Assessment of Cardiac Function in Children by Strain Imaging and its Correlation with Conventional Echocardiographic Parameter

Background: The objectives of this study were to find out of normal reference value for age?dependent longitudinal strain values in children and find its correlation with conventional echocardiographic parameters. Methods: In total, 100 healthy normal children aged between 2 and 15 years were enrolled and divided into three age groups, namely, 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years. Using the GE Vivid 7 ultrasound platform with 4 or 7 MHz probes, both LV and RV global longitudinal strains and conventional echocardiographic parameters were acquired. Results: In normal healthy children, left ventricular GLS values were –20.10 to –19.68 (mean: –19.89), –21.93 to –21.02 (mean: –21.48), and –20.87 to –20.41 (mean: –20.64)) in children aged 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years and right ventricular GLS values were –16.80 to –16.44 (mean: –16.62), –27.85 to –27.27 (mean: –27.56), –28.44 to –27.93 (mean: –28.19) in the above three groups, respectively. No significant increase was noted in the left ventricular strain value from basal to the apical segment from age group 2 years to 15 years and no gender differences were seen. None of the conventional echocardiographic parameters commonly used to assess the left or right ventricular systolic function had a significant correlation with LVGLS and RVGLS. Conclusions: The mean LVGLS values were –19.89, –21.48, and –20.64 and RVGLS were –16.62, –27.56, and –28.19 in healthy normal children aged 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years, respectively, and conventional echocardiographic parameters did not have any significant correlation with these values.

Prevalence and correlates of relapse in adult male patients with alcohol dependence: a cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India

Background:Relapse to alcohol dependence after successful detoxification and rehabilitation is a public health concern worldwide. Although the burden of alcohol dependence is massive in the Indian subcontinent, very little is known about the causes of relapse among patients treated for alcohol abuse. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with relapse in patients of alcohol dependence disorder.Methods:50 male patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence (according to ICD-10 criteria) who attended both in-patient and out-patient outpatient department (OPD)of a tertiary care hospital were included in our study. Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire(SADQ)for severity of alcohol dependence, Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scales (PSLES) and relapse precipitant inventory were used for correlation of factors responsible for relapse amongst these alcohol abusers after informed consent and acquiring socio-demographic details.Results:Out of 50 patients enrolled in the study as per the International Classification of Diseases 10threvisionDiagnostic Criteria for Research (ICD-10 DCR), a majority (92%) were Hindus, 60% belonging to the rural background. Family history of alcohol dependence was found to be present among 46% patients, and a majority had moderate to severe alcohol dependence. Craving for alcohol was found to be the most common cause of relapse amongst these, and 72% patients showed moderate to severe stress on the PSLES scale.Conclusions:Alcohol consumption is emerging as a major public health problem in India. Regular follow up with family, peer and social support are essential along with vocational rehabilitation to prevent relapse. Multi-centric scientific community-based research studies have to be conducted in various individual states to understand the problem better. There is a dire need for various policymakers, media, professionals and society to come together and create awareness about the consequences of chronic alcohol through sensitization programmes and health education campaigns.

Forgotten double J stent in crossed renal fused ectopia: a rare case report

Ureteral double J (DJ) sent has now become one of the most commonly used tools in endourology. Complications are bound to occur if forgotten to remove, such as encrustations, infection, migration, renal dysfunction, hydronephrosis. Crossed renal fused ectopia is a very rare congenital malformation due to abnormal kidney ascent with fusion during embryogenesis in the first trimester. we report a very rare case of forgotten DJ stent in crossed fused ectopia, in 66 years old diabetic patient post left ureterorenoscopy (URS) done 3 years back. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) was done for DJ stent removal right.

Analysis of intraoperative frozen section consultations and audit of accuracy: a two year experience in a tertiary care multispeciality hospital in India

Background: Diagnostic accuracy of intra-operative frozen section (FS) depends largely on quality of tissue sections backed by good clinical communication and experience of reporting pathologist. Periodic audit of this consultation in surgical pathology help in assessing the efficiency of procedure and addressing the pitfalls. In this study authors have analysed the spectrum, indications and assessed the accuracy of FS consultation in their institution.Methods: A retrospective study of 212 consequent tissue specimens submitted for FS over two years in study centre was conducted. The FS and corresponding formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue section with their final histopathological examination (HPE) reports were studied and analyzed. The results were classified in concordant, discordant and deferred categories. Accuracy rates and discordant frequencies were calculated and comparison with other similar studies was done. Reasons for inaccuracies were deduced.Results: A total of 212 tissue specimens for FS were reported over two years in this study institute, six of which showed discordant results. Most common site of FS in this study centre was from central nervous system (CNS) lesions (28.77%). Indications for intra-operative consultation were mainly for establishment of tumor diagnosis (66.51%) and status of margins (29.25%). The accuracy rate was found to be 97.17% with error rate of 2.83%. On analysis of discordant cases; the reason for inaccuracy was mainly due to interpretation error (83.33%).Conclusions: The audit of FS consultation established that accuracy rates of this study institution are comparable with most international quality control statistics for FS. The discordant cases were mostly false positive hence emphasising that a variable degree of reservation is required while interpreting and communicating the FS results. The closest possible diagnosis should be communicated on FS and definitive diagnosis should be deferred to HPE in case of doubt.

Comparison of three different techniques of endotracheal tube cuff inflation: just seal, stethoscope guided and pressure volume loop: a prospective randomized study

Background: Cuffed endotracheal tubes not only ensure a proper seal during positive pressure ventilation, but at the same time also prevent aspiration of gastric secretions. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare three methods of ETT cuff inflation-- palpation of the leak in suprasternal notch (Just seal), a stethoscope guided method of tracheal tube cuff inflation and PVL guided cuff inflation.Methods: After approval by institutional ethical committee, 192 patients of either sex in age group of 18-50 years belonging to ASA physical status I or II were enrolled. Each patient was randomly allocated into one of three groups: one group received standard 'just seal' method of tracheal cuff inflation (JS), the second group, the stethoscope-guided method (SG) and in third group cuff was inflated using Pressure Volume Loop (PVL). Volume of air introduced into the cuff and pressure within the cuff was recorded.Results: A total of 192 patients were recruited to the study. The median (IQR [range]) tracheal cuff pressure was 12 (10-22 [6-28]) cm H2O, 16 (12-24[6-38]) and 14 (10-22[8-32]) cmH2O in JS, SG and PVL group respectively. Cuff pressures within the recommended range of 20-30 cm H2O fell in 25% of the patients in both JS and SG group and 31% patients in PVL group. The mean volumes of air introduced in the cuff and the resultant mean cuff pressure in all groups was found to be statistically insignificant (p= 0.4, 0.18 respectively). Tidal volume discrepancy was more and 75% of cuff pressures were less than the recommended range in JS than the other two groups.Conclusions: Real time PVL displayed on most modern anaesthesia machine is a good alternative to check for proper ETT cuff inflation, avoid high cuff pressure and monitor air leak.

A comparative study of intrathecal bupivacaine and levobupivacaine for patients undergoing caesarean section

Background: The present study was conducted to compare the effects of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine and 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine in pregnant females undergoing caesarean section.Methods: Study was conducted on 100 pregnant females undergoing caesarean section. They were randomly divided into two groups B and L receiving 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.5% levobupivacaine respectively. Two groups were compared with regard to sensory block, motor block, haemodynamic stability and complications if any.Results: Time to achieve sensory blockade till T6 dermatome was prolonged in group B (162.52±80.55 sec) as compared to group L (139.40±49.79 seconds) (p value= 0.087). Prolonged duration of motor blockade was observed in group B (160.76±6.56 minutes) as compared to group L (131.48±14.42 minutes) (p<0.001). Less haemodynamic stability was seen in patients of group B with more incidence of hypotension and bradycardia.as compared to group L.Conclusions: Levobupivacaine is nearly equally effective to bupivacaine to produce sensory and motor blockade with comparable onset time and better haemodynamic stability with lesser side effects.

Physicochemical and micronutrients properties of vermicompost produced from municipal solid waste in National Thermal Power Corporation, Barh, Bihar, India

Background:The present study has been carried out to investigate the physicochemical and micronutrients properties of vermicompost generated from the major municipal biodegradable solid waste (fruits andvegetables) by using two common species of earthworm i.e., Eisenia foetida andEudrilus eugeniain National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Barh, Bihar (India). Methods:Compost pH was measured in distilled water (free of CO2) using 10g of compost sample and 25 ml distilled water (ratio 1:2.5). The suspension was agitated for 3-5 min and placed for half an hour before measuring the pH value with a glass.Organic carbon was measured by Walkey and Black method, total N by Kajeldahl method, P2O5was determined by means of colorimetric method and K2O, Cu, Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe and B were determined by the means of Hi Media Kit.Results:Among the micronutrients in harvested vermicompost, increase in Zn, Cu and B contents and slight decrease in Mo content were observed when compared to standards given in soil health card of the State Government of Bihar. Mn and Fe were found to be critical in the harvested vermicompost samples. The level of boron (B) in vermicompost was found much higher than the required availability in the soil.Conclusions:On the basis of overall physicochemical as well as micronutrients properties of the vermicompost prepared in NTPC is of better quality in compared to the other vermicompost.

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus using duct occluder: an eleven-year experience from a single tertiary cardiac center

Background: Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital disorder. As an isolated lesion, PDA constitutes 6 to 11% of all congenital heart disease. PDA needs closure to eliminate pulmonary over circulation leading to volume overload of left ventricle, pulmonary vascular obstructed disease.Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in pediatric cardiology unit of Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata from September 2005 to August 2016, which included 503 patients.Results: Device closure was attempted in 492 patient’s Procedural success was achieved in 85% cases on table, in who check aortogram revealed complete closure of PDA. In 15% cases, residual shunt was present. In 12% of cases, residual shunt disappeared during follow-up echocardiogram over 6-month follow-up. In 3% cases, small shunt remained at 6-month and 1-year follow up.Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PDA by duct occluder is safe and effective with good mid-term outcome. The optimum assessment of ductul size and anatomy is crucial for optimum device size, which prevents residual shunt, device embolization and protrusion.

Assessment of ventricular function in patients of atrial septal defect by strain imaging before and after correction

Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart disease associated with volume overload of Right ventricle (RV) with variable effect on Left ventricle (LV). Two-dimensional (2D) Strain analysis is a new tool for objective analysis of myocardial function. This prospective study evaluated the systolic function of right and left ventricle by conventional 2D echo and strain echo and measured changes in cardiac hemodynamics that occurred in patients of ASD before and after correction. Patients and Methods: 2D echo and strain analysis of each patient before and at 48 hrs, 3 months and 6 months after correction was performed. Routine 2D echo parameters and global longitudinal strain of both ventricles were measured. Result: Improvement in LV ejection fraction (P = 0.0001) and myocardial performance index (MPI) (P < 0.0001) occurred at the end of 6 months, whereas decrease in RV MPI (P < 0.0001) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (P < 0.0001) became statistically significant after 3 months of ASD correction. In comparison to conventional 2D echo, global longitudinal strain of RV decreased significantly only after 48 hours of ASD correction while there was no improvement in left ventricular global longitudinal strain after 6 month of correction. Conclusion: There was improvement in RV function with subtle change in LV function by strain imaging and most of these changes were completed within 6 months of ASD correction and nearly correlated with conventional 2DEchocardiography.

Management of Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection / 대한고관절학회지

Total hip joint replacement offers dramatic improvement in the quality of life but periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most devastating complication of this procedure. The infection threatens the function of the joint, the preservation of the limb, and occasionally even the life of the patient due to long term hospitalization and high cost. For the surgeon it is a disastrous burden, which requires repeated, complicated procedures to eradicate infection and to provide a mobile joint without pain. Yet in the absence of a true gold standard, the diagnosis of PJI can be elusive. Synovial fluid aspiration, diagnostic imaging, traditional culture, peripheral serum inflammatory markers, and intraoperative frozen sections each have their limitations but continue to be the mainstay for diagnosis of PJI. Treatment options mainly include thorough irrigation and debridement with prosthesis retention, or a two-stage prosthesis exchange with intervening placement of an antibiotic-loaded spacer. Success in treating PJI depends on extensive surgical debridement and adequate and effective antibiotic therapy. Treatment in two stages using a spacer is recommended for most chronic PJI. Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention is the obvious choice for treatment of acute PJI, with good success rates in selected patients. This article presents an overview of recent management concepts for PJI of the hip emphasizing diagnosis and the clinical approach, and also share own experience at our institution.

Writing Nation in Postcolonial Indian English Fiction.

Nation is the most essential part of human identity. Literature plays a vital role in recognizing the identity of self as well as in relation to the larger community-the nation. This research paper tends to emulate and identify the idea of writing nation in Postcolonial Indian English Fiction, with special reference to Salman Rushdie’s novel Midnight’s Children.

Clinical presentation of patients with seasonal influenza and pandemic influenza A (H1N1-2009) requiring hospitalisation.

Background. A sudden increase in the number of novel influenza A virus (pH1N1-2009) infection prompted us to compare the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients infected with pH1N1-2009 and seasonal influenza A virus during the postpandemic phase. Methods. During the period August 13 to September 27, 2010, case records of 106 patients with severe influenza like illness (ILI) and respiratory complications who underwent diagnostic testing by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for confirmation of pH1N1-2009 were retrospectively studied. Results. Nineteen (17.9%) patients were tested positive for pH1N1-2009 and 78 (73.6%) were tested positive for seasonal influenza A virus. The mean age of patients infected with pH1N1-2009 was 45.2±15.3 years (range of 22 to 80 years). Common presenting symptoms included fever in 17 (89.4%), cough in 16 (84.2%), myalgia in 15 (78.9%) and breathlessness in 10 (52.6%) patients. The most common comorbidities included bronchial asthma/bronchitis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 4 (21%); followed by hypertension in 3 (15.8%) and diabetes in 3 (15.8%) patients. Overall, of the 97 influenza infected patients, 9 (9.3%) needed hospitalisation to the intensive care unit (ICU); one patient with COPD died due to multi-organ failure. Conclusions. Both the pandemic and seasonal strains were found to be co-circulating in the community. Patients with severe hypoxia, hypertension, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock required ICU care.

Fine needle aspiration cytology in reactional and non-reactional leprosy.

BACKGROUND: Histopathological evaluation of skin lesions is not feasible in many leprosy endemic areas. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simpler tool compared to histopathology for the evaluation of the cytomorphology of skin lesions. AIMS: To study the cytomorphology of leprosy lesions in fine needle aspirates and correlate it with the histopathology. METHODS: Seventy leprosy patients diagnosed and classified according to Ridley Jopling scale were included. Fine needle aspirates were taken from the lesion followed by a skin biopsy from the same site for histopathological examination after H/E staining. RESULTS: Borderline leprosy patients with Type I reaction showed significantly large numbers of giant cells, collagen and elastin in their smears as compared to those without reaction. The smears were more heavily cellular with fragmented collagen and elastin along with significant increase in neutrophils in patients with Type II reaction while foamy macrophages with fatty background were common in non-reactional lepromatous leprosy patients. A complete correlation between histopathological and cytomorphological findings was observed in 77.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: FNAC may be used as an alternative tool to assess leprosy lesions in areas where histopathological services are not readily available.

Aglossia: a case report.

A female child of 4 years with congenital absence of tongue has been described. This anomaly is usually associated with other congenital defects particularly limb and other cranio-facial defects. But in this case, the child enjoys the normal life, the unusual absence of tongue; she used to go to school play around with her friends and had a comparable I.Q.

Biological and epidemiological aspects of influenza virus H5N1 in context of India.

Since 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus crossed the species barriers from birds to humans and caused fatal disease, leading to great speculation about a possible influenza pandemic. This subtype is characterized by its pathogenicity in a large number of animal species and resistance to older class of antiviral drugs. At present, two out of three general conditions for the onset of pandemic have been met, emergence of new virus; and its ability to replicate in humans causing serious illness. Next influenza pandemic might be due to human to human transmission. This review addresses the biological and epidemiological aspects of influenza in context of India.