Objective: Perinatal asphyxia with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy associated with seizures is one of the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh. Phenobarbitone remains the drug of choice in treatment of neonatal seizures. This study was conducted to determine the predictors of duration of Phenobarbitone therapy in seizures of neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Methodology: The study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of East West Medical College Hospital from 1st february 2016 to 31st january 2017 on fifty neonates with HIE and seizures. The dose and duration of phenobarbitone therapy for initial control of seizure was noted. Total duration of phenobarbitone therapy after control of seizure to prevent further recurrences was also noted. Follow up was given up to 3 months of age to see any recurrence of seizures. Results: Out of the 50 neonates,25 cases (50%) responded well within 24 hours. Mean duration of phenobarbitone therapy after initial control of seizure was 4.70 ± 2.93days and Mean total duration of therapy was 6.89 ± 3.58 days in cases who responded well within 24 hours.. 3 (6%) cases had recurrence of seizures. The recurrence cases required more than 72 hours for initial control of seizure (p 0.006) and had poor primitive reflexes and activity after initial control of seizure (p 0.0002). Mean duration of phenobarbitone therapy after initial control of seizures was 6.33 ± 6.11 days and Mean total duration of phenobarbitone therapy was also longer 9.67 ± 7.37 days. Conclusion: Neonates who have good initial response and have better reflexes required short duration of phenobarbitone therapy. It should be discontinued soon after control of seizure. Neonates with HIE III, those requiring more than 72 hours for initial response and poor reflexes after initial control of seizure may require longer duration of phenobarbitone therapy (more than 7 days) to prevent recurrence of seizures. Thus, judicious use of phenobarbitone will minimize the unnecessary non-specific treatment.

Objective: The present study was aimed to find out the feeding pattern of children less than two years of age in rural areas. Methodology: The study area consisting of three villages of Muradnagar Upazila under the district of Comilla. Families having children under-two years of age were included in the study. A total number of 54 families finally entered in the study. Respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaire regarding initiation of breast feeding of the new born, their breast feeding pattern and weaning of the children. Socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents were recorded. Data were presented as number and percentage. Results: Out of the 54 respondents 52 (96.3%) were mothers and 2 (3.7%) fathers. Of the total 50 (92.6%) respondents was housewife. Among 54 respondents 36 (66.7%) were in the age group of 18 to 25 years. Thirteen (24.1%) respondents were illiterate and among the rest 27 (50%) had primary level and 2 (3.7%) had bachelor level of education. Twenty six (48.1%) respondents said newborns were given breast milk first and rest 28 (51.9%) mentioned about giving of honey, cow's milk and sweet water made of sugar or sugar product. Twelve (22.2%) mothers started breast feeding within 15 minutes after birth, 28 (51.9%) after 1 hour or more. Twenty one 21 (38.9%) had given exclusive breast feeding to the children for six months and 33 (61.1%) given additional stuff during that time. Thirty (55.6%) mothers started weaning before reaching 6 months of age, 13 (24.0%) between 6 months to 12 months and 1 (1.9%) started after 12 months. Commonly used weaning foods were rice, shuzi, khichuri, cow's milk, infant formula, fish, egg, meat, honey, vegetables and fruits especially banana. Conclusion: The data suggest wide range of variability still exists in allowing colostrums to the newborn, breast feeding itself and also weaning practice. Key Words: Feeding pattern; weaning; children. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v8i4.4709 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(4); October 2009 pp110-117