Antenatal depression and its correlates - a cross-sectional study in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi

Background- Antenatal depression is affecting 10% pregnant women worldwide with higher prevalence in developing countries. This causes poor maternal and foetal outcome and also affects cognitive development of the child. Aim and objective: To estimate magnitude of antenatal depression and its risk factors. Methodology- A cross-sectional survey was done at the antenatal clinic of community health department catering to an urban resettlement colony, East Delhi. Estimated sample size was 216 (including 10% non-response rate). Pregnant women attending the ANC clinic from October 2019 to February 2020 were enrolled. EPDS questionnaire was used to assess depression during pregnancy. Results-The antenatal depression was found in 11.8% subjects as per EPDS score. Working female and belonging to Muslim religion, past history of abortion, complications in previous pregnancy, financial debt, physical violence and substance use in family showed significant association with antenatal depression. Conclusion –Depression was prevalent among antenatal women and was found to be associated with various risk factors.

Prospective study of acute intestinal obstruction in adults based on etiology and severity indicators

Background: Intestinal obstruction is a common clinical entity in surgeons practice. In a large number of patient, therapeutic options are surgery versus conservative treatment; the choice of the treatment, that is, surgical versus conservative depends mainly on the surgeon’s assessment and therefore, is a clinical challenge to decide. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of our study is early detection of strangulated bowel obstruction based on a clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters, a severity indicator score developed by combining these parameters. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based prospective observational study of 100 patients between April 2019 and October 2020 who presented with intestinal obstruction. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters were noted and scoring was done as per severity scores. Results: Common cause of obstruction in this study was adhesions 41%, tuberculosis 13%, malignance 8%, and mesenteric ischemia 6% followed by intussusception and volvulus. Patients who had score <3 were managed conservatively, while 90.9% of patients having a score of three or more where operated on, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Evaluation of the patient is not only to confirm the diagnosis but also timely management of strangulation and prevention of ischemia of gut to improve morbidity and mortality. This study used a severity scoring system of clinical parameters, laboratory and radiological investigation to help in the decision-making of treatment in a case of intestinal obstruction.

TO STUDY ASSOCIATION OF POST-MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AND CLINICO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Age at menopause influences the severity of post-menopausal symptoms to determine the symptoms and clinicodemographic links in post menopauseal women in a representative population from eastern Uttar Pradesh. All postmenopausal women presenting with symptoms in the Gynaecological Emergency Department for a period of one year were enrolled. Age and clinicodemographic details, symptoms severity, and reasons for delay in seeking treatment were noted. The data was analysed using Chi-square test. Overall 990/17,927 (5.52%) women visiting the gynaecological OPD presented with post-menopausal complaints. Among menopausal women, the mean age ranged from 40 to 60 years old with a mean age of 46.6012.48 years. Majority were para 3-4 (52.5%), age at menarche were >13 years (58.3%), uneducated (58.8 %) , lower/upper lower SES (57.5%), married (77.3%) and had BMI<18.5kg/m2 (62.1%). Tobacco/smoking addiction was reported in 55 (5.6%) women. A total of 145 (14.6%) were working women. Severity of symptoms was mild, moderate and severe in 57.2%, 28.3% and 14.5% cases. Majority had onset of symptoms for 4- 5 years (56.4%) after menopause. Joint pains and Backache/body ache were the most common presenting complaints (81.8%). A significant association of age at presentation was seen with parity, age at menarche, BMI category and occupational status. Severity of symptoms showed a significant association with age at presentation, parity, age at menarche, BMI category, occupational status and tobacco/smoking use. Most common reasons for delayed treatment were financial problems (22.2%), family problems (18.2%) and commonness of problem (12.6%). Only 2.1% women were aware about HRT. Among the relatively less informed members of our study population, low socioeconomic status, underweight, and menopause age were all influenced by clinicodemographic factors.

Stress, Coping Strategies and Social Support as Predictors of Mental Health of Police Personnel of North India

Introduction: The profession of a police personnel is extremely stressful. Coping strategies and social support are known to be robust buffers of stress Objective: To study Stress, Coping Strategies and Social Support as Predictors of Mental Health of Police Personnel of Uttar Pradesh, North India. Method: This was a cross-sectional study comprising of 300 male police personnel. Assessment was done using Occupational Stress Questionnaire, Brief COPE Scale and Mental Health Inventory. Multiple Regression Analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Ambiguity stress, the belonging and appraisal support are found to be the strongest predictor of mental health of constables. Stress in the area of organizational structure, the appraisal support and maladaptive coping strategies are essential predictors of mental health of inspectors. Beside this, social support, belonging support, appraisal support and active coping are significant predictor of mental health of Officers.

A study of effect of aminoglycoside therapy on auditory brainstem evoked responses in preterm and term neonates

Background: Aminoglycosides are widely used drugs in neonates with associated ototoxic side effects, that can be diagnosed with auditory brainstem evoked responses, which is the recommended screening technique in neonatal intensive care unit infants.  This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aminoglycoside therapy on auditory brainstem evoked responses in term and preterm neonates.Methods: A cross-sectional case control study. Two groups of 26 term and 22 preterm neonates who received aminoglycosides, with no other known risk factors for ototoxicity, were compared with suitable matched control group of 10 neonates in each. ABER was done after at least 5 days of aminoglycoside therapy and results were compared to suitable matched controls.Results: Mean latency of wave I in term neonates at 90 dB and 60 dB and mean interwave latencies of I-V waves in preterm neonates at 30 dB was higher in study group and statistically significant. No statistically significant difference in any of ABER parameters was observed in any group, at all other intensities.Conclusions: Wave I latency was prolonged in study group of term neonates at two intensities which indicates effect of aminoglycoside therapy on distal portion of acoustic nerve. But as there were no such findings at other intensities in term study group and in preterm study group and moreover no other ABER abnormalities were observed, it was concluded that the aminoglycoside therapy has low potential for ototoxicity. Authors support the ABER screening for early detection of hearing abnormalities, and recommend study on larger group of neonates and meta-analysis for final conclusion for evidence-based recommendations to use aminoglycosides in neonates, in view of audiometric and neurological abnormalities.

Sexual functioning in females with depression in remission receiving escitalopram

Background & objectives: Sexual functioning is a strong determinant of quality of life. Sexual dysfunction has been widely reported due to depressive disorder as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Thus, treatment with antidepressants can culminate in a double-edged sword, leading to drug discontinuation and symptom relapse. The objective of this study was to assess the sexual functioning of sexually active females with depression, currently in remission, receiving escitalopram and to compare with healthy controls. Methods: Fifty female patients with depression, currently in remission, with self-reported normal pre-morbid sexual function and receiving escitalopram for at least three months, were assessed on female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire and compared with healthy controls. Results: Half of the patients (n=25, 50%) in group A were found to have sexual dysfunction (FSFI score <26.55), while, 90 per cent (n=45) had decreased desire, 86 per cent (n=43) had decreased arousal, 54 per cent (n=27) had decreased lubrication, 68 per cent (n=34) had decreased orgasm, 62 per cent (n=31) had decreased satisfaction and 32 per cent (n=16) had pain during sexual activity. Patients receiving escitalopram had significantly higher sexual dysfunction as compared to healthy controls in mean total FSFI score (P < 0.001) and all mean domain scores of FSFI except pain. Interpretation & conclusions: A significant proportion of sexually active females with depression currently in remission, receiving escitalopram, reported dysfunction in all domains of sexual function; thus, routine screening for sexual dysfunction during follow up is advisable for early identification and prompt treatment.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes

 Background: Diabetes mellitus, a leading cause of death worldwide, is the most common endocrine disorder. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Thyroid Dysfunction (TD) often present together and complicate each other at many levels. Recent studies find out the prevalence of TD in T2D in Malwa Region. Objective of the purpose of this study was to find out the prevalence of TD in patients with T2D.Methods: A match cross-sectional study design was conducted at Department of Medicine, Sri Aurobindo Medical College, from March 2018 to April 2019. Source populations were all patients who live in Malwa Region, Indore. A total of 150 cases were enrolled in this study, 75 cases (TD in T2D) and 75 controls were taken into study.Results: There was no significant difference in age and body mass index (BMI) between groups. The average duration of diabetes was 7.76±5.57 years and mean Hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) was 8.17±1.66%. Only 29(38.6%) of patients had HbA1c below 7%. There was significant difference (p=0.001) in HbA1c. Prevalence of TD in T2D was significantly more in females. Out of TD in T2D patients, sub-clinical hypothyroid was present in 14.6% hypothyroidism was present in 8% patients and sub-clinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism was present in 1.3% patients.Conclusions: This study reveals about one in four people living with T2D are suffering from TD in Malwa Region. TD is common in T2D patients and can produce significant metabolic disturbances.

Evaluate the differences in serum magnesium levels and lipid profile with correlation of hemoglobin A1C levels in type 2 diabetes patients: a case control study

Background: Magnesium deficiency is a common problem in diabetic patients. Magnesium deficiency may increase the incidence of Type 2 Diabetic (T2D) and occurrence complications. Objective of this study aimed at determining the differences in serum magnesium levels and lipid profile among patients newly diagnosed with T2D and normoglycemic individuals.Methods: The cross sectional observation study design was conducted at Sri Aurobindo Medical College, from March 2018 to April 2019. Source populations were all patients who attending to the OPD, Department of General Medicine. A total of 75 patients were enrolled in this study. This study was divided in two group’s cases group (T2D) and second control group (Non-diabetic). First group not initiated on any oral-hypoglycaemic, anti-hypertensive or lipid lowering drugs, and healthy patients were included in control group.Results: Triglycerides (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) showed significantly (p<0.001) higher mean levels in T2D compared to the controls. The Magnesium and High-Density Lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower among the T2D group compared to the control group. There was a significant inverse correlation (r2= 0.567, p<0.001) between Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels and serum magnesium.Conclusions: Serum magnesium levels and lipid profile were significantly different in T2D patients compared to control group.

Evaluate the relation between microalbuminuria and with other biochemical parameters related to complications of type 2 diabetes

Background: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) with microalbuminuria have increased risk of progression to overt proteinuria, and after some time, renal failure. It is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease as a sequalae of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) and an independent risk factor for Cardio-Vascular Diseases (CVD). Initial finding for microalbuminuria can prevent long-term complications. The objective of the present investigation was to study the relation between microalbuminuria and with other biochemical parameters related to complications of T2D.Methods: This observational study was conducted among 150 T2D patients attending to the OPD, Department of General Medicine during the time period March 2018 to April 2019. The patients were interviewed for socio-demographic details, history and clinical examination and subjected to blood investigations and Electrocardiogram (ECG).Results: Microalbuminuria was present in 47(31.3%) of the diabetics. The age group 48-63 years 18(38.3%), male gender 33(70.2%) duration of diabetes >5 years 11(23.4%). The smokers, Diabetic Retinopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Ischemic Heart Disease, SBP 160-170 mmHg, DBP 95-100 mmHg and 100-105 mmHg, BMI 30-35 Kg/m2, TG >250 mg/dl, LDL >110 mg/ dl and HbA1c 7.5-9 % showed a greater odds ratio and significant association (p<0.001) with microalbuminuria.Conclusions: There was an increased prevalence of microalbuminuria among patients with T2D. It also showed a significant association of major microvascular and macrovascular complications of T2D and microalbuminuria

The prevalence and assessment of chronic kidney disease with diabetes: single center study

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide, information on Indian populations regarding the CKD patients with T2D is lacking. In this study, we examined the association of gender and age on the prevalence of other complications in CKD with T2D patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sri Aurobindo Medical College, from March 2018 to April 2019. Source populations were all patients who came our medicine department for routine check-up.Results: A total of 163 CKD patients were included in the study. All the patients were randomly divided in two groups 61(37.4%) patients in CKD with T2D case group and 102 (62.5%) patients in CKD control group. Out of this 107 were males (65.6%) and 56 were females (34.3%). Male-to-female ratio and mean age were higher in the CKD with T2D group. The clinicopathological characteristics of CKD patients with T2D are even more complicated and severe disease in many ways.Conclusions: A male presents was higher as compare to female in CKD with T2D and control group. In present study there is significant difference in older and younger age in CKD with T2D and control group. Age, HNT, CVD, smoking, BMI, and 24-h urinary protein level were identified as possible contributors’ factors of CKD patients with T2D

Evaluation of Antifibrin, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Betel Leaves (Piper betel L.)

Piper betel L. belongs to the family Piperaceae. It has been an important medicinal agent since ages in various traditional and folk systems of medicine. Leaves obtained from the local market were shade dried and powdered. Different solvents were used based on polarity to extract phytochemicals from this powder using a Soxhlet extractor and separated using rotary vacuum evaporator. Thin layer chromatography was run using different solvent systems in different ratios for identifying essential compounds of Piper betel and for standardizing the ratios at which better resolution of compounds taken place. Antimicrobial activities were tested on twelve bacterial and three fungal species. Also, anti fibrin activity was tested on erythrocytes by using the extracts obtained by the plant. The zone of inhibitions formed due to the anti microbial activity were measured and found that mixtures of ethyl acetate and ethanol were effective. The percentage of clot lysis was found to be appreciable for ethyl acetate extract of the Piper leaves.

Urban health: Needs urgent attention

Urban population in our country has increased at an annual rate of 2.7% during the last decade and it is estimated that by 2031, there would be about 600 million people living in urban India. The fast pace of urbanization has come to stay with increasing proportion of urban poor and vulnerable with health indicators much worse than their rural counterparts. The need to provide health care to urban poor has been emphasized in the past in various health committees' reports and National 5-year Development Plans, but no significant dent was made to improve the urban health scenario of the country. The National Urban Health Mission launched in May 2013 provides us a concrete mechanism to address special health needs of urban population with focus on urban poor. There is a strong need to set up primary healthcare system in urban areas and systematically deal with urban health challenges in terms of vector-borne diseases, rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases, air pollution and acute respiratory infections, road traffic accidents, trauma, and injuries. The initiatives to address these challenges do not remain confined to health sector alone but also need to be supported by sectors other than health such as social welfare, women and child development, road transport and highways, school education, drinking water, and sanitation. We really need to address wider and social determinants of health to effectively improve the urban health scenario.

Correlation of obesity & comorbid conditions with chronic venous insufficiency: Results of a single-centre study

Background & objectives: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common clinical problem among obese patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and associated morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism on venous disease clinical scores as per Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathological (CEAP) classification. Methods: In this study, adult patients with BMI more than 30 kg/m2 with signs of CVI were evaluated clinically and by using Duplex ultrasonography of venous system. The patients with C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4, C5, C6 clinical scores in CEAP classification were grouped as lower and higher clinical scores of CVI, respectively. Results: Of the 200 enrolled patients, 147 (73.5%) were males and were associated with higher grades of clinical scores (P=0.051). Superficial venous system was involved in 96 per cent patients and 91 per cent patients had reflux in the sapheno-femoral junction. A negative association was observed between hypertension and male gender (P=0.001). Higher BMI was associated with higher clinical scoring (P=0.053). BMI >40 kg/m2 was associated with primary aetiology (P=0.007) of CVI. There was no correlation between superficial, deep or perforator incompetence with BMI (P=0.506). Duplex-confirmed significant reflux was observed in patients with higher BMI (P=0.006). Age and BMI were positively correlated with clinical score (r=0.176; P=0.013 & r=0.140; P=0.049), respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings indicated that elderly male patients with high BMI seemed to be at a higher risk of advanced clinical grades of CVI. The impact of comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism on CVI could not reach at significance in the present study.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: non surgical treatment approach.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe infection characterized by the presence of gas within the renal parenchyma tissues. It is a life threatening complication of bacterial interstitial nephritis, and it mainly occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus. We report a case of a 37 year old female who complained of fever and pain in left lumbar region on admission. Her past medical history included uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. On USG (ultrasonography), left kidney swollen and show echogenic linear specs with dirty shadowing suggestive of air in pelvicalyceal system (PCS). She was treated with intensive antibiotic therapy in high doses. On repeat USG there was marked reduction in air shadow in kidney and patient improved clinically.

Predictors of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischaemic stroke with special reference to blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio & urine specific gravity.

Background & objectives: Early neurological deterioration (END) occurs in about 20 to 40 per cent of patients with acute ischaemic stroke and results in increased mortality and functional disability. In recent studies relative dehydration has been found to be associated with END in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. This study was conducted to identify factors useful for predicting END and to assess the role of blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio (BUN/creatinine) and urine specific gravity (USG) as predictors of END in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. methods: The present study was an observational prospective study. Various parameters comprising demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological variables along with stroke severity were assessed and studied as predictors of early neurological deterioration in 114 consecutive patients presenting to the Emergency department during 2012. BUN/creatinine >15 and USG >1.010 were studied as markers of relative dehydration contributing to END. results: of the 114 patients enrolled in the study, END was observed in 25 (21.9%) patients. National Institutes Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) ≥ 12 at admission was found to be an independent risk factor for END. Amongst markers of relative dehydration, BUN/creatinine >15 at admission was found to be an independent risk factor for END, as also USG >1.010. Also, cerebral oedema and size of hypodensity >1/3rd of the middle cerebral artery territory on cranial CT were observed to be independent risk factors for END. Interpretation & conclusions: Our study findings highlighted a possible association of relative dehydration, as indicated by BUN/creatinine ratio >15, with END along with other parameters like stroke severity at presentation, extent of hypodensity >1/3rd of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory and cerebral oedema. Dehydration being a treatable condition, the use of BUN/creatinine >15 as a marker of relative dehydration, can be helpful in detecting patients with dehydration early and thus play a role in preventing END.

Device-associated infections at a level-1 trauma centre of a developing Nation: Impact of automated surveillance, training and feedbacks.

Purpose: Device-associated infections constitute the majority of health care-associated infections (HAIs) in ICUs. Trauma patients are predisposed to acquire such infections due to various trauma-related factors. The prevalence of HAIs is underreported from developing nations due to a lack of systematic surveillance. This study reports the impact of an intensive surveillance on the rates and outcome of device-associated infections in trauma patients from a developing country and compares the rates with a previous pilot observation. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at a level-1 trauma centre of India. Surveillance for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated blood stream infections (CLA-BSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) was done based on centre for disease control-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) defi nitions. The impact of an intensive surveillance, education and awareness drive on the rates of infections over the study period, and compliance to preventive bundles and hand hygiene was assessed. Results: A total of 15,462 ventilator days, 12,207 central line days and 17,740 urinary catheter days were recorded in the study population. The overall rates of VAP, CLA-BSI and CA-UTI were respectively 17, 7.2 and 15.5/1000 device days. There was a signifi cant correlation between device days and the propensity to develop infections. Infections were the cause of death in 36.6% of fatal trauma cases. A signifi cantly higher rate of VAP, CLA-BSI and CA-UTIs was noted in fatal cases. The compliance to ventilator bundle, central line bundle, bladder bundle and hand hygiene were 74.5%, 86%, 79.3% and 64.6%, respectively. A high rate of multi-drug-resistance was observed in all pathogens. A gross reduction in the rates of all infections was observed over time during the study due to implementation of a stringent surveillance system, feedbacks and education. The compliance to hand hygiene and preventive bundles also increased over time. Conclusion: The automated surveillance was easy and useful for data entry and analysis. Surveillance had a signifi cant impact on reduction of HAIs and mortality in trauma patients.

Clinical & biochemical profile of trichinellosis outbreak in north India.

Background & objectives: Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by Trichinella nematodes, acquired from consumption of raw meat. However, data from Indian subcontinent are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical profile of a suspected trichinellosis outbreak in a village in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state in north India. Methods: Three index cases presenting as acute febrile myalgia syndrome with eosinophilia, after consumption of uncooked pork in a common feast, were confirmed as trichinellosis on muscle biopsy. A detailed epidemiological survey was carried out in the affected community and all the people who participated in the feast were investigated for clinical and biochemical profile. Results: A total of 54 patients were evaluated in the study. The type of pork consumed included uncooked in 24 per cent (n=13), open fire roasted in 39 per cent (n=21) and fried in 37 per cent (n=20). Clinical symptoms were found in those who consumed pork in uncooked or open fire roasted form (n=34). These included fever with chills and myalgia (100%), periorbital oedema (67%), dyspnoea (9%), and dysphagia (3%). Laboratory parameters studied in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients showed eosinophilia in 90 per cent (n=41), raised ESR in 98 per cent (n=45), and an elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level in 85 per cent (n=39). All symptomatic patients were treated with a short course of oral steroids and albendazole therapy. Conclusions: Trichinella infection is not uncommon in India, and should be suspected in case of acute febrile myalgia especially in areas, where habits of consumption of raw meat is more prevalent.

A Case Report of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Punjab, India.

Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease, has been endemic in India since ancient times 1, 2. At present, it is a serious public health problem in Indian subcontinent, especially in state of Bihar. It is caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania and is responsible for a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes: Cutaneous lieshmaniasis (CL), Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and Mucocutaneousleishmaniasis (ML). VL, locally known as kala-azar in India, is the most aggressive form and if undervalued is fatal. Here we describe an imported case of visceral leishmaniasisreported in the State of Punjab which is non-endemic for the disease. The importance of the case lies in the fact that, a case of Visceral Leishmaniasis has been reported after a gap of 4 years in the State.

Incremental (?) role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in clinically unknown primary patients with neck metastasis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incremental role of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in the detection of primary site in cases of occult primary with neck metastasis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study on 79 consecutive patients. SETTING: A tertiary care otolaryngology and head and neck surgery center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study compares the results of PET/CT in 79 patients of occult primary with neck metastasis with that of detailed comprehensive head and neck examination including imaging and panendoscopy. This study also attempts to define the incremental role of PET/CT in patients of occult primary. RESULTS: The sensitivity of PET/CT in identifying the primary tumor was 62.4%, the specificity was 64.7%, the positive predictive value was 69.7% and the negative predictive value was 93%. We had a false positive rate of 33.6% and a false negative rate of 2.6%. CONCLUSION: PET/CT is a sensitive investigation for detection of occult primary. However, it has a low specificity rate and a high false positivity rate. Due to a high false positive rate, multiple biopsies from suspicious sites should be taken rather than solely relying on PET/CT. PET/CT guided fine needle aspiration cytology should be utilized more frequently than we did in this study.