Acute Kidney Injury among Post Cardiac Surgery Patients : A Retrospective Study

Background : Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common complication Post Cardiac Surgery with reported incidence of 20-70%. Various studies have been conducted worldwide on risk factors contributing to the etiology of AKI in Cardiac surgery patients. We undertook similar study to understand the etiology and risk factors associated with AKI at Goa Medical College hence we undertook this study. Methodology : A retrospective record based observational study was conducted at Goa Medical College; wherein records of 419 patients who underwent Cardiac Surgery during the study period were analyzed for pre-operative, intra-operative and postoperative variables. Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria were used to study the incidence of AKI. The Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Chi-square test and Student t test were used as a test of significance. Results : Out of 419 patient records reviewed; 40.3% patients developed AKI after Cardiac Surgery. Age, Sex, h/o previous Cardiac Surgery, CPB duration, Aortic Cross Clamp Time, addition of vasopressor etc. were some of the significant risk factors associated. AKI associated with Cardiac Surgery was associated with a mortality of 8.3%. Mean duration of ventilation 38.48�.27 hrs. and ICU stay 6.12�15 days was comparatively longer than patients without AKI (P<0.001). Conclusion : We concur that AKI is a serious complication in patients undergoing Cardiac Surgery and has significant impact on the outcome of the patients in terms of duration of ICU stay, duration of ventilation and mortality. There is need to identify modifiable risk factors at the earliest and develop approaches to improve the outcome and decrease the AKI associated morbidity and mortality

Assessment of Health Status and Impact of Pollution from Thermal Power Plant on Health of Population and Environment Around the Plant in Udupi District, Karnataka

Background: Coal?fired thermal power plants (TPPs) have a serious impact on soil, air, and water quality resulting in deterioration of health and environment around the plant. Objective: The present study was undertaken with the objectives of assessing the respiratory health status of the population around the plant and to measure selected heavy metals in fly ash, air, water, and soil samples. Materials and Methods: The current cross?sectional study was conducted among 3533 adult residents living in two strata within 10 km radius around the TPP in Udupi district of Karnataka state. Data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaire and spirometry and environmental air monitoring by DustTrak aerosol monitor, water, and soil samples were collected for analysis. Results: Majority of the study participants were in the age group of >45 years (41.4%). 70.6% were females and 0.39% were trans?genders. 4.3% were suffering from various respiratory problems. Bivariable logistic regression showed subjects aged 46–65 years and >65 years have 2.91 times and 4.42 times higher odds of respiratory disease as compared to those with age ?45 years. Multivariable logistic regression showed significant association between higher age group (P < 0.0001) and in subjects who had closed window during cooking (P < 0.006). Levels of heavy metals in soil samples and particulate matter 2.5 were well within permissible limits whereas the ground water samples had excess levels of iron, manganese, and copper. Conclusion: The present study has implications for policymaking to protect the environment and health of vulnerable populations in industrial clusters and the vicinity of power plants.

Factors Influencing Depression In Patients Of Cerebrovascular Accidents-A Study

Background: Post Stroke Depression (PSD) is one of the most frequent Neuropsychiatric consequences of stroke. It affects almost 29%-70% of Stroke Survivors (SS). There is paucity of research data in determining the risk factors and especially severity and associa?on of depression with site of lesion loca?on in Indian community. Aim and Objec?ves: To determine factors associated with PSD and associa?on between Socio-demographic profiles, Stroke symptoms, Site of lesion with depression. Materials and Methods: It’s a cross-sec?onal study including par?cipants from the outpa?ents sec?on of Department of Neurology at Prathima Ins?tute of Medical Sciences. A predetermined sample size of 60 pa?ents with CVA pa?ents was enrolled in the study and their socio demographic details are collected along with administering Beck’s Depression Inventory for Depression. Neuro-imaging provided informa?on on lesion loca?on. Collected data was analysed using SPSS version 19 and using descrip?ve and inferen?al sta?s?cs. Results: In this study 18 out of 60 subjects with stroke were diagnosed with PSD. Risk factors found to be mainly associated with PSD are lack of family support, Joint family types, Stroke with Aphasia, Cranial Nerve involvement and Motor System weakness whereas, Substance use is found to be a protec?ve factor. Significant numbers of subjects were found to have le?-anterior-sub-cor?cal lesions associated with PSD. Conclusion: This study highlights the variables which are to be considered in the recogni?on of PSD for Neurologists and Mental health care workers for early interven?on and a be?er outcome in view of stroke recovery

Clinical patterns of congenital ocular anomalies in the pediatric age group (0 to 5 years) and its association with various demographic parameters

Purpose: Congenital ocular anomalies are rare but important cause of childhood blindness. This study aimed to observe the clinical patterns of congenital ocular anomalies in the pediatric age group (0 to 5 years) and its association with various demographic parameters. Methods: Hospital?based cross?sectional study done on all pediatric patients in the 0?to?5?year age group presenting with congenital ocular anomalies to the Ophthalmology department of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India between October 2018 and October 2020. Thorough clinical history was obtained, and comprehensive ocular examination was done in each case. Results: A total of 5686 patients in the 0 to 5 years age group attended the eye OPD during the study period. Congenital ocular anomalies were seen in 140 patients. The prevalence of ocular anomalies was 2.46%. Average age of patients was 3.32 ± 1.42 years. There were 74 (52.9%) males and 66 (47.1%) females. Unilateral and bilateral involvement was seen in 100 (71.45%) and 40 (28.6%) cases, respectively. Antenatal period was uneventful in 92.14% cases. Decreased vision was the most common presentation (40%). Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction was the most common anomaly seen in 29 (20.71%) cases followed by congenital cataract in 21 (15%) cases. Conclusion: Few of the congenital ocular anomalies can be prevented by increasing community awareness. Findings of the study can act as a reference guide for clinicians and health professionals for counseling and health planning.

Development of a RT-LAMP assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2

Background & objectives: The pandemic of SARS-COV-2 began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has caused more than 101 million cases worldwide. Diagnostic technologies possessing sensitivity and specificity equivalent to real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays are needed to ramp up testing capacity in most countries. Newer platforms need to be technically less demanding, require minimum equipment and reduce turn-around time for reporting results. The objective of this study was to exploit loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate its performance by comparison with rRT-PCR. Methods: Reverse-transcription LAMP (RT-LAMP) assay primers were designed to detect envelop (E) and nucleocapsid (N) genes of SARS-CoV-2. Positive control RNA was prepared by in vitro transcription of E and N genes clones. RT-LAMP amplification reactions were incubated at 65°C for 30 min. Results were recorded visually. RT-LAMP results were evaluated by comparing the results obtained with a commercial rRT-PCR kit. Results: The RT-LAMP assay for E and N genes was carried out in separate tubes. RT-LAMP detected about 40 copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA per reaction. A total of 253 throat swabs were tested using the RT-LAMP assay. The overall diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP assay were 98.46 and 100 per cent, respectively, as compared to the rRT-PCR. Interpretation & conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assay was designed, standardized and evaluated. The assay showed diagnostic sensitivity and specificity equivalent to rRT-PCR assays. The assay will be useful to increase testing capacity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country.

TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT USING ACETABULAR METAL AUGMENT AND BONE GRAFT IN PAPROSKY TYPE 3B ACETABULAR DEFECT: A CASE REPORT

Old unreduced and untreated fracture of the acetabulum is seen more commonly in developing countries and can be due to various reasons. Various methods can be used in the management of such cases which in general includes arthrodesis in young and total hip replacement in elderly patients. Acetabular fractures associated with acetabular defect pose challenge to the treating surgeon and the management of such defects plays an important role in the ?nal outcome of the surgery. We are here reporting a case of a 36 years old male patient who presented with 1 year 6 months old fracture of posterior wall of the acetabulum who is treated with THR with acetabular reconstruction using bone graft and acetabular augment. The patient was under regular follow up and now after 6 months of surgery patient is having good functional improvements with painless range of motions at index hip

Coexistence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity in communitydwelling adults e The Yishun Study

Objectives@#To 1) report prevalence of ‘osteosarcopenia’ (OS) and osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) entities using evidence-based diagnostic techniques and definitions, 2) examine if OSO offers additional predictive value of functional decline over its components, and 3) identify associated factors in a multi-racial Southeast Asian population. @*Methods@#We performed a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 542 community-dwelling adults (21–90 years old), and assessed anthropometry, cognition, functional performance, and self-report sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaires. Low muscle mass, and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, were used to assess sarcopenia. Obesity was defined using percentage body fat and fat mass index. Osteopenia/osteoporosis was determined using lumbar spinal bone mineral density. Associated factors were examined using logistic regression, and OSO’s value investigated using linear regressions with functional performance. @*Results@#OS and OSO prevalence were 1.8% and 0% (21–59 years), 12.9% and 2.8% (≥ 60 years), 17.3% and 4.1% (≥ 65 years), and 25.5% and 7.0% (≥75 years), respectively. OSO entity as defined was not a significant predictor (P > 0.05) and did not improve explanations for functional decline over sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. Age, sex, race and body mass index (BMI) were associated with OS, while age, sex, race and alcoholism were associated with OSO. @*Conclusions@#Our results do not support OSO as a distinct entity in relation to functional decline. Aside from biological age, sex, and race, amenable lifestyle factors such as BMI and alcohol intake are important variables that can influence the co-existence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity.

Coexistence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity in communitydwelling adults e The Yishun Study

Objectives@#To 1) report prevalence of ‘osteosarcopenia’ (OS) and osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) entities using evidence-based diagnostic techniques and definitions, 2) examine if OSO offers additional predictive value of functional decline over its components, and 3) identify associated factors in a multi-racial Southeast Asian population. @*Methods@#We performed a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 542 community-dwelling adults (21–90 years old), and assessed anthropometry, cognition, functional performance, and self-report sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaires. Low muscle mass, and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria, were used to assess sarcopenia. Obesity was defined using percentage body fat and fat mass index. Osteopenia/osteoporosis was determined using lumbar spinal bone mineral density. Associated factors were examined using logistic regression, and OSO’s value investigated using linear regressions with functional performance. @*Results@#OS and OSO prevalence were 1.8% and 0% (21–59 years), 12.9% and 2.8% (≥ 60 years), 17.3% and 4.1% (≥ 65 years), and 25.5% and 7.0% (≥75 years), respectively. OSO entity as defined was not a significant predictor (P > 0.05) and did not improve explanations for functional decline over sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. Age, sex, race and body mass index (BMI) were associated with OS, while age, sex, race and alcoholism were associated with OSO. @*Conclusions@#Our results do not support OSO as a distinct entity in relation to functional decline. Aside from biological age, sex, and race, amenable lifestyle factors such as BMI and alcohol intake are important variables that can influence the co-existence of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity.

Demineralization of tooth enamel following radiation therapy; An in vitro microstructure and microhardness analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy doses on mineral density and percentage mineral volume of human permanent tooth enamel. Materials and Methods: Synchrotron radiation Xray microcomputed tomography (SRμCT) and microhardness testing were carried out on 8 and 20 tooth samples, respectively. Enamel mineral density was derived from SRμCT technique using ImageJ software. Microhardness samples were subjected to Vickers indentations followed by calculation of microhardness and percentage mineral volume values using respective mathematical measures. Data were analyzed using paired t-test at a significance level of 5%. Qualitative analysis of the enamel microstructure was done with two-dimensional projection images and scanned electron micrographs using μCT and field emission scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Results: Vickers microhardness and SRμCT techniques showed a decrease in microhardness and an increase in mineral density, respectively, in postirradiated samples. These changes were related to mineral density variation and alteration of hydroxyapatite crystal lattice in enamel surface. Enamel microstructure showed key features such as microporosities and loss of smooth homogeneous surface. These indicate tribological loss and delamination of enamel which might lead to radiation caries. Conclusions: Tooth surface loss might be a major contributing factor for radiation caries in head-and-neck cancer patients prescribed to radiotherapy. Such direct effects of radiotherapy cause enamel abrasion, delamination, and damage to the dentinoenamel junction. Suitable measures should, therefore, be worked out to protect nontarget oral tissues such as teeth while delivering effective dosages to target regions

A Study of HIV-TB Co-infection and its Determinants at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa

Introduction: Since the discovery of HIV in the 1980's,there has been an alarming upsurge of Tuberculosis acrossthe globe. TB is the most common and usually the firstopportunistic infection in people living with HIV. BothHIV and TB together form the cursed duet, each one fastforwarding the progression of the other. Aims & Objectives:To study the epidemiology & various determinants of HIV-TBco-infection in HIV positive patients attending ART center atGoa Medical College (GMC), Goa. To study the prevalence ofHIV- TB co-infection. Settings and Design: It was a three yearrecord based retrospective observational study carried out atthe antiretroviral therapy center of a tertiary care Hospital inthe state of Goa.Material and methods: Study group comprised of 342 casesof HIV-TB co-infected patients above 15 years of age, and thecontrol group was formed by equal number of non TB, HIVinfected patients diagnosed during the same period. Variousdeterminants like age, gender, occupation, educational status,mode of transmission of HIV, addictions, CD4 counts etcwere compared. Statistical analysis: was done by calculatingpercentages and proportion by SPSS 14.0 version and Chisquare test was used for statistical significance, with P valuesless than 0.05 considered as statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of HIV-TB co-infection during thestudy period was found to be 26.6%. The incidence of coinfection was found to be higher in males (60.8%), in thosewho were semiskilled workers and with level of education upto secondary school and all these were found to be statisticallysignificant. Alcohol consumption, low CD4 counts and Comorbid illness like anemia were also found to be statisticallysignificant.Conclusions: Higher HIV-TB co-infection prevalence ratein the state warrants upgradation of disease control programswith efforts to increase awareness about the prevention andspread of both the diseases and their effective management.

Clinico – Epidemiological Profile, Pattern and Outcome of Abdominal Trauma in A Level 1 Trauma Centre in South India

Introduction: Abdomen is the third most common region tobe affected in trauma in the form of penetrating or blunt injuryin which the latter is often overlooked. The profile and patternof abdominal trauma is changing with time with significantincrease in urban population, faster vehicle on roads,industrialization and a change in the socioeconomic values.Aims and Objectives: To study the proportion, cause, pattern,management and outcome of patients presenting withabdominal trauma to the emergency department.Material and methods: The study was conducted as aHospital based descriptive cross-sectional study in JawaharlalInstitute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research(JIPMER) Hospital, Puducherry which is a level 1 traumacentre. The study period was from August 2016 to May2018. All patients who presented to JIPMER EmergencyMedical Services (EMS) with clinical evidence of abdomentrauma were included. Details on pre-hospital care, mode ofinjury, clinical presentation, management and outcome wererecorded.Results: Among total patients, 49% patients were between21 to 40 years age group. Road traffic accident was thecommonest cause of abdominal trauma with 68% casesfollowed by trauma due to fall from height in 13% cases.Among 153 subjects, blunt injury was found in 87% whilepenetrating injury was found in 13% of patients. Solid organinjury was found in 86 cases and hollow viscus injury wasobserved in 29 cases. Among the study group, 100 patientswere managed conservatively and 53 patients were managedsurgically. In this study, shortest duration of hospital stay wasone day and longest duration was 60 days.Conclusion: RTA forms the most common mode of injury inabdominal trauma. FAST is a reliable and quick investigationto diagnose abdominal trauma. Majority of the Blunt injuryabdomen cases can be managed conservatively.

Awareness, Perceptions, Attitudes, and Practices among Antenatal Mothers in Goa towards Reproductive Tract Infections/Sexually Transmitted Infections

Introduction: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a universal public health problem among young women in developingcountries and occupy the second position in public health problems. RTIs lead to 17% of economic losses in these countries.According to the WHO estimates in 2008, globally, 499 million new cases of RTIs occurred annually among women in thereproductive age group. In India, one among four women in the reproductive age group has any one type of RTIs and the annualincidence of RTI estimated is about 5%. Consequently, the prevalence rate of RTIs in various states of India is 19%–71%. Thereare about 40% of women estimated to have RTIs/sexually transmitted infections (RTI/STI) at any given point of time, but only1% complete the full course of treatment of both partners. The present study was conducted to know about the knowledge,attitude, and practices about the RTI/STIs among the antenatal mothers attending outpatient departments in Goa MedicalCollege as part of needs assessment for formulating educational and preventive strategies.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Goa Medical College, a Tertiary Care Hospital atBambolim-Goa, from December 2018 until February 2019. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval was taken from the IEC ofthe Goa Medical College. Data were collected by interviewing mothers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Additive scores weredeveloped for awareness, knowledge, and perceptions in specific areas of transmission, prevention, and treatment of RTI/STI. Thescores were characterized as poor, average, and good. Data were entered in EpiData Manager and analyzed using SPSS 22 version.Categorical variables were expressed in percentages and proportions and quantitative variables in mean ± SD. The associationbetween dependent and independent variables was assessed using bivariate analysis. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Aims and Objectives: The aims of the study were (1) to study the level of awareness regarding RTIs/STIs among antenatalmothers, (2) to study their knowledge regarding symptoms and modes of transmission of RTI/STI, (3) to study awarenessregarding preventive strategies for transmission of RTI/STIs, and (4) to study their attitudes and perceptions toward STIs.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 27.5 years. The majority of antenatal mothers, i.e., 64% were aware of RTI/STIsin our study. There was poor awareness in 46% of study subjects and good awareness in 28% of study subjects. On bivariate analysis,awareness was significantly related to education level (P = 0.000), occupation (P = 0.002), socioeconomic status (P = 0.000), andlocation (P = 0.000). About 59% antenatal mothers knew whitish discharge per vaginum as the most common symptom of STI/RTI.The other symptoms identified were lower abdominal pain by 56%, itching in perineal region by 40%, weakness by 50%, and lossof weight by 22%. The mode of spread of RTI/STIs was identified as a sexual route by 56% and blood transfusion by 35% and 31%and 30% were of the opinion that unhygienic conditions and unsafe deliveries were the modes of spread of RTI/STIs, respectively.About 50% antenatal mothers were aware that safe sexual practices can prevent STI/RTIs, 36% felt that the use of condoms helpsin preventing STI/RTIs, 22% opined that good personal hygiene is the mode of preventing RTI/STIs, and 31% were ignorant aboutits prevention. Thus, 67% subjects had poor knowledge, 24%average knowledge and good knowledge was present in only9% study subjects. On bivariate analysis, knowledge wassignificantly related to age (P = 0.04), education (P = 0.03),occupation (P = 0.002), and location (P = 0.015). Socioeconomicstatus shows significant linear by linear relation trends. About74% study, subjects felt that RTI should be treated to avoidcomplications, while 23% did not want to express themselves.Similarly, 20% subjects refused to talk about STIs. Half of the study participants (48%) had a poor score with respect to perception about STI/RTI. Only 19% had good scores which were significantlyrelated to education (P = 0.012), occupation (P = 0.001), and location (P = 0.000).Conclusion: The study findings show that although there is 64% awareness of STI/RTI, there is a lack of requisite knowledgewith respect to RTIs. The attitude, knowledge, and perception are significantly related to education, occupation, and location.Therefore, the knowledge has to be spread in society through educational programs so as to increase awareness of this problem,thereby curbing the spread of RTI/ STIs and their complications.

A cross sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning method usage among urban women of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College field practice area

Background: India is currently facing “population explosion” which is directly perpetuating development of country. Family planning is the only safest and cost-effective strategies to have impact on health of women.Methods: Community based cross sectional study, conducted by face to face interview with women included for study after systematic random sampling. The collected information was analysed using appropriate statistical tools.Results: Total of 88.7% of women were aware that family planning is for limitation of births but, 292 (70.2%) women had ever used contraceptive, and 30 (24.2%) of them have faced minor complications, which has either self-resolved or on medication. The most common reason for not using contraceptive was being uncomfortable (76.6%) to use them.Conclusions: Women had good knowledge regarding contraceptives, but most of the women followed methods suggested by their elders. Advertisement regarding newer methods has to be strengthened.

Proportion and determinants of delay in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a tertiary care centre of Gadag, Karnataka

Background: In 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a state of global emergency for tuberculosis (TB), due to the steady increase of the disease worldwide. India is the highest TB burden country accounting for one fifth (21%) of the global incidence. Objectives were to study: 1) average delay in diagnosis of newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis cases, 2) reasons for the delayed diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 3) extra cost incurred by the newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients.Methods: An observational study was conducted from April 2017 to October 2017 using a non-probability purposive sampling. Delayed diagnosis is defined as the time interval between the onset of symptoms to the initiation of treatment after 16 days. The data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The performa included socio demographic profile of the study subjects, duration of delay in diagnosis, reasons for delay in diagnosis, direct and indirect cost incurred by the study subjects.Results: In present study we found that out of 66 patients majority of them found that for the first visit most of the patients preferred private hospitals (34.8%) followed by PHC (22.7%), district hospital (21.2%) CHC (13.6%) and the least was pharmacy (7.6%). Out of 66 patients, majority of the patients (63.6%) were diagnosed of pulmonary tuberculosis after their second visit. The main reasons were lack of awareness and lack of facilities in the peripheral health system.Conclusions: The mean patient delay was 13.13 days and the mean health care system delay was 25.3 days in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis.

A randomized control trial of hypothermia alert device in low birth weight newborns and the effect on kangaroo mother care and weight gain

Background: Lack of thermal protection is one of the major challenges faced by developing nations for newborn survival. Early detection and subsequent prevention of hypothermia through Kangaroo Care could lead to significant health outcomes for the newborn. Hypothermia alert device is a bracelet that monitors for early hypothermia by sensing the extremities and sounding an alarm for parents to take action.Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, the effect of the hypothermia alert device on KMC compliance at home and weight gain of newborns on 4th week follow-up was evaluated. New borns discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit at Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH). Neonates who were LBW (less than 2500 grams) were included in the study once they were stable and ready for discharge. Neonates were given a hypothermia alert device to monitor their temperatures for hypothermia for 4 weeks. Weekly follow-ups were held with parents and to record measurements of growth. Additionally, parents were given a KMC diary to track sessions of KMC. Neonates were given either a placebo bracelet or a BEMPU Bracelet. Bracelets were identical and both monitored for hypothermia, however only the BEMPU Bracelet gave an alarm when the newborn was hypothermic.Results: Statistically 44 neonates completed the 4-week trial; 23 were in the control group and 21 were in the BEMPU group; of these, 19 participants in the control group completed KMC diaries and 19 BEMPU group completed KMC diaries. The results of the clinical trial reveal that parents of neonates in the BEMPU group demonstrated better compliance to KMC. In the BEMPU group, the average daily time spent doing KMC was significantly higher in first (3.02 v 1.96 h, p=0.016) and fourth (3.04 v 2.38 h, p=0.094) week of discharge. There was an increase of weight gain in the BEMPU group after the first (25.7 v 20.7 g, p=0.1.85) and fourth (28.3 v 22.9 g, p=0.057) week of discharge.Conclusions: The hypothermia alert device was found to be an effective intervention to promote parent adherence to Kangaroo Care and weight gain.

Epidemiology and Spectrum of Occupational Eye Injuries at a Tertiary Hospital in Goa

Introduction: Every year around 5,00,000 individuals losesight as a result of work related eye injuries. The followingstudy was conducted to study the profile of work relatedocular injuries presenting at a tertiary care hospital inGoa.Material and methods: A longitudinal hospital-basedstudy was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmologyat Goa Medical College and Hospital in the one year timeperiod between September 2014- August 2015; whereby 54consecutive patients who presented with work-related eyeinjuries were included in the study. Detailed history and clinicalexamination findings were entered in a pretested proforma.SPSS version 22 and expressed as simple percentages andproportions.Results: the incidence of work-related eye injuries in ourstudy during a one year period was 10.8%, most commonvictims were males in the productive age group of 21-40years. Most patients were industrial workers (50%) followedby agricultural workers (25.92%), construction workers(18.51%), carpenters (3.70%) and fishermen (1.85%). Mostcommon injury that was observed among the study participantswas a conjunctival or corneal foreign body (44.44%) followedby open globe injuries (31.48%) and closed globe injuries(14.81%). 9.25% participants sustained chemical injuries.90.74% participants did not reportedly wear any protectivedevice at the time of injury.Conclusion: work related eye injuries were most commonamong males in the productive age group. Majority of thevictims were not wearing protective eye-wear at the timeof the injury. Hence there is a need to create awarenessabout the need for protective devices at work placealong with proper lighting and training programs for theworkers.

Knowledge, attitude and practice among private medical professionals enrolled in public private partnership program for prevention of mother to child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in three districts of Karnataka

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is one of the world’s most serious public health challenges. Nearly all young children newly infected with HIV are infected through mother-to-child transmission. Only about half of the HIV infected mothers received ART and quarter of the babies born through HIV infected mothers receive ARV prophylaxis. This low coverage due to a high proportion of women delivering in private health facilities. Lack of policy for the private sector, inadequate knowledge and fear of occupational exposure are some barriers.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among private practitioners enrolled in parent to child transmission (PPTCT) program in three districts of Karnataka. 175 obstetricians and pediatricians engaged in giving care to HIV infected mother and children were selected randomly and were interviewed using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire and the scores were graded.Results: Mean age of the participants was 38.95 years with SD of 9.12 years. The mean years of experience was found to be 14.36 years with SD of 6.45 years. The knowledge was average scoring 66.56%. The attitude and practice were 69.21% and 64.21% respectively. The mean score for KAP was 28.89 (9.56) out of 43 questions. There was significant association between age of the participants, specialization and years of experience with scoring.Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice among private practitioners were average. To enhance the coverage of PMTCT, there is a need for strengthening private sector with strong political will thus reducing morbidity and mortality of the disease.

Assessment of mobile phone problematic usage and associated health related symptoms among medical students at Goa Medical College

Background: Mobile Phones can be considered as one of the essential socio-personal utility with diverse features but its overuse may have negative consequences on health. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of mobile phone problematic usage among the medical students and to study the association of health related symptoms and problematic mobile phone usage.Methods: A total of 250 medical students were included in this study. Data regarding the sociodemographic factors and perceived health symptoms related to mobile phone use was collected on a predesigned, structured and self-administered questionnaire. Mobile phone problem use scale (MPPUS) was employed to assess the problematic usage of mobile phone and students were classified into following four categories - casual users (<74), regular users (75-143), at risk users (>143-<179) and problematic users (>179).Results: The total prevalence of problematic users was 22% (17.2% at risk, 4.8% problematic users). Eye strain, concentration difficulties, memory disturbances, morning tiredness, headache, sleep disturbances, painful fingers and restlessness were significantly associated with at risk and problematic users.Conclusions: Multiple health symptoms were associated with problematic use of mobile phones among the medical students. MPPUS is a useful tool which can be used to identify problematic usage of mobile phones.

Blood transfusion a bless or curse-a single institution retrospective study

Background: An adverse blood transfusion reaction (ABTR) is an unfavorable, unwanted reaction to the transfused unit. It may be acute or delayed , immune or non immune and infections . Materials and methods A study was conducted to detect the frequency of various ABTRs (both immunologic and &infections) and associated morbidity in a surgical oncology tertiary care centre for the past 2 years. Results: A total 7823 units of blood and blood components was issued for entire hospital, out of these 1120 units of blood and blood products was transfused in surgical oncology department over a period of two years. In these transfusions one patient(0.89%) was developed ABTR for that transfusion immediately stopped. A total 30patients (2.67%) developed minor transfusion related reaction that was managed with antihistamine and steroids. The most common adverse event was allergic reactions –20/30(66.6%) followed by feile episodes – 10/30(33.3%). We noticed that out of 27 recently positive hepatitis virus patients 7 patients had previous blood transfusion history. Within the 7 patients 6 patients also received chemotherapy and 1 patient had previous history of surgery. Conclusion : The most common adverse reactions to blood transfusions reported here are allergic reactions and feile episodes. Clerical error is the commonest cause for mismatch transfusion. Hepatitis B&C virus may be transmitted during window period. It can be prevented by using nucleic acid tests (NAT) as screening tests to prevent window period transmission.

Morphological Classification And Parameters Of Spine Of Scapula Among South Indian Population

Introduction: Scapula is a pivotal bone of Shoulder girdle, critical in stabilizing and permitting various sportsmovements like swimming, rowing and throwing. Isolated fractures of the scapular spine are rare. Usually, theyare associated with other fractures of the shoulder girdle or injuries to the head, lungs, ribs, cervical spine andbrachial neurovascular structures constituting 6% of scapular fractures.Objectives: 1) to classify and to obtain the Quantitative morphometric parameters of scapular spine and also tofind the asymmetry of the same bilaterally.Methodology: This study was conducted on 100 dried adult Human Scapula. Spine of scapula were observed andclassified morphologically, various morphometric measurements like projection length of spine, thickness andheight of spine of scapula were taken using digital vernier caliper and thickness measuring gauge micrometer.The data was analysed statistically using SPSS software version 20.0 and were tabulated.Results: The commenest type of spine was fusiform (type I) with 46% and the least was “S” shape type V with 0%incidence. Type II (slender) spine showed least measured values related to all the parameters.Conclusion: Spine of scapula is an important process, provides elegant reinforcement to dorsal surface ofscapula. A morphological variation of the same is not a rare entity in our observation. With recent developmentin surgical approaches towards the clinical conditions of shoulder joint thorough qualitative and quantitativeknowledge of the same is necessary for any surgeon which can be an additional aid for the surgeon duringsurgeries