ABSTRACT
Healthcare Centres are where the patients get treated, but most of the time, we ignore that it is also a major source of Infections, to both patients and visitors. In India, many hospitals don抰 allow patients & visitors to enter with their Footwear on, whereas, Doctors & other Health Care Workers can. There are no specific guidelines for visitors and patients for wearing Footwear in India. Also, the Indian National Guidelines of infection prevention & control doesn抰 provide sufficient protocol regarding the importance of wearing Footwear for patients and visitors in Healthcare Centres. This article focuses on finding the risk of acquiring Infection & transmission of microorganisms when a patient walks barefoot within the hospital.
ABSTRACT
Background: Depression at any age needs attention. Geriatric population being most vulnerable, are more prone to many morbidities, physically and mentally. Geriatric depression is one among them which needs prompt attention. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of geriatric depression and association of depression with various sociodemographic factors.Methods: A cross sectional study carried out among 300 geriatric subjects. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data.Results: The prevalence of depression was found to be 44.4%. Female gender, marital status, family type was found to be positively associated with depression.Conclusions: Geriatric depression in our study is found to be on little higher side. Lifestyle modifications and support from family members are needed to improve the quality of life of these people.
ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic kidney disease is a potential threat of the 21st century, afflicting more than 50 million people all over the world. Cardiovascular diseases particularly increased left ventricular mass accounts for 40 – 50% deaths of kidney disease patients. Objective of the study: To find the factors which correlate with left ventricular hypertrophy in kidney disease patients. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was done on 75 chronic renal failure patients for a period of 6 months. Variables like proteinuria, creatinine clearance, anemia, blood pressure, serum albumin and other blood parameters were compared with left ventricular mass. Results: Of all the variables, the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and the increased amount of protein excretion affected the left ventricular mass index (p < 0.01). The mean GFR was 25 ml/min and the mean proteinuria > 3.5 g in females with left ventricular hypertrophy (>110 g/m2 ). With the cut-off for left ventricular hypertrophy in male > 134 g/m2 , the mean GFR was 20 ml/min and the mean proteinuria more than 7 g/L. Conclusion: Measures to decrease the amount of proteinuria and the rate of decline in glomerular filtration rate will prevent significant cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease patients.
ABSTRACT
Background: Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances are common in critically ill patients. Early appreciation and appropriate interventions to maintain this internal milieu are lifesaving and cost effective for the patients. Objective of the study: To analyze the effects of electrolyte and acid-base disturbances on hospital mortality in critically ill patients. Materials and methods: A retrospective case control study was done on 100 patients in the intensive care unit of our hospital for six months. Results: The incidences of electrolyte and acid-base disturbances were higher in non-survivors than survivors. The serum potassium value had both clinical (4.318 in the survivors vs. 4.815 in the nonsurvivors) and statistical significance (p=0.0298) between the survivor and non-survivor group. Arterial blood HCO3 (0.0304), CO2 (P=0.0396) and pH (P=0.015) at admission were statistically different between the two groups. The incidence rates of hyperkalemia (65%), respiratory acidosis (62.5%) and mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis (65%) were higher in the non-survivor group. Conclusion: Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances hyperkalemia, respiratory acidosis and mixed respiratory with metabolic acidosis are highly associated with hospital mortality