International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics

Functional constipation in children: a mini-review for primary care management

2025-12-11T06:27:11+0530

Functional constipation is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal complaints encountered in childhood and remains a frequent reason for primary-care consultation. Although often benign, the condition can place a substantial burden on affected children and their families due to discomfort, behavioral changes around toileting, school difficulties, and anxiety related to symptoms. Many children experience cycles of painful defecation followed by voluntary stool withholding, which perpetuates rectal distension and harder stools. Understanding these behavioral and physiological components is essential for guiding effective management in community settings, where most cases initially present. This mini-review provides an overview of current concepts related to epidemiology, clinical presentation, and the natural course of functional constipation in children. Practical diagnostic approaches suited for primary-care practice are emphasized, including recognition of key alarm features that warrant further evaluation or referral. The review outlines evidence-based therapeutic strategies that integrate education, toilet routines, dietary adjustments, and pharmacologic options. The role of behavioral reinforcement, family guidance, and school-based support is also highlighted to address the psychosocial aspects of the condition. Long-term follow-up and prevention of relapse are critical components of successful care, especially during periods of illness, travel, or routine disruption. Practical tools such as stool diaries, school coordination, and structured plans for recurrent symptoms can improve adherence and outcomes. By summarizing clinically relevant recommendations and providing an accessible framework for stepwise management, this review aims to support clinicians in delivering consistent, effective, and family-centered care for children with functional constipation.

Neurodevelopmental delays: a review on integration between- WES, WGS and AI guided accelerated and precise diagnosis

2025-12-25T08:31:50+0530

Neurodevelopmental delays (NDDs) are a significant public health concern, and their early, accurate diagnosis is crucial for an effective intervention. This comprehensive literature review examines the transformative impact of integrating whole exome sequencing (WES), whole genome sequencing (WGS), and artificial intelligence (AI) into the diagnostic pathway for NDDs. A systematic search was conducted across scholarly databases to synthesize the latest research on the clinical utility, diagnostic yield, and implementation challenges of these technologies. The review confirms that WES and WGS have become indispensable first-tier diagnostic tools, providing a significantly higher diagnostic yield (30-50%) compared to traditional methods by identifying underlying genetic etiologies, including de novo mutations and structural variants. Moreover, the analysis highlights AI's pivotal role in accelerating and enhancing this process, from automating complex genomic data interpretation to enabling earlier clinical diagnosis through the analysis of behavioral, physiological, and electronic health record data. Despite challenges such as cost, inconsistent insurance coverage, and the need for standardized data-sharing, the synergy between genomics and AI is creating a paradigm shift toward a more precise, equitable, and patient-centered model of care. This integration holds immense promise for shortening the diagnostic journey for affected children and profoundly improving their long-term developmental trajectories.

From insight to action: challenges in implementing infant and young child feeding practices in India

2025-12-25T08:31:50+0530

Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and appropriate complementary feeding with continued breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond is among the highest-impact, lowest-cost strategies for improving child survival, growth, and neurodevelopment in India. Despite notable gains in early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding in the past decade, complementary feeding remains weak, with persistent inequities by geography, socioeconomic status, maternal education, and social group. This review synthesizes recent evidence on IYCF practices in India, identifies implementation barriers across health systems, communities, and markets, and proposes pragmatic solutions. It integrates insights on frontline worker performance, mobile health (mHealth) and mass media, regulatory environments, social norms, urbanization, and vulnerable sub-populations such as adolescents, urban poor, tribal communities, and draw on global evidence to inform program design. It concludes that with an implementation agenda for India focused on service delivery quality, rights-based regulation and maternity protection, context-specific behaviour change, workforce strengthening, and routine measurement to accelerate progress.

Harnessing school social capital to curb adolescent tobacco use

2025-12-25T08:31:49+0530

Tobacco use during adolescence remains a global public health concern, with initiation often beginning between 13 and 15 years of age. In India, approximately 14.6% of adolescents are current users, with smokeless forms such as gutkha, kharra, and bidis presenting additional challenges. If current trends persist, nearly 250 million children alive today may die prematurely from tobacco-related diseases. Schools, where adolescents spend most of their waking hours, are critical settings for shaping health behaviors. School social capital defined as the trust, networks, cooperation, and shared norms within a school community serves as a protective factor against tobacco initiation and can foster cessation. This narrative review synthesizes global and Indian evidence on the relationship between school social capital and adolescent tobacco use, highlighting strategies such as peer mentoring, teacher–student trust, parental engagement, and culturally sensitive interventions in rural and tribal settings. Strengthening school social capital fosters resilience, enhances school climate, and deters risky behaviors. Integrating this approach within school-based health promotion and tobacco control policies can contribute to building tobacco-free generations.

Subacute sclerosing pan encephalitis with different perspective: an atypical case

2025-12-25T08:31:56+0530

Subacute sclerosing pan encephalitis (SSPE) is a rare type of brain disease that happens when a changed version of the measles virus keeps infecting the brain. The symptoms start with changes in behavior, then seizures, trouble thinking, stiff muscles, and eventually, the person might go into a coma and die. A 7-year-old male patient presented in OPD with complaint of single episode of generalized tonic clonic seizures lasting for 30 seconds, followed by left sided upper limb and lower limb weakness along with myoclonic seizures. Patient was active and on walking patient was swaying towards right side. Supportive management with anti-epileptics given but patient has poor prognosis. Our case showed three unusual signs of SSPE: starting at a young age, sudden loss of balance showing a fast disease progress, and happening in a child who had been vaccinated but didn't have a known measles infection. We think the child might have had a mild measles infection that wasn't noticed by the parents, which could have led to SSPE.

Imaging insights into ACVR-1-linked ossification syndrome

2025-12-25T08:31:55+0530

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder (ACVR-1 gene) with a prevalence of 1 in 2 million births. It is characterized by heterotopic progressive ossification in connective tissues and between osseous structures. Congenital malformation of the great toes is a pathognomic association. Herein this repost presents a case of a thirteen-year-old girl who presented with difficulty in walking for one year. She had short bilateral great toes and had an abnormal gait. Radiographs followed by computed tomography (CT) of the bilateral hip joint showed soft tissue ossification around the hip joint with bilateral coxa valga. Magnetic resonance imaging of the bilateral hip was also done, which showed intramuscular edema in the left gluteus medius and maximus. Early diagnosis and identification of this disease with imaging is important to prevent unnecessary biopsies and surgical intervention.

Dental aspects of Crouzon syndrome: a case report

2025-12-25T08:31:53+0530

Crouzon syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of certain sutures of the cranial vault, base, orbital, and maxillary region, leading to craniofacial dysmorphology. The severity of craniosynostosis varies among individuals. The clinical presentation of this congenital deformity depends on the pattern and timing of sutural fusion. Crouzon syndrome is caused by a mutation in genes that control bone development, particularly the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. This report highlights the varied clinical presentation of a 13-year-old patient with Crouzon Syndrome, featuring the craniofacial manifestations, associated dental characteristics, and the benefit of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach focusing on management of the condition in the dental context.

When clubbing isn’t just clubbing: genetically proven primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a child

2025-12-25T08:31:44+0530

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a rare syndrome characterized by digital clubbing, periostosis and arthropathy. It manifests as abnormal proliferation of the skin, soft and osseous tissues in the distal parts of extremities. The disease can be classified into two forms: primary and secondary. Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is most often autosomal recessive, though autosomal dominant and sporadic cases are described. Pathogenic variants in HPGD and SLCO2A1—key regulators of prostaglandin metabolism—lead to elevated prostaglandin E₂ levels, causing abnormal bone and soft tissue proliferation. Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is linked to a variety of pulmonary, cardiac, and other systemic conditions. Herein this report presents a case of an 18-year-old male who presented with progressive grade 4 clubbing, varicosities of the right lower limb, bilateral lower limb pain and exertional breathlessness since early childhood. Examination revealed craniofacial dysmorphism, bulbous fingertips and toes, clinodactyly and chest deformity. Radiographs demonstrated acro-osteolysis with prominent bones. Laboratory parameters were largely normal except for mildly elevated parathyroid hormone and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Echocardiography was normal. Genetic analysis identified a homozygous missense variant in exon 4 of the HPGD gene, confirming the diagnosis of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. This case highlights the importance of considering genetic causes in pediatric patients presenting with unexplained clubbing and skeletal deformities. Early recognition of primary HOA can prevent unnecessary evaluation for secondary causes and guide genetic counseling.

Fahr’s syndrome associated with primary hypoparathyroidism: insights from a case report in Western Odisha

2025-12-25T08:31:43+0530

Fahr’s syndrome is characterized by having cortical, subcortical, deep grey nuclei calcification. It is an extremely rare clinic-radiological entity. Hypoparathyroidism may contribute to the pathogenesis, as a secondary cause. Calcium and phosphorus imbalance is main culprit for the disease process. Patients can present with varied neurologic and endocrinal disorder related to hypoparathyroidism. Diagnosis needs high index of suspicion or may be prompted from hematologic or endocrinal dysfunction. Treatment protocol based on managing underlying cause, as most of the causes for Fahr’s syndrome are secondary in nature, as in our case. Majorities of case reports are of adult origin that caters to Fahr’s disease which is quite different from Fahr’s syndrome. Pediatric case reports data lagging in India, hence we tried to have a insight to the syndrome through a case of a young girl child, which may guide other pediatricians to have a knowledge about the syndrome with appropriate diagnosis and treatment options.

Diagnostic value of ovarian tissue biopsy in McCune–Albright syndrome presenting with recurrent hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and precocious puberty

2025-12-25T08:31:41+0530

We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with recurrent hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP), managed sequentially with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, aromatase inhibitors, and combined oral contraceptives. Pelvic imaging revealed a complex hemorrhagic cyst in the left ovary. Owing to the atypical presentation and inconclusive peripheral blood genetic testing, an ovarian tissue biopsy was undertaken. Molecular analysis of the ovarian tissue identified a pathogenic heterozygous variant, c.602G>A (p.Arg201His), in exon 8 of the GNAS gene, confirming the diagnosis of McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS). This case highlights the diagnostic utility of ovarian tissue biopsy and targeted molecular testing in suspected MAS, particularly in the absence of classical phenotypic features and when peripheral testing fails to detect mosaic GNAS mutations.

Use of magnet powered bronchoscopy forceps in the removal of bronchial metallic foreign body in an adolescent girl

2025-12-25T08:31:36+0530

Aspiration of foreign body is defined as an entry of an object into the respiratory tract. The mainstay of treatment for removal of the foreign body is bronchoscopy. Here, we report an eleven-year-old girl who presented with accidental aspiration of right bronchial metallic foreign body, which was difficult to remove by conventional bronchoscopy forceps but ultimately removed by magnet powered forceps.

Cataract in childhood diabetes: more than what meets the eye

2025-12-25T08:31:34+0530

Diabetic cataract is a rare but sight threatening complication in children. Two cases of paediatric diabetic cataract are described, one is in a six-year-old girl with diabetes duration of four years with systemic features of poorly controlled T1DM in the form of Mauriac syndrome and another is of a 13 years 6 months old boy with relatively recent diabetes diagnosis 6 months back, both presenting with visually significant cataracts. Regular ophthalmological screening examinations in patients with T1DM starting right from the time of diagnosis are essential to pick up and treat this complication early for best results.

Rare and aggressive: imaging insights of intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma in children and young adults

2025-12-25T08:31:55+0530

This case series presents two cases of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare malignancy of mesenchymal origin that accounts for 5% of all paediatric cancers and is extremely rare to present in adults. It can develop in various sites, including the head and neck, thorax, liver, biliary tract, retroperitoneum, urinary bladder, vagina, extremities, and paratesticular locations. Herein we present a case series of intrabdominal RMS, comprising the first case, an intraperitoneal RMS in a 2-year-old male child, and the second case, a retroperitoneal RMS in a 22-year-old male. Intraperitoneal RMS is extremely rare. Intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal RMS are aggressive tumours and have a poor prognosis. Both cases were of the spindle cell type of RMS, which is the most uncommon type.

Mean platelet volume and red blood cell distribution width coefficient of variation as predictors of prognosis in pneumonia in children

2025-12-25T08:31:37+0530

Background: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major global health concern for children, causing numerous hospitalizations and death. Community acquired pneumonia is a major cause of under-five mortality in children. Identifying reliable prognostic markers is crucial. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width co-efficient of variation (RDW-CV) are accessible and cost-effective options for assessment of prognosis in pneumonia. This study investigates MPV and RDW-CV as prognostic markers in children with community acquired pneumonia.

Methods: This prospective observational study includes 80 children aged 1-16 years diagnosed with pneumonia upon initial examination and admitted to hospital. Community acquired Pneumonia diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, physical examination and/or radiological findings. Pneumonia severity was assessed using the Clinical Respiratory Score (CRS), categorizing patients into mild, moderate, severe groups. MPV and RDW-CV were compared among these groups.

Results: Across the sample of 80 children, RDW-CV and MPV values did not demonstrate statistically significant differences when compared by sex, age group, ICU requirement or hospital stay duration. For most comparisons, p-values exceeded 0.05, indicating that variations in these indices are likely due to random fluctuations rather than true biological differences.

Conclusions: Certain trends (higher RDW-CV and MPV in intense severity groups, elevated MPV in pleural effusion and significant ROC for MPV) are biologically plausible in the context of systemic inflammation. MPV appears to be a more reliable marker than RDW-CV in this dataset. RDW-CV did not demonstrate meaningful prognostic value. The findings reinforce that MPV may serve as a supportive, accessible biomarker for predicting more severe pneumonia in children, whereas RDW-CV requires larger sample evaluation to confirm its utility.

Impact of organoleptic properties on pediatric antibiotic compliance: a comparative study of three commonly prescribed co-amoxyclav suspensions in India

2025-12-25T08:31:52+0530

Background: Palatability is a crucial factor influencing adherence of medication in pediatric populations, especially for oral antibiotic suspensions. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the organoleptic properties of three co-amoxyclav 457 mg formulations: Product A (Advent), Product B (Comparator 1) and Product C (Comparator 2) in 55 healthy school-going children aged 6 to 9 years.

Methods: Each product was administered at 15–20-minute intervals and responses were recorded using a structured questionnaire that included behavioural analysis, taste discrimination, ranking and compliance perception.

Results: Product A showed the highest acceptability, with 94.5% of children displaying favourable facial expressions and 100% accepting the product. Based on taste, 91% rated product A as excellent or good, compared to 67% for product B and 82% for product C. Additionally, 85% of participants described product A’s taste as sweet, with a fruity orange aftertaste. Smell ratings were also highest for Product A, with 89% rating it excellent or good, versus 71% for product B and 73% for product C. Regarding aftertaste, 78% found product A sweet, while about 55% found products B and C sweet. Overall, 57% of children preferred product A and more than 90% assured they would complete the course if prescribed this formulation.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of organoleptic properties in pediatric antibiotic formulations. By considering organoleptic properties during prescribing, healthcare providers can significantly enhance adherence, leading to improved treatment outcomes and a reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Admission patterns and care experiences of adolescents in a tertiary facility in South India: a mixed methods study

2025-12-25T08:31:42+0530

Background: Adolescents face unique health challenges often under-recognized in tertiary care. Understanding their hospitalization patterns and care experiences is vital for designing responsive services. This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile of hospitalized adolescents in a tertiary centre in southern India and explore their care experiences, expectations, and recommendations.

Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted in 2022. The quantitative component analysed hospital records of 21,391 adolescent inpatients (aged 10–19 years) from 2017 to 2021. A stratified subsample (N=1250) was assessed for diagnosis and outcomes. The qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with five adolescents admitted to general medicine and surgery departments. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 27; qualitative data were thematically analysed using Picker’s principles of patient-centred care.

Results: Adolescents made up 6.2% of total admissions. Late adolescents (16–19 years) formed 51.1% of this group, with a female predominance due to obstetric cases. Leading causes of admission included injuries and poisoning (15.6%), obstetric complications (15.5%), and genitourinary conditions (9.1%). Highest mortality rates were noted in neuroscience (6.6%), plastic surgery (5.6%), and internal medicine (5.5%) departments. Qualitative findings revealed appreciation for staff behaviour and cleanliness but identified gaps in communication, privacy, emotional support, and shared decision-making.

Conclusions: This mixed method study aims to describe the causes of adolescent hospital admissions, and determine the gaps between requirements and provision of adolescent healthcare in tertiary care centres, thus furnishing a holistic report on adolescent hospitalization.

A study of fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathology correlation of salivary gland neoplasms in a tertiary care hospital: an observational study

2025-12-25T08:31:40+0530

Background: Salivary gland lesions contribute to 3 to 6.5% of all neck and head neoplasms in adults. The objective of the current study was to determine the frequency and distribution of various salivary gland neoplasms using fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and their histopathological correlation to ascertain the predictive value of FNAC in diagnosing these lesions.

Methods: A prospective hospital-based observational study conducted in the department of Pathology, Government Medical College Srinagar from March 2024 to April 2025. All the patients with salivary gland lesions in the age group of 0 to 70 years were enrolled in this study. The FNAC and histopathological examination (HPE) were done in all the swellings of the salivary glands.

Results: In our study, salivary gland lesions were more commonly observed in males (53.7%) and predominantly occurred in the 21–60 years age group (30 cases). The parotid gland was the most frequently involved site (60.9%). Benign tumors constituted 56% of cases, followed by non-neoplastic lesions and malignant tumours’, each accounting for 21.95% of cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FNAC with respect to HPE were 83.3%, 94.3%, 71.4%, and 97.1%, respectively.

Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable, minimally invasive, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for evaluating salivary gland lesions. It demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, making it a valuable preliminary diagnostic method. However, histopathological examination remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.

A study on risk factors and pregnancy outcomes associated with oligohydramnios during pregnancy

2025-12-25T08:31:57+0530

Background: Oligohydramnios is one of the most common complications in pregnant women, leading to the various complications like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and low birth weight. This study evaluated the risk factors contributing, perinatal and maternal outcomes of oligohydramnios in pregnant women.

Methods: The study was conducted at Government General Hospital, Karimnagar from July to December 2024. Out of collection of 450 pregnant women, 106 patients satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria of present prospective observational study. Pregnant women, the data was analyzed according to the parameters like age, amniotic fluid index (AFI) value, and risk factors.

Results: Upon distribution of patient data based on age it is observed that maximum number of 39.6% (42) are from the age group of 23-27 years and distributed based on risk factors, 30% (32) patients with pregnancy induced hypertension, 46% (49) patients with hypothyroidism,11% (12) patients of diabetes mellitus, 11% (12) patients with advanced age,43% (46) patients with dehydration. Analysis of data based on outcomes of oligohydramnios, maximum number of samples with 42% (45) found with low birth weight. Distribution of data according to the gestational age the peak number of (101) patients were from 28-42 weeks.

Conclusion: We found hypothyroidism, pregnancy induced hypertension as the major risk factors contributing to the oligohydramnios and low birth weight and IUGR as major adverse outcomes associated with it. Rate of caesarean section was higher in patients with oligohydramnios and more common of neonate’s admission into NICU and has a significant correlation with adverse perinatal outcome.

A hospital-based study on the incidence, severity and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity

2025-12-25T08:31:36+0530

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in India. Improved neonatal survival has increased its incidence, necessitating region specific data on risk factors and disease severity in Western Maharashtra. Objectives of the study were to determine the incidence and severity of ROP and identify associated maternal and neonatal risk factors in a hospital setting.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 86 preterm infants (<34 weeks or <2000g) admitted to a NICU in Kolhapur. Infants were screened for ROP by a paediatric ophthalmologist using Retcam or indirect ophthalmoscopy. Demographic, clinical, and risk factor data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) to compare variables between severe and non-severe ROP groups.

Results: Out of 86 newborns screened, 23 developed ROP. Incidence of ROP was 26.7%. Among 23 neonates with ROP, the majority (47.8%) were born at 31–32 weeks gestation and 56.5% weighed 1–1.5 kg. Stage 1 ROP was most common (47.8%). Severe ROP was present in 39.1% of cases. Birth weight <1 kg (p=0.049) and need for mechanical ventilation (p=0.021) were significantly associated with severe ROP. The mean duration of oxygen therapy was significantly longer in the severe group (22.44 versus 13.93 days, p=0.043). A high prevalence of anaemia (78.3%) and sepsis (82.6%) was observed, though not statistically significant for severity.

Conclusion: Low birth weight, prolonged oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation are significant risk factors for severe ROP. Targeted screening and optimized neonatal care are essential to reduce vision-threatening ROP.

Role of intralesional platelet-rich plasma in enhancing outcomes after internal urethrotomy for short-segment bulbar stricture

2025-12-25T08:31:52+0530

Background: Internal urethrotomy is a minimally invasive treatment for urethral strictures, commonly caused by trauma or infection. Despite its simplicity, the procedure is often followed by stricture recurrence due to scar formation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), known for its regenerative properties in various medical fields, has shown promise in enhancing tissue healing and reducing fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intralesional PRP injection on stricture recurrence following internal urethrotomy. To assess the impact of submucosal intralesional PRP injection on recurrence rates after internal urethrotomy in patients with primary short-segment bulbar urethral stricture.

Methods: This prospective, quasi-experimental study included 54 patients equally divided into two groups. All underwent internal urethrotomy; Group A received intralesional PRP injection, while Group B did not. PRP was prepared from autologous blood via centrifugation. Patients were followed at 3-, 6- and 9-months post-procedure to evaluate urinary flow (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) and stsricture recurrence.

Results: The mean age was comparable between groups. Inflammation was the predominant etiology. Preoperative Qmax and PVR values showed no significant differences. Postoperatively, changes in Qmax and PVR were also not statistically significant. However, stricture recurrence was significantly lower in the PRP group (0% vs. 22.2%, p<0.05). No major adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions: Intralesional PRP injection following internal urethrotomy appears to be a safe and effective adjunct, significantly reducing stricture recurrence in primary short-segment bulbar urethral strictures.

Clinicometabolic profile of fatty liver disease in obese children: a study from Kashmir

2025-12-25T08:31:33+0530

Background: Childhood obesity is an emerging public health challenge and is closely associated with metabolic abnormalities and hepatic complications, particularly fatty liver disease. Objectives were to assess the clinicometabolic profile and determine the incidence of fatty liver disease among overweight and obese children from Kashmir.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over two years from August 2022 to July 2024 at a tertiary care center. A total of 112 children aged 5-18 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥85^th percentile were enrolled. Anthropometry, blood pressure measurement, and biochemical evaluation including fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and thyroid function tests were performed. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by ultrasonography, and FibroScan was performed in children with significant ultrasonographic changes or persistent elevation of liver enzymes.

Results: The mean age was 10.29±2.71 years, with males constituting 57.1% of participants; 71.4% were obese (BMI ≥95^th percentile). Metabolic abnormalities were common, including impaired fasting glucose in 19.6%, hypertriglyceridemia in 73.2%, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure in nearly one-third of children. Elevated AST and ALT levels were observed in 52.7% and 34.8% of participants, respectively. Ultrasonography detected fatty liver in 67.9% of children, with prevalence increasing with BMI. FibroScan revealed elevated controlled attenuation parameter values consistent with hepatic steatosis, while liver stiffness values remained within the F0-F1 range.

Conclusions: Fatty liver disease is highly prevalent among obese children and is strongly associated with metabolic derangements, emphasizing the need for early screening and comprehensive metabolic evaluation.

Comparative evaluation of anti-cariogenic effect of various dairy products in pediatric patients: a randomized clinical trial

2025-12-25T08:31:58+0530

Background: Dairy products support overall and dental health due to their anticariogenic properties. Rich in calcium, phosphorus, and casein phosphopeptides, they aid enamel remineralization, strengthen teeth, and form a protective barrier that neutralizes acids. Regular consumption helps prevent cavities, enhance tooth structure, and promote better oral hygiene. The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the anti-cariogenic effect of various diary products in pediatric patients - a randomized clinical trial.

Methods: Ninety children aged 6–12 years (45 with caries and 45 caries-free) visiting the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry were included after abstaining from oral hygiene for 24 hours. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: milk, curd, and paneer. Baseline plaque pH was recorded using a digital pH meter. Following consumption of the assigned test food (milk 50 ml, curd 50 g, paneer 50 g), plaque pH levels were measured at 10, 20, and 30 minutes.

Results: Paneer showed the highest plaque pH at 10, 20, and 30 minutes followed by yogurt and milk. Children aged 6–12 years showed no significant age or gender differences. Paneer maintained stable pH, yogurt showed no significant changes, while milk exhibited group differences but no significant pH shifts. Group A displayed higher baseline pH than group B, with yogurt subgroup showing significant differences at 10 and 20 minutes (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of our study indicate that paneer consumption may play a beneficial role in promoting remineralization and improving caries management.

Neurobiological foundations of learning: a systematic review of efficacy of brain-based learning strategies for learning disabilities

2025-12-25T08:31:38+0530

Learning disabilities hinder brain development, resulting in impairments in the capacity to develop learning capabilities. Education involved in developing the brain and learning capabilities, that helps to manage learning disabilities. For this, teachers should have the potential to integrate neuroscience in general classrooms. Brain-based learning provides the foundation that integrates classroom practices with the neurological findings. This paper systematically reviews the efficacy of brain-based learning strategies in managing learning disabilities. This systematic review aims at identifying articles which include the brain-based learning strategies interventions that enhance the learning capabilities in the learners with learning disabilities. For this, academic intervention based on neuropedagogy, termed “brain-based learning strategies”, “brain-based instructions”, and “brain-compatible teaching”, along with the learning disability which is termed “learning disabilities”, “learning disorders”, “dyslexia”, and “dyscalculia”, are being reviewed. For this systematic review, four databases (PubMed, Taylor & Francis, ScienceDirect, and ERIC) were used. After including the MeSH of PubMed and the Thesaurus of ERIC, two reviewers independently reviewed and sought out four out of the 438 studies that align with the inclusion criteria. This systematic review indicates that when brain-based interventions are provided to the learners in the terms of strategies such as multisensory instructional techniques, constructivism teaching, orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness and active processing, can bring out the development of various learning capabilities as improves the functions of mind, improving study habits and relieving test anxiety and improve the mathematical skills and scientific thinking in learners with learning disabilities.

Adenoviral infection in children with multisystem involvement: a case series from a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

2025-12-25T08:31:41+0530

Adenovirus infection in children commonly causes mild respiratory illness; however, severe and multisystemic forms are increasingly recognized even among immunocompetent individuals. This hospital-based observational case series included four children with PCR-confirmed adenoviral infection who presented with diverse clinical manifestations encephalitis, myocarditis, hepatitis and severe pneumonia with multiorgan dysfunction. All the 4 cases belonged to age group of below 5 years and had no known co-morbidities or immunodeficiency. The patients had life threatening complications including encephalitis, myocarditis, hepatitis, acute kidney injury and multiorgan dysfunction. Detailed clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and treatment outcomes were documented. Despite intensive management, one child succumbed to respiratory failure with multiorgan dysfunction, while the other three recovered completely. Early detection, supportive intensive care, and vigilant monitoring for complications are essential for decreasing the mortality and morbidity.