Correlation of numeric rating scale with pure tone audiogram for assessing hearing loss.

Objective: Hearing loss is the public health problem affecting all the age groups. For the assessment of hearing loss pure tone audiogram (PTA) is the gold standard but cannot be easily available in rural areas. So, the main aim of our study is to see the correlation of numeric rating scale with the pure tone audiogram for assessing the hearing loss. Materials and methods: This was the prospective, non randomized and longitudinal study performed in two hundred patients with unilateral hearing loss. For the study purpose, the numeric rating scale (NRS) was divided into 5 parts as that of degree of hearing loss and the PTAwas also divided into 5 parts to see the correlation with the NRS findings. The analysis was done using SPSS 16.0 Software. Results: The total frequency of unilateral hearing loss was 1.79%. 125(62.5%) patients fell within 16 – 25years.The mean age was 23.2+/-9.7.Females were affected more than males. Most of the patients who were in high school had unilateral hearing loss. Students and housewives accounted for 87.5%. 89% patients had conductive hearing loss, 10% had sensorineural hearing loss whereas only 1% patients had mixed hearing loss. The most of patients reported NRS2 and NRS3 which was 85.5%. Regarding the PTA analysis, 91% patients fell within mild and moderate hearing loss. There was high degree of correspondence in mild hearing loss between NRS and PTA. The Pearson’s correlation showed the statistically significant correlation between NRS and PTA with p=0.00 Conclusion: The NRS scale can be used as an optional measure for PTAin assessing the hearing loss mainly in rural areas for screening where there is lack of PTA.

Research article Evaluation of Genotype MTBDRplus Assay for identifying Multidrug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Nepal

Background and Objectives: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are serious threats to the control of tuberculosis and comprise an increasing public health problem. Rapid detection of such strains is quite critical in timely management of such issues. The study was performed with an objective to compare Genotype MTBDRplus reverse hybridization probe assay (Hain Lifescince, GmBH, Nehern, Germany) with culture based proportion method for rapidly identifying MDR-TB strains from suspected multi drug resistant cases, referred to GENETUP Kathmandu, Nepal. Methodology: A commercially available new Genotype MTBDRplus assay was evaluated for its ability to detect mutations in Mycobacterial isolates conferring resistance to rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH). A total of 64 MDR isolates (i.e., at least resistant to RMP and INH), 5 fully susceptible strains and 1 RMP sensitive strains by conventional proportion method were analyzed using Genotype MTBDRplus assay. MTBDRplus assay is designed to detect the mutations in the hot spot region of rpoB gene, katG and regulatory region of inhA gene. Results: The MTBDRplus assay detected 59 of 61 RMP resistant strains (96.72%) with mutations on 81-bp hot spot region of rpoB gene and 60 of 63 INH resistant strains (95.23%) with mutation in codon 315 katG and regulatory region of inhA. The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of RMP resistance were 96.72% and 100% respectively. While, value of the same two variables for INH resistance were 95.23% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: The new Genotype MTBDRplus assay represents a rapid, reliable, upgraded tool with high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of INH and RMP resistance strains that can readily be included in a routine laboratory work for the early diagnosis and control of MDR-TB.

Multi Drug Resistant Pathogens Causing Urinary Tract Infections in Children at Kathmandu Model Hospital.

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance of urinary tract pathogens has increased globally. Updated knowledge of the antibiotic resistance patterns of uropathogens in the health institutes is important for the selection of an appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the multi drug resistant urinary isolates in the children from 1 to15 years and evaluate the options for empiric antibiotic therapy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from December 2011 to May 2012 in the Bacteriology laboratory, Kathmandu Model Hospital. Urine samples received in the laboratory were processed for routine, culture and its sensitivity. The antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates was determined following Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) recommended Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method. Results: Of the total 372 urine samples received in the laboratory, 60 (16.13%) showed significant growth; of which 55.0 % (33/60) were MDR isolates. Escherichia coli were the predominant isolate from urine sample. Out of 49 Escherichia coli isolates, 27 (45.0%) were Multi drug resistant. Enterococcus faecalis (N=3) was the most predominant Gram positive isolate and 66.67 % (2/3) of this organism were multi drug resistant. Among the first line drugs used against gram negative isolates, nitrofurantoin was the most effective drug followed by quinolones, while among the second line drugs; meropenem was the most effective drug followed by chloramphenicol and amikacin, whereas; nitrofurantoin (100%) was the most effective drug for Gram positive isolates followed by norfloxacin and cefotaxime. Conclusion: High percentages of multi drug resistant uropathogens were revealed in children. Nitrofurantoin was found to be the most effective drug for gram positive, gram negative and multi drug resistant isolates.

Ectrodactyly: A rare anomaly of limbs.

Split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM) is a rare congenital malformation of the limbs with median clefts of the hands and feet and aplasia/hypoplasia of the phalanges, metacarpals and metatarsals. When present as an isolated anomaly, it is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant form. We report a case of nonsyndromic form of ectrodactyly because of its rarity.

Outcomes of Snakebite Envenomation in Children.

Introduction: Snakebite is a medical emergency, and is considered to be one of the major public health hazards in the Terai and inner-Terai regions of Nepal.Very few studies have been conducted so far in Nepal to highlight the epidemiology of snakebite in children. Aim: To review the pattern and characteristics of snakebites in children, focusing primarily on the outcomes, fatality and risk factors for death. Settings: An emergency department of a 136-bedded secondary care-referral hospital (Lumbini Zonal Hospital) situated at Butwal in the Western Nepal. Methodology: The study was carried out in 152 children aged < 15 years old, who got anti-snake venom (ASV) over a period of 48 months. Diagnosis of snakebite envenomation was based on clinical ground. Results: Children over 5 years of age constituted the highest number (87%) of cases. Peak incidence of poisoning (71%) was observed during the months of Asadh- Bhadra (June-September). Most of the bites (61%) were by unidentified snakes, most commonly (91%) on the extremities. Snakebite envenomation occurred more frequently (52%) during night time. 85% of children had local or systemic complications, commonest being respiratory paralysis(92/152).Case fatality rate (CFR) was 28%. Risk factors for death were: age < 5 years; bites by unidentified snakes and kraits and bites on ears & unknown sites. Conclusion: Compared with adults, children with snake envenomation have higher morbidity and mortality, which can be minimized by early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and close monitoring of children on ventilation for the timely management of complications. Emphasis should be given on developing a standard management protocol in children.

Clinical Profile and Sensitivity Pattern of Salmonella Serotypes in Children: A Hospital Based Study.

Introduction: Enteric fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacteria, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S.typhi) and Salmonella enterica serovara Paratyphi (S. paratyphi A, B and C). Most of the burden of the disease is limited to the developing world and the disease still has the issues like wide spectrum of clinical presentation and multidrug resistance. Objectives: This study was done to analyze the clinical profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in the cases of culture positive enteric fever. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Civil Service Hospital from February 2010 to January 2011 in the paediatric population in the age group of 2 to 14 years. Children with Salmonella species isolated in blood culture were included in the study. Results: Out of the 40 children with culture positive enteric fever, male to female ratio was 1.3:1 with common age group between 11-14 years. S typhi was isolated in 25 cases while S. paratyphi in 15 cases. Clinical features of S. typhi and S. paratyphi were indistinguishable. Both S.typhi and S. paratyphi were found to be 100% sensitive to drugs like Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime, Cefixime and Chloramphenicol. Sensitivity to Ofloxacin was 100% in S. paratyphi and 92% in S.typhi. Similarly sensitivity of Azithromycin was 92% and 93% for S.typhi and S. paratyphi respectively. Conclusion: Salmonella serotype is still 100 % sensitive to third generation cephalosporin. Some percentage of resistance is seen with Ofloxacin in S. typhi and with Azithromycin in both S.typhi and S. paratyphi.

Compound Heterozygous Sickle and Thalassemia Trait: A Case Report.

Sickle cell disease is a type of hemoglobinopathy, which is fairly common in certain parts of the world. We would like to report an interesting case of a child who was labeled as sickle cell anemia but subsequently turned out to be a case of compound heterozygous sickle cell and thalassemia trait.

Comparison of pre and post-operative hearing results in canal wall down mastoidectomy with type III tympanoplasty.

This study was done to compare the pre and post-operative hearing results in patients undergoing canal wall down mastoidectomy with classical type III tympanoplasty using temporalis fascia alone. Patients of >or=5 years age with the diagnosis of Chronic otitis media (squamous) with conductive or mixed hearing loss, needing canal wall down mastoidectomy and with intact and mobile stapes suprastructure at surgery who underwent classical type III tympanoplasty were included in the study. The pre and post-operative PTA was performed and evaluated. The post-operative hearing was assessed in terms of average ABG and size of ABG closure. Mean pre and post-operative air bone gap in classical type III tympanoplasty were 37.8 dB and 29.8 dB respectively and these differences were statistically significant. The postoperative PTA-ABG ranged from 15-61.2 dB. Hearing results after type III tympanoplasty varied widely showing statistically significant improvement in mean post-operative PTA-ABG but there was a great variation.

Screening of syphilis in abroad job seeking healthy males.

This study was carried out to find out the prevalence of syphilis is healthy male populations. Test for Syphilis is mandatory for those who apply for overseas employment, especially in Middle East countries. From randomly selected Nepalese male population (16-50 years) seeking jobs abroad, 2585 blood samples were collected and tested by nontreponemal test, the Rapid Plasma Reagin test and by treponemal test, the Treponema pallidum haemagglutination test. Confirmed cases of syphilis were 22 (0.85%). No association of syphilis with any age groups (X2 = 6.6465, P>0.05) and development regions were observed (X2 = 1.8782, P>0.05). Syphilis occurrence was almost equal in terai (0.94%) and hilly region (0.9%) and was none in mountainous region showing no association (X2 = 1.5334, P>0.05). In eastern development region, all the cases were from terai region showing significantly greater occurrence of syphilis in terai region (X2 = 4.334, P<0.05). In the contrary, all the cases of syphilis in mid-western development region were from hilly region, however this finding was not statistically significant (X2 = 0.5497, P>0.05). Asymptomatic stage of syphilis may lead to tertiary syphilis; hence, People should be educated about the disease; they should be screened and treated when required.

Experience of newly constructed echocardiography-database with video clips and color still images at the Echocardiography Lab of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital.

Reporting system after performing echocardiography is very poor in almost all hospitals of Nepal. Special but simple attempt effort has been introduced to transfer analog video images and color still images of echocardiographic investigation into a desk top computer using a locally available imported video capture system, Snazzi Movie Studio S4. Analog video signals are converted into MPEG2 and still color snaps are converted into JPEG format. Window media player can be used later on to review the video clips. All together 1059 patients including pediatric, adults and geriatric patients underwent echocardiographic evaluation at the Echo-lab of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital during 10th January 2007 to 9th May 2008. Age ranged from 2 months to 98 years. Mean+SD was 52.4 +/- 18.5 years. Male/female ratio was 0.8:1. More than half of the patients (64.3%) came from Kathmandu. Brahman/Chhetri (478, 45.1%), Tamang, Sherpa etc 278 (26.3%) and Newar (226, 21.3%) were the main echo-users. Elderly age group (>60 yr) comprised of more than one third of the patients (42.0%) followed by the age group of 45-59 yr (27.7%). No abnormality was detected in 133 (12.6%) patients. Valvular heart disease was noticed in more than half of patients (60.7%), followed by diastolic dysfunction (393, 14.0%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (210, 7.5%). This database is not very expensive but demand minimal extra time and energy. It will be a valuable tool to increase diagnostic accuracy and a great resource for academic purpose aiding in the improvement of cardiac care in Nepal.

Leiomyoma of breast: a report of rare case.

Leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle neoplasm. They can occur in any organ, but the most common forms occur in the uterus, small bowel and the esophagus. Leiomyoma of breast is a rare benign non epithelial tumor. Most leiomyomas in the breast are found in the subareolar region. There are few cases being reported in the literature. Here we report a case of 52 years old lady who presented to us with a painless right sided breast lump. There was no history of nipple discharge, trauma or use of oral contraceptive pills. Excisional biopsy revealed a growth pattern of interlacing fascicles of smooth-muscle cells consistent with leiomyoma of breast.

Prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in school children of Pokhara.

Present study was carried out to find out the prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in school children of Pokhara city in western, Nepal. A total of 184 randomly selected children younger than 15 years were included in the study. Nasal swabs collected were subjected to standard bacteriological culture. S. aureus isolates were identified by mannitol fermentation, coagulase positivity and DNase positivity. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed on muller-hinton agar (MHA) by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of total 184 nasal swabs, S. aureus was isolated in 31.0% (n=57). Among the isolates, 35.1% (n=20) were from male children whereas 64.9% (n=37) were from female. There was no significant sex difference in colonization of S. aureus. Out of 57 isolates, 56.1% (n=32) were MRSA. MRSA isolates indicated relatively high rate of resistance to antibiotic cloxacillin (68.7%) followed by ofloxacin (40.6%), tetracycline (15.6%), erythromycin (9.4%), ciprofloxacin (6.2%) and vancomycin (3.1%).This study showed a high prevalence of MRSA carriage in school children indicating the spread of MRSA in the community.

Two-hit hypothesis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

A severe insult in the form of infection or trauma primes the host immune system so that a subsequent, relatively trivial insult produces a markedly exaggerated host immune response, which can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death. This forms the basis of the "two-hit hypothesis" (THH), which is being increasingly recognised as an important cause of morbidity and mortality following severe injury and sepsis, particularly in intensive care settings. Appreciation of the impact of repeated insults and pathophysiology of MODS is vital in the prevention of this serious complication. We describe a case which illustrates the concept of THH and MODS and present a review of literature on this subject.

Work related complaints among dentists.

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of neck pain, shoulder pain and back pain among dentists and to assess the risk factors affecting them. Sixty-eight dentists from Dharan and Biratnagar were interviewed using pretested questionnaires in January 2006. Back pain was the most common complaint affecting almost 80% of the study population, followed by neck pain (58.8%) and shoulder pain (47%). The frequency of shoulder pain among female dentists was nearly double that of males (P=0.009). The mean days of neck pain among males was significantly higher as compared to females (P=0.048). The study suggests that musculoskeletal complaints are common among dentists, though they are not of severe nature. There is a scope for further decreasing the prevalence and severity of these disorders by performing regular specific exercises.

Fungating primary locally malignant giant cell tumor of ulna: a case report.

A giant cell tumor with local aggressiveness and penetration of cartilage is quite rare. We present a case of fungating giant-cell tumor of lower end of the ulna with wrist involvement including penetration of cartilage and diaphysis. Involvement with all these characteristics, according to the literature reviewed, is the first case of its type. We are of the opinion that the fungation may be due to incision and drainage and delayed presentation at tertiary care centre.

Pre-emptive renal transplantation: optimum treatment for end-stage renal disease?

Renal transplantation (RT) prior to having dialysis or pre-emptive renal transplantation (PRT) has been controversial because of the paucity of clinical evidence to clarify the benefits and risks of PRT. The recent emergence of evidences from major transplant centres in the United Kingdom and United States have confirmed the survival advantages for both renal allografts and RT recipients. Hence an increasing number of transplant centres are adopting the practice of PRT. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of PRT and highlights the clinical evidences in support of PRT.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: a useful tool to diagnose hypertension and supervise it's treatment.

Automatic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for the diagnosis and treatment ofhypertension(HTN) is not common in Nepal. The purpose of this study is to evaluate various characteristics of hypertensive patients undergoing ABPM before starting antihypertensive treatment and evaluate the adequacy of the blood pressure (BP) control during antihypertensive treatment. ABPM was performed in 108 consecutive patients attending the hypertension clinic of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital from 1st March 2005 to 30th April 2007 with DynaPulse 5000A (version 3.20q ) for approximately 24 hours. Male female ratio was 59:49 and age (mean +/- SD) was 47.8 +/- 16.4 years. The maximum use of ABPM (25.9%) was noted in the age group of 40-49 years. Body mass index was 25.7 +/- 3.8. Diabetes was noted in 13% patients. Maximum use of ABPM was observed in Newar ethnic group (56.5%). ABPM was used for the diagnosis of HTN in 62.0% patients and for follow up in 38.0% patients. Severe HTN was seen in approximately half (47.2%) of the hypertensive patients. Majority of the patients (88.0%) had dipper type of HTN. Beta-blocker (35.6%), ACE inhibitor/Losartan (31.1%) and calcium channel antagonist (26.7%) were the usual antihypertensive agents used. Single antihypertensive agent was used in the majority of patients (64.1%). In a small number of patients (42, 38.9%) undergoing ABPM during antihypertensive therapy, the adequacy of control of HTN was very poor.

Diagnostic dilemma of an unusual pelvic mass in a young girl.

Dysgerminoma of ovary is the most common germ cell tumor, accounting for 50% of all germ cell tumor cases. About 20% of cases are diagnosed during pregnancy, and 80% occur in women under 30. It is rare to find both ovaries to be involved in germ cell tumors. The prognosis of patients with malignant germ cell has improved significantly over the last two decades after the introduction of chemotherapy specially cisplatin. The only exceptions are stage 1, grade 1, immature teratoma and stage 1A dysgerminoima who are followed up after surgery without adjuvant chemotherapy. Normal ovarian functions and fertility can be retained in most patients by following the conservative surgery.

Comparative study between tramadol and dexamethasone as an admixture to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

This is a prospective, randomized, double blind study to evaluate the postoperative analgesia following supraclavicular brachial plexus block with Tramadol or Dexamethasone as an admixture to bupivacaine in upper extremity surgery. Total 60 patients of ASA I and II undergoing upper extremity surgery under brachial plexus block with Bupivacaine were randomly divided in to two groups; one group received Tramadol (2 mg/kg) and the other group received Dexamethasone (8 mg) as an admixture to Bupivacaine. The duration of postoperative analgesia was recorded in both groups using pain VAS score which was determined by maximum VAS score of 8-10 and when patient demands for additional analgesics. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia in the Dexamethasone group was 1028.00 minutes while in the tramadol group it was 453.17 minutes We concluded that Dexamethasone with local anaesthetic prolongs postoperative analgesia significantly than Tramadol (P<0.05) when used as admixture to local anaesthetic in brachial plexus block in upper extremity surgery.

Colonic diverticular disease: current perspectives.

Diverticular disease is a common condition affecting large intestine in the western world, which, although remains asymptomatic in majority of people, can present with abdominal pain, acute diverticulitis, perforation, haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction and fistulation through neighbouring organs. Complicated colonic diverticular disease (CDD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Increasing urbanisation globally with intake of diet deficient in fibres has led to CDD as a significant problem; hence awareness of CDD is paramount for its prevention and appropriate management. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and current management of diverticular disease of the colon and its complications.