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Blood transfusion service is a vital part of our health care system. Stringent blood donor screening and medical examination plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of blood components. Voluntary non-remunerated blood donors form the backbone of blood transfusion services. However, regular donation by such voluntary donors may cause significant depletion of iron stores in the body. This has the potential to adversely affect the donor's health, and also to lower the quality of blood being collected subsequently. Even though a pre-donation hemoglobin estimation is routinely done in blood centres, it may fail to recognize subclinical iron store depletion. Testing Ferritin level of all donors is not cost effective and practical in resource limited centres. This study was aimed to identify any significant changes in hematological parameters over repeated blood donations, that may point towards a potential Iron deficiency in an otherwise healthy donor. This was a cross sectional study involving 138 whole blood donors who had attended the blood centre, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical college, Thiruvananthapuram. The study subjects were categorized into 2 groups based on the number of donations and a Complete blood count (CBC) was done for each group. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, quantitative variables expressed as Mean and Standard Deviation, p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results were analysed by Independent Samples T test. Statistically significant variables were further analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Second time blood donors constituted major part of sample size (20/138). Mean Hemoglobin value showed no significant change among the two donor categories. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of repeat whole blood donors is significantly lower than infrequent donors independent samples T test, tvalue=3.309. (p-value=0.001). Donors were further subdivided into 5 groups in the order of increasing number of donations and significant difference was observed in MCV and proved by Kruskal-Wallis test(H=19.1344) As per our study, a significant reduction in MCV among repeat donors with a normal hemoglobin value compared to infrequent donors. This might point towards an impending Iron deficiency anemia in near future. A prompt detection of subclinical iron deficiency in voluntary blood donors is the need of the hour since it can cause adverse consequences in donor health and can considerably lower the donor availability as well. Blood centres should take measures like routine Iron stores evaluation of regular repeat donors, educating donors regarding the importance of maintaing a healthy diet, Iron tablet supplementation to prevent donor Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) etc.
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Methods@#A prospective randomized study of 76 patients who underwent lumbar and thoracolumbar surgeries was conducted by randomly allocating patients into three anesthetic groups: GA alone, GA with spinal anesthesia (SA), and GA with erector spinae plane block (ESPB) by the allocation concealment method to avoid selection bias. The working conditions were assessed by the same operating surgeon who was blinded by the type of anesthesia to eliminate the assessment bias. Muscle relaxation and surgical field were compared among the three groups along with other hemodynamic parameters to identify any significant differences. @*Results@#Significantly better muscle relaxation, surgeon satisfaction, postoperative analgesia, and blood pressure (BP) were observed in the GA+RA when compared to GA alone (p 0.05). Complications were only observed in the GA+SA group (19%). @*Conclusions@#The study results suggest that the addition of RA to GA may provide better working conditions and surgeon’s satisfaction by improving relaxation of the erector spinae in addition to decreasing the BP and postoperative pain in contrast to the use of GA alone. The combined GA and ESPB techniques may be a viable anesthetic alternative to provide better working conditions for surgeons.
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Background: The age group of 5–17 years belongs to the vulnerable segment of the population for COVID?19 infection in India. Seroprevalence in this population can therefore allow inferences to be made about the extent of infection. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and to determine the factors associated with COVID?19 antibody among children aged 5–17 years in an urban and rural area of Kochi, Kerala. Methods: A community?based cross?sectional study was undertaken in the urban and rural field practice areas of the community medicine department in a medical college, Kochi. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information about sociodemographic data, history related to COVID?19, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody test result. Blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of COVID?19 antibodies using the Wantai test kit after attaining informed assent from the parent/guardian. Results: The seroprevalence of the COVID?19 antibody was 48.3% among participants. The seroprevalence of COVID?19 antibody was higher among children of mothers with skilled/unskilled occupation, residents of rural area, above poverty line category, those with a history of COVID?19, and those who had a history of contact with COVID?19?positive patients. Conclusion: Half of the study population were COVID antibody positive, and the rest were at risk of infection. Therefore, adherence to COVID?19 guidelines is essential to control further spread of infection among children.
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Introduction: Acute glomerulonephritis is the most common reversible cause of kidney disease in children. Although most common presentations are oedema, hypertension, haematuria and oliguria, glomerulonephritis may manifest with atypical features. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Aims and objectives: frequency of various clinical manifestations of glomerulonephritis and to identify various abnormalities in laboratory pro?le in children with glomerulonephritis. 30 children admitted in paediatric department, King George Materials and methods: Hospital, Visakhapatnam with clinical features of glomerulonephritis were enrolled into the study . Data on clinical features, laboratory parameters and outcome was recorded. Males were more commonly affected. Majority were in the age Results: group of 9-12 years. Most common presentation was facial puf?ness. Atypical presentations were observed in 40% cases. Anaemia was observed in 50% cases. Hypertension was seen in 56% of cases. PSGN was commonest cause of AGN. Hypocomplementemia was seen in 80% cases. Even though most children with acute glomerulonephritis present Conclusion: with common clinical features, early identi?cation of atypical presentations of acute glomerulonephritis should be emphasised as their prompt recognition can lead to reduction in mortality
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Patients with left-sided pneumothorax presenting with electrocardiogram (ECG) changes resembling acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been reported in the literature. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) occurs predominantly in post-menopausal women with underlying intense emotional or physical stress. However, as this case report shows, it can complicate any acute illness leading to intense stress. We report a rare combination of ECG changes mimicking ACS in a man with a large right-sided pneumothorax and TCM.
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Background & objectives: With the availability of a wide range of drugs to treat patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have become inevitable in clinical practice. Thorough knowledge of such reactions is essential for the treating physician for optimal treatment and better outcomes. There are many scales to define, measure and assess the ADRs, but there is a dearth of data available on such drug reactions among ACS patients. Hence, this study attempted to analyze the pattern, causality, severity, predictability and preventability of ADRs in ACS patients. All the ADRs reported during the study period were analyzed for causality by the World Health Organization–Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC), Naranjo’s and Karch and Lasagna scales; severity by modified Hartwig and Siegel scale; predictability by Rawlins and Thompson criterion and preventability by Schumock and Thornton scale. Methods: A single-centre, record-based analysis for the occurrence of ADRs was done among ACS patients admitted to the department of Cardiology between January and October 2017. Demographic data, comorbid conditions, reported ADRs and ADR assessment details were noted from the hospital case records and ADR monitoring centre (AMC) records. The data were analyzed and presented in a descriptive manner using percentages, mean and standard deviation. The Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to ascertain the significance of the association between different groups. Results: Out of 324 patients under evaluation, 67 had developed one or more ADRs. There were 30 different types of ADRs reported, headache being the most common. Among the drugs, heparin was the most common factor, causing 27 per cent of ADRs. Definite causality of a suspected drug causing ADRs was seen in 11.9 (n=8), nine (n=6) and 7.5 (n=5) per cent cases as per WHO-UMC, Naranjo (Naranjo algorithm) and Karch and Lasagna scales, respectively. In the severity of ADRs, the most severe reactions according to the modified Hartwig-Siegel scale (level 4a in our study) were seen in 17.5 (n=12) per cent of patients, and the rest were either level 2 or 3 reactions. Nearly 92.5 (n=62) per cent of reactions were predictable according to the Rawlins and Thompson criterion. Application of the modified Schumock-Thornton scale showed that 22.4 per cent of ACS patients had preventable reactions, and the rest were not preventable.Interpretation & conclusions: The study results suggest that ADRs are relatively common among ACS patients. Most of these can be identified and assessed for causality, severity, predictability and preventability using various available scales. Diligent pharmacovigilance for identifying and assessing ADRs may help manage and mitigate morbidity associated with these in high-risk ACS patients.
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Background: Coal?fired thermal power plants (TPPs) have a serious impact on soil, air, and water quality resulting in deterioration of health and environment around the plant. Objective: The present study was undertaken with the objectives of assessing the respiratory health status of the population around the plant and to measure selected heavy metals in fly ash, air, water, and soil samples. Materials and Methods: The current cross?sectional study was conducted among 3533 adult residents living in two strata within 10 km radius around the TPP in Udupi district of Karnataka state. Data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaire and spirometry and environmental air monitoring by DustTrak aerosol monitor, water, and soil samples were collected for analysis. Results: Majority of the study participants were in the age group of >45 years (41.4%). 70.6% were females and 0.39% were trans?genders. 4.3% were suffering from various respiratory problems. Bivariable logistic regression showed subjects aged 46–65 years and >65 years have 2.91 times and 4.42 times higher odds of respiratory disease as compared to those with age ?45 years. Multivariable logistic regression showed significant association between higher age group (P < 0.0001) and in subjects who had closed window during cooking (P < 0.006). Levels of heavy metals in soil samples and particulate matter 2.5 were well within permissible limits whereas the ground water samples had excess levels of iron, manganese, and copper. Conclusion: The present study has implications for policymaking to protect the environment and health of vulnerable populations in industrial clusters and the vicinity of power plants.
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Context: In the mixed dentition period, malocclusion is in dormant stage, any interception should be preceded by a mixed dentition space analysis. Aims: To derive new regression equation in sample subjects (indigenous group) with no intermaxillary tooth size discrepancy (Bolton's ratio) residing in Davangere and to evaluate its accuracy. To assess the difference of tooth dimensions between males and females and difference between right and left of dental arches. Setting and Design: Descriptive study. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty children (11–15 years) were included and dental casts were made. A digital Vernier caliper was used for the measurement of teeth. Bolton's ratio was calculated. Group A: Casts without Bolton's discrepancy and Group B: Casts with Bolton's discrepancy. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed with the SPSS software version 22.0. New regression equations were derived using correlation and regression analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was recorded between the actual and predicted mesiodistal widths (MDWs) of permanent canine and premolars in maxilla and mandible, with/without Bolton's discrepancy. Males had statistically significant higher mean in maxillary and mandibular canine dimensions than female and no statistically significant difference between right and left side of dental arches was found. Conclusion: New regression equation was formulated for Davangere population, in which actual and predicted widths of permanent canines and premolars were found to be almost similar when established from sample with/without Bolton's discrepancy. In MDWs, the canine showed significant sexual dimorphism and no clinically significant variations were seen in the right and left sides of both the arches.
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Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar sistematicamente as evidências disponíveis para recidiva do tratamento da mordida aberta esquelética usando dispositivos de ancoragem temporária e cirurgia ortognática. Material e Métodos: Cinco bases de dados eletrônicas como MEDLINE, COCHRANE, SCIELO, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, EMBASE foram pesquisadas sistematicamente até junho de 2020. Os estudos de qualidade metodológica foram classificados por meio da Ferramenta de Avaliação de Qualidade do Projeto de Práticas de Saúde Pública Eficazes (EPHPP). Resultados: No total, 1.005 estudos foram identificados para triagem e 6 estudos foram elegíveis. O instrumento de avaliação da qualidade apresentou qualidade moderada para todos os estudos. A correção imediata pós-tratamento da mordida aberta foi melhor nos estudos cirúrgicos do que nos estudos tratados com TADs. Conclusão: A estabilidade dos resultados do tratamento da mordida aberta anterior foi comparável nos casos tratados em ambas as modalidades de tratamento. A recidiva da mordida aberta anterior foi associada a casos em que a sobremordida pós-tratamento foi mínima. A sobremordida parece ser mais estável quando apenas a maxila foi operada do que com cirurgias bimaxilares. A rotação anti-horária da mandíbula com subsequente redução da altura facial anterior foi melhor na correção cirúrgica do que através de TADs (AU)
Objective: The purpose of this study is to systematically assess the available evidence for relapse of skeletal open bite treatment using temporary anchorage devices and orthognathic surgery. Materials and Methods: Five electronic databases such as MEDLINE, COCHRANE, SCIELO, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, EMBASE were systematically searched up to June 2020. Methodological quality studies were graded by means of the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool. Results: In total, 1005 studies were identified for screening, and 6 studies were eligible. The quality assessment tool showed moderate quality for all the studies. The immediate post treatment correction of open bite was better in the surgical studies than in the studies treated with TADs. Conclusion: Stability of treatment results of anterior openbite was comparable in cases treated in both the treatment modalities. Relapse of anterior open bite was associated with cases in which the posttreatment overbite was minimal. Overbite seems to be more stable when only the maxilla has been operated on than with bi-maxillary surgeries. Counterclockwise rotation of the mandible with subsequent reduction of anterior facial height was better in surgical correction than through TADs. (AU)
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Surgery, Oral , Open Bite , Suture Anchors , Orthognathic SurgeryABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educators to shift to virtual online classes. Teachers being major stakeholders in the medical teaching-learning process, it becomes important to understand their perception towards this new endeavour. It will make this transition beneficial to the learners. Objectives: To document the process of validation of a new questionnaire devised to study the perception of medical undergraduate teaching faculty towards online classes, using Cronbach’s alpha, and the subsequent pilot for the same. Results: At initial validation, Cronbach’s alpha was not acceptable (0.65) for the questionnaire. One item was scored low by two validators and was removed. Three items were given poor rating for lay out, clarity and feasibility and required editing. The Cronbach’s alpha after revision was 0.92 (acceptable). Pilot study was conducted. Based on the proportion of positive perception (36.4%) regarding ongoing online teaching programme, conducted on 11 teaching faculty with 10% absolute precision and 95% confidence, the minimum sample size for the main study was calculated to be 89. This was feasible from the point of view of total faculty strength. Conclusion: Research work involving a new tool, such as questionnaire, must utilize the statistical tool Cronbach’s alpha for validation, and pilot study for estimating the sample size and testing the content validity.
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BACKGROUND Platelets should be transfused appropriately, based on the cause of thrombocytopenia. The practice and policies of transfusion vary among institutions and even among clinical practitioners, leading to inappropriate use of platelets, which might increase the risk of transfusion-related complications to recipients, and lead to a shortage of platelets. An audit of platelet components helps to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of their use and in improving transfusion practices. We did an audit of the use of platelet transfusions at our centre. METHODS We conducted a prospective concurrent audit of the platelet transfusion practices. The audit cycle had four steps: (i) defining the standards; (ii) data collection; (iii) comparison against the standards; and (iv) presenting them to clinicians for further improvement. RESULTS Platelet components were used appropriately in 93.6% (2420/2586) of episodes. The platelet count was not done before transfusion in only 6.4% (165/2586) of episodes. The dose of platelets was given appropriately in 84.3% (2180) of episodes of transfusion. Indications for appropriate transfusion classified as pre-procedure, prophylactic and therapeutic transfusions were 11.3% (293), 66.1% (1450) and 13% (412), respectively. Medicine and medical oncology were the specialties with the highest level of appropriateness. CONCLUSION An audit of transfusion practices benefits transfusion services and clinicians in terms of judicious use of platelet components and better inventory management.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potentially inappropriate medications, potential drug-drug interactions, and prescribing practices in elderly ambulatory patients. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study on 275 elderly patients attending different outpatient departments. We used the Screening Tool for Older Person's Prescriptions criteria version two to identify potentially inappropriate medications, IBM Micromedex, to categorize potential drug-drug interactions as major and moderate. World Health Organization prescribing indicators were used to evaluate prescribing practices. RESULTS: The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in 275 prescriptions was 21.9%. Diclofenac was the most common inappropriate drug (n=23). Metoprolol is the second most inappropriate drug (n=12). Amlodipine and clopidogrel, aspirin and furosemide, and aspirin and spironolactone together accounted for 71.42% of major interactions (n=15). Atorvastatin and clopidogrel was the most common moderate drug-drug interaction in our study (n=24). The average number of drugs per encounter, the percentage of drugs with a generic name, and the percentage of drugs from the essential drugs list must be improved. CONCLUSION: There is a need to provide awareness through education about the explicit criteria to identify potentially inappropriate medications and prescribing indicators that aid in rational prescribing in the elderly.
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Humans , Aged , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Potentially Inappropriate Medication List , Cross-Sectional Studies , Drug Interactions , Inappropriate PrescribingABSTRACT
Abstract Objective This exploratory study locates countertransference as a pan-theoretical concept, comprising of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors expressed or experienced by therapists toward their patients. It aims to understand the patterns of countertransference experienced in working with borderline personality disorder. Associations between countertransference reactions and therapist-related variables of experience and mentalization ability are also examined. Method Psychotherapists (n = 117) completed the Therapist Response Questionnaire to assess patterns of countertransference experienced with a representative patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. They also completed a measure of mentalization ability that examined self-related mentalization, other-related mentalization, and motivation to mentalize. Results The profile of responses across eight countertransference dimensions is discussed, with the most strongly endorsed reactions being positive/satisfying, parental/protective, and helpless/inadequate. More experienced therapists reported less negative countertransference reactions in select dimensions. Therapists' self-reported ability to reflect on and understand their own mental states was negatively correlated with a range of difficult countertransference experiences. There were few associations between their ability to make sense of others' mental states, the motivation to mentalize, and the strength of their countertransference reactions. Conclusion The implications for countertransference management as well as therapist training and development are highlighted.
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@#This study is aimed to provide an insight into the types of treatment carried out by postgraduate students in the past 10 years. A retrospective study was carried out between November 2019 and February 2020 by deriving data from postgraduate students’ clinical logbooks of three different cohorts of Master of Clinical Dentistry (Restorative Dentistry in Conservative Dentistry) in 2010, 2013 and 2016. This retrospective data was systematically extracted from the records and tabulated categorically using an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Office Excel 2019). A descriptive analysis was carried out to further evaluate the results. Overall, the types of treatment carried out in the field of endodontics and fixed prosthodontics has changed in the past 10 years. An increasing trend is seen in the placement of all ceramic crowns and primary root canal treatment procedures, while a decreasing pattern is evident for secondary root canal procedures and placement of dental bridges.
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Background: Diarrhoea still continues to be a major cause of hospitalization and death in under fives. Electrolyte disturbances play an important role in the associated morbidity and mortality. Acute renal failure is one of the important complications of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. Early intervention and proper fluid replacement may lessen this risk. This study was designed to find out the incidence of acute gastroenteritis and the status of associated electrolyte derangements and renal involvement.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at KIMS, Bengaluru in which 117 children from the age of 1 month to 5 years with acute diarrhea were included based on a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic profile of the patients, details of diarrhea, clinical examination and accompanying degree of dehydration (defined as per WHO criteria) were recorded. Serum electrolytes along with renal parameters were investigated.Results: Total 117 children with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled in the study as per the inclusion criteria which constituted 5% of total paediatric admissions. Children aged 1-12 months had the highest incidence of diarrhea (50%). Male to female ratio is 1.3:1. 65% had some dehydration, 19% no dehydration and 16% had severe dehydration. Isonatremia was seen in 58% followed by hyponatremia in 35% and hypernatremia in only 7%. 83% had isokalemia, hypokalemia in 12%, hyperkalemia in 5%. Levels of serum sodium and potassium decreased with the severity of dehydration. Serum urea and creatinine were significantly high in severe dehydration (p value 0.001). Out of 28 children who were given diluted ORS before admission, majority had hyponatremia (39%) and all of them who received concentrated ORS had hypernatremia.Conclusions: Hyponatremic dehydration is the second most common type of dehydration next to isonatremic dehydration, but it is more common in children who took diluted ORS. Increased awareness regarding ORS preparation may help in preventing electrolyte imbalance in AGE. The levels of serum sodium and potassium decreased and urea and creatinine increased with severity of dehydration. Measurements of serum electrolytes and renal parameters early can help to predict the complications due to AGE and may help in the prevention of diarrhea related complications in children.
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A 3 month old infant exclusively breast fed presented with vomiting and poor weight gain with purpuric and echymotic patches all over the body. The child also had hyperpigmentation over knuckles and icterus. Laboratory investigations revealed severe dimorphic anemia with thrombocytopenia, elevated bilirubin and LDH levels and severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Following vitamin B12 supplementation there was improvement in well-being including feed tolerance, icterus resolved and in follow up lab studies there was improvement in hemoglobin and platelet counts along with reduced bilirubin levels. Through this case report we want to emphasize the possibility of vitamin B12 deficiency presenting as hemolytic anemia and psuedothrombotic microangiopathy.
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Background: Dengue, an endemic disease in most subtropical and tropical regions of the world is causing severe epidemics in India. An alarming rise of dengue has also been seen in India during the recent years. Majority of dengue viral infections are self-limiting, but complications may cause high morbidity and mortality. Present study was undertaken with an objective of describing various clinical presentations as noted in our cohort of dengue patients and to evaluate the outcome of dengue fever.Methods: This retrospective study included all confirmed dengue cases below 18 years age admitted to Paediatric department of KIMS, Bengaluru over a period of 1 year in 2019. Medical records were reviewed and analysed. Those diagnosed to be positive for dengue serology (NS1 or IgM) were included in our study. Dengue was classified according to the WHO guidelines into 2 groups, Dengue fever (without/with warning signs) and Severe Dengue. Clinical features, haematological, biochemical, radiological parameters, management and the outcome were assessed.Results: Out of 441 patients enrolled, 79% had non-severe dengue and 21% severe dengue. The commonest age of presentation was above 10 years with mean age of 8.68±5.25 years. Male to female ratio was 1.7:1. 60% presented within 4 to 7 days of illness (mean 4.26±1.72 days). Majority presented with fever (88%). 47% had vomiting and 31% abdominal pain. Bleeding manifestations were seen in 18%. Dengue serology was positive for NS1Ag (58%), IgM (21%), mixed (21%). Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia seen in 82% and 39.45% respectively. The association between dengue serology and platelet count was statistically significant (p value 0.001). 46% had raised SGPT. 31% had evidence of plasma leakage. The case fatality rate was 0.2%.Conclusions: High grade fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding manifestations with normal or low platelet count were the presenting features. Early diagnosis, monitoring and prompt supportive management can reduce mortality.
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Background: IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) to prevent pregnancy are among the oldest method of contraception. The modern IUCD are highly effective, safe private, long acting and rapidly reversible contraceptive method. Aims and objective of this study was to study the acceptability and safety of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) in postpartum period and to assess the feasibility, safety, efficacy and expulsion rate of IUCD.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital in Maharashtra from January 2018 to October 2018 and patients were followed up to a period of one-year post IUCD insertion.Results: Majority of patients in this study were in age group 21 to 26 years of age (58.7%) and the least number were in the age group more than 30 years (3.3%). This study showed that majority of patients were primigravida (44%) and the lowest number belonged to gravida 6 (0.3%). Regarding timing of IUCD insertion 73% were done intra caesarean, 22.3% were done post placental and 4.7% were done within 48 hours of delivery. In this study authors found that 4% of patients had per vaginal discharge, 5% had missing IUCD thread and 2% of patients had IUCD expulsion. It was found in this study that 98% of patients continued to use IUCD and only 2% discontinued the usage.Conclusions: From the study authors came to conclusion that PPIUCD insertion is a safe, feasible, effective and reversible method of contraception.
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Background: Febrile seizure is the most common type of seizure disorder that occurs in children aged 6-60 months. Recurrences are common. This study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical profile and laboratory parameters of children presenting with febrile seizure in a teaching hospital.Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study among children presenting with febrile seizure admitted to KIMS, Bengaluru from March (2018-2019). Children between six months to five years were included in the study while patients with prior episodes of afebrile seizures, abnormal neurodevelopment and not meeting the age criteria were excluded. Patient’s demographic and clinical data were collected from the in-patient records and analysed.Results: Among 60 children with febrile seizures were enrolled in our study with highest prevalence in males (58%) and amongst 13-24 months age group (37%). Majority (20%) presented in the monsoon season (June) and in the morning hours (43%). Simple febrile seizures and complex febrile seizures were observed in 60% and 40% respectively. Majority (73%) who developed first episode of seizure were below 24 months ago with mean age of 18.71±11.50 months. 42% had recurrence and was significantly associated with first episode of febrile seizures at age ≤1 year and family history of seizures. Upper respiratory tract infections were the commonest cause of fever. Anaemia and leucocytosis were seen in 72% and 70% cases respectively.Conclusions: Febrile seizure was observed predominantly in children below two years, simple febrile seizure being the commonest. Recurrence was common and significantly associated with the first episode of febrile seizure at the age one year or below and family history. Majority had anaemia which showed that iron deficiency anaemia could be a risk factor. Leucocytosis was present in most which could be either due to underlying infection or due to the stress of seizure itself.
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Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is an important infection most often encountered in mechanical ventilation (MV) patients in intensive care units in hospital. VAP occurs in approximately 9 - 27% of patients who are intubated. The morbidity and mortality associated with VAP is more inspite of recent advances in diagnosis and accurate management. Emergence of multidrug resistance among the pathogens causing VAP is also contributing to the outcome. We wanted to isolate the bacterial pathogens, study the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates and detect the presence of drug resistance in various pathogens.METHODSThis is a retrospective, cross sectional study done on samples received between 2016 to 2018 among patients on MV for >/= 48 hours. Endotracheal aspirates were collected from 85 patients with assumed VAP, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) was noted and aerobic quantitative cultures were performed on all samples. VAP was diagnosed by count of pathogenic organisms isolated >/= 105 cfu/mL. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates were done as per the standard laboratory procedures. Patients with characteristic features i.e. clinical and radiological signs of pneumonia on admission were excluded from the study.RESULTS50 cases were diagnosed as VAP by CPIS. Gender ratio was 30:20 (male to female) higher incidence 42% of VAP was seen in the age group of 46-60 years. Majority were Gram negative bacilli; 96%- Klebsiella 36%, Acinetobacter 26% E. coli 16%, Pseudomonas 14%, and Citrobacter 4% along with coagulase positive Staphylococcus in 4%. Of the 50 VAP patients, single organism was isolated in 92% and polymicrobial in 8%. Most of the isolates showed resistance to Amoxiclav, Cefepime, Cefixime and Meropenem.CONCLUSIONSGood compliance with VAP bundle adopted in critical care areas by the health care workers will reduce the incidence of VAP. Early and accurate diagnosis, appropriate empirical and specific antimicrobial use may significantly improve patient outcome.