To investigate netrin-1 (NT-1) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in the umbilical cord as biomarkers in HIE stage II/III. We included 100 infants with HIE stage II/III and 100 controls. Cord samples were taken to determine the levels of NT-1 and NSE. The HIE group showed significantly higher NT-1 (343.3 ± 100.6 pg/mL) and NSE (55.17 ± 13.4 ng/mL; P = .037, P = .007, respectively) than the control group, which had NT-1 (268.1 ± 79.3 pg/mL) and NSE (31.3 ± 19.5 ng/mL). The cut-off values for NT-1 and NSE were 289.3 pg/mL and 31.9 ng/mL, respectively. NT-1 had a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for NSE were all 100%. NT-1 and NSE can be reliable biomarkers for predicting HIE stage II/III.
Objective: To report an outbreak of multi drug resistant Serratia infection in a tertiary level neonatal unit from eastern India. Method: Relevant data were retrieved from review of medical records. Standard methods for management of outbreak were carried out, and numerous infection control measures were implemented. Result: Out of the 6 reported cases of Serratia marcescens blood stream infections, majority were premature and all of them had a prior exposure to broad spectrum antibiotics. Most of the neonates (83.3%) survived. Median time of onset of symptoms was 22.5 (range: 2-83) days. Respiratory difficulty and thrombocytopenia were the most common presenting feature and laboratory abnormality observed. Conclusion: Serratia marcescens may lead to potentially serious outbreak neonatal unit. Prompt isolation of cases, Improving hand hygiene practice amongst healthcare professionals, limiting the use of broad spectrum antibiotics in NICU could help to contain the outbreaks to a large extent.
Objectives. To evaluate the interaction between childhood asthma and S. 25(OH) cholecalciferol among Bangladeshi children. Methods. This case control study was conducted in child asthma clinic, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital Institute during March-August 2021. Comparison was made between clinically-diagnosed (following GINA guideline) asthmatic children (2-12 years-old) (cases = 87) and age and sex-matched children having no respiratory illness (controls = 90) using SPSS’ (Statistical Package for Social Science, V.23.0 Windows) software. Results. Serum 25(OH) cholecalciferol was found to be significantly lower among the cases than the controls ( P < .01). The cases had 3.4 times higher likelihood of having low vitamin D (combined deficient + insufficient) than the controls ( P < .01). Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrate an association of Serum 25 (OH) cholecalciferol with asthma which underscores the importance of potential future trial to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin-D supplementation for understanding the outcomes of asthmatic Bangladeshi children. Keywords , , vitamin D status , asthma , case-control , children
Objective. Analyzing possible determinants for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in under-five children with stunting and severely stunting in Bandung. Methods . Data was collected from 64 community health centers in Bandung using multiple stratified random sampling. Medical history, body measurements, tuberculin skin tests (TST), and chest X-rays (CXR) were collected. Possible determinants to PTB were analyzed using multiple logistic regression ( P value of <.05 was significant). Results . 169 under-five children with stunting and severely stunting were included. 59.76% of children were diagnosed with PTB. The absence of BCG scars and weight-for-age were significant determinants of PTB ( P value <.05). Conclusions . PTB was observed in more than half of stunted and severely stunted under 5 children. BCG scars are a protective factor, while weight-for-age is a risk factor for stunting and severe stunting.
Pediatric Emergency Departments (PEDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face significant challenges in managing infectious diseases due to limited resources, poor infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers. This review explores the burden of infectious diseases in pediatric populations, the diagnostic tools available, treatment protocols, and preventive measures implemented in LMIC PEDs. We emphasize the need for an integrated approach to improve health outcomes, focusing on enhancing healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and promoting public health awareness. Key recommendations and future directions are discussed to address the critical gaps and challenges in managing pediatric infectious diseases in these settings.
