Singap Med J
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The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and toxicity, the frequency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) testing, and 25(OH)D variations with respect to patient gender, patient age and season in New South Wales, Australia. ⋯ We found that vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in both men and women, with a higher prevalence in the latter, despite the substantial increased demand for 25(OH)D testing in our population over the decade. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with elevated PTH levels. Vitamin D toxicity was rare and only observed once during our study period. 25(OH)D levels decreased with age and varied with season, with the highest levels observed in late summer and the lowest in early spring.
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With the exception of shellfish, the overall food allergy rates in Singapore have not reached the epidemic proportions of the West. The rates of egg, milk and fish allergies remain low. ⋯ For example, peanut allergy, once rare in Singapore, is now the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children. Studies analysing lifestyle practices, particularly with respect to prevention of food allergy, are necessary in order for practitioners to understand global differences and maintain this low prevalence.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of two regimens of vitamin D supplementation for vitamin D-deficient neonates.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women, and supplementation of vitamin D is necessary for the infants of these women. This study explored the efficacy of an alternative way of vitamin D supplementation in an area with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in mothers. ⋯ For infants born to vitamin D-deficient mothers, oral supplementation of 30,000 IU vitamin D3 during the first month of life, followed by a routine recommended dose of 400 IU/day, should be considered. The four-month lag for attaining vitamin D sufficiency in 90% of infants in the SDR group may have clinical implications and should be further investigated.
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Mortality risk prediction scores are important for benchmarking quality of care in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). We aimed to benchmark PICU outcomes at our hospital against the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2) mortality risk prediction score, and evaluate differences in diagnosis on admission and outcomes between Malaysian and immigrant children. ⋯ The patient profile at our centre was similar to that reported from other PICUs in Asia. The PIM2 score is a useful mortality risk prediction model for our population.
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Available data on traumatic cataract in Asian children is primarily confined to South Asian countries. We aimed to describe the demographics, nature of injury and visual outcomes of Malaysian children with traumatic cataract from a suburban area, and discuss the literature on Asian children with this condition. ⋯ Health education and awareness are essential tools that can prevent avoidable blindness due to traumatic cataract in the paediatric population. The importance of rehabilitation programmes for these patients should be emphasised.