ABSTRACT
Background: There is need to evaluate influence of weather changes on blood pressure in human population that has often been ignored in clinical practice guidelines. Objectives: Present study was planned to find the seasonal variation of blood pressure. Methods: Seasonal variation in blood pressure was examined in 1081 participants of age 18 years and over from both genders, 540 from rural and 541 from urban practice area of Department of Community Medicine of tertiary care teaching hospital of Ludhiana. Information was obtained on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and socio-economic status followed by clinical examination. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist and hip ratio, Body Mass Index. Blood pressure was recorded and classified based on JNC VII criteria. Data was obtained on four different seasons (winter, summer, monsoon and post-monsoon) as defined by Indian meteorological department. Results: Present study showed that there is significant increase in the blood pressure in study population during winter and significant fall in summer in both systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) irrespective of age, sex, socioeconomic status, occupation. The variation in SBP between summer and winter season was maintained across all the age groups except in elderly where maximal difference was observed in monsoon - summer seasons. Mean SBP and DBP were higher in 41 to 50 years and more than 60 year age group; females have a higher increase in both mean SBP and DBP. Advancement in age and females gender confirmed more significant changes in blood pressure across ambient temperatures. Conclusion: Our study showed that climatic changes influence the blood pressure recordings and should also be considered for management of hypertension.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection occurs predominantly by the faeco oral route. Cases of transmission through blood transfusion have also been reported. Currently, blood donors in India are not screened for HEV. So the present study has been undertaken to know the sero-prevalence of HEV and to determine the status of endemicity of this infection. The aim of this study is to determine the sero-prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Method: 551 blood donors’ samples analysed for presence of Anti HEV IgG using 3rd generation HEV ELISA kit. The serum samples were also tested for detection of HIV, HBsAg, HCV infections, Syphilis and Malaria. Results: The study included 551 donors, of which 99% (546) were males. The sero-positivity for anti-HEV IgG antibodies was 10.7%, the maximum sero-positivity being in the age group 51-65. All the donors were non- reactive for HIV, HCV, HBsAg infections, Syphilis and Malaria. Conclusion: High Prevalence of IgG antibodies (10.7%) shows that HEV is endemic in our region. However, more studies with confirmatory assays need to be done before making it a mandatory screening test for blood donors.
ABSTRACT
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) usually presents with the heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or up to 5 months post-partum period, without any underlying cause of cardiac failure. This is a hypercoagulable state associated with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, thereby causing thromboembolic complications. We report a case of 2 months post-partum female who presented with left lower limb arterial thrombotic occlusion which turned out to be secondary to embolization from a large LV thrombus resulting from PPCM. The present case is an unusual presentation of PPCM that usually presents with a clinical feature of cardiac failure.
ABSTRACT
Background Caroli's disease is a rare congenital disorder characterized by segmental, non obstructive, cystic dilatation of intra hepatic bile ducts. It belongs to the spectrum of fibropolycystic liver disease which results from in utero malformation of ductal plate. Two forms of this disorder have been described, the less common 'Pure' form involves only the large intrahepatic bile ducts and the more 'complex' form is associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF), and is known as Caroli's Syndrome. Case A young female presented with features of cholangitis and in addition to all the routine investigations, non invasive imaging in the form of ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was done. Diagnosis Final diagnosis of focal Caroli's disease with cholangitis was made on clinical and imaging findings. Treatment Conservative treatment was given and patient referred to gastro surgery department for partial hepatectomy. Conclusion An early recognition of Caroli's disease with non invasive imaging can bring down the morbidity.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis C is increasingly found to be a significant etiological agent causing liver disease in India. Prevention is the best safeguard against this silent killer but a major obstacle has been the low awareness. Attitudes and awareness of general population can play a key role in prevention of spread of infection. Aims: The objectives of the present survey were to assess the knowledge and attitudes of general population vis a vis risk factors, route of transmission, vaccination and treatment of Hepatitis-C virus (HCV). Study Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire based study. Place and Duration of Study: South west border region of Northern Indian State of Punjab from 2012-2014. Methodology: This random survey was conducted in south west border region population of northern Indian state of Punjab. Results: Overall, 24.2%, 29.2% and 46.6% respondents had good, fair and poor awareness levels respectively. Conclusion: The study highlights and calls for a targeted and effective HCV awareness, by innovative means and on an emergency basis, to control the spread of this silent killer.