Journal Issue: Volume: 45, No. 1 (2025)
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Volume
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Issue Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN 1990-7974 eISSN 1990-7982
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Articles
Clinical Profile of Neonatal RSV Bronchiolitis - A Descriptive Study
(Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON), 2025) Rahul, Aswathy; Venugopal, Aishwarya; Raj, Raunak; Padmanabhan, Athul; Nema, Meghna; Sujatha, Radhika
Abstract:
Introduction: Newborns with viral bronchiolitis may have a turbulent clinical course and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common viral agent causing bronchiolitis in childhood.
Methods: This ambispective study was conducted in the outborn nursery of a tertiary care Government Medical College in neonates who were admitted with a working diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis or respiratory tract infection. A retrospective chart review was done for the cases admitted during the outbreaks of August to November 2022 and a prospective study was done from September to December 2023.
Results: During the study period, a total of 100 neonates (60 cases in 2022 and 40 cases in 2023) were admitted with respiratory tract infection or bronchiolitis. 75% of the babies had moderate to severe bronchiolitis. Thirteen babies with severe bronchiolitis required invasive ventilation. The most common virus detected was RSV followed by Rhino virus. Among the neonates with RSV infection, 65.71% were term babies. There was no mortality. The most common clinical presentation was cough (N =89) (89%) and the threatening symptom was apnea with cardiorespiratory arrest. Remedesivir, an antiviral agent, was given to two babies with severe RSV bronchiolitis on compassionate ground.
Conclusions: Apnea and cardiorespiratory arrest should be anticipated in neonatal bronchiolitis. Remdesivir is an antiviral agent which can be life saving in severe RSV bronchiolitis.
Evaluation of Knowledge and Practice Among Mothers of Children Under 5 with Acute Diarrhea in Vietnam
(Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON), 2025) Pham, Thang Ngoc; Nguyen, Tan Ngoc Tan; Duong, Thai Quoc; Huynh, Thanh Yen; Le, Gai Thi; Tran, Duc Long
Abstract:
Background: Inadequate knowledge and poor practices of mothers in the prevention and care of children with acute diarrhea (AD) contribute to serious complications and increased mortality rates in children. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices of mothers in the prevention and management of diarrhea in children under 5 years old in Vietnam.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 100 mothers at the Pediatric Digestive Department of Can Tho Children's Hospital from January 2024 to October 2024. Mothers were interviewed directly using a standard questionnaire. Adequate knowledge and good practice were defined as caregivers who answered equal to or above the mean number of questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20.
Results: A total of 100 mothers with children suffering from AD were included in the study. The average age of the mothers was 30.5 (5.9). Of the 100 mothers, 90% had adequate knowledge about AD. Among them, 91% recognized the signs of dehydration in children. Most mothers were aware of the severe and dangerous signs that warranted seeking medical attention. However, the percentage of mothers with good practice for taking care children with AD was low (27%). Only 30% of mothers had the skills to prepare ORS.
Conclusion: Although a high proportion of mothers possess adequate knowledge regarding the prevention and management of childhood diarrhea, their practical application remains limited. Therefore, current policies should prioritize enhancing maternal practices in the care of children with diarrhea.
Factors Influencing Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children aged 16 to 30 Months in Urban and Rural Areas of Tumkur, India
(Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON), 2025) Bettaiah, Jamunashree; Naik, Pooja S; TR, Sunil Kumar; Kalaburgi, Riyaj Ahmad
Abstract:
Introduction : The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been increasing globally, therefore early identification could improve the quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated that genetic and environmental factors affect brain development and have identified several factors that correlate with an increased risk of ASD. Our study aim is to investigate various factors associated with risk of ASD in children aged 16 to 30 months in Tumkur.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 toddlers aged 16-30 months and their caregivers in urban and rural parts of Tumkur. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers–Revised (M-CHAT-R) questionnaire was used to assess all participants.
Results: Out of 600 children screened, six were positive with ASD-like symptoms. The mean age was 22.24±4.11 months(n=600)29.17±1.33 months in screen positive toddlers, with a male to female ratio of 5:1. Analyses showed no statistically significant association between risk of autism and breastfeeding, immunization status, parent’s education, gestational age, mode of delivery, place of delivery or socioeconomic status (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: ASD signs can appear early, with diagnoses possible by 12 months. Identifying risk factors can facilitate early detection for at-risk toddlers. This study provides insights into these factors and highlights the need for further research to improve early ASD detection.
High flow nasal cannula therapy in Children with Acute Respiratory Distress – A Prospective Observational study
(Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON), 2025) Ajith, Divya; Namboodiripad, Aparna
Abstract:
Introduction: Acute respiratory distress (ARD) is one of the most common causes for PICU admission among children. Though invasive mechanical ventilation is an effective respiratory support, it has many adverse effects. Hence newer modes of less invasive methods have been studied. High Flow Nasal Cannula therapy (HFNC) is a new mode of respiratory support which can efficiently deliver heated and humidified gas at very high flow rates. The studies on HFNC therapy in paediatric population is limited, but it is being used in many PICUs effectively for various indications. The aim of this study is to elucidate the clinical profile and outcome of HFNC therapy as a primary modality of treatment in children with ARD.
Methods: Children aged one month to 14 years with ARD requiring HFNC respiratory support during PICU admission were recruited for the study. Demographics, clinical parameters, HFNC setting and outcome of HFNC therapy was documented in a proforma.
Results: 144 children with ARD were assessed, of which 130 (90.3%) responded successfully to HFNC therapy, and 14 (9.7%) required more invasive support. Indications that required HFNC support included pneumonia (43.1%), bronchiolitis (31.2%), reactive airway disease (25%) and tracheal web (0.69%). Most HFNC failures happened in children with pneumonia (16.1% of all pneumonia cases).
Conclusions: For children experiencing respiratory distress, HFNC is a primary respiratory support method that is both safe and effective. Children who respond well to HFNC exhibit a positive clinical response in the first few Correspondence hours.
Knowledge and Perception on Medication Administration Error and Its Reporting among Nurses Working in a Children Hospital
(Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON), 2025) Joshi, Alina; Tuitui, Roshani Laxmi; Sapkota, Sochana
Abstract:
Introduction: Medication administration error (MAE) is a global concern related to patient safety and the problem of under reporting further increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify the knowledge and perception on medication administration error and its reporting among nurses working in a children hospital
Methods: A cross sectional design with simple random sampling technique was used to select 121 nurses from children’s hospital. Self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data on knowledge on MAEs and perception towards MAEs reporting. Chi-square test was used to find out the association of selected socio-demographic variables with knowledge on MAEs and perception towards MAE reporting. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess correlation between knowledge and perception on MAE and its reporting.
Results: The study revealed that majority (75.2%) of respondents had good knowledge on MAE and most (91.7%) of them had positive perception regarding MAE reporting. The most common perceived causes were overload of work due to inadequate staffing, lack of training and in-service education on MAEs and poor communication. Majority (62.8%) of the respondents have seen or heard of MAEs during their clinical experience. Fear from consequences, disciplinary action and negative image by patient party were the common reason for non-reporting of MAEs.
Conclusion: The policy makers should emphasize in maintaining nurse-patient ratio as per the standard and blame free culture in the workplace should be promoted to enhance error reporting and mitigation with implementation of patient safety action plan.