Comparison of Hemodynamic Consequences of Hand Ventilation Versus Machine Ventilation for Transportation of Post?Operative Pediatric Cardiac Patients

Learning Objective: Hemodynamic monitoring during in?hospital transport of intubated patients is vital; however, no prospective randomized trials have evaluated the hemodynamic consequences of hand versus machine ventilation during transport among pediatric patients� post?cardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that manual ventilation after pediatric cardiac surgery would alter hemodynamic and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters during transport compared to mechanical ventilation. Design: A prospective randomized trial. Setting: Tertiary cardiac care hospital. Participants: Pediatric cardiac surgery patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred intubated pediatric patients were randomized to hand or machine ventilation immediately post?cardiac surgery during transport from the operating room to the pediatric post?operative intensive care unit (PICU). Hemodynamic variables, including end?tidal CO2 (ETCO2 ), oxygen saturation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), and mean airway pressure (Pmean), were measured at origin, during transport, and at the destination. ABG was measured before and upon arrival in the PICU, and adverse events were recorded. The Chi?square test and independent t?test were used for comparison of categorical and continuous parameters, respectively. Results and Discussion: The mean transport time was comparable between hand?ventilated (5.77 � 1.46 min) and machine?ventilated (5.96 � 1.19 min) groups (P = 0.47). ETCO2 consistently dropped during transport and after shifting in the hand?ventilated group, with significantly higher ETCO2 excursion than in machine?ventilated patients (P < 0.05). SBP and DBP significantly decreased during transport (at 5 and 6 min intervals) and after shifting in hand?ventilated patients than in the other group (P < 0.05). Additionally, after shifting, a significant increase in Ppeak (P < 0.001), Pmean (P < 0.001), and pH (P < 0.001), and a decrease in pCO2 (P = 0.0072) was observed in hand?ventilated patients than machine?ventilated patients. No adverse event was noted during either mode of ventilation. Conclusion: Hand ventilation leads to more significant variation in ABG and hemodynamic parameters than machine ventilation in pediatric patients during transport post?cardiac surgery. Therefore, using a mechanical ventilator is the preferred method for transporting post?operative pediatric cardiac patients

Use of Herbal Drugs in Local Health Traditions in Purnagiri Hills, District Champavat, Uttarakhand

The state Uttarakhand is rich with floral and faunal diversity including plants used by local inhabitance to cure health problems. Himalayan region always has been the treasure of herbs from ancient time. Himalayan herbs are highest in quality and potency. There are numbers of side effect are noted using allopathic medicines which leads towards reuse of medicinal plants available locally. Keeping this in view an attempt has been made to enumerate the common medicinal plants used in traditional therapeutic system of Uttarakhand, India. Results reveal that 29 plant species are used for primary healthcare. Purnagiri hills located in Champavat district of Uttarakhand is reservoir for a large number of medicinal herbs during the field survey large number of medicinal plants like Adina cordifolia (Roxb.) Hook. (Rubiaceae), Asparagus adscendence Roxb. (Liliaceae), Artemesia nilgirica (Clarke) Pamp. (Asteraceae), Berberis aristata DC. (Berberiridaceae), Colebrookea oppositefolia Sm. (Lamiaceae), Elephantopus scaber L (Asreraceae), Pinus longifolia Roxb. (Pinaceae), Tamarix gallica L. (Tamaraceae), Urtica dioica L. (Urtecaceae) and many more with their use in local health traditions by local habitants were recorded. One of the serious challenges to biodiversity and ecological functioning is climate change. Climate change and global warming are well known issue that has had an impact on the biodiversity. Second thing over exploitation of Himalayan forest leads these valuable herbs in endangered category. Some of the plants recorded are critically endangered and rare. We have to pay attention towards the conservation, cultivation of these herbs.

Usage Pattern of Fixed-dose Combinations at ICMR Network of Rational Use of Medicine Centres across India: Recommendations for Policymakers and Prescribers

Aim: Irrational use of medicines is a global problem. In India, one contributing factor is the availability of a large number of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). To improve rational use and to strengthen policies, it is important to assess the usage patterns and rationality of FDCs. Methods: This study was conducted as part of a 1-year prospective cross-sectional analysis of prescriptions in the outpatient clinics of broad specialities from 13 tertiary care hospitals across India. Five most commonly prescribed FDCs in each center were analyzed. In addition, all the prescribed FDCs were classified as per the Kokate Committee classification and it was noted whether any of the FDCs were irrational or banned as per the reference lists released by regulatory authorities. Results: A total of 4,838 prescriptions were analyzed. Of these, 2,093 (43.3%) prescriptions had at least one FDC. These 2,093 prescriptions had 366 different FDCs. Of the 366 FDCs, 241 were rational; 10 were irrational; 14 required further data generation; and the remaining 96 FDCs could not be categorized into any of the above. Vitamins and minerals/supplements, antibacterial for systemic use, and drugs for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer were the most used FDCs. Conclusion: Based on the finding that some prescriptions contained irrational FDCs, it is recommended that a rigorous, regular, and uniform method of evaluation be implemented to approve/ban FDCs and that prescribers be periodically notified about the status of the bans.

Perception of college-going girls towards corneal donation in North India: A latent class analysis study

Purpose: To assess the perception of college?going girls toward corneal donation in Northern India. Methods: An online survey with a pre?structured, pre?validated questionnaire was conducted on 1721 college?going girls in Northern India. The knowledge and attitude scores were regressed, and latent class analysis was carried out. Results: The average of scores for all participants was computed individually for the knowledge questions and the attitude questions, and based on this score, total participants were divided into two groups: Better corneal donation behaviors (BCDB) and poor corneal donation behaviors. The binomial logistic regression model of knowledge domain for predicting BCDB, age of the participant, their awareness about corneal donation, and willingness to discuss eye donation among family members were found significant. Similarly, for the attitude domain, awareness about corneal donation, knowledge about hours within which ideal eye donation needs to be undertaken, and knowledge about eye donation during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) pandemic were found to be significant. Latent class analysis identified one subset of participants having poorer knowledge and attitude scores and that they were more from a rural background, were having more than first order as birth order, were belonging to SC/ST classes, had illiterate or secondary education of father and mother, and were living in rented houses. Conclusion: The findings of the study significantly contribute to devising a mechanism to improve knowledge and influencing the attitude about eye donation among the youth, especially young women, who can act as counselors and motivators for the masses as well as their own families, in the generations to come.

Clinical spectrum & changing presentation of celiac disease in Indian children

Background & objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is a genetic immune mediated disorder characterised by gluten intolerance. This single centre study, from north India was aimed to assess the clinical, serological and histological profile of CD in a large cohort of children and the changing trends in its presentation. Methods: A review of clinical details of CD children diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 and currently on follow up was performed. Information on demography, symptoms, associated conditions, serology, biopsy findings and gluten-free diet were analyzed. Results: The mean age (±standard deviation) of 891 children included in the study, at onset and at diagnosis was 4.0±2.7 and 6.2±3.1 yr, respectively. Growth faltering, abdominal pain, abdominal distension and diarrhoea were presenting symptoms in 70, 64.2, 61.2 and 58.2 per cent, respectively. A positive family history of CD was present in 14 per cent and autoimmune conditions in 12.3 per cent of children. Thyroid disorders were seen in 8.5 per cent of children and Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in 5.7 per cent. The duration of breastfeeding had a weak positive correlation with age at onset and diagnosis of CD (P<0.001). Non-classical CD was significantly more common in children aged >10 yr and in those presenting after 2010 (P<0.01). T1DM and hypothyroidism occurred more frequently in non-compliant children. Interpretation & conclusions: This was the largest single centre study, pertaining to the presentation and follow up of CD in children. Infants and young children were more likely to present with classical symptoms of diarrhoea, abdominal distension and growth failure while older children presented with non-classical CD. There was a trend towards non-classical forms of CD in recent years.

Effect of intraoperative alveolar recruitment maneuver on intraoperative oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary function tests in patients undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy: a single-blind randomized study

Abstract Background Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomies (RAH) require Trendelenburg positioning and pneumoperitoneum, which further accentuate alteration in respiratory mechanics induced by general anesthesia. The role of Recruitment Maneuver (RM) as a lung-protective strategy during intraoperative surgical settings has not been much studied. We planned this study to evaluate the effect of RM on perioperative oxygenation and postoperative spirometry using PaO2/FiO2 and FEV1/FVC, respectively in patients undergoing RAH. Methods Sixty-six ASA I‒II female patients scheduled for elective RAH were randomized into group R (recruitment maneuver, n = 33) or group C (control, n = 33). Portable spirometry was done one day before surgery. Patients were induced with general anesthesia, and mechanical ventilation started with volume control mode, with Tidal Volume (TV) of 6-8 mL.kg−1, Respiratory Rate (RR) of 12 min, inspiratory-expiratory ratio (I: E ratio) of 1:2, FiO2 of 0.4, and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2O. Patients in group R received recruitment maneuvers of 30 cmH2O every 30 minutes following tracheal intubation. The primary objectives were comparison of oxygenation and ventilation between two groups intraoperatively and portable spirometry postoperatively. Postoperative pulmonary complications, like desaturation, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, were monitored. Results Patients who received RM had significantly higher PaO2 (mmHg) (203.2+-24.3 vs. 167.8+-27.3, p < 0.001) at T2 (30 min after the pneumoperitoneum). However, there was no significant difference in portable spirometry between the groups in the postoperative period (FVC, 1.40 ± 0.5 L vs. 1.32 ± 0.46 L, p= 0.55). Conclusion This study concluded that intraoperative recruitment did not prevent deterioration of postoperative spirometry values; however, it led to improved oxygenation intraoperatively.

Elective incisional hernia repair: lower risk of postoperative wound infection with laparoscopic versus open repair

INTRODUCTION@#The superiority of laparoscopic repair over open repair of incisional hernias (IHs) in the elective setting is still controversial. Our study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic and open elective IH repair in an Asian population.@*METHODS@#This retrospective study was conducted in an acute general hospital in Singapore between 2010 and 2015. Inclusion criteria were IH repair in an elective setting, IHs with diameter of 3-15 cm, and location at the ventral abdominal wall. We excluded patients who underwent emergency repair, had recurrent hernias or had loss of abdominal wall domain (i.e. hernia sac containing more than 30% of abdominal contents or any solid organs). Postoperative outcomes within a year such as recurrence, pain, infection, haematoma and seroma formation were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#There were 174 eligible patients. The majority were elderly Chinese women who were overweight. Open repair was performed in 49.4% of patients, while 50.6% underwent laparoscopic repair. The mean operation time for open repair was 116 minutes (116 ± 60.6 minutes) and 139 minutes (136 ± 64.1 minutes) for laparoscopic repair (P = 0.079). Within a year after open repair, postoperative wound infection occurred in 15.1% of the patients in the open repair group compared to 1.1% in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.0007). Postoperative pain, recurrence and haematoma/seroma formation were comparable.@*CONCLUSION@#Elective laparoscopic IH repair has comparable outcomes with open repair and may offer the advantage of reduced postoperative wound infection rates.

Open injury, robotic repair—moving ahead! Total robotic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for post-open cholecystectomy Bismuth type 2 biliary stricture using indocyanine green dye

Hepaticojejunostomy is currently the best treatment for post-cholecystectomy biliary strictures. Laparoscopic repair has not gained popularity due to difficult reconstruction. We present case of 43-year-old-female with Bismuth type 2 stricture following laparoscopic converted open cholecystectomy with bile duct injury done elsewhere. Position was modified Llyod-Davis position and four 8-mm robotic ports (including camera) and 12-mm assistant port were placed. The procedure included noticeable steps such as adhesiolysis, identification of gallbladder fossa, identification of common hepatic duct, lowering of hilar plate etc. Operating and console time were 420 and 350 minutes and blood loss was 100 mL. Patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. Robotic repair (hepaticojejunostomy) of biliary tract stricture after cholecystectomy is safe and feasible with good outcomes.

Efficacy of port-site infiltration with ropivacaine alone versus ropivacaine with fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures

Background and aims: Wound infiltration as a pre-emptive measure to relieve post-operative pain is a common practice following laparoscopic procedures. The addition of adjuvants like opioids to local anesthetics can facilitate the prolongation of postoperative analgesia. Our primary aim was to compare the analgesic efficacy of peri-portal infiltration of Ropivacaine alone versus Ropivacaine with Fentanyl in patients undergoing laparoscopic operations. Methods: The study was conducted on 80 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 18 to 65 years, undergoing surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Group R was infiltrated with Ropivacaine (0.5%) (18ml+2ml saline) while in Group RF, Ropivacaine(18ml) with Fentanyl 2ml (100礸)] was infiltrated around ports, before wound closure. At the end of the surgery, one of our study drug solutions was infiltrated, to which the patient as well as the assessor were blinded. Postoperative pain was assessed by the VAS (visual analog scale) score. Injection Tramadol 100mg was given as a rescue analgesic if the VAS score was ? 3. Student抯 t-test and Fischer抯 exact test were applied for continuous and categorical variables; Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U test for nonparametric data. The entire statistical analysis was done using STATA 13[ STATA CORP. TEXAS, USA] software. Results: The mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer in group RF, with a requirement of fewer doses of rescue analgesics, compared to group R. Conclusion: The addition of Fentanyl to Ropivacaine for periportal infiltration was found to be superior to Ropivacaine alone in providing effective postoperative analgesia as well as reducing the requirement of rescue analgesics.

Challenges in Management of Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies with Delayed Presentation: An Institutional Experience

Abstract Introduction Airway foreign bodies are emergencies involving multidisciplinary departments like Pediatrics, Aneasthesiology and Otorhinolaryngology. It is always a challenge to diagnose and manage patients who present late to our emergencies. Objective In the present study, we aim to analyze the various challenges faced during the management of tracheobronchial foreign bodies with delayed presentation. Methods A retrospective hospital record-based analysis of patients who presented to us with tracheobronchial foreign bodies from January 2017 to February 2020 was performed. All patients until the age of 16 years old were included in the present study. We assessed the demographics, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the patients. Results Seventeen patients were analyzed in the study. Among these, 44.4% of the patients had delayed presentation (> 1 month). The majority of the patients had an organic foreign body (Supari or betel nut). All patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy, followed by optical forceps-assisted removal of the foreign body. A total of 82% of the patients had granulations around the foreign body. Conclusion Management of delayed presentation tracheobronchial foreign body is a big challenge for Otorhinolaryngologists. The key factors for preventing complications in the definitive management of tracheobronchial foreign bodies are preoperative planning, multi-discipline teamwork, surgeon expertise and technique.

A procalcitonina sérica como marcador prognóstico na colite ulcerativa aguda / Serum procalcitonin as a prognostic marker in acute severe ulcerative colitis: a prospective study

ABSTRACT Background Procalcitonin may be increased in active ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated the role of procalcitonin in predicting response in acute severe UC (ASUC). Methods Consecutive patients with ASUC diagnosed on basis of Truelove and Witts criteria were enrolled. Serum procalcitonin levels for consecutive patients were measured at admission and day 3. We assessed role of procalcitonin values at presentation and at day 3 in assessing response on day 3 (Oxford's criteria) and need for second line therapy (day 28). Results Of fifty patients (23 males, mean age: 35.98±13.8 years), 16 did not respond (day 3). Ten (20%) patients required second-line therapy. Baseline procalcitonin was significantly associated with response on day 3 (P=0.016). There was no association between day 1 or day 3 procalcitonin and need for second-line rescue therapy. Conclusion Serial procalcitonin is not an effective biomarker for predicting outcomes or need for second line therapy in ASUC.

RESUMO Contexto A procalcitonina pode estar aumentada em colite ulcerativa ativa. Investigamos o papel da procalcitonina na previsão de resposta na colite ulcerativa aguda grave. Métodos Foram inscritos pacientes consecutivos com colite ulcerativa aguda grave diagnosticados com base nos critérios de Truelove e Witts. Os níveis de procalcitonina sérica dos pacientes foram medidos consecutivamente na internação e no terceiro dia. Avaliamos o papel dos valores procalcitonina na apresentação e na avaliação da resposta no terceiro dia (critérios de Oxford) e necessidade de terapia de segunda linha (dia 28). Resultados Dos 50 pacientes (23 homens, idade média: 35,98±13,8 anos), 16 não responderam (terceiro dia). Dez pacientes (20%) necessitaram de terapia de segunda linha. A procalcitonina de linha de base foi significativamente associada à resposta no terceiro dia (P=0,016). Não houve associação entre o primeiro dia ou o terceiro dia de procalcitonina e necessidade de terapia de resgate de segunda linha. Conclusão A procalcitonina sérica não é um biomarcador eficaz para prever desfechos ou necessidade de terapia de segunda linha em colite ulcerativa aguda grave.

Expert survey on management of prostate cancer in India: Real?world insights into practice patterns

To gain insights on the diverse practice patterns and treatment pathways for prostate cancer (PC) in India, the Urological Cancer Foundation convened the first Indian survey to discuss all aspects of PC, with the objective of guiding clinicians on optimizing management in PC. A modified Delphi method was used, wherein a multidisciplinary panel of oncologists treating PC across India developed a questionnaire related to screening, diagnosis and management of early, locally advanced and metastatic PC and participated in a web朾ased survey (WBS) (n = 62). An expert committee meeting (CM) (n = 48, subset from WBS) reviewed the ambiguous questions for better comprehension and reanalyzed the evidence to establish a revote for specific questions. The threshold for strong agreement and agreement was ?90% and ?75% agreement, respectively. Sixty?two questions were answered in the WBS; in the CM 31 questions were revoted and 4 questions were added. The panelists selected answers based on their best opinion and closest to their practice strategy, not considering financial constraints and access challenges. Of the 66 questions, strong agreement was reached for 17 questions and agreement was achieved for 22 questions. There were heterogeneous responses for 27 questions indicative of variegated management approaches. This is one of the first Indian survey, documenting the diverse clinical practice patterns in the management of PC in India. It aims to provide guidance in the face of technological advances, resource constraints and sparse high?level evidence.

Apical extrusion of debris with root canal instrumentation in primary teeth A systematic review

Aim: This study aimed to systematically review available literature of in vitro studies on apical extrusion of debris through rotary instrumentation in comparison to manual instrumentation in pediatric endodontics, and also to perform a comparison between various rotary instrumentation systems for assessment of debris extrusion. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar without any language restriction and year of publication. A planned search strategy was made for PubMed and applied to other databases. After full-text reading, 7 articles were selected for quantitative synthesis. Modified CONSORT checklist of items for reporting in vitro studies of dental materials was used for quality assessment of included studies. Results: Root canal preparation with rotary instrumentation led to lesser apical debris extrusion than manual instrumentation. Self-adjusting file system was associated with the least debris extrusion among all included studies, followed by ProTaper Next, Kedo-S, ProTaper, K3, Mtwo, Revo-S, and Wave One. Conclusion: More apical debris extrusion was seen with manual instrumentation than rotary instrumentation. Furtrhermore, variance in debris extrusion was seen with different rotary file systems.

Maintaining infliximab induced clinical remission with azathioprine and 5-aminosalicylates in acute severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis has lower cost and high efficacy (MIRACLE): a multicenter study

Background/Aims@#Infliximab (IFX) has been used to induce and maintain remission in patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). Long-term use of biologics in developing countries is limited by high cost and frequent side effects. An optimal maintenance strategy in these patients needs to be established. @*Methods@#A retrospective analysis of maintenance of clinical remission with combination of azathioprine (AZA) and 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) in patients with severe steroidrefractory UC where IFX (5 mg/kg intravenously at weeks 0, 2, 6) had been used only as an induction therapy was done at 2 centers in India. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients maintaining corticosteroid-free sustained clinical remission (SCR) at the end of study period. Rates of relapse and cost of therapy were also analyzed. @*Results@#Of the 137 patients who received rescue IFX induction therapy, 77 (56.2%) achieved clinical remission (mean age 34.81 ± 13.32 years, 68.83% males, median follow-up 4 years, range 3 months to 6 years) and were included. Cumulative corticosteroid-free SCR was maintained in 68%, 59%, 42%, and 35% patients at 1, 2, 4, and 6 years respectively. Sixty-seven relapses were observed in 33 patients. Majority of the relapses (45/67, 67.16%) occurred within first 2 years of follow-up. Two relapses were managed with re-induction with IFX, one required colectomy, whereas all other responded to repeat course(s) of corticosteroids. Annual per capita maintenance therapy with 5-ASA and AZA was cheaper by US$ 4,526 compared to maintaining remission with IFX. @*Conclusions@#Clinical remission achieved with IFX induction therapy in severe steroid-refractory UC can be sustained over long time with a combination of AZA and 5-ASA.

Cervical Thymic Cyst with parathyroid tissue - a diagnostic conundrum

Cervical thymic cysts are relatively rare benign cystic lesions that tend to be diagnosed clinically as branchial cysts, which usually present as painless, enlarging neck masses. They can occur anywhere along the normal path of descent of thymic primordia from the angle of the mandible to the sternal notch, with mediastinal extension observed in approximately 50% of cases. They are usually seen in the first decade of life on the left side with a male predominance. Here we report a case of a 15-year-old boy who presented to the hospital with left-sided neck swelling for about 2 months. The neck's contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed a large, well-defined cystic swelling in the left neck region, showing peripheral enhancement, seen from the submandibular region to the superior mediastinum extending into the retrosternal region. Direct fine needle aspiration (FNA) was done, which showed a benign lesion with inflammatory and cystic characteristics, leading to the possibility of a branchial cyst. The cyst was completely excised surgically. Histopathology showed a thymic cyst with parathyroid tissue. The presence of thymic tissue with Hassall's corpuscles is essential for the diagnosis. Knowledge of the clinical presentation, cyto-histological findings, and differential diagnosis of cystic cervical lesions in the pediatric population is important to diagnose this rare entity. Hence, though uncommon, when one comes across a cystic cervical region mass in children, a diagnosis of cervical thymic cyst should be kept in mind. Nonetheless, a definitive diagnosis depends on imaging findings as well as intraoperative findings and histopathological examination.

Anaesthetic Management of a Patient Presented As Acute on Chronic Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy Posted for Emergency Laparotomy

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a form of obstetric hemorrhage which is the world leading cause of maternal mortality. A 22 year female admitted with chief complaint of abdominal pain and 2 months of amenorrhea and diagnosed as acute on chronic ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Emergency laparotomy was planned. Proper preanaesthetic check-up was done. There were no other comorbidities; no significant past and family history were present. Intra-operatively, fluid and PCV (patient's blood group was B-ve) replacement was done according to loss. Salphingoophorectomy was done and till then patient was vitally stable but just before closure, sudden hypotension, bradycardia, hemolysis were reported. After suspected blood transfusion reaction, PCV transfusion was stopped; iv line flushed with NS, Inj. Avil, Inj. Dexona and Inj. Hydrocort, Inj. Trenexa were given. Intra operative blood sample was collected and urgent ABGA, CBC, LFT, RFT, S. LDH were sent and patient was kept in OT for 1 hour after normal vitals and then shifted to ICU intubated. Monitoring core temperature, prompt use of measures to avoid hypothermia, using blood warmers, watch for hypocalcaemia, acidosis, and hyperkalemia go a long way in unmasking blood transfusion reactions. During operation, diagnosis becomes still more difficult and uncertain, because even when present, hypotension and oozing are easily attributed to events incident to anesthesia, operation or both. Thus hemolytic transfusion reactions occurring during operation are difficult to recognize early.

Is a Glucocorticoid Antagonist a Potential Treatment Alternative for Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain?

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mifepristone as a new treatment modality for antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Methods: We searched databases up to March 2021, for the published English-language literature including a Medical Subject Heading “Mifepristone,”“Receptors, Glucocorticoid,” “Weight gain,” “Overweight,” “Obesity,” “Body Weight Change,” “Antipsychotics Agents,” “Glucocorticoid Receptor Blocker,” “Glucocorticoid Receptor antagonist.” We identified two clinical and four preclinical studies utilizing mifepristone as a treatment modality. Results: The results of the olanzapine clinical trial showed that mean increase in weight from baseline to day 14 was greater in the olanzapine with the placebo group (3.2 ± 0.9 kg) than the olanzapine with mifepristone group (2.0 ± 1.2 kg) and the mifepristone with placebo (2.0 ± 0.7 kg), and a similar effect was observed in the risperidone with mifepristone clinical trial. Conclusions: Mifepristone shows potential in the management of AIWG. Glucocorticoid antagonists can be a viable alternative to curb this side effect. Large-scale clinical studies are warranted to determine the medication’s safety and efficacy based on this mechanism of action.

Oral health status and microbial load of Streptococcus mutans in children with Cerebral palsy in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a childhood debilitating condition which impairs the physical and mental ability of an individual to maintain oral health. Aim: The objective of the present study was assessment of dental neglect and burden of treatment needs of children affected with CP as compared to normal children in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Settings and Design: A sample size of 104 children of age group of 6–14 years was selected, in which 52 children of CP (case group) and 52 normal school children (control group) were recruited. Materials and Methods: Children from both groups were examined, and calculation of drug master files (DMFS), defs, oral hygiene index (OHI), and gingival index was done. The presence of trauma and malocclusion was assessed. Present caries activity was assessed by the level of Streptococcus mutans present in saliva in both groups. Treatment needs were then assessed based on intraoral findings. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software. Student's t-test and nonparametric statistical tests such as Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney test were used as per the nature of variables studied for statistical analysis with the level of significance denoted at P < 0.05. Results: The mean DMFS, gingival index, OHI, and treatment needs were observed to be higher in the CP group. Increased S. mutans levels were observed in saliva of CP patients. Defs score, trauma, and malocclusion were not statistically significantly higher in CP group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Cerebral palsy group had a poor oral and gingival health, a higher DMFT and burden of treatment needs and an increased risk of further caries progression due to high caries activity indicated by increased level of salivary Streptococcus mutans than the control group.

Cyto-histological correlation in diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions- a prospective study in a tertiary care institute

Background: Gastrointestinal tract is involved by a large number of inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic diseases. There is a worldwide rising incidence of GIT lesions especially neoplasms.Methods: This study was planned to correlate endoscopic and colonoscopic brush cytology with histopathology of gastrointestinal lesions and to determine the spectrum of gastrointestinal lesions in patients subjected to endoscopic brushings and biopsy.Results: Sensitivity of upper GI brush cytology was 95.15% and specificity 90.41%. Sensitivity of colonoscopic brush cytology was 100% and specificity 86.79%. The accuracy of brush cytology came out to be 92.45% in upper GIT and 92.22% in lower GIT.Conclusions: Brush cytology is a non-invasive and cost-effective method to retrieve epithelial cells from a much larger surface area of the mucosa, thus allowing thorough sampling and increasing the diagnostic yield.