Importance of Doppler study of Umbilical Artery and FoetalMiddle Cerebral Artery in PIH and IUGR

Background: PIH is associated with increased vascular resistance and decreased utero -placental perfusion resulting in an increased incidence of foetal hypoxia and impaired foetalgrowth.The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of S/D ratio, resistance index(RI), pulsatility index (PI) and cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in PIH and IUGR. Objective: is to determine S/D ratio, RI, PI, CPR and asses their diagnostic values in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.Material& Methods:50 pregnant patients with PIH and IUGR, beyond 28 weeks of gestation, were prospectively studied at P k das institute of medical college,vaniyamkulamand subjected for Doppler study of the umbilical artery and foetal middle cerebral artery. The abnormality of above parameters was correlated with the major adverse perinatal outcome.Results:Patients with abnormal Doppler parameters had a poor perinatal outcome, compared to those who had normal Doppler study. The cerebro-placental ratios(CPR) had the sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 95%,76%,73%,95% respectively with Kappa value of o .68(good agreement) and p value of .000 which was statistically significant, for the prediction of major adverse perinatal outcome.Conclusions:This study shows that Doppler study of umbilical and foetal middle cerebral artery can reliably predict the neonatal morbidity and helpful in determining the optimal time of delivery in complicated pregnancies. The CPR is more accurate than the independent evaluation of S/D, RI, PI, in identifying foetus with adverse perinatal outcome.

Evaluation of Mood Changes AmongPeripartum Women at PKDAS Institute of Medical Science, Vaniyamkulam, Palakkad: A Prospective, Observational, Longitudinal Study

Background: The perinatal period is well established as an increased risk for development of serious mood disorders. Maternal mental health in developing countries gets less than its due attention. The present study was undertaken to evaluate mood changes in Peripartum period in our population and to identify demographic, obstetric, social and psychosocial risk factors associated with Peripartum depression using established scales.Material & Methods:A prospective, observational, longitudinal study conducted in PK das institute of medical science, vaniyamkulam, with 387 perinatal women for 12 months (February 2018� January 2019). Various scales EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), CMSS (Couple Marital Satisfaction Scale, IMS (Index of Marital Satisfaction), LES (Life Event Scale) were studied in Peripartum Period.Results:Among a total of 387 participants about half 189 (48.8%) were in 19-25 years of Age. Almost 30% and 40% had dissatisfied married life as per the CMS and IMS scales respectively. Just above 42% were screen positive for depression antenatally with EPDS & 39% (n = 151) in the immediate postpartum period. From these 151 screen positive cases in immediate postpartum period, 138 participants were followed up at 4-6 weeks (13 were lost to follow up) and up to 115 of 138 (83.3%) were screen positive for depression (N= 387, 29.7%), which was statistically significant (p<0.001). With EPDS during antenatal period there was no statistically significant relationship of depression with Education (p = 0.195), Occupation (p = 0.651) and pregnancy planned or unplanned (p = 0.223), whereas, Joint family, participants with dissatisfied marital relationship had increased risk of depression as evidenced by IMS and CMSS (p < 0.001). Participants with a previous male gender baby had less risk of developing depression (p< 0.001) & participants with previous 2 female children had increased risk of depression (p< 0.001).Conclusions:This study highlights importance of screening for maternal mental health problems during Peripartum period. Depression in immediate postpartum period is good predictor for increased risk of depression at 4-6 weeks postpartum

Prescription pattern of drugs during pregnancy in a tertiary care centre: A retrospective study.

Despite the absence of adequate studies on the safety and effectiveness of prescribing drugs during pregnancy evidence available shows that physicians prescribe and pregnant women self medicate surprisingly large number of drugs. This study is designed to evaluate the current drug utilization pattern during Pregnancy. The retrospective study involved data collected from 150 pregnant women who have delivered in the tertiary care hospital. Information regarding the gravida, number of ANC visits per pregnant woman, disease status and the drugs prescribed during pregnancy was collected. The data were analysed using SPSS and descriptive statistics was used. Around 90% of pregnant women attended more than 3 ANC visits and among diseases suffered pre-eclampsia was the most frequent (45.33%) followed by gastrointestinal disturbances (32%). Nutritional supplements including iron and folic acid supplements were the most commonly prescribed in more than 93% which is followed by tetanus toxoid(92%). Cephalosporin was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials for systemic infections. Most of the Drugs consumed belong to category A, B & C of FDA categorisation while only 2 drugs i.e. Diazepam & Atenolol belonged to Category D. Majority of the pregnant women attended Antenatal Clinic as per the WHO guidelines. The drug utilization pattern was found to be rational in this study as almost all the drugs prescribed were compatible with the FDA categorisation. The most frequently observed medical condition was Preeclampsia.

Impact of Health insurance.

The cost of medical care is skyrocketing daily which is unaffordable for the common man.The number of corporate hospitals in the country is increasing; small hospitals and nursing homes which were catering to the middle class people are almost on the verge of vanishing. There is also mushrooming and competition seen among health insurance providers. The common man without insurance coverage finds it very difficult to afford the high cost of healthcare.The doctor’s approach towards the insured patient changes automatically and he quickly responds in a different way.Millions of people fearing such a type of approach by the doctors and the heavy bills of hospitals have ended up taking the insurance coverage. Rising above commercial considerations, doctors should be more cautious and judicious in managing patients irrespective of their insurance coverage. Awareness must be created among the general public about aggressive management.

Extracellular methionine amino peptidase (MAP) production by Streptomyces gedanensis in solid-state fermentation

A bioprocess was developed for extracellular MAP production from Streptomyces gedanensis by solid-state fermentation. Response surface methodology of Box Behken Design was performed to evaluate the interaction effects of most significant variables {inoculum size, (NH4)2SO4 concentration, MgSO4.7H2O and tryptone) on MAP production after the single parameter optimization and it resulted a maximum MAP production of 55.26 IU/g PUF after 120 h of fermentation. The concentrated crude MAP displayed a pH and temperature optimum of 8.5 and 50°C. By analyzing the thermal stability, the MAP was found to be stable in a temperature range of 50 to 55°C but lost about 50% of its activity at 65°C after 30 min. This is a first report of this kind of study for MAP.

Primary cutaneous amyloidosis: A clinico-pathological study with emphasis on polarized microscopy.

Background: Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA) is a relatively rare condition characterized by amyloid deposition in dermis without systemic involvement. Although, histopathological examination of the lesion reveals amorphous eosinophilic deposits in papillary dermis examination of congo red stained slides under polarized light will give definitive diagnosis Aims: To study the clinicopathological features of cutaneous amyloidosis emphasizing the utility of polarized light in diagnosis. Materials and Methods : A clinicopathological study of primary cutaneous amyloidosis over a period of 8 years was undertaken. All the cases, clinically diagnosed and histopathologically proven as cutaneous amyloidosis were stained with congo red and studied under polarized light. Results and Conclusions: Of the 45 cases of clinically suspected amyloidosis, 32 cases were proven histopathologically as primary cutaneous amyloidosis and confirmed by congo red stain under polarized light which showed apple green birefringence. Among the two types of PCA, lichen amyloidosis was the most common variant accounting to 65.63% with pure cases of macular amyloidosis accounting for only 15.63%. Biphasic amyloidosis was seen in 18.75%. Knee was the commonest site of involvement with pruritis being the most common symptom. Histopathologically, the most common findings were hyperkeratosis, irregular acanthosis and expansion of dermal papillae by amyloid deposits showing apple green birefringence under polarized microscope with congo red staining. Although, H and E stain gives a clue for the diagnosis of amyloid nevertheless congo red staining under polarized light forms a very sensitive and definitive method for confirmation.

Erythematous nodules of the hand: A rare site of metastatic breast carcinoma.

Acral cutaneous metastasis is a rare phenomenon. A 38-year-old woman presented with painful lesions in the left hand since 1 month. On examination, multiple painful, erythematous, lobulated plaques and nodules were present over the palmar aspect of the finger tips and thenar eminence. Biopsy of the nodule revealed lobules of small pleomorphic epithelial cells arranged in singles, small nests, cords and small abortive luminal pattern in an abundant mucoid matrix, suggestive of metastatic mucinous carcinoma. Past history revealed that the patient had undergone bilateral mastectomy for carcinoma breast. Diagnosis of cutaneous metastases is based on clinical history and histopathological examination. Identification of the primary tumor is very important for prompt treatment and prognosis. The rarity of pure acral cutaneous metastasis and its possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.

Subcutaneous Panniculitic-Like T-Cell Lymphoma: A red alert! The role of a vigilant histopathologist.

Subcutaneous panniculitic-like T-cell lymphoma constitutes a distinctive clinicopathologic entity derived from cytotoxic T lymphocytes. A 25-year-old female presented with fever and skin lesions over the upper limb, lower limb and trunk since 2 years. On examination, there were multiple subcutaneous, tender, erythematous, poorly circumscribed indurated plaques and nodules on the upper limbs and lower limbs. Histopathological examination revealed subcutaneous fat displaying a predominantly lobular infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells. Characteristically, there was rimming of individual fat cells by the surrounding neoplastic lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the neoplastic lymphocytes showed CD3 and CD5 immunoreactivity and CD30 and CD20 negativity. A diagnosis of subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma was made. SPTCL is a rare cytotoxic lymphoma that can be misdiagnosed as benign panniculitis due to similarities in clinical and histological features between the two entities and thus cause a diagnostic hindrance.

Evaluation of scoring system in cytological diagnosis and management of breast lesion with review of literature.

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) breast is generally considered as a rapid, reliable, and safe diagnostic tool to distinguish non-neoplastic from neoplastic breast lesions. Masood's Scoring Index has been proposed to help in sub-grouping of breast lesions so as to help in surgical management. Aims: To assess the accuracy of Modified Masood's Scoring Index (MMSI) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions in patients with palpable breast lump, and review of literature. Settings and Design: A prospective study from a tertiary care center. Material and Methods: This prospective study included a total of 100 cases, both females and males, with palpable breast lump, in the age range of 10-80 years, over a period of 2 years from January 2007 to 2009, who underwent FNAC. They were cytologically grouped into five categories as suggested by Masood et al, and confirmed by histopathology. Results: Evaluation of Masood Scoring Index led to modification (Modified Masood Scoring Index; MMSI) by shifting score 9 from Group I to Group II, thus increasing the diagnostic accuracy of the breast lesions. Conclusions: MMSI was found to be a useful, easily reproducible scoring method of breast lesions to improve diagnostic accuracy of nonproliferative breast disease and proliferative breast disease without atypia cases, as the prognosis and treatment of these cases varies.

BCG induced mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor in an infant.

Mycobacterial Spindle cell Pseudotumor (MSP) is a rare complication of mycobacterial infection, especially the atypical variety. It is characterized by an exuberant spindle cell proliferation. This has been reported in the lymph nodes, skin, spleen, lungs, brain, etc. The incidence is higher in immuno-compromised patients, especially those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is rare to encounter this lesion in infants. We report a case of MSP in the axillary lymph node of a 7-month-old infant, following Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which was proved by PCR.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of adenomatoid tumour--a case report with review of literature.

Adenomatoid tumours are neoplasms of male and female genital tract with the epididymis being the most common site. They also occur in uterus, fallopian tube, and ovary. These benign tumours are asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms and a palpable mass. Fine needle aspiration of these tumours is very useful to differentiate malignant from benign lesions and helps to avoid unnecessary aggressive surgical procedures. FNAC of these benign epididymal tumours is diagnostic, rapid, reliable, conclusive and cost effective. We are reporting a case of adenomatoid tumour of epididymis in a 41 year old male patient, diagnosed by FNAC and confirmed by histopathology.