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Background Acute respiratory infection is a common reason why children under the age of five get sick or die (ARIs). Lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) are the main cause of death in children. The Pediatric Respiratory Severity Score (PRESS) for Respiratory Tract Infection is a novel and less complex bedside scoring method first development in Yokohama hospital. Hence the aim of the study was to determine the implication of PRESS score in evaluation of children admitted with respiratory distress in PICU. Objectives To evaluate PRESS as a severity assessment scoring for acute respiratory infections in pediatric patients. Methods This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary health care center conducted for a duration of 2 year. All the children admitted with respiratory distress having any 2 features such as tachypnoea, use of accessory muscles, use of intercostal and subcostal muscles, grunting, cyanosis, feeding difficulties and wheeze admitted in were included in the study. PRESS scoring system measured five things: breathing rate, wheezing, use of accessory muscles, SpO2, and difficulty feeding. Each part was assigned 0 or 1 point, and the total score showed how mild, moderate, or severe the problem was. Results Total of 344 children were included. Disease was mild in 44 (12.7%), moderate in 188 (54.7%) and severe in 112 (32.5%). There is statistically significant differences present in pH & pCO2 values in various PRESS scores, but there was no correlation with mechanical ventilation, oxygen supply and PICU stay. Conclusion Those with higher PRESS score had longer picu stay and need more oxygen therapy or have higher rate of mechanical ventilation. It is a very simple and easy tool to predict severity of acute respiratory infections and can be used as a guide for severity wise treatment of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anemia is a common health problem in preschool children. It is characterized by a decreased concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which can lead to impaired physical and cognitive development. The prevalence of anemia in preschool children varies depending on the country and region. In India, the prevalence of anemia is estimated to be between 30% and 70%. The present study was carried out with an aim to study the etiology and clinico-pathological profile of moderate to severe anemia in pre-school children. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in department of paediatrics SGRR institute and medical health sciences Dehradun India from April 2016 to March 2023, with an aim to determine prevalence of moderate to severe anemia and its etiology in preschool children aged 6 to 60 months . Results In a population of 2220 preschool children aged 6 to 60 months prevalence of moderate to severe anemia was 24.8%. This was higher among females (30.4%) than males (19.1%). Iron deficiency anemia was the most common type of anemia (69.0%), followed by vitamin B12/folic acid deficiency anemia (18.2%). Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the most common morphology of anemia (70.9%). Conclusion Majority of children in present study had anemia (59.9%). Prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anemia was 35.1%, 18.9% and 5.9% respectively. Microcytic hypochromic type was the most common type (n=390; 70.9% Iron deficiency anemia was most common (n=380; 69%) followed by Vitamin B12/Folic acid deficiency (n=100; 18.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of Corona Virus Disease (COVID)-19 presenting mostly in moderate to severe cases. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational imaging and hospital data-based study done on 15 confirmed patients of COVID-19 who underwent high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax at the Department of Radio-Diagnosis of a tertiary medical center in the Himalayan foothills. The clinico-radiological profile of the study group was assessed and it was aimed at finding the association of pneumomediastinum with the severity of lung changes. Results: A strong association of pneumomediastinum was observed with severe lung changes on HRCT thorax (n = 13, 87%, P < 0.00001). Dyspnea was the most common presenting factor. The mortality rate is high in mechanically intubated patients of pneumomediastinum with COVID-19 (75%). Conclusion: Pneumomediastinum is a complication of a severe COVID-19 disease spectrum. Along with severe lung parenchymal disease, systemic inflammation, systemic steroid therapy, comorbid state, and mechanical intubation, it is a part of the pool of poor prognostic factors. HRCT is essential for making a quick and comprehensive diagnosis, thereby, guiding the clinician for further management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]