Bi-directional screening for COVID-19, tuberculosis and diabetes in flu, DOTS and NCD clinics in a rural hospital in Northern India

Introduction: To assess the status of bi-directional screening for COVID-19, tuberculosis and diabetes among people attending Non-communicable Disease (NCD), Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS), and flu clinics of a secondary care hospital in rural northern India. Material and Methods: A cross?sectional, analytical study was conducted among the eligible (aged ?18 years) population who attended the study clinics in a rural sub-district hospital. In the flu clinic, consecutive patients were assessed for screening for TB (symptom-based) and diabetes (random blood sugar) and status of referral to DOTS and NCD clinics. Similarly, the screening for diabetes and COVID-19, Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in the DOTS clinic, and TB and COVID-19 in the NCD clinic were assessed. The independent association of factors with COVID-19 positivity were assessed by calculating the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the 405 people assessed, 279 (68.9%), 102 (25.2%), and 24 (5.9%) were from flu, NCD, and DOTS clinics, respectively. 26 (25.5%) and 22 (91.7%) of NCD and DOTS clinic patients underwent RT-PCR for COVID-19. TB screening in NCD and flu clinics was done among 4 (3.9%) and 7 (12.5%), respectively. A total of 23 (9.0%) were found positive for COVID-19, and no factors other than the presence of COVID-19 symptoms (aPR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.33–6.29) had any independent association with COVID-19 positive status. Conclusion: The low screening for TB in NCD and flu clinics indicates the need to strengthen the implementation the TB-DM and TB-COVID-19 bidirectional screening. Similarly, the low screening or testing for COVID-19 in the NCD clinic can be improved by the implementation of systematic screening strategies like TB-DM bidirectional screening.

Personal Protective Equipment Associated Symptoms amongst Frontline Health Care Workers in COVID-19 Pandemic � A Cross Sectional Study

Context : During COVID-19 Pandemic, frontline Health Care Worker (HCW) in hospitals were mandated to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), while caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, which involved the donning of close-fitting N95 Face Masks, Protective Eyewear, Gowns, Surgical Gloves and the use of Powered AirPurifying Respirators (PAPR). Aims : This study is to know the challenges faced during use of PPE among frontline HCW. Methods and Material : This is a cross-sectional study among HCW at our Tertiary Institution who were working in high-risk hospital areas during COVID-19. All respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire Statistical analysis used : Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Baseline characteristics were described using frequency and percentages. Association between predictors of PPE associated symptoms were assessed using Chi-square test with p-value of <0.05 considered as significant. Results : Total of 190 Health Care Workers participated in the study. Doctors- contributed most [143/189 (75.2%)]. Majority of the respondents reported usage of Masks, Eyewear, Shield and Gown [126/189 (66.7%)], in which most of them donned N-95 mask [152/189(80.5%)], and Goggles [110/189 (58.2%)] average for 6.32 (2.40) hours a day and 18.15(8.65) days in a month. 83 respondents reported a new onset headache associated with usage of PPE. Majority of the respondents localized Headaches as frontal (69.9%) which was statistically significant. Other symptoms were Tiredness (73.5%), Excess Sweating (45.4%) and Giddiness (20.6%). Conclusions : Prevalence and characteristics of PPE- associated symptoms in HCW working in high-risk areas in Tertiary Care Centers necessitates better measures and strategies for designing PPE and reducing the exposure time in HCW and also the impact on their work performance

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Depression among School Going Adolescents in Bengaluru: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The period of adolescence involves a lot of emotional changes as it is a period of transition to adulthood demanding independence.Adolescents with depression are more likely to have anxiety, disruptive behavior disorder and substance abuse when compared to those who are not depressed. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depression among school going adolescents and to assess the factors associated with depression among them. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school going adolescents aged 13-16 years in the urban field practice area of a Medical College. Depression was assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Total 896 adolescents were included in this study. Single stage cluster sampling method was done in which schools were considered as clusters and students constituted the sampling units. Schools were selected by simple random sampling technique using lottery method. Results: In this study about 45.2% of the adolescents had depressive disorder, out of which mild depression was reported among 22.2% students, 12.4% moderately depressed and 10.6% severe depression. Factors like mother's education, lack of communication by father and mother with their children, lack of needs satisfied by the fathers of the adolescents (61.9%), father's role in adolescents' life (62%) and domestic violence in family (69.7%) were some of the important reasons for developing depression among adolescents. Adolescent whose parents were having conflict (69.2%) were found be depressed when compared to those adolescents whose parents had no conflicts this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of depression was found to be 45.2%. Finding of the study emphasizes the need for creating awareness about the early identification of behavioral changes leading to depression among adolescents by the parents and teachers. It is also important to emphasize to the parents on how their relationship and behavior towards the family affects the mental wellbeing of the adolescents.

Validation of Neck Disability Index Severity among Patients Receiving One or Two-Level Anterior Cervical Surgery

Methods@#A surgical database was reviewed to identify patients undergoing cervical spine procedures. Demographics, operative characteristics, comorbidities, NDI, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and 12-item Short Form (SF-12) physical and mental composite scores (PCS and MCS) were recorded. NDI severity was categorized using previously established threshold values. Improvement from preoperative scores at each postoperative timepoint and convergent validity of NDI was evaluated. Discriminant validity of NDI was evaluated against VAS neck and arm and SF-12 PCS and MCS. @*Results@#All 290 patients included in the study demonstrated significant improvements from baseline values for all patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at all postoperative timepoints (p<0.001) except SF-12 MCS at 2 years (p =0.393). NDI showed a moderate- to-strong correlation (r≥0.419) at most timepoints for VAS neck, VAS arm, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS (p<0.001, all). NDI severity categories demonstrated significant differences in mean VAS neck, VAS arm, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS at all timepoints (p<0.001, all). Differences between NDI severity groups were not uniform for all PROMs. VAS neck values demonstrated significant intergroup differences at most timepoints, whereas SF-12 MCS showed significantly different values between most severity groups. @*Conclusions@#Neck disability is strongly correlated with neck and arm pain, physical function, and mental health and demonstrates worse outcomes with increasing severity. Previously established severity categories may be more applicable to pain than physical function or mental health and may be more uniformly applied preoperatively for cervical spine patients.

Consensus guidelines on management of oral potentially malignant disorders

Oral cancer is usually preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and early detection can downstage the disease. The majority of OPMDs are asymptomatic in early stages and can be detected on routine oral examination. Though only a proportion of OPMDs may transform to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), they may serve as a surrogate clinical lesion to identify individuals at risk of developing OSCC. Currently, there is a scarcity of scientific evidence on specific interventions and management of OPMDs and there is no consensus regarding their management. A consensus meeting with a panel of experts was convened to frame guidelines for clinical practices and recommendations for management strategies for OPMDs. A review of literature from medical databases was conducted to provide the best possible evidence and provide recommendations in management of OPMDs

Home Blood Pressure monitoring: An economical, reliable, and convenient Tool over ambulatory Blood Pressure monitoring in Patients on Dialysis

Background: Hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on dialysis. Blood pressure (BP) control is of paramount importance in reducing morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population, although there is no consensus on target BP. Ambulatory BP recording is considered gold standard in estimating the BP among patients on dialysis. But, ambulatory BP recording is cumbersome, not economical, and not easily available to Indian patients. Therefore, an easier and more convenient method has to be implemented to monitor the BP. Some studies demonstrated that home BP recordings may be promising in making a more accurate diagnosis of hypertension in hemodialysis patients. However, there is paucity of research that compares home-based BP monitoring with ambulatory BP recordings in patients on hemodialysis. The present study was thus planned to examine the hypothesis that out-of-dialysis unit BP measurement in the form of home-based measurement of BP is as efficacious as ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in evaluating hypertension among patients on hemodialysis. Aim: To assess the accuracy of home-based BP monitoring in comparison to ABPM among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis. Objective: To assess the ability of home-based BP monitoring to detect hypertension among CKD patients on hemodialysis. Materials and methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out in the Department of Medicine in a tertiary care hospital. The total duration of the study was 24 months. Fifty-two CKD patients on hemodialysis fulfilling the eligibility criteria were taken up for the study after informed consent. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized BP measuring equipment at home, thrice a day for 3 days in the interdialysis period. Also, all these patients were subjected to 24 hours of ABPM in the interdialysis period. Home-based BP monitoring records are then compared with the one-time ABPM records. All statistical calculations were done using computer programs Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft Corporation, NY, USA) and SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions; SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) version 21. Result: In our study, the mean awake, asleep, and average ABPM readings of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 141.69/81.33, 139.39/80.04, and 141.23/80.67 mm Hg, respectively, while the mean SBP and DBP recorded on home-based measurements were 143.6 and 82.69 mm Hg, respectively. All the subjects showing mean SBP ?140 mm Hg as per ABPM had home-based readings of above 140 mm Hg while 23 out of 27 patients (85.2%) with mean SBP <140 mm Hg as per ABPM had similar observation by home-based monitoring (kappa 0.847; p<0.01). All the subjects showing mean DBP ?90 mm Hg as per ABPM had home-based readings of above 90 mm Hg while 42 out of 44 patients (95.5%) with mean DBP <90 mm Hg as per ABPM had similar observation by home-based monitoring (kappa 0.866; p<0.01). Conclusion: Our study shows that there is no difference between BP readings as observed by ABPM and home-based BP monitoring. Also, home-based BP monitoring can detect hypertension as effectively as ABPM among patients on hemodialysis, thereby making home-based BP monitoring a safe and reliable method of BP measurement in clinical practice.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: A Case Report

Background: Androgen insensitivity syndrome refers to an inability of the body to respond properly to male sex hormones (androgens) produced during pregnancy. This occurs because of a change (mutation) in a gene involved in the production of the protein inside cells that receives the androgen hormone and instructs the cells in how to use it. This is a genetic disorder that makes XY foetuses insensitive (unresponsive) to androgens, they are born looking externally like normal girls and Internally, there is a short blind pouch vagina and no uterus, fallopian tube or ovaries. There are testes in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal. The CAIS is usually detected at puberty when a girl should but does not begin to menstruate. They are at high risk of osteoporosis so should take oestrogen replacement therapy. Case Report: PAIS results in micropenis with hypospadias and gynaecomastia. We report this rare case of 18yr old female patient with primary amenorrhea. Subsequent investigation including karyotyping revealed that the patient is phenotypically female but genotypically male with testes. Gonadectomy was done with proper counselling and patient was put on hormonal replacement replacement therapy.

Enhanced access and isolation by simple modifications of dental armamentarium

A good armamentarium facilitates the efficient working of the dentist which in turn improves the quality of treatment rendered to the patient. The present invention of the unit consisting of the flexible mirror attached to the suction and the dual suction tip aims at improving the clinical efficiency of dental treatments provided. This compact unit is designed to improve the visualization and isolation of the operating field. It is also easy to fabricate and alleviates the very relevant shortcomings of clinical work.

Clinicopathological study of parasitic lesions of the eye and ocular adnexa in a tertiary care ophthalmic center in South India

Purpose: To study clinical and pathological features of parasitic lesions in the ocular adnexa in a tertiary care ophthalmic center in south India. Methods: 43 cases of ocular parasitosis were analysed clinically and correlated with the pathological findings (gross morphology and histopathology) over a period of five years (2015–2020). Results: Among the 43 cases, the age group ranged from 9 months to 78 years (mean age of 41.6 years). Female patients were more common than male patients, with a percentage of 63% (27) and 37% (16) respectively. Cystic lesion in the lid or orbit was seen in 23 cases (53.4%); solid mass lesions were seen in 17 cases (39.5%); subconjunctival worms in three cases; and subretinal parasite in one. Gross examination and histopathologic study showed Dirofilaria in 23 cases (53.5%), followed by Cysticercus in six cases (14%) and Microfilariae in four cases (9.3%). Exact species identification was not possible in ten cases (23.25%). Correlation between the type of lesion and type of inflammatory cells with the specific parasite was done. Conclusion: Our study showed that important clinicopathological correlations can be made from the parasitic lesions in the eye and adnexa, which can aid in definitive diagnosis and prompt identification of the parasite for patient management

Correlation of biomarkers and radiological findings among COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study

Introduction: The severity of COVID-19 is classified based on clinical, laboratory, and radiology characteristics. Although chest X-ray (CXR) is not sensitive in early stage disease, it can be useful in assessing the rapid progression of lung abnormalities in COVID-19. While CXR findings correlate with the severity of the disease, computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest are widely and repeatedly done. As it exposes the patient to a large dose of radiation and risks the spread of infection to other patients, it is worthwhile to explore the utility of CXR to overcome the above problem, especially in resource-poor settings. Materials and Methods: Inpatients with reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive COVID-19 irrespective of severity, admitted in the COVID wards from June to September 2020, were included in a retrospective study. CXR done at admission was scored for radiological severity of COVID-19 by an independent radiologist, unaware of the clinical/laboratory parameters of patients. It was then co-related with clinical severity and standard biomarkers at admission. Results: We studied 400 patients, the mean age (SD) was 53.69 (15.43) years, 268 (67%) were males, the majority of them were symptomatic (95%), 192 (48%) had severe disease, and 238 (59.5%) patients had co-morbidities. Receiver-operating curve (ROC) for CXR severity score showed a threshold of 3.5 to predict severe COVID, which had a positive predictive value of 71% and a negative predictive value of 73%. Using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, CXR severity scores significantly correlated with the clinical severity and standard biomarkers. Conclusion: With the overwhelming number of COVID-19 patients burdening the healthcare system, monitoring of the severity of the disease can be achieved with regular clinical assessment and laboratory parameters with limited radiation exposure, avoiding repeated CT scans, especially in resource-poor settings.

The Influence of Preoperative Narcotic Consumption on Patient-Reported Outcomes of Lumbar Decompression

Methods@#A surgical database was retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing primary, single-level MIS LD from 2013 to 2020. Patients lacking preoperative narcotic consumption data were excluded. Demographics, spinal pathologies, and operative characteristics were collected. Patients were grouped based on preoperative narcotic consumption. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back and leg, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 12-item Short Form Physical Component Summary, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function (PROMIS-PF) were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Preestablished values were used to calculate achievement of minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Differences in mean PROs and MCID achievement between groups were evaluated. @*Results@#The cohort was 453 patients; 184 used preoperative narcotics and 269 did not. Significant differences were found in American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, ethnicity, insurance type, and estimated blood loss between groups. Significant differences were also found in preoperative PHQ-9, VAS leg, ODI, and PROMIS-PF between groups (all p0.05). A higher rate of MCID achievement was associated with the narcotic group for PHQ-9 and PROMIS-PF at 6 weeks (both p≤0.050), VAS leg at 1 year (p=0.009), and overall for ODI and PHQ-9 (both p≤0.050). @*Conclusions@#Preoperative narcotic consumption was associated with worse preoperative depression, leg pain, disability, and physical function. In patients consuming preoperative narcotics, a higher proportion achieved an overall MCID for disability and depressive symptoms. Patients taking preoperative narcotic medications may report significantly worse preoperative PROs but demonstrate greater improvements in postoperative disability and mental health.

Prevalence of Impacted Teeth in a South Indian Population using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT@#Localisation of impacted teeth is essential for surgical and orthodontic management. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence and type of tooth impaction in the jaws using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The CBCT records of subjects between 2018 and 2020 were retrieved from our institution archives and examined by two oral radiologists. A total of 760 CBCT scans were evaluated, of which 140 (18.4%) scans had impacted teeth. From the 140 CBCT scans, 216 impacted teeth were identified. Maximum impactions were in the age group of 21–30 years. Third molars were the most commonly impacted teeth (66.2%), followed by canines (23.6%), supernumerary teeth (4.6%), premolars (3.2%), incisors (1.4%), and second molars (0.9%). Among the impacted canines, 53% were buccally impacted, 43% were palatally impacted and other impactions were 4%. Among the third molars, mesioangular impactions were the most frequent (41.2%), followed by horizontal (28%), vertical (16.7%) and distoangular impaction (4.1%). The most frequently impacted teeth were the third molars, followed by canines. Canine impactions were more frequent in the maxilla, while third molar impactions were thrice as common in the mandible compared to the maxilla. Mesioangular third molar impactions were the commonest, followed by horizontal, vertical and distoangular.

Reestablishing Lacrimal Drainage by Canaliculorhinostomy after Dacryocystectomy: A Viable Option in Symptomatic Patients

Purpose@#To evaluate the outcome and efficacy of a modified technique of canaliculo-dacryocystorhinostomy (canaliculo-DCR) in the complete absence of lacrimal sac, as a means to reestablish lacrimal drainage in postdacryocystectomy (post-DCT) patients. @*Methods@#A retrospective, nonrandomized interventional study including 15 proven and established post-DCT patients with intact canaliculi of at least 7 to 8 mm. The patients presented with bothersome tearing to the oculoplastic clinic from January 2017 to January 2018. Patients were operated by a single surgeon (ST). Procedure involved creating a bony ostium of optimum size, internal membranectomy and the nasal mucosal flap anchored appropriately to create a passage in line with the common canaliculus. Adjunctively bicanalicular intubation and mitomycin-C were used. @*Results@#Of the 15 patients who were operated (10 female and five male patients), 14 (93.33%) had functionally and anatomically patent lacrimal passage after the modified canaliculo-DCR, one (6.66%) was symptomatically better with partial regurgitation of clear fluid. Three (20%) had tube prolapse after 1st month postoperatively, which although significant, was not related to the technique. They were repositioned as an office procedure and retained thereafter till removal, no other tube related or mitomycin-C related sequelae was seen. No intraoperative complication was encountered. @*Conclusions@#With a success rate of 93.33% and a resultant patent lacrimal tear drainage passage and trivial complication such as tube prolapse, we can conclude, this technique of modified canaliculo-DCR in post-DCT patients is a safe and effective procedure with promising results, thereby avoiding cumbersome methods and maintenance of Jones tube while at the same time providing symptomatic relief to the patients.

Brush up: an innovative technological aid for parents to keep a check of their childrens oral hygiene behaviour / Brush up: uma ajuda tecnológica inovadora para os pais controlarem o comportamento de higiene bucal de seus filhos

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the impact of "Brush Up" - a mobile application, on oral hygiene behaviours of 4-6-year-old children in Bangalore city. Methods: In this experimental study, 247 children aged 4-6, were randomly divided into three groups. Considering "Brush Up" is a mobile application, parents of the children in Group 1 (n=82) downloaded the application on their smartphones. Children in Group 2 (n=83) and Group 3 (n=82) received tooth brushing instructions by an educative video and manual demonstration, respectively. Effectiveness of tooth brushing was assessed with plaque scores, which were recorded for all the groups at baseline and one month using Visible Biofilm Index. Results: Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a significant improvement in the tooth brushing behaviour for the Brush Up group, which was indicated by a lower plaque score after a follow-up of one month. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by post-hoc test showed that the mean ranks of plaque scores of Brush Up group are consistently lower than those of video demonstration group and manual demonstration group. Conclusions: The lower plaque score in subsequent follow-up in Brush Up group suggests that using a smart system can enhance learning a correct tooth brushing method in young children and can also help in implementing the required reinforcement and motivation to brush and aid in better plaque control.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o impacto do "Brush Up", um aplicativo móvel, sobre comportamentos de higiene bucal de crianças de 4 a 6 anos na cidade de Bangalore, na Índia. Métodos: Neste estudo experimental, 247 crianças de 4 a 6 anos foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos. Como "Brush Up" é um aplicativo móvel, os pais das crianças do Grupo 1 (n=82) baixaram o aplicativo em seus smartphones. As crianças do grupo 2 (n=83) e do grupo 3 (n=82) receberam instruções sobre escovação por meio de vídeo educativo e demonstração manual, respectivamente. A efetividade da escovação foi avaliada por meio de escores de placa bacteriana, registrados para todos os grupos antes da intervenção e um mês depois. Resultados: O teste de Wilcoxon sinalizou uma melhora significativa na escovação para o grupo "Brush Up", com uma pontuação mais baixa na placa bacteriana após um mês de acompanhamento. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis, seguido do teste post hoc, mostrou que as classificações médias das pontuações do grupo "Brush Up" foram consistentemente mais baixas do que as do grupo com demonstração em vídeo e demonstração manual. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos no grupo "Brush Up" sugerem que o uso de um sistema inteligente pode melhorar o aprendizado de um método correto de escovação em crianças pequenas e ajudar na implementação do reforço e motivação necessários para escovar e controlar melhor a placa bacteriana.

Meconium stained liquor in labour and mode of delivery: a time for reappraisal

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the significance of meconium staining of the amniotic fluid and find out an appropriate mode of delivery in women with MSL.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, a tertiary government hospital, New Delhi over a time period of 1 year between 2009 to 2010 on 1425 consecutive women of which 142 women were diagnosed as having meconium staining of the amniotic fluid during labour.  All cases were critically analysed and maternal and fetal outcomes were studied in these women.Results: The incidence of MSL was 10% (142/1425), 45% had thin MSL and 55% had thick MSL. In women with thick MSL, 85% had early thick MSL and 15% had late thick MSL. In women who had early thick MSL (n=66), 55 (83.3%) delivered by LSCS and 11 (16.7%) delivered vaginally. On correlating the perinatal outcome with mode of delivery irrespective of fetal heart rate abnormality in early thick MSL, it was seen that the perinatal outcome was significantly affected by mode of delivery. The rates of respiratory distress and MAS was significantly higher in babies who delivered vaginally compared to those by LSCS (18% & 100% vs 9% & 40%, p=0.012, RR- 5.2 [95% CI: 1.8-3.42]. There were no perinatal mortality in early thick MSL.Conclusions: In distinguishing between thick and thin meconium, it was noted that finding of thick meconium in the latent phase of labour (i.e. early thick MSL) is ominous and demands an urgent caesarean delivery.

Molecular Method of Detection of Primary Endodontic Infection- An Ex Vivo Study.

The removal of microorganism and debris from the root canal system is the prerequisite for success of treatment. This can be achieved by thorough cleaning, shaping and disinfection of the root canal system. The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence of microorganism in primary endodontic infection in South Canara population using PCR technique.METHODSFifty patients with primary endodontic infection were selected for the study. Access cavity preparation was done followed by working length determination and first sample was collected by placing the paper point near the root apex for 1 min and immediately the samples were placed in Tris-EDTA buffer solution, stored at -200 C, followed by PCR analysis of the sample using specific primers for detection of microorganisms.RESULTSA total of 50 cases with primary endodontic infection were analysed for the presence of microorganism within the root canal system. Percentage analysis was done, and the positive results were obtained only for Porphyromonas endodontalis in 50 % of cases.CONCLUSIONSPorphyromonas endodontalis was the prevalent organism seen in primary endodontic infection in this particular geographic distribution.

Etiological factors and maternal outcome in pregnancies with malpresentation: an observational study

Background: The most common presentation of the fetus is malpresentation. These include breech, face, brow, shoulder and compound presentations. Malpresentations of fetus complicate labor in about 5% of pregnancies. To find out the incidence of malpresentation, to analyze etiological factors of malpresentation, to evaluate the maternal outcome in cases with a malpresentation.Methods: This prospective observational study was done in, Chengalpattu Government medical college and hospital. Study period from October 2018 to September 2019. Pregnancies with malpresentation presenting to the department of obstetrics and gynecology at CMCH were included in the study.Results: A total of 680 malpresentation were admitted in this period were included in this study. The incidence of malpresentation during the study period was 7.72%. The incidence of the breech was 4.38%, transverse lie 1.11%, face 0.28%, brow 0.05% and compound presentation 0.13%. The common causes were prematurity, multiple gestations, grand multiparty, IUGR, oligohydramnios, anomalies of uterus, polyhydramnios, contracted pelvis, placenta previa, hydrocephalus, prematurity was reported as the commonest cause of breech presentation and multiparty for transverse lie, face and brow presentations. The most common complication was obstructed labor 6.9% followed by post-partum hemorrhage 3.65%. There was no maternal death due to malpresentation during the period of study.Conclusions: Early diagnosis and timely management can prevent the complications of labor associated with a malpresentation. Delivery should be planned at centers which have expertise in conducting vaginal delivery in malpresentation with good intrapartum monitoring and with facilities for cesarean section for the better feto-maternal outcome.

Morphometry And Morphology Of Variations Of Gall Bladder: A Cadaveric Study

Aim: To study variations in dimensions and external morphology of cadaveric gall bladder.Materials and methods: This study was undertaken on 60 cadaveric liver and gall bladder specimens in theDepartment of Anatomy at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital. The parameters which were measuredare length and breadth at the level of neck, body & fundus of Gall bladder using the measuring tape. The shapeand external variations were noted.Results: Gall bladder had length ranging between 6 and 10cm, breadth at the level of neck, body & fundus rangingbetween 1 to 2cm, 2 to 3.5cm, 2.5 to 3.5cm respectively. The commonest shape observed in this study was pearshaped.Conclusion: Variations in morphology of gall bladder are commonly encountered during radiological investigationsand in operation theatres. Prior knowledge of morphology and morphometry of gall bladder is of utmostimportance to the radiologists & laparoscopic surgeons

Spectrum of microbial infection in an Intensive Care Unit: a single centre tertiary care experience in Southern Indian state of Karnataka

Background: There is an increased incidence of hospital acquired infection, especially in ICU setting, the most common being ICU acquired pneumonia which increases the morbidity, mortality, prolongs hospital stay and consuming more resources. Microbial etiology of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired pneumonia (ICUAP) determines antibiotic treatment and outcomes which vary from centre to centre. Hence, a study of risk factors, clinical profile of patient, microorganisms and their resistance patterns to antibiotics are important for the diagnosis, prognosis of patient with ICU acquired pneumonia and also in the prevention of the same.Methods: Patients with ICUAP confirmed microbiologically were prospectively compared according to identification of 1 (monomicrobial) or more (polymicrobial) potentially pathogenic microorganism. Patients without microbiological confirmation were excluded from the study. We assessed clinical characteristics, microbiology and outcome variables.Results: In the present study 60 patients with ICU Pneumonia were included out of which 50 (83%) had mono-microbial infection. Most common organism isolated in mono microbial infection was Klebsiella species (26%), followed by Acinetobacter species (25%), out of which 20 percent was multidrug resistant. Multi-drug resistance was similarly frequent in both groups. Outcome variables like initial response to the empiric treatment, length of stay and mortality were similar in both monomicrobial and polymicrobial pneumonia. Mortality rates were higher with higher pneumonia scores (p value <0.002) and with multi organ dysfunction (p <0.008) irrespective of mono microbial or poly microbial infection.Conclusions: In this study mono microbial infection was more than polymicrobial, the most common organism being Kliebsiella species followed by Acinetobacter species. When empiric treatment is frequently appropriate, mortality rates were higher with higher pneumonia scores and MODS. In our study polymicrobial aetiology did not influence the outcome of ICUAP.

Maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders: a population-based study

Background: Hypertension during pregnancy is one of the well-known complications of dating from ancient times. It remains as one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity through its myriad complications. To study the risk factors, prevalence and epidemiological parameters of antenatal mothers presenting with hypertension during pregnancy.Methods: This study was on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including mild, severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension at Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital, Chengalpattu in a period of 1st year from October 2016 to September 2017.Results: Out of 450 hypertensive pregnancies, the majority were severe preeclampsia (39.6%). There were 78 women with gestational hypertension (17.3%), 125 women with mild preeclampsia (27.8%), 178 women with severe preeclampsia (39.6%), 64 women with eclampsia out of which 52 were AP eclampsia (11.6%), 1 case was IP eclampsia (0.2%) and 11 women were PP eclampsia (2.4%). 5 women were chronic hypertensives (1.1%)Conclusions: Complications can affect all maternal systems including central nervous system, renal system, and hematological systems. Apart from these, the fetus also faces the brunt of insult. Fetal complications include prematurity, low birth weight, stillbirths, intrauterine deaths, and intrauterine growth restrictions. However, such vast complications can be prevented by simple blood pressure monitoring and proper antenatal mother follow-up.