Estimation of Iron status in children with first febrile seizure (FFS). Iron status was evaluated by including Hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Serum ferritin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was conducted all children with first febrile seizures and febrile illnesses (FI) in Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit and Pediatrics Wards of Sri Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagara from January 2010 to June 2011. The blood samples from the 50 children comprising the cases and 50 children comprising the controls constituted the material for the study. RESULTS : In the present study 58% cases were diagnosed as Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) with Febrile Seizure (FS); 18% controls were diagnosed as IDA with Febrile Illness. IDA was more frequent among children with FS than those with febrile illness alone. The result suggests that IDA may be a risk factor for FFS. Screening for IDA should be considered in children with FFS. CONCLUSION: Iron Deficiency Anemia is associated with the severity of a febrile illness, and more severe cases could be more likely to get seizures.

Excessive or thick pulmonary secretions obstructing the small airways are a common problem in neonatal population. Pulmonary collapse may occur secondary to mucus plug. Recombinant-DNase is thought to improve atelectasis by decreasing viscosity and assisting mucociliary clearance in cases of pulmonary collapse. Inhaled hypertonic saline is tried as an alternative. Here we report a case of respiratory distress syndrome with collapse of entire left lower lobe which is very rare and it responded significantly to hypertonic saline nebulisation along with chest physiotherapy and regular suctioning. Atelectasis is common in post extubated neonates but in our case it developed in pre intubation period. Here we highlight the fact that nebulized hypertonic saline can be an effective alternative to recombinant DNase in resource limited settings like in India.

OBJECTIVE: 1. Comparing Cord Serum Albumin level (CSA) with Cord Serum Bilirubin (CSB) in predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. 2. To know the sensitivity, specificity, Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CSA and CSB in predicting neonatal jaundice in term neonates. METHOD: Prospective study was performed on 174 healthy term neonates. Relevant maternal history is collected. Cord blood was collected from the healthy term neonates at birth, CSA and CSB measured. Neonate was assessed clinically every day. Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) and blood group were assessed in neonate during 72-96 hours of life. TSB value ≥17mg/dl is considered Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia (NH) which requires intervention like phototherapy (PT) or Exchange transfusion (ExT). RESULT: Study cohort is grouped in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 based on Cord Serum Albumin level ≤2.8g/dl, 2.9-3.3g/dl and ≥3.4g/dl, respectively. Based on CSB, study cohort divided into neonates with CSB ≤ 2mg/dl and CSB ≥ 2.1mg/dl. Statistical analysis done for correlation of CSA and CSB with NH. Statistical significance is seen for both CSA and CSB. CONCLUSION: Both CSA and CSB are equally effective in predicting NH at birth. These study variables can be considered as neonatal screening tool for NH for term neonates.

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a genetically transmitted form of spherocytosis, an autohemolytic anemia characterized by the production of red blood cells that are sphere-shaped rather than biconcave disc, and therefore more prone to hemolysis. It is a result of heterogeneous alterations in one of six genes (most often the ankyrin gene) that encode for proteins involved in vertical associations that tie the membrane skeleton to the lipid bilayer. We report a case of Heriditary spherocytosis affecting both mother and the baby with varied severity.

Foreign body aspiration is an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, particularly in children between the age of 6 months and five years. It is potentially life threatening event and may also cause chronic lung injury, if not properly managed. Foreign bodies may cause chronic pulmonary infections, bronchiectasis and lung abscess. An early diagnosis and management of the patient with an inhaled foreign body offers a diagnostic challenge to the treating pediatrician. We report a case of incidental foreign body in a 3year old child presented with recurrent episodes of wheeze associated respiratory tract infections. Wheeze was associated with persistent cough and dyspnea with nocturnal awakening.