Assessment of the correlates of respiratory morbidity related quality of life, using St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) among male COPD patients

Background: COPD is ranked eighth among the top 20 conditions causing disability globally. Assessment in subjective areas such as dyspnea and HRQL provides complementary information to physiologic measurements. Lower Health-Related Quality of Life has been associated with mortality and morbidity in COPD.Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Respiratory Medicine and at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute and the associated, Vishwanathan Chest Hospital, University of Delhi. Between September 2012 to August 2013. We conducted present study on 40 male COPD subjects aged more than 45 years, divided into 4 groups based on CT phenotype as normal, Airway Dominant (AD), Emphysema Dominant (ED) and mixed types. We compared the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire scores, 6 Minutes’ walk Distance scores, Clinical parameters, Spirometry indices across these phenotypes. Results: The mean SGRQ score in present study was 54.07 ± 17.24 (Range :17.3 to 84.57). The Mean 6MWD in present study was 434.58 ± 125.47 metres. The significant parameters which had correlation with SGRQ total score were Age (r=0.343, p = 0.03), 6MWD (-0.397, p = 0.011), FEV1 /FVC (0.499, p< 0.001), DLCO (-0.601, p <0.001), Low attenuation areas in CT (0.606, p< 0.001). Conclusions: 6MWD, FEV1/FVC, age, Low attenuation areas in CT, DLCO had an influence on the quality of life as measured by SGRQ scores in present study. Therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life in COPD should take these indices into consideration.

Peripheral odontogenic myxoma.

Odontogenic myxomas are a rare benign odontogenic mesenchymal tumor found exclusively in the tooth‑bearing area of the jaw and are usually located centrally in the mandible. Soft tissue localization is rarely seen and is classified as peripheral odontogenic myxoma (POM). POM is slow growing and less aggressive as compared to central myxoma. It has a low recurrence rate, comprises 3–6% of all odontogenic tumors. Only a few cases of POM on maxillary gingiva are reported in the literature. Here, we present an unusual case of primary POM occurring in the gingiva of anterior maxilla in a 14‑year‑old female patient.

Mandibular fracture in an 18-month-old child.

Facial trauma in a child can be a greatly distressing experience for the parents as well as the child, causing uncontrollable crying in the child and panic and fear in the parents. Facial injuries in children are less common than in adults. This case report describes the management of symphysial fracture of the mandible in an 18-month-old girl. The fracture was reduced under general anesthesia and then stabilized with an acrylic cap splint, utilizing circummandibular wiring.

Improvement in CD 4 counts in HIV positive patients treated with HAART and antitubercular drugs: an observational study from North India.

A decrease in CD4 counts in HIV positive patients with concomitant tuberculosis leads to an increase in the morbidity and mortality. Little data exists about the use of antiretroviral drugs along with antitubercular drugs on the improvement in CD4 counts from this part of country. The records of 119 HIV and TB positive patients were obtained from immunodeficiency clinic of tertiary care centre of North India who were on drug treatment for both the diseases and were analysed for demographic profile and effects on CD4 counts. There was a statistically significant improvement in the CD4 counts of the patients as compared to their baseline values mean (SD) as 120.03 (124.1) at visit one to 270.2 (141.3) at visit two (p < 0.01) and 320.9 (184.3) at visit three (p < 0.05). Six patients died during the period of evaluation. Concomitant use of antitubercular drugs with antiretroviral drugs has resulted in a significant improvement in the CD4 counts which is a marker of delay in disease progression.

Current diagnosis and management of blunt traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta

The diagnosis and management of aortic lacerations has been gradually improving. Historically, aortic laceration were a common cause of cause of exsanguination with extremely rate. However, in modern trauma systems with advanced ressuscitation and rapid radiology imaging, the diagnosis of an aortic injury is improving with an emphasis on preventing the progression of intimal flaps and pseudoaneurysms to frank dissection or rupture. Both diagnostic modalities and the paradigm of immediate operative intervention have changed. The evolution of endovascular steting may play a future role in definitive care.