Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Bangladeshi children: Analysis of 100 cases

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is defined as bleeding that occurs proximal to the ligament of Treitz and can sometimes lead to potentially serious and life-threatening clinical situations in children. Globally, the cause of UGIB differs significantly depending on the geographic location, patient population and presence of comorbid conditions.

AIM

To observe endoscopic findings of UGIB in children at a tertiary care center of Bangladesh.

METHODS

This retrospective study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University, a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh, between January 2017 and January 2019. Data collected from hospital records of 100 children who were 16 years of age or younger, came with hematemesis, melena or both hematemesis and melena. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (Olympus CV 1000 upper gastrointestinal video endoscope) after initial stabilization. Necessary investigations to diagnose portal hypertension and chronic liver disease with underlying causes for management purposes were also done.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were studied. UGIB was common in the age group 5-10 years (42%), followed by above 10 years (37%). Hematemesis was the most common presenting symptom (75%) followed by both hematemesis and melena (25%). UGIB from ruptured esophageal varices was the most common cause (65%) on UGI endoscopy followed by gastric erosion (5%) and prolapsed gastropathy (2%). We observed that 23% of children were normal after endoscopic examination.

CONCLUSION

Ruptured esophageal varices were the most common cause of UGIB in children in Bangladesh. Other causes included gastric erosions and prolapsed gastropathy syndrome.

Comparison of Serum Zinc in Children of Wilson Disease and Non-Wilsonian Volunteers in Bangladesh

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism with diverse clinical manifestations. Zinc (Zn) has been used for treatment of WD. Recent studies showed low serum zinc level in patients suffering from WD than the normal. This cross-sectional analytical study has been designed to compare the serum zinc level between paediatric patients suffering from WD but yet not started treatment and children who have normal ALT level. This study was carried out at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2019. Total 51 children were included in this study. Among them 27 were diagnosed case of WD aged between three to eighteen years and 24 children of same ages who were suffering from other than liver disease having normal ALT were included as volunteers. The patients of WD were divided into four groups according to their presentation as acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease (CLD), acute liver failure & neuropsychiatric manifestation. Informed written consent was obtained from all patients and volunteers for participation in this study. Along with other physical findings and laboratory investigations 3 ml of venous blood were collected for estimation of serum zinc level. After estimation of serum zinc level results were analyzed statistically. The difference in serum zinc levels were compared between the groups. Serum zinc level was significantly lower in Wilson disease patients (43.8±19.7μg/dl; range: 13-83) compared to volunteers group (67.8±11.8μg/dl; range: 47-97) p<0.001. Among the diseased group, serum zinc level were significantly lower in 18 CLD (38.4±17.4μg/dl) and in 4 acute liver failure (33.1±3.7μg/dl) compared to 4 acute hepatitis (71.8±4.3μg/dl) (p=0.001) and (p<0.001) respectively. Mean serum zinc level was low in 4 Wilsonian acute liver failure (33.1±3.7μg/dl), which was significant compared to those (23) who presented as Wilson disease non acute liver failure (45.7±20.8μg/dl) (p=0.013). Serum zinc level was significantly lower in Wilson disease children compared to the volunteers. Zinc level was also found significantly low in Wilson disease presented as CLD and acute liver failure in comparison to Wilson disease presented as acute hepatitis.

Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: An Unusual Cause of Per Rectal Bleeding in Children

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a relatively uncommon but troublesome chronic benign disorder more in young adults and less in children. It is usually presented as rectal bleeding, constipation, copious mucous discharge, prolonged excessive straining, tenesmus, lower abdominal pain, localized pain in the perineal area, feeling of incomplete defecation and rarely rectal prolapse.The underlying etiology is not well known. It is diagnosed based on symptoms and endoscopic and histological findings. J Enam Med Col 2021; 11(1): 47-51

Hepatic Histoplasmosis: An Update

Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common cause of endemic mycosis in developing countries. It is a self-limited and asymptomatic disease in immunocompetent individuals but remains a frequent cause of opportunistic infection in patients with compromised immune status. Liver involvement as a part of disseminated histoplasmosis is well known. However, liver infection as a primary manifestation of histoplasmosis without evidence of primary lung involvement is rare. In conclusion, clinicians should be aware of isolated histoplasmosis affecting the hepatobiliary system, and careful evaluation is warranted to confirm the diagnosis. Given the appropriate clinical context, histoplasmosis should be considered in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, regardless of pulmonary symptoms, in non endemic as well as endemic areas.

Functional constipation in Bangladeshi school aged children: A hidden misty at community

BACKGROUND

Constipation is a common problem in children and a frequent cause of hospital visit in both primary & specialized care, which needs proper evaluation & management. Presentation of constipation is variable among children. In Bangladesh there has been no published data regarding constipation in community among school aged children.

AIM

To determine the magnitude of functional constipation and its risk factors in community among Bangladeshi school children.

METHODS

This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in different schools of Dhaka division, Bangladesh. All school aged children between 5-16 years of age who attended school were included in this study. Samples were collected randomly. Proper clinical history & physical examinations (without digital rectal examination) & available investigations (if done previously) were recorded. Diagnosis of functional constipation was done by Rome IV criteria and was compared with children without constipation. Children with any red flag sign, known chronic disease or any findings suggestive of organic disease and on treatment of constipation were excluded. Statistical analysis of the results was done by using Windows based software device with Statistical Packages for Social Science 20. For all statistical tests, P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Total study populations were 707 and male was 443 and female 264. Among them, 134 (19%) children had constipation. In constipated children, 78 children fulfilled the Rome IV criteria for functional constipation and it was 11% of total population. Mean age of children having functional constipation was 11.24 ± 3.54 years and Male female ratio was 1:1.78. Anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, hard stool, blood with hard stool, alternate hard and loose stool and fecal mass in left iliac fossa were analyzed between two group and all were significantly higher in children with functional constipation group. Children of school, where toilet numbers were inadequate had 2.5 times more constipation risk in comparison to children of school with adequate toilet number (OR = 2.493, 95%CI: 1.214-5.120). Children who feel embarrassed to use toilet at school, had 3.6 times higher risk of constipation (OR = 3.552, 95%CI: 1.435-8.794). Here children with H/O affected sibs and parents/grandparents had 4 and 2.6 times more chance of constipation respectively in comparison to children without H/O affected sibs (OR = 3.977, 95%CI: 1.884–8.397) and parents/grandparents (OR = 2.569, 95%CI: 1.172-5.629). Children with inadequate fluid intake had 2 times more risk of constipation in comparison to children with adequate fluid intake (OR = 1.972, 95%CI: 1.135-3.426). Children who passed electronic screen time of > 2 h/d had 2 times more chance of constipation in comparison to children who passed electronic screen time < 2 h (OR = 2.138, 95%CI: 1.063-4.301).

CONCLUSION

Constipation is not uncommon in Bangladeshi school aged children. Inadequate toilet number, family history of constipation, inadequate fluid intake, feeling embarrassed to use toilet at school, and electronic screen time for > 2 h/d were found as risk factors in the present study for functional constipation.

Juvenile Polyps in Bangladeshi Children and Their Association with Fecal Calprotectin as a Biomarker

PURPOSE

Colonoscopy is considered the most reliable method for the diagnosis of juvenile polyps. However, colonoscopic screening is an invasive and expensive procedure. Fecal calprotectin (FCP), a marker of intestinal inflammation, has been shown to be elevated in patients with polyps. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate FCP as a screening biomarker for the diagnosis of juvenile polyps.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. For children with polyps, colonoscopic polypectomy and histopathology were performed. FCP levels were analyzed before and 4 weeks after polypectomy in all patients. Information was recorded in a datasheet and analyzed using the computer-based program SPSS.

RESULTS

The age of the children was between 2.5 and 12 years. Approximately 93% of the polyps were found in the rectosigmoid region. Children with juvenile polyps had elevated levels of FCP before polypectomy that subsequently normalized after polypectomy. The mean FCP levels before and after polypectomy were 277±247 µg/g (range, 80-1,000 µg/g) and 48.57±38.23 µg/g (range, 29-140 µg/g) (p<0.001), respectively. The FCP levels were significantly higher in patients with multiple polyps than in those with single polyps. Moreover, mean FCP levels in patients with single and multiple polyps were 207.6±172.4 µg/ g and 515.4±320.5 µg/g (p<0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Colonic juvenile polyps were found to be associated with elevated levels of FCP that normalized after polypectomy. Therefore, FCP may be recommended as a noninvasive screening biomarker for diagnosis of colonic juvenile polyps.

COVID 19 in Children: Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Manifestation

The most devastating pandemic of this era coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel virus named severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it is primarily a respiratory pathogen, it can also result in several extra-pulmonary manifestations includes gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatocellular injury. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), the entry receptor for the causative coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is co-express in the gastrointestinal tract, hepatocyte, and cholangiocytes similar to the respiratory mucosa. The presence of these receptors facilitates the entry into the tissue and causes direct viral tissue damage, which is a proposed mechanism of injury. Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort are common gastrointestinal manifestations, whereas derangement of liver function tests is the most hepatic manifestation in COVID-19. In this article, we reviewed on SARS-CoV-2 disease COVID-19 regarding gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pancreatic manifestation, the mechanisms by which the virus may inflict damage, and their management perspective.

Omental Cyst - Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain in a 7-Year-Old Child: A Case Report

Introduction

Abdominal pain is a common complaint in children. In most cases it may be functional. Among all organic causes, an abdominal cyst of omental or mesenteric origin is an uncommon etiology.

Case Presentation

A 7-year-old girl presented with a short history of abdominal pain for 1 month associated with gradual abdominal distention. Physical examination revealed a large oval palpable firm, non-tender mass extending almost the whole abdomen. Imaging studies were suggestive of an intra-abdominal cyst, and the diagnosis was confirmed after exploratory laparotomy. The patient was managed surgically by enucleation of the cyst.

Conclusion

Omental cysts are a rare benign condition, but should be considered as a diagnostic hypothesis in children with abdominal pain with or without a mass. It is difficult to diagnose an omental/mesenteric cyst clinically. A proper imaging study can guide the diagnosis. After confirming the diagnosis, the main treatment would be surgical excision.

A 8- year Bangladeshi girl with disseminated histoplasmosis, presented as chronic liver disease with portal hypertension: a rare case report

Background

Histoplasmosis is a rare infectious condition with mainly pulmonary involvement. Disseminated histoplasmosis may occur in immunocompromised condition. It can present in different ways but jaundice and ascites is very uncommon.

Case presentation

A 8- year old girl visited to department of pediatric gastroenterology & nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Child presented with fever, jaundice and abdominal distension for 2 ½ months. There was no history of contact with tuberculosis patient and travelling to kala-azar, malaria endemic zone and no history of previous jaundice, blood or blood product transfusion, history of sib death, family history of jaundice or neuropsychiatric disorder, significant weight loss. On general examination she was fretful, febrile, moderately icteric, mildly pale, vitally stable, severely wasted and moderately stunted, skin survey revealed infected scabies, BCG vaccine mark was absent, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepato-splenomegaly and ascites present. After evaluating the physical findings, several investigations was done including lymphnode biopsy, then the case was finally diagnosed as Disseminated histoplasmosis with portal hypertension. Child was treated with injectable Deoxycholate Amphotericin B for 28 days and improved on follow up.

Conclusion

We suggest that children presenting with fever, jaundice, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly and portal hypertension, disseminated histoplasmosis can be one differential.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Evaluation and Management

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital infection worldwide and most individuals are eventually exposed to this agent. In developing countries the seroprevalence in women of reproductive age approximates 100%. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has great importance to obstetriciangynecologists and pediatricians. Despite the heavy disease burden, CMV infection is severely under-diagnosed because the majority (approximately 80%) of affected mothers are asymptomatic. The clinical manifestations of congenital CMV infection vary widely, from asymptomatic infection to potentially life-threatening disseminated disease. Prenatal diagnosis of fetal CMV infection can be made by testing amniotic fluid for cytomegalovirus by amniocentesis. Diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in neonates should include real-time PCR of saliva, urine, or both, as soon as possible after birth. Antiviral therapy is not routinely recommended for congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Neonates with life-threatening infection and moderately to severely symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus disease, CNS involvement is considered for immediate treatment that should be initiated within first month of life. J Enam Med Col 2019; 9(2): 116-126

MOYAMOYA disease-two case reports

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2016 May; 45 (2): 113-117