Obstructive Lung Disease as a Complication in Tuberculosis Survivors: Fate of Tuberculosis

Background: Successful treatment of TB confirming the bacteriological clearance from involved site or completion of chemotherapy does not assess structural and functional effects on the involved organ. This study has been conducted to assess the post tubercular sequelae in cured pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Methods: It was an observational hospital based study conducted on about 120 patients attending or being admitted in the department of Pulmonary Medicine after fulfilling the inclusion criteria India to assess the post tubercular sequelae by using spirometry. Results: Out of 120 patients, 20 patients were excluded from the study as they could not perform the test at all. Hence a total of 100 patients were finally enrolled in the study. The prevalence of pulmonary impairment was only 32% with predominant lung function abnormality being obstructive pattern. Conclusion: Out of 120 patients, 20 patients were excluded fromthe study as they could not perform the test at all. Hence a total of 100 patients were finally enrolled in the study. The prevalence of pulmonary impairment was only 32% with predominant lung function abnormality being obstructive pattern.

Prospective study of radiation related adverse events and its management in cancer patient at tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Radiation therapy is associated with certain adverse events which may cause significant discomfort to patient and may affect patient’s life. The objective of the study was to assess radiation related adverse events in the patients who are on radiation therapy and to prevent and manage these adverse events.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 193 patients receiving radiotherapy in Oncology Department at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab. One fraction (2 Gray) dose had been given to patients daily for five days in a week and monitor. The collected data was analyzed by applying IBM SPSS v21.Results: The clinical results observed in 193 consecutive patients with follow-up of 7 weeks and graded according to RTOG Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria. Majority of events were reported in age group of 41-60 years followed by 61-80 years, 20-40 years. Epidermal, mucosal, Genitourinary and Lower G.I. reactions are graded. The reactions managed by providing symptomatic treatment.Conclusions: Radiation related adverse events have been found frequently in patients with radiotherapy and chemo-radiotherapy both. As the number of doses increase with time the grade of reactions also increases. Appropriate follow-up and management of these events reduces patient burden of treatment.

Comparison of the Oswestry Disability Index and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Lumbar Canal Stenosis: An Observational Study

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine relationship between the degrees of radiologically demonstrated anatomical lumbar canal stenosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its correlation with the patient's disability level, using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The relationship between the imaging studies and clinical symptoms has been uncertain in patients suffering from symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis. There is a limited number of studies which correlates the degree of stenosis with simple reproducible scoring methods. METHODS: Fifty patients were selected from 350 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The patients answered the national-language translated form of ODI. The ratio of disability was interpreted, and the patients were grouped accordingly. They were subjected to MRI; and the anteroposterior diameters of the lumbar intervertebral disc spaces and the thecal sac cross sectional area were measured. Comparison was performed between the subdivisions of the degree of lumbar canal stenosis, based on the following: anteroposterior diameter (three groups: normal, relative stenosis and absolute stenosis); subdivisions of the degree of central canal stenosis, based on the thecal sac cross-sectional area, measured on axial views (three groups: normal, moderately stenotic and severely stenotic); and the ODI outcome, which was also presented in 20 percentiles. RESULTS: No significant correlation was established between the radiologically depicted anatomical lumbar stenosis and the Oswestry Disability scores. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging alone should not be considered in isolation when assessing and treating patients diagnosed with lumbar canal stenosis.

Detection of anti-Proteus antibodies in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study was carried out to determine increased level of antibodies to certain bacteria in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Fifty RA patients and 25 each of those suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls were tested for antibodies to somatic ('O) and flagellar ('H') antigens of Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and for antibodies to 'O' antigen of Klebsiella pneumoniae by standard tube agglutination method. Anti-Proteus antibodies against 'O' and 'H' antigens could be demonstrated in 70% and 64% RA cases respectively, and were statistically significant. Antibodies could be demonstrated against E. coli 'O' and 'H' antigens in 86% and 92% RA cases respectively, and were statistically significant. Against K. pneumoniae 'O' antigen, no antibody could be demonstrated in any of RA and OA cases, and healthy controls. Of the 50 RA patients, 30 had raised CRP levels. Antibodies against P. mirabilis and E. coli antigens appeared to be independent from CRP. Thus a specific elevation in the immune response to P. mirabilis and E. coli has been demonstrated in patients with RA from India.