National pathology day – Commemorating a legend Dr. VR Khanolkar

The large-scale celebration of National Pathology Day on the birth anniversary of Dr. VR Khanolkar would help pathologists to showcase their role in patient care, medical education, and research, change the image of pathology, and bring this specialty to the forefront.

An outbreak of acute hepatitis caused by hepatitis e virus in Surendranagar.

Background: Objective : To study clinical presentation and various laboratory parameters of acute viral hepatits caused by Hepatitis E virus in surndranagar district. Study Design : Retrospective cross sectional study was carried out from Jan 2011 to March 2011. Data of 1500 patients were collected and analysed. Result : In this study majority of patients had higher Serum bilirubin and SGPT level. Serum bilirubin in patients was ranging from 1mg/dL to 45 mgdL . SGPT was also higher ranging from 15 IU/L to >4000 IU/L. HEV Ig M by ELISA method was positive in 95% of all advised cases. They had symptoms of acute viral hepatitis like nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, diarrhea and vomiting. Conclution : In this outbreak of acute viral hepatitis Hepatits E virus was an important attributing factor. Hepatitis E virus was transmitted through feco – oral rout. Patients’ symptoms were similar to other viral hepatitis.

Prevalence of microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Studies in the western literature show a linear relationship between degree of microalbuminuria and body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and duration of diabetes. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with age, sex, body mass index, serum creatinine level and development of diabetic retinopathy in Indian population. Materials and Methods: Sixty one (35 males and 26 females) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus of duration of six months and negative for albumin in urine by albustic method were included in study. Detailed clinical history was taken followed by a thorough physical examination that included neurological examination and fundoscopic examination. Micral test was used for estimation of microalbuminuria. Results: Overall prevalence of microalbuminuria in the present study is 54.09%. Among the patients with microalbuminuria, 24 males and 9 were females. Pearson correlation of microalbuminuria with age showed statisestically significant linear relationship. Gender-wise correlation analysis of microalbuminuria show statistical significant high prevalence of microalbuminuria in male. Correlation of microalbuminuria with body mass index was not significant (p>0.05). Serum creatinine is also not correlated with microalbuminuria statistically. Incidence of microalbuminuria increases with age as well as with increased duration of diabetes mellitus. There is no effect of body mass index on the prevalence of microalbuminuria. Development of changes of diabetic retinopathy is associated with microalbuminuria and this correlation is statistically significant ( p<0.05 ). Conclusion: Microalbuminuria occurs commonly in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics and it is associated with development of diabetic retinopathy. Screening for this associated factor of diabetic nephropathy is recommended as a routine in all newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients to prevent further renal damage. Our finding supports routine screening for microalbuminuria as part of the initial evaluation of these patients.

Risk factors for low birth weight (LBW) babies and its medico-legal significance.

Birth weight is the most important factor that affects infant and child mortality. This one year study was conducted in a cohort of pregnant women to study the proportion of low birth weight babies and to find out the socio-economic and maternal risk factors affecting the birth weight of newborns and its medico-legal significance. Information regarding socio-economic status, obstetric history and present pregnancy was collected. These women were followed up till their delivery and birth weight was recorded with 24 hours of delivery. Birth weight was available for 256 births. The overall prevalence of low birth weight was 34.37%. Overall mean birth weight was found to be 2.64±0.444 with 95% confidence interval of 2.59-2.69. Primigravida mothers showed the highest prevalence of low birth weight (30.86%, p< 0.001). The main factors which were significantly associated with LBW were maternal education, stature, age at delivery; short inter pregnancy interval, inadequate antenatal care, and per capita income of family.

A study of blood alcohol levels among drunk drivers in mauritius and literature review.

This study was conducted to assess the trends of drunk driving offences in Mauritius, and the relationship with motor vehicle accidents. It is well known that driving under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Data obtained from police road safety unit (1999–2001) and forensic science laboratory (1992–2000) were analyzed. More than 85% of drunk drivers had BAC above 0.08%. In 2003, the permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit had been lowered from 0.08 to 0.05. This article provides a summary of the evidence regarding the benefits of reducing the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for driving. Although moderate alcohol intake (20 grams ethanol; two standard drinks or less) may not violate BAC laws, it still carries significant risk of motor-vehicle accidents.

Dentigerous cyst in primary dentition: a case report.

Dentigerous cyst is a developmental odontogenic cyst, which apparently develops by accumulation of fluid between the reduced enamel epithelium and the tooth crown of an unerupted tooth. There is usually no pain or discomfort associated with the cyst unless there is acute inflammatory exacerbation. Management of dentigerous cyst in primary dentition needs special consideration regarding the preservation of the developing permanent tooth buds. Here, we report a case of dentigerous cyst in primary dentition in a 10-year-old male patient and its management.

Awareness of issues related to torture among medical students in Mauritius.

Torture in custody is a global problem. Many declarations and conventions by different agencies throughout the world have sought to address this issue. Health professionals are required to detect, treat, and rehabilitate victims of torture. In the last few years, medical personnel have emphasised their stand against the practice of torture. We surveyed 155 second- and third-year medical graduates in Mauritius to assess their knowledge of and attitudes towards torture. A majority of the students have a basic awareness and would like to learn more about torture as a human rights issue. However, more than 37 per cent of students were in favour of beating in custody. Torture could be reduced if the medical profession maintains high standards of practice and ethics. Medical education for the prevention of torture should be included in the undergraduate medical curriculum.

Corneal Transplants - an Overview with an Emphasis on Legal Aspects and Current Scenario in Mauritius

A healthy cornea is an essential component of clear vision. Any condition that distorts the clarity of the cornea to a greater extent has to be treated by keratoplasty. This article discusses by large about the various aspects of corneal transplants like modes of storage and their legal aspects with an emphasis on the scenario in Mauritius

Dilacerated unerupted central incisor: A case report.

Dilaceration of permanent successors is one of the most common complications of trauma to the deciduous teeth. It is advisable to keep these patients under observation post-trauma and to consult an orthodontist at an early stage to prevent unfavorable sequelae. Presented here is a typical case of dilaceration.