Objective To assess the prevalence of constipation and functional faecal retention among a group of school children in Gampaha district of Sri Lanka. Method This is a cross sectional survey. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected children, aged 10-16 years, in a semi-urban school in Gampaha District of Sri Lanka. Constipation was defined using Rome III criteria and Paris Consensus on Childhood Constipation Terminology (PACCT). Functional faecal retention was diagnosed using Rome II criteria. Results A total of 441 questionnaires were distributed and 429 (97.3%) responded (53.1% males, mean age 12.4 years, SD 1.5 years). According to Rome III criteria and PACCT, 46 (10.7%) had constipation. Prevalence of constipation was higher in males (14.5%) compared to females (6.5%) [OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.19-5.1, p=0.012]. Twenty three (5.4%) had functional faecal retention. Conclusions Chronic constipation is a significant problem, affecting approximately 10% of children in a semi-urban school in Gampaha district. It is commoner among males. Both Rome III criteria and PACCT are effective in diagnosing childhood constipation in epidemiological studies.

Introduction With an increase in the elderly population and developments in medical care, increased numbers of patients with fungal diseases are expected. This necessitates a new vision for fungal diseases in Sri Lanka, a tropical country with a population of 20 million. The objective of this study was to estimate national fungal infection caseloads using global and national epidemiological datasets. Methods We searched national data and surveillance studies published by us and other authors for relevant disease terms. Locally collected incidence data were available for candidaemia, fungal keratitis, cryptococcosis, allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS). Global disease estimation was done using international data. Generally, disease estimates were conservative as they assumed the lowest incidence rates reported in the literature and focused only on well-defined risk populations. Results Among the 1,317 HIV/AIDS patients (in 2010), there were 639 estimated oral candidiasis cases, 100 oesophageal candidiasis cases and only 13 cases of cryptococcal meningitis. The estimated prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) post TB is estimated to be 1,443 and all forms of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (including aspergilloma) 2,886 patients. We estimated 229 cases of invasive aspergillosis and 41 cases of mucormycosis. The projected annual incidence of candidaemia is 507 and an estimated 76 candida peritonitis cases post-surgery. According to our estimates 10,344 patients were suffering from ABPA and 13,654 were suffering from SAFS. The projected annual incidence of fungal keratitis would be 1,277 and tinea infections would affect 50 children. Pneumocystis incidence could not be estimated.

Background: Measuring axillary temperature with mercury in glass thermometers is continued in clinical practice though there are many limitations. This is mainly due to convenience and cost. This study was conducted to ascertain the accuracy of measuring axillary temperature with mercury thermometers in preschool children. Methods: Axillary temperature was measured in 250 preschool children using standardized mercury thermometers. Time taken to record the final temperature and its correlates were assessed. Results: Time taken to record the final temperature extended up to six minutes. This duration varied according to age, body mass index and body temperature, but a significant variation was noted only with age. Conclusions: Measuring axillary temperature with mercury thermometers is subjected to error. They need to be replaced with suitable alternatives.

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