Journal of tropical pediatrics
-
Comparative Study
Sudden unexpected child deaths: forensic autopsy results in cases of sudden deaths during a 5-year period.
The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of various causes of sudden unexpected child deaths (SUCD) and to assess the importance of an autopsy in predicting the likelihood of finding a cause of death. A retrospective analysis of autopsy findings in 97 cases of SUCD between the ages of 0--11 years was undertaken at the Council of Forensic Medicine, Ankara during a 5-year period (1995--2000). Cases were classified as explained causes (80.42 per cent) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (19.58 per cent). ⋯ The incidence of SIDS in the newborn period was 33 per cent. The incidence of unexplained causes of deaths in the postneonatal period was 31 per cent and the causes of deaths were respiratory pathology (15 cases), aspiration (five cases), gastrointestinal pathology (four cases), SIDS (14 cases), and other causes (four cases). The study of an entire population provides more reliable data regarding causes of sudden unexpected child deaths than does the study of small groups and it is also recommended that in addition to a through evaluation, a detailed autopsy must be performed for each case in experienced centers.
-
Comparative Study
Is there a relationship between childhood Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia?
An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia has been reported in children, and it has been proposed that H. pylori infection needs to be eradicated to treat absolutely iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We investigated whether there was any correlation between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency (ID) and IDA in children, and whether the eradication of H. pylori infection without iron treatment would lead to the resolution of ID. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels, H. pylori stool antigen test and (14)C urea breath test were measured in 140 children aged 6--16 years (median 9.5 years). ⋯ Hemoglobin and MCV values rose significantly compared with baseline values after H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with IDA (p=0.002 and p=0.003, respectively). Ferritin values increased significantly after H. pylori eradication in children with ID (p<0.001). We conclude that complete recovery of ID and IDA can be achieved with H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with H. pylori infection.
-
Comparative Study Historical Article
Late presentation of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children.
The diagnosis of tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) aspiration in children is often delayed or overlooked. The aim of this study is to examine the causes of delay (>1 month) in the diagnosis and to study the complications of late presentation and their management. During the period between July 1993 and August 2002, 128 patients with suspected FB aspiration were admitted to KKUH, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Follow-up ranged from 6 to 48 months. Diagnostic delay of tracheobronchial FB aspiration has significant morbidity in children. A high index of suspicion and early referral are essential in preventing such complications.
-
Case Reports
Paradoxical appearance of intracranial tuberculoma in a child with tuberculous meningitis.
Intracranial tuberculomas are known to develop during treatment of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). However, they usually develop within weeks or a couple of months after the start of antituberculous therapy (ATT). We present a case of an 18-month-old boy who developed tuberculomas after 9 months of ATT, which subsequently responded to the reintroduction of steroids. Thus, one must keep a watch for neurological deterioration in a child of TBM and if it is due to tuberculomas, one may have to continue steroids and ATT for a long time.