Pediatrics

The Department of Pediatrics at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (SIMSRC) in Bangalore, Karnataka, is an integral component of the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and medical education. It combines clinical excellence, academic rigor, and a dedication to advancing pediatric care through cutting-edge research and a broad spectrum of services.

History

Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre was established in 2011 under the auspices of the Sri Srinivasa Educational & Charitable Trust, with the goal of providing world-class medical education and healthcare services. The Department of Pediatrics, since its inception, has been a cornerstone of this vision, steadily evolving to meet the increasing healthcare demands of children. The department has been consistently improving both in terms of academic contributions and clinical capabilities, positioning itself as a center of excellence in pediatric care.

Academics

The Department of Pediatrics at SIMSRC is dedicated to fostering the next generation of pediatricians by providing an academic environment that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The academic programs offered include:

• Undergraduate Training (MBBS): Medical students are provided with comprehensive exposure to pediatrics through structured clinical rotations, seminars, and workshops. The training is designed to enhance their knowledge of pediatric diseases, diagnostic techniques, and treatment protocols.
• Postgraduate Program (MD Pediatrics): The department offers an MD program in Pediatrics, which provides advanced training in pediatric medicine, including clinical management, research methodologies, and teaching skills. This program prepares students for careers as pediatric specialists, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed for both clinical practice and academic endeavors.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): The department regularly organizes CME activities, including workshops, seminars, and conferences, to ensure that faculty and students remain abreast of the latest advances in pediatric medicine, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic techniques.

Research

The Department of Pediatrics at SIMSRC is deeply committed to advancing the field of pediatric medicine through scientific research. The department actively engages in both basic and clinical research with the aim of improving patient care, treatment outcomes, and healthcare delivery. Key areas of research include:

• Clinical Research: The department conducts research on various pediatric diseases, examining treatment outcomes, disease epidemiology, and the effectiveness of interventions in improving child health.
• Collaborative Research: SIMSRC CLINITRAC collaborates with national and international institutions and organizations to further the scope and impact of pediatric research. These collaborations focus on a wide range of topics, from clinical trials to health policy.
• Publications: Faculty members and postgraduate students are encouraged to contribute to prestigious national and international medical journals, presenting their research findings and clinical experiences to advance pediatric healthcare.

Services

The Department of Pediatrics offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services that cater to the diverse needs of children, from neonates to adolescents. These services include:

• Outpatient Services: The outpatient department (OPD) provides routine pediatric care, including consultations for common pediatric ailments, preventive healthcare, and immunization services.
• Inpatient Services: The department is equipped with well-established facilities for the hospitalization and management of children with acute and chronic conditions requiring inpatient care. The ward is supported by skilled pediatricians, nurses, and allied healthcare staff.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): The NICU is fully equipped to handle critically ill neonates, offering advanced monitoring and life-support systems for newborns requiring intensive care.
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): The PICU provides specialized care for critically ill children, with 24/7 availability of trained pediatric intensivists, state-of-the-art equipment, and continuous monitoring for patients in need of intensive management.
• Immunization Clinics: The department follows an evidence-based vaccination schedule in line with national and international guidelines, ensuring that children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Developmental Surveillance and Care: The department offers services in the assessment and management of developmental milestones and childhood disabilities, ensuring that children’s growth and development are appropriately monitored.

The Department of Pediatrics at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (SIMSRC) offers a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric care, incorporating various subspecialties within the field of pediatrics. These subspecialties are designed to address the diverse and complex needs of children across different stages of their growth and development. The department’s pediatric subspecialty services provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for a range of pediatric conditions, ensuring optimal outcomes for its young patients.

Subspecialties in Pediatrics

The Department of Pediatrics at SIMSRC is staffed with pediatric specialists who are trained in various subspecialties, enabling the department to provide specialized care for children with specific medical needs. The major pediatric subspecialties offered include:

1. Neonatology

Neonatology focuses on the medical care of newborns, particularly those who are premature, critically ill, or have congenital abnormalities. The department is equipped with a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that provides high-level care for neonates in need of intensive monitoring and management. This subspecialty includes the management of:

• Premature infants and low birth weight babies
• Neonatal jaundice
• Respiratory distress syndrome
• Infections in neonates
• Birth defects and congenital conditions

2. Pediatric Cardiology

Pediatric cardiology is concerned with diagnosing and managing heart conditions in children. This subspecialty involves the care of children with congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, and acquired heart conditions. The department offers:

• Diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart diseases (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect)
• Management of heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies
• Pediatric echocardiography and electrocardiogram (ECG) services

3. Pediatric Neurology

Pediatric neurology deals with the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders in children, including conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and neurogenetic disorders. This subspecialty focuses on:

• Epilepsy and seizure management
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental delays and learning disabilities
• Pediatric headaches and migraines
• Neurogenetic disorders

4. Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric gastroenterology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in children. This includes diseases of the digestive tract, liver, and pancreas. Common conditions treated in this subspecialty include:

• Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance and other food allergies
• Chronic constipation and diarrhea
• Pediatric liver disorders, including hepatitis

5. Pediatric Endocrinology

Pediatric endocrinology focuses on the diagnosis and management of hormone-related disorders in children, including growth and metabolic disorders. Conditions commonly treated include:

• Type 1 diabetes and other forms of pediatric diabetes
• Growth hormone deficiencies and growth disorders
• Pubertal disorders
• Thyroid disorders in children
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome

6. Pediatric Infectious Diseases

This subspecialty addresses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases in children. The pediatric infectious diseases team provides care for:

• Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
• Vaccine-preventable diseases
• Respiratory infections, including pneumonia and tuberculosis
• Pediatric HIV/AIDS and immunocompromised patients
• Antimicrobial resistance and infection control

7. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Pediatric hematology and oncology cases mentioned below have been diagnosed and appropriately referred to respective centres

• Childhood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors
• Anemia, thalassemia, and hemophilia
• Sickle cell disease
• Bone marrow and stem cell disorders
• Blood clotting disorders

8. Pediatric Rheumatology

Pediatric rheumatology deals with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting the joints and connective tissues in children. Conditions treated include:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Lupus erythematosus
• Systemic vasculitis
• Autoimmune diseases causing joint or muscle inflammation
• Growth-related musculoskeletal disorders

9. Pediatric Pulmonology

Pediatric Pulmonology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases in children. The subspecialty includes the management of:

• Asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in children
• Cystic fibrosis
• Respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis
• Sleep apnea and other sleep-related respiratory issues

10. Pediatric Nephrology

Pediatric nephrology is concerned with kidney-related disorders in children. It includes the diagnosis and treatment of:

• Acute and chronic kidney diseases
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Hypertension in children
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

11. Pediatric Dermatology

Pediatric dermatology focuses on skin conditions in children. The department treats conditions such as:

• Eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic skin diseases
• Birthmarks and vascular malformations
• Infections, rashes, and skin allergies
• Acne and other adolescent skin concerns

 Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Services

The Department of Pediatrics at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (SIMSRC) is committed to promoting optimal nutrition for infants and young children, recognizing that early childhood nutrition is critical for growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Services offered by the department focus on supporting families in providing the best nutrition for their children in the early years of life, from birth to 5 years.

 Key Components of IYCF Services:

• Breastfeeding Support: The department emphasizes the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Services include:

• • Breastfeeding counseling and education: Parents are educated on the benefits of breastfeeding and provided with personalized support for mothers facing challenges such as low milk supply, breastfeeding positioning, and latch issues.
  • Lactation support: The pediatric team offers practical guidance on lactation management, assisting mothers in overcoming common breastfeeding difficulties and ensuring that infants receive adequate nutrition.

• Complementary Feeding Guidance: Once infants reach six months of age, the introduction of complementary foods becomes essential. The IYCF services guide parents on:

• • Safe and nutritious complementary foods: Recommendations on when and how to introduce solid foods, as well as guidelines on the types of foods that promote healthy growth, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
  • Gradual transition to a varied diet: Information on how to gradually increase the texture and variety of foods while ensuring nutritional balance.

• Monitoring Growth and Nutritional Status: The department provides regular monitoring of infant and child growth using growth charts and other diagnostic tools. Nutritional assessment ensures that children are growing according to age-specific standards. Services include:

• • Regular weight, height, and head circumference measurements.
  • Identification of malnutrition or undernutrition: Early detection of underweight or stunting and the provision of nutritional interventions.
  • Tailored nutrition plans: Development of individualized feeding plans for infants and young children facing health challenges such as poor growth or medical conditions.

• Management of Feeding Difficulties: The department provides support for children with feeding difficulties, such as those with:

• • Feeding aversions or refusal: Guidance for parents of infants or young children who may be reluctant to feed or have trouble transitioning to solid foods.
  • Food allergies and intolerances: Expert advice on managing food allergies or sensitivities in children and recommendations for suitable alternatives.
  • Developmental feeding disorders: Support for children with conditions that affect feeding, such as cleft lip and palate, and strategies to support proper feeding development.

• Counseling and Parental Education: The IYCF services include comprehensive counseling for parents and caregivers, providing them with the necessary skills to feed their children correctly. This includes:

• • Nutritional education: Information on the nutritional needs of children at different stages of growth.
  • Infant care training: Instructing caregivers on proper feeding practices, hygiene during food preparation, and techniques for encouraging healthy eating habits.

• Promotion of Optimal Feeding Practices in the Community: The department also plays a key role in promoting IYCF practices in the local community. This includes:

• • Community outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and nutritional care.
  • Educational workshops for parents, caregivers, and health professionals to ensure widespread knowledge of healthy feeding practices.
  • Support for government nutrition programs and partnerships with NGOs to address malnutrition and improve access to nutritional care for vulnerable children

Pediatric Surgery

The Department of Pediatric Surgery at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (SIMSRC) provides specialized surgical care for children, from neonates to adolescents, in a compassionate and child-friendly environment. Pediatric surgery focuses on both congenital and acquired conditions that require surgical intervention. The department is well-equipped to handle a wide range of pediatric surgical procedures, offering expert care for a variety of conditions, including:

• Neonatal and Infant Surgeries: Including surgeries for congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, diaphragmatic hernia, and gastrointestinal malformations.
• Abdominal Surgeries: Including appendectomy, hernia repair, and correction of gastrointestinal disorders like Hirschsprung’s disease.
• Thoracic Surgeries: Surgical intervention for conditions such as congenital heart defects requiring surgical correction, and chest wall deformities.
• Urological Surgeries: Including circumcision, correction of congenital anomalies of the urinary tract, and treatment of conditions such as vesicoureteral reflux.

The pediatric surgeons work closely with pediatric anesthesiologists, intensivists, and other specialists to ensure that surgical procedures are performed with the utmost care, using age-appropriate techniques, and addressing the unique needs of children during the perioperative period.

Community Services

The Department of Pediatrics at SIMSRC is dedicated not only to providing top-tier medical care within the hospital but also to extending its expertise to the broader community through various outreach and community service programs. The department’s community services are focused on improving child health, preventing disease, and raising awareness of pediatric healthcare issues. Some of the key community services include:

1. Health Camps and Screening Programs:

The department organizes regular health camps and screening programs in underserved areas and rural communities. These initiatives are aimed at early identification of common pediatric health issues, such as malnutrition, anemia, vision and hearing impairments, and developmental delays. The health camps also provide immunization services to children who may not have access to regular healthcare facilities.

2. Immunization Awareness and Campaigns:

In line with national and international health guidelines, the Department of Pediatrics runs vaccination awareness campaigns in collaboration with government agencies and local health organizations. These campaigns focus on educating parents and caregivers about the importance of immunizations in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.

3. Nutrition and Growth Monitoring Programs:

Recognizing the importance of proper nutrition in a child’s development, the department organizes community-based programs that focus on educating families about healthy diets, growth monitoring, and addressing malnutrition. These initiatives are designed to ensure that children from all backgrounds receive adequate nutritional support for healthy growth and development.

4. Childhood Health Education:

The department actively engages in health education and awareness programs in schools and communities. These programs teach children and their families about common pediatric illnesses, hygiene practices, first aid, and the importance of regular health check-ups.

5. Collaborations with NGOs and Government Bodies:

The Department of Pediatrics partners with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government health programs to promote child health across the region. This collaboration helps provide healthcare services to rural, marginalized, and underserved populations who may otherwise lack access to essential medical care.