This study was conducted to elucidate the changes in key antioxidant enzymes e.g. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) along with lipid peroxidation (LPO) in preterm newborns having hyaline membrane disease (HMD) and thus to find out role of free radicals mediated injury in this disease. Twenty one preterm appropriate for gestational age newborns were included in the study. Eleven of them had hyaline membrane disease and ten were controls without any disease. Status of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, the three main antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation was monitored at 12-24 hours of age. SOD and catalase were found significantly elevated in cases having hyaline membrane disease along with significantly more lipid peroxidation. It is evident that free radicals result in the induction of the antioxidant enzymes; however, the elevated enzymes are unable to counteract the high concentration of the free radicals which are being produced in the diseased cases and leads to increase in lipid peroxidation in hyaline membrane disease. It is concluded that free radicals play a significant role in hyaline membrane disease and the preterm newborns have ability to induce antioxidant enzymes in response to oxidative stress.

Catalase↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Early neonatal morbidity and mortality in 'at-risk' and 'normal' term pregnancies.

It is a universally known fact that maternal well-being is related to neonatal health. This case-control study aims to assess the pattern and strength of association of neonatal morbidity and mortality (in first 7 days of life) in relation to the presence of obstetric & medical risk factors in the mother (indicating maternal ill-health). In 250 cases (at-risk pregnancies), 75 (30%) developed neonatal illnesses while 17 (6.8%) perinatal deaths occurred in first seven days. In the same number of controls (uncomplicated pregnancies) there were only two perinatal deaths and lesser number of newborns (45/250, 16.4%) developed neonatal diseases in the first 7 days. Perinatal deaths, (still births and early neonatal deaths), (OR = 9.05; AR = 88.2%) and neonatal illnesses (OR = 2.2 and AR = 45) were strongly associated with presence of maternal risk factors. This study supports the fact that 'at risk' pregnancies have highly significant chances of developing early (first 7 days) neonatal morbidity (p < 0.001) and mortality (p < 0.001). Still births also occurred significantly more (p < 0.005) in number among 'at risk' (cases) than normal term pregnancies (controls).

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cholera gastroenteritis amongst children in Delhi.

Cholera gastroenteritis amongst 3595 children under twelve years suffering from acute watery diarrhea was studied for a period of five years (1982-86). V. cholerae 01 could be isolated from 31.7% of total specimens studied. Distribution in different age groups out of total gastroenteritis cases was 7.5% in less than 2 years, 13.1% in 2-5 years and 11.1% in greater than 5-12 years. Out of total cholera cases (1141 isolate) 23.4% occurred in the age group less than 2 yrs., 41.4% in 2-5 yrs. and 35.1% in greater than 5-12 yrs. Infection occurred more often in males in all the age groups. Throughout the study, cholera was observed during summer monsoon season with Ogawa being predominant serotype.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Trends in neonatal outcome with low Apgar scores.

Trends in incidence and neonatal outcome following low Apgar scores (1 min Apgar score < 6) were prospectively studied during the years (1981, 1983, 1986 and 1988. The incidence of birth asphyxia was 7.6% of live births during the study period; it was 5.8% in 1981, increased to highest of 8.9% in 1986 with slight reduction to 7.2% in 1988. Birth weight distribution of asphyxiated babies and 1 min Apgar score < 3 (severe asphyxia) remained unchanged. A significant decline in neonatal mortality with asphyxia was noted from 46.0% to 28.4% during 1981 and 1988 respectively. Aetiological factors for asphyxia could be identified in nearly 90% of infants during 1988, and all but 2 of 12 factors studied registered significant differences from control non-asphyxiated group.

Apgar Score↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Seroepidemiology of measles in Delhi: implications for age of vaccination.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neonatal mechanical ventilation--experience at a level II care centre.

One hundred and fifty nine neonates were ventilated over a period of one year of whom 74 (46.54%) survived. This study aims to analyse the indications, complications and outcome of babies requiring mechanical ventilation. The early outcome measures were (i) survival rate with respect to birth weight, gestation and indication of ventilation, and (ii) Complications of assisted ventilation. One hundred and forty seven babies received IPPV and 34 received CPAP. Twenty two out of these 34 required IPPV later. Survival was cent percent on exclusive CPAP mode. HMD was the commonest indication for ventilation followed by Birth asphyxia, Apnea of prematurity, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the New born. Survival rates increased with increasing birth weight and gestational age, changing from 25% for < 1000 gm and 20% for < 28 wks to 53% for > 2500 gms and 50.2% for > 37 wks. Prolonged ventilatory support was needed for HMD (mean 114 hrs) and PPHN (mean 156 hrs). Commonest complication was Sepsis (26%) followed by Pulmonary hemorrhage, Pneumothorax and IVH. Lower success rates in ventilation is due to the poor survival of babies weighing < 1000 gms and those with a gestation of < 28 wks with nosocomial infections as a major complication of assisted ventilation being an additional factor.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Breast feeding: physical growth during infancy.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Body Weight↗