Effect of body mass index (BMI) on pulmonary functions in children of 6-14 years of age: A cross-sectional study

Background: Over-weight/obesity is a new global pandemic affecting children with prevalence up to 36%. It is responsible for metabolic syndrome and its future complications in children; however, its effect on lung functions in children is not well studied. Aim: To compare lung function tests [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC, and % predicted] of children with over-weight/obesity to that of normal children. Method: it is a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Children of 6–14 years of age with over-weight [body mass index (BMI) >85th centile] and obesity (BMI >95th centile) attending the pediatrics outpatient department (OPD) were included. Age-matched children attending the OPD during the study period were selected as controls. Demographic and anthropometric details were collected, and pulmonary function tests were carried out in included children. Results: A total of 103 children were included (over-weight/obese = 56, control = 47). The percent predicted (%) FEV1 (86.23 ± 12.84 vs 91.77 ± 8.68) and FVC (81.93 ± 12.12 vs 88.62 ± 10.87) were significantly lower in the obese/over-weight group as compared to control group. A signification negative correlation was found between FEV1 (%) and FVC (%) and that of BMI and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Conclusions: Pulmonary functions (FEV1, FVC) are found to be negatively correlated with BMI and WHR

Role of steroids in septic shock: Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices among intensivists practising in Hyderabad

Context: Use of steroids in septic shock is an issue of contention, more so with two major trials reporting conflicting results. Aims: To assess the current knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to the role of steroids in septic shock among intensivists practising in Hyderabad. Setting, Design, Materials and Methods: Questionnaires containing 10 questions pertaining to the role of steroids in septic shock, were distributed to 76 intensivists during the monthly critical care meeting. Results: A great majority of intensivists (82%) agreed that the role of steroids is restricted to septic shock not responding to vasopressors. There was no clear consensus regarding the role of corticotropin stimulation test or the timing of total cortisol level testing, if it has to be performed. Hydrocortisone was clearly the choice of steroid for most intensivists and intravenous bolus injection being the preferred route of administration. There was no agreement regarding the dose of steroids, the role of fludrocortisone and whether steroids should be tapered. Most of the respondents did not extend the steroid therapy beyond seven days and the most common side effect reported was hyperglycemia. Conclusion: There is a lot of ambiguity in the knowledge, attitudes or practices regarding role of steroids in septic shock among intensivists in Hyderabad. Uniform policies and protocols need to be devised at institutional level, with multispecialty inputs, and doctors need to be familiarized accordingly

Proceedings of International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable Planet

This proceeding contains articles of the various research ideas of the academic community and practitioners accepted at the "International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable Planet (ICCESP 2021)". ICCESP 2021 is being Organized by the Habilete Learning Solutions, Kollam in Collaboration with American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India. Conference Title: International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable PlanetConference Acronym: ICCESP 2021Conference Date: 05–06 March 2021Conference Location: Online (Virtual Mode)Conference Organizer: Habilete Learning Solutions, Kollam, Kerala, IndiaCollaborators: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India