A Cross-sectional Study on Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Other Markers of Mineral Metabolism in Healthy Children in India.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays a significant role in phosphate homeostasis but data on children are limited. We aimed to detect FGF23 levels in 107 healthy children aged 6-16 years and evaluate its correlation with markers of phosphate and calcium metabolism, and the dietary intake of calcium, phosphate, and proteins. Height, weight, and Tanner stages were measured, and dietary intake was calculated.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Procalcitonin-A Potential Biomarker for Post-Craniotomy Bacterial Meningitis.

Background: The literature regarding the utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis of post-craniotomy bacterial meningitis and differentiating it from aseptic meningitis is sparse.

Materials And Methods: CSF total WBC count, sugar, protein, and PCT were measured in febrile patients with suspected post-craniotomy meningitis during the first 30 days following an intradural cranial procedure for non-trauma indications. Patients were diagnosed as postoperative bacterial meningitis if CSF culture was positive (PBM, n = 28) or postoperative aseptic meningitis if CSF culture was sterile and there was no evidence of systemic infection (PAM, n = 31).

Calculated values of serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) - for better or worse?

Background And Aims: The use of Friedewald's formula to calculate serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is well-known to have limitations. A modification of it, in 2013, has been proposed to be superior. However, it was not known whether LDL-C values (calculated by the modified formula) meet laboratory performance criteria for their estimation.

Vitamin D Levels and Associations in Indian Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

Introduction: Vitamin D is a steroid hormone belonging to the class of secosteroids with myriad immune functions and has been implicated in aetiopathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Although, there have been various studies showing the association of vitamin D in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in different populations, there have been limited studies on vitamin D and primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS). There are no studies on association of vitamin D and pSS from any tropical country including Indian subcontinent.

Diagnostic accuracy of salivary and serum-free light chain assays in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a pilot study.

Objective: To estimate levels of salivary and serum free light chains (FLCs) and explore its utility as a biomarker in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Methods: Patients with pSS classified by American European Consensus group 2002 or American College of Rheumatology 2012 criteria between January 2015 and August 2015 were included. Healthy staff and non-first degree relatives of patients constituted controls.

Effect of Fortification and Additives on Breast Milk Osmolality.

This study evaluated the effect of fortification and commonly used additives on the osmolality of human milk. Osmolality after fortification with milk powder and human milk fortifier increased from 303 mOsmol/kg to 397 and 373 mOsmol/kg, respectively. The maximal increase in osmolality was seen with the addition of calcium gluconate.

Serum Vitamin D Status and Outcome among Critically Ill Children Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in South India.

Objectives: To determine the vitamin D status and the association between vitamin D status and the clinical outcome of critically ill children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in South India.

Methods: Fifty-four consecutive children with medical and surgical diagnoses were included with parental consent. Severity of illness was assessed using PIM-2 score; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Cardiovascular Score (CV-SOFA) was used to describe vasopressor use.

Vitamin D status and adequacy of standard supplementation in preterm neonates from South India.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess vitamin D status of preterm babies at birth and adequacy of daily supplementation with vitamin D.

Methods: This prospective cohort study recruited 111 preterm babies, 25 to 32 weeks' gestation from a tertiary care perinatal center in south India. Cord blood was assayed for serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D).

Elevated procalcitonin is associated with increased mortality in patients with scrub typhus infection needing intensive care admission.

Context: Procalcitonin is a biomarker of bacterial sepsis. It is unclear if scrub typhus, a rickettsial illness, is associated with elevated procalcitonin levels.

Aim: To assess if scrub typhus infection is associated with high procalcitonin levels and whether high levels portend a poorer prognosis.

Spot urine cortisol-creatinine ratio - A useful screening test in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.

Introduction: Although, there are several tests available, not one of them fulfils the criteria of being an ideal screening test. Continuing the search for an ideal screening test, we explored the use of urine spot cortisol-creatinine ratio as a novel method of evaluating patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Method: A total of 35 subjects were studied and divided into 3 groups - 15 having cushings syndrome, 15 patients with obesity and 5 normal weight subjects.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome in diseases of the skin.

Background: A number of dermatological conditions present with features of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). This study evaluated the incidence and outcome of SIRS in patients with dermatological diseases.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Sequential treatment of metformin and clomiphene citrate in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

Background: Recognition of the importance of insulin resistance in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has led to the use of insulin sensitizers.

Methods: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted to compare efficacy of sequential treatment with metformin and clomiphene citrate with conventional gonadotrophins. Sixty clomiphene-resistant women with PCOS were randomized to two groups (n = 30 each), using computer-generated tables.

Post-transplant hyperglycaemia: a study of risk factors.

Background: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) has several identifiable pre- and post-transplant risk factors. The link to nutritional status pre-transplant has not been explored previously. This study was conducted to identify risk factors for the development of PTDM, with emphasis on pre-transplant nutritional status and glucose tolerance.