Dept. of Pediatrics
Head of Department: Dr. Anand Pandit
The Department of Pediatrics strives for better child health through its activities in various clinical,
academic and research activities. The department is headed by an eminent Pediatrician and Academician-
Dr. Anand Pandit. The Fellowship of Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (FRCPCH) UK at the hands
of Princess Anne have recently honoured Dr. Pandit. He has been the recipient of many other prestigious awards
in the field of Pediatrics in India and abroad. Under his able and dynamic leadership, the department has evolved
into one of the best Pediatrics Departments in the country.
Major Projects under Pediatrics Dept.
I.]MENINGOCOCCAL GSK Project.
A phase III, randomized, open controlled, multicenter primary vaccination study to demonstrate the
non-inferiority of the immune response of GSK Biologicals meningococcal serogroup ACWY conjugate vaccine
given intramuscularly versus MencevaxTM ACWY given subcutaneously to healthy subjects aged 11 t0 17 years of age.
Study being initiated from October 2007. Plan: Single dose vaccine with 2nd visit for blood sampling for
antibody determination and extended safety follow after 6 months.
Total 90 subjects recruited and there was one serious adverse event reported which was not related to
study vaccine.
In all 100 subjects are to be recruited. Out of 90 subjects, 73 have completed their 2nd visit.
Complete analysis of immunogenicity and safety data is awaited.
II.]HPV VACCINE Trial.
Evaluation of safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of quadrivalent human papilloma virus vaccine in healthy
females 9 to 15 years of age in India.
A phase III clinical trial to observe safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a 3 dose regimen of
Quadrivalent HPV vaccine is being conducted from May 2007 in healthy females 9 to 15 years of age.
The HPV vaccine was given in a dosage schedule of 0, 2 and 6 months in 25 female subjects as part of a
multicentric trial in totally 110 subjects.
There were no serious adverse events reported and 24 subjects completed the study. The complete analysis
of immunogenicity and safety data is awaited.
III.]PREVENTION OF LIFESTYLE RELATED DISORDERS IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN.
Childhood obesity is now well established as an important factor in the development of adult chronic disease
such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Both DM and CHD have reached alarming epidemic
proportions in urban India. The features of obesity of particular relevance in Indian children are: central
obesity, higher `adiposity’, rapid gain in weight in early childhood especially in LBW babies, early menarche
with earlier fat spurt in adolescence and persistence of adolescent obesity
Study children Class III and IV (2005 ):Fitness Tests (15th March to 18th April 06) for Study & Control
I group Children
A battery of six fitness tests were designed and were to be carried out by RAs under guidance of Sports
Consultant Mr. Suresh Gujrathi on the School and the NCC ground. The tests were carried out during the
PT periods, Saturday morning sessions and during holidays. However, in spite of all arrangements only 160 of the
455 children completed the tests (time constraints, casual attitude of parents).
IV.]PUNE LOW BIRTH WEIGHT STUDY- BIRTH TO CHILDHOOD.
Funding Agency:
Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi
Neonatal Intensive Care has improved considerably in the last two decades in India. However, there is very
little data on the long-term outcome of these survivors. The current project is part of the longitudinal follow
up of NICU graduates from birth to adulthood, which is in its fourth and final phase. This study is designed to
study their growth, cognition, aptitude, interests and achievement along with adjustment skills at 18 years of age.
Objectives:
a:]Kg at birth: To study the cognitive problems in young adults who weigh less than 2 kg.
b:]To assess their potential for learning and to study their actual
performance (scholastic performance) at 18 years.
c:]To determine whether biologic risk factors at birth have contributed to the
IQ in these “non-handicapped” children.
Sample Selection:
Low birth weight (birth weight less than 2000gms) infants enrolled in 1987-89 were recalled after completion of
18 years, before their 19th birthday. Children with cerebral palsy and mental retardation have already been
excluded previously.
V.]WHO MEASLES COLLABORATION WITH NIV, PUNE.
Activities involving Group-II (5-17 yrs):
After clearance from DSMB, Group -II studies were undertaken. 112 subjects were screened in July 2007.
20 subjects were vaccinated in 3 different days 29, 30, 31 August 2007. Day 14, 20 samples were collected for
hematology, biochemistry and urine. Day 28, 20 samples were collected for PRNT. Day 90, 20 samples collected
for PRNT.All the visits upto day 90 were completed by year end. All subjects were followed-up
Group -III (1-4 yrs)
After day 28 of Group-II, Group -III activities were started. We screened 64 subjects in November 2007.
Data submitted to WHO and further decisions are awaited.
Laboratory studies at Central Reference Measles Lab at NIV:
There are three study sites (Pune, Kolkata and Chennai) involved in this project. PRNT for all the groups at
all the sites was performed at National Institute of Virology, Pune.
Contact:
020-66037342
020-26125600 Extn:7342