Introduction: 50-60%of the low birth weight babies in a

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the role of neopterin in the early assessment of dengue severity in children of age one month to 18 years admitted for fever and confirmed by dengue serology.MethodTwo sets of samples were collected from 77 confirmed dengue patients aged one month to 18 years for serum neopterin determination. The first sample was collected at 2-3 days of fever onset, and the second sample was collected at 24–36 h after the first sample was collected and followed up cases and correlated serum neopterin levels.ResultsAmong the 77 patients enrolled, 19 were diagnosed with severe dengue, 15 patients as having dengue with warning signs, and 43 patients as having dengue fever.ConclusionIn this study, we found that the serum neopterin levels were significantly higher in the severe dengue category (mean: 58.75(±4.91) nmol/l) than in the non-severe dengue category (mean: 48.11(±8.80) nmol/l). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between neopterin concentration and duration of fever hence, higher serum neopterin levels may indicate dengue severity. The determination of serum neopterin concentration may be used for the early assessment of severe dengue.

Introduction: Magnesium deficiency, a common finding in critically ill patients, is associated with increased need for respiratory support, increased duration of ICU stay and mortality. The primary objective of our study is to assess the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in critically ill children (requiring inotropic support, respiratory support, and fluid resuscitation) on admission in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The secondary objective is to evaluate its relationship with the length of hospital stay and mortality. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the PICU of a tertiary care hospital. In this study, serum magnesium levels at admission were measured along with other laboratory tests, after informed consent. Serum magnesium levels were assayed in our laboratory. The normal range of serum magnesium in our lab is 1.7-2.7 mg/dl. During admission in PICU, there was follow-up for ionotrope administration, need for mechanical ventilation, APACHE II score, PICU length of stay and mortality. Results: In this study, 350 critically ill children requiring hemodynamic / respiratory support were chosen. However, 83 children were excluded from study as they were discharged against medical advice. The prevalence of hypomagnesemia in this study was 43.4%. There was no significant association between hypomagnesemia, duration of hospital stay and mortality. Conclusion: Hypomagnesaemia is a common finding in critically ill paediatric patients, however there is no significant association noted in regards to length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, inotropic support and mortality.