Assessment of functional outcome following Duhamel retro-rectal pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung's disease: a follow-up study

Context: Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is one of the commonest problems requiring surgery in children. More than 95% of children present during new-born period, when they are treated with leveling colostomy and are followed with pull-through surgery a few months later, once the child has gained adequate weight to withstand a major surgery. The commonest pull through surgery done is the Duhamel retro-rectal pull-through (DRPT) repair. Settings and Design: This is a retrospective study of children who presented to one unit in our institute, a tertiary care referral hospital for children less than 12 years, with HD and underwent DRPT procedure during the period between July 2017 to June 2020. The children were evaluated after three years of follow-up for fecal incontinence and constipation. The study was conducted in children diagnosed with classical segment recto-sigmoid HD who underwent surgery. The children who were diagnosed with HD other than classical segment, who underwent primary pull through surgery and who underwent other repairs for HD were excluded from the study. Results: Thirty-two children underwent DRPT procedure during the study period. Of them, five (15.6%) children were lost on follow-up and one (3.1%) child had expired in the immediate post-operative period. Twenty-six children were included in the study. The bowel function score was calculated. The mean age of definitive surgery was 4.2 years. The follow-up period was a minimum of three years. Only two children had a "good" score of eighteen and above. Nineteen children had a "fair" score of 13-17. Five children had a "poor" score of less than thirteen, and among them, two had a "very poor" score of less than nine. The mean BFS was 13.72. Conclusions: Functional outcomes following Duhamel procedure are satisfactory, with 7.7% of children are in the fringe of requiring another surgery for constipation and pseudo-incontinence. (AU)

Choosing the Correct?Sized Adult Double?Lumen Tube: Quest for the Holy Grail

Appropriate size selection of double?lumen tubes (DLTs) for one?lung ventilation (OLV) in adults is still a humongous task. Several important factors are to be considered like patient height, gender, tracheal diameter, left main bronchial diameter, and cricoid cartilage transverse diameter. In addition to radiological assessment of the airway diameters, the manufacturing details of the particular DLT being used also play a significant role in size selection. Optimal positioning of the appropriately sized DLT is indispensable to avoid complications like airway trauma, cuff rupture, hypoxemia, and tube displacement. It is imperative to know whether the one?size?fits?all dictum holds for DLT size selection as claimed by certain studies. Further randomized studies are required for crystallizing standard protocols ascertaining the correct DLT size. This systematic review article highlights the various parameters employed for DLT size selection and explores the newer DLTs used for adult OLV.

Consensus Statement of the Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) on the Management of Children With Down Syndrome

Justification: The diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS) is easily made clinically but the management is multi-disciplinary and life-long. There is no standard protocol available for its management in India. Process: A committee was formed under the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) chapter of Neuro developmental pediatrics consisting of 20 experts working in the related field. The various aspects of the condition were discussed and allotted to the concerned experts related for preparing the guidelines. The material received was collated to form a set of guidelines, which were reviewed by the committee, and a consensus statement made. The guidelines were then approved by the chapter, and by the IAP. Objectives: To define the condition and to look into the various aspects of antenatal and postnatal diagnosis. To explain briefly about the involvement of the various systems that are involved and formulate recommendations for management. To recommend early and sustained interventional therapies to enable children with DS lead an independent life. Recommendations: The stress on bio-psycho-social strategy for the management of children with DS is reiterated, and the need for a medical, social and rights model is recommended after each section. The age-wise recommendations are also highlighted in addition to the recommendations under each system.

Urinary tract infection with renal abscess

Renal abscess is very rare among intra-abdominal abscesses in children. Ascending infection is the most common cause in children compared to hematogenous spread in adults and Escherichia coli is the main pathogen. Persisting high-grade fever is an alarming sign to intervene and has to be taken care of. Here, we are presenting the case of a 3-year-old boy with Klebsiella urinary tract infection and E. coli renal abscess of 4 cm size. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen helped in early intervention and management. The child responded very well to parenteral antibiotics and ultrasound-guided percutaneous aspiration.

Childhood posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke – An unusual case with a possible COVID-19-related arteriopathy

Viral infections are known to increase predilection to stroke and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has proven these concerns true. We are presenting the case of a 6-year-old previously normal male child diagnosed with posterior circulation stroke who had all etiological workups negative except for the COVID antibody. Imaging showed thrombi over the V3 segment of the vertebral artery at C1–C2 level causing near complete occlusion, with embolic infarct in the bilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery, bilateral posterior cerebral artery, bilateral anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and the left superior cerebellar artery. The child was managed with methylprednisolone, anticoagulation, and supportive care and was able to restore near-normal neurological status within months. This case is unique in terms of the involvement of posterior circulation which is rare in the pediatric population. A possibility of inflammation-related arteriopathy secondary to infection should be considered in the etiological workup of stroke. Anti-inflammatory measures to control cytokine storm along with supportive care will ensure a good outcome.

Enhancing adherence and management in patients with hypertension: Impact of form and frequency of knowledge intervention

Background: The alarming rise in prevalence of hypertension warrants psychosocial methods supplementing pharmacotherapy for better management and prevention of cardiac emergencies. The objective of the study was to assess the differential impact of the form and frequency of knowledge intervention on management of primary hypertension. Materials and method: The study was conducted on 256 hypertensive patients recruited through purposive sampling at health centers in Hyderabad, India. Pretest post-test control group quasiexperimental design was adopted for the study. There were two forms of the knowledge intervention, namely ‘Direct Interaction’ and ‘Audio-Visual’. Each form was presented in two frequencies namely ‘single exposure’ and ‘double exposure’. The four groups were labelled as Direct Intervention Single (DIS), Direct Intervention Double (DID), Audio-Visual Single (AVS) and Audio-Visual Double (AVD). Adherence and management of hypertension were assessed at baseline and six weeks post experiment. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was applied using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Results: ANCOVA followed by Bonferroni Multiple Group Comparison Test revealed significant differences between the four intervention groups and control group on adherence (p< .001). In case of hypertension management significant differences were observed between Control group and DIS, DID (p < .001), Control and AVS (p < .01). Control group did not differ from AVD. Conclusion: There was a positive impact of Knowledge Intervention on adherence and management of hypertension. Double exposure in audio visual form was counterproductive in hypertension management.

Efficacy of laser photobiomodulation pulpotomy in human primary teeth A randomized controlled trial

Background: Laser photobiomodulation (LPBM), also called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), has shown potential to reduce the pulpal inflammation and to preserve the dental pulp vitality, thereby improving healing. Lasers being minimally invasive, safe, and patient friendly prompt its application in pediatric dentistry. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of LPBM and formocresol pulpotomy at 9 months post intervention in human primary molars. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled, split-mouth study design was followed involving children aged 4–7 years with at least two primary molars indicated for pulpotomy. Sixty-eight eligible primary molars were randomly allocated to two interventions – formocresol pulpotomy (Group I) and LPBM pulpotomy (Group II). Statistical Analyses: Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis fixing significance level at P ? 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical success rates between the formocresol group (97.05%) and the photobiomodulation group (94.1%) (?2 = 0.34, P = 0.55); however, the radiographic success rate was significantly high in the laser group (94.1%) compared to the formocresol group (58.82%) (?2 = 11.76, P = 0.001). Conclusion: LPBM could be a viable nonpharmaceutical alternative for formocresol pulpotomy in human primary teeth

Single centre randomized comparative trial of lateral internal sphincterotomy versus 2% diltiazem in chronic anal fissure

Background: Anal fissures are often encountered in surgical practice with surgery the gold standard management for chronic anal fissures. Recently the widespread use of pharmacologic agents for chronic fissures has increased. In our study we compare topical 2% diltiazem with lateral sphincterotomy with respect to symptoms such as relief of pain, ulcer healing, and side effects of treatments.Methods: A prospective comparative study, a total of 80 patients were randomized into 2 groups 40 each. Group A patients were subjected to open internal lateral sphincterotomy and group B to 2% topical diltiazem. The patients in both groups were followed up at 1st, 4th, 14th weeks and 6 months in OPD and were assessed for pain, sphincter tone and complications.Results: In group A (lateral anal sphincterotomy), patients achieved a good pain relief with a mean pain score of 1.98 by one week post procedure whereas group B (2% diltiazem) had taken 14 weeks to achieve similar pain relief (pain score of 1.5). At the end of 6 months, healing of fissure was noted in 100% of group A and in 90% of group B. 4 patients (10%) had recurrences in group B. Flatus incontinence was reported in 2 patients (5%) in group A although transient.Conclusions: Lateral anal sphincterotomy is superior to 2% diltiazem especially in healing of fissure, pain relief, quality of life and recurrence. Pharmacologic agents should be reserved for patients who are unfit or unwilling for surgery or can be used as a bridge therapy till sphincterotomy can be planned.

Management of chronic anal fissures: a narrative review

Anal fissures are often encountered in surgical practice in both sexes. It is a distressing disease impacting quality of life and causes profound morbidity among those affected. If left untreated, it may lead onto perianal abscess or even malignancy in long standing cases. Surgery is the gold standard management for chronic anal fissures. Recently the widespread use of pharmacologic agents for chronic fissures has increased. The management of chronic anal fissures has migrated to an era of multifaceted approach. This narrative review looks into various studies spanning over a period of 16 years. Various articles were shortlisted and analyzed for efficacy of various treatment methods, their impact in hospital stay, quality of life improvement, recurrence rate and complications among various treatment methods. We concluded from this review, that open lateral internal sphincterotomy is still the gold standard method of treatment for chronic anal fissure. Among pharmacological agents, 2% diltiazem has the best effectiveness with good compliance rate. Modern surgical techniques like VY plasty can be reserved for special situations. We do not recommend the practice of manual anal dilatation.

Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Apache II - An ICU Scoring Tool to Assess Critically Ill.

The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) is the severity score and mortality estimation tool developed for use in ICU’s around the world. It is calculated during the first twenty four hours of admission of the patient to an ICU. An integer score ranges from values 0 to 71. During the stay, the score is not recalculated; and by definition, is an admission score.METHODSThis is a cross sectional study done on 100 patients admitted in the medical ICU in Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research.RESULTSOur results showed an APACHE II score of 16.5 which was significant and values equal to and higher than that correlated with the severity of illness.CONCLUSIONSAPACHE II score is a good predictor of mortality in acute respiratory failure patients. It is a useful audit tool which helps the healthcare professionals to interpret and compare their care performance over time.

Anthropometry of Nonarthritic Asian Knees: Is It Time for a Race-Specific Knee Implant?

Background@#This study was done to study the anthropometry of nonarthritic Asian knees; to determine the differences in morphology between knees of different ethnicities and to compare the knee anthropometry values with sizes of available knee implants. @*Methods@#Magnetic resonance imaging scans of 100 nonarthritic Indian knees were analyzed. Anteroposterior (AP) length, mediolateral (ML) length, and aspect ratio of the distal femur and proximal tibia, patellar length, and patellar tendon length were measured. These values were compared with values of other ethnicities from literature. The values were also compared with sizes of available knee implants and evaluated for mismatch. @*Results@#All the parameters of female knees were significantly smaller than those of male knees (p < 0.05). The distal femur of Indian knees resembled that of Chinese knees with similar AP and ML lengths and aspect ratio. The distal femur of Indian knees had a significantly smaller AP, ML, and aspect ratio than those of Hispanic knees did. In comparison to Caucasian distal femur, Indian knees had smaller AP and ML lengths and larger aspect ratio. In terms of the proximal tibia, the Indian knees were smaller than Chinese (only ML), Caucasian (AP and ML) and Hispanic (AP and ML) knees. On comparison with implant sizes, there was a mismatch between the distal femur morphology and the dimensions of all implants. For a given AP length, the ML dimensions of all implants were smaller than the measured ML length of the knee. However, the tibial components of all the studied implants correlated well with the tibial morphology. @*Conclusions@#Distinct anthropometric differences exist between knees of different ethnicities. The knees of females were smaller than the knees of males. In Indian knees, the ML-AP aspect ratio of the distal femur was higher than that of the currently available femoral components. These results suggest the need for race-specific knee implants.

Assessment of immunization coverage and associated factors among children in Paravur Taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective interventions averting countless childhood deaths and protecting millions of children from disability and illness. The objective of the current study was to assess the immunization coverage and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months and 5-7 years in Paravur Taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done. Cluster sampling method of WHO was used for evaluation of immunization coverage.300 children in the age group of 12–23 months and 300 children in the age group 5-7 years were selected from each of the 30 clusters. Crude coverage details for each vaccine were estimated using percentages. Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of immunization coverage. Results: Among the children 12-23 months old, eleven (3.7%) children were partially immunized, while everybody had received at least one vaccine. The proportion of children fully immunized was 96.3%. Among the children 5-7 years old 55 (18.3%) were partially immunized. Belonging to Muslim religion, fathers’ occupation i.e. who were labourers/unskilled workers, mother’s education less than 12th standard and not possessing the mother and child protection card were found to be factors associated with partial immunization. Conclusions: This study shows that full immunization has not reached all children.

Emergence delirium following sevoflurane anesthesia in adults: prospective observational study / Delirium do despertar após anestesia com sevoflurano em adultos: estudo observacional prospectivo

Abstract Background and objectives: Emergence delirium after general anesthesia with sevoflurane has not been frequently reported in adults compared to children. This study aimed to determine the incidence of emergence delirium in adult patients who had anesthesia with sevoflurane as the volatile agent and the probable risk factors associated with its occurrence. Design & methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in adult patients who had non-neurological procedures and no existing neurological or psychiatric conditions, under general anesthesia. Demographic data such as age, gender, ethnicity and clinical data including ASA physical status, surgical status, intubation attempts, duration of surgery, intraoperative hypotension, drugs used, postoperative pain, rescue analgesia and presence of catheters were recorded. Emergence delirium intensity was measured using the Nursing Delirium Scale (NuDESC). Results: The incidence of emergence delirium was 11.8%. The factors significantly associated with emergence delirium included elderly age (>65) (p = 0.04), emergency surgery (p = 0.04), African ethnicity (p = 0.01), longer duration of surgery (p = 0.007) and number of intubation attempts (p = 0.001). Factors such as gender, alcohol and illicit drug use, and surgical specialty did not influence the occurrence of emergence delirium. Conclusions: The incidence of emergence delirium in adults after general anesthesia using sevoflurane is significant and has not been adequately reported. Modifiable risk factors need to be addressed to further reduce its incidence.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O delirium do despertar após a anestesia geral com sevoflurano não tem sido relatado com frequência em adultos como nas crianças. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a incidência de delirium do despertar em pacientes adultos submetidos à anestesia com sevoflurano como agente volátil e os prováveis fatores de risco associados à sua ocorrência. Desenho e métodos: Um estudo observacional prospectivo foi conduzido com pacientes adultos sem distúrbios neurológicos ou psiquiátricos submetidos à anestesia geral para procedimentos não neurológicos. Dados demográficos como idade, sexo, etnia e dados clínicos, inclusive estado físico ASA, estado cirúrgico, tentativas de intubação, tempo de cirurgia, hipotensão intraoperatória, drogas usadas, dor pós-operatória, analgesia de resgate e presença de cateteres, foram registrados. A intensidade do delirium do despertar foi medida com a Escala de Triagem de Delirium em Enfermagem (Nursing Delirium Scale - NuDESC). Resultados: A incidência de delirium do despertar foi de 11,8%. Os fatores significativamente associados ao delirium do despertar incluíram idade avançada (> 65) (p = 0,04), cirurgia de emergência (p = 0,04), descendência africana (p = 0,01), tempo maior de cirurgia (p = 0,007) e número de tentativas de intubação (p = 0,001). Fatores como sexo, uso de álcool e drogas ilícitas e especialidade cirúrgica não influenciaram a ocorrência de delirium do despertar. Conclusões: A incidência de delirium do despertar em adultos após a anestesia geral com sevoflurano é significativa e não tem sido relatada adequadamente. Fatores de risco modificáveis precisam ser abordados para reduzir ainda mais sua incidência.

Diagnostic challenges posed by a rare alpha globin chain variant Hb Fontainebleau in a pregnant female and its potential effects in her children in view of multiple globin gene defects in her husband

Alpha globin chain variants per se do not cause severe morbidity and mortality but can modify – usually ameliorate – the clinical manifestations of beta globin chain variants when co-inherited with the latter. They also pose challenges in interpretation of high-performance liquid chromatography histograms and require molecular analysis for proper characterization. Hemoglobin (Hb) Fontainebleau is a rare alpha globin chain variant [alpha 21(B2) Ala?Pro], of which only three families have been reported from India in the past. Here, we describe a case of Hb fontainebleau detected in heterozygous condition in a 19-year-old primigravida. Her husband was found to have a double heterozygous state for HbQ India and beta-thalassemia trait. This opens up the possibility of multiple combinations of hemoglobinopathies in the offspring.

Accuracy of lead risk assessment questionnaire in predicting elevated blood lead levels in children

Background: Lead toxicity in children is a serious problem affecting their neurodevelopment. Although CDC mandates screening for lead toxicity regularly in children, India doesn't have any lead related public health program in place. In resource limited India a prescreening lead risk assessment questionnaire will be more economical than universal screening for blood lead levels (BLL). Authors aim to evaluate the accuracy of a validated modified CDC lead risk assessment questionnaire in predicting elevated BLL.Methods: Authors conducted an explorative cross-sectional study from July to August 2017 in 340 children aged 6 months to 6 years. A standardized self-administered questionnaire modified from CDC lead risk assessment questionnaire was administered in the children. Also, BLL were measured in all study subjects using lead care II analyser. Data from questionnaire were compared with BLL to test the accuracy of questionnaire.Results: Blood lead levels was high (>5ug/dl) in 57.9% of study subjects especially in children between 24-35 months. Employment in battery manufacturing companies (P=0.0001), usage of cosmetics (P=0.019), parental smoking history (P=0.001), involvement in painting, arts (P=0.0001) and malnourished children (P=0.018) were the risk factors associated with undesirable BLL. The modified questionnaire had a sensitivity of 87.9% and specificity of 66.7% for detecting elevated BLL.Conclusions: The modified CDC lead risk assessment questionnaire is a sensitive tool in identifying high risk cases of lead toxicity in children.

Microbiological profile of septic arthritis in adults: Lessons learnt and treatment strategies

Objective: The aim of this study is to characterise the clinical and microbiological profile of adult patients treated at our orthopaedic unit with septic arthritic between 2006 and 2017. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of septic arthritis between 2006 and 2017 were included in the study. The patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics were surveyed; microbiological profile and the complications relating to the patients' treatment were identified. Results: Septic arthritis was more common among males (83%). About 75% of the patients presented with a history of fever. The knee was the most commonly affected joint (71%), followed by the hip. While C-reactive protein was found to be consistently >75, total blood white blood cell (WBC) counts were found not to be reflective of the presence of infection with a mean WBC count of only 13,561/cu.mm, and Gram stain examination had a poor sensitivity of 47%. Among the co-morbidities, the most prevalent association was with diabetes mellitus. The infectious agent most frequently isolated was Staphylococcus aureus(42.85%). The antibiotic sensitivity pattern has evolved since the early years, with resistant strains becoming increasingly prevalent. Unusually, high incidence of streptococci was noted (30%), contrary to the published literature. One-third of the patients had multi-resistant organisms. Septic arthritis left 70% of the patients with a significant residual disability at 6 months follow-up and had 4.25% mortality. Conclusion: Changing sensitivity patterns of microbes in septic arthritis point to a need for reconsidering empirical antibiotic therapy. Joint damage following infection can lead to significant disability.

Early outcome of culture-negative infection in open fractures of the lower limb: A prospective study

Background: Culture-negative infections in open long bone fractures are frequently encountered in clinical practice. We aimed to identify the rate and outcome of culture-negative infections in open long bone fractures of lower limb. Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2015 to May 2017 on Gustilo and Anderson Grade III open long bone fractures of the lower limb. Demographic data, injury details, time from injury to receiving antibiotics and index surgical procedure were noted. Length of hospital stay, number of additional surgeries and occurrence of complications were also noted. Patients with infected open fractures were grouped as culture positive or culture negative depending on the isolation of infecting microorganisms in deep intraoperative specimen. The clinical outcome of these two groups was statistically analysed. Results: A total of 231 patients with 275 open fractures involving the femur, tibia or fibula were studied. There was clinical signs of infection in 84 patients (36.4%) with 99 fractures (36%). Forty-three patients (51.2%) had positive cultures and remaining 41 patients had negative cultures (48.8%). The rate of culture-negative infection in open type III long bone fractures in our study was 17.7%. There was no statistical difference in the clinical outcome between culture-negative and culture-positive infections. Conclusion: Failure to identify an infective microorganism in the presence of clinical signs of infection is routinely seen in open fractures and needs to be treated aggressively.

Microbiological profile and outcomes of two-stage revision hip arthroplasty

Background: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging cases that confront modern orthopaedics. Two-stage revision, which is the standard of care for PJI, is the preferred mode of treatment for these infections. Aims and Objectives: To study the microbiological profile of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) in the hip and to assess the efficacy of a two stage revision surgery for PJI. We also aimed to study the sensitivity and specificity of ESR and CRP in the diagnosis of PJI. Materials and Methods: The microbiological profile, clinical and radiological outcomes of 22 patients who had a two-stage revision for PJI of the hip between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed. PJI was defined using the criteria provided by the International Consensus Statement on PJI 2013. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common organism in PJI. Debridement was successful in removing the organism in 74% of PJI. At the time of re-implantation (second stage), six joints grew organisms that were different from that isolated at the index debridement - coagulase-negative staphylococci (3cases) and enterococci (3cases). Other infection parameters for these patients were negative. None of the patients who had two-stage revision surgery had clinical evidence of reinfection or radiological evidence of loosening at a mean of 2-year follow-up. An ESR cut off of >30mm/hr had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 88% in predicting PJI. A CRP >10mg/L had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 69%. The sensitivity and specificity of using both ESR and CRP cut-offs in the diagnosis of infection were 57% and 94%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 94% and negative predictive value was 56%. Conclusion: The outcomes of the study justify a two-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI of the hip. The use of ESR and CRP as screening tests for the success of debridement has value - but should be interpreted with caution.

Knowledge, attitude and practices related to prevention of parasitic infestations among school children in an urban area of Kancheepuram district

Background: Poor hygiene practices and inadequate sanitary conditions play an important role in the increased burden of communicable diseases in developing countries. The aim and objectives of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices related to prevention of parasitic infestations among school children in an urban area of Kancheepuram district. Formulation of suitable preventive measures based on the inferences derived from the study.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on school children belonging to standard sixth to eighth of Sree Lakshmi Ammal school, Chrompet. The study period was from August 1st to 4th 2018. The sample size obtained was 210. Convenient sampling method was used to collect the sample. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding knowledge, attitude and practices related to prevention of parasitic infestations among school children. Assessment of personal hygiene was done by scoring system. Data entry was done in Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and data was analysed by SPSS version 22.Results: Total number of children participated in the present study were 210. Among the children participated in the present study, 92.4% of children had a good knowledge of personal hygiene, 96.7% of children had a positive attitude towards personal hygiene and 81.4% of children had a good practice of personal hygiene.Conclusions: Nearly half of the children involved in the study practised open defecation, so they should be given proper health education regarding usage of sanitary latrines

A cross-sectional study on newly detected hypertensive individuals and its correlation to BMI

Background: With obesity turning into a global epidemic, the incidence of hypertension is also increasing and this is the morbidity due to its long term effect on the heart and kidneys. Identification of the disease at the earliest stage possible is crucial in preventing the irreversible pathologies occurring as a direct consequence of hypertension. Since the early disease course of hypertension is predominantly silent in most individuals, early diagnosis is largely rewarding to the patient as well as the physician. Aim of the study: To study the correlation between BMI and the incidence of hypertension in individuals with normal BMI and raised BMI. Material and methods: This was an observational study conducted among 1980 adults attending Non-Communicable disease OPD at Government Royapettah Hospital over a period of 12 months. BMI was calculated for all individuals and blood pressure was measured by standard technique. All the individuals were categorized according to JNC 8 and WHO criteria for BMI. The mean BP in each of the BMI categories was calculated and compared with each other. Similarly, the mean BMI was calculated for individuals falling in each of the BP categories and the incidence of hypertension was compared. Results: Among 1980 individuals studied, 1200 were diagnosed with hypertension. The mean BP of individuals with Normal BMI was found to be 127/88 mm Hg, whereas for those with overweight BMI was found to be 142/93 mm Hg. The BMI and BP correlation was found to be strongest with the Overweight individuals, where the mean BMI was 27.1 kg/m2 . Anuradha Hariharan, Malathi Shanmugam, Lakshmi Priya. A cross-sectional study on newly detected hypertensive individuals and its correlation to BMI. IAIM, 2019; 6(11): 47-51. Page 48 Conclusion: The association between BMI and BP is positive across tens of thousands of individuals in population subgroups, and, if causal, given its magnitude, would have significant implications for public health.