Pediatric Review: International Journal of Pediatric Research

Pattern of Congenital Anomalies among Pediatric Surgical Patients in Bangladesh

2025-07-23T09:42:47+0530

Background:Congenital anomalies are structural or functional abnormalities present from intrauterine life, contributing significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These conditions often require early surgical intervention, yet limited diagnostic and treatment facilities hinder timely care. Common anomalies in pediatric surgery include gastrointestinal malformations, neural tube defects, and abdominal wall defects.

Methods:This hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over one year at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, TMSSMedical College Hospital and Private Camber, Bogura, Bangladesh from January to December 2024. A total of 135 pediatric patients (aged 0–5 years) with structural congenital anomalies requiring surgical evaluation were selected through purposive sampling from (start) to (end). Data were collected via structured interviews with guardians, clinical examinations, antenatal records, and surgical findings. Variables included demographics, obstetric history, anomaly type, surgical interventions, and outcomes. Patients with acquired anomalies or incomplete data were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with results summarized using descriptive statistics and presented in tables.

Result:The study revealed that most pediatric patients with congenital anomalies were aged 1–5 years (33.33%) or neonates (29.63%), with a male predominance (62.96%). Normal vaginal delivery was more common (59.26%), and antenatal detection of anomalies was low (18.52%). Anorectal malformation (22.22%) was the most frequent anomaly, followed by cleft lip/palate (14.81%) and neural tube defects (11.11%). Surgical intervention was required in 81.48% of cases, mostly elective. Postoperative complications occurred in 14.81%, and 70.37% had favorable outcomes. However, 11.11% faced complications, another 11.11% were referred, and 3.70% died. The findings highlight the need for improved prenatal diagnosis and early intervention.

Conclusion:The study reveals a high burden of congenital anomalies in Bangladeshi pediatric surgical patients, notably anorectal malformations, cleft lip/palate, and neural tube defects. Most required early surgery. Limited antenatal detection and notable complications highlight the urgent need for improved prenatal screening, early diagnosis, and strengthened pediatric surgical care.

Understanding The Relation Between Antenatal Care, Vaccination, and Anthropometric Outcomes in Early Childhood: A Cross-Sectional Study

2025-08-05T14:34:01+0530

Background: The under-5 mortality rate is a sensitive indicator of a nation’s public health measures. It is influenced by multiple factors, including socioeconomic status, antenatal care, immunization, and education. Maternal care during pregnancy and maternal education play a crucial role in ensuring optimal child health outcomes, with effects that persist into adolescence. Despite various government initiatives in India, gaps in antenatal care utilization and vaccination persist, particularly in rural areas. This study examines the relationship between antenatal care factors, immunization status, and anthropometric outcomes in early childhood.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas. Data were collected from 100 mothers regarding their demographic details, antenatal care visits, and children's anthropometric measurements. Chi-square tests were used to analyze associations between demographic variables and anthropometric measures, such as weight-for-age classifications based on the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and WHO growth charts, along with mid-upper arm circumference.

Statistical Analysis: SPSS software was used to analyse the data. Chi Square test was used.

Results: Significant associations were found between maternal education and weight-for-age classification (p = 0.016, p = 0.015). Additionally, positive correlations were observed between immunization status and anthropometric measures (p = 0.040), while the mode of delivery was also correlated with anthropometric measures (p = 0.042), aligning with previous studies linking delivery type to adolescent lean body mass. The findings highlight the importance of antenatal care in determining early childhood growth patterns.

Conclusion: This study underscores the need for improved antenatal care utilization to enhance child growth outcomes. Identifying factors contributing to the underutilization of antenatal care in rural areas is essential for ensuring a continuum of care. Strengthening maternal healthcare services can lead to better anthropometric outcomes and reduced child mortality.

ABCC6 MISSENSE MUTATION AND SEVERE RESISTANT SYSTEMIC HYPERTENSION IN A CHILD.

2025-04-22T09:25:59+0530

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare multisystem disorder characterised by progressive calcification and fragmentation of elastic fibres. Recent genetic advances have identified the underlying defect in the ABCC6 gene on chromosome 16p13.1. Patients typically develop cutaneous, ocular, and cardiovascular manifestations, but there is considerable phenotypic variability. Skin changes are usually apparent in adulthood and rarely observed in childhood. Since the prognosis of PXE largely depends on the extent of extracutaneous organ involvement, early recognition, intervention, and lifestyle adjustments are important to reduce morbidity.

Penetrating Tracheal Injury in a Child from a Rooster Bite: A Rare and Unprecedented Case Report

2025-05-21T15:33:51+0530

Abstract
Penetrating tracheal injuries in the pediatric population are uncommon and are most frequently associated with high-energy trauma or animal attacks, such as dog bites¹. However, avian-related penetrating injuries are exceedingly rare, with no documented cases of tracheal injury caused by rooster bites found in the literature. This report presents a rare case of a 3-year-old child who sustained a tracheal perforation secondary to a rooster bite to the neck. The clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, surgical intervention, and successful outcome are discussed. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt management of rare penetrating neck injuries in children.

Early Initiation of Breastfeeding: Caesarean Mother’s Challenges and Coping

2025-05-26T16:13:15+0530

The aim of this narrative review is to identify the available literature related to factors related to caesarean section and early initiation of breastfeeding, challenges which cause hinderance to early initiation of breastfeeding and the coping strategies mothers could employ to overcome the challenges. The narrative review secondarily helps the author to select the study design, methodology and development of the questionnaire. It is a well-known fact that early initiation of breastfeeding is essential component in the crucial first hour after birth. The review compares the data obtained through various searches in regard to early initiation of breastfeeding in vaginal and caesarean delivery. Also, some factors which are responsible for delay especially in case of caesarean section are identified which would help in planning of assessment questionnaire components. Apart from caesarean section delivery being the main determinant for late initiation of breastfeeding, the associated clues like post- operative pain, delayed mother-newborn dyad contact, lack of maternal efficiency to handle newborn after birth plays an important role in determining the breastfeeding initiation. Family and partner support had a great role in coping with post- partum anxiety.

Key words: early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), caesarean section, vaginal delivery, challenges, coping strategies