ABSTRACT
Background: Fever, the most common complaint that led patients to seek healthcare, indicates an underlying infection which could either be simple self-limiting viral infections or life threatening bacterial infections. It's greatest challenge is the risk of occult bacteraemia, for which blood culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis. Objectives was to determine the proportion of blood culture positives among febrile children and to describe the bacteriological profile and antibiogram of blood culture isolates.Methods: A cross sectional study was done in the Department of Paediatrics and Microbiology, RIMS Hospital, Imphal. After obtaining consent (verbal assent in >7 years), blood culture samples were drawn from 200 children aged between 3 months to 12 years. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Chi square test was used and p-value of less than 0.05 taken as statistically significant.Results: Culture positivity was seen in 17 cases (8.5%) of which, participants who were less than 1 year of age and without proper immunisation record showed the highest positivity rate. It was higher in fever with localizing signs (9.2%) than those with fever without focus (7.8%). Gram positives constituted 11 (64.7%) of the isolates while 35.3% were Gram negatives. Staphylococcus aureus was the only Gram positive isolate. Of them, 4 were MRSA but all the strains were sensitive to Vancomycin and Linezolid. The most common Gram negative isolate was Acinetobacter spp and 80% of them were sensitive to Aminoglycosides while most of the Gram negatives were resistant to Ampicillin and 3rd generation Cephalosporins. All Acinetobacter spp were sensitive to Carbapenems but the only Pseudomonas spp isolated was sensitive only to Colistin.Conclusions: Blood culture positivity rate is relatively low in this study. However, studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate the findings. We emphasise the need for antibiotic stewardship
ABSTRACT
Background: Contraceptive practices are the main tool we have in controlling the ever increasing population. It also has a huge role in preventing sexually transmitted infections. The present study was undertaken to find the knowledge, attitudes and practices of husbands accompanying patient at obstetrics clinics of a tertiary care center about contraception.Methods: The study population was 100 husbands accompanying patients at obstetrics clinics of a tertiary care center. A simple questionnaire of 26 questions regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding contraception was provided to the consenting husbands. The results were then analyzed.Results: Vast majority have adequate knowledge about male contraception (93%), vasectomy (85%) and sexually transmitted diseases (72%). Most of the husbands do not have adequate knowledge about female contraception (only 59%) and emergency contraception (only 27%). 70% of the husbands do not know about the free contraceptives provided by the Government of India. A staggering 74% do not participate in effective contraception. Also, 77% agreed that they would remain contended with a single child.Conclusions: This cross-sectional study clearly shows that husbands accompanying patients at obstetrics clinic of a tertiary care center have adequate knowledge about male contraception, vasectomy and sexually transmitted diseases. It is worth noting that most of the husbands do not have adequate knowledge about female contraception, emergency contraception and free contraceptives provided by the Government of India. Very few couples participate in effective contraception despite wanting to adopt a small family norm. This is a pointer towards the ineffectiveness of the family planning program of our country.
ABSTRACT
Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device is a long acting, effective and reversible method of contraception. It can be inserted post placental during vaginal or LSCS delivery and within 48 hours of delivery. This study evaluates the acceptance, safety, side effects and complications associated with immediate post-partum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion.Methods: The study was conducted at Hindu Rao Hospital and NDMC Medical College, Delhi for a period of 18 months. Patients admitted and delivered at Hindu Rao Hospital were counseled for PPIUCD, CuT 380 A / CuT 375 insertions and it was inserted within 10 minutes of delivery of placenta during vaginal delivery or LSCS or within 48 hours of delivery. Patients were followed at 6 weeks and then between 6 to 12 months of delivery for continuation, side effects or any complications.Results: After counseling 1253 (9.8%) patients agreed for PPIUCD insertion out of which 650 patients came for follow up. 46% women came for routine follow up while 54.06% came with one or the other complications. Missed thread was most common complications, followed by bleeding P/V and pain abdomen. Expulsion in 5.5% and CuT failure was seen in 0.92% women only. Removal of IUCD was done in 94 patients for one or other reasons. There was retention of PPIUCD in 84.5% while removal was done in 14.5% during period of 6 months to one year follow up. Missed thread was main cause of anxiety among acceptors.Conclusions: Immediate PPIUCD is safe and effective method of contraception with a high retention rate. Though acceptance in initial months was less but it gradually increased over time with increasing awareness, counseling of patients and training of health personnel.