Comparison of the Locoregional Outcome, Toxicities, and Compliance between Hypofractionated and Conventional Chemoradiotherapy for Head‑and‑Neck Cancers

Introduction:Head‑and‑neck cancer (HNC) treatments are elusive, and the hunt for an appropriate radiation strategy continues.Hypofractionation has the potential to provide several advantages, including a shorter overall duration that reduces rapid repopulation, dosage escalation with a higher biologically effective dose, and patient convenience. Hypofractionation is also beneficial in minimizing the danger of catching an infectious agent by reducing the number of hospital visits during the height of the COVID‑19 epidemic. Materials and Methods: Between January 2020 and August 2021, 120 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head‑and‑neck subsites were randomly allocated to either the hypofractionated arm A (n = 60) or the standard fractionation arm B (n = 60) with concomitant treatment. Results:Locoregional tumor response, acute and late toxicity, and compliance were the study’s endpoints. The normal tissue toxicities of each patient undergoing radiation were monitored weekly. Clinical and radiographic evaluations of locoregional control were conducted. Conclusion:Hypofractionation effectively overcomes tumor repopulation in rapidly growing tumors such as HNC, and we conclude in our study that the hypofractionated chemoradiation schedule appears to be more efficacious, with relatively superior locoregional control when compared to conventional chemoradiation with comparable normal tissue toxicities and compliance

Dosimetric comparison of heart dose with 3DCRT vs IMRT in post-mastectomy left sided chest wall irradiation

Purpose: Data regarding the efficacy of various radiotherapy techniques for post mastectomy chest-wall radiotherapy (PMRT) using hypofractionation is scarce and cardiac toxicity remains a concern. This study aims to compare effect of IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) and 3D-CRT (3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy) techniques on cardiac dose. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we compared IMRT and 3DCRT plans of 20 patients who received PMRT to a dose of 42.56Gy/16# and the dosimetric parameters in terms of planning target volume (PTV) coverage and dose to organ at risk (OARs) including heart and ipsilateral lung were recorded and analyzed. Result: PTV coverage were comparable with both techniques. IMRT planning provided a better conformity index as compared with 3DCRT (0.95 vs 0.91, p<0.001). The mean dose to the heart significantly reduced with IMRT (4.36Gy vs 8.2Gy, p<0.00001). Conclusion: IMRT offers a significant reduction in mean heart dose than 3DCRT in patients treated with hypofractionated post-mastectomy irradiation.

Fallopian tube as a cause of intestinal obstruction: a rare case report with review of literature

Adhesive Intestinal obstruction is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in post-operative period. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical examination, plain X-ray abdomen. Authors here report an interesting case of intestinal obstruction after surgery for chronic calcific pancreatitis with pancreatic duct stone with intractable pain. In post-operative period patient developed features of intestinal obstruction, patient was planned for re- exploration and it was found that band was formed by left fallopian tube with transition point at terminal ileum and treated successfully with left Salpingectomy. Very few cases of fallopian tube as cause of intestinal obstruction have been reported in literature and it should be considered as one of the cause of intestinal obstruction in females presenting with acute abdomen.

Disparity in knowledge, attitude and practice among mothers of children under three years of age about early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India

Background:Considering the poor practices of optimal breastfeeding, a cross-sectional study with the objective to ascertain the disparity in knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) pertaining to early initiation, exclusive and continued breastfeeding behaviours was conducted among the mothers of children below 3 years of age.Methods:400 mothers of children ≤6 months from 52 villages of Rajasthan were included in the analysis for EBF. The data collection was analysed using statistical software SPSS version 23.0. All characteristics were summarized descriptively. Chi-square (χ2) test was performed to study the association between two categorical variables. Three points liket scale was administered to assess the attitude of mothers.Results:72.8 % mothers initiated early breastfeeding, 22.5% continued breastfeeding, and exclusively breastfeeding was practiced by none. 34.3% mothers had knowledge on early initiation of breastfeeding, 34.6% on exclusive breastfeeding and 65.5% had knowledge on continued breastfeeding. 73.8% mothers had positive attitude towards early initiation of breastfeeding, 13.5 % on exclusive breastfeeding and 79.5% had positive attitude towards continued breastfeeding up to 2 years.Conclusions:Though the attitude and knowledge on breastfeeding is good yet exclusive breastfeeding practice was observed very poor. These findings indicate that despite of having good knowledge and a positive attitude towards breastfeeding, there are certain myths and social determinants which hinder optimal breastfeeding. Identification of such barriers will be extremely useful, since counselling and behaviour change strategies will focus and address them, resulting in the practice of good behaviours.

The Naval Stone: A hidden culprit for umbilical abscess

A rarely encountered benign entity, the omphalolith has been endowed several names like omphalo-keratolith, umbilical bolus and naval stone. We hereby discuss two cases of omphalolith who presented with secondary infection and infra-umbilical sepsis.

Efficacy of Phenylephrine As An Adjuvant To BupivacaineIn Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block – A Prospective, Randomised Study

Background: Several adjuncts have been studied to potentiate the efficacy of local anaesthetic agents that increase the duration of analgesia, in peripheral nerve blocks, but the results have often been debated and counter debated. Phenylephrine has been studied intrathecally as an adjuvant and has been found to potentiate the effect of local anaesthetic agents. The present study was undertaken with a purpose to assess the efficacy of phenylephrine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double blinded study was undertaken which included 40 ASA I or II patients, aged 18-60 years, ≥60 kg, scheduled for upper limb surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Group S patients received 30 ml, 0.5% bupivacaine with 0.15 ml of saline and Group P patients received 30 ml, 0.5% bupivacaine with 0.15 ml (equivalent to 150 μg) of phenylephrine. Onset and duration of sensory and motor block, haemodynamic parameters, pain score, analgesia requirement and complications, if any, were recorded. Results: The total duration of sensory and motor block was significantly increased in group P, as compared to group S (p≤0.05). Pain scores were significantly lower and rescue analgesia demand was also significantly low in group P, in comparison to group S (p≤0.05). Demographic variables and haemodynamic parameters were comparable in both the groups. No major complications were seen. Conclusion: Phenylephrine (150 μg) when used as an adjuvant to 30 ml, 0.5% bupivacaine, in supraclavicular brachial plexus block, prolongs the duration of both the sensory and motor block thus enhances analgesia, decreases the rescue analgesic requirement and does not cause any adverse effects.

Ludwig’s Angina: A Challenge for Anaesthesiologist

Ludwig’s angina is an aggressive, rapidly spreading cellulitis of the floor of mouth and neck. It is less frequently seen in children as compared to adults. Successful management of Ludwig’s angina requires proper understanding of the anatomy, appropriate antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage whenever needed. Airway management is of prime concern and should be done with prior planning and cooperation of surgeon and anaesthesiologist. We hereby describe the successful management of Ludwig’s angina in a 3 year old child.

Disseminated invasive aspergillosis in a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit

Aspergillus is a common cause of invasive mycosis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. We report the case of a 62-year-old male who was hospitalized after suffering severe physical injuries and died after few weeks of hospitalization. A medicolegal autopsy was conducted, and various organs were sent for histopathological examination of which heart, lungs, and kidneys showed extensive involvement by aspergillus. Thus, a diagnosis of disseminated invasive aspergillosis was made on autopsy, which itself is a rare entity. This case report illustrates a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit as a possible risk factor for the development of disseminated aspergillosis.

Assessment of Newborn Care Corners in Selected Public Health Facilities in Bihar.

Background: A functional newborn care corner (NBCC) is critical to provide immediate care to newborns including resuscitation, warmth, and initial care to sick newborns. NBCC provides an acceptable environment for all infants at birth, and it is mandatory for all delivery points at all levels in the health system including operation theaters. Objective: The objective of this study was to find the status of availability of NBCCs and service provision in selected public health facilities of Bihar. Methods: A total of 57 NBCCs, having high delivery load (>100 deliveries/month), across 25 high-priority districts in Bihar, were selected purposively in consultation with the State Health Society, Bihar, for the assessment. These facilities were assessed for the availability and/or functioning of infrastructure, equipment maintenance, human resource, supply of drugs and consumables, adherence to protocols, and record keeping. Results: Only 22.8% of the NBCCs were found to be fully functional, majority (68.4%) were partially functional, and 9% were nonfunctional. Thirty-seven (64.9%) NBCCs were located inside the labor room premises. Approximately, one-third of the neonates delivered were kept in NBCCs. Equipment though available lacked the provision of annual maintenance contract. Essential drugs such as adrenaline (24.6%) and Vitamin K injection (42.1%) were not available in many facilities. Only 6.2% of the newborns had low birth weight, indicating underreporting. Majority of the health-care staff available were trained but possessed poor skills. Data recording and reporting was also suboptimal. Conclusion: The network of NBCCs needs to be strengthened across the state and linked with higher facilities to achieve the desired reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Mobile‑based Effective Vaccine Management Tool: An m‑health Initiative Implemented by UNICEF in Bihar.

Background: UNICEF launched the mobile‑based Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) system in Bihar in 2014 along with the state government to electronically capture information and identify gaps in the existing vaccine management system for appropriate action. Objective: This study accessed the implementation process of this initiative. Methods: Quantitative data related to vaccine supply chain management indicators were collected in November–December 2015 using factsheets and dashboards, representing the situation of the vaccine supply and cold chain management system at regular intervals since the launch. In‑depth interviews were conducted with the program specialists to understand the initiative’s genesis, its challenges and strengths. Results: This initiative resulted in an increased cold chain space from 49% (July 2014) to 87% (September 2015), deployment of sufficient human resource; 38 cold chain technicians for regular maintenance of the machines and equipment, installation of necessary equipment, and upgradation of state and regional vaccine stores. In health facilities, district vaccine stores, and regional vaccine stores, marked improvements were observed in the overall EVM criteria indicators (82%, 84%, and 80% in September 2015, respectively, as against 51%, 46%, and 43% in July 2014, respectively) as well as EVM category indicators (83%, 84%, and 76% in September 2015, respectively, as compared to 54%, 53%, and 54% in July 2014, respectively). Conclusion: The EVM mobile initiative was successfully implemented and it complies with its objective of providing experienced guidance to the human resource responsible for vaccine cold chain management. The initiative is scalable and its sustainability depends on its thoughtful merger with the existing immunization ecosystem.

Computer Tablet‑based Health Technology for Strengthening Maternal and Child Tracking in Bihar.

Background: UNICEF along with the State Government of Bihar launched a computer tablet‑based Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS) in 2014, to capture real‑time data online and to minimize the challenges faced with the conventional MCTS. Objective: The article reports the process of implementation of tablet‑based MCTS in Bihar. Methods: In‑depth interviews with medical officers, program managers, data managers, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), and a monitoring and evaluation specialist were conducted in October 2015 to understand the process of implementation, challenges and possibility for sustainability, and scale‑up of the innovation. Results: MCTS innovation was introduced initially in one Primary Health Centre each in Gaya and Purnia districts. The device, supported with Android MCTS software and connected to a dummy server, was given to ANMs. ANMs were trained in its application. The innovation allows real‑time data entry, instant uploading, and generation of day‑to‑day work plans for easy tracking of beneficiaries for providing in‑time health‑care services. The nonlinking of the dummy server to the national MCTS portal has not lessened the burden of data entry operators, who continue to enter data into the national portal as before. Conclusion: The innovation has been successfully implemented to meet its objective of tracking the beneficiaries. The national database should be linked to the dummy server or visible impact. The model is sustainable if the challenges can be met. Mobile technology offers a tremendous opportunity to strengthen the capacity of frontline workers and clinicians and increase the quality, completeness, and timeliness of delivery of critical health services.

Rollout of Quality Assurance Interventions in Labor Room in Two Districts of Bihar, India.

Background: Quality of care at the facilities during childbirth remains a major concern. Improved quality could have the greatest dividend in saving maternal and newborn lives. Objective: The objective of this study was to implement quality assurance measures in the labor rooms of select public health facilities in two districts of Bihar. Methods: The labor room quality assurance intervention was implemented in two districts, Gaya and Purnea in Bihar. Health facilities having >200 deliveries/month were assessed using labor room quality assurance checklist developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The critical gaps affecting service delivery were identified, and a list of priority actions for quality improvement was developed. An intervention model was rolled out in consultation with the district authorities focusing on the building blocks of the health system. The interventions were implemented from August 2014 to March 2016 in selected facilities after which an assessment was conducted. Results: Initial assessment of labor room was conducted in 24 facilities. After 2 years of intervention, there was a definite improvement in quality assurance scores in most facilities. The infection control scores increased by 20 points in Gaya (from 40 to 59.9) and 10 points in Purnea (from 57.6 to 67.1). The highest gain in scores was observed in quality management component in Gaya (from 6.2 to 58.2). The model attempted to incorporate all the elements of the health system to ensure scalability and sustainability. Conclusion: It is possible to have an implementable quality assurance mechanism within public health system with sustained efforts and commitment.

Using Nonpneumatic Anti-shock Garment for Postpartum Hemorrhage Management and Referral at the Public Health Facilities: A Pilot Study in Two Districts of Bihar.

Background: Nonpneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a first-aid device that can save lives of women experiencing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Objective: The aim was to explore the feasibility of implementation of NASG intervention at select public health primary care facilities in two high priority districts of Bihar. Methods: Qualitative design was used to document the NASG implementation process. In-depth interviews were conducted with health-care providers in November-December 2015. These healthcare providers were chosen purposively based on their involvement in the use of NASG. The implementation process of NASG, process of training for its use, challenges faced during the rollout of implementation and the recommendations for improving the implementation were explored. Results: Initially, a baseline study was conducted to assess the knowledge and skills of health-care providers regarding diagnosis and management of PPH. Implementation consisted of orientation and training of service providers on the identification of PPH cases and usage of the NASG garment during referrals. The interviews with stakeholders reflected that even after training and appropriate introduction of the practice of using the NASG bag, the initiative did not make a difference in ameliorating the situation of PPH management in the health facilities over 6 months. Conclusion: This study provides lessons for implementation and scaling up of NASG in public health systems, not only in Bihar but also other similar settings. It also calls for robust implementation research studies to generate evidence on the use of NASG at the primary health-care facilities as an intervention in program settings.

An Assessment of Bicycle Intervention to Improve Service Delivery by Accredited Social Health Activists in Selected Blocks of West Champaran District of Bihar.

Background: Several programmatic and logistic issues affect the overall performance of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Bihar Government provided bicycles to ASHAs in West Champaran district for increasing coverage of services by improving their mobility. Objective: To assess the use of bicycles by ASHAs and it’s effect on service delivery. It also captures the perspectives of ASHAs in terms of its utilization for performing tasks. Methods: A community-based quasi-experimental study was undertaken during March-May 2016. Proportion of newborn babies visited within 24 h of birth was the primary outcome. Data were collected from two intervention blocks (West Champaran district) and a control block from the neighboring East Champaran district. A total of 323 (177 from intervention blocks and 146 from control block) mothers having children <3 years of age and who had delivered at home were interviewed. Besides, 88 ASHAs working in intervention blocks were also interviewed. Results: Significantly higher proportion of mothers and newborn babies (44%) received postnatal care within 24 h of delivery in intervention blocks as compared to the control block (16%, P < 0.001). Nearly 73.1% of ASHAs were using the bicycle themselves. ASHAs were twice more likely to visit a newborn on the day of delivery if she was provided with mobility support. However, the likelihood of continuing visits after the 1st day was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The intervention demonstrated the potential of ASHAs to improve their functioning at the grass-root level. The scale-up of bicycle intervention should be supplemented with reforms in financial incentives disbursement and better system support.

Rolling Out of Kangaroo Mother Care in Secondary Level Facilities in Bihar-Some Experiences.

Background: Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of under-five child deaths worldwide and in India. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a powerful and easy-to-use method to promote health and well-being and reduce morbidity and mortality in preterm/low birth weight (LBW) babies. Objective: As the part of the roll-out of India Newborn Action Plan interventions, we implemented KMC in select facilities with an objective to assess the responsiveness of public health system to roll out KMC. Methods: KMC intervention was implemented in two select high priority districts, Gaya and Purnea in Bihar over the duration of 8 months from August 2015 to March 2016. The implementation of intervention was phased out into; situation analysis, implementation of intervention, and interim assessment. KMC model, as envisaged keeping in mind the building blocks of health system, was established in 6 identified health-care facilities. A pretested simple checklist was used to assess the awareness, knowledge, skills, and practice of KMC during baseline situational analysis and interim assessment phases for comparison. Results: The intervention clearly seemed to improve the awareness among auxiliary nurse midwives/nurses about KMC. Improvements were also observed in the availability of infrastructure required for KMC and support logistics like facility for manual expression of breast milk, cups/suitable devices such as paladi cups for feeding small babies and digital weighing scale. Although the recording of information regarding LBW babies and KMC practice improved, still there is scope for much improvement. Conclusion: There is a commitment at the national level to promote KMC in every facility. The present experience shows the possibility of rolling out KMC in secondary level facilities with support from government functionaries.

Neck dissection in lymph node-negative oral cancer.

D’Cruz AK, Vaish R, Kapre N, Dandekar M, Gupta S, Hawaldar R, Agarwal JP, Pantvaidya G, Chaukar D, Deshmukh A, Kane S, Arya S, Ghosh-Laskar S, Chaturvedi P, Pai P, Nair S, Nair D, Badwe R; Head and Neck Disease Management Group. (Head Neck Services, Department of Medical Oncology, Advanced Center for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Clinical Research Secretariat, and the Departments of Radiation Oncology, Head Cytology, Radio-diagnosis, and Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.) Elective versus therapeutic neck dissection in node-negative oral cancer. N Engl J Med 2015;373:521–9.

Atracurium-induced anaphylaxis and angioedema: a case report.

Drug-induced anaphylaxis has increased in frequency with the more widespread use of pharmaceutical agents. Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis during general anesthesia. However, the incidence of anaphylaxis due to atracurium is very rare (<1/10,000) according to UK Summary of Product Characteristics. NMBAs can induce two types of reactions: one is immune mediated - immunoglobulin E dependent and the second one is associated with non-specific stimulation of mast cells. Systemic manifestations of anaphylaxis can be in the form of hypotension, difficulty in breathing. Rarely, it can be associated with cutaneous manifestations such as urticaria, angioedema, and flushing. If it is not promptly diagnosed and treated, it can be fatal. In the present case, the patient was posted for submandibular gland surgery. She was well-stabilized after general anesthesia and within the seconds of giving injection atracurium; she had difficulty in breathing and marked decrease in blood pressure that was soon followed by periorbital swelling and swelling of lips. The patient was diagnosed with anaphylaxis with angioedema due to atracurium and was promptly managed in operation theater. She was kept under observation for 2 days. Anaphylaxis along with angioedema with atracurium is a very rare event, and hence it is being reported here.

Clinico-Cytological Spectrum Of Thyroid Mass Lesions Using FNAC And Corellating Biopsy.

Abstracts: Background: Fine needle aspiration technique generally applied, involves firm attachment of the aspiration needle to a syringe usually held in a specially designed syringe holder ie franzen’s handle, that enables single handed application of suction. The main aim of suction is to hold the cells against sharp cutting edge of the needle. It is the initial screening test for patients with thyroid lesions. Objective is 1) to find out diagnostic accuracy and role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions, and to establish cyto-histopathological correlation. 2) to find out sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, pitfalls and complications of fnac in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions. Methodology & Results: The present study was carried out on 110 patients presenting with thyroid lesions. FNA was conducted in cytology department of mmimsr mullana from July 2011 to Nov. 2013. In all cases, a thorough clinical examination including detailed history, general examination and local examination of thyroid gland was performed and findings recorded. FNA was performed in all cases without anesthesia keeping in view the clinical diagnosis. Equipments: included disposable syringe(10 ml), 2.5 cm long and 23-25 gauge disposable needles, Coplin jars , Cotton, and Clean glass slides. Chemicals and reagents included Spirit, Fixatives (alcohols) and Reagents for hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E), Giemsa stain,and papanicolaou stain etc. Conclusion: FNAC is a well developed, cost effective and frequently used method carring low morbidity. It is also widely accepted as most accurate procedure to differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules and helps preoperatively in selecting patients for surgery. FNAC used together with other diagnostic modalities such as thyroid scanning, ultrasonography, thyroid hormone profile and antibody level measurements enhances diagnostic accuracy of the technique.

Association between household air pollution and neonatal mortality: an analysis of Annual Health Survey results, India.

Background: In India, household air pollution (HAP) is one of the leading risk factors contributing to the national burden of disease. Estimates indicate that 7.6% of all deaths in children aged under 5 years in the country can be attributed to HAP. This analysis attempts to establish the association between HAP and neonatal mortality rate (NMR). Methods: Secondary data from the Annual Health Survey, conducted in 284 districts of nine large states covering 1 404 337 live births, were analysed. The survey was carried out from July 2010 to March 2011 (reference period: January 2007 to December 2009). The primary outcome was NMR. The key exposure was the use of firewood/crop residues/cow dung as fuel. The covariates were: sociodemographic factors (place of residence, literacy status of mothers, proportion of women aged less than 18 years who were married, wealth index); health-system factors (three or more antenatal care visits made during pregnancy; institutional deliveries; proportion of neonates with a stay in the institution for less than 24 h; percentage of neonates who received a check-up within 24 h of birth); and behavioural factors (initiation of breast feeding within 1 h). Descriptive analysis, with district as the unit of analysis, was performed for rural and urban areas. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to investigate the association between HAP and NMR. Results: The mean rural NMR was 42.4/1000 live births (standard deviation [SD] = 11.4/1000) and urban NMR was 33.1/1000 live births (SD=12.6/1000). The proportion of households with HAP was 92.2% in rural areas, compared to 40.8% in urban areas, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). HAP was found to be strongly associated with NMR after adjustment (β = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09 to 0.35) for urban and rural areas combined. For rural areas separately, the association was significant (β = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.45) after adjustment. In univariable analysis, the analysis showed a significant association in urban areas (β = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.12 to 2.34) but failed to demonstrate an association in multivariable analysis (β = 0.001; 95% CI = –0.15 to 0.15). Conclusion: Secondary data from district level indicate that HAP is associated with NMR in rural areas, but not in urban areas in India.

Retroaortic Left Renal Vein with Cascade of Complications in a Neonate.

Background: Retroaortic left renal vein, is a rare congenital anomaly. Case characteristics: A 14-day-old male neonate with retrocrortic left renal vein with posterior nutcracker phenomenon resulting in renal congestion. Observation: He developed septicemia, renal abscess and thrombosis of abdominal aorta. Outcome: Improvement on antibiotics and heparin. Message: Retroaortic left renal vein can cause life threatening complications.