Background:Abdominal epilepsy (AE) is an uncommon cause for chronic recurrent abdominal pain in children and adults. It is characterized by paroxysmal episode of abdominal pain, diverse abdominal complaints, definite electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities and favorable response to the introduction of anti-epileptic drugs (AED). We studied 150 children with chronic recurrent abdominal pain and after exclusion of more common etiologies for the presenting complaints; workup proceeded with an EEG. We found 111 (74%) children with an abnormal EEG and 39 (26%) children with normal EEG. All children were subjected to AED (Oxcarbazepine) and 139 (92%) children responded to AED out of which 111 (74%) children had an abnormal EEG and 27 (18%) had a normal EEG. On further follow-up the patients were symptom free, which helped us to confirm the clinical diagnosis.Context:Recurrent chronic abdominal pain is a common problem encountered by pediatricians. Variety of investigations are done to come to a diagnosis but a cause is rarely found. In such children diagnosis of AE should be considered and an EEG will confirm the diagnosis and treated with AED.Aims:To find the incidence of AE in children presenting with chronic recurrent abdominal pain and to correlate EEG findings and their clinical response to empirical AEDs in both cases and control.Settings and Design:Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Prospective analytical study.Materials and Methods:A total of 150 children with chronic recurrent abdominal pain were studied by investigations to rule out common causes of abdominal pain and an EEG. All children were then started with AED oxycarbamezepine and their response to the treatment was noted.Results:111 (74%) of the total 150 children showed a positive EEG change suggestive of epileptogenic activity and of which 75 (67.56%) were females and 36 (32.43%) were male, majority of children were in the age of group of 9-12 years. Temporal wave discharges were 39 (35.13%) of the total abnormal EEG's. All the children were started on AEDs and those with abnormal EEG showed 100% response to treatment while 27 (18%) children with normal EEG also responded to treatment. Twelve (8%) children did not have any improvement in symptoms.Conclusions:A diagnosis of AE must be considered in children with chronic recurrent abdominal pain, especially in those with suggestive history, and an EEG can save a child from lot of unnecessary investigations and suffering.

Sirenomelia also known as the mermaid syndrome, is a rare congenital malformation of uncertain etiology. It is characterized by fusion of the lower limbs and commonly associated with severe urogenital and gastrointestinal malformations. There are approximately 300 cases reported in the literature, 15% of which are associated with twinning, most often monozygotic. The syndrome of caudal regression is thought to be the result of injury to the caudal mesoderm early in gestation.

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Pycnodysostosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder whose gene responsible for this phenotype (CTSK), mapped to human chromosome 1q21, code for the enzyme cathepsin K, a lysosomal cysteine protease; with an estimated incidence of 1.7 per 1 million births. This clinical entity includes micromelic dwarfism, increased radiological bone density, dysplasia of the skull, acro-osteolysis, straightening of the mandibular angle and in some cases, dysplasia of the acromial end of the clavicle. Oral and maxillo-facial manifestations of this disease are very clear. Herein we reported a case of pycnodysostosis, showing short stature with widening of the sutures, unfused anterior and posterior fontanelles, crowding of teeth with dental caries and typical radiological features associated with ichthyosis vulgaris and palmoplantar keratoderma.

Background: Breast milk is first, natural and nutritious food for newborn that promote sensory and cognitive development as well as protect against infectious and chronic diseases. The aim and objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and to point out determinants of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among rural primi-para mothers.Methods: This is a hospital based cross sectional study conducted at rural tertiary health centre located Western Maharashtra, India in the month of November-December 2017. A total of 140 breastfeeding primi-para mothers were enrolled and interviewed by utilizing pretested questionnaire include socio-demographic data, obstetric and breastfeeding history after written consent. Data were analyzed for inferential statistics using SPSS Version 21.Results: Among 140 eligible mothers, max. 84.2% were in age group 18-24 years with high proportions, 72.8% housewives, 90% literate and 75.7% with joint family structure. Max. 92.1% mothers were institutionally delivered. The overall prevalence of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding was 22.85% with gradual and sudden cessation was 20% and 2.85% respectively. Maternal determinants like insufficient breast milk secretion (37.5%), maternal sickness (12.5%) were highly contributed for cessation of breastfeeding whereas, infant illness, 12.5% respectively. The nuclear family structure, caesarean delivery and low birth weight baby were significantly associated with cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. The risk of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding is of 4.5 and 2.5 times higher with maternal nuclear family structure and infant with low birth weight.Conclusions: Prevalence of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding was low among primi-para mothers residing in rural area of western Maharashtra, India. The nuclear family structure, low birth weight baby have had significant effect on cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.