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Pancreatic tuberculosis is a rare form of Tuberculosis (TB) which requires a high index of suspicion to diagnose. Here, we report a case of middle-aged gentleman presenting with abdominal pain and constitutional symptoms who was diagnosed with pancreatic tuberculosis on imaging, which was confirmed by Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) from the lesion. The patient was given Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT) as per conventional protocol. Follow-up showed recovery from the entity. A review of patient presentation, patho-physiology, diagnosis, and management of pancreatic tuberculosis is mentioned in this article.
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Background: The Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered as a valuable and distinguished diagnostic test in the initial assessment of the patients presenting with a mass in the head and neck region or when a recurrence is suspected after previous treatment. Aims: This study was therefore designed to elucidate the efficacy of FNAC as an alternate diagnostic tool to histopathology in head and neck swellings and evaluation of staining efficacy of PAP and MGG stain over Haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) in routine cytopathological smears. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, where FNAC samples were collected from 150 patients with head and neck swellings. Materials and Methods: All the slides were stained with H and E, Papanicolaou (PAP), and May Grunewald Giemsa (MGG) stains. The cytopathological diagnosis was compared with histopathological diagnosis based on H and E stained sections obtained from paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed biopsy specimen of benign and malignant neoplasms. Statistical Analysis Used: The resulting data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. Differences between the variables were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square test and Kruskal–Wallis test wherever applicable. Results: The FNAC as a diagnostic tool has sensitivity of 84.8%, 72.72%, and 78.78%, specificity of 62.5%, 75%, and 75%, and accuracy of 80.48%, 73.14%, and 78.04% in H and E, MGG, and PAP stain, respectively. PAP stain was the most efficient stain when all qualitative parameters are taken into consideration with maximum sensitivity and specificity for achieving definitive cytodiagnosis. Conclusions: The FNAC is an inexpensive and minimally invasive technique to diagnose different types of head and neck swellings and complement histopathological diagnosis.
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Background- The malignancy of the oral cavity constitutes the most important group of malignancies in South and Southeast Asia.The risk increases with the use of tobacco products. Materials & Methods- Micronuclei frequency scoring was used as a biomarker to identify different potentially malignant disorders. Results- Mean micronuclei index was found higher using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain than Papanicolaou's stainand May Grunwald's stain. Conclusion- We concluded that the micronuclei frequencies in oral exfoliated epithelial cells using three different stains- Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, Papanicolaou's stain, May Grunwald's stain may be useful in predicting the malignant potential of premalignant lesions.
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Background: Prediabetes is the preceding stage of diabetes which puts an individual to induce complications same as that of diabetes; hence, it should be treated to prevent its progression to diabetes and other consequences. However, there is very less literature about impact of home-based physical therapy on glycemic control and quality of life in Indian prediabetic population. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the home-based physical therapy shows effect on glycemic control and individual’s quality of life after a 3-month intervention. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 55 individuals who were diagnosed with prediabetes (36 males and 19 females) on basis of HbA1c level ranging from 5.7% to 6.4%. A 12-week exercise protocol was made which includes warm up exercises, main exercise program (aerobic and strengthening training), and cool down exercises along with dietary changes. SF-36 and HbA1c level is taken at baseline and at the end of 12 weeks for quality of life and glycemic control measures in participants, respectively. Results: The difference in HbA1c levels before and after treatment was found to be statistically significant. The HbA1c levels after the 3-month intervention showed significant reduction (P < 0.008) along with significant difference in all domain of SF-36 except in domain 3 (role limitation due to emotional problem) and domain 6 (social functioning). Conclusion: The home-based physical therapy program is effective in glycemic control and quality of life in adults with prediabetes.
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Introduction: Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) relates to comfort and satisfaction in a profession. Health care providers are exposed to great level of stress and traumatic events in their job. This study aimed at de-termining the ProQOL of health care providers in Bishnupur district. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among health care providers of Bishnupur district, Ma-nipur during 24 January- 24 February 2021. The participants were 153 healthcare providers from district hospital, CHCs and PHCs using a convenience method. The instrument for collecting data consisted of “Profes-sional Quality of Life Measure version 5(ProQOL-5)” questionnaire. Chi square test and Pearson’s r correlation was used for analysis. Results: Mean age of the participants was 37.54 + 9.1 years. The mean values for the domain compassion sat-isfaction (CS), secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout (BO) was 36.7 + 5.2, 23.2+ 4.5 and 23.3 + 5.6 respec-tively. BO and STS were positively correlated. There was no significant association between other domains. Participants who had night shifts had more BO level compared to others. Conclusion: Majority of the participants had moderate CS and STS. Those having prolonged duty hours expe-rienced more burnout compared to others.
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Background: Chronic viral hepatitis is a major global public health problem, an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study to evaluate the behavioral risk factors of HBV infection and its association with HBsAg positivity among residents of Kaza sub-division of district Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Material & Methods: The study was carried out by the Gastroenterology, Community Medicine, and Microbiology Department at Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla at Kaza, a subdivision of Lahaul & Spiti. The cluster sampling technique was used to get the desired sample size of 4000. Forty clusters were chosen using a probability proportionate to size sampling method, and 100 research participants were added to each cluster using a simple random sampling method. The data was gathered using a pre-tested interview plan. A blood sample of 5ml from each study participant was obtained, and its HBsAg content was examined. Results: In our study, 2.7% of the interviewed respondents’ parents were positive for hepatitis B and 3.7% reported one positive family member. Injectable drug use was reported by 1.6 (68/4231). Among these users 8.8% (6/68) shared needles with other IDUs in last 12 months and 35.3% (24/68) used a common container to draw up drug solution. Sexual intercourse was reported to be experienced by 15.5 (655/4231) and 12.2% either did not disclose or were children. Out of those who ever experienced sexual/penetrative intercourse 38.3% (251/655) had reported it with someone else other than a spouse. Majority of these had two partners other than a spouse (30.3%; 76/251). Around 30% (195/655) reported of using a condom in their last intercourse. Body piercings or a tattoo from someone who doesn’t sterilize his or her equipment, including local treatment from lamas, was prevalent among 16.3% of the population (689/4231). Acupuncture was taken as a remedy for any medical condition by 9% of participants. Regression analysis also revealed that one infected family member emerged as an independent factor associated with HBsAg positive test after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Our study provided much important information concerning hepatitis B risk factors in this tribal group. Health education about behavioral risk factors among this tribal population should be the main intervention that might help limit the spread of these blood-borne infections.
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Background: Pathological effects of dysglycemia and insulin resistance on atherosclerosis and cardiac remodeling starts as early as in the prediabetic state before the onset of overt diabetes. Activin A is a molecule with multiple functions, including an important part in glucose homeostatic mechanisms as well as inflammatory processes and is therefore being researched as a useful novel biomarker for prompt recognition of the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in prediabetic individuals, thereby helping in disease prognostication and early institution of therapeutic measures. Objective: The study aimed to measure serum levels of activin A in prediabetic patients and evaluate them in comparison to normoglycemic controls. The association of activin A with carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also studied. Materials and methods: A total of 60 prediabetic cases and 60 normoglycemic control subjects [matched as per age, gender, and body mass index (BMI)] were recruited. Measurement of serum glucose levels (fasting and postprandial) and fasting insulin levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were done in all the subjects. The values of HOMA-IR were computed using established formulae. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used for the evaluation of serum levels of activin A in both groups. Parameters for the two groups were compared. In the cases, CIMT (using B-mode ultrasound) and LVDD (using two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography) were measured and correlated with activin A levels. Results: Serum fasting insulin (mIU/L) was considerably higher in cases than in the controls (p < 0.001). HOMA-IR median [interquartile range (IQR)] was 4 (3.25–4.93) in some cases, and that in the control group was 1.2 (0.88–1.5) (p < 0.001). Serum activin A levels in the cases group had a median (IQR) of 263.55 (227.1–279.5) ng/mL, which was substantially greater as compared to the control group 159.9 (150.7–178.7) ng/mL (p < 0.001). A significant positive association of serum activin A levels with HOMA-IR (? = 0.75, p < 0.001) and CIMT (? = 0.50, p < 0.001) was found. In LVDD grade I and II groups, the serum levels of activin A were 257.86 (219.3–271.2) ng/mL and 269 (244.19–291.5) ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.12). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of morbidity and mortality related to dysglycemic states can be attributed to cardiovascular complications. Elevated levels of activin A in prediabetes can act as an indicator of subclinical CVD leading to early diagnosis and intervention.
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Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the success rate of local application of iodoform-based obturating material (Pulpotec – [Produits Dentaires S.A., Switzerland]) and clindamycinmodified triple antibiotic paste (ClinM-TAP) in pulp chamber using minimally invasive endodontic treatment of carious primary molars indicated for pulpectomy, for 12 months, using clinical and radiographic parameters. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial was conducted in 60 children in the age group of 3–8 years reporting carious primary molars with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis and pulpal involvement clinically, allocated into Group 1 (30) and Group 2 (30). In Group 1, Lesion sterilisation and tissue repair (LSTR) was done using Pulpotec (Produits Dentaires S.A., Switzerland) as medicament and in Group 2, ClinM-TAP (Clindamycinmodified triple antibiotic paste) was used as medicament. Clinical follow-up was done at 3, 6 and 12 months; radiographic follow-up was done at 6 and 12 months. Clinical parameters compared were tenderness on percussion, spontaneous pain, intraoral swelling and sinus/fistula. Radiographic comparison was done based on furcation radiolucency, root resorption and bone regeneration. Both intergroup and intragroup statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test or Fisher exact test, Cochran’s Q Test and Mann–Whitney U-Test for the test of significance. All the statistical tests were performed at 5% significance level. Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 5.25 ± 1.3years with 45% males and 55% females. Both groups showed significant improvement in terms of clinical symptoms from baseline to 12 months. On intergroup comparison clinical parameters, TOP was present in 11.2% and 44% of cases at the end of 12 months in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0 0.05). On intergroup comparison of radiographic parameters, at the end of 12 months, furcation radiolucency was seen in 32% and 73% (P < 0.05) and root resorption was seen in 16% and 30% cases in Group 1 and 2, respectively (P > 0.05). Overall clinical success rate of Group 1 and Group 2 was 88% and 50%, respectively (P < 0.05) and radiographic success rate was 60% and 27%, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: LSTR using Pulpotec as a medicament has shown promising results in the present study. It could be a better alternative to conventional endodontic treatment in primary teeth. In the present study, ClinM-TAP has shown poor radiographic success; hence, it should be used with caution.
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Introduction: Thoracocentesis and pleural biopsy are recommended for the evaluation of undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion. There are multiple etiologies associated with them, out of which malignancy is one of them. Hence, the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has been proposed in recent perspectives. We aimed to find the profile of MPE, efficacy of percutaneous closed needle pleural biopsy (PCNPB) in diagnosing MPE, overall yield, and complication rate to evaluate the continued relevance of this traditional procedure. Methods: This was a prospective study carried out on consecutive consenting patients at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at a tertiary care hospital from July 2016 to May 2018. The diagnosis was based on cytobiochemical, microbiological, and histopathological results along with clinical history. Data were analyzed with respect to pleural fluid assessment in terms of cytobiochemical and microbiological evaluation; while pleural biopsy was studied histopathologically. Results: Two hundred and fifty patients with exudative pleural effusion were enrolled. Tuberculosis (218, 87.2%) was the most common etiology followed by malignancy (22, 8.8%). The most common presenting complaint was chest pain (100%) followed by dyspnea (90.47%). Metastatic adenocarcinoma was found in 81.81% followed by mesothelioma in 18.18%. The sensitivity of pleural biopsy for malignancy was found to be 63.63% (p < 0.003, odds ratio [OR]: 2.01), and those fulfilling Leung's criteria, sensitivity was found to be 90.90% (p < 0.001, OR: 3.67). The sensitivity of pleural fluid for malignancy was 18.18% (p < 0.05, OR: 1.51). All cases of mesothelioma have asbestos exposure. The complication in the form of mild post-pleural biopsy pain was encountered in 10%, which required mild analgesics. Other complications in the form of self-resolving pneumothorax were seen in 6%, which increased hospital stay to 2�days and self-resolving hematoma (3%). Conclusion: In this modern era, PCNPB still holds high sensitivity, efficacy rate, and relevance for diagnosing MPE with less complication rate, less hospital stay, and can be done on a daycare basis. Also, we have very less research and paperwork regarding this topic.
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Background: Isolated lipid derangements are no longer considered as an ideal tool to predict cardiovascular (CV) morbidity. Hence, novel parameters, that is, lipid ratios are being resorted to label CV risk. However, which of the ratios stand out as the most specific, sensitive, and earliest predictor in individual cases is still to be elucidated. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study correlation of cholesterol ratios and conventional isolated lipid parameters as CV risk markers to anthropometric and hemodynamic variables in healthy overweight/obese subjects. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical, observational, and pilot study enrolling 30 overweight/obese subjects as cases and 30 non-obese subjects as controls segregated on basis of body mass index (BMI) and WHR. All subjects with secondary cause of abnormal blood flow were excluded from the study. Blood pressure measurement and venous blood sampling for serum glucose and fasting lipid parameters were duly done. Results: Of all the isolated lipid values and the three lipid ratios (Total Chl a [T. Chl]/high density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL]/HDL, triglyceride [TG]/HDL), the two groups differing significantly only in T. Chl/HDL ratio which, in turn, significantly strongly positively correlated to both LDL/HDL and TG/HDL ratio ([r = 0.684, P = 0.000] [r = 0.433, P = 0.001]), respectively. All the physical hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure) were significantly different in both groups but none of them correlated with the lipid parameters. Of the two (waist hip ratio and BMI) anthropometric measures, only BMI had significant positive moderate strength correlation to lipid parameters and ratios. Conclusion: T. Chl/HDL ratio seems to be the ideal lipid marker in early prediction of CV disease in apparently healthy obese subjects. Lipid derangements in apparently healthy mild-to-moderate grade obese subjects may not universally present with hemodynamic derangements.
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Leech invasion into a bodily cavity or orifice is known as hirudiniasis. This article’s objective is to explain an uncommon cause of epistaxis brought on by a leech infestation in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, or oropharynx in the hilly Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as how to manage it. This retrospective case series consisted of seven cases. All the cases present with unilateral epistaxis. Anterior rhinoscopy with or without endoscope reveal smooth, grayish-black mobile leech inside nasal cavity, nasopharynx, or oropharynx which was removed by suction or forcep.
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Background: Globally undergraduate medical students have a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress. Few studies from different parts of India have reported the increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in MBBS students due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the causal relationship between COVID-19 and the deranged mental health of the students have not been established. Further, data from the Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh are lacking regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of 1st-year MBBS students. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and stress of MBBS students in their first professional year. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate medical students of a Government Medical College in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Seventy-two male and forty-six female students were involved in the study. Most of the students were 17–25 years old. An online Google form was used to know the score of depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS). The demographic profile of the participants was also assessed through an online survey using Google form. The Chi-square test was used for testing relationships between categorical variables wherever required and P ? 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 39%, 52%, and 37%. Gender, age, place of residence, mediation practice, and type of family had no relation with the DASS-21 score. Conclusion: First-year MBBS students of Kanpur have an almost similar prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress as reported by the previous Indian studies during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic.
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Recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of increase in the ability of public health workforce to detect and respond to the public health threats. For timely implementation of an adequate response and mitigation measure, the standardized and sustainable capacity building programme for frontline public health workforce is the need of hour. National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developed a three-month in-service Basic Epidemiology Training programme. This is a tailor-made programme for frontline public health workforce to strengthen epidemiological skills. This training was a practical interactive approach to field epidemiology for three months on the job training for frontline public health workforce that addressed the critical skills needed to conduct surveillance effectively at the local level while focusing on improving disease detection, reporting and feedback. The training also demonstrated the role of learning model in form of interaction between the mentor and the mentees. The importance of handhold support given by the mentors to the mentees in quality outbreak investigations and documentation.
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Background: Vaccine hesitancy has been recognized as a public health issue which needs to be ad-dressed urgently. With reopening of school unvaccinated children might become major carriers of COVID-19. An assessment of the determinants of vaccine hesitancy will aid in the acceleration of vaccine administration among children. Objective: This study aims to explore parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Surat and determine fac-tors associated with it. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study in Surat among 250 participants selected from Rural and Urban field practice area by Systematic Random Sampling. Data collection was done by data collectors in an interview during the month of January and February, 2022. Univariate analysis was done, followed by Chi square test to establish associations. Predictors were determined by Binomial Logistic Regression. Results: Mean age of population was 31.3 + 10.7 years. Vaccine Hesitancy was recorded in 154 (61.6%) participants. Urban address (p=0.013), Full Vaccination status of parents (<0.001) and Perceived Bene-fits of vaccine to the child (p=0.001) were significant predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy. Conclusion: High proportion of Vaccine hesitancy was found in this study. Interventions can be planned on the basis of factors affecting Vaccine Hesitancy.
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Background: Mortality due to Non communicable disease (NCD) has increased from 50% to 60% in India from 2004 to 2014. Increasing mortality due to NCD has compelled Government of India to launch a national program (NPCDCS). This program has involved peripheral health workers hence this study was conducted to assess level of knowledge and attitude of peripheral health workers working in rural area of CHC Naila regarding NCDs. Methods: Present study was conducted at CHC Naila, Rajasthan, during June to Dec 2019. All (38) peripheral health staff working under CHC Naila were assessed and categorised regarding NCD and NPCDCS program. Results: Majority (77%) peripheral health workers had more than ten years of field experience. All have heard about NPCDCS program and type of NCDs covered under it. they were aware of sign & symptoms of common NCDs, however 18.42% of these were not aware of their role of community awareness about risk factors of NCDs and conducting regular screening. Conclusion: Though the level of awareness of health workers regarding type of NCDs, its consequences and risk factors was good however skill development training is needed so that they can screen people effectively and motivate them for healthy life style for optimum result.
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Background: Adenocarcinoma (ADC) is the commonest subtype of lung cancer, though a number of studies in India have observed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to be the commonest histology. Majority of Indian studies on clinico-pathological profile are retrospective and there is limited data on comparison of demographic, clinical, and radiological features among histological subgroups of lung cancer. Methods: Three-hundred and twelve consecutive confirmed cases of lung cancer diagnosed from December 2014 to January 2017 were enrolled prospectively. Data pertaining to the demographic, clinical, radiological, pathological, and molecular profile were analyzed. Results: Their mean age was 57.2 � 10.8 years. Of all the lung cancer patients studied, 80.5% were males and 73.4% were smokers. Across all histological subtypes, the commonest symptom was cough (76.9%). Chest pain, hoarseness of voice, dysphagia, and neck veins engorgement were significantly higher in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cases, while hemoptysis in SCC cases. The most common radiological finding was a mass lesion predominantly located, peripherally in cases with ADC and SCC lung, while centrally in SCLC. The most common site for distant metastasis was the bone (32.5%), followed by the liver, adrenal, brain, and other organs. ADC, SCC, and SCLC constituted 48.1, 32.1, and 14.4%, respectively. Incidence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations in ADC patients were 26.5% and 7.8%, respectively, with a predilection for nonsmokers. The most common EGFR mutation was exon 19 deletions. Conclusions: Adenocarcinoma lung may now be replacing SCC as the commonest type of lung cancer in Northern India. The overall incidence of EGFR mutations in ADC patients was 26.5%, with exon 19 deletion being the most common mutation
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Salinity in agricultural soil is a severe problem that affects the growth and production in numerous crops all over the world. The country's salt?affected land is estimated to be 6.74 million hectares. According to estimates, approximately 10% more land is becoming salinized each year, and by 2050, nearly half of all arable land will be contaminated by salt. Plants may have bacterial companions that shield them from the negative consequences of salt stress (SS). Plant growth?promoting bacteria (PGPR) can minimize the usage of agrochemicals while also improving plant production, nutrition, and biotic–abiotic stress tolerance. The enzyme 1? aminocyclopropane?1?carboxylic acid deaminase (ACCD) is found in certain bacteria and works by degrading ACC (ethylene precursor in higher plants) into ??ketobutyrate and ammonia (NH ), thereby reducing the ACC levels, thus, inhibits excessive biosynthesis of3 ethylene under numerous stress circumstances. This is one of the most effective methods for inducing plant tolerance to SS. The current review highlighted the recent works of ACCD under SS environment. Further, the relevance of reducing the negative effect of ROS and increasing plant development under SS were also discussed. We propose a path for the community to employ beneficial microorganisms to boost agricultural yield and achieve sustainable development by highlighting plant?microbe interactions in this review.
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Background:Pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality continue to have a huge impact on the lives of Indian women and their newborns. Any pregnant woman can develop life-threatening complications with little or no advance warning. All women need access to quality maternal health services that can detect and manage such complications1. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth remain a leading cause of death among women of reproductive age in India2. Each year in India, roughly 28 million women experience pregnancy and 26 million have a live birth. Of these estimated 67000 maternal and 10,00000 newborn deaths occur every year3. The maternal near-miss event was defined as “any acute obstetric complication that immediately threatens a woman’s survival but does not result in her death either by chance or because of hospital care she receives during pregnancy, labor or within 6 weeks of termination of pregnancy4.Maternal mortality data in practical terms is the tip of an iceberg while the maternal near-miss data is invisible and whic h is a very important tool to reduce maternal mortality.Material And Methods:This is a retrospective observational study carried out among 80 maternal near-miss cases who were admitted in obstetric ICU fulfilling criteria for identification for maternal near-miss cases as per Maternal Near Miss Review Operational Guideline (December 2014)in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in our tertiary care teaching hospital, between October 1, 2018, to October 31,2020.Patient fulfilling criteria for identification of near-miss cases as per Maternal Near miss Review Operational Guideline (December, 2014)Minimum 3 criteria were included in the study.Result:During the study period total of 18360 obstetric patients were admitted, out of which 80 patients ended up becoming maternal near-miss cases. Among them majority of patients were in age group of 18-25 years and occurrence was high in multipara women. In many patients more than one underlying disorder was present. Hemorrhage (67.5%) followed by a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (30.0%) was the commonest presenting disorder in near-miss cases. In spite of being highly preventable, maternal sepsis (6.2%) also contributes to being a major cause of morbidity.In our study, 15% of near-miss cases had associated medical conditions. 5 % of cases (n=4) in the present study faced acute severe respiratory depression (ARDS) after getting infected with covid-19 infection. There was need for massive blood transfusions in 63.75 %, magnesium sulfate therapy in 17.25%, use of cardiotonic /vasopressor drugs in 10.0%, obstetric hysterectomy in 23.75 % of cases. More than one management modality was followed in many patients. All the near-miss cases were covered with broad spectrum antibiotic therapy. Total 21 near-miss cases (26.25%) were identified to have delays. Delay in the decision to seek care (Delay 1) occurred in 2.5% of women. Educational backwardness, ignorance of pregnancy itself, lack of regular antenatal care, and failure to give importance to warning signals may be the contributing factors. Delay in accessing adequate care (Delay 2) was identified in 7.5% of women. Conclusion: Hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, abnormalities of labor, anemia, and sepsis are still major contributing factors for maternal near-miss cases. Anticipation, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment of maternal complications can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Sensitization of the population for proper utilization of available maternal health care facilities is very vital for reducing maternal near-miss cases.All the maternal near-miss cases are living le ssons, who de spite their misery show us our deficiencies.
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Background: Malnutrition is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality amongst elderly population. Lack of scientific evidence exists on the status of malnutrition amongst elderly population residing at high altitude regions of Uttarakhand, India. Materials and methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in high altitude regions of District Nainital. A total of 980 elderly subjects were selected from 30 clusters identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. Nutritional status of the elderly population was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Data was entered in MS Excel 2007 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The results of MNA revealed that 14.3% of the elderly subjects were malnourished. High prevalence of malnutrition was found among subjects who were illiterate (74.5%), financially dependent (75.2%), belonged to low monthly income (43.3%) had poor appetite (71.6%) and chewing problems (63.1%); (p<0.0001). Conclusions: High prevalence of malnutrition was present amongst the elderly population in India. There is a need for timely assessment of malnutrition for maintenance of nutritional status and prevention of chronic diseases.