Role of blood transfusion in saving mothers

Background: Blood transfusion is recognised as one of the eight essential components of the comprehensive emergency obstetric care module which has been designed to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality rates after major obstetric hemorrhage and anemia.Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted between April1, 2016 to September 30, 2018 in department of obstetrics and gynecology, Government Medical College, Patiala. The MNM cases given transfusion were analysed in respect of number of antenatal visits, type of admission, distance of place of first referral unit from tertiary health care facility, amount of blood transfused, indications of blood transfusion, causes of haemorrhage and intervention performed.Results: During this period, there were 123 cases of MNM, 90 patients required blood transfusion and were considered in this study. Maximum number of cases (94.45%) were between 20-35 years of age. Majority of cases were primipara (52.22%). 47.77% cases were in 3rd trimester, 33.33% postnatal cases and 16.66% cases were in first trimester. 88.88% cases requiring transfusion belong to low socioeconomic status. There was no antenatal visit in 80% cases who required blood transfusion. 78.8% patients required more than 4packed red cell transfusions. Haemorrhage was the indication in 60% cases for blood transfusion and anaemia in 40% cases. Postpartum haemorrhage (28.4%) was most common indication for blood transfusion followed by ruptured ectopic pregnancy (27.77%), antepartum haemorrhage (11.11%), rupture uterus (7.4%), rectus sheath hematoma (5.55%), placenta accreta (5.55%) and inversion uterus (3.7%).  Surgical interventions were performed in 51 cases.Conclusions: Prevention and timely treatment of anaemia must receive attention by more active participation in term of antenatal check-ups. Skilled management of patients at the first referral units is advocated. There should be familiarity with the local protocol of relevant members of staff for management of massive hemorrhage. All major hemorrhages should be reviewed to ensure that there is no delay in provision of blood products.

Clinical Profile and Short-term Outcome of Pediatric Status Epilepticus at a Tertiary-care Center in Northern India

Objective: To assess clinical profile and short term treatmentoutcomes of pediatric status epilepticus (SE) at a tertiary-carecenter in northern India.Methods: Prospective cohort study enrolled children aged 1month to 18 years presenting with SE to the emergencydepartment. Enrolled children (109) were treated as per hospitalprotocols. Clinical features during hospitalization were noted.Pediatric overall performance category (POPC) scale was usedfor classification of outcome at the time of discharge.Results: Acute symptomatic etiology was identified in 66(60.6%) cases (CNS infections were predominant). Previousdiagnosis of epilepsy was found in 32 (29.4%) children; andbenzodiazepine responsive SE were seen in 65 (59.6%)children. Predictors of unfavorable outcome were acutesymptomatic etiology (adjusted OR 4.50; 95% CI 1.49, 13.62) andno treatment administered prior to hospital (adjusted OR 3.97;95% CI 1.06, 14.81).Conclusions: Acute symptomatic etiology, mainly acute CNSinfections, is the leading cause of SE in this region. Early and pre-hospital management with benzodiazepines may improve SEoutcome.

Role of dexmedetomidine as adjuvant in postoperative sciatic popliteal and adductor canal analgesia in trauma patients: a randomized controlled trial

Background@#The effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in the adductor canal block (ACB) and sciatic popliteal block (SPB) on the postoperative tramadol-sparing effect following spinal anesthesia has not been evaluated. @*Methods@#In this randomized, placebo-controlled study, ninety patients undergoing below knee trauma surgery were randomized to either the control group, using ropivacaine in the ACB + SPB; the block Dex group, using dexmedetomidine + ropivacaine in the ACB + SPB; or the systemic Dex group, using ropivacaine in the ACB + SPB + intravenous dexmedetomidine. The primary outcome was a comparison of postoperative cumulative tramadol patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) consumption at 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included time to first PCA bolus, pain score, neurological assessment, sedation score, and adverse effects at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 60 minutes, as well as 4, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 hours after the block. @*Results@#The mean ± standard deviation of cumulative tramadol consumption at 48 hours was 64.83 ± 51.17 mg in the control group and 41.33 ± 38.57 mg in the block Dex group (P = 0.008), using Mann–Whitney U-test. Time to first tramadol PCA bolus was earlier in the control group versus the block Dex group (P = 0.04). Other secondary outcomes were comparable. @*Conclusions@#Postoperative tramadol consumption was reduced at 48 hours in patients receiving perineural or systemic dexmedetomidine with ACB and SPB in below knee trauma surgery.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism in Indian Children Aged 2-5 Years

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Indian Scalefor Assessment of Autism (ISAA) in children aged between 2-5years.Design: Study of diagnostic accuracySetting: Tertiary level hospital, (November 2015 – November2017).Participants: A consecutive sample of 500 children withsuspected Autism (delay or regression of developmentalmilestones, delay or regression in speech, age-inappropriateunderstanding, behaviour, play and/or social interaction) wasrecruited.Procedure: Each child underwent an expert comprehensiveassessment of Autism (reference tool) that included history,observation, examination, diagnostic criteria for Autism SpectrumDisorder (ASD) of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders’, 5th edition, Childhood Autism Rating Scale-2(CARS2), developmental status and adaptive function. This wasfollowed by the administration of ISAA (test tool) in Hindilanguage. Parameters of diagnostic accuracy and ReceiverOperating Characteristic curves were computed.Main Outcome Measures: ASD based on (i) expert assessment,(ii) CARS-2, and (iii) ISAA.Results: In children aged 2-3 years, sensitivity of ISAA was 100%(95% CI 98.2% -100%), specificity 28.9% (95% CI 17.7% to43.4%), positive likelihood ratio 1.4 and negative likelihood ratio 0.In 3-5 year olds, sensitivity was 99.6% (95% CI 97.6% to 99.6%),specificity 33.3% (95% CI 15.1% to 58.3%), positive likelihoodration 1.5 and negative likelihood ratio 0.01. The degrees ofautism based on the existing cut off values were inaccurate.Conclusions: ISAA has sub-optimal performance in diagnosingand assessing severity in 2-5 year old children.

To Study the Association of Depression with Complications of Type 2 Diabetes and to Find Out any Correlation Between Type of Complication and Depression.

Background: Depression is common among people with diabetes and it is associated with poor outcomes. This study was carried out to investigate the association of depression with various complications of type 2 diabetes and to find out any correlation between type of complications and depression. Methods: 200 patients with established T2DM attending the Outpatient department and indoor wards of Medicine Department of Rajindra Hospital, Patiala were evaluated for depression by a previously validated depression questionnaire [PHQ-12 item]. Results: Patients with T2DM (n=200) were evaluated [94 (47%) male and 106 (53%) female]. Maximum number of patients i.e. 68(34%) were in 51-60 years age group. 57(28.5%) patients out of 200 had depression. Depression was commonly associated with retinopathy (68.57%), followed by neuropathy (61.2%), nephropathy (59.57%) & CAD (25.45%). It was most commonly associated with PDR (100 %) and least commonly with CAD. Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of depression in patients with T2DM. The prevalence of depression is higher in T2DM subjects with retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy compared to those without the respective complications. The Chances of becoming depressed increased with increase in number of complications.

Demographic Profile and Clinical Features of Admitted HIV Positive Patients and their Correlation with CD4 Counts in a North India Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background: HIV Infections continues to be a burden globally and presents serious public health problems in the developing countries, especially in India. Aims and objectives: To study the demographic profile and clinical features of HIV positive admitted patients and to evaluate the correlation of clinical features with their CD4 counts. Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the socio-demographic profile and clinical features of 150 HIV+ve /AIDS patients admitted in various wards of Department of Medicine, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala from September 2013 to October 2015. For these patients a preformed questionnaire was prepared to enquire about socio-demographic characteristics such as age, sex, literacy status, marital status, occupation and socio-economic status. Thorough clinical examination was performed and correlation of clinical features with CD4 counts was evaluated using Pearson Coefficient of correlation. Results: The results of study showed that the most common age group affected was 26-45 years (56%). Male patients were 69.3% and females constituted 30.7%. Most common mode of transmission was heterosexual (73.3%), followed by intravenous drug abuse (6.7%), unsafe injections/needle stick injury (4.6%), blood transfusion (2.7%), 8% were both HS and IDU and transmission was unknown in 2.7%. The common presenting symptoms in admitted HIV patients were fever (71.3%), weight loss (50%), night sweats (39.3%), dry cough (36%), anaemia (32%), cough with expectoration (26%), lymphadenopathy (24%), shortness of breath (22%), chest pain (20.7%),diarrhoea (15.3%) and mouth ulcers (8.7%). Others were, headache (10.7%), haemoptysis (10%), icterus (6.7%), change of voice (4%), altered sensorium (14%) and neurological deficit (7.3%). 16 patients had pulmonary and 13 had extra pulmonary tuberculosis. It was also found that most patients (52%) had CD4 count in range of 200-500, with mean CD4 count of 282.61 + 14.31 cells/cmm at time of presentation. The frequency of these symptoms increased with fall in CD4 count indicating negative correlation. Conclusion: A thorough knowledge of the demographical & clinical profile of admitted patients will go a long way in managing resources and planning management of these patients. This will serve as a great step in achieving zero deaths as envisaged by NACO.

To Study the Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Newly Diagnosed HIV +ve Patients and Correlation between CD4 Count and Thyroid Dysfunction.

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is one of the common endocrine dysfunction in HIV Positive patients. Newly Diagnosed HIV Positive patients are rarely monitored for this problem. Objective:- To study the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in newly diagnosed HIV positive patients & to Correlate it with CD4 Count. Methods: A prevalence study was carried out on 150 newly diagnosed HIV Positive patients with different CD4 Counts divided in three groups (Group A; CD4<350, Group B; CD4 350-550 and Group C; CD4>550) who were evaluated for thyroid dysfunction. Blood samples were collected for CD4 T Lymphocytes. Counts were determined by flow cytometry and Thyroid function was evaluated by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Out of 150 cases studied, 47 Patients (31.33%) had thyroid dysfunction. Group A, B and C had Thyroid dysfunction in 40 %( 20), 32 %( 16) and 22 %( 11) patients respectively. All except one had hypothyroid state (TSH above normal range).When the results were analyzed for 150 patients with Pearson correlation coefficient. There was an inverse correlation of CD4 count and TSH. There was progressive decline in T3, T4 levels as CD4 count decreased. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is frequent in newly diagnosed HIV positive patients and prevalence of thyroid dysfunction increased with decrease in CD4 count. TSH levels increased as CD4 count declined.

Tubercular Arthritis of Sternoclavicular Joint: A Case Report.

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare site for occurrence of tubercular arthritis. Diagnosis often gets delayed due to rarity, leading to annoyance to patient. Here we report a case of 66 years old female who presented to us with painful swelling of Right>Left sternoclavicular joint. Diagnosis was clinched by clinical evaluation, appropriate imaging and strongly positive Interferon gamma release assay and fine needle aspiration cytology. Patient was put on ATT with significant improvement after 2 months.

Injuries in Children With Epilepsy: A Hospital-based Study.

Objectives: To study the magnitude and pattern of injuries in children with epilepsy. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled children with epilepsy (CWE) aged 2-16 years on treatment with anti-epileptics for a minimum duration of one-month and compared them with their own siblings (controls). A semi-structured questionnaire was used to enquire about epilepsy and type and frequency of injuries sustained at monthly follow-up visits. Participants were followed up for 12-months for occurrence of injuries. Results: 208 cases and 212 controls were analyzed. 21 cases (10.1%) and 10 controls (4.7%) had sustained injuries (P=0.03) (RR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 - 4.4). Seizure-related injuries were present in 4.3% of cases. Conclusion: Children with epilepsy are at an increased risk of injuries and hence need supervision.

Inflammatory Pseudotumor of Maxilla: Masquerading as Aggressive Malignancy.

Inflammatory pseudotumor is a chronic inflammatory lesion of unknown origin with highly aggressive course. The disease even being benign in nature spreads aggressively, giving a false clinical impression of malignancy. A knowledge of the clinical entity is essential when considering a diagnosis of malignancy.

Profound Hyponatremia: Prevalence, Underlying Disorders and Outcome in Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background: Profound hyponatremia (<125 mmol/l) is a serious electrolyte disturbance often encountered in tertiary care setting and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Does hyponatremia per se or the underlying disorder contribute to increased mortality remains a controversial point. Clinical records of profound hyponatremia patients were explored with the aim of finding its cause and contribution of hyponatremia in final outcome. Materials and Methods: All the inpatients with serum sodium ≤125 mmol/L were identified from laboratory data over a period of four months in a tertiary care hospital. Outpatients and cardiac patients were not included in the study. They were classified into three groups according to serum sodium levels in mmol/l (group I: 121-125, group II: 116-120, group III: ≤115). Clinical data was obtained from medical record office. Clinical diagnosis, extent of hyponatremia correction and mortality rates were studied. Observations: One thousand and fifty patients were identified as having profound hyponatremia (sodium ≤125 mmol/l). Prevalence of profound hyponatremia was recorded as 6.35%. Majority of profound hyponatremic patients (70.54%) had sodium levels in range of 121-125 mmol/l. Very profound hyponatremia (≤115 mmol/l) was noted in 17.6% patients. Mortality rate was significantly higher than the general mortality rate of hospital during that period (8.83% vs 4.6%, p < 0.001). Mortality in group III was highest (12%) followed by patients in group-I (8.42%). Most common cause of hyponatremia was chronic liver disease (20.9%), followed by infectious disease (17.04%), chronic and acute renal disease (15.4%). Diabetes mellitus along with its complications and endocrinological cause were present in 12.1% patients. Other causes include malignancy (11%), neurological (7.04%), pulmonary and trauma (6.4% and 5.17% respectively). Some miscellaneous causes like burns, psychological, skin disease were also noted. It was observed that patients died mainly because of underlying disease as in majority of subjects (75.72%) hyponatremia was corrected either fully or partially (Na≥ 130 mmol/l and Na ≥ 125 respectively) before demise. Conclusion: High prevalence of hyponatremia was recorded in inpatients making it a common electrolyte disturbance. Underlying disease and severity of hyponatremia have a bearing on final outcome of patients.

Microbial evaluation of bottled water marketed in North India.

Drinking unsafe and unhygienic water can cause waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid. The present study describes the microbial evaluation of bottled water sold in North India. The samples were analyzed for total viable count and coliforms and susceptibility to different antibiotics. Though free of coliforms, the samples had a total viable count ranging from 0.01 × 10 [1] cfu/mL to 2.40 × 10 [3] cfu/mL and in 17% of the samples, total viable count was much higher than specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Government of India. Among the samples, 6.5% also showed fungal growth. On checking the sensitivity of bacteria isolates to different antibiotics, most of the strains were found to be resistant to a number of antibiotics. It can thus be concluded that the consumption of bottled water with a high viable count and that was bacteria-resistant to different antibiotics may have an effect on the health of the consumers, especially immune-compromised individuals.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) in Chidren Aged 2-9 Years.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) in children aged 2-9 year at high risk of autism, and to ascertain the level of agreement with Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Design: Diagnostic Accuracy study Setting: Tertiary-level hospital. Participants: Children aged between 2 and 9 year and considered to be at a high risk for autism (delayed development, and age-inappropriate cognition, speech, social interaction, behavior or play) were recruited. Those with diagnosed Hearing impairment, Cerebral palsy, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) were excluded. Methods: Eligible children underwent a comprehensive assessment by an expert. The study group comprising of PDD, Global developmental delay (GDD) or Intellectual disability was administered ISAA by an investigator after one week. Both evaluators were blinded. ISAA results were compared to the Expert’s diagnosis and CARS scores. Results: Out of 102 eligible children, 90 formed the study group (63 males, mean age 4.5y). ISAA had a sensitivity 93.3, specificity of 97.4, positive and negative likelihood ratios 85.7 and 98.7 and positive and negative predictive values of 35.5 and 0.08, respectively. Reliability was good and validity sub-optimal (r low, in 4/6 domains). The optimal threshold point demarcating Autism from ‘No autism’ according to Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was ISAA score of 70. Level of agreement with CARS measured by Kappa coefficient was low (0.14). Conclusions: The role of ISAA in 3-9 year old children at high risk for Autism is limited to identifying and certifying Autism at ISAA score of 70. It requires re-examination in 2-3 year olds.

unusual case of neonatal stridor

A 25-day baby neonate presented with fever and stridor. He had severe respiratory distress at admission. The systemic examination was unremarkable. The roentgenogram of soft tissues of neck revealed widening of superior mediastinum. Computed tomography of neck and upper chest revealed multiple abscesses in the retropharyngeal space, parapharyngeal space, and superior mediastinum. The child improved on aggressive antibiotic treatment protocol. It raises awareness among paediatricians to consider this diagnosis when confronting neonate with fever and stridor. An early diagnosis and aggressive appropriate management will reduce mortality and morbidity associated with this life-threatening condition. A thorough search for a primary source of infection should be done. Neonate should be screened for primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders before discharge

Consensus Guidelines on Management of Childhood Convulsive Status Epilepticus.

Justification: Status epilepticus has a wide etiological spectrum, and significant morbidity and mortality. Management using a pre-determined uniform protocol leads to better outcomes. Multiple protocols for management of childhood status epilepticus are available, without much consensus. Process: A ‘Multi-disciplinary Consensus Development Workshop on Management of Status Epilepticus in Children in India’ was organized. The invited experts included Pediatricians, Pediatric neurologists, Neurologists, Epileptologists, and Pediatric intensive care specialists from India, with experience in the relevant field. Experts had previously been divided into focus groups and had interacted on telephone and e-mail regarding their group recommendations, and developed consensus on the topic. During the meeting, each group presented their recommendations, which were deliberated upon by the house and a consensus was reached on various issues; the document was finalized after incorporating suggestions of experts on the draft document. Objective: To provide consensus guidelines on evaluation and management of convulsive status epilepticus in children in India (excluding neonatal and super-refractory status epilepticus). Recommendations: Each institution should use a predetermined protocol for management of status epilepticus; prehospital management and early stabilization is the key to a satisfactory outcome of status epilepticus. Pharmacotherapy should not be delayed for any investigations; the initial management should consist of a parenteral benzodiazepine by any route feasible. Subsequent management has been detailed. The group also felt the need for more epidemiological research on status epilepticus from India, and identified certain research areas for the purpose.

Persistent Vitellointestinal Duct Causing Small Bowel Obstruction - A Rare Entity.

Vitellointestinal {omphalo-mesenteric (OMD)} duct connects the developing mid-gut to the primitive yolk sac, provides nutrition to the embryo and remains patent and connected to the intestines until the fifth to ninth week of gestational period. Varied remnants of the vitellointestinal duct have been reported. The present case report describes a completely obliterated fibrous remnant of the duct. The remnant presented as a thick cord extending from the umbilicus towards the terminal part of ileum with a Meckel’s diverticulum. Herein, we report a case of 20 yr old male who presented with the features of small bowel obstruction due to completely obliterated fibrous remnant of the duct which is a rare entity. Although persistent omphalomesentric duct is an extremely infrequent cause of small bowel obstruction in adult patients, it should be taken into consideration in patients without any previous surgical history.

Incorporating Developmental Screening and Surveillance of Young Children in Office Practice.

Context: Developmental concerns voiced by parents need to be responded to by structured developmental screening. Screening is the use of validated developmental screening tools to identify children with high risk of developmental delay out of an apparently normal population, while surveillance is the process of monitoring children identified as high risk by screening. Absence of routine screening can be attributed to problems at the level of parents, pediatricians or National policies. Hence vulnerable children are not detected early, and are denied benefit from appropriate developmental interventions. There are no definite guidelines for screening or for suitable tools for screening and surveillance. Objectives: To review existing developmental screening and monitoring tools for children validated in Indian under-five children, and provide a proposed practice paradigm for developmental screening in office practice. Evidence Acquisition: Scientific papers were retrieved by an electronic database search using MeSH terms ‘screening tool’, ‘developmental delay’, and filter of ‘children under 5 years’. Those relevant to office practice and validated internationally or in Indian children were reviewed. Results: Screening tools applicable to Indian office practice have been compared and certain tools have been recommended according to the level of risk of developmental delay. An algorithmic approach to screening has been given along with strategies for incorporation. Conclusions: Screening and surveillance for high risk of developmental delay are essential components of child health care. It is possible to incorporate both into routine practice.