Common Childhood Illnesses Research Articles

Reactive arthritis in children

One of the common childhood illnesses is reactive arthritis, which develops during or soon after an infection.Purpose. The aim of the study was to study the etiology, clinical and laboratory manifestations of arthritis in children.Material and methods. The study included 37 children with arthritis aged 1 year 10 months to 15 years who were hospitalized at Kazan City Children’s Hospital № 1.Results. Reactive arthritis was diagnosed in 26 children, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis in 11. In 20 patients, reactive arthritis manifested itself as monoarthritis with predominant damage to the hip or knee joints – in 11 and 9 cases, respectively. Two children had ankle arthritis. In 4 cases there was oligoarthritis. Markers of infectious diseases were identified in 10 out of 26 children with reactive arthritis (38%). In 5 children (19%) IgM to Mycoplasma pneumonia was detected, in two (8%) – IgM to capsid antigen of Epstein–Barr virus, in one child (4%) – IgM to Chlamydia pneumonia. Two children had elevated ASLO values (more than 400 IU/ml). Inflammatory in the blood in 33 cases (89%) were characterized by increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the median of which was 22 mm/hour. Increased level of C-reactive protein and leukocytes in the blood were observed only in 9 (24%) and 7 (19%) children, respectively.Conclusion. Reactive arthritis in children mainly manifests as monoarthritis, with predominant damage to the hip or knee joints and in most cases was associated with Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Exposure to household air pollution and childhood multimorbidity risk in Jimma, Ethiopia

BackgroundChildhood multimorbidity, characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of multiple medical conditions in children, is a global concern. Notably, exposure to household air pollution has been linked to various health issues, particularly affecting vulnerable segments of the population residing in poorly ventilated homes. However, evidence regarding the impact of household air pollution on the risk of multimorbidity in low-income settings remains scarce. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between household air pollution and childhood multimorbidity in Jimma, Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 280 children under the age of five who lived in households using solid fuel (n = 140) and clean fuel (n = 140). The Demographic Health Survey morbidity questionnaire was used to collect information from mothers about common childhood illnesses. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the relationship between the use of solid fuel for cooking in households and the likelihood of childhood multimorbidity. In addition, Poisson regression estimation was used to determine if exposure to solid fuel could increase the number of morbidities.ResultsThe overall prevalence of childhood multimorbidity was 34.3% [95% CI: 0.29–0.40]. Among these cases, 23.9% were among children from solid fuel user households, whereas about 10.4% were from clean fuel user households. Adjusted for all possible socioeconomic, demographic, water, sanitation, hygiene, and health care covariates, children living in solid fuel user households had more than three times the odds of childhood multimorbidity compared to children living in clean fuel user households (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI [1.42–6.95], p < 0.001). Moreover, household air pollution from solid fuel use was positively associated with an increased number of individual morbidity conditions, with an adjusted β coefficient of 0.46 (IRR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.17–2.13], p = 0.003).ConclusionSolid fuel use was an independent predictor of childhood morbidity risk. Efficient policies and strategies, such as the integration of environmental regulation policies into the healthcare system aimed at the reduction of harmful air pollutants and their adverse health effects on children, need to be implemented.

Erythema Infectiosum: A Narrative Review.

Erythema infectiosum occurs worldwide. School-aged children are most often affected. Since the diagnosis is mainly clinical, physicians should be well-versed in the clinical manifestations of erythema infectiosum to avoid misdiagnosis, unnecessary investigations, and mismanagement of the disease. The purpose of this article is to familiarize physicians with the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and complications of erythema infectiosum associated with parvovirus B19 infection. A search was conducted in July 2022 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "Erythema infectiosum" OR "Fifth disease" OR "Slapped cheek disease" OR "Parvovirus B19". The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Erythema infectiosum is a common exanthematous illness of childhood caused by parvovirus B19. Parvovirus B19 spreads mainly by respiratory tract secretions and, to a lesser extent, the saliva of infected individuals. Children between 4 and 10 years of age are most often affected. The incubation period is usually 4 to 14 days. Prodromal symptoms are usually mild and consist of lowgrade fever, headache, malaise, and myalgia. The rash typically evolves in 3 stages. The initial stage is an erythematous rash on the cheeks, with a characteristic "slapped cheek" appearance. In the second stage, the rash spreads concurrently or quickly to the trunk, extremities, and buttocks as diffuse macular erythema. The rash tends to be more intense on extensor surfaces. The palms and soles are typically spared. Central clearing of the rash results in a characteristic lacy or reticulated appearance. The rash usually resolves spontaneously within three weeks without sequelae. The third stage is characterized by evanescence and recrudescence. In adults, the rash is less pronounced than that in children and is often atypical. Only approximately 20% of affected adults have an erythematous rash on the face. In adults, the rash is more frequently found on the legs, followed by the trunk, and arms. A reticulated or lacy erythema is noted in 80% of cases which helps to distinguish erythema infectiosum from other exanthems. Pruritus is noted in approximately 50% of cases. The diagnosis is mainly clinical. The many manifestations of parvovirus B19 infection can pose a diagnostic challenge even to the best diagnostician. Complications include arthritis, arthralgia, and transient aplastic crisis. In most cases, treatment is symptomatic and supportive. When parvovirus B19 infection occurs in pregnant women, hydrops fetalis becomes a real concern. Erythema infectiosum, the most common clinical manifestation of parvovirus B19 infection, is characterized by a "slapped cheek" appearance on the face and lacy exanthem on the trunk and extremities. Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Physicians should be aware of potential complications and conditions associated with parvovirus B19 infection, especially in individuals who are immunocompromised, chronically anemic, or pregnant.

Long-term outcomes of childhood otitis media and hearing loss: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Otitis media (OM) is a common childhood illness which can cause hearing loss and developmental delays. This is the first systematic review to investigate the long-term, longitudinal health and social outcomes of OM and hearing loss in childhood. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023396318). A structured search strategy identified literature in the following databases: CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, PsychInfo, and EmCare. Articles were independently dual-screened and extracted data were synthesised. From 2825 potential studies, 25 were selected for inclusion. These assessed broad outcomes: physical health, audiological health academic, behavioural, social function, service use, and housing. Overall, 28% of papers found no difference between those with a childhood history of OM and those without, 40% found poorer outcomes for those with a history of OM, and 32% found mixed results. This is the first study of its kind to explore the long-term effects of otitis media and resultant hearing loss in children. Trends of poor academic, behavioural, and audiological outcomes were identified in children with OM and hearing loss. Multiple gaps in the literature were identified including a paucity of recent research, studies extending into adulthood, and studies focusing on high-risk populations.

Travel-associated illness in children in pre-pandemic Western Sydney, 2018-2020.

Observational cohort study. In the 18 months immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018-2020), we prospectively collected demographic, travel and clinical data from children with travel-acquired illness or injury identified by active surveillance of CHW Emergency Department attendees and referrals to the infectious diseases service. We identified 587 returned child travellers with an illness or injury associated with overseas travel. Most were aged younger than 5 (62.8%) and had travelled within the Asia-Pacific region (84.6%). The main reason for travel, where recorded (50.3%), was visiting friends and relatives (VFR)(65.4%). Most travellers (90.1%) had a common childhood infection, illness or injury coincidentally acquired during travel, including respiratory infection (37.5%), acute diarrhoea (15.7%) and nonspecific febrile illness (13.1%). Exotic/nonendemic infections were uncommon (9.9%, including potential rabies exposure) but were associated with much higher admission rates than 'cosmopolitan' (globally distributed) diseases (74.2% vs 21.9%). Most of these occurred in VFR travellers (86.3%); enteric fever, largely acquired in South Asia, predominated (51.7%). One in five admitted patients had a disease for which specific pretravel vaccination is available. Receipt of pretravel vaccines was infrequently recorded. Returned child travellers in Western Sydney frequently presented with respiratory infections and may be a key population for surveillance of imported respiratory viruses. The burden of exotic disease was small and borne by VFR travellers. Travel-related illness in Western Sydney could be reduced by health education of travellers and targeted pretravel vaccination, especially typhoid vaccination for VFR travellers to South Asia. Universal, systematic screening of emergency department attendees for recent overseas travel would improve surveillance of travel-related illness.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of acute viral gastroenteritis in 350 paediatric patients hospitalised between 2019 and 2022 in the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute in Warsaw, Poland: a single-centre retrospective analysis

Introduction and objective: Acute gastroenteritis, a common childhood illness worldwide, manifests with symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is highly contagious, with transmission occurring through contaminated water, food, or poor hygiene. Globally, 1.7 billion cases of diarrhoeal diseases are diagnosed annually, causing approximately 525,000 deaths among children under the age of five. Dehydration caused by diarrhoea is a primary cause of hospitalisation, particularly in developing countries. Aim: Analysis of the aetiology, frequency, and seasonal distribution of viral pathogens responsible for acute gastroenteritis in children hospitalised between 2019 and 2022 at the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute in Warsaw, Poland. Materials and methods: Medical records of patients aged 0 to 18 diagnosed with rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus-induced acute gastroenteritis were analysed. The pathogens had been identified with reliable immunochromatographic tests. Exclusion criteria encompassed bacterial infections, dietary errors, and inflammatory conditions. Data examined included age, gender, aetiology of gastroenteritis, seasonality, duration of hospitalisation, and clinical symptoms (diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration). Laboratory results such as white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, electrolyte levels, and organ function markers were also evaluated. Results: Data from 350 children hospitalised between 2019 and 2022 were analysed. The highest number of hospitalisations occurred in 2019 and 2022, with fewer cases in 2020–2021, likely reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients were between 6 and 12 months old. Rotavirus infection commonly presented with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. Adenovirus and mixed infections were associated with slightly higher C-reactive protein levels, while rotavirus infections showed mildly elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels. Haematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and electrolyte levels were similar across all cases. Conclusions: Our analysis showed that rotavirus was the most frequent cause of acute viral diarrhoea in children, followed by norovirus and adenovirus, with mixed infections being the least common. The peak incidence occurred in autumn and winter, except in 2021, reflecting changes in the dynamics of infections related to the coronavirus pandemic. Biochemical findings were not sufficiently characteristic to infer the aetiology of the disease.

Ocular Manifestations of Pediatric Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Review.

Background: Rhinosinusitis is a common childhood illness that may result in a number of ocular problems. The goal of this thorough analysis is to compile the available data regarding the kinds, prevalence, and treatment of ocular problems related to juvenile rhinosinusitis. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of electronic databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, was carried out to pinpoint pertinent research articles written in English and published between the beginning and August of 2023. Included were studies that discuss ocular problems in young children suffering from rhinosinusitis. Study characteristics, ocular complication kinds, occurrence rates, and management approaches were the main topics of data extraction. Results: A significant number of pertinent research on ocular problems related to juvenile rhinosinusitis was found through the literature search. Preliminary searches indicated that orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and optic neuritis are probably the most often reported ocular problems. It is expected that these problems will occur at a wide range of incidence rates, from somewhat unusual to more prevalent. Depending on the severity of the consequences, management techniques are expected to require a combination of surgical and medicinal procedures. Healthcare professionals will benefit from the findings since they will improve knowledge of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these potentially blinding consequences. The evaluation also assists in identifying knowledge gaps and guides future directions for this field of study, both of which are critical to enhancing patient outcomes. Conclusions: The wide range of topics included in this study will help to better understand the burden of ocular consequences related to juvenile rhinosinusitis and will make it easier to build preventative and treatment plans that work better.

Incidence and risk factors of common infections among children in Wonago, southern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThere are limited data in Ethiopia on common childhood illnesses. We aimed to measure the incidence and risk factors of common childhood illnesses in rural parts of southern Ethiopia.DesignA community-based...

Measles in Adult Subjects: About one case

Measles, also known as the “first disease”, is a common childhood illness that can occur in adults as well. Sometimes leading to extremely serious complications. Highly contagious, this infectious disease is caused by the measles virus, a morbillivirus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae. Typical symptoms of measles include fever, a strong feeling of general malaise and rash on large areas of the body. During infection, a high fever appears twice. Complications such as otitis and pneumonia are relatively common. The incubation period, which is the time between infection and onset of disease, usually lasts eight to ten days. Getting measles immunizes for life and protects against any new infection with the measles virus. There is a preventive vaccination, recommended in the Vaccination Plan. It is a reportable disease.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphate Deficiency among Apparently Healthy Children Aged 6-24 Months in a Semi-urban Community in Southwest, Nigeria.

Adequate levels of calcium, phosphate and Vitamin D are essential for bone physiology and growth, as well as preventing some common childhood illnesses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the deficiencies of these nutrients and factors affecting their serum levels in Nigerian children. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 220 apparently healthy children aged 6-24 months in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Serum calcium and phosphate were assayed using the calorimetric method, while Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D) was assayed with ELISA. The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) serum Vitamin D level was 55.07 ± 16.53 ng/ml, while the mean (±SD) serum calcium and phosphate were 2.27 ± 0.13 mmol/l and 1.28 ± 0.18 mmol/l, respectively. Eleven (5%) of the children had hypovitaminosis D, 23 (10.5%) had hypocalcaemia and 12 (5.5%) had hypophosphataemia. Factors found to be significantly associated with hypovitaminosis D included low consumption of milk and the use of a hijab veil, while malnutrition (both undernutrition and overnutrition) was significantly associated with hypocalcaemia. The prevalence levels of hypovitaminosis D and hypophosphataemia were low, while hypocalcaemia was more common. Low milk consumption and use of a hijab veil were risk factors for hypovitaminosis D, while malnutrition was a risk factor for hypocalcaemia. Malnourished children, especially overnourished ones, should be routinely screened for hypocalcaemia because of its high prevalence among them.

Gastroenteritis: When Your Child Needs Hospital Care

Patient Education| 2021 Gastroenteritis: When Your Child Needs Hospital Care Connected Content Translation: La gastroenteritis: En qué casos su hijo necesita cuidado hospitalario: (Gastroenteritis: When Your Child Needs Hospital Care) Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Gastroenteritis: When Your Child Needs Hospital Care. Pediatric Patient Education 2021; 10.1542/peo_document218 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All AAP SitesAll PublicationsPediatric Patient Education Search Advanced Search Gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration. It is usually caused by a virus but can also be caused by bacteria or a parasite. Most of the time mild diarrhea and vomiting last for just a few days. However, if symptoms don't go away or they get worse, your child may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your child's doctor if your child is younger than 6 months and has any of the following: Blood in the stoolFrequent vomitingStomach painUrinates less often (Wets fewer than 6 diapers per day.)No tears when cryingLoss of appetite for liquidsHigh fever (over 102°F or 39°C)Frequent diarrheaDry, sticky mouthWeight lossExtreme thirst The biggest concern with gastroenteritis is dehydration, which occurs when a child loses too much... Copyright © 20082008 American Academy of Pediatrics You do not currently have access to this content.

Common Childhood Illnesses: Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma, Allergies, and Ear Infections

Common Childhood Illnesses: Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma, Allergies, and Ear Infections

Underweight and Predictors Among Children Aged 6-59 Months in South Ethiopia.

Underweight remains the primary public health concern among under-five-year-old children in Ethiopia, despite numerous government-implemented nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess underweight and associated factors among children in South Ethiopia. Between March and April 2021, 717 children in the South Ari district who were between the ages of 6 and 59months participated in a cross-sectional study. To choose a sample of households containing a minimum of one child between the ages of 6 and 59months, a multi-stage sampling procedure was used. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured questionnaires from the mothers of the children. To determine the factors associated with being underweight, a binary logistic regression analysis was built. All variables with a p-value <0.25 in the bivariable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. To assess the strength of the association, an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used. With a p-value below 0.05, statistical significance was declared. The prevalence of underweight was determined to be 29.7% (95% CI: 26.5%, 33.2%). Child age 6-23months [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18, 0.44], food insecurity (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.10), sub-optimal child dietary diversity (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.03), birth interval <24months (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.75, 3.54), and common childhood illness (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.52, 3.21) were associated with being underweight. Underweight among children is predicted by household food insecurity, suboptimal dietary diversity, and common childhood illnesses, necessitating further efforts to improve food security and manage common illnesses.

Evaluation of integrated community case management of the common childhood illness program in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia: a case study evaluation design

BackgroundIntegrated Community Case Management (ICCM) of common childhood illness is one of the global initiatives to reduce mortality among under-five children by two-thirds. It is also implemented in Ethiopia to improve community access and coverage of health services. However, as per our best knowledge the implementation status of integrated community case management in the study area is not well evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the implementation status of the integrated community case management program in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA single case study design with mixed methods was employed to evaluate the process of integrated community case management for common childhood illness in Gondar town from March 17 to April 17, 2022. The availability, compliance, and acceptability dimensions of the program implementation were evaluated using 49 indicators. In this evaluation, 484 mothers or caregivers participated in exit interviews; 230 records were reviewed, 21 key informants were interviewed; and 42 observations were included. To identify the predictor variables associated with acceptability, we used a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Statistically significant variables were identified based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value. The qualitative data was recorded, transcribed, and translated into English, and thematic analysis was carried out.ResultsThe overall implementation of integrated community case management was 81.5%, of which availability (84.2%), compliance (83.1%), and acceptability (75.3%) contributed. Some drugs and medical equipment, like Cotrimoxazole, vitamin K, a timer, and a resuscitation bag, were stocked out. Health care providers complained that lack of refreshment training and continuous supportive supervision was the common challenges that led to a skill gap for effective program delivery. Educational status (primary AOR = 0.27, 95% CI:0.11–0.52), secondary AOR = 0.16, 95% CI:0.07–0.39), and college and above AOR = 0.08, 95% CI:0.07–0.39), prescribed drug availability (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI:1.14–4.10), travel time to the to the ICCM site (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI:1.99–7.35), and waiting time (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI:1.16–6.79) were factors associated with the acceptability of the program by caregivers.Conclusion and recommendationThe overall implementation status of the integrated community case management program was judged as good. However, there were gaps observed in the assessment, classification, and treatment of diseases. Educational status, availability of the prescribed drugs, waiting time and travel time to integrated community case management sites were factors associated with the program acceptability. Continuous supportive supervision for health facilities, refreshment training for HEW’s to maximize compliance, construction clean water sources for HPs, and conducting longitudinal studies for the future are the forwarded recommendation.

Clinical and socio-demographic profile of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 5 years

Among the common childhood illnesses, pneumonia is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in children throughout the world. Approximately, 150 million episodes of childhood pneumonia are reported every year, out of which 95% are from developing countries. In addition, socioeconomic and environmental factors like overcrowding, air pollution, passive smoking, practice of bottle feeding etc., contribute to the significant rise in incidence of pneumonia during recent years. The known factors affecting mortality are malnutrition, inadequate vaccination, illiteracy and lack of exclusive breast feeding.Pneumonia is one of the most prevalent Pediatric infections, and it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children all over the world. Every year, approximately 150 million cases of childhood pneumonia are reported, with 95 percent of cases coming from underdeveloped nations. Furthermore, socioeconomic and environmental variables like as overcrowding, air pollution, passive smoking, and the practice of bottle feeding, among others, have contributed to the large increase in pneumonia incidence in recent years. Malnutrition, inadequate immunization, illiteracy, and a lack of exclusive breast feeding are all documented variables that contribute to mortality.A total of 120 children in the age group of 2 months to 5 years, diagnosed with Pneumonia as per standard definition were enrolled in the study. Detailed history was taken including socio demographic factors and physical examination was done in all children. Appropriate investigations were done. : Children aged between 2 and 12 months constituted 60% of cases. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. 27.5% children had low birth weight, 63.3% were exclusively breast fed up to 6 months of age. Severe and very severe pneumonia was seen in 90% of children between age group 2 months and 2 years, 63.6% with low birth weight, and 66.6% with partial immunization status. Significant association was found between early weaning and severity of pneumonia (45.45% vs 26.3%).Children less than 2 years are more prone for developing pneumonia. Low birth weight, partial immunization status of the children, early weaning, history of bottle feeding, lower socioeconomic status, overcrowding, malnutrition and lack of maternal literacy were shown to have an increased risk for severe and very severe pneumonia in children. As most of the above stated factors are modifiable, the implementation of various preventive and educational programs in our society has a likelihood to reduce the occurrence and severity of pneumonia in children

A Comparative Clinical Study of Mridweekadi Churna and Yavagrajadi Vati in Tundikeri (Tonsillitis) in Children

Tonsillitis is one of the common diseases in pediatric age group. In Ayurveda it can be correlated with Tundikeri, Which has been described under the Mukharoga. Description of Mridweekadi Churna is mentioned in Charaka Samhita in Trimarmiya Aadhyay under Mukha Rogas Chikitsa, and description of Yavagrajadi Vati is mentioned in Yoga Ratnakar in Mukha Roga Chikitsa Aadhyay. According to Acharya Vagbhata the main Dosha involved in Tundikeri is Kapha Dosha. Majority of ingredients of Mridweekadi Churna and Yavagrajadi Vati have Tikta, Kashaya, Laghu, Ruksha Guna, due to this it subsides Kapha Dosha. Therefore, a study was planned to compare the effect of both drug in Tundikeri (tonsillitis). Methods: Children, aged 5 to 16 years, suffering from tonsillitis were registered and categorized under two groups: group- A and group-B. Group A- Patients were treated with Mridweekadi Churna, and Group B- Patients were treated with Yavagrajadi Vati for 10 days and 7 days follow up also done by drug free period. Results: In Group-A, 55% patients were moderately improved and 45% patients showed mild improvements. In Group-B, 15% patients showed marked improvement, 75% patients were moderately improved and 10% patients showed mild improvement. Conclusion: Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils and it is a common childhood illness. During childhood period there is a natural dominancy of Kapha dosha and Tundikeri- a Kapha Pradhana disease (according to Acharya Vagbhata), hence children are more prone to it. To treat this, drugs should have the Kaphahar properties like Tikta, Kashaya ras and Laghu, Ruksha Guna. In this comparative clinical study both the chosen drugs, Mridweekadi Churna and Yavagrajadi Vati possesses all these properties and also are markedly effective in Tundikeri, but group B Yavagrajadi Vati display better results than Mridweekadi Churna. This study will also help future researchers to evaluate further in this research work.

Optimizing integration of community-based management of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants into primary healthcare systems in Ethiopia and Kenya: successes and challenges

BackgroundEthiopia and Kenya have adopted the community-based integrated community case management (iCCM) of common childhood illnesses and newborn care strategy to improve access to treatment of infections in newborns and young infants since 2012 and 2018, respectively. However, the iCCM strategy implementation has not been fully integrated into the health system in both countries. This paper describes the extent of integration of iCCM program at the district/county health system level, related barriers to optimal integration and implementation of strategies.MethodsFrom November 2020 to August 2021, Ethiopia and Kenya implemented the community-based treatment of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) when referral to a higher facility is not possible using embedded implementation research (eIR) to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of this life-saving intervention. Both projects conducted mixed methods research from April-May 2021 to identify barriers and facilitators and inform strategies and summative evaluations from June-July 2022 to monitor the effectiveness of implementation outcomes including integration of strategies.ResultsStrategies identified as needed for successful implementation and sustainability of the management of PSBI integrated at the primary care level included continued coaching and support systems for frontline health workers, technical oversight from the district/county health system, and ensuring adequate supply of commodities. As a result, support and technical oversight capacity and collaborative learning were strengthened between primary care facilities and community health workers, resulting in improved bidirectional linkages. Improvement of PSBI treatment was seen with over 85% and 81% of estimated sick young infants identified and treated in Ethiopia and Kenya, respectively. However, perceived low quality of service, lack of community trust, and shortage of supplies remained barriers impeding optimal PSBI services access and delivery.ConclusionPragmatic eIR identified shared and unique contextual challenges between and across the two countries which informed the design and implementation of strategies to optimize the integration of PSBI management into the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The eIR participatory design also strengthened ownership to operationalize the implementation of identified strategies needed to improve the health system’s capacity for PSBI treatment.

Prevalence and correlates of paediatric guideline non-adherence for initial empirical care in six low and middle-income settings: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the prevalence and correlates of guideline non-adherence for common childhood illnesses in low-resource settings.Design and settingWe used secondary cross-sectional data from eight healthcare facilities in six Asian...

Changing contexts of child health: an assessment of unmet physical, psychological and social needs of children with common chronic childhood illness

BackgroundWe assessed the biopsychosocial needs and key health drivers among children living with a common chronic illness, as baseline for a cluster randomised controlled trial of a child health system...

Evaluation of Laboratory and Demographic Data of Children Presenting with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a common childhood illness caused by enteroviruses. Blood tests may be affected in hand foot and mouth disease.The aim of this study is to compare the demographic and laboratory data of the patients who applied with hand, foot and mouth disease with the healthy child group and to determine the effect of the disease on the laboratory values. This study was done retrospectively. The research was conducted with 94 children. 47 children with hand, foot and mouth disease constituted the experimental group and 47 children admitted to the hospital for other reasons constituted the control group. All of the children in the experimental group had a rash. The White Blood Cell (WBC) and direct bilirubin levels of the children in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (p