Awareness and recommendation of home blood pressure measurement among physicians in India: Results from Asia HBPM survey 2020

Background: Awareness of hypertension and blood pressure (BP) control rates are still low in India. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is recognized as a valuable tool to diagnose and support hypertension treatment including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases(CVD) and target organ damage. We explored the prevailing knowledge and current recommendation of HBPM in daily practice by physicians in India. Materials and methods: As part of Asia HBPM Survey 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare providers from India between June 2020 to June 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 37 questions and sub-questions related to HBPM awareness and recommendations to patients. Results: A total of 832 physicians participated in the survey. Almost 83% were male, whereas age, specialty and workplace were well distributed. 31.3% of physicians instruct their patients to measure their BP before taking antihypertensive drugs, while around 30% of physicians gave no instructions. The reference value of hypertension diagnosis amongst the physicians was substantially low based on clinic BP (34.4%) and home BP (15.1%). Among physicians who manage hypertensive patients, nearly 88% recommend HBPM to their patients, however, only 34.9% of their patients own HBPM device and 30.4% of the patients measure their own BP at home. Conclusion: The survey reveals that HBPM instructions to the patients are either lacking or not well aligned with the local hypertension guidelines which may have led to the low HBPM use among patients. Clear and practical educational material and sessions are needed to improve the understanding of HBPM amongst physicians

Effect of Anti?Platelet Therapy on Peri?Operative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Off?Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to review the effect of the pre?operative use of clopidogrel and aspirin on peri?operative bleeding, blood product transfusion, and resource utilization after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Materials and Methods: A total of 1200 patients who underwent off?pump CABG (OPCABG) between 2010 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1: discontinued aspirin and clopidogrel 6 days prior to surgery (n = 468), group 2: discontinued both drugs 3 to 5 days prior to surgery (n = 621), and group 3: discontinued both drugs 2 days prior to surgery (n = 111). The bleeding pattern and blood product transfusion were studied and compared between the groups. Patients having history of other drugs affecting the coagulation profile, other organ dysfunction, on?pump CABG, and the combined procedure were excluded from the study. Results: Group 2 patients had a higher rate of bleeding and a reduced mean value of hemoglobin (Hb) as compared to other groups. The same results were seen in blood and blood product transfusion. Patients of group 2 and group 3 were associated with higher blood loss in terms of drainage at 12 and 24 hours. Post?operatively, this was statistically significant. Re?exploration was statisitically significant in group 3 patients (9.01%) than in group 2 (2.58%) and group 1 (1.07%) patients. Conclusion: The pre?operative use of clopidogrel and aspirin in patients undergoing OPCABG showed limited clinical benefits; however, its use significantly increased the risk of bleeding and blood transfusion, thus increasing morbidity and resource utilization. Hence, clopidogrel and aspirin should be stopped at least 6 days prior to surgery.

Vascular Access Complications in Patients Undergoing Veno-Arterial ECMO and Their Impact on Survival in Patients With Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: A Retrospective 8-Year Study

Introduction:Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is well-recognized treatment modality for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Uncomplicated cannulation is a prerequisite and basis for achieving a successful outcome in ECMO. Vascular access is obtained either by surgical cut-down. Common vascular access complications are bleeding and limb ischemia. Objective: To evaluate cannulation technique, the incidence of vascular complications, and their impact on the outcome. Methods: A retrospective data analysis conducted on 95 patients receiving ECMO from 2013 to 2020 was done. The patients were divided into two groups: no vascular access complications (non-VAC group) and vascular access complications (VAC group). The groups were compared related to the hospital and ICU stays and blood transfusion. Results: The patients in both groups were demographically and clinically comparable. The Non-VAC group had 75 patients, whereas the VAC group had a total of 20 patients. The main complication observed in the VAC group was bleeding from the cannulation site which required more blood transfusion than the non-VAC group (6.8 ± 1.02 vs 4.2 ± 1.26). Limb ischemia was another complication seen in the VAC group (4.2%, n = 4). Two patients had delayed bleeding after decannulation. The overall average length of stay in the hospital was statistically similar in both the groups (22 days in the VAC group vs 18 days in the non-VAC group), but the average ICU stay was more in the VAC group compared to the non-VAC group (18 days vs 12.06 days). Conclusion: Bleeding and limb ischemia are the important vascular access site complications, which increase blood transfusion requirements, ICU stay, and overall hospital stay.

A study of serum albumin levels in acute coronary syndrome and its correlation with clinical outcome

Background:Coronary artery disease(CAD)is major cause of death and mortality in the developed world. Coronary atherosclerotic disease involves the epicardial coronary arteries and may manifest as an acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Acute coronary syndrome(ACS) arises from atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to coronary thrombosis and/or spasm. Methods:The present study was conducted in department of medicine, Guru Nanak Dev hospital attached to government medical college, Amritsar from May 2021 to December 2021. This was a prospective observational study in which a total of 50 patients of ACS were enrolled. Serum albumin levels of the patients were recorded and clinical outcomes based on the albumin levels were compared between the patients.Results:The patients with low serum albumin levels had worse outcomes. The mean serum albumin level of STEMI and NSTEMI patients in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.88±0.11 g/dl and 3.15±0.26 g/dl (p=0.047). The mean serum albumin levelof patients having mortality in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.87±0.06 g/dl and those who didn’t have mortality was 3.19±0.21 g/dl (p=0.013). The mean serum albumin level of patients developing new onset heart failure in hypoalbuminemia group was 2.85±0.06 g/dl and those not developing had 3.11±0.19 g/dl (p=0.021).Conclusions:We conclude that ACS patients presenting with hypoalbuminemia are more likely to develop worse outcomes in the form of heart failure, cardiogenic shock and mortality. ACS patients presenting with low serum albumin levels have more chances of developing STEMI.

Post operative complications of double-J ureteral stenting: a prospective study

Background: Placement of indwelling ureteral stents has become routine in the management of variety of urinary tract infections. Despite the advances and technology, the ideal stent is not available yet. A double-J stent is never without potential complications which may be minor in form of hematuria, dysuria, frequency, flank and suprapubic pain to major complications such as vesicoureteric reflux, migration, malposition, encrustation, stent fracture etc.Methods: One hundred urological patients who had undergone double-J ureteral stenting attending surgery department were taken. Patients were subjected to detailed history and clinical examination and other routine investigations and symptoms of any complications were recorded starting at the time of placement of double-J ureteral stent till its removal.Results: Majority of the patients in our study had only minor complications related to double-J ureteral stenting like flank or suprapubic pain, dysuria, hematuria and urgency which were managed conservatively. Major complication like stent migration was seen only in 1 patient which was managed with removal of stent.Conclusions: At the end of study, we concluded that double-J stents have become an essential part of many endourological and open urological procedures and their use cannot be completely avoided.

Comparison of determinants of morbidities of late preterms and terms

Background: To compare the determinants of neonatal morbidity in late preterms and terms.Methods: A total of 100 live late preterm (34-0/7 to 36-6/7 weeks) and 100 term infants (37-0/7 to 41-6/7 weeks) admitted in sri guru ram das institute of medical sciences and research were randomly selected to participate in this case control study. The study group include 100 neonates within gestation age of 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks. Equal number of terms between 37 0/7 to 41-6/7 gestation age was taken for comparison. The maternal history including both antenatal and natal history as well as new-born profile was taken.Results: Maternal risk factors have been found to be the major determinants of morbidity in late preterms with PROM (p<0.0001), sepsis and hypertension being significant contributors. Respiratory distress, neonatal jaundice, sepsis has been found to be major morbidity factors in late preterms. The average duration of admission was higher in late preterms than terms.Conclusions: Late preterm infants have higher risks for acute metabolic complications, mortality and long-term disabilities as compared to term infants. Morbidities like respiratory distress, neonatal jaundice, sepsis, hypoglycaemia and hypothermia are more in late preterms due to their immaturity. The risks associated with late preterm birth suggest the need for refinement of obstetric paradigms to extend pregnancy duration if benefits outweigh risk to fetus and mother. There is need to make obstetricians and families aware of complications pertaining to late preterm birth and improving surveillance of high-risk pregnancies.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: Incidental finding - should we Ignore?

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare entity, presenting mostly as an incidental finding. This disease has an autosomal recessive inheritance with inactivating mutations in the gene "solute carrier family 34 member 2". The present study was conducted to bring attention to this rare though preventable disease. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted at the Department of Pathology, of a tertiary care hospital in New Dehli-India. PAMs were incidentally seen in two patients diagnosed with micronodular hepatic cirrhosis leading to reanalysis of 212 autopsies, retrospectively. Statistical analysis was done using Stata 14.0. We observed three forms (Type A, B and C) of round hyaline bodies measuring in diameter with thin delicate, radiating fibrils. These bodies were PAS positive, showed black discolouration of the pigment with von Kossa stain and birefringence on polarized microscopy using Congo red stain, however the refringence was light green as compared to apple green birefringence seen with amyloid deposition. PAM has a slow progressive course leading to a high rate of incidental detection. Drugs known to inhibit the micro-crystal growth of hydroxyapatite may slow the disease progression. The family members of patients with PAM may also be kept on follow up with regular imaging. Key messages: It is important to bring out the incidental finding as, seemingly innocuous observations may provide valuable insight into incurable diseases, especially rare diseases.

Rare Presentations on Fibroptic Bronchoscopy

Flexible bronchoscopy is a brief procedure routinely performed under local anaesthesia or under sedation by pulmonologist. These days flexible bronchoscopy is more widely used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes without much morbidity or complications. Flexible bronchoscopy gives better access to the tracheo-bronchial tree with its more flexible tip to reach upper lobe areas and greater patient comfort as compared to rigid bronchoscopy. Here, we present few cases of infectious as well as non-infectious diseases who were diagnosed only after diagnostic bronchoscopy was done. All patients have typical presentation on bronchoscopy. Diagnostic bronchoscopy should be done at the earliest for early diagnosis and better disease outcome.

Environmental health effects associated with recycling of sewage for potable purposes: a literature review

This literature review has been drafted to explore and emphasise the potential environmental health risks and benefits of recycling wastewater especially in areas affected by prolonged drought. With limited water resources, recycled treated sewage water can be used to augment the fresh water supply. This review will provide an understanding of the importance of water recycling and the environmental impacts recycling can have on the environment. A comparison is also provided to understand the environmental effects of untreated sewage on the environment and the potential benefits associated with the recycling. Public health aspect is also elaborated to highlight whether recycled treated sewage is a viable option to be considered for the use as potable water. Literature suggests that recycled treated water has a purifying effect on the environment and can be used for potable and non-potable purposes.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a young female with systemic lupus erythematosus and its operative challenges: A case report

@#We understand that autoimmune disorders such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus increases the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease. However, its implications on patients undergoing cardiac surgery is not well understood. Here we present a female patient with SLE who developed coronary artery disease at a young age and underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. As SLE is associated with vasculitis, we wanted to understand regarding the choice of conduit as well as its long term patency. Also whether percutaneous angioplasty has a role to play in patients with SLE.

Epidemiological Profile Of Urinary Tract Calculi Patients And Chemical Composition Of Extracted Stones: A Retrospective Study

Background & objectives: Urolithiasis is one of the most common painful urological disorder.Different chemical compositions of extracted stones has been reported from various parts of our country. The present study was conducted to determines the epidemiological profile of urinary tract calculi patientsand chemical compositions of extracted stones in a tertiary care hospital situated at a rural area of Punjab. Methods: Epidemiological profile and chemical composition of extracted stones from 50 operated patients of urinary calculi were checked. Results: Urinary tract stones were observed more in males residing in urban area and the unilateral stones were more common.Pure vegetarians in the 2nd-3rd decade of life areprone to suffer. The most of renal calculi were composed of calcium oxalate/calcium phosphate. Interpretation &Conclusion: Pure vegetarians Males in urban areas in the 2nd-3rd decadeof life are more prone for Unilateral,Non recurrent calcium oxalate /calcium phosphate stones.

Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis: An Important Differential Of Tubercular Brain Abscess

Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis (CP), caused by dematiaceous fungi, is a serious form of central nervous system fungal infection. It is a rare disease with male predominance, no specific symptoms or signs and is associated with grim prognosis irrespective of the immune status of the patient. The disease is difficult to diagnose antemortem, and many cases are accidentally diagnosed during surgery or autopsy. The early diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain a challenge. The authors report a misinterpreted case of CP in a 53-year-old man without immunodeficiency who showed a favorable outcome after surgical excision and antifungal therapy. Therefore, CP should be an important differential in cases of brain abscess.

Intravenous dexmedetomidine vs. lignocaine in attenuating the hemodynamic responses during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation: a randomized double blind study

Background: The stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation is a commonly encountered physiological phenomenon. Though the response can be transient and harmless in normotensive healthy patients, but it may prove hazardous amongst patient with underlying cardiac disease, or hypertensive disease and its sequelae. Present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of IV dexmedetomidine infusion and IV lignocaine in attenuating the hemodynamic responses during laryngoscopy and intubation

Methodology: On approval from hospital ethical committee, 120 ASA grade I and II, normotensive patients in the age group of 18-60 years, planned for elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 3 equal groups of 40 each; Group A [Lignocaine group] received lignocaine 1.5 mg/kg IV 2 min before induction, Group B [dexmedetomidine group ] received dexmedetomidine 1 micro /kg IV infusion with syringe pump 10 min before induction, and Group C [control group] received normal saline before induction. Heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], mean arterial pressure [MAP], oxygen saturation of arterial blood [SpO2] and electrocardiogram [ECG] were monitored at induction, intubation and post intubation at one minute interval till 10th minute

Results: A better control of stress response was observed in patients receiving dexmedetomidine infusion. More decrease in HR was noted in Group B as compared to Group A [9.28 % vs. 13.40%] respectively. The decrease in MAP was also more in Group B as compared to group receiving lignocaine [5.49 % vs. 10.72%] respectively

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine 1 micro g/kg IV is more effective in blunting stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation as compared to lignocaine 1.5 mg/kg IV

TEE-guided left ventricular epicardial pacing lead placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Biventricular pacing has demonstrated improvement in cardiac functions in treating congestive cardiac failure patients. Recent trials have proven the clinical and functional benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy in severe heart failure and intraventricular cardiac delays, mainly left bundle branch block. Biventricular pacing improves the exercise tolerance, quality of life, systolic heart function, reduces hospitalization and slows progression of the disease. A 54-year-old lady, a known case of dilated cardiomyopathy, was on biventricular pacing since 2 years. She presented in emergency with sudden deterioration of dyspnea to NYHA class III/IV. When investigated, the coronary sinus lead was found displaced; thus, left ventricle (LV) was not getting paced. After multiple failures to reposition the coronary sinus lead, it was decided to surgically place the epicardial lead for LV pacing under general anesthesia. Lateral thoracotomy was done and LV pacing lead was placed at different sites with simultaneous monitoring of cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Baseline CO and SV were 1.9 l/min and 19.48 ml respectively and increased at different sites of pacing at LV, the best CO and SV were 4.2 l/min and 42.39 ml respectively on lateral surface. Intraoperative TEE can calculate beat to beat stroke volume and thus CO and helps to choose optimal site for placement of epicardial pacing lead.

Approach to the Child with Coma.

Coma and other states of impaired consciousness represent a medical emergency. The potential causes are numerous, and the critical window for diagnosis and effective intervention is often short. The common causes of non-traumatic coma include central nervous system infections, metabolic encephalopathy (hepatic, uremic, diabetic ketoacidosis etc.), intracranial bleed, stroke and status epilepticus. The basic principles of management include 1) Rapid assessment and stabilization, 2) Focussed clinical evaluation to assess depth of coma, localization of lesion in the central nervous system and possible clues to etiology, and 3) Treatment including general and specific measures. Commonly associated problems such as raised intracranial pressure and seizures must be recognized and managed to prevent secondary neurologic injury.

Effect on Antioxidant Levels in Patients of Breast Carcinoma during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Mastectomy

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (r-SOD), RBC catalase (r-CAT), RBC glutathione peroxidase (r-GPx) and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in advanced breast cancer patients post mastectomy before and after chemotherapy. Methods: Female breast cancer patients between 27 and 65 years of age who were admitted to the Department of Surgery of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi were enrolled in the study. This study included two arms: a control group of healthy age-matched females (n=20) and patients undergoing treatment with a combination of the anticancer drugs cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil (CAF) (n=55), No treatment was given to the control group. The CAF group received CAF treatment at weeks 0, 3, and 6, then surgery at week 9 followed by CAF treatment at weeks 12, 15, and 18. A three-week drug-free interval was included between each cycle of drug treatment. Blood samples were collected from control subjects and from patients in the CAF group before administration of drugs at week zero to establish a baseline, again weeks 12 and 18, and once more at the end of the 26-week treatment. Blood samples collected from the control subjects and CAF patients were analysed to determine levels of the endogenous antioxidants, r-SOD, r-CAT, r-GPx, and FRAP. Results: Levels of r-SOD, r-CAT, r-GPx, and FRAP in CAF-treated patients at 12, 18, and 26 weeks were significantly decreased (P<0.001) in comparison to the baseline levels observed at week zero. Conclusion: The results from the present study show that a change in the enzyme antioxidant systems in patients after chemotherapy and mastectomy causes an overall decrease in antioxidant levels. Chemotherapeutic agents induce oxidative stress that damages many cellular targets.

Non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease with 16-slice computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is catheter angiography. However, catheter angiography is invasive and may not always be followed by interventional therapy. We report our results with the use of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for CAD. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (26 with chronic stable angina, 5 with coronary anomalies) underwent 16-slice MSCT and catheter angiography. Vessels < 1.5 mm in diameter were excluded. The ability of MSCT to detect obstructive CAD (stenosis > or =50% of the diameter) was evaluated in pre-defined vessel segments. The association of calcium score with obstructive CAD, and the effect of heart rate on distal vessel visibility were also studied. RESULTS: There were 29 men and 2 women (age range: 36-80 years; mean [SD]: 53 [11] years). Of the 403 vessel segments, 391 were > 1.5 mm in diameter and 321 were interpretable on both modalities. The non-interpretability rates were 7% (26/391) for catheter angiography and 14% (54/ 391) for MSCT, with distal location (64%; 34), motion artifacts (29%; 16) and calcification (7%; 4) being chiefly responsible in case of the latter technique. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MSCT were 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73-93), 94% (95% CI: 90-96), 76% (95% CI: 64-85) and 96% (95% CI: 93-98), respectively. MSCT correctly classified patients with no, single-, double- and triple-vessel disease in 87% of cases. One patient was incorrectly excluded on MSCT; catheter angiography showed 50%-70% stenosis in this case. Patients with obstructive CAD had a higher Agatston score equivalent (p=0.03). There was no significant effect of heart rate on distal segment visibility. MSCT correctly identified all coronary anomalies. CONCLUSION: MSCT has a good potential for the detection of coronary stenosis, and may be most useful for excluding CAD (due to its high negative predictive value). It accurately delineates coronary anomalies.

Isquemia miocárdica silenciosa em pacientes submetidos à prostatectomia transuretral: comparação entre anestesia subaracnóidea e peridural / Silent myocardial ischaemia in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate: comparison of spinal versus epidural anaesthesia

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A isquemia miocárdica silenciosa foi recentemente relacionada ao aumento de morbimortalidade cardíaca peri-operatória. Até 41 por cento dos pacientes com doença coronariana conhecida ou fatores de risco cardíaco, submetidos à cirurgias não cardíacas, apresentaram isquemia peri-operatória. Vários autores compararam técnicas de anestesia regional e geral mas nenhum comparou o impacto de diferentes técnicas de anestesia no neuro-eixo na incidência e duração da isquemia miocárdica silenciosa. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar duas técnicas diferentes de anestesia no neuro-eixo (subaracnóidea versus peridural) em pacientes idosos aleatoriamente selecionados e submetidos à prostatectomia transuretral. Optou-se por este grupo de pacientes idosos porque freqüentemente, apresentam doença coronariana silenciosa ou clinicamente aparente. Um outro fator importante que influenciou a escolha, foi a sobrecarga de volume e tremores causados pela prostatectomia transuretral nesses pacientes promovendo desequilíbrio entre consumo e oferta de oxigênio. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo 40 pacientes submetidos a prostatectomia transuretral, que foram estudados em relação à isquemia miocárdica silenciosa com a ajuda de um equipamento Holter. A monitorização iniciou-se 1 hora antes da cirurgia, prosseguiu durante a cirurgia e após pelas próximas 24 horas. Os dados do Holter foram analisados por um DSM modelo 300. RESULTADOS: A incidência geral de isquemia miocárdica silenciosa neste estudo foi de 30 por cento. Não foi estabelecida nenhuma relação entre isquemia miocárdica silenciosa e o tipo de anestesia. A maior parte dos episódios de isquemia miocárdica ocorreu no período pré-operatório e não tiveram relação com alterações hemodinâmicas. No entanto, a incidência e a gravidade de isquemia miocárdica silenciosa foi mais alta em pacientes com altos escores de Detsky, hipertensão arterial e anemia. Nenhum paciente apresentou efeitos cardíacos adversos...