Hypomagnesemia in critically ill medical patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesemia is an important but underdiagnosed electrolyte abnormality in critically ill patients. There are many studies to find the prevalence of hypomagnesemia and its effects on mortality and morbidity in these patients. Most of these studies have been carried out in intensive care units caring for patients with medical and surgical conditions and postoperative patients or those in respiratory intensive care unit, or critically ill cancer patients. This study was carried out on patients admitted to the medical acute care unit in a major tertiary care hospital. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study serum magnesium levels in critically ill patients and to correlate serum magnesium levels with patient outcome considering the following parameters: length of stay in MICU, need for ventilatory support, duration of ventilatory support, APACHE score and mortality. To identify the primary medical conditions associated with abnormalities of serum magnesium. To identify the factors predisposing or contributing to hypomagnesemia in critically ill patients admitted in a medical intensive care unit. To detect other electrolyte abnormalities associated with hypomagnesemia, if any. RESULTS: On admission to MICU 52% patients had hypomagnesemia, 7% patients had hypermagnesemia and 41% patients had normomagnesemia. The patients with hypomagnesemia had higher mortality rate (57.7% vs 31.7%), more frequent need for ventilatory support (73% vs 53%), longer duration of mechanical ventilation (4.27 vs 2.15 days), more frequently had sepsis (38% vs 19%), hypocalcemia (69% vs 50%) and hypoalbuminemia (80.76% vs 70.8%). Patients with diabetes mellitus had hypomagnesemia more frequently (27% vs 14%). The duration of stay in the MICU or APACHE score on admission did not vary in patients with low or normal magnesium. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of hypomagnesemia in the critically ill patients. Hypomagnesemia was associated with a higher mortality rate in critically ill patients. The need for ventilatory support was significantly higher in hypomagnesemic patients. Hypomagnesemic patients required ventilator support for longer duration. Hypomagnesemia was commonly associated with sepsis and diabetes mellitus. The duration of MICU stay and APACHE score on admission did not vary in patients with low magnesium and normal magnesium. Hypomagnesemia is more commonly seen in patients with hypocalcemia and hypoalbuminemia.

Irreversible dilated cardiomyopathy due to thyrotoxicosis.

Irreversible dilated cardiomyopathy due to thyrotoxicosis is an unusual clinical entity. We report this case of a young female who presented with congestive cardiac failure and was diagnosed as dilated cardiomyopathy due to thyrotoxicosis. Restoration of euthyroid levels did not revert the cardiomyopathy.

Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of dothiepin hydrochloride in the management of major depression in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Several studies have shown that 20 to 66.2% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have associated psychiatric comorbidity especially depression. Dothiepin hydrochloride is a well-established and effective antidepressant in patients with depressive symptoms of varying severity and co-existing anxiety. To document the efficacy and tolerability of dothiepin hydrochloride in the management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in rheumatoid arthritis patients a phase IV, open, single arm, prospective study was initiated with dothiepin hydrochloride in the dose of 75 mg/day, duration of therapy was 6 weeks. Twenty-five rheumatoid arthritis patients suffering from co-morbid MDD completed the 6-week dothiepin hydrochoride treatment and were considered for final analysis. There was significant reduction (p < 0.05) in mean HAM-D scores at week 2 (13.92 +/- 5.45), week 4 (9.28 +/- 4.13) and week 6 (5.72 +/- 3.26) compared to baseline (21.64 +/- 5.93). There was significant reduction (p < 0.05) in mean HAM-A scores at week 2 (6.52 +/- 3.34), week 4 (4.0 +/- 2.25) and week 6 (2.76 +/- 1.59) compared to baseline (10.68 +/- 3.68). The global impression of efficacy at the end of 6 weeks of dothiepin hydrochloride treatment was rated by the clinician (psychiatrist) as marked and moderate improvement in 20 (80%) and 5 patients (20%) respectively. Only 2 patients reported dry mouth as an adverse event in the study. The overall assessment of tolerability at the end of 6 weeks of dothiepin hydrochloride treatment was rated by the clinician (psychiatrist) as good and fair in 19 (76%) and 6 patients (24%) respectively. Dothiepin hydrochloride was found to be an effective and well-tolerated drug in the management of MDD and anxiety in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome manifesting as pulmonary oedema.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome is a progressive and fatal disease if not treated effectively. We report this case since hypereosinophilia is an uncommon cause of pulmonary oedema.

Neuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Paucity of Indian literature on rheumatoid neuropathy creates a lacuna in the critical evaluation and discussion of the subject. We did this study to find out the incidence and pattern of neuropathy and to correlate it with disease parameters and other extra-articular involvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 31 patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classified by ACR criteria. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCV) were done in all the patients apart from routine laboratory and radiological investigations. Electrocardiograph (ECG), pulmonary function tests (PFT) and ophthalmological examination were also carried out to ascertain extra-articular involvement. RESULTS: Ten out of 31 RA patients had neuropathy of which five each were overt and subclinical respectively. Only one patient had entrapment neuropathy. Four of the ten patients had pure motor neuropathy whereas the other six were sensori-motor neuropathies. Four patients had mononeuritis multiplex and five had symmetrical peripheral neuropathy. Nine of the ten neuropathic patients had RA for more than 2 years. Seven patients had other extra-articular features along with neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of patients with RA have evidence of neuropathy. Disease parameters such as activity, rheumatoid factor and functional and radiological grade do not correlate with neuropathy. Non-entrapment sensori-motor type of neuropathy is the most common type.

Gastric emptying of solids in long-term NSAID users: correlation with endoscopic findings and Helicobacter pylori status.

OBJECTIVE: Prostaglandins regulate gastric motor function. Inhibition of prostaglandins by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may alter gastric emptying. To study gastric emptying of solids and its relation to endoscopic findings and Helicobacter pylori in patients receiving long-term NSAIDs, we undertook this study. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with arthritis, 65 taking long-term NSAIDs (Group I) and 30 not taking NSAIDs (Group II) were studied. Presence of dyspeptic symptoms was determined using a questionnaire. Mucosal damage was determined by endoscopy. H. pylori was detected by antral biopsies for rapid urease test and histology. Gastric emptying for solids was evaluated using a scintigraphic method. Thirty healthy volunteers were used as controls for gastric emptying (Group III). Patients with peptic ulcer were excluded from the analysis of gastric emptying. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for gastric emptying. RESULTS: Nineteen patients from Group I with peptic ulcers were excluded. Dyspeptic symptoms were seen in 24 (52%) Group I and seven (23%) Group II patients. Gastroduodenal erosions were seen in 10 (21.7%) Group I patients and four (13.3%) Group II patients. H. pylori was detected in 17 patients in Group I (36.9%) and Group II (56.6%). Gastric emptying was delayed in 24 (52%) Group I patients, six (20%) Group II patients (p < 0.001), and in none of the Group III controls. The mean gastric emptying times were 99.5 (15.6) min and 89 (17.7) min for Groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.05). Endoscopic damage was found with similar frequency in Group I patients with delayed or normal gastric emptying. H. pylori infection was present in 37.5% Group I patients with delayed gastric emptying and in 36.3% with normal gastric emptying (p = ns). Logistic regression analysis identified NSAID therapy as the single factor most predictive of delayed gastric emptying. CONCLUSION: Delayed gastric emptying was seen in 52% of patients on long-term NSAID therapy.

Relationship between osteoarthritis of knee and menopause.

AIM: To study the difference in the onset of osteoarthritis (OA) between males and females with respect to age and to note the relationship between OA of the knees and menopause and hysterectomy in females. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients (50 males and 50 females) were studied for the onset of OA and compared for the statistical difference. In females the relationship between onset of OA and menopause and hysterectomy, if done, was noted. RESULTS: Fifty eight percent of females had onset of symptoms of OA of knees before 50 years of age as compared to only 20% in males (p < 0.05). Sixty four percent of females with OA of knees had the onset of symptoms either perimenopausally or within five years of natural menopause or hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: There is a definite early peaking of the incidence of OA of knees in women in the fifth decade of life as compared to males. There is an association between OA of knees and menopause and we suggest correlating it with the levels of sex hormones.

Leprosy: a close mimic in a rheumatology clinic.

Cutaneous and neurological manifestations of leprosy are readily diagnosed. However, physicians sometimes fail to recognize that leprosy may present with a rheumatic symptoms. A plethora of rheumatic manifestations are associated with leprosy, particularly with lepra reactions. A diligent examination for skin lesions/nerve involvement may uncover the diagnosis of leprosy in a patient referred for a rheumatological disorder. To highlight the fact that leprosy can mimic several rheumatological disorders, we have discussed a few representative cases seen over the past two years at our rheumatology clinic in a teaching hospital. In all these cases, a diagnosis of leprosy was made when the patient was referred for a rheumatic complaint.

Spectrum of liver diseases in HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: Most earlier reports on the spectrum of liver diseases in HIV-infected individuals originated from the West. OBJECTIVE: To study the spectrum of liver diseases in HIV-infected individuals. METHODS: Seventy four consecutive HIV-positive patients (57 men; age range 23-75 years, mean 34) were studied prospectively with clinical evaluation, liver function tests, ultrasonography, radioisotope liver scan, markers of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses, and liver histology whenever necessary. RESULTS: Thirty four patients (45%) were chronic alcoholics. Mean (SD) absolute lymphocyte count was 2521 (1271)/mm3; count < 2000/ mm3 was present in 20 patients. Serum bilirubin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated in 13%, 13% and 24% of patients, respectively. Ultrasonography detected an abscess in two patients (tuberculous-1, amebic-1). Evidence of exposure to HBV was present in 81% (HBsAg-12, hepatitis B core and/or surface antibody-48); anti-HCV antibody was positive in 29.7%. Five patients with liver tuberculosis (granuloma-4, abscess-1) had AFB either in liver tissue or lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Chronic alcoholism, HBV and HCV infection, hepatic tuberculosis, and evidence of other liver disease were common in patients with HIV infection.

PIP: A prospective study of 74 consecutive HIV patients (mean age, 34 years) at a public hospital in Mumbai, India, found evidence of hepatitis B and C virus, hepatic tuberculosis, and other liver disease. Clinical evaluation, liver function tests, ultrasonography, radioisotope liver scan, hepatitis B and C virus markers, and liver histology were performed. 34 patients (45%) were classified as chronic alcoholics on the basis of a history of consumption of at least 80 g of alcohol daily for at least 5 years and test findings. 59 (80%) had a history of multiple sex partners or encounters with commercial sex workers. 12 patients (16%) were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive and 22 (30%) were positive for hepatitis C virus antibody. Bilirubin, transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase were elevated in 13%, 13%, and 24%, respectively. Liver cirrhosis was present in 5 patients. Hepatitis B virus was detected in 4 patients and dual hepatitis B and C infection was found in another patient. Finally, 5 patients had liver tuberculosis. The mean absolute lymphocyte count was 2521/cu. mm; only 20 had a count indicative of immunosuppression (2000/cu. mm). These findings confirm that hepatic effects are a major feature of HIV infection in India.

Long-term anti-inflammatory drug use and Helicobacter pylori infection: a clinical, endoscopic and histological study.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori are independent risk factors for gastroduodenal damage and peptic ulcer. OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency and effect of H pylori infection on gastroduodenal mucosa in patients on long-term NSAID use. METHODS: A total of 125 subjects were studied: 65 patients (Group 1) on NSAID therapy (> 6 months), 30 patients (Group 2) with arthritic disorders prior to starting NSAID therapy, and 30 healthy volunteers (Group 3). Dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire. All patients underwent endoscopy and antral and duodenal biopsies were obtained to assess the extent of gastroduodenal damage and H pylori status. RESULTS: H pylori infection was less frequent in Group 1 (37%) compared to Group 2 (57%, p = ns) and 3 (60%, p < 0.05). Among Group 1 patients, H pylori infection did not increase the risk of gastroduodenal damage (52% vs 45%) or ulceration (32% vs 27%). Group 1 patients with H pylori infection were more likely to be symptomatic (48% vs 27%) and have chronic active gastritis (76% vs 12%) and chronic active duodenitis (68% vs 5%). Gastric metaplasia was seen only in patients with H pylori infection, chronic active gastritis and duodenitis. Chemical gastritis was observed more commonly in Group 1 (34% vs 3%) compared to Group 2; its was not seen in Group 3. H pylori infection was less commonly observed in patients with chemical gastritis (8% vs 50%). CONCLUSION: Patients on long-term NSAIDs are not at increased risk of H pylori infection. Presence H pylori infection is not associated with increased risk of gastroduodenal damage in these patients. H pylori infection correlated with presence of chronic active gastritis, and NSAID with presence of chemical gastritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in males.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a disease commonly seen in women. A few male kindreds have however been described. In this study, twelve male patients of a series of 175 patients with SLE have been analysed. Arthritis was the most frequent manifestation observed. Renal involvement was seen in as many as 41.65% of patients.

Renal cell carcinoma: presenting with congestive hepatosplenomegaly and rare haematological complications.

We report here a case of right-sided renal cell carcinoma who presented with hypertension and multi-organ metastases. Haematological manifestations noted were erythrocytosis, thrombocytosis and leukaemoid reaction. Of these leukemoid reaction and thrombocytosis are very rare. The patient had hepatosplenomegaly which was found to be congestive in origin due to the pressure of the tumour on the hepatic vein and the inferior vena cava. These rare features make it an unusual case.

Ankylosing spondylitis in females. Similarities and differences with male spondylitics.

Ten female and seventy two male patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis were studied to evaluate differences between the two sexes. Low lumbar backache and inactivity stiffness were the commonest presenting complaints in females (8/10) as compared to males (34/72). They also had a later age of onset (25.4 + 6.16 yrs) compared to males (20.56 + 6.57 yrs). Females were found to be symptomatically milder with a more benign course of the disease. There were no significant differences in the frequency of extra-articular features and HLA B27 between males and females. A positive family history was more often seen in female ankylosing spondylitis (50%) than male (31.94%) patients.