Browsing by Author "Lakmini, C."

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Association between child maltreatment and constipation: a school Based survey using Rome III Criteria
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2014) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Lakmini, C.; Subasinghe, V.; de Silva, D.G.H.; Benninga, M.A.
Child abuse leads to multiple physical and psychosomatic sequelae. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between child abuse and constipation among schoolchildren. METHODS: Children 13 to 18 years of age were selected from 4 semiurban schools in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Information regarding socio demographic factors and gastrointestinal symptoms, child abuse, and somatisation were collected. Constipation was diagnosed using Rome III criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1792 children were included in the analysis (boys 975 [54.4%], mean age 14.4 years, standard deviation [SD] 1.3 years). One hundred thirty-eight (7.7%) fulfilled Rome III criteria for constipation. The number of children exposed to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse were, respectively, 438 (24.4%), 396 (22.1%), and 51 (2.8%). The prevalence of constipation was significantly higher in those exposed to sexual (5.8% vs 2.6% P = 0.03), emotional (40.9% vs 20.8%, P < 0.0001), and physical abuse (41.6% vs 23.2%, P < 0.0001). Mean somatisation score was higher in the total group of abused children with constipation (mean 18.6, SD 12.5) compared with those without (mean 13.9, SD 12.3; P = 0.027). Children with a history of abuse did not seek health care more often than children without this history. Patient-perceived severity of bowel symptoms was higher in children with physical abuse (23.7 vs 19.7 P = 0.001) and emotional abuse (25.4 vs 19.3 P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood constipation shows a significant association with physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Children with constipation complain of more somatic symptoms and bowel symptoms when they are exposed to abuse.
Constipation in Sri Lankan children: association with physical, sexual, emotional abuse
(Wiley Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2012) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Lakmini, C.; Subasinghe, V; Benninga, M.A.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Child abuse in any form leads to multiple psychosomatic sequel. It is commonly associated with gastrointestinal manifestations. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between child abuse and constipation among school children. METHODS: Children aged 13–18 years were randomly selected from three semi-urban schools in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. A previously validated, questionnaire was administered in an examination setting. Information regarding sociodemographic factors and gastrointestinal symptoms, child abuse and somatisation were collected. Constipation was diagnosed using Rome III criteria for paediatric functional gastrointestinal diseases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 1365 children were recruited [males 749 (54.9%), mean age 14.2 years, SD 1.22 years]. Hundred and ten (8.1%) fulfilled Rome III criteria for constipation. The number of children exposed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, were respectively 1001 (73.3%), 299 (21.9%) and 34 (2.4%). Prevalence of functional constipation was significantly higher in those exposed to sexual (17.6% vs. 7.8%, p =0.038), emotional (14.7% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.0001) abuse, and physical abuse (9.1% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.02). Mean somatization score in children with constipation and controls were 15.9 and 8.3, respectively (p < 0.0001). Among children with constipation, somatisation index was higher in those who have experienced emotional abuse (20.1 vs. 13.1 p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood constipation shows a significant association with physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Children with constipation complain of more somatic symptoms, especially those exposed to emotional abuse.
Profile of paediatric respiratory diseases requiring hospital admission
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Subasinghe, V.; Karunasekera, W.; Fernando, A.D.; Lakmini, C.; Weerasooriya, L.; Hathagoda, W.
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory tract disorders cause significant mortality and morbidity in children worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To study the pattern of respiratory diseases and its seasonal variation among children. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at University Paediatric Unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital in 2010 and 2011. All children below 12 years admitted with respiratory tract diseases (ICD-10 classification) were recruited into the study. Data collection forms were filled by medical officers using patient records. RESULTS: Total of 2651 (1370 in 2010; 1281 in 2011) were admitted with respiratory diseases. In respective years, 53% (2010) and 55%(2011) were males. Highest number of admissions was during infancy (27.2%). During consecutive years 2010 and 2011, 43.0% and 45.2% had unspecified lower respiratory tract infections (LRT1); 29.9% and 29.4% had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI); 10.7% and 12.4% had bronchial asthma; 1.8% and 2.2% had pneumonia; 5.9% and 8.9% had bronchiolitis. Stabilization at ETU was needed in 8.5%. Median duration of hospital stay was 3 (range 1-60) days. No follow-up was required in a majority (82.5%). Admissions due to respiratory diseases peaked in June (2010-20.1% and 2011-16.0%) and were mainly due to LRTI-52.0%, URTI-28.4%. Admissions with bronchial asthma were higher during the first half of the year (2010-86.3% and 2011-80.5%). Deaths were 18 (1.3%) in 2010 and 6 (0.5%) in 2011. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory tract infections peak in June whereas asthma is precipitated in early months of the year. Over one-fourth of patients had URTI and was unnecessarily admitted.