Evaluating the role of hemogram based parameters in febrile seizures

Background: One of the most common childhood neurological disorders is febrile seizures (FS). Parents may have trouble describing the events pertaining to seizures, which might lead to aberrations in the diagnosis and classification of FS. Hence, objective biomarkers to predict and classify FS will be clinically beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate role of hemogram based parameters (NLR, PLR, RDW, MPV) in the outcome of children with febrile seizures (FSs) and in differentiating between simple and complex febrile seizures. Methods: A total of 50 patients with FSs (group A) who were hospitalized in our hospital were selected. Fifty patients with fever and without seizures (group B). The results of hemogram were collected retrospectively and analysed. Results: The hemogram analysis showed that hemoglobin (Hb) in group A was significantly lower than in the group B (p<0.05). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), MPV and RDW in group A was significantly higher than in group B. The MPV and NLR values in the CFS group was higher in comparison to SFS group (p<0.05). Conclusions: As statistically significant differences were found in the hemogram parameters like HB, RDW, MPV, NLR PLR between febrile seizure group and non-febrile seizure group, these parameters can aid in diagnosing the same. High NLR and MPV levels may be able to serve as simple yet effective laboratory indicator for distinguishing between simple and complex febrile seizures

Eating Disorders among Indian Adolescents

Objective: To assess and compare the prevalence and risk for eating disorders (ED) among middle and late adolescents in India.Materials and Methods: A prospective study conducted among 1855 adolescents of age group 14 years to 19 years from four schools and three colleges in Mangalore city. A standardized structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the subjects’ attitude toward and preoccupation with food, dieting, eating, physical appearance, and personal control over eating. Eating Attitudes Test questionnaire (EAT-26), consisting of 26 questions that assess the symptoms and concerns that are characteristic of eating disorders and four additional questions to asses weight control behavior patterns adapted. Participants who scored 20 and above on EAT were considered to have eating disorder that would require professional attention.Results: 1855 students participated in the study and completed the self-report EAT-26. Among the study participants, 47.3% were in mid-adolescence and 52.7% in late-adolescent age group respectively. 26.7% of participants scored 20 and above; scores attained were correlated with the behavioral patterns adapted which was found to be statistically significant, indicating a high risk for development of eating disorders among adolescents. Higher prevalence of eating disorder was noted in those with increased BMI (p-value <0.0001) but age and gender did not have a significant influence.Conclusion: Eating disorders and subthreshold eating conditions are prevalent in sample of Indian adolescents and were strongly associated with psychological, behavioral and socio-environmental domains, which show the necessity of initiating routine screening programs and intervention programs to control eating disorders among Indian adolescents. Further evaluation, counseling and follow-up with a qualified professional is essential to rule out any underlying cause for eating disorder