Geriatric intertrochanteric fractures – A challenge to manage

Background: Intertrochanteric fractures are among the frequently seen fractures in the elderly population. Treating these fractures is very challenging considering the fact that the quality of bone is poor and highly osteoporotic. The high failure rates with dynamic hip screw (DHS) especially in unstable fractures lead to the development of intramedullary devices such as proximal femoral nail (PFN) which has got multiple advantages over DHS. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients above the age group of 60 years with unstable intertrochanteric fractures conducted in a tertiary institute between February 2021 and June 2022. Results were analyzed clinically and radiologically using the Modified Harris hip score. Results: Patients’ age group was 61–85 years with a mean age of 69 years, comprising 63% female and 37% male. The average Harris hip score was 83.76 at 24 weeks’ follow-up with 33.33% excellent, 56.66% good, 3.33% fair, and 6.67% poor. Postoperative complications included revision surgery in two patients, superficial infection in one patient, Z effect in one patient, peri-implant fracture in one patient. Conclusion: Treatment with PFN for unstable intertrochanteric fracture has the advantages of closed reduction, less tissue damage, early rehabilitation, and return to work. Osteosynthesis with short PFN resulted in good-to-excellent functional and radiological outcomes.

Ideal sequencing in Stage IV epidermal growth factor receptor mutant Non朣mall?Cell Lung Cancer

Evidence from several studies has shown improved progression?free survival (PFS) with first? or second?generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)杢yrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) compared with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC patients. But resistance to first or second?generation TKI therapies after 9 to 12 months of treatment initiation is a concern. Osimertinib is a third?generation, irreversible, oral EGFR?TKI that potently and selectively inhibits both EGFRm (epidermal growth factor receptor mutated) and EGFR T790M and has demonstrated efficacy in NSCLC central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Trials have reported significantly longer PFS and higher median duration of response with osimertinib compared with first?generation EGFR?TKIs (erlotinib, gefitinib) and chemotherapy, respectively. And relatively lower rates of discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs). Significant improvement in overall survival was also observed when used as first?line treatment. Because EGFR?mutated tumors are highly dependent on EGFR signaling, optimal sequence of available TKIs � erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, dacomitinib, and osimertinib � is necessary. The sequencing of EGFR?TKIs has changed over the past decade and depends on factors such as expected efficacy, CNS activity, tolerability, and options available after progression. Third?generation TKI may be the preferred first?line treatment because patients may not opt for or die before the start of second?line therapy, and it is difficult to predict which patients will eventually develop T790M mutation. The favorable tolerability profile alongside a longer time to disease progression makes osimertinib a preferred first?line treatment. Though clinical practice guidelines do not provide clear consensus on the most preferred EGFR?TKI, recent updates recommend osimertinib as a first?line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients. Also, improved patient selection incorporating clinical and molecular characteristics will help translate to better survival outcomes and improved quality of life. This review aims to determine the optimal sequence of administration of the EGFR?TKIs considering toxicity, quality of life, and survival outcomes among advanced NSCLC patients.

Structural Modeling and Validation of Growth/Differentiation Factor 15 [NP_004855] Associated with Pregnancy Complication- Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Background: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is acommon pregnancy complication that occurs in0.3–2% of pregnancies. Growth/Differentiation Factor(GDF) 15 serum levels are abnormally high in patientsassociated with HG. In silico analysis providesinformation about structure and function of GDF15.Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to enlistbiochemical and functional properties of GDF15protein and determine its three-dimensional structure,as GDF15 is known to be associated with risk of HG.Material and Methods: The PDB file of GDF15[NP_004855] was created by RaptorX structureprediction server. The UCLA-DOE server was used tovisual analysis of crystal structure of protein. Thevalidation for structure models was performed by usingPROCHECK. Model quality estimates were based onthe QMEAN and ProSA. Results: The model showedgood stereo-chemical property in terms of G-factorvalue -0.64, that indicates geometry of modelcorresponds to probability conformation with 95%residue in the favored region of Ramachandran plot,showing high accuracy of model prediction. The Zscore of -4.04 predicted by ProSA represents the goodquality of the model. The energy plot shows the localmodel quality by plotting knowledge-based energies asa function of amino acid sequence position.Conclusion: The generated model could be supportiveto understand the structure and functionalcharacteristics of Homo sapiens growth/differentiationfactor 15 [NP_004855]. As abnormal high serum levelsof GDF15 were observe in patients associated with HG.Therefore, the structure model of GDF15 [NP_004855]is useful to understand its role in development of HG. InSilico docking study could be explain the molecularassociation of GDF15 [NP_004855] with HG and newdrug designing, for that structure model is very useful.

Effect of hydroxychloroquine in viral clearance in nCOV-19 infected patient admitted in tertiary care centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Background: In view of recent publications of conflicting evidence on the safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis and as a treatment for COVID-19 patients, we need to assess the effect of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients of authors own local population.Methods: In this retrospective chart review study, categorization of confirmed COVID-19 cases nasopharyngeal swab of RT-PCR was done into a group of patients who received hydroxychloroquine standard dose and another control group who did not receive hydroxychloroquine. The main comparing parameter was to see virus clearance days across both groups.Results: A total of 112 patients were included for the study, and grouped of 72 patient who received HCQS and remaining 40 patients as control. The virus clearance time in days was found to be 9.01±3.08 for HCQS group and for control group it was 8.64±2.34 days (Man Whitney U test value = 2.13, p=0.756).Conclusions: There is no significant difference found in attaining virus negative status with use of HCQS administration in this study.

Gender specific variation in risk factors of gallstone disease among adult patients

Background: Gallstone disease (GSD) is a common gastrointestinal disease diagnosed in patients presented with abdominal pain. The present study was aimed to find the association between demographic, personal, behavioural and dietary factors and GSD by gender among adult population for suggesting specific gender wise intervention to control GSD.Methods: Case-control study was conducted in 120 cases and same number of controls. Data was collected on a self-designed pretested “interview schedule”. To measure the strength of association OR was calculated by matched pair analysis using McNemar’s test.Results: Among 120 study subjects, 83 cases were females and 37 were males. Strength of association was found to be significantly higher for family h/o GSD in females (OR=8), physical inactivity (OR=8), waist-hip ratio (OR=4.2), calorie intake more than recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (OR=2.09), and diabetes (OR=4) as compare to males OR=3, OR=2.8, OR=2.5, OR=1.43, OR=2.33 respectively.Conclusions: Family h/o GSD, physical inactivity, high waist-hip ratio, calorie and fat intake more than RDA, protein intake less than RDA, hypertension and diabetes were found to be potential risk factors for the development of GSD in females. Consumption of smokeless tobacco, physical inactivity, non-vegetarian diet and intake of fats more than RDA were risk factors for GSD in males.

Hepatitis A Virus-related Pediatric Liver Disease Burden and its Significance in the Indian Subcontinent

Objectives: To study the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection-related pediatric liver diseaseburden. Methods: Hospitalrecords of 431 children (age <18 y) diagnosed to be sufferingfrom acute HAV infection during 2011 to 2018 were extracted and analyzed. Additionally, aseroprevalence study was done on 2599 participants (696 children and 1903 adults).Results: HAV infection accounted for about half (48.6% of acute hepatitis and 46.5% (92/198) of acute liver failure cases) of all acute onset icteric illness, with significant morbidity andmortality. As per seroprevalence data, 16.2% of children between 10-18 years of age, and10.3% of adults aged 18-30 years remained susceptible to HAV infection. Conclusion: HAVinfection is the major contributor the overall pediatric liver disease burden. A significantproportion of subjects remain susceptible to HAV infection even after 10 years of age.Population-based studies are required to further delineate the epidemiology of HAV infectionin India for deciding introduction of HAV vaccine in the national immunization schedule.

Efficacy and safety of tadalafil in ureteric stent related symptoms: a double blind, prospective, randomised study

Background: Is tadalafil effective and safe in ureteric stent related symptoms? The objective of this trial is to study the efficacy and safety of tadalafil and compare it with tamsulosin in relieving ureteric stent related symptoms by using ureteral stent symptom questionnaire.Methods: Total 144 patients with dj stent symptoms were randomized into two groups with 72 patients in each. Group A patients were given tadalafil 5mg and Group B, tamsulosin 0.4mg for 2 weeks. Ureteral stent symptom questionnaire was filled on 7th day and on 21st day after stent insertion. Statistically significant difference between groups was determined by the t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Pearson Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Comparison between quantitative time related variables was done by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. All the statistical tests were two-sided and were performed at a significance level of α=.05.Results: Tamsulosin was found more effective then tadalafil in decreasing mean urinary index (p=0.004). Tadalafil caused significant decrease in body pain (p=0.006) and improvement in general health index score, work performance and sex score (P value= 0.041, <0.001 and <0.015 respectively) as compared to tamsulosin. Additional problems score improvement and analgesic use were found comparable in 2 groups (p value =0.193, 0.070 respectively). Adverse effect with both the drugs were minimal, mild to moderate and self-limiting.Conclusions: Tadalafil found more effective then Tamsulosin in relieving body pain, sexual symptoms and improving general health and work performance but less effective in improvement of urinary symptoms.

Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis In Gastrointestinal Malignancies- A Rare Presentation

Background Advancements in diagnostic modalities have brought many hidden etiological causes of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) to light. Here we are presenting two cases of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies with metastases causing UVCP which can further add to another rare cause of UVCP. Case summary We are presenting a case of 40 year male with metastatic periampullary carcinoma leading to UVCP and another case of 45 year female with rectal carcinoma further causing UVCP. Both patients were under treatment while during follow-up, symptoms of UVCP were observed which changed our perspective towards cases of UVCP. Conclusion Vocal cord palsy is a symptom of an underlying disorder and not a disease. In above case reports metastases are the commonest etiology for vocal cord palsy. Relevant investigations have to be conducted in order to diagnose the etiology and the modality of treatment varies depending on the etiology of the condition.

Co-existence of AML1-ETO and BCR-ABL1 transcripts in a relapsed patient of acute myeloid leukemia with favorable risk group: a coincidence or clonal evolution?

Prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia relies heavily on the cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities. AML1-ETO fusion protein resulting from t[8;21], a recurring cytogenetic abnormality, is known to be associated with favorable prognosis. Additional molecular defects may, however, co-operate with the fusion proteins and alter the course of the disease. Among the additional cytogenetic defects, presence of Philadelphia [Ph] chromosome has rarely been documented in this subtype. Little is known about the consequences of its interactions with AML1-ETO, and its effect on morphological and clinical picture. Moreover, Ph[+] clones or subclones may appear at any point during the disease course. We herein report one such unusual case of a 26-year-old female, who was diagnosed to have t[8;21] and managed accordingly. During disease relapse after 2.5 years, the bone marrow showed extensive eosinophilia and basophilia. Subsequent molecular testing showed the presence of BCR-ABL in addition to the AML1-ETO fusion product

Retrospective study on prognostic importance of serum procalcitonin and amino‑terminal pro‑brain natriuretic peptide levels as compared to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV Score on Intensive Care Unit admission, in a mixed Intensive Care Unit population.

Background: Timely decision making in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is very essential to improve the outcome of critically sick patients. Conventional scores like Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE IV) are quite cumbersome with calculations and take minimum 24 hours. Procalcitonin has shown to have prognostic value in ICU/Emergency department (ED) in disease states like pneumonia, sepsis etc. NTproBNP has demonstrated excellent diagnostic and prognostic importance in cardiac diseases. It has also been found elevated in non-cardiac diseases. We chose to study the prognostic utility of these markers on ICU admission. Settings and Design: Retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective analysis of 100 eligible patients was done who had undergone PCT and NTproBNP measurements on ICU admission. Their correlations with all cause mortality, length of hospital stay, need for ventilator support, need for vasopressors were performed. Results: Among 100 randomly selected ICU patients, 28 were non-survivors. NTproBNP values on admission significantly correlated with all cause mortality (P = 0.036, AUC = 0.643) and morbidity (P = 0.000, AUC = 0.763), comparable to that of APACHE-IV score. PCT values on admission did not show significant association with mortality, but correlated well with morbidity and prolonged hospital length of stay (AUC = 0.616, P = 0.045). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a good predictive value of NTproBNP, in terms of mortality and morbidity comparable to that of APACHE-IV score. Procalcitonin, however, was found to have doubtful prognostic importance. These findings need to be confirmed in a prospective larger study.

A Study of Central Venous Catheter Colonizations and Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections among Patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

Objectives: To describe central venous catheter (CVC) colonizations and catheter-related bloodstream infections (C-RBSIs) among patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among critically ill patients admitted in ICU. The semi-quantitative method was used for catheter tip culture. The definitions of catheter infection and colonization were based on the Centre for Disease Control Blood Stream Infection Guidelines. Results: The study population comprised 75 ICU patients whose CVCs had been placed. The incidence of CVC-related colonizations and bloodstream infections was observed to be 42.7% (32/75) and 17.3% (13/75) respectively. Coagulase-negative staph was the most common organism found causing CVC colonization (50%) and C-RBSI (61.5%). Conclusion: Coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most frequent microorganisms which colonize the CVC. The findings of this study may help with implementation of educational and training programs on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) for health care personnel and enable better management of these devices with regard to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CLABSIs.

Delayed Intracerebral Hemorrhage from a Pseudoaneurysm Following a Depressed Skull Fracture / 신경중재치료의학

A 26-year-old male presented with delayed intracerebral hemorrhage from a ruptured distal middle cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm that followed a compound depressed skull fracture from years ago. The brain protrusion through the skull defect likely resulted in stretching and subsequent tearing of the arterial wall resulting in the pseudoaneurysm formation. No prior report of such a clinical occurrence exists in the literature. We highlight an unusual but treatable cause for intracerebral hemorrhage following surgery for traumatic brain injury.

Wound healing and antimicrobial activity of two classical formulations of Laghupanchamula in rats.

Background: Wounds affect a large number of patients and seriously reduce the quality of life. The wound as a medical problem was first discussed by Maharshi Agnivesha in Agnivesha Samhita (later known as Charaka Samhita) as Vrana. Laghupanchamula denotes a combination of the roots of five herbs. However, in Ayurvedic classics, besides four common herbs viz. Kantakari, Brihati, Shalaparni and Prinshniparni, the fifth one is either Gokshura (LPG) or Eranda (LPE), and both formulations have been documented to have wound healing (Vrana) activity. Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the in vivo wound healing activity and in vitro antimicrobial activity of 50% ethanolic extract of Laghupanchamula containing Gokshura (LPGE) and Laghupanchamula containing Eranda (LPEE) in rats with acute toxicity in mice. Materials and Methods: LPGE and LPEE (1000 mg/kg) was administered orally, once daily for 10 days (incision wound model) or for 24 days (excision wound model) in rats. LPGE and LPEE was studied for its in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo wound breaking strength (WBS) (incision model) and rate of contraction, period of epithelization and histology of skin (excision model). Results: LPGE and LPEE showed antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, enhanced WBS, rate of contraction, skin collagen tissue formation and early epithelization period with low scar area indicating enhanced healing with histological evidence of more collagen formation in skin tissues. LPGE and LPEE also showed anti‑bacterial activity and seemed to be safe. Conclusion: Use of both formulations in Laghupanchamula for their wound healing and anti‑microbial activities is thus authenticated.

Epidemiology and outcome of burn injuries in tertiary care hospital of Northern India.

Background: Burns represent a serious problem around the world especially in low and middle income countries. The aim of this study was to determine epidemiological characteristics, causes and mortality rate of burn deaths in tertiary care hospital of N India as well as to guide future education and prevention programs. Methods: A one year cross-sectional study of all burn patients admitted in Dr. RPGMC Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India was conducted between January 2014-December 2014. Results: Our study revealed that type II (absence of sutural bones) was commoner than type I (presence of type I) asterion. Total of 210 burn injury patients were admitted majority were males[54.5%] and females were [45.5%] males sustained burn injuries mostly at their work place with electric burns whereas females sustained burn injuries at home with cooking appliances. Conclusions: Burn injuries can be reduced by bringing about regulations to develop safer cooking appliances, promoting less inflammable fabrics to be worn out at home and educating the community especially women.

Persistent Aneurysm Growth Following Pipeline Embolization Device Assisted Coiling of a Fusiform Vertebral Artery Aneurysm: A Word of Caution! / 신경중재치료의학

The complex morphology of vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms makes them one of the most challenging lesions treated by neurointerventionists. Different management strategies in the past included parent vessel occlusion with or without extra-intracranial bypass surgery and endovascular reconstruction by conventional stents. Use of flow diversion has emerged as a promising alternative option with various studies documenting its efficacy and safety. However, there are various caveats associated with use of flow diversion in patients with fusiform vertibrobasilar aneurysms especially in patients presenting with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We report a rare case of persistent aneurysmal growth after coiling and placement of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; ev3, Irvine, California, USA) for SAH from a fusiform vertebral artery aneurysm. As consequences of aneurysm rupture can be devastating especially in patients with a prior SAH, the clinical relevance of recognizing and understanding such patterns of failure cannot be overemphasized as highlighted in the present case.

Pharmacovigilance study of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients visiting Department of Medicine of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Surendranagar, Gujarat.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate incidence, patterns, and severity of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) induced adverse drug reactions (ADR). Methods: A total of 500 hypertensive patients taking ACEI was enrolled in the study by taking an informed consent. Reporting of all ACEI-induced ADRs was done by filling CDSCO ADR form. All ADR reports were evaluated according to WHO-UMC causality assessment scale. Results: A total of 53 ADRs (31 males and 22 females) was observed in 500 hypertensive patients taking ACEI. Of 53 ADRs, 22 (41.51%) were mild, 28 (52.83%) were moderate, and only 3 (5.66%) were classified as severe. 7 ADRs (13.21%) were classified as certain, 30 ADRs (56.60%) were in probable category, 8 (15.09%) were in possible category, 4 (7.55%) in unlikely category, 3 (5.66%) in conditional category (unclassified), and 1 ADR was in unassessable (unclassifiable) category. Among 53 ADRs, 24 (4.80%) patients developed dry cough, 8 (1.60%) hypotension, 2 (0.40%) headache, 2 (0.40%) dizziness, 3 (0.60%) nausea/bowel upset, 3 (0.60%) rashes, 2 (0.40%) developed angioedema, 3 (0.60%) dysgeusia, hyperkalemia, acute renal failure, proteinuria are rare. Conclusions: Incidence of ADRs by ACEIs is 10.60% with cough as the most common ADR followed by hypotension. As enalapril is most frequently used ACEI, ADRs due to enalapril are more common.

Delayed Vascular Claudication Following Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography: A Rare Complication of the AngioSeal Arteriotomy Closure Device

With rapidly increasing numbers of neuroendovascular procedures performed annually in recent years, use of arterial closure devices after femoral artery access has been exceedingly common secondary to reduced time to hemostasis, decreased patient discomfort, earlier mobilization, and shortened hospital stay. Although uncommon, use of these devices can lead to a different spectrum of complications, as compared to manual compression. Ischemic symptoms following the use of these devices can have unexpected clinical sequelae and can occur in a delayed fashion. Awareness and recognition of such complications is important with the dramatically increased use of these devices in recent years. We report on a case of delayed vascular complication manifesting as vascular claudication following use of the AngioSeal closure device.

Pseudomembranous Colitis: Do We Need A Screening.

In the last few decades, increasing use of antibiotics has dramatically increased incidences of antibiotic associated diarrhea. An unopposed homing of Clostridium difficile in ICU and wards put forward new challenges for physicians. Development of diarrhea during or just after hospital stay especially in old patients is a typical clinical presentation of C. difficile diarrhea. Cytotoxin assay from tissue culture is a gold standard diagnostic test but its poor availability, high cost, time bound results and rapidly development of life-threatening complications made us to think of a screening test. Demonstration of pathognomonic summit lesions and pseudomembrane with colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is relatively inexpensive, easily available and diagnosis is prompt. Our experience in few patients with colonoscopy makes us to recommend it as a screening test for all clinically suspected patients. Till today, it is refuted as first-line investigation because of good number of false negative results but demonstration of pathognomonic lesions even in few patients saves the life with minimal expenditure and least time wastage before initiation of definitive treatment.

Healing effect of terminalia chebula fruit extract on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid induced colitis in rat.

The present study aims to evaluate healing effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Terminalia chebula fruit pulp (TCE) on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS, intra-colonic route) induced colitis in rats. TCE (600 mg/kg, oral) was studied in TNBS-induced colitis for its effects on fecal output, food and water intake and body weight changes, histology, antibacterial activity and levels of free radicals (nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase; catalase and reduced glutathione) and acute inflammatory marker (myeloperoxidase) in colonic tissue. TNBS administration increased colonic mucosal damage and inflammation (macroscopic and microscopic) and stool output but decreased body weight which was reversed by TCE treatment. TCE showed significant antibacterial activity and enhanced the antioxidants but decreased free radicals and myeloperoxidase activities affected in TNBS colitis. Thus, Terminalia chebula dried fruit pulp extract healed colitis by promoting antioxidant status and decreasing intestinal bacterial load, free radicals and myeloperoxidase responsible for tissue damage and delayed healing.