Uzma Firdaus

Factors Associated With Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and correlates of elevated blood lead level in children (6-144 months) of Aligarh.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Venous blood was obtained for lead estimation and a structured questionnaire was filled.ResultsA total of 260 children were enrolled. The prevalence of elevated blood lead level was 44.2%, seen mostly in children below 5 years of age. Old and deteriorating wall paints at home was found to be significantly associated with elevated levels.ConclusionsLead-based house paints are potential source of lead exposure. Meticulous renovation and painting of the walls with safe paints is desirable.

Complicated pneumonia with pneumothorax: can it be congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation?

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM) is an uncommon anomaly of lung development, characterised by proliferation of dilated bronchiolarlike airspaces of varying sizes and/or distribution. Its aetiology and pathogenesis remain obscure. The dysregulation of lung epithelial cell turnover, increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis are some of the proposed mechanisms for its causation [1]. The clinical presentation may range from intrauterine effects in the form of hydrops, preeclampsia, polyhydramnios to respiratory failure at birth. Still later, the presentation may be as recurrent pneumonias usually beyond the 6 months of age.

Spot of bother: Bitot’s spot

A 13-year-old girl presented to us with difficulty with night vision and whitish spots in both eyes. Parents first noticed the white spots 6 months ago that were gradually increasing in size. For the past 3 months, she struggled to see in the dark and preferred to stay indoors after sunset. She was otherwise previously well. The family was vegetarian and hailed from a rural village. The child had a normal systemic examination. Ocular examination revealed bilateral, triangular chalky white plaques on bulbar conjunctivae that were not wet by the tear film (figure 1). Slit lamp examination showed that these lesions had a foamy appearance (figure 2). The child’s visual acuity and the rest of the ocular examination were normal. Figure 1 Bilateral …

Newborn with meroanencephaly: Surviving all odds

Neural tube defects are a group of congenital anomalies of brain development that carry a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Anencephaly is a serious form of this defect with a very poor prognosis. It can present in three forms – meroanencephaly, holoanencephaly, and craniorachischisis. Meroanencephaly is considered to be the classic form of anencephaly. It manifests as a lack of cranial vault bones and exposed dorsal neural tissue resulting from defective neural tube closure in the very early period of gestation. Antenatally, the diagnosis may be suggested by ultrasound examination and by elevated maternal alpha-fetoprotein level. Here, we describe a case of meroanencephaly who was discharged from the hospital in fair condition despite the life-threatening anomaly.

Fetal valproate syndrome in a 14-month-old child: A case report

Anti-epileptic drugs administered during pregnancy can cause structural defects in the growing fetus and result in adverse neurodevelopmental outcome later in life. Fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) results from teratogenic effects of valproic acid exposure in the prenatal period. It is characterised by a distinctive dysmorphic facies and a cluster of minor and major anomalies, as well as developmental and behavioural abnormalities. We describe a 14-month-old boy with the typical dysmorphic facies and other congenital abnormalities characteristic of FVS. There was a history of maternal intake of sodium valproate during pregnancy. The mechanism of teratogenicity and methods for prevention are discussed.