Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. Infected healthy individuals are usually asymptomatic, however it is potentially fatal in immunocompromised hosts due to its capacity to cause an overwhelming hyperinfection. Strongyloidiasis could be missed during routine screening because of low and intermittent larval output in stool and variable manifestations of the symptoms. We present two cases of strongyloidiasis occurring in children with solid organ malignancies suspected to have the infection based on their clinical conditions and treatment history for cancer. Both patients were diagnosed by molecular and serological tests and were successfully treated. Thus, strongyloidiasis in patients undergoing intensive treatment for malignancies should be suspected, properly investigated and treated accordingly.

INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms among schoolchildren with low birth weight (LBW), and to compare the lung function of these children with that of children with normal birth weight.

METHODSThis was a comparative cross-sectional study. We recruited children aged 8-11 years from eight primary schools in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The children were divided into two groups: those with LBW (< 2,500 g) and those with normal birth weight (≥ 2,500 g). Parents of the enrolled children were asked to complete a translated version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Lung function tests, done using a MicroLoop Spirometer, were performed for the children in both groups by a single investigator who was blinded to the children's birth weight.

RESULTSThe prevalence of 'ever wheezed' among the children with LBW was 12.9%. This value was significantly higher than that of the children with normal birth weight (7.8%). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second, and forced expiratory flow when 50% and 75% of the FVC had been exhaled were significantly lower among the children with LBW as compared to the children with normal birth weight.

CONCLUSIONLBW is associated with an increased prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and impaired lung function indices later in life. Children born with LBW may need additional follow-up so that future respiratory problems can be detected early.

Asthma ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Databases, Factual ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Malaysia ; epidemiology ; Male ; Prevalence ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Respiratory Sounds ; Schools ; Spirometry ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Introduction: Anaemia is a common medical condition among children worldwide, yet a commonly overlooked health problem if not life-threatening. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia in hospitalized children and identify its associated risk factors. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January to December 2021 on 792 patients aged 6 months to less than 12 years old with acute illnesses, who were admitted to the general paediatric ward in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. We analysed socioeconomic and demographic data, and risk factors associated with anaemia. Result: The overall prevalence of anaemia among children aged 6 months to less than 12 years old was 16.4%. The age group of 6 to 59 months has a significant association with anaemia with 3.73 odds compared to the age group of 5 to 11 years (Adj OR 3.73, 95% CI 2.53-5.49). Birth weight of more than 2.5kg has a significant association with anaemia with 1.80 odds compared to weight less than 2.5kg (Adj OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12-2.88). Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia in the studied population was considered as a mild public health problem according to WHO severity classification. Children aged 6 to 59 months and those with birth weight more than or equivalent to 2.5kg were more likely to be anaemic. Early iron supplementation should be taken into consideration to reduce anaemia in this population.

Teratomatous tumours of the head are rather uncommon. We report a 3-month-old child who presented with acute signs of raised intracranial pressure, needing craniectomy and subtotal tumour removal. The patient was diagnosed as intracranial immature teratoma grade 3, from the pathological study and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Managing brain teratoma posed a challenge to the managing team due to the location of the tumour, the unavailability of standardized chemotherapy protocol and the dilemma of commencing adjuvant chemotherapy in a very young infant. The tumour was partially removed due to its critical location. And chemotherapy was delayed until the patient achieved 7 months of age. After four rounds of chemotherapy, the patient remained in remission for more than three years follow up.