Bifocal Stabilisation of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation using Suture Anchor and Temporary K-Wires: A Retrospective Analysis

@#Introduction: The acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is a major link connecting the upper limb to the torso. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments help in stabilising the joint. We feel it is prudent to address both these ligament injuries, to achieve optimum result. This study was undertaken to analyse the results of a simple frugal surgical technique we used to deal with this injury considering stabilisation for both these ligaments. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, skeletally mature patients with Type III, IV or V ACJ dislocations who underwent open reduction and stabilisation of the joint with temporary K-wires, repair of the capsule and augmentation of CC ligaments with suture anchors were included. Clinico-radiological and functional outcome was evaluated. Functional assessment of the upper limb was analysed using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), Constant shoulder score (CSS) and Oxford shoulder score (OSS). Results: Clinical and radiological evaluation of the 32 patients who had completed two years from the index surgery, was done. Out of the 37 patients included initially, five were lost in follow-up. Majority of the subjects included were males and type V was the most common injury. Mean pre-operative CC distance on the affected side was 13.92±4.94mm. In the immediate post-operative radiograph, it was 7.63±2.08mm and in the final follow- up was 9.36±2.75mm. Measurements were taken by two independent investigators and inter, and intra-observer reliability were analysed by Interclass correlation coefficient. Excellent functional outcome was noted despite the 1.81±1.50mm average loss of correction. At final followup, mean DASH score was 4.67±4.18, Oxford shoulder score was 44.06±2.44 and Constant shoulder score was 86.37±5.81. The severity of the injury had no significant effect on the functional outcome post our method of stabilisation and rehabilitation. Conclusion: Bifocal fixation restores the multidirectional stability of the disrupted ACJ. Adequate radiological reduction, good functional outcome and simplicity of execution make this technique an undemanding one for use in regular practice.

Association of UGT1A6 gene polymorphism with clinical outcome in pediatric epileptic patients on sodium valproate monotherapy

Pediatric epilepsy comprises chronic neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Sodium valproate is one of the common antiseizure medications used for treatment. Glucuronide conjugation is the major metabolic pathway of sodium valproate, carried out by the enzyme uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP) glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) whose gene polymorphisms may alter the clinical outcome. The objective of this study was to assess the association between UGT1A6 genetic polymorphism and clinical outcome in terms of efficacy and tolerability in pediatric epileptic patients on sodium valproate monotherapy. Pediatric epileptic patients (n=65) aged 2-18 years receiving sodium valproate monotherapy for the past one month were included. Genetic polymorphism patterns of UGT1A6 (T19G, A541G, A552C) were evaluated by PCR-RFLP. Clinical outcome was seizure control during the 6 months observation period. Tolerability was measured by estimating the hepatic, renal, and other lab parameters. Out of 65 patients, TT (40%), TG (57%), and GG (3%) patterns were observed in UGT1A6 (T19G) gene, AA (51%), AG (40%), and GG (9%) in (A541G) gene, and AA (43%), AC (43%), and CC (14%) in (A552C) gene. No statistical difference in clinical outcome was found for different UGT1A6 genetic polymorphism patterns. We concluded that different patterns of UGT1A6 genetic polymorphism were not associated with the clinical outcome of sodium valproate in terms of efficacy and tolerability. Sodium valproate was well-tolerated among pediatric patients with epilepsy and can be used as an effective antiseizure medication.

Glycemic control amongst diabetic subjects on insulin therapy: Still off target!

Introduction: Prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Good glycemic control is essential for prevention of complications of diabetes. Despite of availability of multiple medications, it is difficult to achieve good glycemic control. Insulin therapy is considered to be the best option available for attaining glycemic control. But, whether insulin therapy has achieved it is an important question to be addressed. Objective: To assess the glycemic control in subjects with diabetes on insulin therapy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done at Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and research, Bangalore, in 448 diabetic patients who were on insulin therapy as a part of their diabetic therapy. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS 22 version software. Results: Majority of the subjects were men (61.38%) and in the age group of > 60 years (44.9%). Many of the subjects on insulin therapy had duration of diabetes > 5 years, with 36.4% having duration of 10-20 years, while another 36% had duration of 5 -10 years. Premixed insulin (81.47%) was the most commonly used insulin regimen. 82.6% of the subjects were on conventional insulin and only 13.2% were on insulin analogues. Insulin syringe was the most commonly used delivery device, with 64.7% of subjects using it, while insulin pen was used by 33.5% subjects. Despite of insulin therapy, the glycemic control was poor and 81.4% had HbA1c >8%. Only 5.7% of the subjects had HbA1c <7%. 94.9% of the subjects reported that they were regular with their insulin therapy. Only 20.1% adjusted the insulin dose by self. Conclusions: The present study has found that despite being on insulin therapy, large percentage of subjects was unable to achieve good glycemic control.

A cross-sectional study of thyroid autoimmunity in women with type 2 diabetes: case for routine thyroid dysfunction screening

Introduction: Subjects with diabetes have a higher prevalence of thyroid disorders compared to the general population. The reported prevalence of thyroid disorders is 10-24% in subjects with diabetes and 6 - 13% in subjects without diabetes. Auto immunity is held responsible for the increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in diabetes. Studies have proven the higher rates of autoimmune thyroid dysfunction in type 1 diabetes, but there is very little information regarding thyroid autoimmunity in type 2 diabetes. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity in women with type 2diabetes. Material and Methods: Samples for thyroid function test including free thyroxin (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti -TPO) were obtained from 100 women with type 2 diabetes, attending the outpatient department of Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and Research, Bangalore. Results: Thyroid dysfunction was found in 42% subjects, where 36% had subclinical hypothyroidism and 6% had overt hypothyroidism. Anti - TPO positivity was seen in 30% of the subjects. Anti-TPO positivity was found in 24.1% euthyroid subjects, 33.3% subclinical hypothyroid subjects and 66.7% overt hypothyroid subjects. Significant positive correlation was observed between anti-TPO and TSH (p value <0.001*). No statistically significant association was found between thyroid dysfunction and age, BMI, Hba1c, and diabetes duration. Conclusions: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is significantly high in women with type 2 diabetes. The most common abnormality is subclinical hypothyroidism and autoimmunity is the cause of thyroid dysfunction in large proportion of these subjects.

Assessment of efficacy of palm polymerase chain reaction with microscopy, rapid diagnostic test and conventional polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of malaria

Purpose: Sensitive, specific, rapid and cost-effective technique for malaria diagnosis is need of the hour. Microscopy has been the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, but its interpersonnel variability and lack of sensitivity make it subjective test. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) has proven to be sensitive technique, but costly and time-consuming. Considering these factors, we have compared microscopy and cPCR with newly derives ultra-fast, portable PCR machine called Palm PCR. Materials and Methods: Palm PCR is arranged with three heat blocks precisely made for three stages of PCR cycles with 34 min for 1100 bp Plasmodium genus outer primer to amplify and 10 min each for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax inner primers of 120 bp and 205 bp, respectively. A total of 191 suspected samples were processed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The area under ROC curve analysis for Palm PCR with reference standard microscopy for P. falciparum, P. vivax and Plasmodium was 0.8969, 0.9121 and 0.9116, respectively, and with reference standard cPCR was 1.0 for all of them. ROC curve area close of suggests that Palm PCR can be as significant as cPCR in malaria diagnosis. In fact, ultra-rapid amplification with same precision makes Palm PCR better technique than cPCR. Conclusion: Palm PCR is sensitive, rapid and works on battery with simple laboratory facility requirements. Portable electrophoresis and transilluminator combined with Palm PCR could be implemented as an important diagnostic tool in resource-limited and rural areas. Similar studies with wider parameters in rural areas will help us evaluate and maybe establish Palm PCR as PCR platform of choice for such specific set-ups.

The Influence Of Aerated Drinks On The Blood Pressure And Heart Rate Of Young Adults

Objective: To study the relationship of aerated drink (soft drink) consumption on the blood pressure and heart rate of student population. Methods: 50 medical students (25 male and 25 female) volunteered to participate in this study. The blood pressure and heart rate of the student was taken and recorded as initial blood pressure (pre-test, control). The student was then given 250 ml of aerated drink. After 20 min* the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate of the student was taken once again (post-test) and the reading was recorded. Results: The statistical analysis suggest that, there was 0.88±0.10 mm/Hg increase in the mean arterial pressure, subsequent to the consumption of the aerated drink in the male student population and 2.85±0.18 mm/Hg in the female student population. Similarly, 0.76±0.03 beats/minute increase in the heart rate in male population and 1.2±0.05 beats/minute was observed in female population. Conclusion: In our study aerated drink have not shown a significant effect on mean arterial pressure and heart rate in both males and females. Chronic consumption may have the effect on mean arterial pressure and heart rate but random consumption may not have significant effect.

Pindborg tumor: Pathology with special stains

Odontogenic tumors constitute a wide spectrum of lesions ranging from malignant and benign neoplasms to dental hamartomas, all derived from the epithelial and ectomesenchymal remnants of the tooth forming apparatus. Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) is an uncommon, benign epithelial odontogenic tumor first described by Pindborg in 1956. It is a universally accepted eponym for this neoplasm. Pindborg tumor or CEOT is a locally aggressive neoplasm that accounts for 1% of the total odontogenic tumors, with recurrence in 14% of cases. The etiology of this tumor remains an enigma to the clinician. Pindborg suggested that the tumor arises from the remnants of reduced enamel epithelium of an unerupted tooth. Recent studies in literature report that the tumor arises from stratum intermedium. We report a case of Pindborg tumor in a 22-year-old male patient in the left mandibular posterior region. Radiographically, a well-defined radiolucency was associated with unerupted mandibular second molar which was displaced to the inferior border of the mandible. Along with routine haematoxylin and eosin stains, this case reports histopathological findings using Congo red stain and modified Gallegos stain.

Optical coherence tomography: A guide to interpretation of common macular diseases

Optical coherence tomography is a quick, non invasive and reproducible imaging tool for macular lesions and has become an essential part of retina practice. This review address the common protocols for imaging the macula, basics of image interpretation, features of common macular disorders with clues to differentiate mimickers and an introduction to choroidal imaging . It includes case examples and also a practical algorithm for interpretation.

Is non‑woven fabric a useful method of packaging instruments for operation theatres in resource constrained settings.

Introduction: Studies have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of woven and non‑woven fabrics. The present study assessed the change in resterilisation proportion after introduction of non‑woven fabric for packaging of instruments and to evaluate the cost‑effectiveness of non‑woven fabrics compared with woven fabrics. Materials and Methods: The present study is a secondary data analysis of resterilisation data collected from November 2009 to August 2013. We calculated the proportions (and their 95% confidence intervals) of resterilisation done every month. The proportion over time was compared using a Chi‑square test for trend. We used linear regression analysis to adjust for the number of surgeries performed every month. We also compared the cost of woven and non‑woven fabrics. Results: Of the total 117,335 surgical packets prepared during the study period, 1900 were resterilised; thus, the overall proportion was 1.62% (95% CI: 1.55% to 1.69%). The resterilisation proportion was 8.95% (95% CI: 7.73% to 10.17%) in November 2009 and was 0.38% (95% CI: 0.16% to 0.62%) in August 2013 (P < 0.001). After adjusting for the total number of surgeries conducted every month, we found that the number of packets resterilised reduced every month (per month reduction: ‑ 1.97, 95% CI: ‑ 2.76 to ‑1.18). The total cost (initial preparation and resterilisation) for 100 units of woven fabric is INR 6359.41 per month (confidence limit estimates: 6228.20 to 6430.62) and for non‑woven fabric was INR 6208.50 (confidence limit estimate: INR 6194.90 to 6223.35) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The introduction of non‑woven spunbond‑meltblown‑spunbond fabrics did reduce the proportion of resterilisation of packaged instruments. The decline was sharp and sustained over time, even after accounting for the change in the number of procedures. Furthermore, though the switch from woven to non‑woven fabric was cost‑effective in our situation, it may not be directly translated to other scenarios.

AIDS Awareness among Clinical Dental Students of Karnataka, India.

Objective: HIV-infected patients, with or without knowledge of their own serologic status are seeking dental care in increasing numbers. Dental students are at the risk of exposure to the HIV infections during their clinical training if adequate and stringent infection control measures. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of understanding and awareness of this disease among the third year clinical dental students at a private dental institution in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Materials and methods: A cross sectional survey of 100 third year clinical dental students of Karnataka was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic details, apart from 8 questions on knowledge and 2 questions on attitude towards HIV/AIDS patient. Descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: The response rate was 100%. Majority of students’ knew that AIDS is a disease of immunity. About 78% of the students knew that HIV/ AIDS is transmitted by contaminated blood products. Eighty six percent of the subjects knew which test was done to detect AIDS while others were not quite sure of it. Only 15% answered correctly regarding the percentage risk of transmission of HIV to a health care worker following contaminated needle stick injury. Most of the students were either not aware or not sure about the universal precaution measures to be taken while treating an AIDS patient. Conclusion: The results showed that the third year dental students of Karnataka, India had fair knowledge and good attitude regarding HIV/AIDS. However it did reveal some of the inadequacies and misconceptions regarding the disease among the dental students.

A homozygous female hemophilia A.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia A (HA), being an X-linked recessive disorder, females are rarely affected, although they can be carriers. AIMS: To study the mutation in F8 gene in an extended family with a homozygous female HA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the seven affected members (six males and one female) were initially screened by Conformation Sensitive Gel Electrophoresis (CSGE) and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: A homozygous missense mutation c.1315G>A (p.Gly420Ser) was identified in exon 9 of F8 gene in homozygous state in the affected female born of 1° consanguinous marriage and in all the affected male members of the family. Her factor VIII levels was found to be 5.5%, vWF:Ag 120%. CONCLUSION: In India, as consanguineous marriages are very common in certain communities (up to 30%), the likelihood of encountering female hemophilia is higher, although this is the first case of HA out of 1600 hemophilia families registered in our Comprehensive Haemophilia Care Center. Genetic diagnosis in such cases is not necessary as all the male children will be affected and daughters obligatory carriers.

Avoiding negative appendectomies in rural surgical practice: Is C-reactive protein estimation useful as a diagnostic tool.

Background. Appendectomy is one of the most frequently performed abdominal operations in rural surgical practice. In spite of various preoperative investigations to aid in the diagnosis, the rate of negative appendectomies is 15%–30%. Qualitative C-reactive protein (CRP) estimation is an inexpensive diagnostic test which can be done in small laboratories using a simple kit. We studied the value of estimating the CRP level in diagnosing acute appendicitis and reducing negative appendectomies. Methods. Patients who had been clinically diagnosed with acute appendicitis and planned for appendectomy, were selected by purposive sampling. Leucocyte counts, CRP level estimation and ultrasonography of the abdomen were done preoperatively. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, diagnostic accuracy, false-positive and false-negative rates, and likelihood ratios were calculated for various components of the diagnosis. Results. Of the 238 patients, 193 had histological evidence of acute appendicitis. When the diagnosis was based on the consultant’s decision, the overall negative appendectomy rate was 18.9%. CRP level estimation yielded a sensitivity of 98% (95% CI 95%–100%) and specificity of 87% (95% CI 73%–94%). A positive CRP value was associated with acute appendicitis (p<0.0001). Adding CRP to the diagnostic work-up increased the sensitivity to 100% (95% CI 98%– 100%) and diagnostic accuracy to 92% (95% CI 87%– 95%), and would have reduced negative explorations to 3%. Conclusion. CRP estimation complements the clinical diagnosis by a consultant surgeon, and should be included in the diagnostic work-up of appendicitis. CRP estimation is inexpensive and does not add an undue burden to the cost of management.

Unicystic plexiform ameloblastoma: An insight for pediatric dentists.

Ameloblastomas have been categorized broadly into three biologic variants: cystic (unicystic), solid, and peripheral. The term plexiform unicystic ameloblastoma refers to a pattern of epithelial proliferation that has been described in cystic lesions of the jaws. Although the histology suggests that cystic ameloblastomas follow a biologically low-grade course, recent evidence suggests that they may often behave clinically as biologically aggressive tumors. This is supported by the high incidence of cortical perforation, tooth resorption, lesion size, bony destruction, and a high rate of recurrence after simple enucleation. This article tries to provide an insight for pediatric dentists regarding this biologically distinct entity. A literature review on the topic has been added along with a case report highlighting the state-of-the-art approach and management of such ameloblastomas, in pediatric patients.

Placental histomorphology in unexplained foetal loss with thrombophilia.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Acquired and genetic thrombotic conditions, both organ and non organ specific, are associated with increased foetal wastage. This study was carried out to examine the placenta from women with abnormal pregnancies and a history of unexplained foetal loss, and to associate with maternal thrombophilia status. METHODS: Placentas from eight women with history of unexplained foetal loss were analyzed for histopathological characteristics. All the women were simultaneously screened for the common acquired and genetic thrombophilia markers i.e., lupus anticoagulants ( LA), IgG / IgM antibodies for anticardiolipin (ACA), beta2 glycoprotein 1 (beta2GPI) and annexin V, protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin III (AT III), factor V Leiden ( FVL) mutation, prothrombin (PT) gene G20210A, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C 677T, endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) 23 bp insertion and plasminogen activator inhibitor ( PAI-1 4G/5G) polymorphisms RESULTS: Six of eight women were positive for one or more thrombophilia markers. The placenta in all the cases except one, showed the characteristic features of infarct fibrin deposition and calcification. Among two women who were negative for thrombophilia, one showed clear evidence of thrombus in the placental sections while the other did not show any characteristic infarcts in the placental sections. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the histopathological examination of the placentas confirmed thrombophilia as the aetiological cause of thrombosis in 6 of the 8 women. The presence of thrombus in a negative thrombophilia woman suggests yet unidentified thrombophilia markers or probably non-haemostatic factors causing thrombosis.

Antiplatelet antibodies in cases of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia with and without a history of multiple platelet transfusion.

Antiplatelet antibodies are known to be present in a wide spectrum of patients, which include chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), infections, etc., including Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) patients who receive multiple platelet transfusions. The presence of natural antibodies to platelet receptors is not studied in cases of GT. We studied the antiplatelet antibodies in 23 patients with GT, 15 of which had received multiple transfusions and eight that had not received transfusions, along with 50 cases of chronic ITP. The prevalence and specificity of platelet-bound antibodies were detected by inhibition assays using O-group platelets on flow cytometry. The mean antiplatelet antibodies in 15 patients of GT who had not received transfusions and eight patients with multiple transfusions was 8427 + 2131.88 and 9038 + 2856 antibodies/platelet, respectively, while in case of the 50 ITP patients studied, it was 22166 + 5616 antibodies/platelet (Normal Range 1500–3200 antibodies/platelet). We conclude that GT patients who have not received transfusions may develop antiplatelet antibodies to the missing/abnormal receptor. Whether this is due to a molecular mimicry or due to some other mechanism needs to be explored.

Exenatide and acute pancreatitis.

For a female, type 2 diabetic patient, with 4 years duration of diabetes, Exenatide (Byetta) was prescribed as glycaemic control was not satisfactory along with Glimepiride and Metformin. She had gastrointestinal disturbances, since the first day of the injection. From the eighth day she developed signs of acute pancreatitis which was confirmed with CT-Scan and biochemical investigations. Byetta was withdrawn, the patient was treated for acute pancreatitis and the symptoms subsided.

Primary spinal paragangliomas: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of six cases.

Spinal paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms and subject of much debate regarding the factors governing their biological behaviour. We describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of six cases of spinal paraganglioma. The mean age of patients was 40 years (range 20-60 years) with a male to female ratio of (2:1). Majority presented with low backache, sphincter disturbances and sensory symptoms. All tumors were intradural in the cauda region one of them extending to the filum. Only one showed focal extradural extension on microscopy. Gross total resection of tumors was possible in all cases. Histologically four showed classical 'zell-ballen' pattern and two revealed an ependymal morphology. On immunohistochemistry, in all the six cases the chief cells were intensely labeled by antibody to chromogranin but not for GFAP while staining for synaptophysin was less intense and variable in five. Sustentacular cells in all cases showed strong expression for S-100 protein and chief cells were stained light in three cases. Low MIB-1 labeling index of 0.01-2% was noted in five cases and in the sixth it was 5%. None of the tumours recurred. Immunohistochemistry assisted in differentiating these relatively benign neural crest tumours from the more aggressive spinal ependymomas.

Facial plexiform neurofibroma in a child with neurofibromatosis type I: a case report.

Plexiform neurofibroma is a non-circumscribed, thick and irregular benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath. It is a virtually pathognomonic and often disabling feature of neurofibromatosis type I. The diffuse and soft nature of plexiform neurofibroma is often compared to 'a bag of worms' and is difficult to distinguish from a vascular malformation or a lymphangioma, thus necessitating thorough clinical and histopathological examination and imaging of the lesion. We present a case of plexiform neurofibroma in a 12-year-old male child.