Identification of Putative Biomarkers in Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that impairs motor abilities. Identifying maternal biomarker derangements can facilitate further evaluation for early diagnosis, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes. This study investigates the association between maternal biomarker derangements and CP development during the antenatal period.

Acute liver failure with a massive upper GI bleed meeting the criteria of MIS-C.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a known complication of COVID-19. There is still limited knowledge about this condition. Here, we report the case of a previously healthy toddler boy, who presented with acute liver failure and duodenal lesions resulting in severe haematemesis and haemorrhagic shock, requiring intensive care unit care.

Awareness among Pediatricians Regarding National Telemedicine Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey.

The success of telemedicine depends on awareness among doctors on how to implement it. We aimed to assess knowledge about national telemedicine guidelines in pediatricians during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A cross-sectional study of pediatricians across India was conducted through a structured online questionnaire containing 16 marks.

A novel prognostic system based on clinical and laboratory parameters for childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Aim: To develop a score based on clinical and laboratory parameters in acute-phase of GBS to predict outcome at 6 months.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory assessment at admission including blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pre and post-immunotherapy serum albumin was prospectively performed in pediatric-GBS cases at a tertiary-care hospital over 1 year. Clinical features and laboratory test results were compared between children with complete (Hughes Disability Score; HDS ≤ 1) and incomplete recovery (HDS > 1) at 6 months from onset, using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Role of neuroimaging in children with first unprovoked seizure: A prospective observational study.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and type of neuroimaging abnormalities in first unprovoked seizure (FUS) in children. To investigate the association of neuroimaging abnormalities with clinical variables.

Methods: A prospective observational study enrolled children aged 6 months-14 years with FUS over one year at a tertiary-care teaching hospital, Northern India and subjected them to neuroimaging.

Neuroradiologic Features Associated With Severe Restriction of Functional Mobility in Children With Cerebral Palsy in North India.

Background: Few studies have focused on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain findings associated with functional mobility in cerebral palsy.

Objective: To determine association between MRI findings and Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels in cerebral palsy.

Methods: Prospective-observational study conducted in Pediatric Neurology Clinic at a public teaching hospital, Northern India.

Clinical Profile and Predictors of Mechanical Ventilation in Guillain-Barre Syndrome in North Indian Children.

Objective: To describe the clinical-laboratory profile of pediatric Guillain-Barre syndrome and delineate features associated with need of mechanical ventilation.

Methods: In a prospective observational study at tertiary care hospital, clinical-laboratory assessment and nerve conduction studies were documented in consecutive children hospitalized with Guillain-Barre syndrome according to Brighton criteria. Clinical-laboratory features were compared between ventilated and nonventilated patients using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Shock index is better than conventional vital signs for assessing higher level of care and mortality in severe sepsis or shock.

Background: Conventional vital signs alone have limitations in determining the physiological status. Age-adjusted shock-index (SIPA), a comprehensive physiological variable, defined as the ratio of heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) may be better at predicting hemodynamic stability and outcome than vital signs.

Objectives: To compare discriminatory power of SIPA against vital signs in assessing higher level of care (vasopressor use and mechanical ventilation) and early mortality in severe sepsis/septic shock.

Combined score based on arterial lactate, aspartate transaminase and prolonged capillary refill time is a useful diagnostic criterion for identifying severe dengue.

Background: Taking into consideration, the variable performance of WHO's dengue case definition and the magnitude of epidemics in India, a score based on clinical and laboratory parameters is required for the early identification of severe dengue.

Methods: A retrospective observational study of children (aged ≤12 y) presenting with dengue, defined as per the WHO 2009 classification and NS1 antigen/IgM ELISA positivity, was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from 2013 to 2015. Clinical laboratory parameters were compared between severe/non-severe dengue using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Prediction Rule for Scrub Typhus Meningoencephalitis in Children: Emerging Disease in North India.

Objectives: To evaluate the proportion of scrub typhus meningoencephalitis among children with acute encephalitis syndrome and to outline its differentiating features. To develop a prediction rule for scrub typhus meningoencephalitis.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care public hospital in Northern India.

Lactate Measurements and Their Association With Mortality in Pediatric Severe Sepsis in India: Evidence That 6-Hour Level Performs Best.

Purpose: To investigate association of static and dynamic lactate indices with early mortality (within 48 hours of admission), as well as need for vasopressors and mechanical ventilation in pediatric severe sepsis/shock. To explore optimal cutoffs of lactate indices. We hypothesized that dynamic indices are superior to static indices in predicting early mortality.

Impact of financial support and focussed group counselling on treatment abandonment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Experience over 22 years from North India.

Objectives: Efforts are being made worldwide to prevent abandonment in children with leukaemia. The study aimed to determine changes in treatment refusal, treatment abandonment rates, and its reasons in response to financial support and focussed group counselling.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study conducted at paediatric haematology-oncology unit, King George's Medical University, Lucknow among children <18 years admitted with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia from 1995 to 2017.

Prevalence, predictors, causes of treatment refusal and abandonment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia over 18 years in North India. Treatment phase affecting factors: A step towards better focussed counselling.

Background: Treatment refusal or abandonment are among the major causes of the survival gap between developed and developing countries.

Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed records of children aged <18 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) registered for treatment at a tertiary-care teaching hospital, North India, between 1995 and 2012. Children who refused or abandoned therapy were tracked, and reasons for refusal/abandonment were recorded by telephone interviews or by surface mail.

Shock Index-A Useful Noninvasive Marker Associated With Age-Specific Early Mortality in Children With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: Age-Specific Shock Index Cut-Offs.

Background: Aim of the study was to analyze the association of shock index (SI) from 0 to 6 hours with early mortality in severe sepsis/septic shock and to explore its age-specific cut-off values. To investigate association of change in SI over first 6 hours with early mortality.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of children (<14 years) admitted in emergency department, tertiary care hospital with severe sepsis or septic shock, divided into 3 groups: group 1: 1 month to <1 year; group 2: 1 to <6 years; group 3: 6 to 12 years.