessary for carrier screening, for genetic counseling, and to offer prenatal diagnosis. The objective of the present study was to identify the rare mutations in β-globin gene of β-thalassemia patients. We have sequenced the entire β-globin gene in 36 clinically identified thalassemia patients from the Karnataka region using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Our analysis revealed 11 β-thalassemia variants. The most common being IVSII-16 G>C, IVSI-5G>C, IVSII-74 T>G, codon 3 (T>C), and Poly A site (T>C). In addition, we have also documented a novel deletion at codon 6 (-CT) (HBB:c.16delCT). These data are useful in future molecular screening of the population for implementing a thalassemia prevention and control program. Further it is found that family studies and comprehensive hematological analyses would provide useful insights for accurate molecular diagnosis of thalassemia phenotype and offers an interesting subject for further investigations in the Indian populations.

Objective: To study the clinical manifestations and incidence of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS seropositive proven hospitalized children., Methods: Proven HIV seropositive children aged between 18 months to 12 years, admitted between April 2004 to June 2005 (15 months) to pediatric medical ward, KIMS, Hubli, were enrolled. Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations were recorded in the predesigned proforma. A complete physical examination and laboratory investigations were performed at the time of admission. Children were categorized as per 1994 revised CDC classification of pediatric HIV infection., Results: Number of HIV seropositive children admitted during study period was 71. Vertical transmission was noted in 94.37%, which is the major route of transmission. The common symptoms noted were persistent fever (70.42%), persistent cough (59.15%), loss of appetite (59.15%), loss of weight (56.33%) and recurrent diarrhea (30.99%). The common signs present were, hepatomegaly (69.04%), skin lesions (59.15%), lymphadenopathy (57.75%) and severe malnutrition (54.93%). The common opportunistic infections observed were tuberculosis (38.03%), recurrent diarrhea (30.99%), oral candidiasis (21.13%) and recurrent bacterial pneumonia (12.68%). Six (8.45%) children died during the study period, which included 4 (5.63%) cases of HIV-encephalopathy., Conclusion: Vertical transmission was the major route of HIV infection. Persistent fever, cough, loss of appetite and loss of weight were common presenting clinical features. Tuberculosis was the commonest opportunistic infection.