Applicability of near-miss tools to address maternal mortality

In India, there is a mandate to increase institutional delivery, which has led to an overwhelming response in health-care delivery. The maternal mortality rate has been an essential yardstick, used by health-care planners to assess the quality of obstetric services. As of late, there has been a shift in focus to maternal near-misses (MNMs) as a more valuable indicator of maternal health than the maternal mortality rate. The aim of this research article was to compare various standardized tools to address MNM, namely, the World Health Organization MNM tool, The Government of India's facility-based MNM review tool, etc.

Perimortem Caesarean Section : A Guideline-based Management of Maternal Cardiac Arrest

Maternal Cardiac Arrest is a rare event and Perimortem Caesarean Section (PMCS) has an established role in concurrence with maternal resuscitation to save the life of a dying mother as per various International Guidelines. Despite being a lifesaving procedure, this procedure has not yet gained acceptance amongst Obstetrician. Present case is first reported case of PMCS of this country where an out of Operation Theatre Perimortem Caesarean Section was performed with a positive maternal and foetal outcome.

Study the association between platelets count and grades of oesophageal varies in patients of cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension

Background: cirrhosis of liver is a diffuse process of fibrosis that converts the liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules Portal hypertension leads to dilatation of portal vein, splenomegaly, and formation of portal systemic collaterals at different sites. Screening endoscopy is recommended for early detection of esophageal varices (EVs) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. However, this approach is limited by its invasiveness and cost. The aim of the study was to determine if platelet count can predict the presence of EVs, especially large (grade III, IV) EVs in need of prophylactic therapy.Methods: Statistically 100 patients previously or newly diagnosed with cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension without history of hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, EVL, use of beta blockers, were selected for the study. Ultrasonography was performed in all cases to note the spleen size. Routine blood testing including platelet count was done and UGI-Endoscopy was done to detect presence of varices with grades. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Survey (SPSS) for Windows version 17.0. The data obtained was analysed using mean, SD, Student’s t-test and chi square correlation coefficient, p value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Among 100 patients studied ,90% patients were found to have esophageal varices. Based on endoscopic grading, incidence of grade 2 and grade 3 esophageal varices predominated, accounting to 48% and 23 % respectively. On correlation of platelet count with grades of esophageal varices it was evident that 44 patients had their platelet count less than 1 lac out of which 24 patients had grade 2 varices followed by 14 patients with grade 3 varices, p value <0.001 and was highly significant.Conclusions: The study depicts that with decrease in platelets count the chances of formation of higher grades of oesophageal varices increases and also a positive association exists.

To Study the Association between Splenic Size and Grades of Oesophageal Varices in Patients of Cirrhosis of Liver with Portal Hypertension.

Chronic liver disease develops when the functional capacity of the liver is deranged, and it is not able to maintain normal physiological conditions. This study was carried to find out the association of portal vein size with gastro-oesophageal varices in diagnosed cases of cirrhosis of liver, so that this parameters can be used in predicting propensity to oesophageal varices non-invasively, and thus help in starting prophylactic therapy earlier to prevent bleeding and other complications of varices.METHODS100 patients previously or newly diagnosed with cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension without history of hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, EVL, use of beta blockers, were included for the study. Ultrasonography was done in all cases to find out the spleen size. Routine blood testing including platelet count was done and UGI-Endoscopy was performed to see the presence of oesophageal varices of different grades. The data obtained was analysed using mean, SD, Student’s t-test and chi square correlation coefficient. p Value of <0.05 was considered for significant.RESULTSAmong 100 patients studied, 90% patients were found to have oesophageal varices. Based on endoscopic grading, incidence of grade 2 and grade 3 oesophageal varices predominated, accounting to 48% and 23 % respectively. On correlation of splenic diameter with grades of oesophageal varices, it was found that patients with splenic diameter >13 cm had higher grades of oesophageal varices i.e. 32 patients were grade 2 and 18 patients were grade 3, with p<0.001 and was found highly significant.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, we found that with increasing spleen size there are chances of formation of higher grades of oesophageal varices and both are also having positive association.

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma with tumor thrombus in IVC and right atrium

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma is an uncommon subtype of renal angiomyolipoma associated with potentially malignant behavior and is considered a distinct entity by the World Health Organization classification of renal tumors. We present a case of an epithelioid variant of angiomyolipoma with extension into the renal vein, inferior vena cava reaching up to the right atrium. Pre-operatively, a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was considered based on imaging findings. Intra-operatively due to extensive adhesions, surgical resection was not performed and only tissue sampling was performed for histopathology. Microscopic examination revealed short fascicles of spindle cells and perivascular epithelioid cells. A differential diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation was considered. The immunohistochemical profile showed tumor cells that express Melan-A and smooth muscle actin, while they were negative for pan-cytokeratin, PAX8, CK7, CD117 and CD34. Therefore a diagnosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma was rendered. The presence of intravascular thrombi on radiological investigation and carcinoma-like growth pattern on light microscopy may compound an erroneous diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. Hence, it is prudent for the urologist to consider differential diagnosis other than renal cell carcinoma when confronted with a renal neoplasm presenting with intravascular thrombi. In these cases, a core biopsy should be planned pre-operatively and diagnosis should be made with aid of appropriate immunohistochemical markers.

Effect on serum potassium level in patients of diabetic nephropathy on spironolactone and ramipril over follow up period

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the change in serum potassium level over follow up period in patients of diabetic nephropathy on spironolactone (25 mg) and ramipril (5 mg) and compare the results with diabetic nephropathy patients on Spironolactone (25 mg) alone.Methods: A comparative, prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded experimental study was conducted on 56 patients (30-70 yr.) of diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus showing proteinuria. Total duration of study was about one year from October 2017 to October 2018. Inclusion criteria followed in study were Age 30-70 years, diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus, serum potassium level <5 meq/l, estimated GFR >30 ml/min/1.73m2 and HbA1c <10%. Exclusion criteria were type 1 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance secondary to endocrine disease, exocrine pancreatic disease, SBP >180 mmHg DBP >110 mmHg, UTI, hematuria, acute febrile illness, vigorous exercise, short-term pronounced hyperglycemia, obstructive uropathy, confirmed or suspected renal artery disease by USG doppler study, Serum potassium level >5.5 meq/l. Patients were divided in two groups, group A (n= 28, spironolactone 25 mg and ramipril 5 mg) and group B (n=27, spironolactone 25 mg). Subjects were followed over 12 weeks and baseline and 12-week serum potassium being compared. Other baseline base line laboratory investigation such as serum lipid profile, HbA1c, eGFR, fundus examination, ultrasonography (KUB), serum urea, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, were taken at the starting point.Results: Both the group after receiving respective drug were followed for 3-month duration and serum potassium level measured at end of 3 months. Mean values of baseline and follow up serum potassium for group A and group B were 4.24±0.59, 4.07±0.61 and 4.35±0.55, 4.16±0.61 respectively, p value found to be >0.05 at 95% CI.Conclusions: In the study it was concluded that p value found to be >0.05 at 95% C.I denoting that there is no significant difference between mean value of base line and follow up serum potassium value in both group. None of patients in either group had experienced hyperkalaemia over follow up period though serum potassium level were slightly higher in group A, but this difference was statistically not significant. Follow up period of study should be long enough to comment on safety profile of combining spironolactone and ACE inhibitors in diabetic nephropathy patients.

Study the usefulness of ascitic fluid cholesterol level in diagnosis of malignant related ascites

Background: Dengue fever is currently the most important arthropod borne viral disease. Since occurrence of dengue infections has been an epidemic in many parts of India and complications like DHF and DSS are increasing, while at the same time the diagnosis is challenging, particularly the laboratory diagnosis is confusing, this study was conducted to evaluate the different laboratory test methods and to compare their respective efficacy, timing, advantages and disadvantages.Methods: This study was done in the Department of Microbiology in collaboration with the Department of Medicine and Pediatrics in two tertiary care medical colleges and hospitals in eastern India. Blood samples from 319 patients with clinical features suggestive of Dengue fever were included in this study. Laboratory investigations were done which included immunological assays that were performed using commercially available kits - SD dengue duo NS1Ag + Ab combo rapid test, NS1 Ag capture ELISA, IgM capture ELISA, IgG capture ELISA test for dengue and other routine tests -full blood cell count, coagulation tests, routine biochemical and lipid profile were also done. Ethical considerations were taken care of and statistical evaluations were done.Results: An increased detection of IgM antibody (46.15%) was seen in the early febrile period (1-5 days) as compared to the mid-febrile period (6-10 days), and late febrile period (6-10 days) when it is 6.89%. IgG antibody is much less in early febrile period (4.16%). Compared to mid-febrile period (24.13%), and late febrile period (62.5%). IgM antibodies were detected in 44.5% of the samples, IgG antibodies were detected in 43.5% of the samples, Rapid test was positive in 36.9% and NS1AG ELISA was detected in 43.5% of the samples in the study.Conclusions: It can be inferred from our study that for detection of dengue in the early febrile period (1-5 days), estimation of dengue-specific serum IgM is the most sensitive antibody detection method.

Simple New Approach for Anorectal Fistula: Submucosal Ligation of Fistula Tract

Introduction: The care of patients with burns is complex, expensive, and tedious, months of hospitalization may be necessary during acute phase, and later on, many reconstructive surgical procedures are required. A study has been conducted to assess the efficacy of amniotic membrane as a temporary biological dressing and its feasibility for clinical application. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 cases of superficial burns wounds were studied over 2-year study period with age range between 2 and 41 years and up to 35% of superficial burns area, including cause of burns may be flame burn, chemical burn or hot liquid burns and presented at hospital within 48 h. Results: Flame burns exceeded in causing burns than hot liquids. By providing a cover, the membrane-like other biological dressing, protects the wound from the environment and reduces heat and fluid loss, relieves pain in partial thickness burns. In the majority of patients, the parts most commonly affected were abdomen, chest, and lower limbs. It was observed that partial thickness bums healed without any further treatment. The superficial partial thickness burns healed completely after the application of the membrane. Amniotic membrane is helpful to control of pain and fluid loss, control of bacterial growth and it is effective vapor and exudate barrier and also helpful to reduce the duration of hospitalization. Conclusion: The use of an amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for thermal injury is simple, cheap, and found to be superior to allografts and xenografts. The membrane prevents fluid and heat loss from surface wounds and acts as a barrier against bacterial contamination thus aiding the healing process and reducing the morbidity. Another clinically significant and important property of the membrane is its ability to affect marked relief of pain.

Knowledge assessment about risk prevention of rabies amongst doctors in AIIMS, Jodhpur.

Background: Rabies still continues to be a public health problem in India and to protect our citizens from this menace; medical professionals have to be well equipped to tackle it more efficiently. The paper aims to assess the knowledge of residents and faculty in newly established AIIMS regarding risk prevention of rabies. Methods: A cross sectional study using a structured questionnaire on rabies was done at AIIMS Jodhpur amongst the doctors and the data was compiled in Microsoft excel 2010 were further analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: Out of the total sixty respondents, faculty constituted 38.3%, and junior residents and senior residents 28.3% and 33.3% respectively. Nearly 72% responded correctly regarding post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) i.e. 5 dose regimen of intramuscular administration of Anti Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and 56.7% doctors were unaware about the current recommendation of intradermal (ID) route. Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) or Anti-Rabies Serum (ARS) against Rabies infection used in Class III bites was known to only 45% of the total doctors. Conclusion: The study reveals that there is a scope of improvement in important areas related to the knowledge of doctors in AIIMS regarding animal bites which needs to be upgraded time to time through continuing medical education in order to follow the standard protocol and guidelines at the apex institute.

Surgical outcome of cortical dysplasias presenting with chronic intractable epilepsy: A 10-year experience.

Background: There has been sparse description of cortical dysplasias (CDs) causing intractable epilepsy from India. Aim: Clinical retrospective study of CDs causing intractable epilepsy that underwent surgery. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven cases of CDs reviewed (1995 till July 2006) are presented. All patients had intractable epilepsy, and underwent a complete epilepsy surgery workup (inter ictal electroencephalography (EEG), video EEG, MRI as per epilepsy protocol, SPECT {interictal, ictal with subtraction and co-registration when required}, and PET when necessary). Surgical treatment included a wide exposure of the pathology with a detailed electrocorticography under optimal anesthetic conditions. Mapping of the sensori-motor area was performed where indicated. Procedures included resection either alone or combined with multiple subpial transactions when extending into the eloquent areas. Results: Our study had 28 (49.12%) cases of isolated focal CDs, and 29 (50.67%) with dual pathology. Average age at the time of onset of seizures in our series was 7.04 years (three months to 24 years), and average age at the time of surgery was 10.97 years (eight months to 45 years). Among coexistent pathologies, one had associated MTS, 16 had coexistent gangliogliomas and 12 (dysembryonic neuroepithelial tumor) DNTs. At an average follow-up of 3.035 years (range 5-10 years), three patients were lost to follow-up. Fifty-one per cent (29/57) patients had a good outcome (Engel Grade I) and 26%(15/57) had a Grade II outcome. Conclusion: Cortical dysplasias have a good outcome if evaluated and managed with concordant electrical and imaging modalities.

Vibrational dynamics and heat capacity in polyglycine II.

The earlier works on the vibrational dynamics of polyglycine II (PG II) suffer from several infirmities, which not only suppress the dynamical nature of normal modes, but also lead to several incorrect assignments and interactive constants of the potential field. In this study, we have re-examined the phonon dispersion profiles of PG II using Higgs method for evaluation of phase-related normal modes and have attempted to remove the infirmities, as far as possible. The Wilson's GF matrix method combined with the Urey-Bradley force field has been used for normal mode analysis. This potential field leads to correct assignments of Raman, infrared and inelastic neutron scattering frequencies. Characteristic features of the dispersion curve (v versus delta/pi plot), such as repulsion and regions of high density-of-states have been interpreted. In addition, the heat capacity as a function of temperature has been obtained via density-of-states. It agrees well with the experimental data and is being reported for the first time.