Prevalence of Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis and its Correlates in School Going Children of Lucknow

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) and its correlates in school going children of Lucknow.

Methods

It is a cross-sectional school based study conducted in a random sample of 1212 school going children of Lucknow belonging to the middle socioeconomic strata. Data was collected via questionnaire designed for parents. Detailed urological history was obtained and physical examination done in the children whose parents answered the questionnaire. The chi-square test was used to compare the categorical/dichotomous indicators and backward logistic regression was used to find out the significant risk factors for monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.

Results

Study reports the prevalence of PMNE to be 12.6 % (95 % CI?=?10.9–14.3 %) and significant association of enuresis with the presence of home conflicts(adjusted OR?=?38.37, 95 % CI?=?20.04–73.47), stress in children due to enuresis(adjusted OR?=?10.86, 95%CI?=?5.73–20.57), scolding(adjusted OR?=?6.78,95%CI?=?3.69–12.44), parental history of enuresis(adjusted OR?=?3.57, 95%CI?=?1.96–6.50), poor scholastic performance(adjusted OR?=?2.88,95 %?=?1.49–5.56), age 6–8 y (adjusted OR?=?13.80,95%CI?=?4.38–43.45) and living with single parent (adjusted OR?=?0.34, 95%CI?=?0.17–0.68). Prevalence of monosymptmatic nocturnal enuresis MNE was 17.9 % (p?=?0.001) among children who were not exclusively breastfed till 6 mo of age in the index study.

Conclusions

Enuresis is a pediatric health problem with high prevalence . Parental awareness needs to be created about this condition.     

Mortality and Morbidity in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective

To determine the morbidity and mortality in ELBW babies till discharge from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Methods

This study was a prospective observational study conducted in a 40 bed well equipped level III care NICU between 01.12.2006 and 30.04.2008. All ELBW babies admitted during this period were assessed for morbidities and interventions required during NICU stay and for their outcome like survival or death.

Results

The survival rate of 87 ELBW babies admitted during this period was 56.1 %. Pulmonary hemorrhage was the commonest cause of death (25 %) followed by respiratory distress syndrome (22.5 %), intraventricular hemorrhage (22.5 %) and sepsis (20 %). Significantly higher number of non-survivors were <750 g at birth (p?=?0.0001) and <28 wk gestation (p?=?0.0001). Small for gestational babies had better chances of survival compared to those appropriate for gestational age (p?=?0.005). RDS (67.8 %), probable sepsis (62.1 %) and hyperbilirubinemia (59.8 %) were the most frequent morbidities. Conventional ventilation (72.4 %) and nasal CPAP(48.3 %) were the commonest respiratory interventions. Surfactant replacement therapy was required in 47.1 % babies.

Conclusions

ELBW babies have a major contribution to mortality in a NICU. Babies with birth weight <750 g and gestation <28 wk have poor survival. RDS, pulmonary hemorrhage, IVH and sepsis are the common causes of death while RDS, sepsis and hyperbilirubinemia are the most common morbidities.     

Breastfeeding and early brain development: the Generation R study

Breastfeeding during infancy is associated with a range of short‐ and long‐term health benefits. We examine whether breastfeeding in the first 2 months of life is associated with structural markers of brain development in infants from the general population. This study was embedded within the Generation R study. Cranial ultrasounds were obtained at approximately 7 weeks post‐natal age. The diameter of the gangliothalamic ovoid, corpus callosum length, ventricular volume and head circumference were measured. Maternal reports of breastfeeding were obtained at 2 months of age. We examined associations in relation to current breastfeeding practices (exclusively breastfed, n = 318, breast‐ and bottle‐fed, n = 119, and bottle‐fed, n = 243). Analyses were adjusted for head size and relevant covariates. Secondary analyses were conducted for breastfeeding history (exclusively breastfed, n = 318, breast‐ and bottle‐fed, n = 281, and never breastfed, n = 81). Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with more optimal brain development compared with babies who were bottle‐fed or never breastfed. Results were most consistent for gangliothalamic ovoid diameter. Larger gangliothalamic ovoid diameters were evident in babies who were exclusively breastfed compared with bottle‐fed babies [difference between means (95% confidence interval) = 0.21(0.02, 0.39), P = 0.02]. Smaller ventricular volume and larger head circumference were also found for exclusively breastfed babies. Breastfeeding was not significantly associated with corpus callosum length. Maternal reports of breastfeeding are associated with more mature brain development within the first 2 months of life. Results are most consistent for gangliothalamic ovoid diameter, a subcortical structure rich in docosahexaenoic acid. Findings also pointed to non‐specific neural developmental advantage for exclusively breastfed babies.     

Breastfeeding and Helicobacter pylori Infection in Early Childhood: a Continuing Dilemma

Objective:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans. Chronic colonization increases the risk of duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. The risk factors for acquiring the infection have been extensively studied. However, there are conflicting results on the role of breastfeeding in the prevention of H. pylori infection. We conducted a study to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding on the H. Pylori infection in Kurdish children in Sanandaj, IR Iran.

Methods:

A historical cohort study was carried out from January 2011 through December 2012. Totally 221 children who were going to attain 2 years old during the study period were randomly enrolled. They were divided into two groups, i.e. breastfed and non-breastfed. We used H. pylori stool antigen test to detect infection in the selected group of children after age of 2 years and cessation of breastfeeding. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups, infected and non-infected. The associations of breastfeeding with H. pylori infection was assessed using statistical software.

Findings:

We found no difference in the odds of infection between breastfed and non-breastfed groups (OR=0.809, 95% CI [0.453–1.444]). An association between age and the prevalence of infection was found (P=0.008). There was an increase in the odds of infection as the family size grew (OR=1.93, 95% CI [1.04–3.6]) as well as increasing housing density (OR=2.12, 95% CI [1.10–4.10]).

Conclusion:

The data suggests that breastfeeding in infancy does not protect against H. pylori infection for long duration among studied children in Iran. The protective effects of breastfeeding, if any, are at most transient.     

Design of a randomised controlled trial on immune effects of acidic and neutral oligosaccharides in the nutrition of preterm infants: carrot study

Background

Overweight and obesity are increasing among children all over the world. Socio-economic factors may influence the development of overweight and obesity in childhood, and it has been proposed that breastfeeding may protect against obesity. The aim of our study was to examine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and obesity when potential confounders, such as socioeconomic factors, are considered.

Methods

The data analyzed was from ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden), a prospective cohort study. All parents with children born between October 1, 1997 and October 1, 1999 in Southeast Sweden (n = 21,700) were asked to participate. Parents were asked to answer periodic questionnaires from the time of the child's birth (n = 16,058) until he/she was five years of age (n = 7,356). Cutoffs for overweight and obesity were defined according to Cole et al, age and gender adjusted. Short-term exclusive breastfeeding was defined as < 4 months of exclusive breastfeeding. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify variables that predict the child's BMI (Body Mass Index) at five years of age.

Results

At five years of age, 12.9% of the children in the study wereoverweight and 4.3% were obese. At the age of three months, 78.4% of the children were being breastfed exclusively. The median exclusive breastfeeding duration was four months. High maternal BMI > 30 (AOR = 1.07; CI = 1.05–1.09; P < 0.001), maternal smoking (AOR = 1.43; CI = 1.05–1.95; P = 0.023) and being a single parent (AOR = 2.10; CI = 1.43–3.09; P < 0.001) were associated with short-term exclusive breastfeeding (less than 4 months). Short-term exclusive breastfeeding was less common if one of the parents had a university degree (Mother: AOR = 0.74; CI = 0.61–0.90; P = 0.003 Father: AOR = 0.73; CI = 0.58–0.92; P = 0.008) or if the father was more than 37 years old (AOR = 0.74; CI = 0.55–0.99; P = 0.045). Short-term exclusive breastfeeding was associated with obesity in five-year-old children (simple logistic regression: OR = 1.44; CI = 1.00–2.07; P = 0.050), but when including other independent factors in the analysis, short-term exclusive breastfeeding did not attain statistical significance.

Conclusion

We cannot exclude the possibility that exclusive breastfeeding influences weight development, but it does not seem to protect against obesity at five years of age.     

Serum Fructosamine and Retinopathy of Prematurity

Objective

To determine whether serum fructosamine which is a good marker for detecting hyperglycemia during the previous 2 to 3 wk in infants could predict the development of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants.

Methods

One hundred sixty seven premature infants who had a birth weight of <1500 g and a gestational age of less than 32 wk were investigated in the present study. Blood glucose was measured at the bedside and infants were recorded as hyperglycemic if their mean blood glucose levels were higher than 150 mg/dL. Serum corrected fructosamine level was obtained from the cord blood at birth and after the first month of life. The infants’ eyes were examined by ophthalmologists to detect retinopathy of prematurity at the gestational age of 32 wk or at four wk after birth, whichever came first.

Results

Corrected fructosamine was 319.6?±?59.6 and 272.8?±?50.6 mmol/l for group1 on 1^st and 30^th day respectively; 320?±?61.7 and 268.2?±?47.3 mmol/l for groups 2?+?3 on 1^st and 30^th day respectively which did not differ between groups (p?=?0.766 and p?=?0.665), whereas duration of hyperglycemia was 1.69?±?1.1 day in group 1 compared with 3.05?±?2.4 day in groups 2?+?3 which was significantly different (p?=?0.019). The multivariate regression analysis indicated that the duration of hyperglycemia in days was significantly correlated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.09–9.80; p?=?0.035).

Conclusions

Although the duration of hyperglycemia may contribute to the development of retinopathy of prematurity, serum corrected fructosamine does not have a good predictive value in developing retinopathy of prematurity in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.     

Beeinflussung des Stillverhaltens durch familiäre atopische Vorbelastung und unterschiedliche Information über atopiepräventive Ernährung

Background. For all infants exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first 4 to 6 months of life.This study analysed how this recommendation is followed in children differing with regard to family history of atopic diseases.Furthermore it was evaluated whether additional information about allergy-preventive nutrition or whether other factors, such as sociodemographic differences and smoking, influence breastfeeding habits. Methods. Data of children in the GINI-study, born between 01.01.1996 and 30.06.1998, were analysed.This study includes an intervention group and a control group,which differ in family history of atopic diseases and information about nutrition.The family history of atopic diseases and sociodemographic factors were recorded at enrollment. Breastfeeding and smoking patterns were evaluated after the first year of life. Results. Data of 4578 children were evaluated. 50,4% of the infants were exclucively breastfed in the first 4 months of life. Infants were significantly more likely to be breastfed if they were part of the intervention group (OR=1,24; KI=1,04–1,48), had mothers older than 30 years of age (OR=1,53;KI=1,29–1,81), had parents with higher education (OR=2,01; KI=1,56–2,59), and came from the region of Munich compared to Wesel (OR=1,4; KI=1,18–1,67). Smoking of the mother had a strong negative influence on breastfeeding (OR=0,23; KI=0,17–0,3).No influence was found with respect to the family history of atopic diseases (OR=1,06; KI=0,89–1,26), citizenship, number of siblings and gender. Conclusions. Although breastfeeding is recommended in the prevention of atopy, it is not more often done in children with a family history of atopic diseases.The influence of nutritional councelling after birth was less than that of sociodemographic differences and smoking habits.     

Determinants of breastfeeding discontinuation in an Italian cohort of mother-infant dyads in the first six months of life: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Among breastfeeding determinants, the marketing of breast milk substitutes might contribute to suboptimal breastfeeding rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of receiving information on breast milk substitutes on breastfeeding rates.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial from 2012 to 2014 in a northern Italian maternity ward. We enrolled 802 Caucasian mothers who gave birth to healthy, full-term singletons with a birth weight?>?2500 g and who were exclusively breastfeeding from delivery to discharge. Mothers who gave birth to infants with congenital diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, perinatal infections and/or cardio-respiratory instability and/or mothers being affected by endocrine and/or metabolic and/or gastrointestinal and/or renal diseases were excluded.Mothers were randomized to either receive (group A, n?=?405) or not (group B, n?=?397) written information on a breast milk substitute at discharge. Breastfeeding was promoted and supported in all mother-infant pairs equally. The mode of feeding for up to 6 months after delivery was determined by phone interview. To detect a 10% difference between groups in the discontinuation rate of exclusive breastfeeding at three months of age at 5% significance and 80% power, a total of 356 mother-infant pairs per group were needed.

Results

The exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 91% and 92% at 7 days, 79% and 70% at 1 month, 75% and 66% at 2 months, 72% and 62% at 3 months, and 3% and 2% at 6 months in groups A and B, respectively. The relative risk (95% confidence interval) of exclusive breastfeeding (group A vs B) at 7 days and at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months was as follows: 0.99 (0.95–1.03), 1.12 (1.03–1.21), 1.13 (1.03–1.24), 1.15 (1.04–1.27), and 1.49 (0.62–3.61).Nutritional, lifestyle and lactational factors were the primary contributing determinants to early breastfeeding discontinuation.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that receiving written information on breast milk substitutes at hospital discharge, provided that breastfeeding support and education are offered, does not negatively affect breastfeeding rates.

Trial registration

NCT03208114. Registered 5 July 2017.

     

Relationship of Exclusive Breast Feeding for 6 mo to Linear Growth up to 18 mo of Age

Objective

To assess if linear growth in infant is optimal, with exclusive breast feeding for 6 mo as advised by the WHO.

Methods

This prospective follow up study included 71 full term babies of middle socio economic group healthy mothers. The mothers were instructed to breast feed the babies who were followed up to 18 mo of age for assessment of linear growth. The study was conducted in Metro General Hospital, Noida, U.P. Fifty six babies weighed ≥2.5 kg, and 15 babies weighed <2.5 kg at birth. The main outcome measure was linear growth in exclusively breast fed infants.

Results

At 18 mo, infants ≥2.5 kg on exclusive breast feeding for <6 mo and receiving semisolids early gained more length by 3.4 cm than those receiving breast feeding for ≥6 mo, and infant <2.5 kg gained more weight by 1.2 kg.

Conclusion

For infants ≥2.5 kg of middle socioeconomic group, exclusive breast feed for 6 mo seems sufficient for optimal growth as compared to standard and reference growth data.     

Breastfeeding and infant hospitalisation: analysis of the UK 2010 Infant Feeding Survey

To investigate the contributions of overall breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding in reducing the risk of hospitalisation for infectious causes, we analysed data from a three‐stage survey on infant feeding practices and health outcomes in over 10 000 UK women in 2010–2011. The main outcome measures were risk of overnight hospital admission in the first 8–10 months of infancy. A graded beneficial effect was found between longer duration of any breastfeeding and hospital admission for infectious causes and for respiratory tract infections, with a significantly lower risk in infants breastfed for at least 3 months compared with those never breastfed. The effects were stronger in the subgroup who was also exclusively breastfed. For example, among infants breastfed for 3–6 months, the reduction in risk for infectious causes for those who were also exclusively breastfed for at least 6 weeks was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.22–0.81) and for those not exclusively breastfed for 6 weeks 0.79 (95% CI: 0.49–1.26). Likewise, among infants breastfed for 6 months or more, the odds ratio for those who were also exclusively breastfed for at least 6 weeks was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.32–0.72) and for those not exclusively breastfed for 6 weeks 0.72 (95% CI: 0.48–1.08). The apparent protective effect of any breastfeeding for a long duration may in part be driven by a prolonged period of exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding in the initial weeks after childbirth and continuing to breastfeed (either exclusively or partially) for at least 3 months, preferably 6 months, may reduce morbidity due to infectious illness in infants.     

Comparison of posterior internal anal sphincter myectomy and intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injection for treatment of internal anal sphincter achalasia: a meta-analysis

Purpose

Internal anal sphincter (IAS) achalasia is a clinical condition with presentation similar to Hirschsprung’s disease, but with the presence of ganglion cells on rectal suction biopsy (RSB). The diagnosis is made by anorectal manometry (ARM), which demonstrates the absence of the rectosphincteric reflex on rectal balloon inflation. The recommended treatment of choice is posterior IAS myectomy. Recently, intrasphincteric botulinum toxin (Botox) injection has been effectively used for treatment of IAS achalasia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of posterior IAS myectomy with intrasphincteric Botox injection for treatment of IAS achalasia.

Methods

A systematic literature search for relevant articles was conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE ^® , EMBASE^®, ISI Web of Science^SM and the Cochrane Library. A meta-analysis was performed with the studies where IAS achalasia was diagnosed based on the results of ARM and RSB. Odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated.

Result

Sixteen prospective and retrospective studies, published from 1973 to 2009, were identified. A total of 395 patients with IAS achalasia were included in this meta-analysis. Fifty-eight percent of patients underwent IAS myectomy and 42 % Botox injection. Regular bowel movements were significantly more frequent after IAS myectomy (OR 0.53, [95 % CI 0.29–0.99]; p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in continued use of laxatives or rectal enemas (OR 0.92, [95 % CI 0.34–2.53], p = 0.89) and in overall complication rates between both procedures (OR 0.68, [95 % CI 0.38–1.21]; p = 0.19). Looking at specific complications, the rate of transient faecal incontinence was significantly higher after Botox injection (OR 0.07, [95 % CI 0.01–0.54]; p < 0.01). Constipation and soiling were not significantly different between both procedures (OR 0.66, [95 % CI 0.30–1.48]; p = 0.31 and OR 0.24, [95 % CI 0.03–2.07]; p = 0.25). The rate of non-response was significantly higher after Botox injection (OR 0.52, [95 % CI 0.27–0.99]; p = 0.04). Subsequent surgical treatment was significantly more frequent after Botox injection (OR 0.18, [95 % CI 0.07–0.44]; p < 0.0001). Short- and long-term improvements were significantly more frequent after IAS myectomy (OR 0.56, [95 % CI 0.32–0.97]; p = 0.04 and OR 0.25, [95 % CI 0.15–0.41]; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates that in patients with IAS achalasia, posterior IAS myectomy appears to be a more effective treatment option compared to intrasphincteric Botox injection. After Botox injection, the rate of transient faecal incontinence, non-response and subsequent surgical procedures were significantly higher compared to IAS myectomy.     

Serum 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D Insufficiency Associated with Bronchial Asthma in Lucknow,India

Objectives

To assess the association between serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels and asthma and its control in Indian children.

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study conducted in tertiary care hospital. Cases of asthma and healthy age-matched controls were included, aged 1–15 y, who had not received any vitamin D supplementation in the last year and had no other co-morbidity, after obtaining written informed parental consent. 25 hydroxy vitamin D insufficiency was taken below level of ≤ 30 ng/mL.

Results

Fifty asthmatics and 25 age-matched controls were recruited from August 2011–July 2012. 25 hydroxy vitamin D insufficiency was associated with occurrence of asthma (OR?=?13.5; 95 % CI?=?4.25–42.85: p?=?0.000). With decreasing level of asthma control there was increasing strength of association with 25 hydroxy vitamin D insufficiency [χ ² for trend?=?24.96 (p?=?0.000)].

Conclusions

25 hydroxy vitamin D insufficiency is associated with bronchial asthma as well as its level of control.     

Role of Hematological Parameters in Predicting Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Preterm Neonates

Objectives

To study the role of hematological parameters in predicting retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm neonates.

Method

Two hundred forty eight babies less than 34 wk and/or with a birth weight of less than 2,000 g were evaluated. Peripheral blood smear and complete blood count were done on day one of life. Ophthalmological examination was done as per guidelines and grades of ROP classified and followed up till 40 wk of gestation for complete vascularisation. Cases were matched with similar number of controls (n?=?67) and the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of different parameters were assessed.

Results

The incidence of ROP on screening was found to be 27 %. Sixty seven cases were matched with 67 controls as per birth weight and gestational age. Significant risk factors for ROP included longer duration of ventilation, higher FiO₂, culture proven sepsis and apnea requiring pharmacotherapy. The incidence of Stage I was 10.5 % (n?=?7), Stage II 58.2 % (n?=?39) and Stage III was 31.3 % (n?=?21). The absolute nucleated RBC (ANRBC) count was found to be the only parameter which was significantly higher in babies with ROP (p?<?0.001). The ANRBC was higher with increasing severity of ROP (p?=?0.003). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ANRBC with ROP was higher than other parameters.

Conclusions

Increase in ANRBC count correlated with intrauterine hypoxia. Hence, an increase in ANRBC count could be used as a screening tool for the early prediction of ROP in babies.     

Improving First-hour Breastfeeding Initiation Rate After Cesarean Deliveries: A Quality Improvement Study

Objective

To improve the rates of first hour initiation of breastfeeding in neonates born through cesarean section from 0 to 80% over 3 months through a quality improvement (QI) process.

Design

Quality improvement study.

Setting

Labor Room-Operation Theatre of a tertiary care hospital.

Participants

Stable newborns ≥35 weeks of gestation born by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Procedure

A team of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians and anesthetists analyzed possible reasons for delayed initiation of breastfeeding by Process flow mapping and Fish bone analysis. Various change ideas were tested through sequential Plan-Do- Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.

Outcome measure

Proportion of eligible babies breast fed within 1 hour of delivery.

Results

The rate of first-hour initiation of breastfeeding increased from 0% to 93% over the study period. The result was sustained even after the last PDSA cycle, without any additional resources.

Conclusions

A QI approach was able to accomplish sustained improvement in first-hour breastfeeding rates in cesarean deliveries.

     

Breastfeeding patterns in exclusively breastfed infants: a longitudinal prospective study in Uppsala, Sweden

Exclusive breastfeeding was studied among 506 infants in Uppsala, Sweden, based on daily recordings during the first 6 mo. The mothers had previously breastfed at least one infant for at least 4 mo. Most of the mothers considered that they breastfed on demand. Wide variations in breastfeeding frequency and suckling duration were found both between different infants and in the individual infant over time. At 2 wk, the mean frequency of daytime feeds (based on one 13-d record) between different infants ranged from 2.9 to 10.8 and night-time feeds from 1.0 to 5.1. The daytime suckling duration (based on one 24-h record) ranged from 20 min to 4h 35 min and night-time duration from 0 to 2h 8 min. At any given age, a maximum of only 2% of the infants were not breastfed during the night. At 4 mo, 95% of the infants were breastfeeding and 40% were exclusively breastfed at this age. Longer breastfeeding duration and longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding were both associated with higher frequency of breastfeeds, longer breastfeeding of the previous child and higher education. No gender differences were found. Maternal smoking was associated with shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and pacifier use was associated with shorter duration of both exclusive breastfeeding and total breastfeeding. This study confirms that every mother-infant pair needs to be understood as a unique dyad throughout lactation. These data demonstrate a wide range of patterns among women who are exclusively breastfeeding and indicate that it would be inappropriate to put pressure on individual families to adopt preconceived patterns of infant feeding.     

Knowledge and Awareness about Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care

Objective

To determine mothers’ prior knowledge of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and awareness about benefits of KMC for preterm babies.

Methods

Mothers of a consecutive sample of 46 preterm babies, eligible for KMC admitted to a teaching hospital, from June through August 2009, were studied to determine the attitude and knowledge about KMC. A structured questionnaire was prepared. Mothers were asked questions to determine their baseline knowledge about KMC. Then each mother was explained about KMC and instructed to do KMC. After one hour of KMC, mothers were asked questions again to know their feelings and difficulties regarding KMC and feasibility of breast feeding during KMC.

Results

Most of the mothers could understand what was explained to them (97.8 %; 95 % CI 88.5–99.9 %) in a single session. Positive feelings like closeness to baby (93.5 %) and sense of goodness (97.8 %) were noted amongst mothers. Though statistically not significant, the proportion of mothers who felt it impracticable to give breast feeding while doing KMC was considerable (39.1 %; 95 % CI 25.1–54.6 %) compared to those who felt no difficulty in breast feeding (60.9 %; 95 % CI 45.4–74.9 %). Practicable duration of KMC is 1, 2 and 12 h as felt by 52 %, 19.6 % and 6.5 % of mothers respectively. All the mothers expressed their willingness to continue KMC at home.

Conclusions

Mothers can understand and implement KMC with simple and clear oral instructions in local language. Positive feelings arise in mothers even with 1 h of KMC. KMC of 24 h is not practicable to almost all of the mothers. There is a need for special emphasis on breast feeding the child while doing the KMC.     

Effect of Multisensory Stimulation on Neuromotor Development in Preterm Infants

Objective

To investigate the effect of Auditory, Tactile, Visual and Vestibular stimulus (ATVV) on neuromotor development in preterm infants.

Methods

Fifty preterm infants born at 28–36 wk with a birth weight ranging from 1,000–2,000 g were recruited for the study. They were block randomized into a control group (n?=?25) and study group (n?=?25). New Ballard score was used for the baseline measurement of neuromaturity in both groups. In neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the study group received multisensory stimulation for 12 min per session, 5 sessions per wk along with routine NICU care either from 33 wk corrected gestational age for infants born at 28–32 wk or from 48 h of birth for infants born at 33–36 wk until discharge from the hospital. The control group received the routine NICU care. At term age the preterm infants were assessed using Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB) and the groups were compared using independent t test.

Results

The multisensory stimulated infants showed higher neuromotor score (p?=?0.001) compared to the control group. The french angle components of INFANIB including heel to ear (p?=?0.016) and popliteal angle (p?=?0.001) were statistically significant between the groups.

Conclusions

Multisensory stimulation appears to have a beneficial effect on the tonal maturation in preterm infants. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of multisensory stimulation on neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants.     

Effect of Oil Massage on Growth in Preterm Neonates Less than 1800 g: A Randomized Control Trial

Objective

To study the effect of oil massage on growth in preterm babies less than 1800 g.

Methods

This randomised controlled trial was conducted in Neonatal intensive care unit of a level II hospital. Neonates with birth weight?<?1800 g, gestation?<?35 wk and?<?48 h of age at enrolment were included in the studies. Eligible neonates were randomized to one of the two groups (a) Oil massage along with standard care of low birth weight (b) Standard care of low birth weight without massage. Weight, length and head circumference was measured in the two groups at 7 d intervals. Serum triglyceride levels were measured at enrolment and at completion of study. Primary outcome variable was weight gain at 28 d after enrolment.

Results

A total of forty-eight neonates were randomisd to either oil massage group (n?=?25) or standard care of low birth weight without massage group (n?=?23). Mean (SD) weight of babies in the two groups was 1466.4?±?226.8 g in oil massage group and 1416.6?±?229.9 g in the control group. At 28 d, weight gain in the oil massage group (476.76?±?47.9 g) was higher compared to the control group (334.96?±?46.4 g) (p?<?0.05). At 7 d, less weight loss (7.80?±?9.8 g) was observed in babies in oil massage group compared to control group (21.52?±?19.4 g) (p?=?0.003). However, there was no significant difference in serum triglycerides and other anthropometric parameters.

Conclusions

Oil application has a potential to improve weight gain and cause less weight loss in first 7 d in low birth weight neonates     

Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: A Comparative Study of Ferrous Ascorbate and Colloidal Iron

Objective

To compare the efficacy of ferrous ascorbate and colloidal iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children.

Methods

Eighty one children, aged 6 mo to 12 y, were screened for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and those diagnosed with IDA were randomized to receive ferrous ascorbate or colloidal iron for a period of 12 wk, such that each child received elemental iron 3 mg/kg body weight/d. Increase in hemoglobin (Hb) level was the primary outcome measure. Assessment was performed at baseline, wk 4, wk 8 and wk 12.

Results

Of 81 children screened, 73 were included in the study. The mean rise in Hb at the end of the 12 wk was significantly higher in ferrous ascorbate group than the colloidal iron group [3.59?±?1.67 g/dl vs. 2.43?±?1.73 g/dl; P?<?0.01]. Significantly higher proportion of children receiving ferrous ascorbate (64.86 % vs. 31.03 %; P?<?0.01) became non-anemic in comparison to colloidal iron.

Conclusions

Ferrous ascorbate provides a significantly higher rise in hemoglobin levels in comparison to colloidal iron. The study supports the use of ferrous ascorbate in the pediatric age group, providing evidence for its role as an efficient oral iron supplement in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.     

Breastfeeding perceptions in communities in Mangochi district in Malawi

Aim: To investigate mothers’ perceptions of breastfeeding and influences from their social network. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in Mangochi district, Malawi where questionnaire data from 157 rural and 192 semi‐urban mother–infant pairs were obtained. Results: The proportion of mothers who thought that exclusive breastfeeding should last for 6 months and those who reported to have actually exclusively breastfed were 40.1% and 7.5% respectively. Of those who reported practising exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, 77.5% stated that exclusive breastfeeding should last for 6 months. This opinion was independently associated with giving birth in a Baby‐Friendly facility, OR = 5.22; 95% CI (1.92–14.16). Among the mothers who thought that exclusive breastfeeding should last for less than 6 months, 43.9% reported having been influenced in their opinion by health workers. Infant crying was the most common (62.4%) reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The findings illustrate the positive impact health workers can have, as well as the need to raise awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding among both health workers and mothers. Furthermore, continued counselling of mothers on how to deal with stressful infant behaviour such as crying may assist to prolong exclusive breastfeeding.