Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on acute cardiac emergencies: ST- Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Acute Aortic Dissection and Ventricular Septal Rupture

Aim: To evaluate the influence of the Covid? 19 pandemic on Acute Cardiac Emergencies, namely, ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Acute Aortic dissection (AAD) and Ventricular Septal Rupture (VSR) at a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods: A total of 880 acute cardiac emergencies patients presenting at the emergency department at a tertiary cardiac care centre, diagnosed with STEMI, VSR and AAD were included in the study. Results: A notable reduction in the number of STEMI, VSR and AAD patients presenting to the emergency department was observed coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. In STEMI patients the average time from onset of signs and symptoms to first medical contact changed from a central tendency of 5.5 hours pre Covid-19 to 6 hours post Covid-19 ; door to balloon time changed from a central tendency of 90 minutes pre Covid-19 to 82.5 minutes post Covid-19 ; a reduced ejection fraction of less than or equal to 40% was seen in 37.22% of patients pre Covid-19 to 50.7% of patients post Covid-19 ; Percentage of patients in Killip class-1 and Killip class-3 decreased from 84.09% to 69.85% and 1.13% to 0.73% respectively post pandemic. And the percentage of patients in Killip class-2 and Killip class-4 increased from 4.82% to 13.23%, and 9.94% to 16.17% respectively post-pandemic. We observed a sharp fall in acute cardiac emergency patients post Janta Curfew declared on March 22 nd , 2020. There was also a rise in STEMI and VSR patients seen post Unlock 4 declared on September 1 st , 2020. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly decreased the presentations of acute cardiac emergencies at our tertiary care hospital. There was also a significant delay in time from onset of signs and symptoms to first medical contact. There was no impact on the quality of care given to patients, in fact a decrease in door to balloon time was seen post pandemic at our centre. However, patients presented with a lower ejection fraction and higher Killip’s classification post pandemic. This indicates the possibility of increased mortality and morbidity of such patients, which is a matter of public health concern globally. It is important that we address this by increasing access to immediate healthcare facilities via tele-consultation.

Verion digital marking versus smartphone-assisted manual marking and isolated manual marking in toric intraocular lens implantation

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of isolated manual marking and smartphone-assisted manual marking with the Verion image-guided system for toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 42 eyes of 36 patients planned for phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation with corneal astigmatism >1D as measured on Lenstar LS 900 optical biometer were included. Patients were preoperatively registered and photographed on the Verion image-guided system. In the operating room, the patient's eye was manually marked at the 6 o? clock limbus (Manual axis-90°) on slit-lamp in sitting position. Next, using the smartphone android app—iToric Patwardhan, the exact mark axis was confirmed (Smartphone axis). Following this, the patient was taken on the operation table where the mark axis was confirmed with Verion digital overlay on an external screen (Verion axis). The absolute angular deviation of manual axis from Verion was compared with the absolute angular deviation of the smartphone axis from Verion as the primary outcome measure. Results: The mean absolute angular deviation between the smartphone axis and the Verion axis was 2.62°, which was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that between the manual axis and Verion axis (4.60°). Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient between the smartphone axis and Verion axis was 0.88 indicating a strong agreement between the two. Conclusion: Smartphone-assisted manual marking significantly improves the accuracy of manual marking alone when comparing with the Verion Digital Marker system for toric IOL implantation.

Health insurance in its way to combat financial crisis in breast cancer treatment

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, along with its diagnosis it brings disarray and economic burden on family. Its treatment is costliest compared to any other cancers. Health policies and health insurances are introduced to bridge the gap between patients and quality cancer care. We aim to understand the level to which health insurance help the breast cancer patients in reducing economic burden due to cancer Methodology: Cross sectional study done in Justice K.S Hegde Hospital in month June, 2018 to August, 2018 with participants being patients with breast cancer. Patients were contacted over the phone and a questionnaire was introduced to those willing to talk on their economic expenditure. Results: 73% of people had insurance to treat breast cancer of which 52% had advantage of Vajpayee Arogya Shree. 24% of people had insurance paid fully for treatment and 34% received partially, it reduced their burden by 51-75%. 46% of people had the cost >1 lakh for treatment which could be burden for 27% who didn’t have insurance, and this was among patients from neighboring state for treatment. Conclusions: Insurance reducing the burden is ensured; but choice of hospital for treatment is not with the patient, which is a burden.

Evaluation of a polymorphism in MYBPC3 in patients with anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity

Cardiotoxicity is the most serious side effect of anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin or epirubicin). The incidence of anthracycline induced late cardiac toxicity (AIC) that is overt clinically is 3–5% in the Indian population. Polymorphism in intron 32 (deletion of 25 bp) of MYBPC3 has been shown to be present exclusively in Asians and more so in South India (3–8%). The frequency of the polymorphism is significantly higher (13%) in patients with cardiomyopathy in India. Fifteen patients were identified to have cardiac dysfunction following treatment for malignant lymphoma with doxorubicin containing regimens. Peripheral blood DNA from control, amplified by polymerase chain reaction yielded a 467 bp fragment while in the presence of the 25 bp deletion only a 442 bp fragment was detected. To confirm the presence or absence of the polymorphism, amplified DNA was restricted using Bgl1 in all samples. Bgl1 restricted amplified DNA only if the 25 bp deletion was absent. A 467 base pair band was observed in all the 15 samples, which suggested the absence of polymorphism in MYBPC3. In a sample of DNA from a patient with a deletion in exon 33 (confirmed by sequencing) a 442 bp fragment was detected. Amplified DNA from this patient was not restricted with Bgl1. Wild type MYBPC3 when amplified gave a distinct restriction banding pattern consisting of two bands of 401 bp and 66 bp. Amplified DNA from all peripheral blood samples restricted with Bgl1 suggesting the absence of the polymorphism. In this preliminary report, MYBPC3 does not seem to play a role in anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity.

Osteoporosis and periodontitis: Is there a possible link.

Background: Periodontitis and osteoporosis are two diseases found worldwide having the main characteristic of increasing intensity with age. Periodontitis is associated with resorption of the alveolar bone. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss leading to structural bone transformation. The association between periodontitis and osteoporosis is continually being examined. The aim of this study is to examine the condition of periodontal tissues in patients suffering from osteoporosis and establish a possible link. Materials and Methods: Cross‑sectional study with 200 samples having test (n = 100) and control group (n = 100) were checked for periodontal condition. A total of 100 patients diagnosed as having osteoporosis based on bone mineral density at distal end of radius were regarded as test group and 100 subjects included in control group were healthy. Periodontal parameters measured were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Statistical test performed were Student’s paired t‑test and unpaired t‑test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Probing depth and CAL were significantly negatively co‑related with T‑score in test group when compared with control group. This meant an inverse relationship in between the T‑score and the clinical parameters, PD and CAL. Furthermore, some difference was noted in test group in PI, GI and PD, CAL and T‑score when compared with the controls. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that there is a definite relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis based on PD and CAL.

Promotional literature: how do we critically appraise?

There has been a tremendous increase in the number of new and generic drugs coming into the market. The busy practitioner obtains the information from various sources, of which promotional literature forms an important source. The promotional literature provided by the pharmaceutical companies cannot be entirely relied upon; moreover, very few physicians are equipped with the skills of critically appraising it. The new drug should be relevant to the clinician's practice in terms of population studied, the disease and the need for new treatment. The methodology of the study should be carefully judged to determine the authenticity of the evidence. The new drug should be preferred over the existing one if it offers clear advantages in terms of safety, tolerability, efficacy and price. Critical appraisal of promotional literature can provide valuable information to the busy physician to practice evidence-based medicine.

Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome (chondro-ectodermal dysplasia) in two siblings.

Two male siblings aged 12 and 15 years (Figure 1) presented with growth retardation, limb abnormalities and, defective teeth and nail since childhood. There was no history of similar defects in other family members. On examination their height was 114 cm and 130 cm (expected height; 169 cm and 150 cm) respectively. There were hypoplastic and dystrophic nails, and microdontia and hypodontia on dental examination. There were post-axial polydactyly in both the hands and left foot. Skeletal survey revealed short forearms, legs & distal phalanges (Acromesomelia). Cardiac or other organ system defects were not noticed on clinical examination or echocardiogram. Clinical picture was suggestive of a diagnosis of Chondroectodermal dysplasia (Ellis van Creveld syndrome). These cases have been reported for their rarity and for the presence of some rare features of this syndrome.

Comparison of radiorespirometric Budemeyer assay with ATP assay and mouse foot pad test in detecting viable Mycobacterium leprae from clinical samples.

PURPOSE: This study compares the results of radiorespirometric Buddemeyer assay with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay and mouse foot pad (MFP) test to validate the sensitivity of Buddemeyer assay in detecting viable M. leprae in clinical samples. METHODS: Viability was assessed using all the three methods in 60 skin biopsy specimens, including 20 untreated lepromatous leprosy (BL-LL), 13 treated BL-LL, 12 untreated borderline tuberculoid to mid borderline (BT-BB) and 15 treated BT-BB cases. RESULTS: Of the 20 untreated BL-LL cases tested, positivity indicating the presence of viable M. leprae was detected in 85, 60 and 85% with Buddemeyer, ATP and MFP test, respectively. Among the 13 treated BL-LL cases, scores were 61, 54 and 0%; among the 12 untreated BT-BB cases, the scores were 58, 16 and 16% and among the 15 treated BT-BB cases, the scores were 46, 20, 0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The detection sensitivity (positive scores) with three tests were closely comparable in the two untreated groups of cases. On the other hand, in the two treated groups, a good proportion of cases scored positive in the in vitro tests but none in the MFP test. Among the two in vitro methods, the Buddemeyer assay emerged as a better test, in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) as second malignancy after treatment of Hodgkin's disease.

Hodgkin's disease survivors are at an increased risk of developing second malignant neoplasms including secondary bone tumors. Common secondary bone tumors are osteogenic sarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Secondary primitive neuroectodermal tumor is extremely rare in this group. We present below, a rare case of secondary PNET in an 8-year-old child with Hodgkin's disease which developed unusually early outside the radiation portal and discuss potential factors responsible for its causation.

A comparative evaluation of three fluoride varnishes: an in-vitro study.

This study was conducted to compare the caries preventive efficacy of Fluoritop - SR; the first fluoride varnish manufactured in India with Fluor Protector and Bifluorid 12, the two commercially available fluoride varnishes which have to be imported from other countries and are cost prohibitive. The demineralization inhibitory effects and the antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans were studied (in vitro). Calcium and Phosphorus dissolutions were estimated as a measure of the demineralization inhibitory effect. Antibiotic sensitivity tests using the serial tube dilution method and disk diffusion method were used to evaluate the antibacterial effects of the fluoride varnishes. Of the three varnishes, Fluor Protector was seen to exhibit the highest demineralization inhibitory effect, while Fluoritop-SR was found to be comparable to Bifluorid 12 in its caries protective effects.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of dental caries and periodontal disease prevention among primary school teachers in Udupi municipality.

Primary school teachers of Udupi municipal corporation were surveyed to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice toward dental caries and periodontal disease prevention. Fourteen schools were selected by cluster sampling and the teachers working in these schools were included in the sample. The questionnaires were completed by one hundred teachers. The results showed that school dental health services must compulsorily hold demonstrations or lectures on prevention of oral diseases during school feasts and parent teacher meetings, in order to involve the teachers and parents in oral health promotion of the child.

A semi quantitative analysis of bacterial load in different cell types in leprous nerves using transmission electron microscope.

Thirty lepromatous (BL-LL) and 25 tuberculoid (TT-BT) nerve lesions obtained from untreated cases of leprosy were scanned using transmission electron microscope for assessing the bacterial load in different cell types. Major bulk of infection was seen in the Schwann cells of nonmyelinated fibres, in both early lepromatous and tuberculoid nerve lesions, suggesting that M. leprae spread mainly via the Schwann cells within the nerve.

Effect of T-cell depletion on bacterial multiplication and pattern of nerve damage in M. leprae-infected mice.

Various mechanisms for nerve damage in tuberculoid leprosy have been proposed. A common feature amongst them is the crucial role played by T-cells. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the role of T-cells in the induction of nerve damage in leprosy using two different protocols for obtaining graded levels of T-cell depletion: (i) Cyclosporine A, for depletion of T-helper cells and (ii) Anti Thy 1.2, for total depletion of T-cells. The findings indicate that the early changes seen in the unmyelinated fibres may not involve T-cells. However, the later stages of nerve damage associated with demyelination are dependent on T-cell responses.

Intracellular localization of dapsone and rifampicin in skin and nerve of multidrug treated leprosy patients.

Intracellular localization of antileprosy drugs dapsone (DDS) and rifampicin (RFP) was carried out on skin and nerve lesions obtained from multidrug treated, multi (BL-LL)- and pauci (BT-TT) bacillary cases of leprosy using immunocytochemical techniques. Intracellular localization of the above drugs especially in macrophages and Schwann cells was aimed by using rabbit raised anti DDS and RFP polyclonal antibody in an indirect peroxidase assay. Our study records both intra and extracellular staining with anti DDS and RFP antibodies in the skin as well as nerve lesions of MB and PB cases treated with MDT. All the nerves under investigation had moderate to severe pathology and hence free diffusion of the drug could be attributed to the broken barrier. Basal lamina around the Schwann cell did not seem to form a barrier. It was also noted that the drug (metabolite) persisted over a long period of time).

Ultrastructural study of mouse dorsal root ganglion cultures infected long term with M. leprae.

Ultrastructural changes in the mouse dorsal root ganglion cultures infected long-term with viable M.leprae were studied. Subtle cytomorphological changes and loss of neurites noted in the long-term infected cultures were correlated to early events in the nerve damage.

Evaluation of the neurotoxicity of dapsone in the mouse model.

Effect of DDS was studied using the mouse model. It was observed that DDS did not have any neurotoxic effect. On the contrary it showed a protective action towards the nerve, when administered in the early stages following definite establishment of nerve lesions.