Geographical distribution of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin in North Central Region of Sri Lanka.

OBJECTIVES: In early nineties investigators noticed an alarmingly high incidence of an apparently new form of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKD-U) in some parts of Sri Lanka. The aim of the study was to investigate the geographical distribution of CKD-U using GIS and GPS mapping. METHODS: Community based information was collected from 11,630 patients for GIS mapping using ARC 9.2 software. Based on GIS mapping, two locations were selected for GPS mapping to locate the households of 863 CKD-U patients with reference to reservoirs, irrigation canals and the topography of the areas. RESULTS: GIS mapping indicated five high prevalence areas of CKD-U. Communities who consumed water from natural springs showed a low prevalence of the disease. GPS mapping showed that most of the affected villages were located below the reservoirs and canals with stagnant irrigated water. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological data on geographical distribution infers that while older foci of CKD-U are persisting, there is an emergence of new foci with time. The location of the affected villages below the level of the reservoirs/canals may indicate the possibility of draining of irrigated water to the shallow wells of the households, which is the source of drinking water.

The role of sedation and pulse oximetry during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the changes in oxygen saturation, blood pressure and pulse rate during endoscopic procedure and to evaluate--oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) related discomfort assessed by the patient. METHODS: It is observational case control study. Baseline pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were monitored before procedure, at one minute of procedure, at five minute and soon after procedure. Patients were randomly selected according to lottery system (1: without sedation and 2: with sedation) and divided into two groups; without and with sedation. Before leaving department they were asked about level of discomfort during and after procedure. RESULTS: Patient's mean age +/- SD: 36.65, +/- 11.42 years and 53.3% were men. Base line mean oxygen saturation among sedated patient were 96.77 +/-1.56 % and 97.23, +/- 2.26 % respectively (P = 0.358). Mild to moderate hypoxia was noted more in sedated patient than in non sedated patient. Severe hypoxia was noted in 3.3% of sedated patient. No statistically significant change was noticed in pulse and blood pressure in both the group. None or only slight discomfort was experienced by 9.4% in non sedated group and 90.6% in sedated group. Severe discomfort by 96.4% in non sedated group and 3.6% in sedated group. CONCLUSIONS: There is slight more incidence of mild hypoxia in sedated group than in non sedated group but no change in pulse and blood pressure. However, sedated patient have significant less level of discomfort than in non sedated group. Though routine use of pulse oxymeter is not necessary, routine use of sedation during endoscopy is recommended.