John Matthai

Correlation of EEG, CT, and MRI brain with neurological outcome at 12 months in term newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Objective: To correlate electroencephalogram (EEG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain with neurological outcome at 12 months in term neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between June 2010 and November 2011. Consecutive term neonates with perinatal asphyxia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were the subjects. All babies were managed as per standard protocol. EEG was done as soon as the baby was stable and CT brain within 7 days. MRI was done at 3 months. Neurodevelpmental assessment was done at 12 months. Results: Of the 31 babies, four died and one was lost to follow-up. Neurodevelopmental at 12 months of age was normal in 15 babies. EEG was normal in six babies and all of them had a normal neurodevelopment. Thirteen of the 14 babies with burst suppression pattern were abnormal (P<0.001). CT brain was normal in 14 and all of them had normal neurodevelopment (P<0.001), while 11 of the 12 with cerebral edema had abnormal outcome (P<0.001). Of the 16 babies with normal MRI, 14 were normal, while all six babies with abnormal signals in the cortex and thalamus had abnormal outcome (P=0.002). Conclusions: A normal EEG and CT brain in a term newborn with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is associated with good neurological outcome. Burst suppression pattern in EEG, bleeds, or hypodensities in the CT and involvement of basal ganglia/thalamus in the MRI are predictors of abnormal outcome.

Management of neonatal cholestasis: Consensus statement of the pediatric gastroenterology chapter of Indian academy of pediatrics

JustificationNeonatal cholestasis is an important cause of chronic liver disease in young children. Late referral and lack of precise etiological diagnosis are reasons for poor outcome in substantial number of cases in India. There is a need to create better awareness among the pediatricians, obstetricians and primary care physicians on early recognition, prompt evaluation and referral to regional centers.ProcessEminent national faculty members were invited to participate in the process of forming a consensus statement. Selected members were requested to prepare guidelines on specific issues, which were reviewed by two other members. These guidelines were then incorporated into a draft statement, which was circulated to all members. A round table conference was organized; presentations, ensuing discussions, and opinions expressed by the participants were incorporated into the final draft.ObjectivesTo review available published data on the subject from India and the West, to discuss current diagnostic and management practices in major centers in India, and to identify various problems in effective diagnosis and ways to improve the overall outcome. Current problems faced in different areas were discussed and possible remedial measures were identified. The ultimate aim would be to achieve results comparable to the West.RecommendationsEarly recognition, prompt evaluation and algorithm-based management will improve outcome in neonatal cholestasis. Inclusion of stool/urine color charts in well baby cards and sensitizing pediatricians about differentiating conjugated from the more common unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia are possible effective steps. Considering the need for specific expertise and the poor outcome in suboptimally managed cases, referral to regional centers is warranted.

Preduodenal portal vein in association with midgut malrotation and duodenal web—triple anomaly?

Preduodenal portal vein (PDPV) is a rare anomaly in which the portal vein passes anterior to the duodenum rather than posteriorly. Generally asymptomatic, PDPV may rarely cause duodenal obstruction or may coexist with other anomalies. We report a neonate who presented with duodenal obstruction and was found out to have 3 coexisting anomalies, each of which can lead to duodenal obstruction independently-PDPV, midgut malrotation, and duodenal web. A duodenoduodenostomy and a Ladd procedure were done, and the child recovered uneventfully. The mechanism of obstruction, interesting metabolic aberrations observed, outcome, and relevant literature are presented.

Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1: a rare cause of severe dyselectrolytemia and cardiovascular collapse in neonates.

Severe hyperkalemia is a medical emergency and occurs due to a variety of underlying illnesses. We present a 7 day old neonate who presented with life threatening hyperkalemia due to pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1). The clinical picture resembled congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Very aggressive management including peritoneal dialysis was required to control hyperkalemia. It is important to differentiate PHA1 from CAH since the former does not respond to corticosteroid therapy and may require peritoneal dialysis for control of hyperkalemia. A discussion on the types, clinical course, and management of pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 is presented.

Acute gastric volvulus secondary to eventration of the diaphragm in a child

We report an 18-month-old boy who presented with acute organoaxial volvulus of stomach secondary to eventration of diaphragm. Clinically, the child exhibited classical triad of epigastric distension, unproductive retching and inability to pass a nasogastric tube. Successful operative management is presented and relevant literature is discussed.

Radiological evaluation of the urinary tract in children with urinary infection

Objective: This article in to study the association of structural abnormalities of the urinary tract in children with urinary tract infection (UTI) using ultrasound examination.Methods : 262 children with culture proven urinary tract infection were studied. Antibiotics were given as per sensitivity pattern. All children had an ultrasound of the abdomen done within 3 weeks. A micturating cystourethrogram (MCU) was done in those with abnormalities of the lower urinary tract detected on ultrasound, as well as in those who had recurrence of infection, after a normal ultrasound. IVU and renal isotope scans were done in selected cases.Result : All children were followed up until one year after the study period. Fifty-four patients had an underlying urinary tract anomaly; 42 were picked up by ultrasound and 12 by MCU. 22.9% of males and 15.9% of females had anomaly of the urinary tract. Children less than 2 years had the highest incidence of anomalies.Conclusion : Pelviureteric junction obstruction with hydronephrosis, vesicoureteric reflux and non-refluxing megaureter are the major anomalies picked up. 20% of children with urinary tract infections have an underlying structural abnormality of the urinary tract, three-fourth of which are picked up on ultrasound. An ultrasound abdomen is recommended in all children after the first UTI. In addition, an MCU is also indicated in all boys below 2 years with UTI, since one-third of anomalies will be missed if only ultrasound is done.

Antenatally diagnosed ovarian cyst with torsion managed laparoscopically

Ovarian cyst are the most common intra-abdominal cyst in female neonate. With the help of ultrasound one can make an antenatal diagnosis. We present one such neonate, she was managed by laparoscopic excision. We conclude that neonatal laparoscopy is technically feasible for management of such cysts.