Evaluation of Acute and Convalescent Antibody Concentration Against Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharides for the Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Infection in Children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia

We evaluated whether the quantification of IgG to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides is an accurate diagnostic test for pneumococcal infection in children with pneumonia in Nepal. Children with pneumococcal pneumonia did not have higher convalescent, or higher fold change, IgG to pneumococcal polysaccharides than children with other causes of pneumonia. Caution is needed in interpreting antibody responses in pneumococcal infections.

A fatal outbreak of neonatal sepsis caused by mcr-10 carrying Enterobacter kobei in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Enterobacter kobei is an emerging cause of outbreak of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Between July and September of 2016, an NICU in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal observed an abrupt increase in the number of neonatal sepsis cases caused by Enterobacter spp. infecting 11 of 23 admitted neonates, 5 of whom died of an exacerbated sepsis.

AIM

Main aims of this study were to confirm the suspected outbreak, identify environmental source of infection, and characterize genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence of the pathogen.

METHODS

We performed whole genome sequencing of all Enterobacter spp. isolated from blood cultures of septic neonates admitted to NICU between May 2016 and December 2017. Also, an environmental sampling was intensified from fortnightly to weekly during the outbreak.

FINDINGS

The genomic analysis revealed that 10 of 11 non-duplicated E. kobei isolated from neonatal blood cultures between July and September 2016 were clonal, confirming the outbreak. The isolates carried AMR genes including bla_AmpC and mcr-10 conferring reduced susceptibility to carbapenem and colistin respectively. The environmental sampling however failed to isolate any Enterobacter spp. Reinforcement of aseptic protocols in invasive procedures, hand hygiene, environmental decontamination, fumigation, and secluded care of culture positive cases successfully terminated the outbreak.

CONCLUSION

Our study underscored the need to implement stringent infection control measures to prevent infection outbreaks. Further, for the first time, we report the emergence of carbapenem and colistin non-susceptible E. kobei carrying mcr-10 gene as an important cause of nosocomial neonatal sepsis in an NICU.

Pediatric acute liver failure: An experience of a pediatric intensive care unit from resource limited settings

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric acute liver failure is a rare and serious disease. Though liver transplantation is considered as the established treatment option for patients who are unlikely to recover with medical management, however, with the advancement of medical care there has been an increase in spontaneous regeneration of liver, obviating the need for liver transplantation. We identified the etiologies, outcome and prognostic factors of acute liver failure and the validity of the existing liver transplantation criteria to predict the outcome of pediatric acute liver failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study done from January 2014 to December 2019 in a tertiary pediatric critical care unit in South India. All children aged between 1 month to 18 years admitted with acute liver failure were enrolled.

RESULTS

Of 125 children with acute liver failure, the main etiologies were infections (32%), indeterminate (23%), paracetamol toxicity (21%), metabolic (13%) and others (11%). Dengue was the most common infection (55%). The median pediatric logistic organ dysfunction score at admission was 12 (4-27). Of 125 patients, 63.2% (n = 79) had spontaneous regeneration which was higher in paracetamol induced (92.3%) compared to non-paracetamol induced acute liver failure (55.5%). Only two patients underwent liver transplantation and 35% died. Peak alanine transaminase and use of inotropes significantly predicted the outcome of disease. Of 38 children meeting King's College Hospital criteria for liver transplantation, 57.9% had spontaneous regeneration and 36.8% died. Of 74 children meeting INR > 4 criteria, 54% (n = 40) had spontaneous regeneration and 43.2% died. INR >4 criteria was more sensitive than King's College Hospital criteria for predicting the need for liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric acute liver failure is caused by varied etiologies and infections were the commonest cause. Despite having a seriously ill cohort of patients, medical management resulted in spontaneous regeneration in the majority of children with acute liver failure. The use of inotropes, advanced hepatic encephalopathy, and peak alanine transaminase were predictors of poor outcome in children with acute liver failure and these patients could be considered for liver transplantation as available. Therefore, we may need to develop better predictors of pediatric acute liver failure in resource limited settings.

Nepal Paediatric Society Guideline for use of Antibiotics in Critically ill Children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Justification: Overuse and administration of unnecessary and inappropriate antibiotics are the leading causes for the increased antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Judicious use of antimicrobials can prevent this phenomenon.  Objective: Create a collaborative outline for the use of antibiotics in the paediatric intensive care unit for various infections, based on evidence, taking into consideration local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.  Process / Methods: Under the aegis of Nepal Paediatric Society, this guideline has been developed after several meetings of paediatricians working in various hospitals in different parts of Nepal, looking into the prevalent diseases and local sensitivity patterns of antibiotics.   Recommendations: This guideline will help standardize the treatment protocol in paediatric intensive care units in Nepal and help paediatricians decide the appropriate use of antibiotics promptly while managing critically ill children.  Keywords: Antibiotics; antibiotic sensitivity; antimicrobial resistance; critically ill child; Paediatric Intensive Care Unit 

Nepal Pediatric Society Guidelines for the Safe Transport of Critically Ill Children in Nepal

Transport of critically ill children is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality in developing countries due to the lack of adequate resources and skilled personnel. Transport of the sick child remains a major challenge in Nepal as well. The main objective of this article is to describe the importance of safe transport, and be a resource and guide for health care personnel during inter-facility transport of sick children in Nepal. This guideline is based on consensus statement of Nepal Pediatric Critical Care Working Group (NPCCWG) under the aegis of the Nepal Pediatric Society (NEPAS). It includes different components of transport, namely essential equipment, patient preparation, communications, medications, and transport checklist, that are required during transport of sick children, taking into consideration the current resources available in our health care facilities.

Risk factors for the development of neonatal sepsis in a neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital of Nepal

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening response to bacteria in bloodstream and a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the etiology and potential risk factors for neonatal sepsis is urgently required, particularly in low-income countries where burden of infection is high and its epidemiology is poorly understood.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted between April 2016 and October 2017 in a level three NICU at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal to determine the bacterial etiology and potential risk factors for neonatal sepsis.

RESULTS

Among 142 NICU admitted neonates, 15% (21/142) and 32% (46/142) developed blood culture-positive and -negative neonatal sepsis respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae (34%, 15/44) and Enterobacter spp. (25%, 11/44) were the most common isolates. The antimicrobial resistance of isolates to ampicillin (100%, 43/43), cefotaxime (74%, 31/42) and ampicillin-sulbactam (55%, 21/38) were the highest. BlaTEM (53%, 18/34) and blaKPC (46%, 13/28) were the commonest ESBL and carbapenemase genes respectively. In univariate logistic regression, the odds of sepsis increased with each additional day of use of invasive procedures such as mechanical ventilation (OR 1.086, 95% CI 1.008-1.170), umbilical artery catheter (OR 1.375, 95% CI 1.049-1.803), intravenous cannula (OR 1.140, 95% CI 1.062-1.225); blood transfusion events (OR 3.084, 95% CI 1.407-6.760); NICU stay (OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.040-1.182) and failure to breast feed (OR 1.130, 95% CI 1.060-1.205). Sepsis odds also increased with leukopenia (OR 1.790, 95% CI 1.04-3.082), increase in C-reactive protein (OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.016-1.040) and decrease in platelets count (OR 0.992, 95% CI 0.989-0.994). In multivariate analysis, increase in IV cannula insertion days (OR 1.147, 95% CI 1.039-1.267) and CRP level (OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.008-1.049) increased the odds of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated various nosocomial risk factors and underscored the need to improve local infection control measures so as to reduce the existing burden of sepsis. We have highlighted certain sepsis associated laboratory parameters along with identification of antimicrobial resistance genes, which can guide for early and better therapeutic management of sepsis. These findings could be extrapolated to other low-income settings within the region.

Clinical and Demographic Profiles of Children Presenting with Acetaminophen Induced Acute Liver Failure in a Tertiary Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of South India

Introduction: Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most widely used over-the-counter antipyretic and analgesic medicine in children. Although hepatic failure and death is rare in paediatric population, it is one of the most important and dangerous presentation of acetaminophen induced toxicity in children. There is very sparse data regarding APAP induced paediatric acute liver failure in our settings, hence this study was done to know the clinical and demographic profiles as well as outcome of children with APAP induced acute liver failure. Methods: This was a retrospective study done in children aged 0 - 18 years admitted with the diagnosis of acetaminophen induced acute liver failure in a tertiary paediatric intensive care unit of South India from January 2014 to December 2018. The clinical, demographic profiles and outcome of these patients were reviewed and analysed. Results: A total of 26 children had acetaminophen induced acute liver failure. Out of 26 patients, 53.8% were males and 46.1% were females. Among these, 24 (92.3%) survived and two (7.7%) died. The average dose of acetaminophen ingested was 168.5 mg/ kg/d. The mean serum acetaminophen level was 52.3 mg/dl. The presence of low pH, hypotension and international normalised ratio (INR) value of > 4 showed bad outcome in children with acetaminophen induced acute liver failure. Conclusion: Paracetamol induced acute liver failure is rare but fatal presentation in children. Children with acidosis, shock and INR value of > 4 had poor prognosis. Hence, judicious use of different preparations as well as counselling to parents regarding use of appropriate doses in children should be done while prescribing this medicine.

Nepal Paediatric Society Clinical Guidance for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock in the Paediatric Intensive Care Units in Nepal

Justification: Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. There is a lack of standardisation in the management of severe sepsis and septic shock. Additionally, international guidelines may not be completely applicable to resource limited countries like Nepal. Objective: Create a collaborative standardised protocol for management of severe sepsis and septic shock for Nepal based on evidence and local resources. Process / Methods: Paediatricians representing various paediatric intensive care units all over Nepal gathered to discuss clinical practice and delivery of care of sepsis and septic shock under the aegis of Nepal Paediatric Society. After three meetings and several iterations a standardised protocol and algorithm was developed by modifying the existing Surviving Sepsis Guidelines to suit local experience and resources. Recommendations: Paediatric sepsis and septic shock definitions and management in the early hours of presentation are outlined in text and flow diagram format to simplify and standardise delivery of care to children in the paediatric intensive care setting. These are guidelines and may need to be modified as necessary depending on the resources availability and lack thereof. It is recommended to analyse data moving forward and revise every few years in the advent of additional data.

Extravasation Injuries, Pressure Ulcers and Ocular Surface Disorders in a Tertiary Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in South India

Introduction: Extravasation injuries, pressure ulcers (PU), and ocular surface disorders (OSD) like exposure keratitis are common problems that we encounter in critically ill children admitted in Paediatric Intensive Care unit (PICU). There is sparse data regarding these injuries due to under reporting by staffs in intensive care unit. The primary aim of this study was to know the prevalence of extravasation injuries, ocular surface disorders and pressure ulcers in tertiary intensive care unit of south India. The secondary objective of this study was to re-evaluate the prevalence of these injuries after interventions.  Methods: During pre-intervention period, number of children with extravasation injuries, pressure ulcers and ocular surface disorders were identified. The qualitative improvement practices was implemented to decrease the prevalence of these injuries. This was followed by re-evaluation of these injuries during post-intervention period. Results: During pre-intervention period the overall prevalence of these injuries was 36/273 (13.2%). The prevalence of extravasation injuries, pressure ulcers and ocular surface disorders was 16/273 (5.9%), 12/273 (4.4%) and 8/273 (2.9%) respectively. The qualitative improvement practices were implemented in intensive care unit. During post-intervention period, the prevalence of these injuries was reduced to 10/157 (6.4%). The extravasation injuries reduced to 4/157 (2.5%), PUs to 4/157 (2.5%) and OSD to 2/157 (1.3%). Conclusions: The extravasation injuries, PUs and OSD are common problems in critically ill children. The qualitative improvement practices should be implemented and reinforced in intensive care units to prevent these injuries.

Prevalence of Kawasaki Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction:

Kawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis of unknown etiology. The epidemiological data available for Nepal remains insufficient. In Nepal, Kawasaki disease has only been reported in cases of brief reports, leaving the true disease burden unknown. Many cases go undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of knowledge regarding this entity. The objective of this study was to find the prevalence of Kawasaki disease in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal from 2013 to 2018 after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. The sample size was calculated and the consecutive sampling method was done. Data collection and entry was done in Microsoft Excel, point estimate at 99% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.

Results:

The overall prevalence of Kawasaki disease was found to be 0.10% at 95% Confidence Interval (0.07-0.13%) among 11,416 patients under the age of 5 years admitted in pediatrics ward. There were 4 (33.33%) cases of complete Kawasaki and 8 (66.67%) cases of incomplete Kawasaki. There were 9 (75%) males and 3 (25%) females and the male to female ratio was 3:1. There was a male preponderance. The age at diagnosis ranged between 4 and 60 months. The median age at diagnosis was 10.5 months. The most common presentation was fever, conjunctivitis, rash, and oral changes.

Conclusions:

Prevalence of Kawasaki disease was found to be lesser compared to other studies done in other countries. Knowledge of Kawasaki disease among Nepalese pediatricians should be enhanced to guarantee the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Handwashing Practices in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Nurseries in Patan Hospital

BACKGROUND

Hand hygiene has been identified as the single most important factor in minimising hospital acquired infections. However, compliance of handwashing guidelines has remained low. The aim of this study was to study the handwashing practices in the Paediatric and Neonatal intensive care units and Neonatal nurseries in Patan Hospital, and secondly to re-evaluate the improvement on compliance of handwashing guidelines after intervention.

METHODS

Pre-intervention study was conducted by covertly observing the handwashing practices by the healthcare workers. The healthcare workers were then shown the video demonstrating correct methods of handwashing as recommended by World health organization. The cycle was completed by discretely re-observing the handwashing practices following intervention.

RESULTS

Sixty five samples were collected initially. Only 6 (9.2%) had completed all steps of handwashing correctly. Post- intervention, 51 samples were collected, out of which 35 (68.6%) had correctly completed all the steps. Following audio-visual demonstration, 100% correctly completed 8/10 steps of handwashing with soap and water. 8 (16%) failed to dry hands using a single use towel and 14 (28%) failed to turn off the tap using elbow. Post- intervention, 100% correctly completed 4/7 steps of handwashing using chlorhexidine. Four (15%) still failed to rub backs of fingers to opposite palm, eight (30%) failed to palm to palm with fingers interlaced, and rub thumb to opposite palm.

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance in hand hygiene is low despite the known fact that it reduces nosocomial infections. However, a simple intervention like video demonstration can improve the compliance among healthcare workers.

Culture and Sensitivity Pattern of Urinary Tract Infection in Hospitalized Children in Patan Hospital

Introduction: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections in children. Antibiotics are usually given empirically before urine culture reports are available. The primary aim of this study was to see the causative organisms and culture and sensitivity pattern of urinary tract infection in hospitalized children.Material and Methods: All children aged 0-15 years with culture positive urinary tract infections who were admitted to children’s ward from 14th April 2013 to 14th April 2014 were included. The causative organisms for urinary tract infection along with its antibiotic sensitivity pattern were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.Results: 48 cases of culture positive urinary tract infection were enrolled in this study in a period of 12 months. The most common causative organism was Escherichia coli (67%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (21%), Non-hemolytics streptococcus (4%), Enterobacter (2%), Acinetobacter (2%), Proteus (2%) and Coagulase negative staphylococcus (2%). Most cases of the culture positive urinary tract infection occurred between 2 months to 1 year of age. Out of 48 cases, 90% were sensitive to Amikacin and 85% were resistant to Ofloxacin.Conclusion: Escherichia coli is the most common organism causing urinary tract infection in children. As resistant to first line antibiotic is increasing, antibiotic stewardship programme should be strengthened.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2016;36(1):28-33

Clinical and ultrasonographic measurement of liver size in normal children

OBJECTIVES

To measure the normal range of dimensions of liver in children of various age groups and to compare the liver measurement obtained by palpation-percussion, auscultation and ultrasonography.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional comparative study in which 500 normal (weight for height between ± 2 SD of WHO standards for children aged less than 5 y and BMI between ± 2 SD of WHO standards for children aged more than 5 y) children (0-15 y) divided in 5 age groups (100 in each age group). Subjects were enroled from normal hospital delivery neonates, children visiting immunization and well baby clinics, children visiting outpatient and inpatient department with minor illnesses and healthy school children.

RESULTS

The normal range of dimensions of liver in children were estimated and percentile tables of liver size were established. Though the measurements obtained by clinical methods were significantly (P < 0.001) lower than those obtained by ultrasonography, there was a strong correlation between clinical and ultrasonographic measurement. Palpation-percussion method could estimate the liver size within ± 1.0 cm of what was obtained by ultrasonography in 88 % of cases. In more than half of the study children (54.2 %), this estimation was within ± 0.5 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical methods of liver span estimation strongly correlate with ultrasonographic measurement. The performance of palpation-percussion method is better than that of auscultation. Clinical methods should continue to be used for the estimation of liver size.