The incidence of mortality is high in our setting and further research is needed to identify causes of preventable deaths. Children presenting with signs of hypoperfusion and respiratory failure had poor outcomes. This raises the concern that children may be presenting late, with advanced, severe illness to our pediatric emergency department. The data also suggest that identification of serious illness in children is possible with simple clinical signs and symptoms.

To identify the incidence, type, severity and risk factors of common infections in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). In this prospective observational study design, 125 children with type 1 DM (group1) and age and sex matched 125 non-diabetic children (group2) were followed up for 12 months from a tertiary care children hospital in Chennai. Infections encountered were documented in both the groups throughout the study period. Risk factors were analyzed. Among the diabetic children 46.2% had infections and the total episodes of infections were significantly high (p=0.006). Skin and soft tissue infections (p=0.03) and urinary tract infections (UTI) (p=0.002) were significantly higher in diabetic children and they were more prone to recurrent infections. Mean HbA1c was significantly higher among the diabetic children with skin infections. Children with type 1 DM are more prone to skin and soft tissue infections and UTI. Skin infections are more severe and these children have higher HbA1c levels.Type 1DM accounts for approximately two thirds of all cases of diabetes in children [1]. Adults with diabetes are prone to infections and improved glycemic control decreases the mortality and morbidity associated with severe infections [2]. However contrary to the popular belief this association is not supported by strong evidence in children. Some studies have failed to prove a clear causal relationship between hyperglycemia and infections [2]. Our concern is whether children <12 years with type 1 DM, are more prone for common infections. Current evidence does not favour the fact that infections occur in children with DM in comparison to non diabetic children [3]. Infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract and soft tissues occur with increased frequency in the overall diabetic population [4]. Available evidence supports the concept that hyperglycemia per se or the metabolic abnormality of diabetes is sufficient to explain the impaired immune response in patients responding to infections. Impaired polymorph function, chemotaxis and killer activities have been found to be responsible for infections in diabetes. The study was undertaken to find out whether children <12 years of age with type 1 DM are at increased risk for common infections. Materials and methodsThis was a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care children hospital from Chennai, which provides free medical care to children from the lower socioeconomic strata. The objectives of the study were to identify the incidence, type and severity of common infections in children with type 1 DM and to evaluate the risk factors for infections. 125 Children with diabetes mellitus attending the diabetic clinic (GROUP 1) and an equal number of age and sex matched children without diabetes mellitus were enrolled from the Integrated Child Development Centre (ICDS) and the Corporation school, Egmore, Chennai as the control group (GROUP 2). Children