Mortalité à long terme des survivants d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques à Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso / Long-term mortality of ischaemic stroke survivors in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contexte et objectif. La survie à long terme des accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques (AVCI) reste un défi majeur. L'objectif de ce travail était d'analyser la mortalité à long terme des survivants d'AVCI. Méthodes. Il s'est agi d'une cohorte rétrospective portant sur les patients hospitalisés du 1er janvier 2017 au 31 décembre 2019, sortis vivants du service de neurologie au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô Sanou de Bobo-Dioulasso après un AVCI. Nous avons recouru aux méthodes de Kaplan Meier et la regression de Cox pour décrire respectivement la survie et les prédicteurs de la mortalité. Résultats. Au total, 87 patients dossiers ont été colligés. L'âge moyen était de 61,2 ans (±13,7). Le sex-ratio M/F était de 1,23/1. L'hypertension artérielle était le principal facteur de risque cardiovasculaire (65,5 %). Les antécédents de cardiopathies étaient présents chez 6 patients. La conscience était normale chez 82 patients et les complications de décubitus ont été observées chez 20 patients au cours de l'hospitalisation. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 15,8 jours. La mortalité cumulée en post hospitalisation était de 40,2 % à 4 ans. Les facteurs prédictifs de la mortalité étaient l'âge > 60 ans (p=0,008; HRa= 3,05 ; IC 95 % : 1,33-6,99), le score de Glasgow>9 (p<0,001; HRa = 0,09; IC 95 % : 0,02-0,31) et l'absence de complication de décubitus (p=0,009; HRa = 0,34; IC95 % : 0,15-0,76). Conclusion. Dans ce contexte, la mortalité à long terme des AVCI est élevée. Le renforcement du suivi vis-à-vis des groupes spécifiques pourrait contribuer à réduire considérablement cette mortalité à long terme.

Context and objective. Long-term survival from ischaemic stroke remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term mortality of stroke survivors at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, discharged alive from the neurology service after ischaemic stroke. We used Kaplan Meier and Cox regression methods to describe survival and predictors of mortality, respectively. Results. A total of 87 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 61.2 years (±13.7). The sex ratio M/F was 1.23. Hypertension was the main cardiovascular risk factor (65.5%). A history of heart disease was present in 6 patients (6.9%). Consciousness was normal in 82 patients (94.2%) and decubitus complications were observed in 20 patients (23%) during hospitalisation. The average length of hospital stay was 15.8 days. Cumulative post-hospital mortality was 40.2% at 4 years. Factors predictive of mortality were age >60 years (p=0.008; aHR= 3.05; 95%CI: 1.33-6.99), Glasgow score>9 (p<0.001; aHR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02-0.31) and absence of decubitus complication (p=0.009; aHR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.15-0.76). Conclusion. In this context, long-term mortality in ischaemic stroke is high. Closer monitoring of specific groups could help to reduce considerably this long-term mortality.

Hyperglycémie de stress: prévalence et impact sur la mortalité intra hospitalière au cours des accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques à la phase aigue au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso / Stress hyperglycemia: Prevalence and impact on intra-hospital mortality during ischemic strokes in the acute phase at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital, Burkina Faso

Contexte et objectif. L'hyperglycémie de stress est fréquente et délétère à la phase aigüe de l'accident vasculaire cérébral ischémique. L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer la prévalence de l'hyperglycémie de stress à la phase aigüe de l'AVCI et d'analyser son impact sur la mortalité intra hospitalière Méthodes. Il s'est agi d'une série retrospective de cas qui s'est déroulée du 1er janvier 2021 au 31 Décembre 2022 dans les services des urgences médicales et de Neurologie du Centre hospitalier Yalgado Ouédraogo. Les patients non diabétiques de plus de 15 ans hospitalisés pour un AVCI confirmé par une imagerie cérébrale et ayant une hyperglycémie avec une hémoglobine glyquée normale ont été inclus. Résultats. La prévalence de l'hyperglycémie de stress était de 37,8 %. L'âge moyen était de 59,98 ± 15,9 ans avec des extrêmes de 20 et 98 ans. Le sex-ratio M/F était de 1,12/1. Les facteurs de risque vasculaire les plus fréquents étaient l'hypertension artérielle (54,1 %), la sédentarité (20,3 %) et l'antécédent personnel d'AVC (11 %). Le taux moyen de l'hyperglycémie était de 8,8 ± 2,2mmol/l avec des extrêmes de 7,0 à 15,3 mmol/l. La mortalité intra hospitalière était de 13,37 %. L'hyperglycémie à l'admission ≥ 7mmol/l (p= 0,0027) la température ≥ 38,5° à l'admission (p= 0,0107) et l'insuffisance cardiaque (p= 0,0045) ont émergé comme prédicteurs indépendants de la mortalité intra-hospitalière. Conclusion. L'hyperglycémie de stress est associée à un mauvais pronostic au cours de la phase aigüe des AVCI d'où la nécessité d'un monitorage de la glycémie et d'une prise en charge adaptée

Context and objective. Neonatal jaundice is a common symptom. The objective of the present study was to update the epidemiological profile and identify the factors associated with neonatal jaundice in sick newborns. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to April 2023 at the Kinshasa University Hospital. The study included sick newborns who presented with mucocutaneous jaundice. Sociodemographic, perinatal, clinical and paraclinical variables were sought. Results. Out of 152 sick newborns, 102 (67.1 %) cases of jaundice were identified. Fullterm newborns (72.5 %), born vaginally (67.6 %) and whose mothers had presented with urogenital infections (98 %) and blood group O (53 %) rhesus positive (97.1 %) were the most represented. Jaundice appeared in the first week of life (85.3 %). Baseline total serum bilirubin was between 10 and 15 mmol/L (57.8 %). The infectious origin was noted in 85 % of cases (Klebsiella pneumoniae in 50 % of cases). Conventional phototherapy was used in 74.5 %. Vaginal delivery was the only associated factor (p=0.001). Conclusion. Neonatal jaundice is common in sick newborns. The infectious etiology must be systematically sought. Appropriate management helps reduce the occurrence of neurosensory after effects.

MRI as a Diagnostic Tool for the Determination of Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Stroke is a prevalent and potentially fatal medical condition that affects individuals worldwide. Ischemic strokes, caused by arterial blockages, are the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all cases. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, are less frequent but can have more severe consequences. Accurate and timely diagnosis of stroke is critical for effective treatment and optimal patient outcomes. In this context, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has emerged as a valuable tool for identifying and monitoring ischemic stroke. This article provides an overview of the role of DWI in stroke assessment and management, with a focus on early detection and intervention. The aim of this study is to investigate the reliability of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) as an imaging modality in the evaluation of acute ischemic stroke. Material & Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology and Imaging at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between June 2020 and June 2021. The study aimed to examine 120 patients clinically diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Prior to the study, verbal consent was obtained from all patients. The Study subjects were identified in the emergency and casualty department and had undergone an MRI of the brain in the Department of Radiology and Imaging at CMH, Dhaka. . Data were collected on pre-designed forms, and the relevant information was compiled on a master chart for statistical analysis using SPSS software. Descriptive analysis and frequency of results were presented in the form of tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: The study included 64 males and 56 females with a mean age of 65.2 ± 7.83 years. The majority of patients had an acute ischemic lesion (88.30%) in the MCA (50.0%) with small-sized lesions (41.7%) and low ADC values (90.0%). The most common clinical presentation was hemiplegia (100%), and diffusion-weighted MRI had a high diagnostic accuracy in detecting acute ischaemic lesions (96.3%). Overall, these findings highlight the importance of MRI in the evaluation of stroke patients and can guide clinical decision-making. Conclusion: The present study concluded that DWI in conjunction with ADC map MR imaging is a gold standard diagnostic modality in the evaluation and management of acute ischaemic stroke.

Cerebral visual impairment in children: Multicentric study determining the causes, associated neurological and ocular findings, and risk factors for severe vision impairment

Purpose: To evaluate the causes, associated neurological and ocular findings in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), and to identify risk factors for severe vision impairment. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, cross?sectional analysis was carried out from January 2017 to December 2019 on patients less than 16 years of age with a diagnosis of CVI. Results: A total of 405 patients were included of which 61.2% were male and 38.8% were female. The median age at presentation was 4 years (range 3 months to 16 years). Antenatal risk factors were present in 14% of the cases. The most common cause of CVI was hypoxic?ischemic encephalopathy (35.1%), followed by seizure associated with brain damage (31.3%). The most common neurological finding was seizure (50.4%), followed by cerebral palsy (13.6%). Associated ophthalmological findings were significant refractive error (63.2%), esotropia (22.2%), exotropia, (38%), nystagmus (33.3%), and optic nerve atrophy (25.9%). Severe visual impairment (<20/200) was associated with optic atrophy (odds ratio: 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–6.0; P = 0.003) and seizure disorder (odds ratio: 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–3.3; P = 0.012). Conclusion: The various ophthalmic, neurological manifestations and etiologies could guide the multidisciplinary team treating the child with CVI in understanding the visual impairment that affects the neuro development of the child and in planning rehabilitation strategies

Alterations in heart rate variability before and after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ischaemic heart disease

Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV) is the beat-to-beat variation of heart rate and an important non-invasive tool to study the cardiac autonomic nervous system activity. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients are often considered to have a state of sympathetic predominance. Elimination of myocardial ischaemia with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could restore autonomic balance. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate HRV measures, after successful revascularisation among IHD patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 145 male IHD patients planned for coronary angiography were recruited. Fifteen minutes of electrocardiogram recording was done. Short-term HRV analyses of all the patients were acquired and time-domain indices (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], root-meansquared differences of successive R-R intervals [rMSSD]) and frequency-domain indices (low-frequency [LF] power, high-frequency [HF] power and total power [TP]) were analysed. Before and after PCI, all measurements were made. Results: This study included 145 male IHD patients with the mean age of 54.57 ± 10.81 years. There was a significant decrease in SDNN, rMSSD, LF, HF and TP whereas increase in LF/HF ratio following revascularisation. These changes in measures of neurocardiac regulation correlated with risk factors and medication on regression analysis. Conclusion: Increase in LF/HF ratio with the decrease in SDNN, rMSSD, LF, HF and TP in patients with IHD who underwent coronary intervention infers changed cardiac autonomic balance with this surgical procedure. These measures could be potentially used as prognostic measures in the future studies.

Acute myocardial infarction at a district hospital in KwaZulu-natal ­ management and outcomes

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The condition remains a management challenge in resource-constrained environments. This study analysed the management and outcomes of patients presenting with AMI at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: A descriptive study that assessed hospital records of all patients diagnosed with AMI over a 2-year period (01 August 2016 to 31 July 2018). Data extracted recorded patient demographics, risk factors, timing of care, therapeutic interventions, follow up with cardiology and mortality of patients. Results: Of the 140 patients who were admitted with AMI, 96 hospital records were analysed. The mean (standard deviation [s.d.]) age of patients was 55.8 (±12.7) years. Smoking (73.5%) and hypertension (63.3%) were the most prevalent risk factors for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in contrast to dyslipidaemia (70.2%) and hypertension (68.1%) in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Almost 49.5% of patients arrived at hospital more than 6 h after symptom onset. Three (12.5%) patients received thrombolytic therapy within the recommended 30-min time frame. The mean triage-to-needle time was 183 min ­ range (3; 550). Median time to cardiology appointment was 93 days. The in-hospital mortality of 12 deaths considering 140 admissions was 8.6%. Conclusion: In a resource-constrained environment with multiple systemic challenges, in-hospital mortality is comparable to that in private sector conditions in South Africa. This entrenches the role of the family physician. There is need for more coordinated systems of care for AMI between district hospitals and tertiary referral centres.

Stroke Code Implementation in A Physician-Led District Hospital in Malaysia

@#Introduction: The past few years have shown a marked improvement in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) thrombolysis therapy in Malaysia. We analysed our data on stroke code activation performed in a non-neurologist hospital. Methods: Data of all stroke code activated patients from September 2019 to September 2020 was collected. Demographic, clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were analysed and reviewed with published data in Malaysia. Results: Seventy cases were stroke code activated. Majority of the stroke cases (80%) were ischaemic in nature with the highest subgroups of lacunar infarct at 60.7%. Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor followed by dyslipidaemia and diabetes. The median time for onset-to-door was 95minutes, door-to-CT was 24minutes, door-to-decision was 46.5 minutes and door-to-needle was 80minutes. There was a sequential reduction in median door-to-CT and door-to-needle time to 16.5 and 65.5minutes respectively. Fifteen patients (21.4%) were given thrombolysis therapy. The median NIHSS score was 7.5 on arrival and 6 upon discharge. They had an improvement of mRS from a median of 4 upon discharge to 1 at six months follow-up. There were no haemorrhage incidences post thrombolysis. The outcome of LACI strokes versus non-LACI strokes was similar at 3 and 6-months follow-up despite non-LACI strokes having a more severe presentation upon admission. Conclusion: With AIS thrombolysis therapy, non-LACI strokes may have similar functional outcomes as LACI strokes. With backup support from hospitals with neurologists and neurosurgeons, physician-led AIS thrombolysis therapy is implementable in a non-neurologist centre. Strong adherence to protocol is pertinent to ensure success.

ROLE OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA (LOTUS) STEM AS IMMUNITY BOOSTER AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOOD

In China and India, Nelumbo nucifera, a perennial aquatic plant, has been used as a medicinal herb. The various sections of plants, such as leaves, seeds, flowers and rhizomes, have been reported to have beneficial effects in the treatment of pharyngopathy, pectoralgia, spermatorrhoea, leucoderma, smallpox, dysentery, cough, haematemesis, epistaxis, haemoptysis, haematuria, metrorrhagia, hyperlipidaemia, fever, cholera, hepatopathy and hyperdipsia in the traditional medicine system. Different pharmacological activities such as anti-ischaemic activity, antioxidant activity, hepato- protective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-fertility activity, anti- arrhythmic activity, anti-fibrosis activity, antiviral activity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, psychopharmacological activity, antipyretic activity, immune-modulatory activity, hypoglycaemic activity, aldose reductase inhibitory activity, antibacterial, aphrodisiac activity, anti-platelet activity, cardiovascular activity, anti-obesity activity, lipolytic activity, hypo-cholesterolaemic activity, hepato-protective activity, anticancer activitydiuretic activity, antioxidant activity have been clinically evaluated for N.nucifera. Different pharmacological activities such as anti-ischaemic activity, antioxidant activity, hepato-protective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-fertility activity, anti-arrhythmic activity, anti- fibrosis activity, antiviral activity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, psychopharmacological activity, diuretic activity, antioxidant activity have been clinically evaluated for N.nucifera. A wide number of phytoprinciples from the plant have been isolated. The present review seeks to consolidate the traditional, ethno-botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological data available on N.nucifera stem and to explore its role as an immunity booster and anti-inflammatory food.

Overview of systematic reviews/Meta-analysis of Xingnaojing Injection in treatment of cerebral ischaemic stroke / 中国中药杂志

There have been many clinical trials, systematic reviews/Meta-analysis proving that Xingnaojing Injection has a good clinical efficacy in treatment of cerebral ischaemic stroke, but with fewer comprehensive descriptions. In this study, an overview of systematic reviews/Meta-analysis of Xingnaojing Injection in treating cerebral ischaemic stroke was performed to provide current situation of evidences and basis for clinical practice. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, EMbase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science were retrieved through computers. A total of 6 literatures were included in this study. By AMSTAR-2 checklist and GRADE, the quality of included systematic reviews and the efficacy of Xingnaojing Injection were evaluated. The results of AMSTAR-2 checklist showed an extremely low quality for all of the 6 systematic reviews. According to the results of GRADE evaluation, among 55 outcomes, there were 2 outcomes with a medium quality, 4 outcomes with a low quality and 49 outcomes with an extremely low quality. The 6 systematic reviews reached a consistent conclusion that Xingnaojing Injection was effective in the treatment of cerebral ischaemic stroke. This therapy could improve the total efficacy, neurological deficit scores, hemodynamic and hemodynamic parameters. However, the methodolo-gical quality of all literatures was extremely low. The evidence levels of outcomes were between extremely low to medium. The effectiveness of Xingnaojing Injection in the treatment of cerebral ischaemic stroke still needs to be further verified by more high-quality studies. In the future, relevant clinical studies and systematic reviews/Meta-analysis shall be carried out in a strict accordance with relevant regulations.

ACT-FAST: a quality improvement project to increase the percentage of acute stroke patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis within 60 minutes of arrival at the emergency department

INTRODUCTION@#Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with the administration of recombinant transcriptase-plasminogen activator (rtPA) improving outcomes in a time-dependent manner. Only 52.3% of eligible stroke patients at our institution received rtPA within 60 minutes of arrival. We aimed to improve the percentage of acute stroke patients receiving rtPA within 60 minutes of arrival at the emergency department (ED).@*METHODS@#This study presents results from the first year of a clinical practice improvement project that implemented quality improvement interventions. The primary outcome measure was percentage of acute ischaemic stroke patients receiving rtPA within 60 minutes of arrival at the ED. Secondary outcome measures included components of total door-to-needle (DTN) time and factors for delay to thrombolysis. Interventions were establishment of standardised acute stroke activation guidelines, screening question at ED registration, prehospital notification of stroke activation, public education, scripting for thrombolysis consent and easy access to equipment.@*RESULTS@#The percentage of patients thrombolysed within 60 minutes increased to 60.6% (p = 0.27), and DTN time decreased from 59 minutes to 54.5 minutes (p = 0.15). This was attributable to reduced door-to-physician time, door-to-imaging time and decision time, although the results were not significant. There was no significant increase in symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage or mortality secondary to stroke. Length of stay was significantly reduced by 1.5 days (p < 0.048).@*CONCLUSION@#The interventions resulted in an increasing but non-significant trend of acute stroke patients receiving thrombolysis within 60 minutes. Outcomes will be monitored for a longer duration to demonstrate trends and sustainability.

Clinical outcomes of acute stroke thrombolysis in neurologist and non-neurologist centres – A comparative study in Malaysia

@#Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a devastating disease and one of the leading causes of disabilities worldwide. From 2010 to 2014, the incidence of stroke in Malaysia had increased from 65 to 187 per 100,000 population.1 Thrombolytic therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) within 4.5 hours of symptom onset has been shown to be an effective treatment for AIS. Patients who receive thrombolysis are 30 percent more likely to achieve excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin scale of 0 to 1) at 3 months compared to placebo.2 Unfortunately, the delivery of stroke thrombolysis service in Malaysia is often limited by the availability of neurologists. To date, the ratio of neurologists capable of performing thrombolysis serving in public hospitals to the Malaysian population is 1:1.4 million.3 To counteract this disparity and to cope with the increasing stroke burden in Malaysia, there has been an advocacy for greater involvement of non-neurologists, i.e., general and emergency physicians in performing of stroke thrombolysis.4 Emerging data based on short term outcomes appear to support this notion. Based on a 2015 single center study on 49 AIS patients in Australia, A. Lee et al., reported that there was no significant difference in door to needle time, rates of symptomatic intracranial bleeding (SICH), and mortality between patients thrombolysed by neurologists versus stroke physicians.5 In 2016, a larger multicentre study in Thailand reported that patients thrombolysed in hospitals without neurologists had lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at discharge and lower inpatient mortality rate compared to patients treated in neurologist hospitals.6 Based on these short term outcomes, both studies suggest that nonneurologists are able to thrombolyse AIS patients safely and effectively. Data comparing long term functional outcomes in thrombolysis prescribed by neurologists and nonneurologists are still very limited. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the 3-month functional outcomes of thrombolytic therapy between hospitals with and without on-site neurologists. The secondary objective was to assess the doorto-needle time and complication rates of thrombolysis service in both hospitals

Ranolazina en cardiopatía isquémica crónica: un factor protector frente a la fibrilación auricular de novo / Ranolazine in chronic ischaemic heart disease: a protective factor against de novo atrial fibrillation

Resumen Introducción: en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica crónica, ranolazina se ha mostrado eficaz ante casos de angina. Estudios recientes la valoran como fármaco para prevenir la fibrilación auricular poscardioversión eléctrica, posquirúrgica o posinfarto. Objetivos: valorar la presencia a largo plazo de episodios de fibrilación auricular de novo en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica crónica y nuevo episodio de angina inestable que inician ranolazina 350 o 500 mg/12 h, en comparación con el tratamiento habitual. Métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo que compara la incidencia de fibrilación auricular de novo en 77 pacientes consecutivos, con diagnóstico de cardiopatía isquémica no revascularizable y nuevo ingreso por síndrome coronario agudo durante el año 2013, en comparación con los que iniciaron ranolazina frente a tratamiento convencional, en los 12 meses siguientes al evento. La detección de fibrilación auricular se basó en su presencia en un primer registro electrocardiográfico. Resultados: de 77 pacientes, 38 iniciaron ranolazina, sin diferencias en cuanto a las características basales de las dos poblaciones, con similares tasas de factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos, datos ecocardiográficos como tamaño auricular, o tratamiento previo empleado. Se observó una tasa de fibrilación auricular de novo del 5,3% en los pacientes tratados con ranolazina, frente al 23,1% en el grupo sin ranolazina (p<0,001). Al analizar el subgrupo de pacientes que presentó fibrilación auricular en su seguimiento, únicamente es significativa la no toma de ranolazina (p<0,001). Conclusión: el uso de ranolazina en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica crónica no revascularizable podría suponer un efecto protector para el desarrollo de fibrilación auricular durante un seguimiento de al menos doce meses.

Abstract Introduction: Ranolazine has shown to be effective in cases of angina in patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease. Recent studies have evaluated it as a drug to prevent electrical post-cardioversion, post-surgical or post-infarction atrial fibrillation. Objectives: To perform a long-term evaluation of de novo atrial fibrillation episodes in patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease and a new episode of unstable angina that are taking 350 or 500 mg/12 h of ranolazine, in comparison with usual treatment. Methods: An observational, retrospective study was performed to compare the incidence of de novo atrial fibrillation in 77 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of non-revascularisable ischaemic heart disease and a new hospital admission due to acute coronary syndrome during the year 2013. These were compared with those that started with ranolazine and those on conventional treatment in the 12 months following the event. The detection of atrial fibrillation was based on its presence in a first electrocardiographic register. Results: Of the 77 patients, 38 were started on ranolazine, with no differences as regards the baseline characteristics of the two populations. They had similar rates of classic cardiovascular risk factors, echocardiographic data, such as atrial size, or previous treatment employed. A de novo atrial fibrillation rate of 5.3% was observed in the patients treated with ranolazine, compared to 23.1% in the non-ranolazine group (P<.001). On analysing the sub-group of patients that had an atrial fibrillation in their follow-up, only not taking of ranolazine was significant (P<.001). Conclusion: The use of ranolazine in patients with non-revascularisable ischaemic heart disease could have a protective effect against the development of atrial fibrillation during a 12 months follow-up.

Infarto de miocardio tras la administración de adrenalina intragingival ¿Una nueva causa de infarto agudo de miocardio sin enfermedad coronaria aterosclerótica obstructiva? / Myocardial infarction after intra-gingival administration of adrenaline. A new cause of myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary atherosclerosis?

Resumen Es frecuente la relación entre la adrenalina administrada por vía intramuscular y el desarrollo de cardiopatía isquémica. La adrenalina potencia las hemostasias primaria y secundaria -puede producir trombosis intracoronaria- y causa vasoconstricción transitoria arteriolar. Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente que acudió a urgencias por dolor torácico pocas horas después de una intervención dentaria. En el estudio posterior se descubrió un infarto de miocardio por trombosis intracoronaria de la descendente anterior distal.

Abstract There is a relationship between adrenaline administered intramuscularly and the development of ischaemic heart disease. Adrenaline promotes primary and secondary haemostasis, which can produce a coronary thrombosis and cause a transient arteriolar vasoconstriction. A case is presented of a patient who was seen in the Emergency Department with chest pain a few hours after dental treatment. In the subsequent work-up, it was discovered that she had a myocardial infarction due to a coronary thrombosis of the left anterior distal artery.

Prospective study of clinical profile of acute ischemic stroke in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Background: Owing to the recent demographic shifts and negative lifestyle changes, stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality across every income group in most of the countries. It is of the utmost importance to devolve into the clinical profile, etiology and management of patients with acute ischaemic stroke.Methods: It is a prospective case control study. Data was collected using a pre-tested pro forma meeting the objectives of the study. Patients who consented were divided into two groups and complete examination and investigations were carried out.Results: There were 94 patients with AIS enrolled for the study. The mean age was 56.2 years, of which 68.08% were males and 31.92% were females. The mean time for these patients to reach the health facility was 12.6 hours and only 36.17% of patients reached in the window period of 4.5 hours and were eligible for thrombolysis. Hypertension, Diabetes and smoking were the most common risk factors in this order among others.Conclusions: There is poor awareness regarding identification of stroke related symptoms and warning signs as majority of patients were unable to reach the hospital in the window period making them ineligible for thrombolysis. The leading etiology runs in the direction of modifiable risk factors which can be corrected at a primary prevention level.

Maternal “Oxygen and Fluids Therapy” to Correct Abnormalities in the Cardiotocograph (CTG): Scientific Principles vs Historical (Mal) Practices

Some Guidelines on Cardiotocograph (CTG) trace continue to recommend the administration of oxygen and fluids to the mother to correct the abnormalities observed on the cardiotocograph.However, the fetushas a separate autonomic nervous system, blood volume, haemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation and cardiovascular responses as compared to the mother. Therefore, administration of oxygen and fluids to the mother to correct observed “suspicious” CTG traces should be questioned in contemporary obstetric practice. This commentary examines the scientific principles and current scientific evidence on these historical practices, and all practising midwives and obstetricians should urgently review their individual clinical practice, based on the knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry as well as a critical review of current scientific evidence to prevent avoidable patient harm. Current evidence suggests that administration of oxygen to the mother, who has a normal oxygen saturation does not correct the observed abnormalities on the CTG trace, and it may in fact lead to harm. Similarly, administration of fluids (oral or intravenous) to a woman during labour who is not dehydrated or hypotensive may notonly cause maternal dilutional hyponatremia and resultant complications, but also, it may cause neonatal convulsions. Women and babies expect every healthcare provider to practice evidence-based medicine during the intrapartum period, which is based on logic, common sense and robust scientific principles, irrespective of what is erroneously stated by some CTG guidelines

Study of early perinatal outcome in lower segment caesarean section in severe foetal distress at tertiary care centre

Background: For asphyxia, the fetus reacts with a series of responses. First there is redistribution of blood flow to vital centres to limit the deleterious effects of oxygen limitation in the brain, heart and adrenal glands. A further compensatory response is that overall fetal oxygen consumption declines to values as low as 50% of the control.Methods: This was a prospective study. Early perinatal outcome of newborns delivered through Caesarean section due to clinical foetal distress in labour was compared with a group of newborns similarly delivered via Caesarean section without a diagnosis of clinical foetal distress. Data collected and analysed using appropriate standard statistical methods i.e. Chi-square (X2) test and ‘Z’ - test.Results: Most common indication for NICU admission in study group was MAS (Meconium Aspiration Syndrome 14%) followed by MAS with perinatal asphyxia (5.33%), MAS with Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) - stage III (3.33%) paerintal asphyxia (2.66%), severe PNA with HIE - III (0.66%) and TTN (0.66%) meconium gastritis (0.66%) respectively.Conclusions: Clinical foetal distress (study group) was found to be significantly associated with low 1 min and 5 min. Apgar score. There was no significant difference in immediate NICU admission whether D-D (i.e. detection fetal detection to delivery interval) time interval <30 minutes or >30 minutes. But rate of mortality was high when D-D (i.e. detection fetal detection to delivery interval) was >30 minutes.

Comparative lipid profile study between ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke

Background: Stroke is one of the major global health problems. Stroke is the most common clinical manifestation of cerebrovascular disease of which more than 99% are due to arterial involvement and less than 1% due to venous involvement in the form of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT). Among arterial causes 85% are due to infarction and 15% due to haemorrhage.1,2 There is  difference in serum lipid levels in subtypes of strokes to guide lipid-lowering therapy which can reduce incidence of stroke and stroke related mortality by adapting primary and secondary preventive measures.3,4  Authors have endeavoured to correlate severity of lipid derangement and stroke.Methods: In this study 64 consecutive eligible ischaemic stroke cases and 64 eligible hemorrhagic stroke cases would be included. Cases of strokes will be divided into ischaemic and hemorrhagic as per clinical features and with help of brain imaging by CT scan and MRI at the time of admission and 8 hour fasting lipid profile was collected from all cases. All this information will be filled in preformed format.Results: Serum lipid profile of two categories of stroke showed raised serum total cholesterol in 39.1% patients of ischaemic stroke in contrast to 18.8% patients with haemorrhagic stroke (p=0.019).Stroke patients showed raised in LDL cholesterol in 29.7% patients of ischaemic stroke in contrast to 9.4% patients with haemorrhagic stroke, (p=0.007).Conclusions: Based on the finding of our study we conclude that ischemic stroke patient had higher lipid derangement as compare to haemorrhagic stroke in terms of raise total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.

Audit of Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) inpatient management: a retrospective assessment

@#The aim of this retrospective study was to audit the management of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients admitted in 2012 compared to a previous audit (2009 to mid-2010). Data were obtained by reviewing the electronic clinical records of patients. Data on patient demographics, patient assessment and management according to TIA guidelines were collected. A total of 61 patients were admitted to hospital with primary diagnosis of TIA. One in four patients had an alternative diagnosis. TIA severity (ABCD2 score) was not calculated in 13% of the patients. Most patients had computed tomography (CT) brain imaging performed. Antiplatelet therapy was not adjusted in 10% of patients. Carotid doppler ultrasound was not considered in 20% of the patients. Most of the carotid dopplers were done within one week. Only 6.6% of the patients were referred for carotid endarterectomy. Blood pressure medications were not optimised in 57.4% of the patients. Only 27.9% were prescribed statin therapy. Not all patients had documented ECG findings or discussion regarding anticoagulation. There was a 32.8% 3-month readmission rate. In 2012 several aspects of TIA guideline management were not done appropriately compared to the previous audit. The areas of improvement identified in this assessment include optimising antiplatelet therapy and blood pressure management, as well as timely carotid ultrasound for anterior circulation TIA. Further education and reiteration of guideline-based TIA management is recommended. A follow-up audit of the service is warranted

Thrombolysis may be safely given in an acute stroke patient with Marfan’s syndrome: A case report

@#Marfan’s syndrome is a systemic disorder of connective tissue typically involving cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and ocular systems. Given the relative rarity of neurovascular complications in Marfan’s syndrome, there is currently little published data on the use of thrombolysis in patients with Marfan’s syndrome and acute ischaemic stroke. Of concern is the possibility of underlying cerebral artery dissection in patients with Marfan’s syndrome presenting with stroke and the risk of haemorrhagic complications with thrombolysis. We report the third known case of a patient with Marfan’s syndrome with an acute ischaemic stroke without evidence of cerebral artery dissection who received thrombolysis successfully with neurological improvement. A 47-year-old woman with a history of Marfan’s syndrome and previous left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarct presented to our emergency department with sudden onset of right facial, arm and leg weakness with a NIHSS score of 15 and clinical examination findings of a right upper motor neurone facial palsy and right hemiparesis. CT brain revealed a dense right MCA sign and no evidence of haemorrhage. She received 0.9mg/kg of alteplase without complications. There was a suspicion for cerebral artery dissection but this was not evident on both CT angiography and MRI angiogram with black blood sequences. She recovered well with a NIHSS score of 1 and mild residual dysphasia. This case demonstrates that thrombolysis may be given safely in a patient with Marfan’s syndrome and acute ischaemic stroke and exclusion of underlying cerebral artery dissection should always be a consideration.

Cardiac Related Mortality Trends in Forensic Department of Hospital Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the principal cause of admission and death in the Malaysian government hospitals. Method: The pattern of cardiac related mortality (CRM) cases in Hospital Serdang, Selangor was reviewed to determine the specific trends in ethnicity, age, gender and type of CRM. Data was drawn from the death registry records in Forensic Department of Hospital Serdang from January 2006 to December 2008. This preliminary project was carried out to assess the number of CRM cases and their characteristics to feed the decision to sensibly embark on another project related to atherosclerosis. Results: Out of 573 CRM cases, 84.5% were Malaysians out of which the majority were Malays (45.9%), followed by Chinese (30.2%), and Indians (22.1%). The majority were men (78.4%) with a mean age of death at 51.83 ± 14.10 (95% CI 50.52-53.14) years as compared to women (21.6%) with a mean age of death at 57.42 ± 16.92 (95% CI 54.41-60.43) years. Declining mortality trend was observed only in men. The 46-60 years old age group had the highest percentage of mortality and continually increase by year. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was the most common CRM type (69.1% in 2006, 66.2% in 2007, and 71.9% in 2008). Conclusion: We observed inconsistent trends of CRM in Hospital Serdang in terms of ethnicity, age, gender and type of CRM cases presented. Nevertheless, these findings do not necessarily represent the overall trends of CRM in Malaysia.