Comparison of Epidural Analgesia with Ultrasound?Guided Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block in Aorto?Femoral Arterial Bypass Surgery

Objective:Thoracic Epidural Analgesia (TEA) was compared with ultrasound?guided bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) block in aorto?femoral arterial bypass surgery for analgesic efficacy, hemodynamic effects, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Design: Prospective randomized. Setting: Tertiary care centre. Participants: Adult patients, who were scheduled for elective aorto?femoral arterial bypass surgery. Interventions: It was a prospective pilot study enrolling 20 adult patients who were randomized to group A (ESP block = 10) and group B (TEA = 10). Monitoring of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pain assessment at rest and deep breathing using visual analog scale (VAS) were done till 48?h post?extubation. Rescue analgesic requirement, Incentive spirometry, oxygenation, duration of ventilation and stay in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were reported as outcome measures. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student T?test or Mann?Whitney U test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: HR was lower in group B than group A at 1 and 2 h post? surgery and at 0.5, 16, 20, and 32 h post?extubation (P < 0.05). MAP were lower in group B than A at 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 minutes and at 0 hour post?surgery and at 4 hours, every 4 hours till 32 hours post?extubation (P < 0.05). Intraoperative midazolam and fentanyl consumption, ventilatory hours, VAS at rest, incentive spirometry, oxygenation, and ICU stay were comparable between the two groups. VAS during deep breathing was more in group A than B at 0.5, 4 hours and every 4 hours till 44 hours post?extubation. The time to receive the first rescue analgesia was shorter in group A than B (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both ESP block and TEA provided comparable analgesia at rest. Further studies with larger sample size are required to evaluate whether ESP block could be an alternative to TEA in aorto?femoral arterial bypass surgery

Importance of Doppler study of Umbilical Artery and FoetalMiddle Cerebral Artery in PIH and IUGR

Background: PIH is associated with increased vascular resistance and decreased utero -placental perfusion resulting in an increased incidence of foetal hypoxia and impaired foetalgrowth.The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of S/D ratio, resistance index(RI), pulsatility index (PI) and cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in PIH and IUGR. Objective: is to determine S/D ratio, RI, PI, CPR and asses their diagnostic values in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.Material& Methods:50 pregnant patients with PIH and IUGR, beyond 28 weeks of gestation, were prospectively studied at P k das institute of medical college,vaniyamkulamand subjected for Doppler study of the umbilical artery and foetal middle cerebral artery. The abnormality of above parameters was correlated with the major adverse perinatal outcome.Results:Patients with abnormal Doppler parameters had a poor perinatal outcome, compared to those who had normal Doppler study. The cerebro-placental ratios(CPR) had the sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 95%,76%,73%,95% respectively with Kappa value of o .68(good agreement) and p value of .000 which was statistically significant, for the prediction of major adverse perinatal outcome.Conclusions:This study shows that Doppler study of umbilical and foetal middle cerebral artery can reliably predict the neonatal morbidity and helpful in determining the optimal time of delivery in complicated pregnancies. The CPR is more accurate than the independent evaluation of S/D, RI, PI, in identifying foetus with adverse perinatal outcome.

Evaluation of Mood Changes AmongPeripartum Women at PKDAS Institute of Medical Science, Vaniyamkulam, Palakkad: A Prospective, Observational, Longitudinal Study

Background: The perinatal period is well established as an increased risk for development of serious mood disorders. Maternal mental health in developing countries gets less than its due attention. The present study was undertaken to evaluate mood changes in Peripartum period in our population and to identify demographic, obstetric, social and psychosocial risk factors associated with Peripartum depression using established scales.Material & Methods:A prospective, observational, longitudinal study conducted in PK das institute of medical science, vaniyamkulam, with 387 perinatal women for 12 months (February 2018� January 2019). Various scales EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), CMSS (Couple Marital Satisfaction Scale, IMS (Index of Marital Satisfaction), LES (Life Event Scale) were studied in Peripartum Period.Results:Among a total of 387 participants about half 189 (48.8%) were in 19-25 years of Age. Almost 30% and 40% had dissatisfied married life as per the CMS and IMS scales respectively. Just above 42% were screen positive for depression antenatally with EPDS & 39% (n = 151) in the immediate postpartum period. From these 151 screen positive cases in immediate postpartum period, 138 participants were followed up at 4-6 weeks (13 were lost to follow up) and up to 115 of 138 (83.3%) were screen positive for depression (N= 387, 29.7%), which was statistically significant (p<0.001). With EPDS during antenatal period there was no statistically significant relationship of depression with Education (p = 0.195), Occupation (p = 0.651) and pregnancy planned or unplanned (p = 0.223), whereas, Joint family, participants with dissatisfied marital relationship had increased risk of depression as evidenced by IMS and CMSS (p < 0.001). Participants with a previous male gender baby had less risk of developing depression (p< 0.001) & participants with previous 2 female children had increased risk of depression (p< 0.001).Conclusions:This study highlights importance of screening for maternal mental health problems during Peripartum period. Depression in immediate postpartum period is good predictor for increased risk of depression at 4-6 weeks postpartum

Efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy in prosthetic valve thrombosis

Background: There is limited data available about the effectiveness of thrombolysis in prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic treatment in PVT patients.Methods: This was an observational study conducted at a tertiary-care centre in India between March 2013 and April 2014. Total of 56 patients with either recurrent PVT or with confirmed left-sided PVT was included in the study. Thrombolytic therapy was administered as an intravenous infusion of streptokinase or urokinase, initially at a loading dose of 2.5L IU/hour over 30 minutes, followed by 1L IU/hour for 48–78 hours depending upon the clinical and 2D-Echo observation. Primary endpoint was considered as the occurrence of a complete clinical response. Secondary endpoint was considered as a composite of death, major bleeding or embolic stroke.Results: Mean age of the patients was 37±13 years. Most of the patients presented with NYHA-II (51.7%), III (39.2%), and IV (8.9%) symptoms. Mitral and aortic valve thrombosis were observed in 40(71.4%) and 11(28.6%) patients. Forty-nine (73.3%) patients were treated with streptokinase. Whereas, rethrombosis patients were treated with urokinase [6(16%)] and tenecteplase [1(1.3%)]. Two (3.6%) patients died, 1(1.8%), 1(1.8%), 2(3.6%), and 1(1.8%) patient had peripheral embolism, central nervous system bleeding, stroke, and embolic complications.Conclusions: Thrombolytic therapy can be used as the first-line treatment for thrombolysis in PVT patients. All PVT patients can be treated with streptokinase unless specific contraindications exist. Urokinase or tenecteplase is an alternative thrombolytic agent in rethrombosis patients.

Knowledge and perceptions of Indian primary care nurses towards mental illness

Objective. To assess nurses' knowledge and perceptions towards mental illness. Methods. This was a crosssectional descriptive study conducted among 126 randomly selected nurses those are working under District Mental Health program in Karnataka (India). The data was collected through self-reported questionnaires Using the modified version of Public perception of mental illness questionnaire and Attitude Scale for Mental Illness. Results. The findings revealed that majority of the subjects were women (74.4%), Hindus (92.1%) and were from rural background (69.8%). The mean Knowledge score 10.8±1.6 adequate knowledge (maximum possible =12) among 91% of the subjects, and 52% of them hold negative attitudes towards people with mental illness (88.9±13.6). While majority of the subjects hold negative attitudes in 'Separatism' (53.5%), 'Stereotyping' (73%), 'Benevolence' (54%), 'Pessimistic prediction' (53%) domains, they hold positive attitudes in 'Restrictiveness'(88%) and 'Stigmatization' (72%) domains. Women than men endorsed positive attitudes towards persons with mental illness in Stereotyping' (p<0.001), 'Restrictiveness' (p<0.01), 'Benevolence' (p<0.001) and 'Pessimistic prediction' (t= 2.22, p<0.05) domains. Similarly, Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery found to be less restrictive (p<0.05), more benevolent (p<0.001) and less pessimistic (p<0.05) compared to nurses with higher education (General Nursing and Midwifery and Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Conclusion. The present study showed adequate knowledge on mental illness among nurses. Yet they hold stigmatizing and negative attitudes towards mental illness. Hence, it is an urgent priority to develop andimplement educational programs to inculcate positive attitudes towards people with mental illness to provide optimal care to this vulnerable population.

Objetivo. Evaluar los conocimientos y percepciones de las enfermeras de atención primaria hacia la enfermedad mental. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con 126 enfermeras que trabajan en el programa de Salud Mental del Distrito en Karnataka (India). Los datos se recolectaron a partir de cuestionarios contestados por autorreporte, empleando la versión modificada del cuestionario Percepción pública de la enfermedad mental y la Escala de Actitudes hacia la enfemedad mental. Resultados. Los hallazgos revelaron que la mayoría de los participantes eran mujeres (74.4%), hindúes (92.1%) y de origen rural (69.8%). El puntaje promedio de conocimiento fue de 10.8±1.6, que indica un conocimiento adecuado (máximo posible = 12). El 52% de los participantes tienen actitudes negativas hacia las personas con enfermedades mentales, siendo mayor este porcentaje en los dominios 'Estereotipos' (73%), 'Benevolencia' (54%), 'Separatismo' (53.5%), 'Predicción pesimista' (53%); mientras que tienen actitudes positivas en 'Restricción' (88%) y 'Estigmatización '(72%). Las mujeres, en mayor porcentaje que los hombres, tuvieron actitudes positivas hacia las personas con enfermedades mentales en los dominios 'Estereotipos' (p<0.001), 'Restricción' (p<0.01), 'Benevolencia' (p<0.001) y 'Predicción pesimista' (p<0.05). Del mismo modo, las enfermeras parteras auxiliares fueron menos restrictivas (p<0.05), más benévolas (p<0.001) y menos pesimista (p<0.05) en comparación con las enfermeras con mayor educación (enfermeras parteras generales y licenciadas en ciencias de la enfermería). Conclusión. El presente estudio mostró un conocimiento adecuado sobre las enfermedades mentales entre las enfermeras. Sin embargo, tienen actitudes estigmatizantes y negativas hacia la enfermedad mental. Por lo tanto, es una prioridad implementar programas educativos para la adquisición de actitudes positivas hacia las personas con enfermedades mentales con el fin de brindar una atención integral a esta población vulnerable.

Objetivo. Avaliar os conhecimentos e percepções à doença mental das enfermeiras de atenção primária. Métodos. Se realizou um estudo descritivo transversal com 126 enfermeiras que trabalham no programa de Saúde Mental do Distrito em Karnataka (Índia). Os dados foram recolhidos a través de questionários respondidos por autorreporte, empregando a versão modificada do questionário Percepção pública da doença mental e a Escala de Atitudes à doença mental. Resultados. As descobertas revelaram que a maioria dos participantes eram mulheres (74.4%), hindus (92.1%) e de origem rural (69.8%). A pontuação média de conhecimento foi de 10.8±1.6 indicando conhecimento adequado (máximo possível = 12). 52% dos participantes têm atitudes negativas às pessoas com doenças mentais, sendo maior esta porcentagem nos domínios 'Estereótipos' (73%), 'Benevolência' (54%), 'Separatismo' (53.5%), 'Predição pessimista' (53%); enquanto que têm atitudes positivas em 'Restrição' (88%) e 'Estigmas'(72%). As mulheres, em maior porcentagem que os homens, tiveram atitudes positivas às pessoas com doenças mentais nos domínios 'Estereótipos' (p<0.001), 'Restrição' (p<0.01), 'Benevolência' (p<0.001) e 'Predição pessimista' (p<0.05). Do mesmo modo, as enfermeiras parteiras auxiliares formam menos restritivas (p<0.05), mais benévolas (p<0.001) e menos pessimista (p<0.05) em comparação com as enfermeiras com maior educação (enfermeiras parteiras gerais e licenciadas em ciências da enfermagem). Conclusão. O presente estudo mostrou um conhecimento adequado sobre as doenças mentais entre as enfermeiras. Porém, tem atitudes de estigmas e negativas à doença mental. Por tanto, é uma prioridade implementar programas educativos para o melhoramento das atitudes positivas às pessoas com doenças mentais com o fim de brindar uma atenção integral a esta população vulnerável.

Comparison of clinical profile of urban vs. rural Indian youth with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD): a sub-study of the PCAD registry

Background: We aimed to compare clinical profile of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) in urban vs. rural Indian populations.Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational multi-centre study. This study is a sub-study of the ongoing PCAD registry. Between the period April 2017 and April 2018, a total of 1061 patients <40 years with PCAD were studied. Urban (n=583) and rural (n=478) populations were statistically compared.Results: Mean age of the urban and rural populations were 34.50±4.15 years and 33.99±4.46 years, respectively. All cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diet and family history), except for alcoholism were more prevalent in urban subjects compared to rural subjects. However, higher prevalence of only hypertension (p=0.05) was statistically significant. Religion was significant between the two populations (p<0.001). Window period was also significant between the two populations (p<0.001). Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) (p=0.037) was significantly different between both populations.Conclusions: All conventional risk factors were more prevalent among urban populations than rural populations, however none of these differences except for hypertension was statistically significant.

Diabetic ketoacidosis with Ebstein's anomaly in an adult

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare form of congenital malformation of the heart, characterized by apical displacement of the septal and posterior tricuspid valve leaflets, leading to atrialisation of the right ventricle with a variable degree of malformation and displacement of the anterior leaflet. It may not be detected until late in adolescence or adulthood. The clinical manifestations of Ebstein's anomaly vary greatly. We are reporting a case of 35-year male who presented with generalized fatigue, palpitation and effort intolerance. Laboratory investigations confirmed the diagnosis of diabetes ketosis. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe Ebstein's anomaly with severe tricuspid regurgitation, no residual atrial septal defect, but with severe right ventricular dysfunction. Though only few studies showed the high prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism in young adult patients with complex congenital heart disease, but Epstein's anomaly with diabetes ketosis was nowhere mentioned

Short term efficacy and safety of low dose tolvaptan in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with hyponatremia: a prospective observational pilot study from a single center in South India

In acute decompensated heart failure [ADHF], diuretic use, the mainstay therapy for congestion, is associated with electrolyte abnormalities and worsening renal function. Vasopressin mediates fluid retention in heart failure. In contrast to diuretics, the vasopressin antagonist tolvaptan may increase net volume loss in heart failure without adversely affecting electrolytes and renal function. Hyponatremia [serum sodium concentration, <135 mEq/L] is a predictor of death among patients with heart failure. We prospectively observed the short term efficacy and safety of low dose [15 mg] tolvaptan in admitted patients with hyponatremia and ADHF in Indian population. A total of 40 patients with ADHF along with hyponatremia [<125 mEq/L] on standard therapy were treated with 15 mg of tolvaptan at a single oral dose for 7 days. Serum sodium concentrations increased significantly after treatment with tolvaptan from baseline [P < 0.02]. There was a significant improvement in symptoms and New York Heart Association [NYHA] class after starting tolvaptan [P

Recurrent myocardial infarction in a case of congenital afibrinogenemia

Afibrinogenemia is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1:1,000,000. Usual presentation of this disorder is spontaneous bleeding, bleeding after minor trauma and excessive bleeding during interventional procedures. Paradoxically, few patients with afibrinogenemia may also suffer from severe thromboembolic complications. The management of these patients is particularly challenging because they are not only at risk of thrombosis but also of bleeding. We are presenting a case of 33-year-old male patient of congenital afibrinogenemia who had two episodes myocardial infarction in a span of two years. The patient was managed conservatively with antiplatelet therapy and thrombolytic therapy was not given due to high risk for bleeding