Browsing by Author "Karunasekera, K.A.W."

Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

Child abuse and neglect; who gets abused and who abuses them?
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Fernando, A.D.; Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Fernando, L.; Samarasekera, A.
OBJECTIVES: To study the socio-demographic characteristics of victims of child abuse and characteristics of the perpetrators. Study Design: A descriptive study. METHOD: A prospective study of 112 victims of child abuse presenting to the University Paediatric Unit, Ragama from January 2000 to August 2004. The study evaluated characteristics of victims and perpetrators. Ethical approval was obtained. Data Analysis: Epi info version 6. RESULTS: Mean age of the victims was 9.7 years. 79% were females. Ethnicity-91% Singhalese, 5%Muslims and 4%Tamils. 82% resided in Gampaha District. Education of father and mother respectively - 5% and 11%-not attended school, 32% and 34%-primary education, 52% and 50%-ordinary level and 11% and 9%-advanced level. Social class -46%-unskilled, 26%-poorly skilled, 18%-skilled and 10%-lesser professionals. Monthly income (Rs.) -6% <2000, 37% 2000-5000, 33% 5000-10,000 and 24% >10,000. Marital status- 64%-married, 27%-divorced, 6%-unmarried and living together, 3%-single. Amongst married parents, 20% of mothers and 6% of fathers were abroad. Caregiver to the victim- 47%-both parents, 15%-mother, 15%-father, 14%-relatives and 9%-others. Consumption of alcohol by father -59%. Characteristics of perpetrators- 98% were known to the victims and in 24% the perpetrator was the father. Number of perpetrator/s- 86%-one, 5%-two, 5%-three, 4%-more than 3. Perpetrator being drunk at the tine of abuse in 31%. Amongst sexually abused, 26% were acts of incest. Of those 70% by father. CONCLUSIONS: The most vulnerable victims of abuse are shown to be 10-year-old females. Majority came from low social and educational backgrounds, In <5Q%, both parents cared for the child. 98% of perpetrators were trusted persons and in nearly a quarter it was the father.
Effects of hospitalization in children of parents working in foreign countries
(SAARC Psychiatric Federation, 2013) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.; Gunasekera, D.P.S.; Karunasekera, K.A.W.
INTRODUCTION: Increasing number of females in Sri Lanka leave their families to work in the Middle East. This leads to disruption in the family structure and the attachment process. Effects of this can be long lasting and is likely to be seen at events that can be considered stressful in a child’s life. Admission to hospital has been shown to be a stressful experience for children. METHODOLOGY: Behavioural problems in hospitalized children who have one or more parent working in the Middle East were compared with hospitalized children who are not separated from their parents. The prevalence of deteriorating school performance and failure to gain weight were also compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Behaviours such as irritability, aggression, poor sleep and low mood were seen more in children who had one or more parent working in the Middle East. Deteriorating school performance and weight loss were also seen more in this group. CONCLUSION: Long term separation from a parent results in acute behavioural problems seen at times of stress as well as more long-term effects.
Factors affecting the compliance of SLMA asthma prophylactic guidelines in children
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Perera, K.P.J.
INTRODUCTION: Guidelines to use prophylactic drugs in childhood asthma were laid down by SLMA in 1995. Yet a fair number of children we come across in clinical practice are not on prophylactic agents, though they are indicated. OBJECTIVE: To determine the compliance with SLMA asthm a prophylactic guidelines among patients admitted with asthma and to determine the socio-demographic factors affecting compliance. METHODS: All consecutive admissions to the university paediatric unit, Ragama Hospital between January 1996 and February 1998 with asthma (356) were included. Children admitted several times during the study period were included only on the 1st admission. Diagnosis of asthma was made clinically by-a consultant paediatrician. Details regarding frequency of asthma, severity, sleep disturbances, number of admissions to hospital, school absenteeism and use of prophylactic agents were obtained together with socio-demographic data. Chi-squared test was used as the statistical test. RESULTS: Only 18.2% of 251 children for whom asthma prophylactics were indicated were using prophylactic agents. 67.3% had one indication, 28.3% had two and 3.98% had three indications to use prophylaxis. Older age, male sex and monthly income of more than Rs.lO,000/= were found as significant factors for adhering to SLMA guidelines for asthma prophylaxis (p<0.05). Parental education and occupation did not show any significant association with the use of prophylaxis (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among the children in this study, boys older children and children from households with a monthly income over Rs. 10,0007= were more likely to use prophylactics.
Genetic and environmental risk for asthma in children aged 5-11 years
(Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, 2005) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Perera, K.P.J.; Perera, M.T.P.R.; Abeynarayana, J.
DESIGN: A cross sectional analytical study. METHOD: Data were collected from children aged 5-11 years in 3 schools in Gampaha District. 441 children with asthma and 1510 without asthma were evaluated for following risk factors viz. family history of atopy, gender, duration of breast feeding, commencement of formula in infancy, dusty home environment, passive indoor cigarette smoking, presence of firewood smoke in bedroom when cooking, burning of mosquito coil and incense stick/powder and presence of pets at home. Data were analyzed using Epi info version 6 and SPSS package. Chi Squared test was used in bivariate analysis and forward logistic regression was used to adjust confounding factors. RESULTS: Risk of asthma in child (on bivariate analysis) was increased when father has a history of asthma (odds ratio (OR) 6.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.2 -13.2), mother has a history of asthma (OR 4.4, CI 2.6 -7.5), sibling has asthma (OR 4.3, CI 2.0 - 9.7), father has a history of allergic rhinitis (OR 2.0, CI 1.5-2.8), mother has a history of allergic rhinitis (OR 2.5, CI 1.9-3.4) and sibling has allergic rhinitis (OR 3.4, CI 2.1-5.4). Asthma risk was significantly increased with following environmental factors: non continuation of breast feeding beyond first 6 months in infancy (OR 1.5, CI 1.2-1.9), presence of firewood smoke in bedroom when cooking (OR 1.4, CI 1.1- 1.9), use of mosquito coil (OR 1.5, CI 1.2 -1.9) and dusty home environment (OR 1.8, CI 1.4-2.3). After adjusting for confounding factors, paternal history of asthma, maternal history of asthma, allergic rhinitis in mother and sibling, non continuation of breastfeeding beyond first 6 months of life and dusty environment remained significant with increased risk of asthma (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study reinforces that asthma has a multifactorial aetiology. Childhood asthma is influenced by paternal asthma more than maternal asthma. Significant modifiable environmental factors in this study were duration of breastfeeding in infancy and dusty home environment
How accurate is the postnatal estimation of gestational age?
(Oxford University Press, 2002) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Sirisena, J.; Jayasinghe, J.A.C.T.; Perera, G.U.I.
The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of postnatal gestational age assessment of babies using three different methods. Two hundred women attending the university obstetric unit of North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka whose expected date of delivery (EDD) by early ultrasonography fell within a week of EDD by dates were included in the study. Postnatal assessment was performed within 24 h of birth. Two co-researchers performed Dubowitz and Parkin methods separately without prior knowledge of menstrual gestation. Data was analysed using EpiInfo 6 and SPSS packages. The mean difference between menstrual gestation and Dubowitz physical criteria was -0.45 weeks; between menstrual gestation and classical Dubowitz method, +2.18 weeks; and between menstrual gestation and Parkin's method, +0.34 weeks. It was concluded that postnatal assessment of gestational age by the Parkin's method is much closer to menstrual gestation than the classical Dubowitz method and is also easier and quicker to perform.
Impact of corticosteroid therapy on lifestyles in asthmatic children from Sri lanka
(Indian Pediatrics, 2010) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Fernando, A.D.; Jayasinghe, C.Y.
This study was conducted to ascertain the impact of inhaled corticosteroids therapy (ICS) in alleviation of lifestyle restrictions in 200 asthmatic children. 90 children on ICS were reviewed at 3 months. Restrictions on bathing, food, play activities and school attendance were found in <70%. These were not related to asthma severity. Following ICS, reduction in symptoms, hospital admissions, outpatient visits and nebulizations were noted between 67% -73%. Restrictions on bathing, food, play activities and school attendance had been waived off in 23% -55%. We conclude that ICS significantly alleviated symptoms and lifestyle restrictions. However, the reduction on lifestyle restrictions was less than symptom control.
Neonatal septicaemia : the incidence, symptomatology and microbiology
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1998) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Pathirana, D.; Alwis, L.W.G.R.
INTRODUCTION: The awareness of incidence and aetiology of septicaemia plays an important role when implementing preventive measures. The identification of offending organism helps to guide the initial antibiotic therapy which should be started immediately as the progression of early symptoms to death could occur in less than 24 hour. OBJECTIVES : To assess incidence and to identify' clinical presentations and offending organisms of neonatal septicaemia. METHODS : This study was carried out in the University Paediatric Unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama from January to December 1996. Neonates with positive blood cultures and those having septicaemia clinically with negative blood cultures were included in the study. Data was analysed by Epilnfo version 6. RESULTS : 98 babies were diagnosed to have septicaemia during the study period. The incidence of septicaemia in the University Obstetric Unit was 24.4 per 1000 livebirths (98 out of 3851 live bom babies) and the case fatality rate was 11.2%. The incidence was significantly higher in babies with low birth weight (LBW) and in those born following instrumental delivery (p<0.01). 21.4% of babies developed septicaemia on first day of life, 74.5% between 2-7 days and 4.1 % after first week. The common presenting features were fever 61.2%, jaundice 52%, lethargy 37.8%, refused feeding 25.5%, coffee grounds vomiting 22.4% and fits 12.2%. The common bacteria identified were Klebsiella 29.2%, Staphylococcus aureus 16.9%, E.coli 5.6%, Coliform bacilli which could not be identified further 13.5% and non haemolytic streptococci 8.2%. The common sensitive antibiotics were Amikacin 88.9%, Amoxycillin + ClavuL'oic acid 183%, Ceftriaxone 78.1%, Netilmicin 63.9%, Gentamicin56.4% and Ceftazidime55.2%. CONCLUSIONS : This study shows that septicaemia is an important cause of morbidity in babies w ith LBW and those with instrumentation at birth. Our study confirms the nonspecific presentation of septicaemia. The finding of high incidence of late septicaemia and septicaemia due to Klebsiella and Staph. aureus indicates that most babies acquired it from the hospital.
Pattern of neonatal mortality in a Special Care Baby Unit
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Jayawardene, D.R.K.C.
INTRODUCTION: In Sri Lanka, neonatal deaths account for 80% of infant mortality. Awareness of neonatal mortality pattern plays an important role when implementing measures to reduce the incidence of neonatal deaths. OBJECTIVES: To estimate neonatal deaths in relation to gestational age, and to identify the major causes of neonatal mortality. METHODS: Babies admitted to the University Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), Ragama, from January 1996 to December 1997 were studied. Gestational age, birth weight, diagnosis and outcome were recorded for all babies. Total number of births including stillbirths and live-births, gesta¬tional age and birth weight of all the babies born in the University Obstetrics Unit were recorded at monthly perinatal mortality meetings. RESULTS: Total number of live-births in the University Obstetrics Unit was 3849 and 4316 in 1996 and 1997 respectively. Out of these 10.9% and 12.1% were admitted to the SCBU in 1996 and 1997 respectively. Prematurity rates were 9.3% and 7.2% in 1996 and 1997 respectively and low birth weight (LEW) rates were 1 7.4% and 17-7% in 1996 and 1997 respectively. Neonatal mortality rates per 1000 live-births in 1996 and 1997 were 10.7 and 11.1 respectively. Perinatal mortality in 1996-and 1997 were respectively, 22 and 24 per 1000 total births. Mortality rates for babies with gestational ages under 28 weeks, 28-32 weeks, 33-34 weeks, 35 - 36 weeks, 37 - 40 weeks and more than 40 weeks were 100%, 53.31 %, 20%, 1.8%,' 0.4%, and 0.8% respectively. Common causes of deaths in 1996 were septicaemia (23.4%), birth asphyxia (21.3%), prematurity (21.3%), meconium aspiration (10.6%), and hyaline membrane disease [HMD; (10.6%)]. Prematurity (28.8%), birth asphyxia (19.2%), meconium aspiration (17.3%) and HMD (13.5%) were the common causes in 1997. CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity greatly contributed to the high perinatal mortality; mainly gestational ages 32 weeks and below. Other common causes of neonatal deaths were septicaemia, asphyxia, meconium aspiration and HMD. Thus, facilities for perinatal monitoring, resuscitation, managing very sick babies including ventilation and surfactant therapy should be available, at least at regional levels, in Sri Lanka in'order to reduce perinatal mortality rates.
Prevalence and risk factors for childhood wheezing in Ragama Medical Officer of Health area: an ongoing, community based study
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2013) Jayasinghe, Y.C.; Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Kumarendran, B.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Atopic disease is an important public health problem and local data is essential for formulating treatment guidelines and policy planning . Objectives were to determine the prevalence and severity of wheezing among children less than 13 years of age, and to identify risk factors and triggers for wheezing. METHODS: The study commenced in September 2012 and is ongoing. The target study population was 3000 subjects. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. RESULTS: There were 2411 participants, of them 388 (16.1%) were categorised as 'ever had wheezing', 226 (9.4%) had at least one wheezing episode within the past 12 months and 28 (1.2%) were currently having wheezing. Of those who 'ever had wheezing', 103 (27.4%) had activity induced wheeze or cough, 199 (52.8%) had nocturnal cough, 208 (55.2%) had wheezing on exposure to airborne allergens. In 94.7% symptoms improved with treatment, 60 (16%) deteriorated when treatment was stopped. Seasonal variation in wheezing, was seen in 215 (57.2%), 243 (72.5%) had wheezing with upper respiratory tract infection. Prematurity was a risk factor for 'ever had wheezing' (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.2 -2.9). Paternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.8-1.2) or thereafter, was not a risk factor for wheezing. Wheezing was significantly associated with coexisting atopy, family history of atopy, and antibiotic usage during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of wheezing in our study is comparable to that in Asia of 16%. The risk factors and triggers of wheezing are similar to that in other studies. However we found no link between antenatal or postnatal exposure to cigarette smoke and childhood wheezing.
Prevalence of asthma and atopic symptoms in children aged 5-11 years
(Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, 2003) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Perera, K.P.J.; Perera, M.T.P.R.; Abeynarayana, J.
OBJECTIVE: To assess prevalence of asthma and atopic symptoms in a group of school children aged 5-11years and to look at prevalence of usage of asthma medications. SETTING: Three schools in Gampaha District in August 1998. METHOD: A questionnaire translated into Sinhala was distributed to parents/guardians of 2195 children aged 5-11 years in Grades 1-5 of the schools and the filled questionnaires were collected through class teachers. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema were defined using the clinical criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergic Conditions (ISAAC). Data was analysed using Epi Info version 6. Chi squared test and Chi squared test for trend were used for significance testing. RESULTS: Return rate of questionnaire was 93%. Sixty six percent were completed by mother, 30% by father and rest by guardian. Prevalence of asthma was 23% and of exercise induced asthma 11%. Prevalence rate of allergic rhinitis was 10% and eczema 3%. Within the specific group of asthma, in response to leading question "Has your child had asthma" only 19% of parents gave a positive answer. Prevalence of asthma in males did not significantly differ from that in females (p=0.5). A decreasing trend of asthma was observed with increasing age in girls (p less than 0.05). Eighty four percent of asthmatic children were using salbutamol orally and 9% without asthma in study population were also using salbutamol. CONCLUSIONS: One in 5 children aged 5-11 years in study population had asthma but parental perception about asthma was poor. More than 80% of asthmatics had some medications for the disease.
Prevalence of asthma and atopy among primary school children
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Perera, K.P.J.
INTRODUCTION : Prevalence of asthma and atopy among school children in Sri Lanka is not known. Objectives : To estimate prevalence of asthma and atopy in children between 5-11 years and to determine the influence of sex and age on the prevalence of asthma. METHODS: A total of 2043 children between 5-11 years of 3 mixed schools in Gampaha district were screened for symptoms of asthma and atopy using a questionnaire in August 1998. Diagnosis of asthma was based on the presence of 3 symptoms of the following 5 in the preceding 12 months; cough at night, breathlessness, wheezing, persistent cough more than a week after common cold and cough and/or chest tightness during or after playing. Chi squared test and Chi squared test for trend were used for analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of asthma symptoms were cough at night 22.1%, breathiessness 17.2%, wheezing 22.6%, persistent cough after common cold 29.9% and cough or chest tightness with playing 11%. Prevalence of asthma based on questionnaire was 17.1 %, allergic rhinitis 10% and eczema 2.5%. The prevalence of asthma in males was not significantly different from that of females (p=0.4). There was a decreasing trend of the prevalence of asthma with increasing age. This trend was significant in girls (p= 0.01) but not in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one fifth of primary school children suffer from asthma and 10% have allergic rhinitis. There was no significant gender difference in Jhe prevalence of asthma in primary school children. There was a decreasing trend of the prevalence of asthma with increasing age in girls but not in boys.
A profile of child abuse and neglect in a tertiary care hospital
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Fernando, A.D.; Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Fernando, L.; Samarasekera, A.
OBJECTIVES: To study the pattern of child abuse and neglect. To evaluate the management and the Outcome of such victims STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study METHOD: The sample consists of 112 victims of child abuse referred to the University Paediatric Unit, Ragama Hospital, from January 2000 to August 2004. The study prospectively evaluated types of abuse, their characteristics, management of victims and outcome. Ethical approval was obtained. RESULTS: 24% had more than one type of abuse. Categories of abuse were: 70% -sexual, 33% -physical, 16% -neglect, 14% -emotional and 6% -child labour. Amongst sexually abused, 62% had penetrative sex, 8% became pregnant, 4% had sexually transmitted diseases, 5% had severe degree perineal/peri-anal tears, and 37% had psychological disturbances at the time of presentation. 39% came for follow up assessment after 6 months. Amongst them, 60% had psychological disturbances, amongst physically abused, 19% had fractures. Amongst all victims, the mean duration of hospital stay was 29 days. Management outcome: 46% sent back to parents, 11% to extended family member/s, 38% to Children's Homes and 5% to others. CONCLUSIONS: 24% had more than one type of abuse. The commonest type was sexual abuse. The majority of them had penetrative sex and 8% became pregnant. Psychological disturbances were found in the majority of victims of sexual abuse on follow up. 57% of victims were able to continue to live with their parents/extended family.
Psychological impact on children and families of middle east Workers
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2000) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Gunasekera, D.P.S.
INTRODUCTION: Many Sri Lankans work in the Middle East leaving behind their children and spouses. This may lead to many psycho-social problems. OBJECTIVES: 1. Evaluate the association between behavioural symptoms of children and the Middle East employment of parents. 2. Detect the psycho-social impact on the remaining partner. METHOD: All consecutive children (n=88) who were admitted to the Professorial Paediatric Unit, Ragama Hospital, whose parents were employed in the Middle East were screened using a validated behavioural check list to detect behavioural problems in children over a period of 15 months from July 1996. Age- and sex-matched controls were used from the community (n=I55). Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Following behavioural problems (equivalents) were associated with children whose parents were in the Middle East: avoiding people, weight loss, irritability, unacceptable tempertantrums and aggressiveness, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, emergence of phobias, overactivity, poor school performances (p<0.01), and anorexia (p=0.02). The association of truancy was not significant (p=0.4). Amongst the remaining spouse (father), substance abuse (alcohol, cigarette and heroin) was significant (p<0.05) compared with the control. In families of Middle East workers, men were poorly educated (up to Grade 5) (p<0.05) compared with the control. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there was a significant relationship between behavioural equivalents of either depressive illness or emotional disorder of children whose parents were employed in the Middle East. Furthermore, the remaining spouse (father) tended to misuse substances. The majority of men in those families were poorly educated.
Respiratory problems since birth to 12 years: What is causing morbidity and mortality in Sri Lanka?
(Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, 2014) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Fernando, A.F.; Subasinghe, S.M.V.; Lakmini, B.C.
Background: Respiratory tract disorders cause significant mortality and morbidity in children worldwide. Objectives: To study the pattern of respiratory diseases and its seasonal variation amongst children admitted to hospital and assess causes of mortality due to respiratory diseases especially in children less than 5 years of age. Method: A descriptive study was conducted at the University Paediatric Unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital during 2010 and 2011. All children below 12 years admitted with respiratory tract disease (ICD-10 classification) were recruited into the study. Data collection forms were filled by medical officers using patient records. Results: Out of 13,356 admissions, 2,651 (19.8%) were admitted with respiratory disease. Highest number of admissions (30.5%) was in the 1 month to 2 year age group and 4.4% of admissions were neonates. Common causes of admission included unspecified lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) (44.1%), upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (25.2%), bronchial asthma (11.5%) and bronchiolitis (7.0%). Incidence of bacterial pneumonia was 0.95%. Admissions due to respiratory diseases peaked in June (2010-20%, 2011-16%). Admissions with bronchial asthma were higher during the first half of year (2010-86.3%, 2011-80.5%). The total number of deaths was 24 and 87.5% of these deaths were in children under 5 years. Out of under 5 year deaths 17 (94.5 %) were early neonatal deaths. The common causes of mortality under 5 years were surfactant deficient lung disease (43%), meconium aspiration syndrome (24%) and severe respiratory failure due to hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (19 %). Conclusions: LRTI, URTI, bronchial asthma and bronchiolitis were the main contributory factors to the morbidity. Mortality due to respiratory causes was 0.9 % and was confined mainly to the neonatal period. Common causes of under-5 year deaths were surfactant deficient lung disease, meconium aspiration syndrome and respiratory failure due to hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy
Risk factors of childhood asthma: a Sri lankan study
(Oxford University Press, 2001) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Jayasinghe, J.A.C.T.; Alwis, L.W.G.R.
A case-control study was carried out to evaluate the genetic and environmental risk factors of childhood asthma in a group of Sri Lankan children. Three hundred cases (admitted with symptoms of asthma) and 300 age-matched controls were compared over a period of 23 months commencing in January 1996. Family history of atopy, feeding habits in infancy, bronchiolitis in infancy, passive smoking, exposure to dust and dampness, and exposure to pet animals were studied as risk factors for asthma. The risks associated with social factors were also studied. The risk associated with variables were calculated using the chi-squared test in the bivariate analysis and the forward logistic regression model in the multivariate analysis. Parental asthma, asthma in a sibling and in a relative, parental allergic rhinitis, discontinuation of breastfeeding after 6 months in infancy, bronchiolitis in infancy, living in a dusty environment, and a father with primary education compared to secondary education were independently associated with an increased risk of asthma (p 0.05). This study reinforces the view that asthma has a multifactorial aetiology. Influence of paternal asthma is more than that of maternal asthma. As a preventive measure continuation of breastfeeding beyond 6 months is important.
Successfull pneumatic dilatation of acalasia cardia in a preschool child
(Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, 2003) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Fernando, R.; Jayasinghe, J.C.; Rajendran, S.
No Abstract Available
The Use of commercially prepared 10 percent dextrose reduces the incidence of neonatal septicaemia
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1997) Karunasekera, K.A.W.; Jayawardena, D.R.K.C.; Sunil-Chandra, N.P.
Septicemia is an important cause of mortality morbidity among babies in neonatal care units. The Special Care Baby Unit, University Paediatric Unit of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama experienced two out breaks of Klesbiella, between February and May 1996. Suspects the transmission of Klesbiella would have occurred as a result of contamination of intravenous fluid. Suggests use of commercially prepared dextrose as against making it for new born babies as a preventive measure. (letter to editor)