Delay in Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer Patients Attending a Tertiary CareHospital in Kashmir: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: cancers is associated with a favourable outcome. Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers of gastrointestinal tract. Majority patients visit physicians in developed stages. To evaluate theObjective: reporting pattern of stomach cancer patients living in Kashmir valley in order to determine the median time of delay from the beginning of symptoms to diagnosis. Total 116 proven stomach cancer patientsMethod: were evaluated for the pattern of presentation at endoscopy laboratory of Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh Kashmir from April 2019 to September 2020. In this study, the mean age (SD) of participantsResults: was 60.22 ± (11.90) years. Majority of the participants (69.8%) were males. Cases were predominantly from the rural area (58%).Only 15.5 % of the cases were diagnosed within one month of their symptoms while as 3.4% of the cases had a total delay of more than 12 months. The study found a considerable total delay in the diagnosis of stomach cancer. The mean of the patient delay was 45.6 days. The median total delay was 20 weeks. Since stomach cancer has high mortality and morbidity rates associated, creatingConclusion: awareness among the population and training of physicians regarding timely referral of patients seems important

Un caso raro de cervicalgia / A rare case of cervicalgia

OBJETIVO Subrayar la importancia del diagnóstico detallado del dolor y realizar autocrítica por la tardanza diagnóstica de una cervicalgia mecánica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS Se presenta una paciente con dolor súbito en el cuello, con radiografías y exploración normales. La resonancia magnética (RM) resultó aparentemente anodina y se trató como cervicalgia mecánica. Tras varias consultas con el Servicio de Urgencias, se realizó una radiografía que informó de anomalía entre las primeras vértebras y se amplió con una tomografía computarizada (TC) que reveló fractura de odontoides y destrucción de la segunda cervical de origen metastásico.RESULTADOS La paciente fue tratada con radioterapia más collarín cervical y varios ciclos de quimioterapia, y falleció a los dos años.DISCUSIÓN Los cánceres que más frecuentemente metastatizan en la columna vertebral son los de mama, pulmón y próstata, siendo las localizaciones más frecuentes la torácica (70%), la lumbar (20%) y, por último, la cervical (10%). Cuando el tumor se descubre como metástasis, como en nuestro caso, estos pacientes tienen una alta tasa de mortalidad. Según nuestro conocimiento, en la literatura hay pocos casos descritos de neoplasias descubiertas como fractura patológica de odontoides. CONCLUSIÓN El dolor cervical no mecánico debido a una metástasis en odontoides, a consecuencia de una neoplasia de pulmón no diagnosticada, es un caso raro en la literatura y de complejo diagnóstico, en que una historia clínica detallada de la evolución del dolor y la presencia de signos de alarma son de vital importancia para su sospecha y rápido diagnóstico, mediante técnicas como la RM.

OBJETIVE To underline the importance of a detailed diagnosis of pain and perform self-criticism regarding the delay in diagnosis of a case of mechanical cervicalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We present the case of a patient with sudden neck pain, with normal X-rays. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was apparently unremarkable, and the condition was treated as mechanical cervicalgia. After several consultations in the Emergency Department, a new X-ray was performed, which showed an anomaly between the first vertebrae and is accompanied by a computed tomography (CT) scan that revealed a fracture of the odontoid apophysis and destruction of the second cervical vertebra of metastatic origin. RESULTS The patient was treated with radiotherapy plus cervical collar and several cycles of chemotherapy, and died two years later. DISCUSSION The cancers that most frequently metastasize to the spine are those of the breast, lung and prostate, with the most frequent location being thoracic (70%), lumbar (20%), and, finally, cervical (10%). When the tumor is discovered as a metastasis, as in our case, these patients have a high mortality rate. To our knowledge, few cases of neoplasms discovered as pathological fractures of the odontoid apophysis have been described in the literature. CONCLUSION Non-mechanical cervicalgia due to metastasis of the odontoid apophysis as a result of an undiagnosed lung neoplasm is a rare case in the literature and a complex diagnosis, in which a detailed clinical history of the evolution of pain and the presence of red flags are of vital importance for its suspicion and rapid diagnosis, through techniques such as MRI.

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.

Malaria elimination in Sri Lanka: what it would take to reach the goal.

Fifty years after narrowly missing the opportunity to eliminate malaria from Sri Lanka in the 1960s, the country has now interrupted malaria transmission and sustained this interruption for more than 12 months – no indigenous malaria cases have been reported since October 2012. This was achieved through a period overlapping with a 30-year separatist war in areas that were endemic for malaria. The challenge now, of sustaining a malaria-free country and preventing the reintroduction of malaria to Sri Lanka, is examined here in the context of rapid postwar developments in the country. Increased travel to and from the country to expand development projects, businesses and a booming tourist industry, and the influx of labour and refugees from neighbouring malarious countries combine with the continued presence of malaria vectors in formerly endemic areas, to make the country both receptive and vulnerable to the reintroduction of malaria. The absence of indigenous malaria has led to a loss of awareness among the medical profession, resulting in delayed diagnosis of malaria despite the availability of an extensive malaria diagnosis service. Highly prevalent vector-borne diseases such as dengue are competing for health-service resources. Interventions that are necessary at this critical time include sustaining a state-of-the-art surveillance and response system for malaria, and advocacy to maintain awareness among the medical profession and at high levels of government, sustained funding for the Anti-Malaria Campaign and for implementation research and technical guidance on elimination. The malaria-elimination effort should be supported by rigorous analyses to demonstrate the clear economic and health benefits of eliminating malaria, which exceed the cost of a surveillance and response system. An annual World Health Organization review of the programme may also be required.

Avaliação do perfil do diagnóstico de câncer bucal após a implantação do Programa de Cuidados Específicos às Doenças Estomatológicas / Evaluation of diagnostic profile in oral cancer after the implantation of aCare Program for Specific Diseases in Stomatology

Introdução: Câncer de boca é um termo utilizado para designar o grupo de neoplasias malignas incidentes nos tecidos bucais. É um importante problema de saúde pública em várias partes do mundo, situando-se entre os dez mais comuns tipos de cânceres humanos. Estudos epidemiológicos revelam que ainda persiste um perfil de diagnóstico tardio para a doença, fato que desfavorece marcadamente o prognóstico. Nesse sentido, é fundamental que todos os esforços sejam concentrados na mudança desse perfil de diagnóstico, a fim de favorecer diagnósticos mais precoces. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil de diagnóstico do câncer bucal na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, após a implantação do Programa de Cuidados Específicos a Doenças Estomatológicas. Método: Casos de carcinomas epidermóides bucal diagnosticados em períodos anteriores (1993-1997) e posteriores (1999-2004 e 2008-2010) à instalação do referido programa foram analisados quanto aos dados sociodemográficos dos pacientes e clinicopatológicos das lesões, considerando, principalmente, o estadiamento da doença. Resultado: O perfil dos diagnósticos do câncer manteve-se inalterado, independentemente do período estudado. Houve um predomínio de lesões entre 2 e 4 cm, sendo que, no último período (2008-2010), prevaleceu o diagnóstico de lesões maiores do que 4 cm (p = 0,0132). Além disto, o diagnóstico predominante incluiu lesões em estágios avançados, ressalvando-se que, no período imediato à instalação do programa, houve um predomínio significativo de lesões em estágio precoce (p < 0,0001). Conclusão: Esses resultados mostraram que não houve uma significativa modificação do perfil do diagnóstico após a implantação do Programa de Cuidados Específicos a Doenças Estomatológicas.

Background: Oral cancer is a term used to designate the group of malignancies incidents in oral tissue. It is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, standing among the ten most common types of human cancers. Epidemiological studies show that there is still a pattern of late diagnosis for the disease. In this sense, it is essential that all efforts are concentrated on changing this pattern of diagnosis, in order to facilitate early diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic profile of oral cancer in the Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, after the implantation of Care Program Specific Diseases in Stomatology. Method: For both cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in the periods before (1993-1997) and after (1999-2004 and 2008-2010) the installation of this program were analyzed for patients? sociodemographic data and clinical-pathological lesions, considering especially the staging of the disease. Result: Our results showed that, overall, the profile of cancer diagnoses remained unchanged, regardless of the period studied. There was a predominance of lesions between 2 and 4 cm, and in the last period (2008-2010), the prevailing diagnosis of lesions larger than 4 cm (p = 0.0132). Furthermore, the predominant diagnosis included lesions in advanced stages, stressing that, in the immediate installation of the program, there was a significant predominance of lesions at an early stage (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: These results showed no significant change in the profile of the diagnosis after the implementation of care program for specific diseases in stomatology.

Factors influencing possible delay in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: Findings from a tertiary Public University Hospital / Fatores que influenciam o possível atraso no diagnóstico da doença de Alzheimer: achados de um Hospital Universitário Público

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by impairment in memory and autonomy, causing excessive pressure on family and an overburdened health care system. Early diagnosis, with the appropriate treatment, is important to reduce the pattern of disease progression. Objective: The study sought to identify the most probable causes of delay in diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving AD patients followed at an Outpatient Geriatric Clinic from a tertiary public university hospital was conducted between June 2009 and February 2011. Results: Ninety-four patients were evaluated (66% women), aged 77.76±6.8 years and with median educational level of 3 years (95% CI 2.7-3.80). Regarding severity of dementia, 51.8% of patients were classified as having mild dementia (CDR 1), 40% moderate dementia (CDR 2) and 8.2% severe dementia (CDR 3). Mean educational level of caregivers was 8.3±3.9 years. Among those who believed there was a delay, 36% stated that the "family thought that the changes were normal for the age of the patient" reporting average delay of 1.8 years (95% CI: 1.3-2.5) while 45.3% stated that the "doctor did not reach a diagnosis" reporting a median delay of 1.5 years (95% CI: 1.4-2.3). Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be concluded the time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was excessive. This study may be useful to help increase awareness of issues not sufficiently discussed in the literature, such as diagnostic delay and influence of caregivers' educational level on treatment.

A doença de Alzheimer é caracterizada por comprometimento na memória e na autonomia, causando pressão excessiva em familiares e sobrecarregando o sistema público de saúde. O diagnóstico precoce, com o tratamento adequado, é importante para reduzir o padrão de evolução da doença. Objetivo: O estudo pretende identificar as causas mais prováveis de atraso no diagnóstico. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes com DA acompanhados em Ambulatório de Geriatria de um hospital terciário público entre junho de 2009 e fevereiro de 2011. Resultados: Noventa e quatro pacientes foram avaliados (66% mulheres), com média de idade de 77,8±6,8 anos e com mediana de escolaridade de 3 anos (IC 95%: 2,7-3,8). Quanto à gravidade da doença, 51,8% foram classificados como demência leve (CDR 1), 40% como demência moderada (CDR 2) e 8,2% como demência grave (CDR 3). A escolaridade do cuidador foi de 8,3±3,9 anos. Entre aqueles que acreditavam que havia um atraso no diagnóstico, 36% responderam que "a família achava as alterações como normais para a idade do paciente", com média de 1,8 anos (IC 95%: 1,3-2,5) e 45,3% responderam que "o médico não fez o diagnóstico", com mediana de 1,5 anos (IC 95%: 1,4-2,3). Foi observado que o tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o diagnóstico foi maior do que deveria ser. Conclusão: Este estudo pode contribuir para aumentar o conhecimento sobre questões ainda pouco discutidas na literatura científica, como atraso no diagnóstico e influência da escolaridade do cuidador no tratamento.

Desempenho dos serviços de saúde na viabilização do diagnóstico da Tuberculose / Performance of health services in enabling the diagnosis of Tuberculosis

A tuberculose (TB) ainda é um grande desafio para saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo, sendo a utilização dos serviços de saúde o centro do funcionamento dos sistemas de saúde. Nesse aspecto, a forma de organização da atenção a TB deveria ser um fator de garantia do acesso ao diagnóstico precoce da TB nos municípios do Brasil. O tempo do diagnóstico da TB corresponde ao período entre o início dos sinais e sintomas e o fechamento do diagnóstico, contudo o acesso ao diagnóstico na atenção básica parece estar obstaculizado por várias barreiras que precisam ser elucidadas. O presente estudo visou avaliar, na perspectiva do doente, a utilização dos serviços de saúde na Atenção ao diagnóstico da TB identificando o primeiro serviço de saúde procurado pelo doente quando começou a apresentar os sinais e sintomas; os serviços de saúde que realizaram o diagnóstico, o tempo decorrido entre a procura do doente pelo serviço de saúde e o diagnóstico da TB e a associação entre componentes da acessibilidade e o tipo de serviço procurado pelo doente. A realização dessa pesquisa ocorreu por meio de um inquérito epidemiológico seccional de abordagem quantitativa. O cenário desta investigação foi o município de João Pessoa, no estado da Paraíba. A população do estudo foi composta pelos doentes de TB (em tratamento, maiores de 18 anos, residentes no município de estudo), sendo a amostra constituída por 101 pacientes. Os dados foram coletados por meio de fontes primárias (entrevistas com doentes) e secundárias (prontuários) digitados e armazenados em planilha eletrônica do Microsoft Office Excel 2003 e transferidos para a Tabela de Entrada de Dados do Software Statistica 9.0 da Statsoft para aplicação do teste qui-quadrado de Pearson.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a great challenge for public health in Brazil and in the world, being the use of health services the center of functioning of the health systems. In this aspect, the form of organization of TB care should be a guaranteeing factor in the access to the early diagnosis of TB in the cities of Brazil. The time of TB diagnosis corresponds to the period between the beginning of the signs and symptoms and the closing of diagnosis, however the access to the diagnosis in the primary care seems to be hampered by several obstacles that need to be elucidated. The present study aimed to analyze, in the perception of the diseased, the use of health services in the Attention to TB diagnosis identifying the first health service sought by the diseased when they began to present signs and symptoms; the health services that made the diagnosis and the time elapsed between the search of the diseased for the health service and the diagnosis of TB and the association between components of accessibility and the type of service sought by the diseased. The execution of this research occurred by means of a sectional epidemiological inquiry of quantitative approach. The scenery of this investigation was the city of João Pessoa, in the state of Paraíba. The population of the study was composed by the diseased with TB (in treatment, older than 18 years, resident of the studied city), being the sample constituted of 101 patients. The data were collected by means of primary sources (interview with the diseased) and secondary sources (charts) digitalized and stored in electronic spreadsheet of Microsoft Office Excel 2003 and transferred to the Table of Data Entry of Software Statistica 9.0 of Statsoft for the application of Pearson s chi-square test.

Delay in the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma: Experience of a single unit from a developing country.

Objectives : Main objective was to analyze the time delay between the onset of symptoms and the histological diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The subsidiary objective was to analyze the relationship between the time delay and stage of the disease at the time of definitive treatment. Study Design , Setting , and Methods : A prospective analysis of patients with esophageal cancer presenting to a single unit over a period of 24 months was performed. Interval from the onset of symptoms to the histological diagnosis and stage at presentation was analyzed. Results : There were 48 patients (male = 26) with a median age of 59.5 (range 43 - 84) years. First symptom was progressive dysphagia in all patients. Subsidiary symptoms were, weight loss in 83.3% (n = 40), abdominal / chest pain in 10 (20.8%), regurgitation in 14 (29.2%), odynophagia in three (6.2%), abdominal discomfort in two (3%), and dyspepsia in two (3%). The mean delay from the appearance of the first symptoms to the end point was 14.9 weeks (range 3 - 37 weeks). Total delay was due to patient delay in 82%, endoscopy delay in 7%, and delay in histological diagnosis in 11%. Conclusions : As the majority (82%) in our study showed patient delay, a community education program may help in their early presentation to the hospital. However, there is also a notable delay in endoscopy and histology (15%) services, mainly due to a shortage of endoscopy units and qualified histopathologists in the state sector.