Introduction: Respiratory distress is a common cause of hospital admission in the paediatric population, which may be a manifestation of many underlying conditions. India is witnessing numerous changes in air quality, socio-economic trends and increased coverage in childhood immunisation.Objectives: To describe the current picture of clinico-aetiological profile of north Indian children hospitalised because of respiratory distress.Method: This was a cross sectional observational study carried out at a rural tertiary care centre in north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Children aged 1 month to 18 years, presenting with respiratory distress, were studied for their clinical, aetiological and socio-demographic profiles. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.Results: A total of 180 children was enrolled. Male to female ratio was 1.57:1. Upper-lower socioeconomic class was significantly associated with mortality (p =0.02). Common aetiologies were bacterial pneumonia (38.8%), bronchiolitis (21.1%) and asthma exacerbation (15.5%). Majority of asthma related admissions were in the winter months. Respiratory system pathology was present in 76.7% cases. Conclusions:In this study of clinico-aetiological profile of north Indian children, hospitalised because of respiratory distress, infection was the most common aetiology. Children belonging to lower _________________________________________ 1

COVID-19 pandemic put many challenges for the health care professionals and one of that is the multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This syndrome shares its features with other inflammatory conditions including Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. We are reporting 4 cases from a tertiary care center in COVID-19 hotspot area in the state of Uttar Pradesh who presented with multiple organ system involvement.

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a hyperinflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 in children, with features that are similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. Several reports are emerging from all over the world on this condition that is associated with increased fatality rate. Case Report: In this article, we present one of the first reports of a newborn diagnosed with MIS-C attributed to COVID-19. In addition, we discuss the diagnostic criteria and the possible pathophysiology. Conclusion: Although COVID-19 does not frequently affect newborns, when it does, it may lead to devastating complications, such as MIS-C. As a result, providers should be on the lookout for any symptoms that can indicate a complicated infection. Further studies are still needed to develop a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease and establish appropriate therapeutic guidelines.