Efficacy of probiotics for treatment of acute or persistent diarrhoea in children from birth till 10 years: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of probiotics in treating acute and persistent diarrhoea. However, probiotics have not been established as a recommended management option for diarrhoeal illness by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials to assess the efficacy of probiotics for the management of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children.

Are first-trimester pregnant women consuming adequate and diverse diet? A hospital-based cross-sectional study in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Maintaining a healthy and diverse diet during pregnancy is crucial for maternal well-being and fetal development. The first trimester marks the beginning of vital developmental processes influenced by maternal nutritional status. Therefore, we aimed to determine dietary adequacy and diversity among first-trimester pregnant women.

Factors Associated with Vaccine Refusal (Polio and Routine Immunization) in High-Risk Areas of Pakistan: A Matched Case-Control Study.

Background: Pakistan has subpar childhood immunization rates and immunization activities have faced several challenges over the past years. We evaluated the social-behavioral and cultural barriers and risk factors for refusal of polio, Routine Immunization (RI), or both in high-risk areas of poliovirus circulation.

Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted from April to July 2017 in eight super high-risk Union Councils of five towns in Karachi, Pakistan.

The Efficacy of a Personalized mHealth Coaching Program During Pregnancy on Maternal Diet, Supplement Use, and Physical Activity: Protocol for a Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Adequate intake of macro- and micronutrients and adoption of an active lifestyle during pregnancy are essential for optimum maternal and fetal health and offspring development. Dietary counseling and advice regarding adequate physical activity are integral components of antenatal care. Personalized coaching through the use of mobile health (mHealth) that supports behavior modification is an innovative approach that needs exploration.

Tumour Lysis Syndrome in children with haematological cancers: Experience at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Objective: To determine the incidence of tumour lysis syndrome and to identify associated factors and mortality rate in paediatric haematological patients.

Methods: The prospective study was conducted from April to September 2016 at Indus Children Cancer Hospital, Karachi, and collected data for all new paediatric oncology patients registered with diagnosis of haematological malignancies. Each patient was monitored for a period of three days before and seven days after the start of the treatment.