Sudanese journal of paediatrics最新文献

Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a novel pandemic disease. There have been many challenges for diabetic patients, which might have resulted in an increased risk of complications and significant lifestyle changes, including physical inactivity and psychological distress. This study evaluated the effects of lockdown on paediatric patients with type 1 diabetic mellitus (T1DM) in terms of acute metabolic complications and psychological deterioration. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and February 2021 at Mohammed Alamin Hamid Diabetic Clinic, Omdurman, Sudan. Data was collected from direct interviews with patients and their caregivers. Out of 208 children with T1DM aged from 1-18 years, 48.1% had persistent hyperglycaemia, and 20.6% had hypoglycaemia. Insulin doses were missed in 20.2% of them, glucose monitoring was not done in 28.8%, and 20.6% reported decreased physical activity during the lockdown. Mean HbA1c levels were the same in pre and post-lockdown periods. There was an insignificant relationship between physical activity, dietary changes, and glycaemic control (p values = 0.519 and 0.146, respectively). On the other hand, there was a significant weak positive correlation between psychological and behavioural disorders such as aggression, anxiety, isolation, and glycaemic control (p-value = 0.032, 0.002, and <0.0001; r = 0.115, 0.135, and 0.169, respectively). The negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown found on blood glucose measures and psychological status may correlate with glucose monitoring equipment shortage, lifestyle changes, and mood deterioration.

Despite the enormous benefits of breastfeeding (BF), its prevalence is suboptimal, with exclusive BF ranging between 7.3 % and 51% in the Saudi community. The aim of this study was to assess the Saudi community's knowledge regarding BF, exposure to BF promotional messages and formula milk advertisements and acceptability of BF in public places. It was a cross-sectional study that included Saudis aged 20-55 years old between December 2019 and June 2020. It utilised a self-administered questionnaire, which asked about background information, knowledge of BF, exposure to BF-promoting messages and exposure to formula milk advertisements and acceptability of BF versus bottle feeding in public. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v. 22). For the analysis, a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. The sample included for analysis was 914. The mean age of participants was 33.8 ± 9 years. The majority of participants were female 823 (90%); males 87 (10%). The vast majority (94%) agreed that breast milk is more beneficial than formula milk. Nearly two-thirds (61%) were continuously exposed to messages advertising formula feeding, compared to only 35% who were exposed to messages promoting BF. The study found that 67.2% accept BF in public places. Among male participants, only 49% accepted BF in public places compared to 79% of female participants who accepted it; p-value <0.001. Acceptability of BF in public places was significantly higher among participants who had family members who breastfed (68%), compared to those who did not (50%), (p-value 0.01).

Arrhythmias refer to disturbances in heart rate or rhythm which leads to heart rates that are abnormally fast, slow or irregular. Rhythm abnormalities may be common among Nigerian children but there are only a few reports. The current write up is a clinical review of eight patients in various age groups including neonates, infants and older children. It is presented to highlight the different forms of arrhythmias that can occur in children, with varying underlying aetiology, thus, stressing the need for early recognition of arrhythmias in children, appropriate early intervention and challenges involved in their care.

Burns are considered the fourth most common type of traumatic injury worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to disclose the incidence, etiological factors, treatment and outcome of paediatric burns in Sudan. This is a retrospective hospital-based study, conducted during 2016-2019. Patients who presented with burn injuries and managed in the hospital were included in the study. Flowchart sheets were used to collect the data. Then, it was entered and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 statistical software (IBM Corporation, Chicago, IL). The total number of patients who fulfill our criteria is 85 with a median age of 4 years (7 months-15 years). Sixty-five percent of them were under 5 years with male predominance (55%). Most patients' burns occurred at home. The median percentage of burn is 18% (2%-90%) which is caused by scalding burn among 55.3% followed by the flame burn in 41.2% of patients. Regarding fluid management, 60% received fluid. Open dressing for burn wounds was done for 75% and close dressing among 15% of patients. More than 80% of the patients in this study were treated and discharged in a good condition while the mortality was 5.9%. This study showed the significant burden of paediatric burns management on general surgery units in a referral hospital. Therefore, equipping the hospital and founding these specialities will decrease this load and will improve the outcome.

Khalawi are non-governmental, traditional educational boarding institutions, widely scattered in Sudan. Many Khalawi are resource-limited with deficient feeding and poor housing conditions, which could seriously affect the students' health. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving all students of a Khalwa in Sharg Al-Neel Locality, Khartoum State. Demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire with anthropometric measurements, along with laboratory and clinical assessments for anaemia. The dietary behaviours of students were also assessed using Global School-based Health Survey. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. A total of 131 students were included in this study. Their mean age was 13.7 ± 2.7 years, nearly half of them were from Darfur State in western Sudan, and the majority of them are primary school students. Upon assessment, many displayed serious symptoms and signs of anaemia namely: conjunctival pallor, palmar pallor, fatigability, lightheadedness and palpitation. Based on their haemoglobin testing, 95% were anemic and 24% had severe anaemia. Although 63.6% of them had normal body mass index (4.5%), 11.4%, were found 'severely thin' and 'thin', respectively. Regarding their dietary habits, 46.8% of them consumed milk or milk products less than one time per day, while 20.6% did not consume milk products in the past 30 days. Moreover, 39.4%, 44.9% and 39.4% did not consume any vegetables, fruits or fruit juice, respectively, in the past month. Students of Khalwa displayed poor dietary habits, which resulted in nutritional deficiencies. Programmes must be directed towards improving the quality of diet provided at these schools.

Unless decision-makers for the future paediatric workforce are aware of different factors that influence the career choices of candidates, they may not be able to meet the needs of this major specialty. Paediatricians should be perceptive, effective communicators and endlessly patient with children. In this article, we conducted a thorough literature search to explore factors affecting career choices among undergraduate and postgraduate students who choose paediatrics or paediatric subspecialties. We assessed the similarities and differences in decision-making in paediatric, medicine, surgery and orthopaedic career contexts to help the candidates in ranking their career options. The authors found that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors shape the career choices of those seeking to work in paediatrics or paediatric subspecialties. A well-structured career development curriculum and clinical experience are considered the most important extrinsic factors, whereas personal characteristics of the candidate and career needs are considered the most important intrinsic factors. These factors may vary across specialties, and even between different subspecialties within the same major specialty. Some factors are considered very important, while others are deemed less so in comparison. The role of mentoring in career selection is crucial. It has been documented in a sizable body of literature that residents are inspired to pursue the careers of their mentors. Paediatrics is no exception. The decision to pursue a subspecialty training is complex and is affected by multiple factors. Those engaged in managing the workforce of the future in the field of paediatrics must familiarise themselves with the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect the candidates' career choices.

Diagnosis of pharyngotonsillitis is challenging due to the wide range of symptoms and signs. Sudan Federal Ministry of Health and Sudanese Association of Paediatricians, along with Sudan Heart Society reached a consensus about the clinical prediction rule which aids in diagnosing and managing bacterial pharyngotonsillitis. This audit aimed to assess doctors' knowledge and practice regarding diagnosis and management of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis at Ribat Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. This audit was done at Pediatric Department, Ribat Teaching Hospital, and data collection was done over 2 weeks either in the first or the second cycle. Inclusion criteria were children who presented at the emergency room and were diagnosed with acute pharyngotonsillitis. The criteria used in this audit were from Sudan guidelines for prevention, diagnosis and management of rheumatic heart disease. Regular training sessions were done between the first and second cycles. There were 19 patients in the first cycle, 17 of them (89.4%) were diagnosed clinically with bacterial pharyngotonsillitis, and 8 of these 17 (47%) were fitting the criteria. Regarding the management of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis, no patient was given the recommended antibiotics in the guidelines (0.00%). In the second cycle, there were 21 patients, of whom 11 patients were diagnosed clinically with bacterial pharyngotonsillitis (52%). Of those 11, 8 patients were fitting the criteria (72.7%), and the recommended antibiotics were given in 9 of them (82%). The current practice toward acute pharyngotonsillitis management revealed a lack of doctors' knowledge about local guidelines which can be improved by simple ways such as posters, lectures, and focused group discussions.

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP) on the quality of life of mothers. A total of 122 subjects participated in the study. The general quality of life assessment of paediatric subjects PedsQL^TM 4.0 Generic Scale and the specific PedsQL^TM 3.0 Module Cerebral Palsy Version 3.0 were used to assess the quality of life of children with CP, and the quality of life of mothers was assessed with the PedsQL^TM 2.0 Family Impact Mode Questionnaire. In the present study, the quality of life of mothers is influenced by the physical and social functioning of the child, while the impact of emotional functioning has not been proven. The specific difficulties faced by children with CP, which have a statistically significant effect on the overall quality of life of the mother, are present in the domains: daily activities, mobility and balance and nutrition. The assessment of the quality of life of mothers and children with CP should be an integral part of the clinical assessment, as this will enable professionals to participate more successfully in providing professional assistance in the form of services, therapeutic approaches and prevention programs.