Association of TNF – α and uric acid in women with pre-eclampsia.

Background: TNF – α, a cytokine of a generalized intravascular inflammatory reaction, has been also shown to cause microvascular protein leakage and hypertrygliceridemia which are associated with pre-eclampsia. Increased serum uric acid is also associated with hypertension. Aims & Objective: To study the relationship between Tumour Necrosis Factor – alpha (TNF – α) with uric acid and to access the role of TNF – α as a determinant of Pre-eclampsia in women. Material and Methods: 100 patients with pre-eclampsia were studied out of which 50 were mild and 50 were severe pre-eclamptics. They were compared with 50 healthy subjects. Subjects were of similar gestational age, body mass index (BMI) and parity matched. They were all primigravidas at third trimester of pregnancy. Results: All studied subjects belonged to age group 28-40 years. The difference in mean age of healthy subjects and pre-eclamptics was non-significant (P=0.8). BMI values were ranged from 18-43 kg/m2. No significant difference was observed between healthy pregnant women and pre-eclamptics. Serum TNF – α co-related significantly with Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Uric acid levels. The association of TNF – α with uric acid was considerably significant compared to its association with other variables. The result showed that TNF – α is a strong determinant of pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: A co-relation exists between TNF – α and uric acid. The observed co-relation indicates that monitoring TNF – α and uric acid levels in Pre-eclamptic women might serve to help prevent the development of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.

Co-existence of transient neurological symptoms along with post dural puncture headache [PDPH]: a case report

Regional anaesthesia is well known for complications. Major neurological sequelae after central blockade although rare but can be devastating for the patient and the anaesthetist. Coexistence of transient neurological manifestations along with post dural puncture headache has not been reported in literature. A case with the features of both is presented, although the exact cause for the coexistence could not he ascertained. Also, this patient did not respond to the usual doses of ACTH

Subglottic foreign bodies - two case reports

Subglottic foreign bodies are not uncommon. Foreign bodies in respiratory tract have been major cause of morbidity The spectrum of presentation varies widely from sudden death due to complete respiratory obstruction to accidental finding during routine investigation. Two cases of unusual subglottic foreign bodies are reported, who required emergency tracheostomy. A common problem encountered in a case of laryngeal foreign body is delayed diagnosis; and special care has to be taken not to damage the surrounding laryngeal tissues during removal