Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the incidence, risk factors and outcome associated with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). . All babies born within the study period were included in the study. Babies who were diagnosed as MAS were designated as outcome. Data were analysed with bivariate analysis followed by multiple regression analysis. Results: The overall incidence of MAS was 2.0 per 1000 livebirths. Babies born at post-term gestation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-5.55), nulliparity (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.20-4.28), instrumental delivery (AOR = 4.79; 95% CI: 2.52-9.10) and caesarean delivery (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 2.29-5.89) were significantly associated with MAS. Babies with MAS had a 10-fold risk for pre-discharge mortality (odds ratio = 9.87; 95% CI: 5.81-16.76). Conclusions:The findings in this study are consistent with that reported in other studies. MAS has a high risk of neonatal mortality. Thus, monitoring during pregnancy and labour is necessary for early identification of high-risk conditions associated with MAS. Strengthening of newborn care services is essential to curtail mortality.

Background: Neonatal sepsis is leading cause of mortality in neonates. The organism responsible for sepsis differed depending on the site of Neonatal care unit and country. In this study, we aimed to look at cause of sepsis and antibiotic sensitivity. Materials and Methods: Neonates admitted in the neonatal care unit of western regional hospital from 14th August 2012 to 14th July 2014were included in the study. Septic workup was done and culture was sent. Results of culture sensitivity were noted along with the sensitivity pattern. Results: Neonatal sepsis accounted for 38 percent of total admission in the neonatal unit. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated which was followed by Escherichia coli (E coli). Staphylococcus aureus isolated was sensitive to Cloxacillin in 97% of cases. There were 5 % mortalities during the study period. Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis was the most common reason for admission and staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism.

Bone tuberculosis in infancy has become rare these days. Here we report a case of 12 months old male infant who had presented with complaints of fever and skin rash for one month, along with protuberance of toe joint for 15 days. He was being treated with antibiotics, vitamin D and calcium without improvement. Further investigations led to mycobacterium positivity in bone biopsy. He was treated with anti-tubercular therapy and he responded to the treatment dramatically. So, though rare, it is important to consider bone tuberculosis when there are bony issues even in infancy, especially in endemic regions like ours.

Introduction: The burden of malnutrition is of significant concern in Nepal. The objectives of this study are to classify the nutritional status in children admitted in nutritional rehabilitation home of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences and to relate the demographic characteristics and the effectiveness of the nutritional intervention measures on status of malnutrition which can help in the policy formulation to tackle the burden of malnutrition. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective study in which total of 238 children with malnutrition admitted in nutritional rehabilitation home of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences during July 2014 to July 2018 were followed. The socio-demographic factors and nutritional status were analyzed at admission and at discharge using the available record. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: Out of 238 malnourished children, 167(70.2%) were cases of moderate acute malnutrition and 76(29.8%) were cases of severe acute malnutrition. The mean weight at admission was 7.18±1.73 kg, mean weight at discharge was 7.82±1.82 kg and mean weight increased after nutritional intervention was 0.62 kg±0.40. The average weight gain in severe acute malnutrition was 4.7gm/kg/day. A statistically significant difference was obtained between mean weight (p=0.00, t= - 24.62) of children at admission and discharge. There was significant statistical difference between mean weight gain (p<0.05, t= -3.1) in severe acute malnutrition (0.76±0.49 kg) and in moderate acute malnutrition (0.59±0.34 kg). Conclusion: Nutritional rehabilitation homes are effective in improving the nutritional status of undernourished children, more effective in severe acute malnutrition. However it is important to reassess the management protocol to meet the intake targets so that the rate of weight gain is improved.

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common anemia worldwide. It adversely affects the physical growth, cognition, behavior and the immune status of infants and children. There are limited number of studies in Nepal analyzing its prevalence, risk factors and diagnosis in pediatric population. Restriction of analgesics intake, increased intake of iron rich food and deworming are important determinants in the disease management. Methods: Hospital based prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics in Manipal Teaching Hospital from December 2014 to December 2016 enrolling all children aged 6 months to 5 years with anemia. Demographic profile, clinical features and information regarding risk factors were noted along with detailed physical examination. Iron profile was done to confirm diagnosis of IDA. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: Out of 168 anemic children, 110 (65.45%) children were diagnosed as IDA. Dietary factors, pica and intake of analgesics/antipyretics were major risk factors. Serum iron, serum ferritin, transferrin saturation were low whereas total iron binding capacity was high in IDA. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is a common, preventable and easily treatable disease which has potentially serious consequences if not treated. Non compliance to exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life, introduction of cow’s/buffalo’s milk in the first year, pica and rampant use of analgesics/antipyretics are major risk factors.