ABSTRACT
Background: The pattern of burns in victims varies with the manner of infliction of burns. Age plays an important role in deciding the mortality and morbidity of burn victims. Other factors that decide the prognosis of burn victims are the total body surface area (TBSA), Depth of burns, and inhalational injury as evidenced by facial burns. Assessment of these epidemiological factors and inhalational injury can be done as a part of the initial evaluation. Such an assessment aid in resuscitation including emergent airway and decision making regarding the need for skin grafts or escharotomy. Serial measurement of total leucocyte count also helps in identifying the onset of infection and progress to septicaemia and increased mortality rates.Methods: As a part of the initial evaluation, we attempt to study the relation between TBSA, Depth of burns, facial burns, and total WBC count with mortality. A background of septicaemia was also noticed in the majority of patients.Results: For analysis, patients were divided into two groups- Survivors and Non-survivors. A fall in total WBC count coincided with the onset of sepsis and mortality. The other three factors also had a direct correlation with mortality rates.Conclusions: A scoring system constituting all the factors is essential as an initial diagnostic step and it will help in deciding early intubation, escharotomy, and aggressive fluid resuscitation.
ABSTRACT
Background: Thyrotoxicosis is a clinical syndrome characterized by an excess of free thyroxine and triiodothyronine or both. One of the major and usual causes of thyrotoxicosis is Graves’ disease. Morbidity associated with the situation is very high and it demands early diagnosis and treatment. This can reduce the burden of the disease it imparts on the society. The aim of the study is to analyse the etiology, prevalence, clinical presentation, age, and sex-wise distribution of thyrotoxicosis among thyroid disorders presenting to Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.Methods: It is a prospective study undertaken in tertiary care and teaching hospital over a period of one year. 2401 patients admitted in the general ward with thyroid disorders were included in the study. Definite inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. Relevant blood tests were done in all cases.Results: On analysis of the data which were entered in excel format the prevalence of thyrotoxicosis was 2.5%. The majority of the study population was in the twenties and forties. Incidences in females were more mainly due to increased prevalence.Conclusions: By studying the etiology, prevalence, clinical presentation, age, and sex-wise distribution of Thyrotoxicosis, the disease burden in the population can be understood and early diagnosis and proper treatment can be instituted. Our study prevalence was comparable with similar studies done in other institutions.