A case of pituitary adenoma presenting with normal hormone levels

We report a case of pituitary adenoma with normal hormone levels in a 34-year-old female. She presented to OP with headache, milky discharge from nipples and secondary amenorrhea with transient loss of vision. Patient had hyperprolactinemia with normal levels of all other pituitary hormones. MRI revealed space occupying lesion in sellar and suprasellar region. Neurological consultation suggested Rathke抯 cyst/ craniopharyngioma/ macroadenoma. Excised lesion was diagnosed as pituitary adenoma during histopathological analysis.

An interesting case of COVID induced multi system inflammatory syndrome

COVID-19 derives from infection with Coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2] is associated with high morbidity and mortality. These hazardous impacts are due to the release of a storm of pro-inflammatory cytokines and thrombogenic agents. Increasing evidences about multi organ involvement in COVID infection have started pouring in, where patients who either recovered from or had mild symptoms after COVID-19, exhibit diffuse multi organ related symptoms. We describe a case of a 23-year-old male who presented to emergency room with intermittent high-grade fever, sudden onset of breathlessness, giddiness and weakness. His COVID RTPCR was negative. He was unvaccinated but his covid antibodies were increased multifold. Further examination revealed active multi organ involvement which suggestive for multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). With appropriate diagnosis and treatment patient improved clinically over a course of 3 weeks and discharged and is under regular follow up.

Association of anemia and hypoalbuminemia with mortality among patients undergoing routine hemodialysis

Background:The progressivity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with several clinical conditions which contribute to high morbidity and mortality, including anemia and hypoalbuminemia. This study aimed to assess the association of anemia and hypoalbuminemia with the mortality of CKD patients undergoing routine hemodialysis (HD) in Siloam Hospital Kupang.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on Indonesia renal registry data system and hospital medical records. We studied the following variables: gender, age, etiology of CKD, vascular access of HD, and prevalence of anemia and hypoalbuminemia. All analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22.Results:There were 128 patients enrolled in this study. Of the total patients who died, most of them died within the first 3 months since the initiation of HD (62.1%). The majority of patients had anemia (67.2%) and hypoalbuminemia (69.5%). The bivariate analysis showed that anemia (p value=0.192), and hypoalbuminemia (p value=0.336) were notstatistically significant associated with mortality among patients undergoing routine HD.Conclusions:Anemia and hypoalbuminemia are not statistically associated with mortality outcome of CKD patients in Siloam Hospital Kupang. However, these conditions may still have prognostic importance for CKD patients undergoing routine HD. Further studies with larger size of cohort and longer period of time are warranted.

Analysis of the relation between elevated neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, and erythrocyte sedimentation ratein Helicobacter pyloripositive chronic gastritis patients

Background:Aim of the study was to analyse the relation between elevated neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)positive chronic gastritis patients, as compared to the control group containing H. pylorinegative chronic gastritis patients.Methods:Chronic gastritis patients were segregated in equal numbers based on H. pyloristatus. NLR was calculated, and ESR noted from the observations, comparison was done between the control and the study groups.Results:A total of 100 patients were included in the study. The 50 each from the control and study group. An observation of elevation in NLR and ESR in H. pyloripositive chronic gastritis patients, as compared to the control group was seen. With an average NLR of 2.43 and 1.43, in the control and study group, respectively.Conclusions:Raise in NLR in H. pyloripositive chronic gastritis patients with an associated raise in ESR suggests, the severity of the infection and the need for eradication and prevent complications

Apoplexy in pregnancy

Headache during pregnancy is a common complaint in the emergency room. In pregnancy, pituitary disorders include both hormone active and hormone inactive tumors. Apoplexy may be the first clinical presentation of an underlying pituitary tumor. Red flag signs of presenting symptoms, to be assessed for identifying life-threatening etiology. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been passed for pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is the gold standard investigation. The mainstay of management is the initiation of steroids. Transnasal transsphenoidal removal of the tumor is the definitive treatment that requires a multidisciplinary approach. The indications of surgery are the presence of symptoms due to compression and endocrine abnormalities; however, gestational period should be taken into consideration. We report a case of headache in antenatal women who presented to our emergency room diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy managed with steroids and early surgery, and discharged with good clinical outcome. We recommend a methodical approach to common symptoms that assist in diagnosing forgotten etiology.

A case of Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome associated with portal hypertension

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant vascular disorder, characterised by multiple telangiectasesof the skin and mucous membranes with recurrent nasal and gastrointestinal bleedings and arteriovenous malformations of various organ systems. It is also called as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The occurrence of telangiectases in the stomach and small bowel can result in chronic bleeding and anaemia. We report a rare case of 39 year old female with Osler Weber Rendu syndrome associated with portal hypertension. She had recurrent nasal and gastrointestinal bleeding, and presented with complaints of progressive dyspnea NYHA class III. On further evaluation she was found to have portal hypertension, which is a rare association.

Scorpion sting bite with intracerebral bleed:a case report

Scorpion sting can present with multiple clinical presentations ranging from local swelling to cardiogenic shock. Scorpion sting affects many organ which can cause myocarditis, cardiogenic shock, acute renal dysfunction and respiratory collapse. Central nervous system involvement can cause encephalopathy, seizures, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and ischemic stroke. Cerebral bleed is a rare presentation of scorpion sting.Here we present a case of scorpion sting with unusual central nervous system (CNS) presentation of gangliocapsular bleed.

Male Sjogren抯 syndrome presenting with respiratory paralysis due to hypokalemia

Respiratory paralysis due to hypokalemia is a rare entity in Sjogren抯syndrome. Apart from distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and hypokalemia the clinical symptoms like dryness of eye, mouth and parotid swelling were absent in our case. Due to this rarity in this pattern of presenting the symptoms, the differential diagnosis of autoimmune disease is often missed and it will eventually end up in a fatal condition. Hypokalemia causes muscle weakness gradually and there will be sudden onset of respiratory paralysis which could be dangerous to the individual. Although there is the presence of rare combination of symptoms clinical history, blood gas analysis, urine analysis and ANA profile will help in the appropriate diagnosis. Herewe report a rare case of male Sjogren抯 syndrome presenting with respiratory paralysis due to hypokalemia.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Enhancing Resilience and Well-being of Spouses of Soldiers

Background: The Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a reputed intervention programme which employs an active, purposive and non-judgemental awareness of experiences. The present study aims to evaluate relative efficiency of MBCT in improving resilience and well-being of Spouses of deployed military soldiers. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was adopted with a non-randomized single group pre-test post- test design. The sample of the study comprised of N=53 female spouses of soldiers of Indian army with age range of 28-45 years. The Experimental Group (Mage= 38.35; SD= ±4.27) received MBCT sessions for 8 weeks. The participants completed measures of Resilience, Psychological well-being, Hardiness, HEXACO personality model and Social Support. Results: Post-test results showed that the experimental group participants scored higher in the overall resilience, certain domains of psychological well-being i.e. Personal Growth, Positive relations and Purpose in life in the post-intervention stage when compared to their baseline scores. Hardiness has significant positive relationship with resilience and purpose in life construct of well-being.. Conclusion: Spouses of soldiers who face a lot of separation from their partners amongst other military spouses be given an opportunity to use mindfulness skills in their practical life.

Surgical emergencies, onco-surgeries and colorectal surgeries in COVID-19 pandemic: practical advice based on the global experience and at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre

The existing coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is challenging healthcare systems at global level. We provide a practical strategy to reform pathways of emergency elective onco-surgery and colorectal surgery in the COVID- 19 pandemic. The novelists, from areas affected by the COVID-19, thought to outline the key-points to be conferred. Responsibilities were allotted, concerning specific characteristics of surgical emergencies, onco-surgery and colorectal surgery during the pandemic, including the administrative management of the catastrophe in India. The endorsements were collected and summarized. During the swift spread of COVID-19, it remains thoughtful to halt non-cancer procedures and prioritize surgical emergencies. Endoscopy, proctological procedures have to be completed selectively. With colorectal emergencies, a conservative approach is recommended. Detailed procedures should be followed when operating on COVID-19 patients, using committed personal protective equipment and adhering to specific rules, containing minimally invasive surgery. These guidelines summarize the strict instruction of entry/ exit into theatres and operating block as well as advice on performing procedures carefully to decrease risk of contracting the virus. It is likely that restructuring of health system is required, at central, state, and district levels. A description of the strategy adopted in Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College Hospital, Kolhapur is provided. Evidence on the management of patients requiring surgery for surgical emergencies, onco-surgery and colorectal conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic is presently deficient. Healthcare professionals have succeeded with high volumes of surgical patients during the pandemic, could be useful to alleviate some risks and decrease exposure to other patients, public and healthcare staff.

Umbolith with umbilical abscess and omphalitis: a rare case

Umbolith is a relatively rare entity under normal circumstances, especially in the urban scenario. Usually seen in obese individuals with a deep and retracted umbilicus due to constant accumulation of sebum/keratin leading to stone formation. It’s usually covert until complicated by secondary infection (abscess) or ulceration. Sinus was laid open and healthy granulation was seen within 1st week. Pus culture sensitivity suggestive of heavy staph growth and antibiotics were given accordingly. Appendicitis was treated conservatively.

Laser-ablation-synthesized nanoparticles and animal cell lines studies

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is one of the most devastating viral pathogens, which causes high economic losses in theonion yield. Physiological and genetic changes are associated with the appearance of chlorotic symptom in the infectedplants. IYSV-N gene sequence analysis revealed that it shared sequence identity of 99% with other Egyptian isolates, atboth genomic and proteomic levels. In addition, N protein sequence with computational examination indicated many motifsinvolved and played different roles in the virus activity and its regulation and stability were detected. In the DifferentialDisplay-Polymerase Chain Reaction (DD-PCR) study, a highly up-regulated gene at 15 days post-biological IYSV inoculation (dpi) was selected for sequencing. Based on the sequencing results that showed the identified gene was coding for achloroplast-related gene, degenerate specific primers were designed for Real-Time PCR analysis. A significant change inthe transcription level of the chloroplast-related gene after 15 dpi suggested that some IYSV proteins interact and/orregulate with chloroplast proteins and this finding supports the DD-PCR results. At 20 dpi, the ultrathin sections showedthat IYSV infection caused many dramatic chloroplasts malformations. The malformation appeared as chloroplast brokenenvelope with the presence of numerous spherical particles inside it and chloroplasts with long stromule. Our findingsindicated that IYSV interrupts normal chloroplast functions, as a part of the onion defence response, however many crucialfactors remain to be elucidated and further studies are needed at both biological and molecular levels.

Limb Reconstruction Using Masquelet Technique in the Treatment of Post-traumatic Compound Tibial Fractures with Bone Loss

Introduction: Traumatic segmental bone defects of leg are difficult problem to manage with significant long-term morbidity.Historically, due to difficulty in managing segmental bone defects, amputation was the preferred treatment. Later over the lasthalf-century, limb salvage was done using various techniques such as vascularized fibular grafts, acute limb shortening, externalfixator application, and filling the defect with autograft or allograft. More recently, Masquelet described the use of cement spacerapplication within this defect and staged bone grafting within the induced biomembrane formed around the spacer as a potentialtreatment strategy to manage these bone defects.Method: This study describes the clinical, radiological, and functional outcome in 20 patients with traumatic bone loss of up to5 cm managed using Masquelet technique.Results: The outcome was analyzed using Association for the study and application of methods of ilizarov (ASAMI) scorewhich showed excellent results in 10 patients, good in 5 patients, fair in 2 patients, and poor in 3 patients.Conclusion: We conclude that the induced membrane technique can be a valuable addition to the armamentarium of limbreconstruction procedures in patients with small bone defects with or without soft tissue injury.

Wonder drug for worms: A review of three decades of ivermectin use in dermatology

Ivermectin has evolved over the last three decades from being a veterinary “blockbuster” drug to a panacea for nematodal infestation and ectoparasitic diseases in humans.[1] This oral drug has breathed fresh life in the management of ectoparasitic infections which was conventionally based only on topical medications. In this review, we discuss the intriguing journey of this drug in dermatology.

A seven year experience in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign diseases in a single unit of tertiary care centre: a retrospective case study

Background: Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure performed worldwide by surgeons with varied training. It is the experience and the skills by which a surgeon performs, the indication of surgery and the extent of surgery which determines the outcome and the complication rates.Method: This study is a retrospective study performed from January 2012 to December 2018 when a total of 170 patients underwent total thyroidectomy via kocher’s incision for benign diseases with clinically in hypothyroid state at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi in a single unit of a tertiary care hospital.Results: The male: female ratio was 1:7.09 with average age of patients being 40years. The overall complication rate was 18.82% (32 patients). Postoperative transient hypocalcaemia being the most common complication. There was no case of permanent hypocalcaemia. There was no injury to any nerve (recurrent or superior laryngeal). Transient recurrent laryngeal paresis was noted in 4(2.35%) which resolved with conservative management. Complications like wound infection, sympathetic chain injury were not noted. The characteristic feature of this study was five cases of giant secondary retrosternal goitre which had average weight of greater than 500 grams which were operated using kocher’s incision. The average weight of other 165 patients was 70grams +/- 12 grams. There were no major post-operative complications except for post-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis and seroma formation which was evacuated after 3 weeks of surgery.Conclusion: Hence, from this it is concluded that it is the surgical experience and skills of the surgeon which make total thyroidectomy a safe procedure providing permanent cure with a low post-operative morbidity risk even with large sized retrosternal thyroid glands which can be operated via neck incision.

Rare cause of pathological fracture in adults as hypophosphatemic rickets

Hypophosphatemic rickets is a disorder of defective bone minerlization due to defect in renal phosphate handling process. It is characterised by increased phosphate excretion accompanied by increased phosphatonins like fibroblast growth factor 23. It can be hereditary form of X linked, autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive type of hypophosphatemic rickets. It is associated with low serum phosphorus, normal serum calcium, inappropriately low to normal vitamin D level. Correct identification of these disorders is important for determining therapy. Early diagnosis and management prevent subsequent complication of the disease.

Seroprevalence of syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus patients

Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by, Treponema pallidum. Syphilis facilitates the transmission and acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and causes transient increase in the viral load. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are 3-5 times more likely to acquire HIV infection, if exposed to the virus through sexual contact. Aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Syphilis in HIV patients.Methods: A total of 920 blood samples were collected from HIV patients attending ART (Antiretroviral therapy) centre and were tested for Syphilis by using Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination Assay (TPHA). A total of 100 HIV non-reactive individuals were taken as a control group.Results: Out of 920 samples, 102 (11.1%) were positive for Syphilis. Out of 102 Syphilis seropositive patients, males (76.5%) were more commonly affected in age group of 21-40 years. Both RPR and TPHA were reactive in 46% of cases and only TPHA reactive in 53.9% of cases. Out of 100 HIV non-reactive patients, 5% of patients are reactive for Syphilis.Conclusions: In the present study, prevalence of Syphilis was more in HIV patients compared to HIV non-reactive persons. Persons with HIV infection acquired through sexual route should be screened for Syphilis by one nonspecific test along with specific test to confirm the diagnosis. This will help in proper management of the patients having Syphilis and HIV co-infection.

Maternofetal outcomes in early versus late onset pre-eclampsia: a comparative study

Background: Preeclampsia is being increasingly recognized as two different entities: early-onset preeclampsia occurring at less than 34 weeks of gestation, and late-onset disease occurring at 34 or more weeks of gestation. Early-onset and late-onset pre-eclampsia are found to have different implications for the mother and neonate. The aim of this study is to compare the risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes in early (<34 weeks) versus late (≥34weeks) onset preeclampsia.Methods: 208 patients diagnosed with pre-eclampsia in Chettinad Academy of Research and Education over a period of three years (From January 2014 to December 2016) were retrospectively studied. Patients were classified as early onset and late onset pre-eclampsia based on the gestational age of onset. Data on risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes were collected and analyzed using Chi Square and Fisher’s test and compared.Results: The overall preeclampsia rate was 6.3%. Early onset and late onset were 34.6% and 65.3% respectively and the rate increased with increasing gestational age.35.3% of patients with late onset preeclampsia and 55.6% patients of early onset type required more than one drug which is a statistically significant difference. Proteinuria more than 3gm/l/day was significantly more in late onset preeclampsia than in early onset preeclampsia. 55.5% of patients with early onset pre-eclampsia required MgSO4 when compared to 17.4%. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of caesarean section (61.1% vs 73.5%). Altered coagulation profile was significantly more in early onset preeclampsia (11.1%). The incidence of oligohydramnios, SGA and low APGAR at 5 minutes of birth were significantly high in early onset pre-eclampsia when compared to late onset type.Conclusions: Patients with early onset pre-eclampsia are found to have significantly higher rates of specific maternal and fetal morbidity when compared to the late onset type.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of oral rehydration therapy among mothers coming to tertiary care centre

Background: Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children. Correct knowledge regarding oral rehydration therapy (ORT) helps prevent morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers of under-five children regarding ORT and home management of diarrhoea.Methods: Study period from December 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2017, total of 200 mothers were enrolled in this study. The data was entered in Microsoft excel sheet and percentages were calculated.Results: 95% of mothers were aware about ORS. ORS was given by parents on own in16%, 55% were advised by doctor. Only 60% knew how to prepare ORS correctly. About 45.7% had used bottle to give ORS and 55.3% used cup and spoon. About 67.9% had knowledge of quantity of ORS to be given during diarrhoea episode. Exclusive breast feeding was practised in 86% of mothers till 6 months of age. Misconceptions about the use of ORS were seen in 60% and more among illiterates. About 21% mothers' felt ORS should be stopped if diarrhoea continues. Only 5% of mothers felt ORS can be given even if child has vomiting. About 9% mothers felt no fluids should be given during diarrhoea.Conclusions: Mothers' knowledge and attitude on use of ORS in diarrhoea need to be improved.