Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies for Dengue among Blood Donors

Dengue fever is endemic India and the prevalence of dengue is on the rise owing to various social and economic factors. Prevalence of asymptomatic dengue infection varies widely from less than 1 % to 80 % in India. Transfusion transmissible dengue has been reported in different parts of the word. Prevalence of subclinical dengue among blood donor poses a threat to the blood supply leading to transfusion transmissible dengue. We wanted to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies for Dengue in the blood donor population. METHODSSix hundred and eight whole blood donors were included in the study during the period January 2017 to October 2018. Donor registration and education was done as per the national guidelines. Donors who gave a history of previous dengue or symptoms consistent with dengue were excluded from the study. Serum samples from whole blood donors were tested for IgG antibodies using ELISA technology. RESULTSOf the total of 608 donors, 602 were male donors and 55 % of the donors were in the age group 21 - 30 years. Majority (69 %) of the donors were from urban locations. Anti IgG antibodies for dengue were present in 4.14 % of donors of which 38 % of donors were in the age group 31 - 40 years. Three hundred and eighty-four donors revealed history of fever, myalgia and headache in the past one year. No statistical significance was found between fever, myalgia and the presence of IgG anti-dengue antibodies. CONCLUSIONSThe subclinical or asymptomatic prevalence of dengue infection is low when compared to other studies in other parts of the country. Enquiring into donor history for history of dengue or symptoms of dengue and deferring such donors for a recommended period will prevent transfusion transmissible dengue.

A Comparative Study of Intrathecal 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine & Intrathecal 0.75% Isobaric Ropivacaine in Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Ropivacaine, a long acting amide local anaesthetic, has reduced potential for neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity and is considered to block sensory nerves to a greater degree than motor nerves. In today’s world, faster recovery along with minimal side effects and early ambulation after surgeries under spinal anaesthesia are very important. So, this prospective randomized study was aimed at evaluating and comparing the efficacy and safety of intrathecally injected isobaric ropivacaine and intrathecally injected hyperbaric bupivacaine in patients posted for lower abdominal surgeries under spinal anaesthesia.METHODS90 patients belonging to ASA physical status I & II scheduled for lower abdomen surgeries were randomly selected for the study and were divided into two groups of 45 each. Group B received 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric (15 mg) bupivacaine intrathecally. Group R received 3 ml of 0.75% isobaric (22.5 mg) ropivacaine intrathecally. Onset and extent of sensory block, onset and duration of motor block, maximum height of sensory block, duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters and adverse effects if any were studied. SPSS 20.0 and GraphPad Prism 6.0 were used for the analysis of the data.RESULTSThe mean time for onset of sensory block was significantly faster in group B as compared to group R (8.28±2.2 min v/s 7.98±2.2 min). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the time for two segment regression. Mean time of onset of motor block was significantly faster in group B. The mean duration of motor blockade was 146.89±14.11 min in group R and 208.91±14.62 min in group B. The mean duration of analgesia was comparable in both the groups. Hemodynamic parameters and side effects were comparable in both the groups.CONCLUSIONS0.75% isobaric ropivacaine provided similar duration of analgesia with a shorter duration of motor block as compared to hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine and it also provided adequate level of sensory block for the surgery with minimal intraoperative and postoperative side effects and stable haemodynamics throughout the surgery.

Postsurgical Analgesic Efficacy of Epidural Nalbuphine in Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Epidural analgesia has been the gold standard, preferred technique for providing postoperative analgesia in lower abdominal, lower limb, pelvic and vascular surgeries. Combination of local anaesthetic agents when used along with opioids, as an adjuvant in epidural analgesia, was found to be effective and synergistic. Ropivacaine is associated with less central nervous system toxicity and cardiotoxicity, and produces less motor blockade. Nalbuphine is an opioid with mixed kappa (κ) agonist and mu (µ) antagonistic properties, when mixed with other opioids, attenuates the µ opioid effect and enhances the κ opioid effect. We wanted to compare the post-surgical analgesic efficacy of epidural nalbuphine (10 mg) when added as an adjuvant to epidural ropivacaine (0.2%-9 ml) in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. Primary objective was to compare the duration of postoperative analgesia and number of rescue analgesics required in 24 hours. Secondary objectives were to compare postoperative haemodynamic variation, quality of analgesia, Visual Analogue Score and side effects if any in both the groups.METHODSIt was prospective observational study conducted after obtaining ethical committee clearance. Sixty patients of ASA class I & II, fulfilling inclusion criteria posted for elective lower abdominal surgeries preferably abdominal hysterectomies divided into two groups, each comprising of 30 patients; group R- Ropivacaine- 0.2% - 9 ml with 1 ml normal saline and group R+N - 0.2%- 9 ml with nalbuphine 1 ml - 10 mg, under spinal anaesthesia with epidural catheter insertion. Parameters like duration of analgesia, number of rescue analgesia, quality of analgesia by patient rated quality of pain management, haemodynamic variation was assessed. Assessment of pain was done by VAS scale, side effects like sedation was assessed by modified Ramsay sedation scale.RESULTSNo demographic variation was found in any group. Mean duration of analgesia was found more in group R+N. Number of rescue analgesia was reduced in group R+N with improved quality of analgesia which was statistically significant. Mean HR was significant in group R+N. No change was noted in SBP, RR, SpO2 in either group. DBP and MAP showed statistically significant difference at 30, 60 min and 15, 30, 60 min respectively. None of the patients in either group had sedation; one episode of vomiting was noted in group R+N with statistically non-significant results.

Effect of addition of intrathecal midazolam to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine to prolong the post-operative analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries

Background: Bupivacaine when used alone produces analgesia for 2.5 to 3 hours, making it unsuitable in cases where the duration of surgery is longer and in cases which require further analgesia during post-operative period. Present study is intended to evaluate the effect of addition of intrathecal midazolam to bupivacaine to prolong the post-operative analgesia.Methods: Present clinical study was conducted in Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, India. After obtaining approval from institutional ethical committee, present clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of addition of intrathecal midazolam to bupivacaine 0.5% (heavy). The study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.Results: Mean onset of analgesia was 190.5 with SD 21.3 in group-C whereas in group-M, mean onset of analgesia was 185.3 with SD 26.81. Mean difference between the groups not showing statistical significance. In the present study the Maximum height of sensory blockade in control and midazolam group was T7 (T6-T8) compared to T7 (T6-T8) midazolam group. Mean duration of sensory blockade was 130.4 with SD 36.36 in group-C whereas in group-M, mean duration of sensory blockade was 191.9 with SD 36.4. Mean difference between the groups showing statistical significance. Mean duration of motor blockade was 176.3 with SD 23.7 in group-C whereas in group-M, mean duration of motor blockade was 208.1 with SD 18.21. Mean difference between the groups showing statistical significance.Conclusions: Midazolam is a useful adjuvant to bupivacaine in subarachnoid block. Intrathecal midazolam combined with intrathecal bupivacaine produces a longer and more effective anaesthesia and analgesia. It also prolongs post-operative analgesia without increasing adverse effects.