We report a case of three year old girl, who was brought to hospital for accidental consumption of rat-poison (3% phosphorus). The patient was asymptomatic for first 48 hours. Later on she developed the symptoms of hepatic failure. She was managed conservatively and was discharged after 14 days.

Acute renal failure is one of the serious complications of malaria with untoward consequences including increased risk of mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence, clinical features, course, outcome, and predictors of mortality of acute renal failure (ARF) in children with malaria in the pediatric general wards and intensive care unit of our medical center from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009. Data of all children from 1 month to 12 years of age with confirmed malaria either on peripheral smear and/or OptiMal test were reviewed. Those suffering from ARF were selected for further study. Twelve (eight Plasmodium falciparum; three Plasmodium vivax, and one mixed infection) out of 227 (5%) cases of confirmed malaria had ARF. In addition to ARF, most of the patients had at least one other manifestation of severe malaria. Nine (75%) patients recovered completely, while 3 (25%) died. Presence of associated cerebral malaria, hyperbilirubinemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) was a poor prognostic factor and predictor of mortality. In conclusion, ARF can complicate both P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria. Malarial ARF as an isolated complication has a good prognosis. The presence of multiorgan involvement and delayed diagnosis increases morbidity and mortality.

No abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans has a worldwide distribution. Meningoencephalitis is the most common manifestation of cryptococcosis. The outcome of a patient with cryptococcal infection depends on the immune status of the host. Patients with nephrotic syndrome are particularly susceptible to cryptococcal infection not only due to innate changes in their immune system but also because of the immunosuppressive agents used in the treatment. We report an 8-year-old boy with nephrotic syndrome, who developed cryptococcal meningitis and died of fulminant intracranial hypertension.

Ascariasis is one of the most common helminthic infestations in humans. Massive infestation can give rise to serious complications such as intestinal obstruction. We present a 4-year-old boy, who presented with acute flaccid quadriparesis due to the hypokalemic alkalosis induced by severe vomiting. Severe vomiting was due to intestinal obstruction caused by round worms.