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Avinash K Shetty

Publications and source records attributed to Avinash K Shetty.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Range of normal neutrophil counts in healthy zimbabwean infants: implications for monitoring antiretroviral drug toxicity.

Mother-to-child HIV prevention trials in sub-Saharan Africa use the US National Institutes of Health Division of AIDS (DAIDS) grading scale to monitor hematologic toxicity. A recent study of nevirapine prophylaxis given for 6 months in breast-feeding Zimbabwean infants reported several cases of relative neutropenia in clinically well infants, raising concerns of drug toxicity. However, the DAIDS tables are based on normal blood counts for white infants, although there is evidence that black African infants may have lower absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) than white infants. To establish normal hematologic values in black Zimbabwean infants and to quantify the apparent prevalence of relative neutropenia in this population, we evaluated HIV-uninfected healthy infants born to HIV-uninfected women at birth, 10 days, 6 weeks, 3, and 4 months of life. A physical examination and blood count were performed at each visit, and an HIV test was performed at the final visit. The ANC values were graded using the DAIDS table. A total of 145 healthy term infants satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean ANC values for Zimbabwean infants were less than half of the corresponding standard values at all 5 time points (P < 0.0001). Using the DAIDS table in use at the time that the blood was collected, 57% of these healthy infants had relative neutropenia of any grade at birth, followed by 29% at day 10, 53% at 6 weeks, 32% at 3 months, and 37% at 4 months of life. Our data indicate that relative neutropenia exists in healthy black Zimbabwean infants. The guidelines for identifying toxicity were changed in December 2004. However, even by the new DAIDS tables, 43%, 23%, 24%, 42%, and 43% of these healthy babies had relative neutropenia at the time of the 5 visits. Future HIV prevention and treatment trials in sub-Saharan Africa should use normal hematologic values derived from African infants to avoid the overestimation of antiretroviral drug toxicity.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2006

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating influenza A infection.

During the influenza A (H3N2) season of 2003-2004, several influenza-related complications and deaths were reported in children. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating influenza A infection is very rare. We report a 3-year-old girl who presented with severe pneumonia and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with influenza A infection. Clinicians should be aware of hemophagocytic syndrome as a serious complication of influenza A infection.

Bone Marrow↗
PubMed2006

Catheter-related bacteremia due to Roseomonas species in pediatric hematology/oncology patients.

Roseomonas is a newly described genus of pink-pigmented, gram-negative bacteria. Human infections caused by Roseomonas species are very rare. We report two cases of central venous catheter-related bacteremia associated with Roseomonas species (one case with R. gilardii and one with R. fauriae), and review the clinical spectrum of previously reported cases in the literature. Clinicals should be aware that Roseomonas species may cause serious infections in children.

Bacteremia↗
PubMed2006

Perineal ulcers in an infant: an unusual presentation of postnatal cytomegalovirus infection.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease can cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonates and immunosuppressed patients. Cutaneous disease is rare, even in at-risk patients. We report a case of CMV with perineal papules, erosions, and ulcers in a preterm but presumably immunocompetent patient, whose diagnosis was first suggested by skin biopsy and confirmed with serologic testing. The mode of transmission of CMV was unclear. The lesions resolved without CMV-specific therapy, and the child had no apparent systemic sequelae of infection. CMV disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perineal erosions and ulcers in infancy. In addition to the case, we briefly review the literature on cutaneous manifestations of CMV disease.

Cytomegalovirus Infections↗
PubMed2006

HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, perceived benefits, and risks of HIV testing among pregnant women in rural Southern India.

The rising prevalence of HIV among pregnant women in rural India is of great concern. Prenatal voluntary counseling and HIV testing (VCT) is critical to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). We surveyed 202 pregnant women attending a rural antenatal clinic in Southern India to investigate HIV-related knowledge, attitudes toward infant feeding practices, and perceived benefits and risks of HIV testing. Of the total of 202 women surveyed, 189 women (94%) had heard of HIV/AIDS and 60% of them had relatively good knowledge regarding risk factors for HIV transmission. However, 48% did not know that there are "means to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission." If women were not to breastfeed her baby, negative attitudes expected from the partner would include 84% thinking that that the mother is harming the baby, 78% thinking she is not a good mother, 74% thinking she has HIV, and 66% thinking she has been unfaithful. Ninety-seven percent of women did not perceive themselves at risk for HIV and only 57% had been tested for HIV. Although, 85% of women expressed their willingness to be tested, most were concerned about confidentiality and disclosing HIV serostatus because of fear of negative reactions from their husbands, parents, and community. Many social and cultural barriers confront pregnant women when they decide to opt for HIV testing. If VCT and PMTCT interventions are to be successful, urgent attention must be focused on education, development of innovative culturally appropriate interventions that empower women to make decisions about HIV testing, involvement of men, and addressing stigma and discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Orbital cellulitis in children.

BACKGROUND: To review the epidemiology and management of orbital cellulitis in children. METHODS: The medical records of children < or = 18 years old and hospitalized from June 1, 1992, through May 31, 2002, at the Brenner Children's Hospital, with a discharge ICD-9 code indicating a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis and confirmed by computed tomography scan were reviewed. A literature search for additional studies for systematic review was also conducted. RESULTS: Forty-one children with orbital cellulitis were identified. The mean age was 7.5 years (range, 10 months to 16 years), and 30 (73%) were male (male:female ratio = 2.7). All cases of orbital cellulitis were associated with sinusitis; ethmoid sinusitis was present in 40 (98%) patients. Proptosis and/or ophthalmoplegia was documented in 30 (73%), and 34 (83%) had subperiosteal and/or orbital abscesses. Twenty-nine (71%) had surgical drainage and 12 (29%) received antibiotic therapy only. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5.8 days. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 21 days. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital cellulitis occurs throughout childhood and in similar frequency among younger and older children. It is twice as common among males as females. Selected cases of orbital cellulitis, including many with subperiosteal abscess, can be treated successfully without surgical drainage.

Abscess↗
PubMed2006

Perceived risks and benefits of HIV testing, and predictors of acceptance of HIV counselling and testing among pregnant women in Zimbabwe.

This project evaluated perceived risks and benefits and determined predictors of acceptance of voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. One hundred and seventy pregnant women attending an urban antenatal clinic were surveyed. Implications of a negative or positive HIV test result and of telling a partner or community members that one is HIV positive were queried. Forty women (23.5%) consented to VCT, and 16 (40%) were HIV positive. Women who saw VCT as lower risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.1-5.0]) and women who had had a stillbirth or child die (OR = 0.4, 95% CI [0.16-0.97]) were more likely to consent. Prenatal HIV VCT offers the best opportunity for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; however, less than 25% of women consented. If such interventions are to be successful, attention must be directed towards developing culturally appropriate strategies to address women's concerns and improve future acceptance of VCT in Zimbabwe.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2005

Kawasaki disease presenting with hemorrhagic pleural effusion.

Hemorrhagic pleural effusion associated with Kawasaki disease KD is very rare and has not been reported in the medical literature. We describe a 5-year-old male with incomplete (atypical) KD who presented with fever and severe respiratory distress due to bilateral pleural effusions. Other features included unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, swelling of the hands and feet followed by periungual desquamation, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, thrombocytosis and sterile pyuria. Pleural fluid analysis revealed a hemorrhagic exudative effusion. Therapy with high-dose i.v. immunoglobulin resulted in dramatic clinical improvement and resolution of pleural effusion. An echocardiogram obtained at presentation and at 6 weeks of illness was normal. Pediatricians should be aware that hemorrhagic pleural effusion can be a presenting manifestation of KD.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2005

Breast-milk shedding of drug-resistant HIV-1 subtype C in women exposed to single-dose nevirapine.

Single-dose nevirapine reduces intrapartum human immunodeficiency virus 1 type (HIV-1) transmission but may also select for nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance in breast milk (BM) and plasma. Among 32 Zimbabwean women, median 8-week postpartum plasma and BM HIV-1 RNA levels were 4.57 and 2.13 log(10) copies/mL, respectively. BM samples from women with laboratory-diagnosed mastitis (defined as elevated BM Na(+) levels) were 5.4-fold more likely to have HIV-1 RNA levels above the median. BM RT sequences were not obtained for 12 women with BM HIV-1 RNA levels below the lower limit of detection of the assay used. In 20 paired BM and plasma samples, 65% of BM and 50% of plasma RT sequences had NNRTI-resistance mutations, with divergent mutation patterns.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2005

Retinitis following varicella in a vaccinated child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Serious ocular disease following varicella (chickenpox) is rare in children. In addition, retinitis in children with hematologic malignancies may present a difficult diagnostic challenge because infectious retinitis may mimic leukemic involvement of the eye. We report a 7-year-old patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission who presented with visual complaints 2 weeks after developing chickenpox. Ophthalmologic evaluation revealed acute retinitis in the right eye. Prolonged therapy with acyclovir resulted in near complete recovery. Early diagnosis of VZV retinopathy and aggressive antiviral treatment is critical to prevent acute and long-term ocular sequelae.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed2005

Perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection: prevention and evaluation of HIV-exposed infants.

Perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the primary cause of pediatric HIV infections. In recent years, perinatal HIV-1 transmission rates in the United States have declined markedly because of several factors that include enhanced voluntary counseling and HIV-1 testing (VCT) for pregnant women, widespread use of antiretroviral prophylaxis or combination antiretroviral therapy, avoidance of breastfeeding, and elective cesarean delivery. However, perinatal transmission of HIV-1 still occurs, and 300 to 400 infected infants are born annually, primarily because of missed prevention opportunities. The pediatrician plays a vital role in the prevention of perinatal transmission of HIV-1 by identifying newborns born to infected mothers who were not tested during pregnancy, administering antiretroviral prophylaxis, and ensuring follow-up to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in early infancy. This article reviews recent advances in the prevention of perinatal transmission of HIV-1, discusses evaluation and treatment of infants exposed to HIV-1, and highlights certain unique features of HIV-1 infections in infants, with a focus on early diagnosis, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Screening for psychological morbidity in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant women using community counselors in Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of psychological morbidity in HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women seeking antenatal care in Zimbabwe. METHODS: Pregnant women were screened for psychological morbidity at the initial antenatal care visit using the 14-item Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ) before voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT). The primary outcome measure was "cases," as determined by a SSQ score of >or= 8. Demographic characteristics and HIV status were compared between cases and noncases to determine the risk factors for psychological morbidity. RESULTS: Of the 437 participants, psychological morbidity was detected in 73 (17%) women before undergoing VCT. Risk factors for psychological morbidity included having a spouse older than 35 years of age. HIV infection by itself was not a risk factor for psychological morbidity for women. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high burden of psychological morbidity among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. Mental health services should be integrated into antenatal care to improve psychological health for all women in Zimbabwe.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

The feasibility of voluntary counselling and HIV testing for pregnant women using community volunteers in Zimbabwe.

The purpose of this pilot project was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of voluntary counselling and HIV testing (VCT) by pregnant women using community volunteers in Zimbabwe to prevent mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. From July 1999 to June 2001, a short-course zidovudine (ZDV)-based perinatal HIV prevention programme was initiated in two antenatal clinics. Community volunteers, recruited from local community organizations, underwent a two-week training course in VCT, which included HIV/AIDS facts, systematic counselling approach, and practical counselling techniques using scripts and role-play. Rapid HIV testing was performed after informed consent. Lay counsellors conducted individual pre- and post-test counselling for HIV. A total of 35 women community volunteers were trained in VCT; 34 graduated and committed to work four hours per week in the clinic. Of the 6051 pregnant women presenting for antenatal clinics (ANC), 1824 (30%) underwent pre-test counselling and 1547 (26%) were tested, and 429 (28%) were HIV infected. Overall, 1283 (83%) returned for their test results including 406 (95%) of HIV-infected women. Of the 406 HIV-infected women who collected their test results, only 203 (50%) opted for ZDV prophylaxis to prevent MTCT of HIV. Over the two-year study period, two counsellors died and three sought employment at other organizations. Adherence to duty roster was 97% and no breach of confidentiality was reported. Despite many challenges, VCT delivered by community volunteers is feasible and acceptable for pregnant women aiming to reduce their risk of transmitting HIV to their infants. This programme is being implemented at several urban and rural MTCT sites in Zimbabwe and can serve as a model for other resource-poor countries.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed2005

Lactobacillus sepsis associated with probiotic therapy.

Probiotic strains of lactobacilli are increasingly being used in clinical practice because of their many health benefits. Infections associated with probiotic strains of lactobacilli are extremely rare. We describe 2 patients who received probiotic lactobacilli and subsequently developed bacteremia and sepsis attributable to Lactobacillus species. Molecular DNA fingerprinting analysis showed that the Lactobacillus strain isolated from blood samples was indistinguishable from the probiotic strain ingested by the patients. This report indicates, for the first time, that invasive disease can be associated with probiotic lactobacilli. This report should not discourage the appropriate use of Lactobacillus or other probiotic agents but should serve as a reminder that these agents can cause invasive disease in certain populations.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Management of septic arthritis.

Septic arthritis in children remains a serious disease with the potential for significant systemic and musculoskeletal morbidity. Staphlococcus aureus is the most common cause of bone and joint infections in all age groups. Microbial invasion of the synovial space occurs typically results from hematogenous seeding. Diagnosis in neonates and young infants can be difficult since the clinical signs are much less specific in these age groups. Early diagnosis by needle aspiration of the affected joint and prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy in conjunction with drainage of the affected joint is critical to avoid destruction of the articular cartilage and prevent disability. Septic arthritis in infants and children should always be managed by a pediatrician in close consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Empiric antibiotic regimens should always include adequate anti-staphylococcal coverage. Antibiotic treatment should be started with appropriate doses of intravenous antibiotics. Switch to oral antibiotic therapy can be made when patient demonstrates clinical improvement. A minimum of 3-4 weeks of therapy is recommended. Close follow-up is warranted to monitor the growth of the affected limb until skeletal maturity.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Infant feeding practices of HIV-infected and uninfected women in Zimbabwe.

We surveyed infant feeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Zimbabwe to determine whether knowledge of HIV seropositivity influences infant feeding behavior. Questionnaires were administered to 97 women 1 and 4 weeks postpartum and prospective data on infant feeding practices were collected. Participants were pregnant women who consented to a HIV test. A total of 116 women participated of whom 99 women underwent voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT); 17 women agreed to blinded HIV testing but did not opt for VCT. The responses to questionnaires on infant feeding practices of HIV-positive and HIV-negative women who knew and did not know their HIV status at day 1 and week 4 postpartum were compared. We found that HIV-positive women who did not learn their status breastfed their infants less, introduced supplementary foods sooner, and planned to wean their babies earlier compared to other women (p = 0.005, p = NS, p= 0.02). HIV-positive women (30/97) more frequently reported a prior history of infant death and AIDS-related symptoms compared to HIV-negative women. We conclude that HIV-positive women who did not know their status made incorrect decisions with respect to infant feeding. These women may have suspected themselves to be HIV-positive and consequently underfed their infants or because these women were more symptomatic may have been less likely to breastfeed; decreased intake may increase the risk for malnutrition. Knowledge of HIV status may influence infant feeding decisions and reveal an urgent need to address infant feeding practices of pregnant women in Zimbabwe.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Cavernous sinus thrombosis complicating sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare complication of paranasal sinusitis. OBJECTIVE: To familiarize the clinician with the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and appropriate management of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit in a university hospital. PATIENT: We present a 12-yr-old female with a 1 wk history of an upper respiratory tract infection with worsening dyspnea, cough, and swelling of the left eye progressing to adult respiratory distress syndrome. Secondary to the need for significant mechanical ventilatory support, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated. Computed tomography scan of the head and neck with contrast revealed bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis. After broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and aggressive supportive care in conjunction with surgical intervention (maxillary sinus lavage and right orbital exploration) and anticoagulation therapy, the patient recovered. Blood cultures were positive for Viridans streptococcus. At discharge 3 wks later, the patient had improved, but had right-eye blindness. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis requires a high index of suspicion and confirmation by imaging; early diagnosis and surgical drainage of the underlying primary source of infection in conjunction with long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy are critical for an optimal clinical outcome.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗