Swallowability of Minitablets among Children Aged 6–23 Months: An Exploratory, Randomized Crossover Study

Minitablets have garnered interest as a new paediatric formulation that is easier to swallow than liquid formulations. In Japan, besides the latter, fine granules are frequently used for children. We examined the swallowability of multiple drug-free minitablets and compared it with that of fine granules and liquid formulations in 40 children of two age groups (n = 20 each, aged 6–11 and 12–23 months). We compared the percentage of children who could swallow minitablets without chewing with that of children who could swallow fine granules or liquid formulations without leftover. The children who visited the paediatric department of Showa University Hospital were enrolled. Their caregivers were allowed to choose the administration method. In total, 37 out of 40 caregivers dispersed the fine granules in water. Significantly more children (80%, 95% CI: 56–94%) aged 6–11 months could swallow the minitablets than those who could swallow all the dispersed fine granules and liquid formulations (22%, 95% CI: 6–47% and 35%, 95% CI: 15–59%, respectively). No significant differences were observed in children aged 12–23 months. Hence, minitablets may be easier to swallow than dispersed fine granules and liquid formulations in children aged 6–11 months.

Frequency of Thrombocytopenia in Neonates Following Phototherapy in Neonatology Unit of Tertiary Care Hospital

Aim: To determine the frequency of thrombocytopenia and its severity in relation to level of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in neonates following phototherapy at tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Descriptive study Place and duration: This study was conducted at Paediatric department (neonatal ward), Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, from 1st August 2020 till 31st Jan 2021 Methodology: All neonates who fulfilled the inclusion criteria presented at pediatric department (neonatal ward), Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad were included in the study. After written consent, brief history was taken from the mother or family member and complete blood count (CBC) was sent to check the baseline platelet count along with total serum bilirubin, it was repeated after 48 hours of phototherapy. Results: Out of 231 neonates 70 (30.3%) developed thrombocytopenia after phototherapy. In our study 117 neonates (50.6%) were males & 114 neonates (49.4%) were females with the mean age of 5.9307+1.6640 days. The thrombocytopenia was seen in 70 neonates (30.3%) and type of severity was mild, moderate & severe in 52(22.5%), 13(5.6%) & 5(2.2%) respectively. Conclusion: There was a decline in mean platelet count after phototherapy but it was not statistically significant. The treating doctor should also keep in mind, other causes of thrombocytopenia when the patient is receiving phototherapy.

PATTERN AND OUTCOME OF ACUTE POISONING IN CHILDREN OF 1-12 YEARS AGE GROUP ADMITTED IN THE PAEDIATRIC WARD OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

BACKGROUND: Acute poisoning, a common, yet an important preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in children, is a paediatric emergency globally, responsible for 0.33% to 7.6% of the total paediatric admissions among various hospitals of India. This study was done to assess the changing trends, in the pattern and outcome of poisoning among 1-12 years children. METHODS: This is an institution-based descriptive epidemiological study with cross-sectional design that includes a hundred children of one to twelve years age, conducted over a period of one and half years in the paediatric department of a tertiary care hospital in India. RESULTS: In the study period, majority of the patients out of 100 admitted, were male (65%).Most of those (68%) belonged to the 1-3 years age group. The share of hydrocarbon poisoning (46%) was highest with 26 cases of Kerosene ingestion being the most in it. Important presenting complaints were vomiting, pain abdomen, tachypnoea, and pneumonitis. Only 1 patient died during the course, the cause of which remained unknown. CONCLUSION: The pattern and outcome of acute poisoning in children was quite similar when compared to other studies from different hospitals in India. Survival rates have been increasing due to ongoing improvement in medical infrastructure, which one hopes, shall keep improving along with focus on preventive measures at community levels.