Context: During an earlier outbreak of dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV) and swine flu in Tamil Nadu, India, Kabasura Kudineer and Nilavembu Kudineer were used to control the febrile episodes. No research is conducted in the past to understand the attitude and beliefs of people towards using Kabasura Kudineer as a means to improve immunity in people, especially in Tamil Nadu, the birthplace of Siddha medicine which led the researcher to conduct the study. Aims: The researcher in the present paper aims to understand the attitude, belief and self-use of Kabasura Kudineer among people in Tamil Nadu, India. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among various people in Tamilnadu, India wherein data was collected from 200 participants. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study involving explanatory/descriptive research design was considered for the study. Statistical Analysis Used: For the analysis of collected data statistical package for SPSS software version 25.0 was used. Results: The urban participants who participated in the study were 80.5% and the rural participants were 19.5%. The significant P value (0.002) indicated that people use kabasura kudineer because allopathic medicine is less effective medicine and the significant P value (0.001) shows that kabasura kudineer is taken as a self-medication among Tamil Nadu people. Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed the better empowerment of people in the select region towards the use of Kabasura Kudineer.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Oral health is a pivotal sign of overall health, well-being, and quality of life. With the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), insights into the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and oral diseases are urgently needed to elucidate the oral manifestations of SARS-CoV-2. The current review aims at analyzing various reports available on oral symptoms along with possible causation, their relationship to the time of occurrence of clinical symptoms, and to shape guidelines for dental practices that could help in combating this global pandemic. The common symptoms that patients report to the dental office even at the presymptomatic stage are ageusia (loss of taste), non-specific anosmia (loss of smell—not associated with rhinitis), and hyposalivation. Few studies also report unexplained ulcers in the oral cavity, desquamative gingivitis, herpetiform ulcers on attached gingiva, blisters/irregular ulcers on the tongue's dorsal surface enlargement of submandibular glands, and cervical lymph node enlargement. Dental surgeons should abide by the prevalent precautionary guidelines. They are at very high risk due to their close contact with patients and exposure to saliva and blood during treatment.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Today, when India is reeling under the COVID-19 epidemic, a new epidemic disease (Amendment) Ordinance has been brought out with regard to protection of the health care staff, which is a big welcome step to the medical fraternity. A much-needed step. The assaults on doctors have been happening in hospitals in India for a long time. This review article traces the journey of the Prevention of the Doctors Violence Act and suggests a way forward with regard to violence on the doctors and why there must be a permanent solution for the same. Methodology is based on a detailed study across a range of published literature in journals, articles, and other online sources. An extensive review has been undertaken of these articles based on an explanatory approach. The review provided insight into the current status of violence against doctors. Most of the initiatives on prevention of violence against doctors mentioned in the studies are mainly directed towards patient-doctor relationship, lack of infrastructure, strenuous working environment, and societal obligations. Study findings revealed that there was less emphasis on the current legal measures available and its implementation. This article highlights the critical aspect of protection of the health care workforce and also shares recommendations to enhance the protection of doctors at their workplace by sharing the current state-level legal measures available and advocates the impelling need for central legislation. These recommendations have been suggested as a combined effort of the medical fraternity, media, and the academic community.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: In the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic, parts of the public health system at increased risk of reduced efficiency include healthcare services for women and children. This in turn could reverse all the progress achieved over the years in reducing maternal and child mortality. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess the indirect effect of the pandemic on maternal and child health services in public health facilities. Methods: Data pertaining to maternal and child health services being provided under specific Government programmes, were collected from public health facilities of District Sant Kabir Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, India. Comparative analysis of the data from the pandemic phase with data from the year 2019 was done to determine the impact on services. Results: Reduced coverage across all maternal and child health interventions was observed in the study. There was an overall decrease of 2.26 % in number of institutional deliveries. Antenatal care services were the worst affected with 22.91% decline. Immunization services were also dramatically decreased by more than 20%. Conclusion: The response of the public healthcare delivery system to the Covid-19 Pandemic is negatively affecting both the provision and utilization of maternal and child healthcare services. It is deterrent to the progress achieved in maternal and child health parameters over the years. Better response strategies should be put in place to minimize lag in service deliwvery.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Adolescence is a significant period of one's life, the students or children at this age should be taught about sex education in order to lead a healthy reproductive life, to prevent sexually transmitted disease and to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the current knowledge of school going adolescents on reproductive health and its association with their socio demographic profile and determining their behaviour and understanding of school sex education. Methodology: A cross sectional analysis was carried out in 2 private schools at Chennai among the students of 9^th to 12^th standard. A sample of 346 was taken and a structured questionnaire was used to evaluate. The data was analysed by SPSS software version 22. Chi square test was used (<0.05 is significant). Results: Out of 346, 44.2% were males and 55.8% were females. 85.9% of students from nuclear family responded True for the statement 'Male hormone is called as Testosterone'. Females had better knowledge on sex education than Males which was significant. XII standard students had better and positive attitude towards sex education than IX standard students. Only 5% responded to have sex-related information from Parents than others who responded friends, doctors and teachers. Conclusion: It is seen that among school going adolescents there is lack of knowledge and varied perceptions towards sex education. So, sex education should be implemented more efficiently in the developing countries and so it can lead to a healthy reproductive life and sexual health among the adolescents.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Acute encephalitis syndrome(AES) represents long term public health challenge with recurrent seasonal outbreak in many districts of Bihar for the past two decades. Multiple hypothesis has been postulated linking it as cause of acute encephalitis syndrome. Agrochemicals, lychee toxins, heat stroke, infectious causes and environmental factors have been postulated as AES cause. Although association have been found but no definite causation ascertained yet. Bihar heath performance on various indicators have been poor for past many years. Health index 2019 released by Niti Ayog with ministry of health and family welfare ranked Bihar on 20th place out of 21 large states based on various health indicators. Early access to nearest PHC may significantly improve outcome. As most of the children are from rural areas it's imperative to strengthen rural health care. Rural urban disparity and inequitable distribution of resources, lack of well-trained health workforce has been widely reported. Primary healthcare is the essential foundation of emergencies outbreaks. PHC is the best strategy and most cost-effective investment to provide high quality care ensuring equitable access to all. PHC reduces morbidity and makes public health system resilient to absorb sudden increase in number of cases, rising health demands putting health workforce at stress and strain to available resources.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Smartphones are now an important gadget for us, but the many are getting addicted to it. Researchers showed that smartphone addiction and late-night usage affects sleep quality. Indian nurses are already facing a heavy burden of depression and present position of nurses is quite insecure. Very few studies were performed over nursing students and that leads to the selection of this topic for my research. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional, observational, and questionnaire-based study, performed over B.Sc. Nursing students of University College of Nursing, WBUHS. The questionnaire has three parts. The first part was for sociodemographic variables, the second part measures the addictive phenomena associated with smartphone overuse using a Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the last part was intended to measure the sleep quality by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Collected data was compiled and analyzed with the help of MS-Excel from Microsoft Office Package-2016. Results: Out of 91 students, 46 students were found to be not addicted, while 45 were addicted to smartphone, as measured by SAS. On PSQI, 17.58% students were found to be good sleepers, while 82.42% came out to be poor sleepers. Significant association was found between age and smartphone addiction (p=0.000031) and between daily calls and sleep quality (p=0.025333). Conclusion: It can be finally concluded that increase in smartphone usage is now a serious matter of concern and lower age groups are more susceptible towards it. Broad-spectrum studies involving multiple institutions is needed to reveal the bigger picture

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: Among the several materials and techniques being used in fixed prosthodontics, impression materials and techniques were the major focus of this study. These materials are available in the market to be used by dental practitioners. However, their choice depends on certain factors, which include their properties, advantages, disadvantages, and cost. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students using online survey. ²Dental students from Riyadh city willing to take part in this study were requested to fill up and submit the survey questionnaire. Results: Six hundred and sixteen out of 800 dental students from Riyadh city took part in this study. It was noted from the findings that 88% male students used alginate for diagnostic impressions, which was statistically significant and lower than females (94%). Ninety-one percent of the interns reported that they used retraction cord for gingival retraction as compared to 81% fourth-year students, with the difference being statistically significant (P value: 0.016). Conclusion: Dental students in Riyadh city have a strong inclination toward a particular material, either for primary or secondary impressions or gingival retraction options.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The infectious agent which has caused the COVID-19 pandemic is a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). On one end of the spectrum, a patient suffering from COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, while on the other end of the spectrum, a patient may develop numerous life-threatening complications. The way a host responds to infection by SARS-CoV-2 depends on various host factors like hypertension, old age, etc., The MuLBSTA scoring system takes into account various clinical and laboratory parameters and tries to predict the mortality risk for a patient. Besides, the validation of MuLBSTA score for mortality because of COVID-19 has not been extensively studied in an Indian set-up. This study is aimed at finding the association between the MuLBSTA score and the 14-day mortality risk because of COVID-19 in Indian population. Materials and Methods: This study included 122 patients who were receiving treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The disease severity (as per the ICMR guidelines), the MuLBSTA score, and the disease outcome of all patients were noted and analyzed in this study. Results: A strong association was seen between a MuLBSTA score of ≥12 and the 14-day mortality risk in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The MuLBSTA scoring system is an easy to calculate model, which predicts the 14-day mortality risk because of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This may help the primary care physicians in stratifying and referring the patients who have a higher chance of developing severe complications.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

COVID-19 has resulted in an unprecedented loss of human lives and sufferings across the world. It has resulted in the collapse of public health systems and economy across the globe. As most of the national health systems lack organized surveillance infrastructure, resources, and expertise to respond to a pandemic, most of the countries failed to mount an effective response to contain the spread of this virus initially. As primary healthcare (PHC) has better access to the community, the settings where PHC services are inadequate or weak, hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, thus overburdening, and wasting meager specialist resources. PHC interventions can manage mild to moderate cases (>80% of total cases) and their contacts, along with addressing the needs of general population while only severe cases may require specialized hospital care. As PHC interventions have huge potential to tackle this pandemic, strengthening and inclusion of PHC in pandemic response could play a significant role in relieving the workload on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities and minimizing loss of lives and its short and long term socioeconomic consequences. This article explores the scope and importance of strengthening PHC in breaking the chain of the transmission of this infectious disease, building an adequate response to minimize its disastrous consequences and prevent future emerging and reemerging disease outbreaks, if any.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and Aims: Pre-anesthesia checkup (PAC) gives unique opportunity for providing necessary information, patient education and allaying anxiety. Our objective was to measure the effect of preoperative multimedia video information (self made short video of 12 minutes) on patient's anxiety and hemodynamic parameters during surgery under spinal anesthesia. Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted in 80 patients of either sex with ASA physical status I and II posted for lower limb surgery under spinal anesthesia. Patents were randomized to control or test group. At the end of preoperative visit, patients in test group watched the film and patient in control group did not watch any video. Verbal briefing by the attending anesthesiologist on the day of surgery was given to all patients of both the groups. Anxiety using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and hemodynamic parameters (SBP, DBP and HR) at various time intervals (A1: Baseline, A2: post intervention, A3: just before surgery, A4: after surgery) were measured. Results: Baseline anxiety (A1) scores were severe in both the groups and showed no statistical significance (P = 0.436). Patients in test group (video) showed better/lower anxiety levels than the control group (non video) at A2 (P = 0.020) and A3 (P = 0.005) respectively, similarly hemodynamic parameters were better controlled and showed lesser deviation from baseline values in test group as compared to control group and showed statistical significant difference (P < 0.001) just before surgery. Conclusion: Combination of multimedia based video information at the time of PAC and short verbal briefing on the day of surgery by the attending anesthesiologist provides effective management of perioperative anxiety. It can be cost effective way of enhancing patient care and providing adequate information to people with reading and comprehension difficulties.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

In view of India unlocking, to secure a large population of this country, the healthcare facilities delivering primary care as well standalone health facilities need to be secured from impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. This document dwells on the broader guidelines for primary care practitioners/standalone private health facilities/frontline healthcare facilities to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic. The authors understand that the situation is evolving, so the guidelines too will keep evolving.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Global pandemic due to corona virus disease (COVID-19) has exposed vulnerabilities of the geriatric population all over the world. India has been adding progressively increasing number of elderly to its population. This is happening with increasing life expectancy and decreasing mortality. In comparison to children, the population as well as deaths in elderly are rising with changing demography. The elderly population has its own vulnerabilities based on education, socioeconomic condition, gender, place of residence etc. They are affected by various non-communicable diseases which form predominant cause of morbidity and mortality like cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer, respiratory illnesses etc. The elderly also contribute to various kinds of disabilities like movement, vision, hearing and in many cases multiple disabilities. They are also more vulnerable to mental health problems and cognitive impairment. The article also suggests a way forward in dealing with rising geriatric age group and its associated problems. The programs supporting this population are largely scattered which needs to be consolidated to include social security, pension and food security along with health benefits. The approach to health care of the elderly needs a comprehensive strategy instead of the present fragmented approach where different disease based programs for non-communicable diseases, cancer and mental health cater to specific health issues of the elderly. Greater awareness, training and skill building in geriatric health for primary care physicians need focus and energy. Prioritizing training and research in this field including the need for more geriatricians has been highlighted.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) spread worldwide has created a global pandemic. To reduce the transmission of the virus, the Indian government had imposed a countrywide lockdown on 24 Mar 2020 by suspending all public transport and industries temporarily resulting in loss of jobs in multiple sectors and looming threats to the nation economy. Lockdown on the opposite hand has removed pollutants from the air and thus improved air quality in many cities across the globe. The near-total shutdown of all economic activities except related to essential commodities like medicine and food was only allowed which resulted in the lowering of carbon emission and improvement in global warming and air pollution. This review article indented to bring important features of how the COVID-19 pandemic affects human civilization and the global environment. However, its epidemiology, symptom, possible prevention, and management will briefly describe. Authors have collected data from, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, WHO, and CDC (USA). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a result of COVID- 19 infection. This virus is transmitted through close contact by respiratory droplets from one person to another. The majority of symptoms of COVID-19 are very much similar to any viral upper respiratory tract infection ( Common Coryza). Any person with the slightest suspicion or has respiratory symptoms related to COVID-19 infection should wear a facemask, keep safe social distancing, observe cough/sneeze etiquettes. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lesson to introspect the way humans are destroying the environment for their benefit. Whatever be the origin or cause, the occurrence of COVID-19 has made a foreground for us to improve the symbiotic relationship between humans, wildlife, and nature.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

The whole world is in the grip of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. This pandemic brought visible changes in the life of humans around the globe. Likewise, the medical health sector is forced to use digital technology to continue to provide medical health services by preventing themselves. COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of digitalization in every sphere of life. By focusing on virtual care at a large scale, health care delivery becomes possible and convenient even for remote places. The use of artificial intelligence concepts in this pandemic, like robots replaced human movements and function automatically to guide the patients in the reception area and found helpful to prevent and manage the crowd in a few countries. Similarly, the use of e-earning platform has emerged as a digital solution to impart medical education to medical students in this corona outbreak.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Institutional quarantine centres were set up in all districts in Kerala as a novel strategy in the fight against novel COVID-19 virus. These were meant for returnees from affected areas, for whom home quarantine was not possible due to lack of facilities. This research aims to evaluate facilities and services of Institutional quarantine centres in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state and to study profile of persons under quarantine in these centres. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate institutional quarantine centres established in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in April 2020. Evaluation was done using a checklist based on standard operating procedures for functioning of centres issued by Health department. Inspection of facilities and registers was done. Details of a subset of inmates were collected by telephonic interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Two (0.41%) inmates in the centre turned positive on testing while in quarantine. Both of them were foreign returnees and were asymptomatic. There was not a single case of transmission of infection between inmates or to staff and volunteers. The adherence to infection control practices was satisfactory in all centres. One third of inmates were from listed highly affected countries and were mandatorily quarantined. Conclusion: Institutional quarantine centres were functioning effectively to provide quarantine facilities for high-risk individuals and thereby controlling the spread of COVID-19. Selection of facilities, staffing pattern and day to day functioning of these centres is a model which can be replicated at other COVID-19 affected areas.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a distinct entity that rapidly evolves and may abruptly culminate in to a critical illness. As per Chinese experience, approximately, 15% of patients of COVID-19 progress to severe disease and 5% become critically ill. The incidence of severe and critical illness is higher among men, patients older than 65 years of age and in persons with other medical comorbidities. Cytokine storm cause pronounced lung damage and multiorgan failure. Coagulopathy is a key component of severe COVID-19. Critically ill patients are generally predisposed to a high risk of thromboembolism as well. Lymphopenia predisposes to severe disease. None of the antiviral or immunomodulators has proven efficacy in severe COVID-19. Supplemental oxygen need be administered in patients with hypoxemia. Excessive breathing effort, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), encephalopathy, and multiorgan failure are indications for mechanical ventilation. In a large number of patients, the overall outcome is poor. Health care workers in intensive care units are exposed to the enormous risk of acquiring hospital acquired SARS-COV-2 infection.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Dental practitioners confront the highest risk of COVID-19 infection due to constant exposure to saliva, droplets, blood, and aerosols. Despite the suspension of routine dental care in many countries around the world, dental professionals perceive a moral duty to take part in the global fight against the pandemic. Therefore, dental professionals should be vigilant in defending against the transmission of the virus and as well as in the diagnosis of the disease through the oral manifestations of it. We conducted a literature review on publicly available data to outline updates on guidelines and studies of dental settings during the COVID-19 era. In this literature review, the categorization of the patients for dental treatments, protective precautions for the dental practice, considerations for dental drug prescription, and oral manifestations of the disease has been reviewed.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

In India telemedicine is ideal because of its diverse landmass, difficult terrain and huge population. India, a developing country is witnessing an increase in economic growth but growing health expenditure is still posing a challenge. Telemedicine offers a solution to bridge the gap between resources available and growing needs in the health care set up. It offers an opportunity for effective collaboration of primary and secondary health care setups and to reach population staying in underserved areas. The purpose of this article is to discuss current scenario, future possibilities and applicability of telemedicine in hilly and remote areas in India.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Distal radiocephalic fistula (DRCF) at wrist is the first option of vascular access in patients undergoing hemodialysis. In patients with a failed DRCF or unsuitable for DRCF the current recommendation is to perform a brachiocephalic fistula. Proximal forearm radiocephalic fistulas (PRCF) are created less frequently. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of PRCF and DRCF. Material and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in the department of MKCG Medical College from January 2018 to July 2019. Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel. The analysis was done by R version 3.6.1. Quantitative data were presented in the form of Mean and SD and were tested by unpaired t-test. Categorical data were presented as count and proportion and was tested by Chi-square test or if applicable Fischer's exact test. Comparison between two procedures was done by Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated by the log-rank test. With the 95% of Level of significance, P value <0.05 was consider statistically significant during analysis. Results: The demographic data of the two patient groups were similar except that those with PRCF were more likely to have had a previous access and caliber of distal vessel was less. Early failure was lower for PRCF than DRCF (6.06% vs 15%). Primary patency rate at one year was 87.87% in PRCF vs 70% in DRCF. Conclusion: A PRCF can be a suitable alternative to a brachiocephalic fistula in patients who cannot receive a DRCF.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Novel coronavirus disease has affected the different segments of community. As the positive cases are increasing day by day across the world and in India, everything should be back to new normal. The community should be trained to live along with the virus. During or after this pandemic, there will be a new normal life for the Indians and they will be used to these life-style changes to protect themselves and the community from communicable diseases. The changes have occurred in the field of education, health sector, economic system, and the lifestyle of the people.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

The COVID-19 pandemic is a lifetime experience of 'Living within a pandemic' for the vast majority world over. Public health principles based on equity should be at the core of world's response to it. Service professionals such as taxi/cab drivers are no exception. It is a challenge for them to establish mechanisms for making taxi services safer with regards to SARS COV2 spread, and thereby regain the confidence of stakeholders in this necessary public service. This requires a comprehensive planning taking into account the socio-economic stresses, psychosomatic health and other determinants, and yet being able to adapt and innovate for safer services. These considerations and decisions have to be based on available as well as emerging research evidence about this infection both in the lab and in the community. Targeted safety interventions that translate and apply research findings hold promise. While the course of the pandemic remains uncertain, life must find a 'new normal' and people need to get back to the business of regular living. The purpose of this review is to study the various risks to the stakeholders in taxi/cab services, and draft strategies for mitigating these risks from a theoretical and practical perspective.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Physical examination has been one of the three pillars of diagnostic evaluation of illnesses. It has a larger role in the armamentarium of non-physician health workers. Due to prescriptions for social distancing in preventing COVID19, physical examination is being performed lesser than before. This poses a serious threat to the abilities of NPHW as well as to their relationship with the community.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Aims: The aim of this research is to assess the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and evaluate the risks and symptoms in children seeking orthodontic treatment in a Saudi dental center. Settings and Design: It is a cross-sectional survey-based study. Methods and Material: Pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) was used to survey 285 children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years old who are undergoing orthodontic screening in a Saudi Dental Center. Statistical Analysis Used: PSQ scores were tested with multiple variables including gender, parents' education, academic performance using Mann-Whitney-U test. Correlation of study sample scores with age were calculated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rho). Results: In this study 136 (47.7%) of the participants were deemed to be high risk for developing SDB and 149 (52.3%) were low risk, males were significantly at higher risk compared to females (P ≤ 0.05). Participants with previous adenoidectomy surgery were more likely to be identified as high-risk for SDB (P-value = 0.000) as well as participants with a family history of snoring (P-value = 0.000). Conclusions: Sleep disordered breathing was prevalent among Saudi children seeking orthodontic therapy, it is important to screen children and adolescents in dental pediatric and orthodontic clinics for SDB risk as this is a prevalent disorder among this population, early detection of SDB will improve patients' quality of life and prevent future complications associated to this disorder.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most important and common types of cancer in most countries of the world and its incidence are increasing in Iranian women. Understanding its contributing factors is important in planning for prevention. This study was conducted to investigate the association between aluminum-containing antiperspirant and hair color use with breast cancer. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional descriptive study, 384 patients with breast cancer referred to selected hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2017 and 384 person as control group were randomly selected. The anti-perspiration use of aluminum-containing and hair color was compared. In this study, data were collected and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze them. Absolute and relative frequency distribute tables, mean, and standard deviation were used to descriptive statistics. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used for data analysis. Results: The use of antiperspirant was similar in this study, with 23.2% of breast cancer patients and 22.4% of control group using antiperspirant (P = 0.796). Frequency distribution of the use of hair color was similar among the studied subjects and 35.9% of breast cancer patients and 32% of control group consumed hair color (P = 0.253). Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between the use of aluminum-containing anti-perspiration and hair color with breast cancer.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and aim: CFR and RR are important indicator of disease pandemic. As of now no data is available about cross-states analysis of these. We aimed to evaluate CFR and RR of COVID-19 across majorly affected States in India. Method: We observed and compared data of confirmed COVID-19 cases, number of deaths, number of recovered/discharged cases and calculated CFR and RR across majorly affected States/UT in India from official database of Government of India, State Government official bulletin, accurate database worldometer. Results: The data showed that Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal reported highest CFR on 8th April, 22nd April, 6th May, 1st June 2020 (95% CI 4.91 – 6.99). Kerala showed encouraging recovery rates 24.32%, 70.31%, 93.24%, 45.81% on 8th and 22nd April, 6th May and 1st June 2020 respectively. India had an average estimated weekly Recovery rate of newly discharged/recovered cases was 32.68% from 19th March to 1st June 2020. (95% CI 20- 45.4%). (The Recovery rate across India was 80.83% as on 22nd September 2020.). Conclusion: The CFR of a disease varies greatly in different regions of the same Country and is influenced by numerous factors such as health control policies, medical standards, and detection efficiency and protocols apart from number of screening tests done. This comparison discusses need of evaluating policies with optimal reporting of medical history of affected persons when comparing COVID-19 case and fatality rates in different regions of the Country.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: India is considered the diabetes capital of the world. As per current practice, most of the diabetes patients go to primary care physicians for their monitoring and follow up. One of the dreaded complications of long-term diabetes is peripheral arterial disease. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a diabetes workshop. Totally, 48 patients were selected who satisfied the inclusion criteria. All were subjected to ankle-brachial index measurement (ABI) and doppler ultrasound was done to assess patency of the lower extremity arteries. The results were compared. The ankle-brachial index of less than 0.99 was considered abnormal. Results: Out of a total of 48 included patients 26 patients had normal ABI and 22 patients were found to have abnormal ABI. Out of those with normal ABI, 2 patients had features of peripheral arterial disease proved by doppler, whereas 3 patients with abnormal ABI had no feature of peripheral arterial disease in doppler. MedCalc software was used for statistical comparison. Conclusion: In the selected diabetic population prevalence of peripheral arterial disease was found to be 56.25%. Measurement of ABI was found to be quite a sensitive and specific method for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease of diabetics.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Adolescence is a period that is characterized by growth and development rapidly. They have only limited knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Adolescents girls are more marginalized and face many problems in society. Owing to a lack of knowledge on SRH, they succumb to various situations such as unhealthy menstrual hygiene practices, unwanted sex, teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions, reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV/AIDS. These have adverse effects on their mental health. This article reviews the literature to explore the knowledge, attitude, practices, and life skills regarding SRH among adolescent girls. Need for the inclusion of SRH and life skill education for adolescents in schools, strengthening health care programs, and involvement of various Non-Governmental organizations (NGO for adolescent wellbeing. A Search of relevant publications between 2011 and 2020 was done through multiple electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Google scholar. A manual search on world health statistics, national programs regarding SRH was done.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The nutritional status of children is influenced by feeding practices. Infant and Child Feeding Index (ICFI) is an age-specific composite index to assess the feeding practices of children. Objectives: To determine the association between ICFI and the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 24 months. To find whether ICFI has value as a tool for detecting poor nutritional status. To determine the association of ICFI and nutritional status with sociodemographic and other factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban field practice area of a tertiary care institute among 149 children aged 6 to 24 months and their mothers. Data on feeding practices were obtained and ICFI scores were calculated. The weight and length of the children were measured and Z scores (WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ) were calculated. A Chi-square test was used to find the association between the categorical variables. Results: We found no association between ICFI and any of the three nutritional indicators such as WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ. The sensitivity of the ICFI was low for detecting underweight (10.0%), stunting (29.4%), and wasting (11.1%). ICFI was significantly associated with the growth monitoring of children and mothers' education. WAZ was significantly associated with mother's education and socioeconomic class. Conclusions: There is no association between ICFI and the nutritional status of children. ICFI has limited value in detecting the poor nutritional status of children in this urban setting. Maternal education and growth monitoring of children play an important role in infant and child feeding practices.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: There has been a new challenge to the already existing threat of tuberculosis (TB) and that is drug resistance TB (DR-TB). The causal relationships between mental disorders and TB are complicated and relatively unexplored. For this reason a qualitative study was done on DR-TB patients attending R G Kar Medical College. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of the patients who are registered for the DR-TB regimen are followed up four times with General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Those scoring poorly were sent for expert evaluation by psychologist, who counselled them, and followed them up after in-depth interviews. These records of in-depth interview were analysed as qualitative research inputs. Results: In our study out of 165 patients, (4.8%) needed interventions. The domains emerging from the study are worried about future and as well as family, disbelief about the diagnosis, embarrassment regarding the diagnosis, fear of death, blaming fate for the disease, stigma, suicidal ideation. Conclusion: This study finds out the important domains of psychogical problems among the patients and also advocates a psychologist to remain at DR-TB centres.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

COVID-19 has affected the daily activities of people across the globe. The effects of the pandemic have not just been medical, but also societal and economical. The responses of government and the public have varied in different countries. Measures have ranged from improving hygiene, information dissemination, and social distancing to more radical measures such as social isolation, quarantine and lockdown. The disease and human responses have had consequences on the way we live, work, eat and rest. Life and livelihoods have been affected. This article highlights how the response to the pandemic has affected various aspects of healthcare and ethical dilemmas this has raised. As the pandemic progresses, awareness and evaluation of the unintended consequences of the pandemic and responses on our health and healthcare systems are needed. Discussing these points and being aware of the ethical issues may help countries and policy makers plan suitable strategies to mitigate these collateral effects, especially as the pandemic continues. It is hoped that this article will support healthcare workers, especially those in primary and secondary healthcare, as they overcome various challenges to treat patients with existing and prior diseases, and encourage them to advocate for robust and sustainable healthcare systems for public health. This would then help effectively combat future epidemics. Most importantly, it can mitigate the adverse collateral effects on healthcare that the public are experiencing and the treatment dilemmas that family and primary care physicians are facing.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and Objectives: As the number of COVID-19 cases keeps on rising, a better awareness of the nature and severity of the disease will aid in clinical decision-making and management. Hence, this study was conducted to find the predictors of mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a single centre, prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre in north India. We included patients with influenza like illness who tested positive for COVID-19. Information regarding patient demography, symptoms, and vital signs on presentation, laboratory values, chest imaging findings, and disease severity was collected by the emergency physician. QSOFA score and National early warning score (NEWS) score were calculated using initial vital signs. Each patient was followed up till discharge or death. Results: We included 116 COVID-19 patients with 33 patients having mild, 46 patients with severe and 37 patients with critical disease. The median age of our patients was 47 years (39–59) with 63% males. About 58% of patients had at least one comorbidity and shortness of breath was the most common presenting feature. The patients with severe and critical disease had a significantly higher respiratory rate and heart rate as compared to mild disease (p < 0.05). SpO2 of those with critical disease was significantly lower as compared to those with mild disease. Mechanical ventilation was required in around 36% of patients which included 67% of patients with critical disease. The overall mortality was 51% with 90% among critical disease. Lower SpO2 and GCS were the only parameters that showed a significant association with mortality and need for mechanical ventilation. The receiver operating characteristics analysis showed NEWS score as a better predictor of mortality and need for mechanical ventilation as compared to qSOFA score. Conclusion: NEWS and qSOFA scores are useful tools in predicting fatal outcomes in COVID patients with NEWS score being a better score than qSOFA.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Cutaneous manifestation of COVID 19 in children has not yet been reviewed systematically. Hence, this review gives the clinicians a future direction to be vigilant for skin presentations during pandemics. The Pubmed database used for literature search with keywords COVID 19, children, and skin in different combinations. Articles published in English with cases of age one month to 18 years were eligible. The outcome included varied aspects of cutaneous and COVID 19 infection. The authors did not register review protocol. Of 51 publications identified, 13 studies containing 149 children met the eligibility criteria. Acrally located erythematous maculopapular lesion was the most common finding in 138 children. The researcher reported Erythema multiforme, varicella like exanthem, and Kawasaki disease like presentations in the rest of the cases. The duration of the skin lesion was 1 2 weeks in 43%. Skin biopsy done in 18 patients revealed superficial and deep perivascular and peri eccrine lymphocytic infiltrate and lymphocytic vasculitis. RT PCR was positive13.8% cases. Serological markers for HSV, parvovirus B19 analyzed across various studies, were negative, except positive mycoplasma pneumonia in 2 of 20 cases tested. Clinicopathologic analysis established chilblains like lesion in 43% cases with no confirmed etiology like cold exposure, autoimmune dysfunction, drug reaction, or viral infection. The usual cephalo caudal spread of a viral exanthem was also missing. However, a low number of discussed cases was a limitation of the study. The absence of any confirmed etiology for such cutaneous manifestations, the possibility of COVID 19, should be explored and thoroughly evaluated and isolated during such a pandemic.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a perilous condition with a high mortality rate, especially in children less than three years of age. Aim: This study aimed to assess parental knowledge and practices toward FBA in children in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among Saudi parents at AlQassim region, Saudi Arabia during the period between February 2020 and June 2020. A validated self-administered questionnaire containing 16 questions of knowledge and practices toward FBA was distributed online via various Social Media platforms. Correct answers were coded and scored. Participant responses were grouped based on their score level of knowledge and practices. Results: We recruited 385 parents with a mean age of 35.4 (range: 19–59) years, and 59.2% were female and 40.8% were male. The mean ± SD knowledge score was 4.97 (1.42)/8 points and the practice score was 12.4 (2.13)/20 points. Parents with poor and good knowledge were 61.3% and 36.9% and those with poor and good practices were 55.3% and 44.7%, respectively. Female professionals with less children who were more aware of FBA significantly influenced knowledge, while having no incidence of FBA among children and having heard of FBA significantly influenced practices. Conclusion: We found that parental knowledge and practices toward FBA were insufficient. Educated females with less children that heard about FBA influenced parental knowledge. Also, having no incidence of FBA among children and being aware about FBA led to a better impact in parental practices.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Children in schools are more prone to get injured during their activities. Awareness toward first aid is vital for teachers to provide solutions in case of the occurrence of accidents. Our work aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of first aid and the associated factors among male school teachers in Hail city. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire-based survey was performed among teachers in primary, middle, and secondary male schools in the Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12 software, Continuous variables were presented as mean, and SD and inter-group differences were compared using t-test. Categorical variables showed as numbers and percentages. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 604 teachers were included in our sample; all completed an online structured questionnaire formed of 20 questions. The majority of participants were male teachers (80.96%). The teachers had a mean age of 39 ± 7.8 years old. Most of the teachers (90.9%) knew about first aids. More than one-half of teachers (58.28%) had not taken first aid training, and the majority of participants (87.9%) need to learn first aid principles. Age, sex, and marital status were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the knowledge of first aids. Most of our samples depend on media and social media to gain information regarding first aid principles. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the school teachers in Hail city had good knowledge and attitude about the first aid. However, more training workshops were recommended for improving the first aid practice of teachers.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Motivational enhancement therapy is characterized as a directive, client-centered intervention which helps in modification of behavior by helping subjects in identifying and resolving the ambivalence toward a change in self. In order to free one from the vicious cycle of the alcohol trap one needs self-efficacy, which serves a protective role to prevent from relapses. The study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of MET on the self-efficacy of individuals pre and posttest with control design were applied. Methods: A total of 40 subjects, alcohol-dependent persons fulfilling International classification of Diseases-10 criteria were selected through purposive sampling method from Outdoor and Indoor Service of Psychiatry Department IMS BHU, Varanasi, were randomly divided into two groups. 1^st group 20 subjects were given motivational enhancement therapy session for 10 sessions along with treatment as usual (MET + TAU), whereas 2^nd group control group were given treatment as usual (TAU) at the end of intervention post level of self-efficacy were measured through self-efficacy scale. Modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Status Scale, Alcohol use disorder identification test, Self-Efficacy Scale as tools were used. Result: The result shows that the mean value of self-efficacy in (MET + TAU) group before intervention was 56.30 ± 2.99 and mean value of self-efficacy in (MET + TAU) after intervention was 60.75 ± 2.65 which shows significant difference is found in self-efficacy after intervention. Conclusion: Motivational enhancement therapy tries to decrease ambivalence so as to enhance the change in the subject's self-efficacy which assists the individuals in abstinence from alcohol.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Burnout syndrome has been widely reported in nursing staff. It is more pronounced in intensive care setting (up to 80%). This survey was designed to assess the prevalence of burnout and its correlates among critical care nurses. Methods: Anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all ICU nursing staff of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Questionnaire had 25 questions covering – demography, job characteristics, Visual Analogue Scale for stress, co-worker support, work–life balance, question for measuring burnout, job satisfaction, turnover intention, organizational commitment, for depression screening and psychosomatic symptoms. The burnout scale score was used to dichotomize into low burnout (<3) or high burnout (> = 3) group. These two groups were compared using Chi-square test, Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and independent t-test for continuous variables. Significant variables were entered in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of 150 ICU nurses, 125 (83.3%) gave completely filled questionnaires which were evaluated. 47 (37.6%) participants reported experiencing high burnout. Binary logistic regression model revealed that lack of specialized ICU training (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.62 to 11.34, P = 0.003), performing extra duty in last month (OR = 5.28, 95% CI: 1.90 to 14.67, P = 0.001), High physical symptoms in last 12 months (OR = 4.73, 95% CI: 1.56 to 14.36, P = 0.006) and mid-level experience (1–5 years) were significantly associated with burnout. Conclusions: Burnout is significantly prevalent (37.6%) among intensive care nurses. Specialized training and limiting work hours can help in mitigating this problem. High frequency of physical symptoms could be early indicators of burnout.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Child abuse is a social evil which has existed in our society since a long time. The awareness regarding the same has been minimal in developing countries. Many a times, punitive measures taken by parents to discipline their children turn out to be painful scars in their childhood resulting in stunting of their mental and social growth. Doctors and other health care workers have a very important role in identifying and reporting such issues. Law has also evolved over the recent past in safeguarding the future of our children. However, awareness regarding this issue has remained to be the same as before. During the current era of COVID, parents and children have been restricted to their homes. Livelihood of many families have been at risk. These issues have burdened the caretakers at home and absence of teachers who were otherwise their guardian angels have impacted the minds of these children adversely. Hence in this article we intend to provide good clarity about this social evil, and the rights of our children. We also wish to stress upon the duties of parents, doctors, teachers in molding these tender minds so as to get the best out of them.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: The coexistence of diabetes and depression has resulted in poor quality of life. Reported literature suggested the need for research for assessing the correlates of both quality of life along with depression in diabetic persons. Aims: To assess the quality of life (QOL), the prevalence of depression and associated factors in diabetic patients attending the lifestyle clinic of a tertiary healthcare facility in Eastern India. Settings and Design: This hospital-based descriptive, cross-sectional research recruited 219 patients with diabetes to assess the QOL and depression in the lifestyle clinic of a tertiary healthcare facility. Methods and Materials: The quality of life was assessed with the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) QOL BREF instrument. Depression was determined by a standardized Patient Health Questionnaire - 9(PHQ-9). The sociodemographic and diabetes-related information were collected by a semistructured questionnaire. Clinical and anthropometric examinations were conducted. Statistical Analysis Used: All the available data were initially coded and then analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 licensed software. Results: The participants had a median age of 54 years. Illiteracy was significantly more among females. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity. Gender-wise difference in mean of weight, height, hip circumference, and QOL score in the psychosocial domain was significant. The mean QOL score was least in the social domain and highest in the environmental domain. Literate patients had a statistically significantly better QOL. Depression was observed significantly more in females, illiterates, and unemployed respondents. Conclusions: Diabetic women with lesser literacy have an increased risk of poor QOL. Women, illiterates, and the unemployed suffered more from depression. Therefore, a target-specific, routine, and well-planned clinic approach is needed to improve the QOL and mental health of respondents.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and a very common disease of elderly. It is one of the leading causes of disability. The present study was conducted to estimate the burden of the knee OA among rural elderly. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 randomly selected elderly resident of rural Ballabgarh, Haryana. A semi-structured interview schedule was used by a trained investigator for face-to-face interview, clinical examination of knee using American College of Rheumatology criteria, and quality of life assessment using WHOQOL-BREF. Results: Almost two-third of the participants among 454 elderly recruited, suffered from knee OA (292, 64.3%) had knee OA. History of a knee injury, a family history of knee pain, current physical activity and smoking status were found to be significantly associated with knee OA, in multivariate logistic regression model. Elderly suffering from knee OA had significantly lower quality-of-life scores contrasted to those not (p-value < 0.001). The scores were significantly lower for all the domains (P-value <0.001) among elderly suffering with the knee OA, with the maximum effect seen in psychological, and physical domain. Conclusion: Rural elderly of Ballabgarh, Haryana, had a high burden of knee OA. Elderly suffering from knee OA had significantly lower perception of their quality of life most affected is the psychological and physical domains of quality of life.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and Aims: In the COVID-19 times, Indian sub-continent is struggling to contain the epidemic and trying to strengthen the existing health infrastructure, the national level lockdown has raised concerns about the pattern of injuries whether it has remained the same or has changed over this period. This is the first study to compare injury pattern during the two months lockdown period with the data of corresponding months from years 2016-2020. Also we compared the age- and sex-wise distribution patterns of these injuries for the above mentioned period. Methods: This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted by the Department of Orthopaedics in Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital (GGSMCH) in Faridkot, Punjab. Secondary data for patient's age and sex, mode of injury, and site of injury was collected through record review for the period of two months (24^th March to 24^th May) for five consecutive years of 2016-2020. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test was used to see the association between age and sex with mode and type of injury. Results: The five year injury trends reflected that the proportion of injuries in 2016 was 16.5% (n = 48) of the total musculoskeletal injuries (n = 291) which rose to 23.4% (n = 68) in 2020. Majority of the patients were males (80%), and belonged to adult age group (69.4%) followed by elderly (17.2%), adolescents (8.6%) and children (4.8%). The proportion of road traffic accidents out of all injuries significantly reduced during the lock down period of two months in 2020 (p = 0.001). On the contrary, the proportion of injuries due to falls as well as unspecified assault increased significantly in 2020 as compared to previous years. Conclusions: The proportion of musculoskeletal injuries have increased from 2016-2020. Unspecified assault and all types of falls pushed the road traffic accidents to third position during the lockdown period in 2020 as compared to previous four years. Injury surveillance needs to be integrated in routine hospital system for precise information and for more efficient functioning.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory illness of global importance. Recent reports depict the increasing prevalence of this disorder in urban areas. Methods: An observational study was designed with a sample size of 1163 children from grade 4 to grade 12, involving 8 randomly selected schools in 2015-2016. Modified International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood [ISAAC] questionnaire in local language [Hindi version] was used for data collection. The data of assessed risk factors were collected and analysed. Results: Prevalence of asthma in the studied population was 2.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of risk of asthma with use of firewood kitchener for cooking, keeping pet animals at home, high body mass index (BMI), absence of ventilator measures like chimney and aero-vent. Logistic regression analysis revealed use of firewood kitchener for cooking (odds ratio (OR) = 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.93-11.3), absence of smoke outlet (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-5.8) and keeping pet animals (OR 3.2, CI 1.6-6.8) at home were observed to be significantly associated with asthma. Conclusion: Prevalence of asthma in our cohort was significantly lesser than that of developed world. Household smoke was the most conspicuous risk factor contributory to childhood asthma in this part of world.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: The postnatal period is the most critical period for mothers and her newborn especially during the hours and days after birth. Proper utilization of postnatal care services plays a vital role in dropping the maternal mortality ratio and infant mortality rate. Methods: The community based, cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice area of Primary Health Centre (PHC) Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow UP. A total of 200 mothers of newborn (age 03 days to 60 days) born in the catchment area of PHC Sarojini Nagar during eight months period were included in this study. A semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used for interview of eligible mother. The objective of study was to assess the postnatal newborn care practices and the knowledge of newborn danger sign among mothers in rural area of Lucknow, U.P. Results: The results showed that 49.50% of mothers applied substances to the stump after birth. 52.5% of mothers applied Kajal on the eye of the baby after birth. More than half of the mothers breastfed the baby within 1-4 hours of birth and Exclusive breastfeeding were practiced by nearly half (47%) of the mothers. Less than one-third of mothers used ambulance service 102/108 as their means of transportation to the health facility. Conclusion: Unsafe and harmful traditional newborn care practices are more prevalent in the rural areas. Health education and awareness programmes are recommended to improve maternal knowledge on the various aspects of newborn care.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Kashmir has been at the centre of conflict between India and Pakistan after partition of erstwhile British India in 1947. While research suggests that conflict exposure may result in increased substance use, the prevalence of substance use disorders has remained an under-searched area in Kashmir. Method: We employed respondent-driven sampling (RDS) for recruiting substance users from two districts of Kashmir. Estimation of substance dependence was done using benchmarkmultiplier method. Results: Prevalence of any substance dependence was estimated to be 1.95% while as for any opioids, it was 1.80%. Heroin was the most common opioid with last year use by 84.33% respondents. Current prevalence of injection drug use was 0.95% and heroin was the most common opioid among Injection Drug User (IDU), being used by 91.12% IDUs followed by Pentazocine (5.92%). Conclusion: Our results indicate that RDS was a feasible and acceptable sampling method for recruiting 'difficult to reach 'participants like illicit substance users including IDUs. Our results further demonstrate that opioids are highly prevalent in Kashmir and heroin injection is not uncommon. All these findings call for attention from policy makers as opioids are one of the important contributors to mortality and morbidity related to substances.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Good teeth play a significant role in keeping a healthy personality and a decent quality of life. Loss of tooth is listed among the top hundred health condition affecting the world population, resulting not only in aesthetic and functional damage but also has negative social impact thus affecting the overall quality of life. It has been estimated to cause 7.6 million disability adjusted life years (DALY). Tooth loss has negative consequences on oral health as it may cause drifting of adjacent teeth or over eruption of opposing teeth, further loss of adjacent tooth and temporomandibular diseases (TMDs). Methods: This cross sectional study was performed in the clinics of Aseer Dental Centre and King Khalid University during the period from February 2020 to April 2020. In the current study, we kept a 95% level of confidence, precision error of 5%, and we anticipated the awareness among targeted population to be 85%. The sample size for our study was 200. Patients attending the Prosthodontic department for any dental consultation with a prosthetically unrestored partial edentulous areas in oral cavity were the target population. Results: Out of total 200 patients 50% of them were male while 50% of them were female. Mean Age ± S.D = 57.8 ± 22.5. We have observed that demographical variables have significant relationship regarding teeth awareness and treatment. Conclusion: Although tooth loss has a high prevalence, the common causes found were dental caries and loosing of teeth. As both these conditions can be prevented, repeated awareness campaign should be carried out in order to increase the awareness regarding oral hygiene..

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Every year, globally 570,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, out of which around 311,000 die. India contributes to about 132,000 new cases and 74,000 deaths yearly. One of the major risk factors for cervical cancer is infection with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This is both preventable (by vaccination) and detectable early (routine screening programs). Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude in medical and paramedical students about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, using predesigned and validated questionnaire. It was segregated into three parts: Q1—demographic details, Q2a—questions assessing knowledge, Q2b—questions assessing attitude. Our target population was female students (18–25 years) studying in medical, nursing, and physiotherapy colleges. Descriptive statistics of data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Results: We had 73% response rate. Most participants belonged to upper middle and upper socioeconomic class, were pursuing MBBS, resided in villages, had educated parents, and had good health-care-seeking behavior. School education, television, and printed advertisements appeared to be underutilized. Around 50% of the participant had received chickenpox and typhoid vaccine, but only 8% had received HPV vaccine. The mean knowledge score was 5.19 ± 2.24, with 0.00 minimum and 11.0 maximum, out of a maximum possible score of 17. Only, place of residence appeared to effect the knowledge score. Conclusion: The study shows the dismal knowledge levels about HPV amongst students. Participants were interested in seeking knowledge; consider HPV vaccination provided they were provided with sufficient knowledge.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: Internal derangements of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with associated symptoms which do not respond to conservative therapies are refractory cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMD). Minimally invasive techniques like arthrocentesis and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are usually employed to improve TMJ symptoms and function in these cases. Aims: To compare PRP with arthrocentesis for evaluating the effectiveness of PRP in relieving symptoms of refractory TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome. Setting and Design: A clinical study was carried out on 52 patients of refractory Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. The patients were divided in two groups that is Group A - test group and Group B -control Group. Methods and Material: Group A consisted of 26 patients who underwent intraarticular PRP injection in TMJ and Arthrocentesis of TMJ was done in 26 patients of Group B. TMJ pain, Maximium Interincisal opening and TMJ clicking were assessed among the group as well as between the groups over a period of 6 months. Statistical Analysis Used: Repeated Measure ANOVA was used to compare the parameters within the groups and T test was used for group comparison at 0.05 level of significance. Result: There was statistically significant difference in pain intensity improvement 1 ± 0.75 versus 3.17 ± 2.13, maximum interincisal opening 39.86 ± 2.86 versus 37.59 ± 4.03 and clicking 6 versus 16 between the PRP group and arthrocentesis group at P < 0.05. Conclusions: Intraarticular PRP injection for the management of refractory TMD is more effective than arthrocentesis in reducing symptoms and functional improvement.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Proclined teeth has been one of the main reasons for compromised esthetics. In a patient with proclined anteriors, retraction is done after 1^st premolar extraction. Absolute/maximum anchorage is required to achieve the best esthetics. Objective: We conducted this study with the aim of retracting the proclined maxillary anterior teeth and to check for efficient retraction, type of tooth movement during retraction, and amount of anchorage loss. Methods: Patients with proclined anterior teeth where therapeutic extraction of first premolars is required were included in the study, where anchorage was taken with mini-implants in one group, and in the second group, conventional anchorage method of 1^st and 2^nd molar banding with TPA was chosen. Each group consisted of 8 subjects. Lateral cephalogram was taken both preretraction and 4 months after starting retraction to compare anchor loss, rate of retraction, and type of tooth movement of retracted anteriors, in both groups. Results: The retraction in the implant group was more than in the conventional group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Anchorage loss was seen to be greater in conventional group than in the implant group and was also significant statistically. The type of tooth movement of the anterior teeth on retraction was also compared, with the implant group showing predominantly controlled tipping and the conventional group showing uncontrolled tipping movement.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Fifty-six years old male type 2 diabetes patient with fasting blood sugar (FBS) 414 mg/d and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 10.7% tried low carbohydrate diet (LCD) 30 days. After the diet, his FBS decreased to 174 mg/d and HbA1c was 7.7%. Therefore, he escaped from insulin injection and was able to treat with metformin.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: Electronic devices, laptops, tablets, ipad and smart phones are an integral part of one's life both in work and personal space. Excessive usage of these devices had led to health-related problems of which computer vision syndrome (CVS) is at risk of becoming a major public health issue. Aims: Our study aimed to assess the pre-test and post-test level of knowledge regarding CVS among the medical coding trainees and also to determine the effectiveness (Video Teaching Programme) of knowledge about the CVS among them. Methods and Material: After obtaining ethical committee clearance using universal sampling method 480 medical coding trainees working in a firm was included in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to interview and a video teaching programme was given between the pre and post-test sessions for about 45 minutes regarding the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome. Results: The level of knowledge about CVS among medical coding trainees in the pre-test and post-test was 280 (58.3%) and 8 (1.7%) had inadequate knowledge, respectively. With regards to adequate level of knowledge 24 (3%) and 328 (68.3%) had in pre-test and post-test phase, respectively. The comparison of knowledge shows a very good improvement among the medical coding trainees which was significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study highlights health education as an important factor in increasing the knowledge. From a primary care point of view, knowledge regarding CVS helps in differentiating and addressing the ocular symptoms, headache and shoulder pain symptoms of other aetiology if history is elicited properly.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Purpose: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the family Gamma Herpes viridae and is usually implicated in malignancies like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma. The present study was designed with the aim to estimate the seroprevalence of EBV in people with hematological malignancies and further follow up was planned by viral load quantitation by Real time PCR in positive cases. Methods: The current study was planned for a period of three years and a total of 272 serum samples were tested from patients with hematological malignancies namely; HL, NHL, ALL, CLL. Serological testing was performed for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against EBV viral capsid antigen. Sera of the patients found positive for IgM was further subjected to viral DNA extraction and Real Time Quantitative PCR was performed by a commercial kit. Results: The overall seropositivity rate was 89.2% for EBV IgG antibodies and 56.1% for IgM antibodies. The seroprevalence for anti-EBV VCA IgM was found to be highest in the age group <10 years (34.8%) and 11–22 years (20.4%). Of the 109 EBV positive strains by PCR, 27.3% were HL, 35.2% NHL, 24.3% ALL and 13.7% were CLL. The mean viral load was 68.7 × 10⁷ copies/ml DNA. Conclusion: Our study showed a higher seroprevalence and a definite causal relationship of EBV in lymphoma patients. Young adults showed a higher risk of hematological malignancies as compared to elder population. This study can prove to be an essential guide and aid to the primary care physicians in identifying the possible risk factors and seroprevalence in various age groups of EBV malignancy patients for their proper follow up and referral to higher speciality centres.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Aim: The aim of this study is to elucidate the demographics, symptoms and outcome of sick persons visiting coronavirus (COVID) screening OPD of a tertiary institute in North India. Study Design: The present descriptive, prospective study was done on 1030 patients and information about presenting symptoms, demographics (age, sex, nationality, residence), contact and travel history, comorbidities etc., were recorded. On the basis of criteria given by Indian Council of Medical Research, patients were divided into suspected (SARS-CoV-2) and non-suspected group. Of the suspected patients, with RT-PCR test positive were classified as confirmed COVID-19 case and negative RT-PCR symptomatic individual were defined as negative COVID-19 case. Results: Out of the total patients, 65.6% were male and 34.4% were females. The mean age was 37.04 years. Fever 49.3%, cough 57.1% and sore throat 43.5% were the main symptoms. Comorbidities were seen in 8.5% patients with hypertension (3.5%) and diabetes mellitus (3.4%). Forty patients were positive. Highly significant correlation (P < 0.01) was found between COVID-19 positive status and in patients without any symptoms, between COVID-19 and cough and sore throat, between COVID-19 and comorbidity (diabetes mellitus), between COVID-19 and high-risk exposures (resident of hot spot and history of contact with confirmed case). Our study also found COVID-19 positive status, shortness of breath and tachycardia as independent predictors of mortality (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Most of the patients were young adults and males were mainly affected. Main presentation was cough followed by fever. Infectivity was higher in patients who had underlying comorbid diseases, especially diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Critical patients with decreased oxygen saturation, tachypnoea and tachycardia had strong predictability for COVID-19 positivity. COVID-19 positive status, shortness of breath and tachycardia are important predictors of mortality.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Hematuria is a clinical sign and symptom that every individual would have a worst nightmare and invokes a physician to carefully evaluate possible causes of hematuria. It may be medical or surgical causes. A thorough examination is required to exact the primary pathology. As such, a study on hematuria in North east India is not sufficiently researched or published. Material & methods: Here we present an observational study in our institution on that very topic. A study was done purely on surgical causes of hematuria on symptomatic patients. It was done on the inpatient and outpatient basis in Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh during the period of 2016–2019. Total 43 patients were evaluated, who came with symptomatic hematuria. Results: Out of 43 cases of symptomatic hematuria, 34 were male and 9 were females patients. Carcinoma urinary bladder was the commonest cause of hematuria, followed by BPH, urolithiasis, carcinoma prostrate, carcinoma upper urinary tract, etc. Conclusion: Benign prostatic hyperplasia was found to be the most common benign cause and carcinoma bladder was the commonest malignant cause of hematuria.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Objective: To evaluate the applicability of modified early warning (MEWS) Score for prediction of hospital outcomes of medical emergency patients. Design: Prospective hospital based observational study. Setting: A tertiary care level medicine emergency unit in a medical college of North India. Study Population: 300 Patients admitted in medicine emergency. Method: Patients of both sexes of age more than 18 years who were admitted in medical emergency unit at MMIMSR, Ambala were evaluated. Patients who were in cardiac arrest at arrival and those who died within the first 24 hours were excluded and 300 patients were included. Modified Early Warning Score based on physiological parameters was recorded at admission for each patient and monitored over the next 24 hours in the emergency unit. Hospital outcome of the patient in terms of mortality, need for critical care, prolonged stay and uneventful discharge were recorded and correlated with MEWS scores over the first 24 hours in the emergency unit. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves was generated to evaluate the utility of MEWS as a tool to predict patient outcome in medical emergency setting. Result: Of the 300 patients studied, the mean age of patients was 49 years, and the majority of the patients were male (61%). A MEWS Score of >5 at 24 hours of admission was associated significantly with in-hospital mortality of patients (p < 0.0001). The ROC (Receiver Operator Characteristic) curve revealed that in those patients who had a 24 hours MEWS >/= 5, the area under curve was (AUC) = 0.9. (95% CI: 0.95-0.98). Thus, MEWS was an effective predictor of in hospital mortality with sensitivity (78%) and specificity (94%). Conclusion: MEWS, a scoring system based on easily recordable physiological parameters can be used as an effective tool to triage and monitor patients in medical emergency units, to identify patients who are at greater risk of clinical deterioration and need close monitoring or early transfer for critical care or other timely interventions. Thus, application of MEWS in medical emergency units can be a useful tool to improve patient care, ensure optimal utilization of resources and prevent inappropriate discharge or neglect of sick patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by the novel “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2” (SARS-CoV-2) and is rapidly spreading worldwide. This review is designed to highlight the most common clinical features and computed tomography (CT) signs of patients with COVID-19 and to elaborate the most significant signs indicative of COVID-19 diagnosis. This review involved five original articles with both clinical and radiological features of COVID-19 published during Jan and Mar 2020. In this review, the most frequent symptoms of COVID-19 were fever and cough. Myalgia, fatigue, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, and dyspnea were less common manifestations. Nausea and vomiting were rare. Ground-glass opacity (GGO) was the most common radiological finding on CT, and mixed GGO with consolidation was reported in some cases. In addition, elevated C-reactive protein and lymphopenia are the pertinent laboratory findings of COVID-19. CT is an effective and important imaging tool for both diagnosis and follow-up COVID-19 patients with varied features, duration, and course of the disease. Bilateral GGOs, especially in the periphery of the lungs with or without consolidation, are the hallmark of COVID-19.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infectious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and it is best prevented by immunization. Due to occupational exposure, medical students have an increased risk of contracting HBV. Therefore, it is essential for all medical students to have good knowledge about HBV and to complete their HBV vaccinations. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess and compare HBV knowledge, awareness, and vaccination compliance among pre-clinical medical students in four universities. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2018 at the College of Medicine of four governmental universities: King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Saud University, Princess Noura university, and Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials: Two-hundred-sixty-three pre-clinical medical students completed a questionnaire with sections about demographics, HBV awareness, knowledge, and vaccination compliance. Statistical analysis used: The data was transferred to Excel and SPSS version 22 was used for statistical analysis. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall knowledge about HBV and vaccination compliance were poor. KSU students had the highest vaccination compliance (n = 52, 54.2%) and KSAU-HS the lowest (n = 19, 23,8%). The most-cited reasons for noncompliance were “forgetting about the vaccine” and “busy schedule“. Conclusion: Overall, most of the participants had poor HBV knowledge and vaccine compliance. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of pre-clinical vaccine checking and the addition of an infectious disease awareness and prevention program.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: Obesity is a significant worldwide public health issue and one of the significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Aims: This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among type 2 diabetic patients, and explore the association between Body Mass Index (BMI), social demographics and time since diagnosis. Settings and Design: This study followed a cross-sectional study design in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods and Material: Participants were identified by convenience sampling from 6 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) over a period of two weeks from March 16 to March 28, 2020. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency and percentage were used to report the obesity prevalence. Chi-Square test was used to test the association between social demographics and time since diagnosis with BMI. Results: Obesity and overweight prevalence was 85.8% (n = 525), among which 27.9% (n = 171) were overweight, 57.8% were obese (n = 354), and only 13.2% (n = 81) had normal weight. A statistically significant difference between BMI and age was observed (P = 0.01). Differences between BMI and time since obesity diagnosis were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Differences between BMI and time since type 2 diabetes diagnosis were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of obesity and overweight among type 2 diabetic patients in Bisha. Differences in BMI were found to be statistically significant according to age, gender, education level and time since obesity diagnosis. Patient education programs and public health awareness about diabetes and obesity are highly recommended.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The study was aimed to explore the lived experience among patients with type-2 diabetes living in rural settings. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study design was used in this study. Results: First, the patients' reactions were a mixture of denial and shock regarding their diagnosis of diabetes. Second, they faced challenges of having debilitating disease. Third, all were Muslims, and their faith led them to accept their disease as their destiny from Allah. Fourth, they psychologically accepted the disease to gain the physical acceptance of their condition. Finally, the participants demonstrated a degree of adaptation. Conclusion: The study findings suggested that type-2 diabetes is viewed as a matter of destiny. Although participants in the current study revealed natural feelings of shock and denial towards their illnesses in the early stages; however, they soon became more familiar with their disease and expressed a feeling of acceptance and adaptation, especially during Ramadan.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: Sirshasan is supposed to increase blood flow to the brain and considered to be beneficial for intellectual function, however mastering these techniques may be difficult. Aims: To see the effect of headstand using a tilt table on heart rate variability (HRV). Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study that was done on 26 healthy volunteers. Methods and Material: HRV was assessed in the supine position and 30° head tilt position for 5 min. HRV recording was done on the power lab (AD Instruments P Ltd, Castle Hill Australia). The tilt table used was Medica Podium, New Delhi, HLT-200. Statistical analysis used: Paired t-test. Results: All the HRV parameters showed non-significant change except low-frequency parameters which showed significant change during head tilt. Conclusions: Headstand to a 30° using tilt table cause a decrease in the autonomic activity which is mainly because of decrease in sympathetic activity.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and Aims: Modern psychiatry brings tremendous value to the treatment of mental illness, however, at times is inadequate in providing holistic care within a patient's broader cultural framework. Traditional healing and modern psychiatry together offer a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to treatment, which encompass a patient's spiritual and religious beliefs. In this context, “Dava-Dua” intervention—combination of psychiatric medicine and faith healing—is implemented by the Government of Gujarat at Mira Data Dargah in Mehsana District. The study assesses intervention outcomes, understand implementation challenges and patients' perspectives on the treatment. Methods: Using a multi-method research approach, case records from July 2008 to March 2018 were retrieved for secondary analysis of patients' profile and outcomes; 26 patients from three groups: Dava, Dua and Dava-Dua; and 6 mental health service providers were interviewed to assess perspectives of patients and service providers on mental health, implementation barriers and facilitators. Results: Despite some implementation challenges, the findings indicate that collaboration of modern psychiatry medicine and faith-based treatment practices certainly benefit patients with otherwise limited access to mental health care thereby protects human rights of patients. Conclusion: Dava-Dua model compliments existing primary healthcare services. It provides an access to modern medicine without compromising patients' religious and spiritual practices. It has the potential to scale-up and replicate where faith-healing is the prime treatment modality to cure mental illness provided implementation challenges are proactively addressed.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Monitoring adequacy of salt iodization at consumption level and exploring the reasons for inadequacy, especially in marginalized communities, is crucial to achieve the target coverage of universal salt iodization. Aims: To assess the iodine content of salt used at household level, related awareness and practice of respondents and their socio demographic correlates. Settings and Designs: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the slums of Burdwan Municipality in 2019. Methods and Material: A total of 330 households were selected by cluster sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated at household level semi-quantitatively by Iodine testing kit, following recommended guidelines. One respondent from each household was interviewed to assess their awareness and practice regarding iodized salt. Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test and Multivariable logistic regression was used. Results: All 330 households were using iodized salt; 77.6% were consuming adequately iodized and 22.4% were consuming inadequately iodized salts. Only 30.9% of the respondents were aware about the importance of iodized salt, few had correct practice despite inadequate knowledge and none, except one, practiced adding salt at the end of cooking. Awareness and practice were associated with caste and age of the respondents, respectively. Keeping salt container near the oven, adjusting for keeping salt in uncovered container, significantly predicted inadequate level of iodization [AOR 6.17 (95% CI: 2.68-14.26)]. Conclusion: Inadequate iodization, lack of awareness regarding iodized salt and faulty storing practices amounting to increased risk of inadequate iodization are still prevalent emphasizing the need, in policy, for health education.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Owing to COVID-19 pandemic, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95 mask inside an operation theatre has become a common practice. Subjective symptoms of suffocation, headache, dizziness, and lack of concentration while on PPE may at times become significant enough requiring oxygen therapy, removal of mask, or even doffing of PPE, which may increase the risk of being infected and at the same time compromising patient care. The reason behind such subjective symptoms may be multifactorial. We report here a 52-years-old anesthetist with a high body mass index, wearing PPE for a prolonged duration inside an operation theatre during a high-risk surgery encountered a similar episode. Being the lone anesthetist, he decided to oxygenate himself in an innovative way, thus, avoiding doffing and any undesirable event. With pandemic expanding rapidly such scenarios may be encountered often, identifying factors predicting such events and finding methods of oxygenation while wearing PPE may be extremely beneficial.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has not only been linked with cervical cancer but also a key player in other types including oral cancer. Vaccine against HPV has shown promising outcomes in protection against cervical cancer. It is suggested that the same vaccine may be a safeguard against oral cancer as well. Since prevalence of oral cancer is on rise because of various reasons besides high-risk sexual behavior, its prevention becomes equally important. Aim: Study aimed at screening saliva samples of healthy young adults to detect the presence of HPV with an intention to increase awareness regarding HPV and its vaccination. Settings and Design: The study was executed in the department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Patna. This cross-sectional study included 100 consented healthy undergraduate medical and nursing students. Methods and Material: We isolated DNA from all saliva samples, amplified using multiplex PCR and gel electrophoresed to screen HPV 16 and 18. Feedback about the study in creating awareness regarding HPV and its vaccine was conducted using three-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis: The collected responses were entered in Microsoft excel. The results were expressed in frequency and percentages. Results: All saliva samples screened were found negative for HPV 16 and 18 DNA. Responses from feedback showed improved knowledge and awareness about the HPV and its vaccine among the participants. Conclusion: Even all the saliva samples tested were found negative for HPV DNA, the screening of high-risk HPV in saliva of young medical and nursing students generated curiosity among them to know more about HPV and its vaccine. This exercise may have helped in increasing the acceptance of HPV vaccine and the awareness of getting it at their ideal age to be benefited with dual protection, from oral and cervical (in case of females) cancers lifelong.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neurological condition characterized by the triad of ophthalmoparesis with nystagmus, ataxia, and global confusion. WE is a life-threatening illness caused by thiamine deficiency, primarily affecting the peripheral and central nervous systems. Thiamine deficiency is predominantly associated with chronic alcoholism, but various other causes have also been reported, including severe malnutrition, prolonged parenteral nutrition, malignancies, immunodeficiency syndromes, liver disease, hyperthyroidism and severe anorexia nervosa, and hyperemesis gravidarum. We, hereby, report a unique case of WE induced by hyperemesis gravidarum that presented in mid-trimester of pregnancy in a rather extremely unusual way with focal seizures and secondary generalization but fortunately ended up with a good feto-maternal outcome.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Worldwide, one in ten pregnancies is related with diabetes; 87.6% of which are gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Maternal hyperglycaemia affects the successful progression of pregnancy. Objectives: To determine the proportion and the factors associated with poor glycaemic control among women with gestational diabetes. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry, South India from September to October 2019. Pregnant women diagnosed as GDM and on treatment for at least one month were approached consecutively for the study. A fasting blood sugar (FBS) ≥92 mg/dl and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) 1 hour ≥180 mg/dl or PPBS 2 hour ≥153 mg/dl were considered as poor glycaemic control. Results: A total of 301 women with GDM were included and the mean (SD) age was 27 (5) years. Of total, 29 (10%) reported GDM during their previous pregnancy and 95 (32%) got diagnosed before reaching the tertiary care hospital. Lifestyle modifications (77%) were the most common mode of management for GDM. Of total, 116 (38.5%; 95% CI 33%-44.3%) had poor glycaemic control. Multigravida women (46.9%) and those on pharmacological treatment for GDM had poor glycaemic control. Conclusion: One-third of women with GDM at a tertiary care centre had poor glycaemic control. Therefore, a novel approach to improve awareness about GDM control both among pregnant women and the medical fraternity is needed.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Burns is one of the foremost causes of worldwide morbidity. Changes in appearance and functional impairment causes stigmatisation, impacting socio-occupational engagement and causing discomfort. Aims and Objectives: The study examined prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in post-burn patients, their perceived social support and self-esteem. It further assessed quality of life amongst post-burn patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary care centre where 100 patients were interviewed using purposive sampling technique over six months. Patients were administered a semi-structured questionnaire along with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and WHO Quality Of Life – BREF (WHOQOL- BREF) scales. Contingency tables and Spearman's correlation helped to examine associations and correlations. Fischer's exact test, Mann Whitney test and ANOVA test were also used for statistical analysis. Results and Discussion: There is high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among patients with burns. The most common disorder was major depressive episode. Low self-esteem was found in one-third of patients with burns. Patients having low self-esteem had eleven times higher prevalence of suicidality. Patients with burns had high perceived social support. Quality of life in patients with burns depends on self-esteem, perceived social support and presence of psychiatric illnesses. Conclusion: This study illustrates the need for thorough evaluation and screening in patients with burns for psychopathology and self-esteem issues by primary physicians. Behaviour therapy, supportive psychotherapy, counselling and adequate socio-occupational rehabilitation of the patient should be done. Spreading awareness and organising support groups for patients with burns at the primary health centre level can be effective.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Domestic violence against women is one of the most pervasive abuses of human rights in the world. Violence during pregnancy leads to both acute injuries and profound long-term challenges to health and wellbeing. Pregnancy provides a good opportunity for healthcare personal to screen women for domestic violence. Aim: To identify the pattern of domestic violence amongst pregnant women and to plan appropriate interventions. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Primary Health Care Centre. Methods and Material: 90 pregnant women attending the ANC OPD and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Percentages were calculated and Chi-square test was used wherever applicable. Results: Violence was mostly seen in the women who were married for five years (47.36%) and many among them experienced it within one year of marriage (34.28%). The most common violence faced by the women was verbal violence (44.73%), followed by financial violence (27.63%). Physical violence was experienced by 22.36% women. The Perceived risk factor for violence was mostly addiction of spouse in 26.31% of women and insufficient dowry and demand for male child in 19.73%. Conclusions: As occurrence of violence was found to be significantly associated with duration of marriage, educational status, and earning status of women asking about intimate partner violence should be a part of routine antenatal care for early detection and identification of cases, their counseling, and appropriate interventions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Defaulting from treatment is an important challenge for tuberculosis (TB) control. As per the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme quarterly reports of Kamrup District (Assam), among the registered cases default rate was 13.3%(2008) & 13.1 % (2009). Objectives: To elicit reasons & factors responsible for interruption of treatment from a cohort of TB defaulters of urban & rural areas in Kamrup District. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 1/3rd of all defaulters who were put on Directly Observed Treatment Short-course chemotherapy in 2011 under 1 urban Tuberculosis Unit (TU) & 2 rural TUs of Kamrup District. From these 3 TUs, total 210 patients interrupted treatment in 2011; so 70 defaulters (35 from 1 urban TU & 35 from 2 rural TUs) were interviewed in their residences by using a pretested and predesigned schedule. Study was conducted in January - June, 2012. Results: Majority of the defaulters was illiterate (51.4%) in rural areas but in urban areas majority studied upto high school level (37.1%). Maximum defaulters were in the age group 25-44 years (55.7% in urban areas & 62.9% in rural areas). The number of defaulters decreased uniformly with increasing income in the rural areas & but not so in urban areas. More number of new cases defaulted in rural areas (82.8%) compared to urban areas (57.1%). Improvement in symptoms was found to be the most common reason (45.7% in urban areas & 40 % in rural areas), leading to treatment interruption. Conclusions: Early improvement in symptom was the most common reason leading to treatment interruption. Continuous health education should be provided to TB patients emphasizing the need to continue treatment despite early improvement in symptoms.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is characterized by a protracted phase of emotional turmoil which ensues at the time of major life change and increased responsibilities in the upkeep of a newborn child. In fact, it represents a considerable public health problem and has been found to have multiple etiologies including sociodemographic, economical, psychosocial, obstetrical, and medical risk factors. Hence, this study was conducted with the objective of estimating the proportion of PPD among mothers attending the immunization clinics and its association with various sociodemographic and other risk factors. Methods: All eligible mothers (up to 3 months after delivery) attending the immunization clinics at the health centers were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire and relevant information on sociodemographic, obstetrical, and other psychosocial factors was obtained. PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) where the cutoff score of ≥ 13 was considered as being at risk for PPD. Results: A total of 400 mothers were included. The overall proportion of PPD came out to be 15.0% (95% CI 11.83–18.83%) while the median EPDS score was 6.5. Logistic regression analysis revealed that Muslim religion, preterm or low birth weight baby, current medical illness, family pressure to have male child, lack of support from family networks, and domestic violence remained independent predictors of PPD. Conclusion: This study identified certain important risk factors for PPD. Thus, the sensitization of the primary healthcare providers and early screening and counseling of the mothers and their families is essential for reduction of associated morbidities and unfavorable outcomes.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the commonest form of sexually transmitted infection especially in sexually active females. Various species of Candida i.e., Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida are associated with VVC. More than 75% of women experiences vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their lifetime and 10% of it can lead to recurrent VVC. So, this study was planned to evaluate the clinico-mycological profile and antifungal profile of VVC in sexually active female attending tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The present two months study was conducted in sexually active females attending Obstetrics –gynecology OPD with VVC in tertiary care hospital. Two high vaginal swabs were taken and fungal culture was done on SDA agar by standard methods. Identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of candidial isolates were done by standard mycological methods. Results: Most of the patients belonged to younger age group between 18 and 29 years (55%). Lower abdominal pain was the most common symptom after vaginal discharge followed by burning sensation and pruritis. Candida glabrata (15) with 58% of all the isolates was the most common Candida species associated with VVC in this study, followed by Candida albicans (5, 19%). Highest antifungal resistance was observed to itraconazole (81%) followed by amphotericin B (35%) and fluconazole (31%). 81% resistance to itraconazole among Candida glabrata and Candida albicans. Voriconazole was maximum susceptible to all Candida species. Conclusion: This study highlights the incidence of VVC among sexually active females of reproductive age group as its recurrence may result into obstetric complications and even infertility and also enlightens the common Candida species and their antifungal profile, which would help the treating clinicians to formulate local antifungal treatment policy for VVC.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Spondylodiscitis due to typhoidal Salmonella presents a therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Factors that complicate treatment include drug-resistant strains, poor antibiotic bone penetration, potential for neurological compromise and lack of established protocols and guidelines. We discuss a 57-year-old man with Salmonella paratyphi A spondylodiscitis involving lower thoracic vertebrae and discuss various aspects of management.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and Aim: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are infections acquired by patients during their hospital stay which they did not have previously. This also includes infections acquired by healthcare professionals while managing infected patients. Since both healthcare professionals and patients can be a source of spreading infections across there is a need of practicing standard precautions religiously, to minimize this risk. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare professionals working at The Indus Hospital, a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2017 and July 2018. 205 employees working at The Indus Hospital, Karachi were recruited in this study. A self-made questionnaire based on CDC guidelines was administered to the participants and their responses were recorded. Results: Among all participants, nearly two-thirds (70%) had a very good knowledge of the use of standard precautions, 19.5% had good knowledge, and 12.2% had average/below average knowledge. Of those having very good knowledge, most of them were doctors (60%). Older age groups had more knowledge than the younger age groups. Conclusion: Our study concluded that among different healthcare workers, the nurses had less knowledge as compared to doctors. There was a significant association found between the age of the healthcare professionals and the information he/she has on the standard precautions. Improving the knowledge of doctors and nurses would help in breaking the chain of nosocomial infections and will decrease the burden of infectious diseases on our society.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: Malnutrition is one of the leading problem mainly in childhood, affecting growth and development especially under 5 years of age. According to NFHS-4, under-5 children about 27% are stunted, 20% are wasted and 24% are underweight. Determining acute malnutrition (wasting) and its factors is necessary to prevent complications. Aims: To assess acute malnutrition among under 5 years children and determine associated factors responsible. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study done at field practice area under a teaching hospital in Chennai. Materials and Methods: Totally, 149 children under 5 years of age were selected and assessed for acute malnutrition using WHO standards (Z-scoring) by calculating weight for height. Questionnaire for checking associated factors was used. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were entered in excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and for inferential statistical analysis was done using Chi square test. Result: Among the study population, 87.2% children were normal, 10% of children had wasting (below -2 S.D.) and 2.8% of children had severe wasting (below -3 S.D.). Wasting was also prevalent among people of low socioeconomic class and was maximum in children of age group 1-3 years. Low birth weight, absence of exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding practices, partial immunization and other illnesses also had effect, leading to acute malnutrition. Conclusion: Level of acute malnutrition in the field practice area is lesser than the national average and determines few factors associated with malnutrition among under – 5 children.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: The increasing ageing population of India has unique challenges due to changing social structure, health issues and inaccessible healthcare facilities. These challenges can adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) of older persons. Hence, this study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the QOL among older persons in an urban and rural area of Bangalore. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was done among 977 older persons 60 years and above. Census enumeration blocks in urban areas and villages in rural areas were randomly selected and all older persons meeting the inclusion criteria were administered the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire. Results: Mean QOL scores (SD) in the physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental domains were 50.5 (5.5), 49.2 (5.5), 49.4 (6.5) and 49.3 (5.1) in rural areas and 57.4 (8.9), 58.6 (8.8), 64.6 (10.8) and 60.0 (9.4) in urban areas, respectively. Compared to urban, rural older persons uniformly have lower QOL irrespective of sex, education or financial dependence. Conclusion: Inequitable health resource distribution and inadequate social support systems must be addressed to improve the QOL of older persons, especially in rural areas. Primary care providing essential services can bridge this urban–rural divide and improve QOL of older persons.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: This study was intended to document the clinical profile and treatment outcome of West syndrome in children attending a tertiary care centre in Northern India. Methods: Data were collected by a retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with West syndrome between January 2017 to January 2018. Information was recorded pertaining to the age at onset and presentation, etiology, and associated co-morbidities; results of electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging; treatment given; and final outcome. The following drugs were used for treatment: ACTH (n = 7), prednisolone (n = 17), vigabatrin (n = 25), sodium valproate (n = 28), clonazepam (n = 30), and levetiracetam (n = 13) and modified Atkins diet (n = 7). The response was categorized as spasm cessation, partial improvement (>50% improvement), or no improvement. Results: Records of 30 children (21 boys) were analyzed. The median (IQR) age at onset was 4 (3, 6.5) months. The median (IQR) lag time to treatment was 5 (2,14) months. Eight (26%) were premature, 2 (7%) were small for gestational age, birth asphyxia in 56%, neonatal encephalopathy in 62%. EEG findings were hypsarrhythmia in 13 (43.3%) children and modified hypsarrhythmia in 9 (30%) children. MRI finding was periventricular leukomalacia (54.1%), cystic encephalomalacia (13.8%), normal MRI (20.7%) and one had arrested hydrocephalus. There was no improvement with valproate (93%), clonazepam (89%), levetiracetam (78%). Cessation of spasm was achieved with vigabatrin (28%), prednisolone (38.2%), ACTH (42.8%). Hypsarrhythmia resolved with improvement in of background and other epileptiform abnormalities in 17 children. Conclusion: The present research highlights favourable response of West syndrome to oral steroids, vigabatrin and ACTH with limited role of conventional antiepileptic drugs like sodium valporate, levetiracetam and clonazepam. Primary care physician plays a vital role in early recognition and treatment of epileptic spasm.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a silent systemic disease characterized by decrements in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microstructure. This study aimed to determine the status of bone quality as well as to investigate the relationship between the glycaemic; lipid; bone profiles; and the BMD. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at KFHU, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia analysis of patients who underwent BMD testing between the periods of 2016 to 2018. Based on the T scores, patients were classified as follows: normal (>−1.0), osteopenic (−1.0 to −2.5), or osteoporotic (≤−2.5). Details about medical and demographic information as well as metabolic and bone profiles (fasting blood glucose [FBG], glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c], cholesterol [Chol], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], triglycerides [TG], calcium [Ca], phosphorus [Ph], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], vitamin D 25OHD [Vit D]) were extracted from the medical records system. Results: Out of 4838 extracted profiles, there were 4196 females (85.1%). The mean glycaemic variables of patients showed an abnormal profile (FBG 118 ± 49 and HbA1c 6.6 ± 2). The mean T score showed that the majority of patients had either osteopenic (40%) or osteoporotic (24%) changed. Significant increase in mean HbA1c (7.6 ± 1.7) was obvious among the osteopenic patients when judged against the normal (7.5 ± 1.6; P < 0.033) and osteoporotic (7.4 ± 1.8; P < 0.037). Meanwhile, the mean serum ALP was significantly lower (81 ± 26) in the normal group than in the osteopenic (86 ± 33; P < 0.006) and osteoporotic groups (90 ± 40; P < 0.001). Finally, a linear, logistic regression analysis was found that Ca and ALP levels were significant predictors. Conclusion: This study finds that the main cause that affects bone quality in Saudi Arabia is diabetes mellitus and/or its related metabolic alteration. These results suggest that bone health is clinically significant and should be carefully assessed in diabetes patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Cancer is one of the growing chronic diseases in the world that kills large numbers of people every year. The disease affects the human immune system. The function of the body's organs under the influence of this disease loses its main function. Studies have shown that people with cancer are at higher risk of dying from Coronavirus. Because of the outbreak, wide clinical spectrum, pathogenesis of infection in Coronavirus, recognition and evaluation of this virus in populations with a risk factor for cancer is important. Many women develop chronic diseases such as cancer throughout their lives. Examining and recognizing Coronavirus in the women with cancer can increase our awareness of the disease. In this article, considering Coronavirus, we discuss the function of the immune system in cancer and corona, the concepts related to the topic, and the known solutions with an emphasis on cancer.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Under-nutrition has got serious and lasting impact on health, development, society and economy. It may result in poor growth, development of child and can cause increase mortality, morbidity, health care cost, low productivity and economic growth. Nutritional rehabilitation is one of key intervention to address the under nutrition. It is questionable that nutritional intervention has potential to improve multiple domains. Methods: Follow up study evaluated the multi-domain impact of nutritional interventions on 204 admitted Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) children. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20. Results: Significant positive changes were observed in physical, biochemical, developmental domains. Macnemar, paired t- test, co relation, z test were applied for data analysis. Conclusion: Nutritional intervention was found to be effective in improving selected physical, biochemical and developmental parameters. After discharge rate of improvement in anthropometric parameters was less. Actual quantification of recovery especially in biochemical and developmental parameters due to nutritional intervention is difficult.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Survival and functional outcome is significantly poor in the elderly population. There is a need to develop better geriatric specific prognostic models and evidence-based geriatric traumatic brain injury management protocols for better treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention. Aims and objectives: To study the frequency, outcome and correlates of traumatic brain injury in elderly patients. Material and Methods: Frequency, outcome and correlates of traumatic brain injury in patients more than 65 years of age admitted in tertiary care hospital were studied in 160 patients admitted between 1^st January 2016 and 31^st December 2016 (retrospective analysis) and between 1^st January 2017 and 30^th June 2018 (prospective analysis). Institutional ethical committee approval was taken. Results: This study concluded that road side accident was the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in elderly in this study. Incidence of traumatic brain injury in elderly was found to be 11.45%. Both non-reacting pupils and low Glasgow coma scale on arrival were significantly associated with poor outcome in terms of mortality. Most of the patients who expired or were discharged against medical advice had associated skull bone fractures, cerebral infarct, diffuse brain edema, subarachnoid hemorrhage, midline shift, lower hemaglobin, higher random blood sugar and higher creatinine as compared to patients who were discharged. All these findings were statistically significant. Conclusion: Low Glasgow coma scale on arrival, non reacting pupils, low hemoglobin, high random blood sugar, high creatinine and intubation on arrival are associated with increased mortality. Associated skull bone fractures, cerebral infarct, diffuse brain edema are predictors of poor outcome. Anticoagulants and associated co-morbidities do not increase the risk of mortality in traumatic brain injury in elderly.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: It was considered that the resistance of drugs such as carbapenems and cephalosporins against severe or high risk gram-negative bacteria became a tremendous confront. This might be attributed to the little amount of these drugs to be used against the multi-resistant bacteria (MRB). Therefore, Colistin, Fosfomycin, Temocillin, and Rifampicin are antibiotics that have been used as multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in the treatment of some species of bacteria such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas species, and Enterobacteriaceae. Aim: the present study is aimed to assess the integrity and efficiency of colistin for treating of the multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) especially gram-negative one among critical and non-critical patients in tertiary hospital in Jazan city. Ninety four patients who met the selection criteria and received colistimethate sodium (colistin) in the period between Februarys 2017 and March 2018 were recruited and their charts were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' information, medical conditions, and laboratory data were extracted. All patients received IV colistin, and the majority of the patients showed in their culture reports multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Patients who had normal renal function received from 2.5 to 5.0 mg of colistin/kg, which was divided in two or three doses intravenously, for duration ranging between 10 and 14 days. Results and conclusion: Approximately half of patients (48.93%) were fully recovered, while 19% of them were partially responded to colistin treatment. In the current study it was showed that IV colistin treatment against the multidrug-resistant bacteria (gram-negative bacteria) was strongly related to mild nephrotoxicity in addition to with a proper response as shown only in three of our patients

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers often present late in the advanced stages, due to various reasons and may experience delays in treatment. Hence, we have attempted to find the factors leading to this delay. Methods: This was an exploratory qualitative study, in a tertiary care hospital, including 20 patients with advanced GI cancers. They were interviewed to assess the reasons for delays in presentation, diagnosis and treatment, and the factors were analysed based on the interval of delay and the cause. Results: This study found that there was an interval of delay of 8 months from the onset of symptoms till primary treatment, more than half of which occurred in the pre-hospital phase (56.4%). We classified the causes for the delay into different intervals such as the appraisal interval, health-seeking interval, diagnostic interval and the pre-treatment interval. Lapses at the individual, societal and institutional level lead to the delay. The major causes included ignorance, substance abuse, poverty, social stigma, vague symptoms and missed diagnosis, miscommunication, resource constrain, very poor doctor-patient ratio and delay in investigation and treatment. Conclusion: This study noted a significant delay in the treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers. Reasons for delay have been noted at various levels. Further action based on this study, at the community and hospital level could potentially reduce the delay and result in better survival and improved quality of life.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases represents, a major and rapidly growing burden of mortality and morbidity. The risk factors for stroke starts very early in life. Similarly, the changes of neurodegenerative diseases starts decades earlier than the clinical manifestations. Primordial prevention is necessary to prevent the establishment of risk factors to keep the population disease free. This will help to not only increase the life span, but also to prolong the health span.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Aim: To evaluate the adherence of parent's preventive measures of unintentional home injury in their children by measuring the parents' knowledge and awareness regarding the risk factors of unintentional home injury. Settings and Design: An online questionnaire was used. The study followed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Method and Materials: The study was conducted between December 2019 and January 2020 included 324 participants who fulfilled the criteria during the period. An appropriate statistical test was used to register the statistical significance between the participants' answers and demographic characteristics. Statistical Analysis: SPSS 20.0 software package was used for entering the collected data and for statistical analysis. Results: Descriptive statistics showed that (66%) of participants were female. At least 50% of the participants were aged 26–35 years and had a bachelor's degree. Most reported at a good level of practice against the risk factors of unintentional home injury. The correlation between the participants' level of practice against the unintentional home injury, their age, and their level of education was statistically significant. Conclusions: The results showed the level of practice against unintentional home injury was significantly higher in parents their age more than forty, and those with a high educational level. This result suggested that nationwide health programs and initiatives must be toward families and parents in assessing their home hazards.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Stroke is known to be the second leading cause of death and persistent disability worldwide, with 5.5 million deaths each year. Public knowledge regarding risk factors, signs and symptoms and the prevention of stroke is an important factor in reducing the incidence of stroke. Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of awareness regarding stroke in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study recruited 150 participants from primary health care (PHC) centres, based on the methodology of a similar cross-sectional study conducted in Riyadh. The study group included adult male and female PHC visitors and excluded visitors with mental illness and medical personnel. Systematic random sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Microsoft Excel was used to generate tables and charts. Consent was obtained before data collection, with emphasis on each participant's right to withdraw from the study at any time. Result: A total of 150 respondents were included in this study. We found that the majority of the participants had a high level of awareness regarding the risk factors of stroke (n = 115, 76.66%). More than half of the participants (n = 95, 63.3%) had a moderate level of awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke. The study also revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between education level and level of awareness regarding risk factors of stroke (p = 0.334). Conclusion: This study found that the majority of participants had a high level of awareness regarding stroke. Regarding the education level of the participants, we found that the majority of participants with primary school-level education had a high level of awareness regarding stroke risk factors. Furthermore, we found that the level of awareness about prevention of stroke was moderate among participants. Thus, further studies should explore how to improve levels of awareness regarding the prevention of stroke.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: Inherited bleeding disorders are common in India and hemophila and von Willebrand diseases are the most common among them. These patients can present in any department including paediatrics, medicine, orthopaedics and even gynaecology so knowledge about hemophilias and facilities for specialized tests for diagnosis are required. Few centres of north-eastern part of India perform these tests so hemophilias remain an underdiagnosed and underreported disease. Aims: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hemophilia in patients referred to this tertiary care centre and study the clinicopathological profile of these patients. Settings and Design: Prospective study. Methods and Material: Patients referred with suspicion of bleeding disorders in a time period of 4 years were evaluated. Complete clinical details, family history was retrieved and tests like complete blood counts, bleeding time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and factor assays were performed. Results: A total of 1126 patients with suspected bleeding disorder were tested and 237 were diagnosed of inherited bleeding disorders. Hemophilia A (HA) was diagnosed in 151 patients (63.7%), Hemophilia B (HB) in 31 (13%). Mean age was 10 years in HA and 11 years in HB patients. Clinical features of hemophilia varied according to Factor VIII levels. Coagulation type of bleeding such as hemarthrosis and hematoma were much more frequent than mucosal type bleeding. Conclusions: The present study is one of the very few studies from the north-eastern part of India estimating the prevalence and clinicopathological features of hemophilia, highlighting the need of specialized diagnostic facilities in this part of India.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) negatively affects the health of a woman in terms of physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the experience of living with prolapse and its impact on daily life. Methods: Women undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse were interviewed to evaluate their sociodemographic profile with subsequent impact on their daily life. Results: Among the 45 cases with POP, 80% belonged to rural areas. Mean age of study group was 53.68 years. Young age at marriage (mean age 17.31), early first child birth (mean age being 20.5 years) and increased parity (86.66% had parity 3 and above) with majority of children born at home under supervision of untrained dais (77.78%) could probably attribute to their prolapse. Approximately 51% thought that prolapse occurs as a result of hard manual work and 64% cases considered it non treatable. POP was associated with poor quality of life in terms of physical, social and sexual life. Decreased sexual frequency was seen in 86.67% cases. 50% cases reported bladder problems. Sense of incomplete evacuation was seen in nearly 35% and constipation was reported by 37%. Conclusion: Though there exists a social stigma associated with pelvic organ prolapse, this study showed that in majority, it was the woman herself who delayed medical help. Health care providers should take initiative in educating women regarding prolapse and to make them aware that it is a treatable condition which can improve their quality of life.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

A 17-year-old girl with hypoxic encephalopathy was hospitalized over four times in a year because of recurrent aspiration pneumonia (AP). She had dysphagia and reduced cough reflex as sequelae of brain damage. To prevent aspiration, a gastric tube was placed for feeding, but it did not reduce the frequency of AP because the gastroesophageal reflux caused backflow. However, after the Kampo medicine bukuryoingohangekobokuto (BRIHK) was added to the prescriptions, her sputum and gastroesophageal reflux was remarkably reduced. BRIHK is a Kampo medicine that confers multiple benefits such as improving swallowing and cough reflexes, reducing sputum, and improving gastric emptying. Subsequently, the frequency of sputum suction reduced from every 15 min to 30 min, thus reducing the burden on her mother. As a result, she has never been hospitalized for AP in the 7 years after treatment. Overall, BRIHK may be a treatment of choice for similar patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Worldwide, hazardous use of alcohol is common among many cultures and societies and adversely impacts families and communities, with significant morbidity and mortality. Scheduled Tribes (STs) who are socially deprived and marginalised have higher rates of alcohol use. Aim: We attempted to determine the nature, prevalence, and risk factors associated with hazardous consumption of alcohol in the tribal community. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult male and permanent residents of Jawadhi hills. A total of 1200 men were interviewed. Study participants were chosen by Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) sampling method. The questionnaire that documented socio-demographic characteristics and patterns of alcohol use was used. AUDIT tool was used to assess the hazardous use of Alcohol. Data were analysed using SPSS. Results: Majority of the men were middle-aged, married, and were from lower socio-economic strata. A large proportion of men (65%) had a history of alcohol consumption in the last one year using one-year, of whom a quarter showed hazardous use (29%) and another quarter exhibited alcohol dependency (24%). Tobacco use, higher income and local alcohol production were found to be significant risk factors for Hazardous alcohol use. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption needs to be treated as a social problem and has to be tackled at the policy level. Population-based interventions, legislation, taxation, policies regarding the manufacture and sale of alcohol, are some of the ways to address this problem.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: With the change in the National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III guidelines, the risk of developing atherosclerosis has been now focused on total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Different treatment modalities are now targeted at lowering LDL cholesterol values. Hence greater emphasis is now led on the accurate and precise measurement of LDL cholesterol. Beta-quantification, though, is the best reference method for LDL cholesterol estimation, it has the disadvantage of being inconvenient in our routine practice. The new generation direct homogenous assay is now the method of choice. But being more expensive, various calculated methods have now been developed. This study is an attempt to compare different calculated formula with direct cholesterol assessment and to find out the best one. Materials and Methods: We compared LDL cholesterol measured by direct homogenous assay with the data mining approach (DM) and another calculated formula [Friedewald's Formula (FF) and Anandaraja Formula (AF)] in 266 samples with age greater than 18 years. Enrolled participants were divided into seven groups based upon their TG levels. Mean, percentage difference, and the correlation coefficient was assessed between calculated and direct LDL. Bland–Altman analysis was done to see the agreement between calculated vs direct LDL. All formulas were assessed among various TG levels with direct LDL by the Wilcoxon sign rank test. Result: 1% level of significance was found between calculated and direct LDL with TG < 600 mg/dl. Mean and the percentage difference between direct and calculated LDL was lowest with the DM approach. Bland–Altman plot shows the best agreement of the DM approach with direct LDL. Conclusion: This study indicates that the DM approach is closer to direct LDL compared to FF & AF.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) after cholecystectomy unduly delays patients' early return to normal activities and also leaves behind relatively disfigured cosmetic scars at the port sites. This prospective study was undertaken to assess the various risk factors leading to SSI in patients undergoing cholecystectomy, both by laparoscopic and open techniques in this part of India for which no data is available at present. Material and Methods: A total of 1507 cholecystectomies (1184 by laparoscopy and 323 by open technique) during a 6 year period. The various risk factors studied were gender, age, BMI, DM, chronic anaemia, COPD, timing of surgery (elective or emergent), influence of surgeon (operated by resident surgeon or faculty), intraoperative bile spillage, etc., Odd's ratio was calculated to see the influence of the factors on SSI and statistical significance was tested by Chi-square test. Results: The overall rate of infection was 3.12% (1.94% in laparoscopy and 7.43% in the open technique). Intraoperative bile spillage, increasing age, increased duration of surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy done by resident surgeons, increased intraoperative blood loss, emergent operations done for acute cholecystitis, etc., were associated with higher rates of SSI. Conclusion: Meticulous operative techniques avoiding bile spillage and blood loss during cholecystectomy may reduce the chances of developing SSI.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: In a country like Pakistan, a high prevalence of HCV persists due to a lack of awareness among the masses and the absence of adequate medical facilities in less privileged areas. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a risk-based screening tool based on the identification of predictive factors for HCV in the adult population in Karachi, Pakistan, which can later be validated for implementation. Methodology: A case-control study design was adopted and data was collected through an interview-based questionnaire from among 284 patients visiting the Family Medicine Department at The Indus Hospital, Karachi on whom the anti-HCV antibody test was conducted. Received data was then entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Result: Analysis indicated that in the entire cohort, marital status, employment status, history of being operated on in the past, family history of HCV infection, and body piercing were the factors significantly associated with positive HCV antibody. Results thus achieved show that the anti-HCV-positive rate was higher in ever married, employed, having had surgery, and family history of HCV infection (aOR: 2.42, 3.5, 2.04 and 2.5, P = 0.043, 0.002, 0.011 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: It is concluded that future research may be conducted enrolling the heterogeneous population to further probe the HCV burden and incidence in our society to initiate educational purposes. This goal can be achieved through commercial advertisements and free public lectures for disease prevention and better health awareness among the masses and the curers.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is one of the serious occupational hazards worldwide and easily accessible pesticides for suicidal poisoning. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity. OP poisoning is characterized by three main syndromes – cholinergic syndrome, intermediate syndrome and syndrome of delayed polyneuropathy. Other rare complications of OP poisoning are arrhythmias, pancreatitis and hepatic dysfunction. We present 46-year-old male patient with history of OP poisoning, who developed features of intermediate syndrome and pancreatitis. The patient was immediately intubated and managed on mechanical ventilation. Patient was given symptomatic treatment and recovered completely on day 14 of illness.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Context: With an estimated 8.7% of the diabetic population in the 20 and 70 age group, diabetes is a rising problem in India. It is important to screen for diabetes, so that the incidence of diabetes and its complications can be controlled. IDRS is a simple method useful for diabetes risk screening. Aim: To assess the risk of diabetes among people aged 31–40 years and to estimate the proportion of participants at high risk for developing diabetes. Setting and Design: Cross-sectional study done among the people attending medicine out-patient department of a tertiary care Hospital in Chennai. Methods: This study was conducted among 318 participants aged 31 to 40 years. Convenient sampling method was used. IDRS questionnaire was used to assess the risk of diabetes. Statistical Analysis Used: Data was entered in excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS software version 16, statistical analysis will be done using Chi square test. Results: According to IDRS, 35.2% (112) had high risk for developing diabetes, 55% (175) had moderate risk and 9.7% (31) had low risk for developing diabetes. Those subjects with family history of diabetes, increased waist circumference and increased age were found to be associated with higher risk of developing diabetes. Conclusion: In this study, majority of the participants had moderate risk (55%) and high risk (35.2%) of developing diabetes. Thus, it is necessary to bring more awareness among the people and initiation of lifestyle changes to delay the onset of diabetes and its complications.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background and objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a causative agent of hepatitis C disease of the liver. We have analysed the major risk factors including demographic, clinical and genotypic distribution among HCV seropositive patients and their distribution in Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: This study was conducted by a questionnaire-based proforma, filled in Hepatobiliary Clinic, Department of Medicine, King Georg's Medical University, Lucknow, from 2014 to 2017. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Seropositivity was demonstrated through an anti-HCV IgG ELISA kit. Positive patients were further examined for HCV RNA by RT-PCR. Results: A total of 31,440 patients attended the hepatobiliary clinic. Among these, 310 (0.99%) patients were confirmed for HCV infection and there was no significant difference between males and females (50.3% vs. 49.7%). Previous surgery (49.0%), dental extraction (41.0%) and roadside shaving (38.1%) were the major risk factors for HCV infection. We also observed that previous surgery 143/154 (92.9%) in female and roadside shaving 118/156 (75.6%) in male was the commonest factor for HCV, however; dental extraction was comparable among male and female (65 [51.8%] vs 62 [48.2%], P value = 0.818). HCV RNA genotype 3 (81.6%) was the most frequent followed by 3a (11.3%), 3b (5.8%), 1 (0.7%) and 4 (0.7%). In the district-wise analysis, frequent cases were included from Lucknow with previous surgery and dental extraction as the commonest risk factor. Interpretation and Conclusions: Previous surgery among female and roadside shaving among males are the commonest risk factors for HCV. This study suggests a powerful and strict guideline, to avoid HCV infection.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Few studies exist on physicians' opinions, attitudes, familiarity and practice behaviour regarding clinical practice guidelines in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To determine the opinions, familiarity, and practice behaviour regarding clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and factors associated with their use among internists and family physicians/GP in Nigeria. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire regarding guidelines of five common medical conditions: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, asthma and hepatitis B encountered in everyday medical practice were self-administered by 183 doctors across the country. Results: Over 90% of respondents believed that guidelines were evidence-based, improved management outcomes, and quality of care, nevertheless, 57.4% were against using them in litigations against doctors. The majority (>70%) of the respondents were familiar with the guidelines except that of hepatitis B. Overall, guidelines were used regularly by 45.9%, used in part by 23.5% and 30.6% never used it. Approximately 50% of physicians had immediate accessibility to them at the point of care. The proportions of respondents reporting a change in practice behaviour ranged from 37.7-57.9% depending on the guideline. The factors associated with guideline-related behaviour change were familiarity with its contents, postgraduate educational training, increased helpfulness score, and practiced >5 years. Conclusions: The present study shows that most physicians have favourable opinions and are familiar with these guidelines, however, the proportions reporting changes in their patient management because of the guidelines are not satisfactory. It is important to ensure guidelines accessibility and promotes factors that encourage their implementation in medical practice.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Objectives: LBW is the strong determinant of neonatal morbidity and mortality with a global prevalence of nearly 15%. India's prevalence, though not yet established, ranges from 16-30% and influenced by maternal nutritional status, antenatal care and associated maternal morbidity. Hence, the study was aimed to determine the influencing parameters for occurrence of LBW. Study Design: A retrospective observational study conducted for all live newborns delivered in a tertiary care centre during the study period of twenty four months. Methods: Data from institutional medical record section was recorded on predesigned questionnaire from a total of 1216 newborns. Results: The percentage of LBW was found to be 27.55% (335/1216) with a proportion of LBW to NBW babies was approximately 1:3. The occurrence of LBW was significantly higher in babies of anemic mothers (59.39%, P < 0.0001), young mothers (30.39%, P < 0.01), mothers with parity ≥ 3 (35.71%, P < 0.05), those with <3 ANC check-up (56.88%, P < 0.0001) and those with premature delivery (71.57%, P < 0.0001). Maternal anemia (OR 4.7, 95%CI 3.4-6.7, P < 0.001); ANC with <3 visits (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.4-3.4, P < 0.01) and prematurity (OR 7.6, 95%CI 5.1-11.2, P < 0.0001) were considered as independent risk factor for LBW. Significant association of neonatal complications was found with LBW babies (OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.5, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Inadequate antenatal care, maternal anemia and other maternal illness causing premature delivery are considered critical determinants for LBW and thus associated with high neonatal mortality and morbidity. Continued focus for improving the overall maternal health status would lead to lowering burden of LBW.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Anaemia is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in India. According to National Family Health Survey-4, the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Tripura was 54.4%, but the proportion of anaemic women attending antenatal clinics is not known. Objectives: To find out the proportion of anaemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Agartala Government Medical College. Materials and Method: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Agartala Government Medical College from 14^th July to 7^th August 2019 chosen by consecutive sampling. Results: Majority (69.5%) of the women were aged either ≤ 25 years, 94.5% were Hindu, 37% belonged to scheduled caste community, 58.5% from a rural area, 28% belonged to BG Prasad's class II socioeconomic status and 52.5% had only primary education. The proportion of anaemia was found to be 60%. It was 63.3% among ≤ 25 years age group and 62.9% among those who studied up to primary level. Mean (SD) Hb level was 9.9 ± 0.6 g%. Among the anaemic, 57.5% were primigravida and 45% were carrying the third trimester of pregnancy. Only 1% of the study women reportedly consumed either 200 or more number of iron tablets. Age < 25 years, (OR = 1.824, 95% CI = 1.231–2.108, P = 0.003), holding BPL or similar ration cards (OR = 3.482, 95% CI = 1.201–5.371, P = 0.031) and getting at <18 years (OR = 4.482, 95% CI = 2.317–6.451, P = 0.003) were identified as the significant predictors of anaemia during pregnancy. Conclusion: The proportion of anaemia among attendees of the antenatal clinic was higher than the state prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women. Lower literacy, lower socioeconomic status, rural residence, etc., had significant associations with anaemia in this population.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Infections after surgeries considerably increase patients' hospital stay, thereby prolonging patients' early return to productive life. At the same time, the cost of hospitalization also increases. Therefore, if objective tests can predict infections before it actually happens, then more preventive measures in the form of upgrading antibiotics can be taken which might prevent patients from developing serious infections and thereby reduce morbidity and mortality of surgery. Material and Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study to assess the efficacy of acute phase reactants C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL 6) in predicting infections in patients undergoing routine general surgical operations. A total of 74 patients were included in the study. Laparoscopic surgical procedures were not included in the study to maintain uniformity in the procedures. Data so collected were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 27 patients developed wound infections postoperatively. The mean rise in the levels of CRP and IL 6 was higher in those patients who developed postoperative wound infections. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value was found to be better with IL 6 than with CRP. Conclusion: It may be concluded that a serial estimation of CRP and IL 6 postoperatively can predict infections and may be utilized routinely in general surgical practice.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness that is seen in many parts of India. Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur in patients with scrub typhus who are not diagnosed and treated in the early stage of the disease. Such patients can have associated electrolyte abnormalities also. Objectives: This study was done to find out the incidence of occurrence of AKI and electrolyte abnormalities among patients with scrub typhus and correlate the latter with the severity of AKI. Methods: This prospective, observational study included 38 patients with scrub typhus admitted to a tertiary care hospital in south India. Serum sodium and serum potassium levels of all the patients were measured at hospital admission. Also, serum creatinine levels of patients on all days of the hospital stay was measured along with other parameters like hemoglobin, leucocyte count, and platelet count. Results: The incidence of AKI among patients with scrub typhus was 13.16%. However, electrolyte abnormalities though seen in the patients did not correlate with AKI. Conclusion: AKI is not an uncommon phenomenon in patients with scrub typhus. Electrolyte abnormalities in these patients did not correlate with the severity of AKI.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Background: Globally, the sixth most common malignancy is oral cancer, which is predominantly due to consumption of potent, proven carcinogens which includes smoking and smokeless form of tobacco and areca nut. Habits associated oral malignancies are mostly preceded by clinically asymptomatic oral lesions collectively referred under the umbrella term as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). There is a delayed presentation of oral pre cancer and oral cancer in India, as approximately 50% of patients are diagnosed at last stage since the asymptomatic pre cancer lesions are missed by oral physicians/dentists either due to lack of timely communication and habit counseling, lack of knowledge, or inappropriate attitude, putting all in a nut shell --- sheer lack of empathy and commitment towards patient care and society. Early diagnosis greatly increases patient's chances of survival. Patient awareness is much spoken in literature; however, the flip side of the coin lies within the attitude of the primary care physician. They play a pivotal role in effective communication and timely counseling of patients with OPMDs and should prevent malignant transformation to improve quality of life of patients. Poor compliance to attend for oral cancer screening links to the attitude and ignorance of the primary care physician. Palliative care concepts should be integrated to dentistry especially to oral medicine speciality. Clinical Significance: The author believes that the three most important, least explored and challenging palliative care approaches namely, “Communication,” “Counseling,” and “Compassionate care,” should be effectively practiced by a primary care physician, to improve their level of commitment to society and attitude towards patient care which can help in early diagnosis of OPMDs and decreased incidence of oral cancer, thus improving quality of life of patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a very rare tumor arising from stomach and it closely mimics gastric GIST. It usually affects the lung and found in children and young patients. The diagnosis of gastric IMT is usually done post-operatively by immunohistochemistry examination where it is seen that IMT is positive to SMA and vimentin. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice and local recurrence is usually seen in incompletely resected cases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]