Influence of transportation on outcome of acute myocardial infarction

Fifty cases of acute myocardial infarction were studied to ascertain the influence of transportation on development of complications and mortality after an acute attack. The patients admitted within 6hours [group A], between 6-24 hours [group B] and after 24 hours [group C] developed complications at the rate of 64.3%, 52.9% and 57.9% respectively. Thirty-one cases were transported using local vehicles and out of them 67.7% developed complications of which 22.6% died. Rate of complications [35.2%] and death [11.8%] in patients transported by automobile vehicles were less. The time consuming transportation and associated exertional journey by local vehicles appeared as contributory factor for development of complications and higher mortality. Special ambulance services, equipped with oxygen, emergency drugs and appliances [e.g. cardiac monitor, defibrillator etc.], medical personnel etc., should be made available for transportation of patients with severe chest pain suspected or diagnosed as acute myocardial infarction

Comparative study of splenic and bone marrow aspirations in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis [Kala-Azar]

Splenic and bone marrow aspirations were done simultaneously in visceral leishmaniasis [VL] patients to compare the relative merits and demerits of each procedure. Splenic aspiration was found more sensitive than bone marrow aspiration. Out of 105 patients, Leishman Donovan [LD] bodies were found in 92.4% and 62.8% of the splenic and bone marrow aspirates respectively. Both the procedures were hazardless. Splenic aspiration was found more acceptable to the patients as less painful and to the clinicians as easy to perform