Hand,Foot and Mouth Disease in the Andaman Islands,India

Objectives

To investigate an outbreak of Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Andaman Islands during 2013.

Methods

Epidemiological, clinical data and samples were collected from HFMD patients who attended selected hospitals. Data were analyzed and samples were processed for detection of Enterovirus and further confirmed by sequencing. Serotype-specific molecular typing was also done to identify the etiological agent.

Results

Of the 246 suspected patients, most were affected in August 2013 (92/246, 37.4%). Fever (71.2%) associated with typical HFMD rashes (100%) were the most common presenting symptoms and rashes were mostly distributed on hands (100%), legs (92%), mouth (77%), and buttocks (52.8%). All cases were reported as mild and recovered completely without any complications. Enterovirus was detected in 63 cases (50.4%).

Conclusion

HFMD was mild, mostly reported in children <60 months of age, and in boys. Coxsackie virus A16 was found to be the only etiological agent for this specific outbreak.

     

Primary cardiac tumors associated with genetic syndromes: a comprehensive review

Various cardiac tumors occur in the setting of a genetic syndrome such as myxomas in Carney complex and rhabdomyomas in tuberous sclerosis. Tumor biology can be different in syndromic forms, and on imaging children sometimes demonstrate additional manifestations of the underlying syndrome. We discuss the imaging appearance of cardiac tumors occurring in the framework of a genetic syndrome, the findings that suggest an underlying syndrome, and the impact on management.     

An unusual case of anemia in a cardiac transplant recipient

Anemia is a well‐described comorbidity in patients with heart failure and has been associated with decreased survival rates after heart transplant. The causes of anemia are broad, and identification of the underlying etiology is critical for management. Herein, we report an unusual case of severe anemia complicating cardiac transplantation.     

Maternal,fetal and neonatal consequences associated with the use of crack cocaine during the gestational period: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Crack cocaine consumption is one of the main public health challenges with a growing number of children intoxicated by crack cocaine during the gestational period. The primary goal is to evaluate the accumulating findings and to provide an updated perspective on this field of research.

Methods

Meta-analyses were performed using the random effects model, odds ratio (OR) for categorical variables and mean difference for continuous variables. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared statistic and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Ten studies met eligibility criteria and were used for data extraction.

Results

The crack cocaine use during pregnancy was associated with significantly higher odds of preterm delivery [odds ratio (OR), 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.59–3.10], placental displacement (OR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.66–2.48), reduced head circumference (??1.65 cm; 95% CI ??3.12 to ??0.19), small for gestational age (SGA) (OR, 4.00; 95% CI 1.74–9.18) and low birth weight (LBW) (OR, 2.80; 95% CI 2.39–3.27).

Conclusion

This analysis provides clear evidence that crack cocaine contributes to adverse perinatal outcomes. The exposure of maternal or prenatal crack cocaine is pointedly linked to LBW, preterm delivery, placental displacement and smaller head circumference.

     

Fibrin glue-assisted sutureless posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in eyes with deficient posterior capsules

We report a new surgical technique that uses biological glue to implant a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) in eyes with a deficient or absent posterior capsule. Two partial-thickness limbal-based scleral flaps are made 180 degrees apart diagonally, and the haptics of the PC IOL are externalized to place them beneath the flaps. Fibrin glue is used to attach the haptics to the scleral bed, beneath the flap. This simple method of PC IOL implantation requires no specially designed haptics. It provides good flap closure and IOL centration and stability without suture-related complications.     

Splenic nodules in paediatric Gaucher disease treated by enzyme replacement therapy

Background The natural history of focal splenic lesions in paediatric Gaucher disease (GD) is unknown and these lesions are thought to persist despite enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Objective To assess the prevalence, evolution and resolution of splenic nodules in a cohort of paediatric Gaucher patients treated with ERT. Materials and methods The US findings in 37 children with GD were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 28 children underwent serial abdominal US examinations as part of their initial assessment and during routine follow-up. All patients received ERT. Results Six children (21%) had splenic nodules on US examination, either at presentation or on follow-up examination. In all six patients, the nodules had resolved on follow-up imaging, with resolution taking 17 months to 4 years 8 months. Two sets of siblings developed nodules that resolved over a similar time period. Conclusion Disappearance of focal splenic lesions in children with GD during follow-up has not been previously reported. The development of new focal splenic lesions in children with GD whilst on ERT has not been previously documented.