An observational study on peritoneal fluid bacteriology in cases of gastrointestinal perforations, antibiotic management and outcome in tertiary care center

Background: Perforative peritonitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies in India. Perforation of the intestines results in the potential for bacterial contamination resulting in peritonitis.Methods: A total of 65 patients (January 2018 to Dec 2018) who presented with features of perforative peritonitis admitted to various surgical units of PES institute of medical sciences, Kuppam were included in this study. The following study was conducted to analyze bacteriology of peritoneal fluid, to assess antibiotic sensitivity pattern, to assess its impact on morbidity, mortality pattern in these cases.Results: Males outnumbered females with a ratio of 4.9:1. The most common site of perforation was pre-pyloric part of stomach (35.3%), followed by an appendix (33.8%). Peritoneal fluid was negative for culture (21.5%) in the majority of cases. Culture was positive for E. coli in 27.6% of cases and Klebsiella in 18.4% of cases, respectively. Majority of the isolated strains were sensitive to cephalosporins, quinolones, aminoglycosides. Most common postoperative complications were wound infection, respiratory complications, death.Conclusions: Studies have shown that delay in management and treatment will affect the prognosis. Empiric antimicrobial therapy is initiated and changed accordingly with peritoneal fluid culture sensitivity reports. This may reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality.

Rhabdomyolysis From Influenza B Infection: A Case Report

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by muscle necrosis and the release of intracellular muscle constituents into the circulation. Here, we report the case of an 18-year-old male with cerebral palsy who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection and with high-grade fever. His initial blood workup revealed an elevated creatinine and CPK of 32,000 which was suggestive of rhabdomyolysis. His worsening renal function with acidosis and hyperkalemia required initiation of hemodialysis. A respiratory viral PCR profile revealed Influenza B. He was re-started on Oseltamivir with gradual clinical improvement. Respiratory viral PCR testing should be considered in patients with features of lower respiratory tract infection and rhabdomyolysis as this can detect influenza B and other viruses which cannot be detected by doing H1N1 PCR.

Meta-analysis of genomic variants and gene expression data in schizophrenia suggests the potential need for adjunctive therapeutic interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a debilitating mental illness with a multigenic aetiology and significant heritability. Despite extensive genetic studies, the molecular aetiology has remained enigmatic. A recent systems biology study suggested a protein–protein interaction network for SZ with 504 novel interactions. The onset of psychiatric disorders is predominant during adolescence, often accompanied by subtle structural abnormalities in multiple regions of the brain. The availability of BrainSpan Atlas data allowed us to re-examine the genes present in the SZ interactome as a function of space and time. The availability of genomes of healthy centenarians and nonpsychiatric Exome Aggregation Consortium database allowed us to identify the variants of criticality. The expression of the SZ candidate genes responsible for cognition and disease onset was studied in different brain regions during particular developmental stages. A subset of novel interactors detected in the network was further validated using gene expression data of post-mortem brains of patients with psychiatric illness. We have narrowed down the list of drug targets proposed by theprevious interactome study to 10 proteins. These proteins belonging to 81 biological pathways are targeted by 34 known Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that have distinct potential for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. We also report the possibility of targeting key genes belonging to celecoxib pharmacodynamics, Gα signalling and cGMP-PKG signalling pathwaysthat are not known to be specific to SZ aetiology.

Analysis of spontaneously reported adverse drug reactions to pharmacovigilance cell of a tertiary care hospital

Background: The objective of the study was to study the clinical patterns, causality and severity of adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: Total 131 ADR forms were collected from January 2012 to December 2012 and evaluated. Patient抯 characteristics, ADR and drug characteristics, causality, severity and preventability of collected ADR were analyzed.Results: Total 131 ADR forms were evaluated. Male patient experiencing ADR were more (73, 55.7%) than female (58, 44.2%). Adult patients (12-60 years) experienced 110 (84%) ADR followed by pediatric patients (< 12 years) 11 (8.4%) and geriatric patients (>60 years) 10 (7.63%). Antimicrobial were the most common group of drugs responsible for ADR followed by NSAIDs and antipsychotic group.Conclusions: Present study shows lack of awareness among health care professionals for reporting of an ADR. Training and collaboration of health care professionals are needed for improvement in ADR reporting. Appropriate feedback from ADR reporting will help in selection of drug and promotes safer use of drugs.

Foramen of Vesalius: Prevalence, Morphology, Embryological Basis and Clinical Implications

The objectives of the present study were to find the prevalence of foramen of Vesalius and to discuss its morphology. The embryological basis of this foramen and its surgical highlights are emphasized. The study comprised 78 human adult dried skulls, which were obtained from the anatomy laboratory of our institution. The greater wing of the sphenoid bone was macroscopically observed for the presence of foramen of Vesalius. It was observed that the foramen was present in 29 skulls (37.2%). It was seen bilaterally in 13 (16.7%) skulls and unilaterally in 16 (20.5%) specimens.Anatomical literature has explained the variation of this foramen by the developmental considerations. We believe that the details of this foramen are known to have significant implications for the medical and surgical literature. The details are also enlightening to the clinical anatomists and other broad specialties of medicine.This sphenoidal emissary foramen contains a bridging vein, which connects the pterygoid venous plexus with the cavernous sinus. This communication is clinically important, since an extra cranial infection may sometimes reach the cavernous sinus through this foramen, which may lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis. Foramen of Vesalius can get injured during the trigeminal nerve block technique performed for the trigeminal neuralgia. In this procedure, the foramen can get hurt by a displaced instrument, which would end up in intracranial bleeding, which can spread the extracranal infection into the cavernous sinus. This may lead to serious disorders like Tolosa Hunt and Gradenigo syndromes. Keywords: Foramen ovale, middle cranial fossa, morphology, skull base, sphenoid bone

Prospective clinical study of surgical management of varicose veins of lower limb and its complications.

Background: Varicose veins of the lower extremities are the most common peripheral vascular disease and their treatment is as old as mankind. This prospective clinical study of surgical management of varicose vein was conducted to study the age, sex and occupational distribution of varicose veins of lower limb. Evaluations of clinical features and surgical methods of treatments that were in practice in the management of varicose veins in terms of recurrence and symptoms improvement were also studied. Methods: Two years prospective study was conducted in our institution from May 2007 to April 2009. During this period 62 cases of varicose veins of lower limbs were admitted to our hospital of which 50 cases were selected and were studies in detail. After thorough clinical examination and relevant investigation they are all subjected to surgical management. Results: Out of 50 cases studied, 21 (42%) had only long saphenous vein involvement, 7 (14%) had short saphenous vein involvement and in 5 (10%) cases both short and long saphenous system were involved. In addition to long saphenous vein involvement, incompetent perforators were present in 17 (34%) cases. Among them prominent veins and pain were the main complain in 38 (78%) patients. Itching and pigmentation were present in 4 (8%) patients. Ankle edema was present in 6 (12%) patients. Pain and ulceration of lower leg were present in 2 (4%) patients. After clinical assessment appropriate surgical procedures were followed for each of patients. These cases were followed for 3 year durations. Out of 50 patients 7 (14%) patients had recurrence of varicose vein. 7 (14%) patient complained of recurrence of pain after 2 years of surgery but no appearance of varicose vein. One patient (2%) complained of persistence of pigmentation after surgery. 2 (4%) patients complained of persistence of ankle edema and there was complete healing of ulcer which was present earlier. Conclusions: Commonest age group of varicose vein of lower limb was 20 to 40 years. Definite relationship exists between the occupation and the incidence of varicose veins. The patients were in the occupation which required standing for long time had the higher chances of varicose vein. Severity of the symptoms is not proportional to the duration of varicose veins. The involvement of long saphenous vein is more common than the short saphenous vein. Since our study shows very low percentage of recurrence and symptoms related to varicose vein the surgical line of treatment is an ideal treatment for varicose vein. For incompetent perforators, sub-fascial ligation appears to be a better method of treatment than extra fascial ligation. Because in the former all the perforators could be visualized and dealt with, while in the latter there were chances of missing one or two perforators. If cases are selected properly with good operative technique the complications are negligible

Prospective study of comparison between the ultrasonography with the plain radiography in the diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum of hollow viscus perforation.

Background: This study was conducted to compare the plain radiography with the abdominal ultrasonography in the detection of pneumoperitoneum in suspected cases of hollow viscus perforation. Methods: A total number of 60 patients with suspected hollow viscus perforation were studied. All the patients had undergone plain radiography (Erect x-ray abdomen and left lateral decubitus views), ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy. The investigational findings were compared with that of laparotomy findings. They were compared in terms of their sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of a positive and negative results and their percentage of false positive and false negative results. Results: Of the 60 patients, who underwent laparotomy, 57 had hollow viscus perforation. Out of 3 non-hollow viscus perforated cases 2 had appendicular perforation and 1 had mesenteric lymphadenitis. In the diagnosis, ultrasonography vs. radiography, their respective parameters were sensitivity (73.7% vs. 80.7%), specificity (66.7% each), predictive value of a positive test (97.7% vs. 97.9%), predictive value of a negative test (11.8% vs. 15.4%), percentage of false negative (26.3% vs. 19.3%) and percentage of false positive (33.3% each). Conclusion: In detection of pneumoperitoneum plain radiography appears to be more sensitive than ultrasonography with comparable specificity. Ultrasonographic finding of pneumoperitoneum is considered as an added finding.

The Anterior Transverse Ligament of Knee: Morphological and Morphometric Study in Formalin Fixed Human Fetuses

The objective was to study the morphology and morphometry of transverse ligament of the knee joint in south Indian population. The present study included 53 formalin fixed foetuses which were obtained from the department of Anatomy. There were 106 knee joints which were available for the present study. A vernier caliper of 0.02 mm accuracy was used to measure the length of the transverse ligament. Among our specimens, transverse ligament of the knee was observed in 87.7% of the cases. It was observed bilaterally in 81.1% of cases. The double transverse ligaments were not observed in any of our specimens. The mean length of the transverse ligament measured 3.7 ± 1.5 mm. The statistically significant difference was not observed between the right and left sided transverse ligaments or gender with regard to its length (Student's t test; p > 0.05). The morphological and morphometric data related to the transverse ligament of the knee in human foetuses have not been reported. The present study provides additional information on the morphology and morphometry of the transverse ligament in human foetuses. We believe that the data of the present study will provide support to the foetal anatomy, concerning the surgical procedures and arthroscopy of the knee joint. The findings are enlightening not only for Orthopedic Surgeons, but also for the Morphologists and Embryologists.

An unusual foreign body tooth brush in esophagus: a case report.

We report a rare case of accidental toothbrush swallowing by a normal adult which was successfully removed by rigid esophagoscope. A 25 year young man presented to casualty of KIMS, Hubli, with ingestion of toothbrush accidentally half an hour before. Patient’s general physical examination and systemic examination was normal. Oral cavity, oropharynx and indirect laryngoscopic findings were normal. An emergency upper GI Endoscopy was done and foreign body was confirmed to be present at 35 cm from upper incisor teeth. Foreign body was removed by rigid esophagoscope under GA. Otolaryngologist is the most common medical faculty consulted for management of aero digestive foreign bodies. Toothbrush swallowing in normal adults is a rare accident. Most of them are found in esophagus and spontaneous passage is unknown and hence the need for early removal.

Prospective study of fine needle aspiration cytology of clinically palpable breast lump with histopathological correlation.

Background and objectives: This study was conducted to compare the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in differentiating the benign and malignant lesions of palpable breast lump with histopathological correlation and also to study the accuracy of the needle tip localizing the tumor during fine needle aspiration cytology procedure. Methods: Two years prospective study was conducted in our institution and in that 100 patients underwent fine needle aspiration cytology of the palpable breast lump after thorough physical examination. The cytological diagnosis was classified in to 3 groups benign, suspicious and malignant. After this reporting all the patients were later subjected to open/excision biopsy and its histopathological confirmation. Later diagnostic accuracy of cytology reporting was compared with that of histopathology. Accuracy of the needle tip in localizing the tumor in fine needle aspiration cytology was also studied by comparing the normal glandular cell aspirate with tumor cell aspirate. Repeat cytology was carried out before open/excision biopsy if the pathologist reports the cytology slide as “inadequate”. Results: We had accuracy rate of 100% for benign lesion and 93.10% for malignant lesion with false negative rate of 6.9% and false positive rate of zero with fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of palpable breast lump. The overall sensitivity of fine needle aspiration in diagnosing the palpable breast lump is 93.10%, specificity is 100%, positive predictive value is 100% and negative predictive value is 90.47%. Since inadequate sampling rate is 2% in our study, the accuracy rate of needle tip in localizing the tumor in fine needle aspiration cytology is 98%. Conclusion: Since our diagnostic accuracy rate and predictive values are very high and comparable to any other published series it can be advised that the patients in which fine needle aspiration cytology is unequivocally diagnostic for cancer can be managed directly by mastectomy (or any other definitive therapy). A diagnosis of suspicious for cancer must be confirmed by an open biopsy or intraoperative frozen section or rapid hemotoxyline and eosine staining (depending on availability). Since the accuracy of the needle tip in localizing the lump is very high (98%), the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology can be increased by performing repeat aspiration on the lump for which previously being reported as inadequate or unsatisfactory sampling before advising for open biopsy.

An anomalous left external jugular vein draining into right subclavian vein: a case report

Knowledge of the varying drainage patterns of superficial veins of head & neck, in particular, jugular veins are not only important for anatomists but also for the surgeons operating at this level and to clinicians in general. The variations are important for interventional radiologists too who perform transjugular procedures, such as port implantations and the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or selective venous samplings. Results of recent studies report that the superficial veins, especially the external jugular vein (EJV), is been increasingly utilized for cannulation to conduct diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We report a very unusual presentation of external jugular vein on left side of an embalmed male cadáver. Embryological evaluations of the anomaly was done and compared with available literature which showed that the observed variation is rare.

El conocimiento de los diferentes patrones de drenaje de las venas superficiales de la cabeza y cuello, en particular, las venas yugulares no sólo son importantes para anatomistas, sino también para los cirujanos que operan a este nivel y para los médicos en general. Las variaciones son importantes también para los radiólogos intervencionistas, quienes realizan procedimientos transyugulares, así como implantaciones portales y portosistémicas transyugulares intrahepáticas o derivación venosa selectiva. Resultados de estudios recientes informan que la venas superficiales, especialmente la vena yugular externa, es cada vez más utilizada para la canulación en diagnósticos y procedimientos terapéuticos. Se reporta una muy inusual variación anatómica de la vena yugular externa del lado izquierdo, presente en un cadáver embalsamado de sexo masculino. Fueron realizadas evaluaciones embriológicas de la anomalía y se compararon con la literatura mostrando que se trata de una variación rara.

Aspirin resistance.

Aspirin reduces the odds of serious atherothrombotic vascular events and death in a broad category of high risk patients by about one quarter. The term 'aspirin resistance' has been used to describe not only an absence of the expected pharmacologic effects of aspirin on platelets but also poor clinical outcomes, such as recurrent vascular events, in patients treated with aspirin. Various factors such as genetic, nonadherence, variable response to different doses, co-morbid conditions and drug interactions are responsible for aspirin resistance. Many methods, with their limitations, are available to measure the effects on platelets. Despite treatment failures, aspirin remains the single most cost-effective drug for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic disease. To optimize its clinical effectiveness, clinicians should be aware of the potential causes of aspirin treatment failure, prescribe aspirin in appropriate doses, and encourage patients to take aspirin, stop smoking, and avoid regular use of NSAIDs.

Coexistence of an axillary arch muscle (Latissimocondyloideus Muscle) with an Unusual Axillary Artery Branching: case report and review

RESUMEN: La axila es un compartimiento piramidal relativamente pequeño, localizado entre la pared torácica y el brazo, que contiene músculos y estructuras neurovasculares. Estas estructuras son importantes desde los puntos de vista clínico y morfológico. En este artículo reportamos la presencia de una variación del músculo latisimocondíleo y de la arteria axilar, la cual se encuentra debajo del músculo mencionado. La variación es única en su tipo. La morfología y el significado clínico del músculo son discutidos.