Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem with potentiality to cause irreversible brain damage. Reduction of serum bilirubin level is essential to minimize such damage. Compact fluorescent tubes, halogen bulbs, fiber optic blankets, and LEDs are commonly used light sources for phototherapy with varying efficacies. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of LED versus conventional phototherapy on (a) rate of reduction in total serum bilirubin levels, (b) effect on urinary lumirubin excretion, and (c) comparing side effects of phototherapies among neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. In this randomized control trial, 166 neonates ≥ 35 weeks of age requiring phototherapy were recruited and further divided into 2 groups [LED (83) and conventional (83)] by using computer generated random numbers. Serial total serum bilirubin levels and random urinary lumirubin levels were collected and side effects of phototherapy were noted. Rate of fall in total serum bilirubin levels (TSB, μmol/L/hour) and random urinary lumirubin levels were computed. Data were collected using a pretested proforma. Analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. Independent sample “t” test and Chi-square tests were used with p value of <0.05 being significant. Significant difference was documented in mean rate of decrease of TSB (μmol/L/hour) in LED group (5.3 ± 2.91) when compared to conventional group (3.76 ± 2.39) (p <0.001). A significant increase in mean random urinary lumirubin levels (arbitrary units) was observed in LED group (129.01 ± 33.18) when compared to conventional group (114.44 ± 44.84) (p = 0.021). Side effects were minimal and comparable in both groups. This study concludes the rates of decrease in total serum bilirubin levels and increase in urinary lumirubin levels were significant with LED when compared with conventional phototherapy, implying LED to be more efficacious.

Background: Febrile seizures are prevalent in children. Interactions between the neurotransmitters and micronutrients levels in the biological fluids have been implicated in its occurrence. Objective: To assess the serum copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) levels in febrile children and to evaluate their association with febrile seizures. Methods: The study included 35 children with febrile seizures as cases and 35 children with febrile illnesses without seizures as controls. Children between six months to five years were included in the study group. The serum Cu, Mg and Zn levels were analyzed by the semi-auto analyzer. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 25.0. Result: The median age for the febrile seizure was 24 (IQR: 12-36) months with male preponderance of 65.7%. The median serum copper and magnesium levels were increased and decreased significantly (p < 0.001), among febrile seizure children in comparison to the control group. Median serum zinc levels in the febrile seizure group were less but were not statistically significant (p = 0.626). Higher serum levels of copper had higher odds of seizures (OR: 22.67; 95% CI: 2.73-495.98; p < 0.0001) and lower levels of magnesium had higher odds of seizures (OR: 29.41; 95% CI: 6.90-142.86; p < 0.0001). Serum copper levels had sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 71% respectively in predicting febrile seizure at a cutoff value of ≥19.55 μmol/L. Conclusion: Increased serum copper levels and decreased serum magnesium levels were significantly associated with febrile seizures. A threshold value of serum copper levels ≥19.55 μmol/L is associated with a febrile seizure.

Introduction: Deficiencies of micronutrients play a role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its severity. Identifying the micronutrient status would guide supplementation, thus altering the disease progression and severity. Material and methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in Southern India on hundred HIV-infected children. Estimation of serum micronutrient levels (zinc, copper, and iron) and comparison of the deficient micronutrients with clinical stages, immunological categories, CD4 counts, and nutritional status was performed. Results: Among 100 HIV-infected children, zinc deficiency was the most common (62%), whereas copper and iron deficiency was present in 2% and 1%, respectively. Mean age of children was 11.20 ± 3.14 years, 52% were girls, 24% were malnourished, 76% were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and four had CD4 counts < 200/mm 2 indicating AIDS. Using Kruskalwallis test, serum iron levels (p = 0.000) and CD4 levels (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with clinical stages, while serum zinc levels (p = 0.043) and CD4 levels (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with various degrees of immune classification. Mean micronutrient levels did not correlate significantly with CD4 counts less than and greater than 350 by unpaired t test. Zinc deficiency did not correlate with clinical staging, immunological classification, nutritional status, and receipt of ART on multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: In HIV-infected children, zinc deficiency was the most common and it did not correlate with clinical staging, immunological classification, nutritional status, and receipt of antiretroviral therapy. Hence, supplementation of zinc would be required along with initiation of ART.