Intravitam Diagnosis of Rabies in Patients with Acute Encephalitis: A Study of Two Cases.

Rabies is one of the oldest known zoonotic diseases. Rhabdovirus, an RNA virus belonging to the genus Lyssavirus and family Rhabdoviridae, causes rabies. Rabies diagnosis is challenging as the rabies virus remains confined to neurons after the initial animal bite. It largely remains immune-evasive until the infection reaches the central nervous system. The bottleneck in rabies diagnosis remains the non-availability of technical expertise and failure to collect an appropriate sample. The laboratory confirmation of rabies in both antemortem and postmortem samples is important. The samples were tested for anti-rabies antibodies using quantitative ELISA. In this report, two case studies are presented to demonstrate the suitability of ELISA for the intra vitam diagnosis of rabies using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a diagnostic sample. The interpretation of serology results for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals has been discussed in detail, which has helped to confirm the antemortem diagnosis of rabies. In this report, we observed that ELISA can be a viable alternative for anti-rabies antibody detection in CSF and can be used as a viable alternative to more technically challenging tests, such as Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFFIT) and Immunofluorescence Assays (IFA).

Pulmonary cavitation in follow-up COVID 2019 cases: An etiological perspective.

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global healthcare challenge that has caused morbidity and mortality at unprecedented levels. Since the post-COVID pulmonary complications are evolving and challenging, a study was carried out to assess pulmonary cavitation in follow-up COVID cases from an etiological perspective. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of pulmonary cavitation and describe its etiology and evolution in moderate and severe post-COVID pneumonia patients. Methods: A prospective observational study of all patients admitted to our institution with moderate or severe COVID pneumonia was carried out. Some of these patients again became symptomatic after discharge and developed pulmonary cavitation on imaging. Results: 6.2% (n = 37) out of 589 patients admitted to our institution with moderate or severe COVID pneumonia developed pulmonary cavitation on follow-up. We describe the imaging characteristics of post-COVID cavitation and present these patients' clinical, laboratory, and microbiological parameters. Conclusion: Cavitary lung disease in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease is not uncommon, and an etiological workup is necessary to institute timely and correct therapy.

A Comparative Analysis of Clinical and Imaging Features of Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) Antibody Positive, Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) Antibody Positive and Double Seronegative Subtypes of Neuro Myelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).

Objectives: Study was conducted with aim of comparing subtypes types of NMOSD based on serology. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients ≥18 years were included satisfying IPND 2015 criteria. Three groups were created based on seropositivity for AQP4 antibody, MOG antibody or double seronegative. Demographic, clinical and imaging were compared using regression analysis. Results: Forty-six patients, 28 (60.9%) AQP4+, 11 (23.9%) MOG + and remaining 7 (15.2%) double seronegative were included. Thirty-seven patients (80.4%) had presenting symptoms localized to optic nerve and/or cord [AQP4 + 22 (78.5%), MOG + 9 (81.8%) and double seronegative 6 (85.7%)]. Presentation with bilateral optic neuritis was more common in AQP4- patients. Twenty (86.8%) out of the 23 patients who had relapsing disease localized to optic nerve and/or spinal cord [AQP4 + 13/14 (92.8%), MOG + 3/5 (60%) and double seronegative 4/4 (100%)]. Relapses were more common in AQP4+ (77% vs 12% vs10%). In AQP4 negative group disability (EDSS 4.2 vs 3.3) and progression index was relatively less (1.6 vs 1.1). CSF pleocytosis (38.8% vs 17.9%) and raised proteins (66.6% vs 32.1%) were also more common. Optic nerve MRI (>50% optic nerve and chiasma involvement) was more commonly abnormal in AQP4 negative (52.9% vs 31.2%). Regression analysis revealed females to be significantly higher in AQP4 positive NMOSD (89.3%) when compared to MOG positive (36.4%) and double seronegative (42.9%). Conclusion: Gender was the only significant difference between the three groups. There was trend towards greater disability and more relapses in AQP4 + groups.

Prevalence of Inherited Procoagulant States in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and its Correlation with Severity and Outcome.

Background Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is one of the important causes of stroke in young adults. It is caused by complete or partial thrombotic occlusion of the cerebral venous sinuses or cortical veins. There are many risk factors associated with this condition, out of which common ones are oral contraceptives use, genetic, or acquired thrombophilias, infections, malignancy, pregnancy, and puerperium. We aimed to study the prevalence of inherited procoagulant states in patients with CVT and correlate these states with the severity and outcome. Materials and Methods It was a prospective observational study of 2 years duration in which 75 patients, 18 to 50 years old, with confirmed CVT were included. The baseline data, imaging findings were recorded for all the patients. After 3 months of the onset of CVT, anticoagulants were stopped and a procoagulant test was done for all patients. Severity was assessed by Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) at the onset of illness. Functional assessments were done using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at presentation, at 7 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Results In the present study, any procoagulant state was seen in 9 out of 75 patients with CVT that accounted for 12% of the total population. There was no significant correlation between the presence of procoagulant states and severity of illness as assessed by GCS at presentation. The presence of any thrombophilia did not affect the final outcome at 7 days, 6 weeks or 3 months ( p = 0.532, p = 0.944 and p = 0.965 respectively) as assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Conclusion Inherited procoagulant states are an important risk factor for CVT. The presence of an inherited procoagulant state does not have any correlation with the disease severity and outcome.

Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12 at Admission is a Predictor of Poor Functional Outcome (mRS 2-6) at One Year in Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors at hospitalization of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) which determine outcome at one year. METHODS: This was an ambispective study with outcome at one year follow up. Patients angiographically proven as CVT were included in study and functional modified Rankin Scale (mRS) determined at one year. They were dichotomized into "good" outcome (mRS 0-1) and "poor" outcome (mRS 2-6). Variables at admission were compared on univariate and then by cox proportional hazard regression for significance. Complications during follow up period were also compared. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy five patients were included, data of 71 was collected prospectively. One hundred and seventeen (66.9%) had "good" outcome while 58 (33.1%) had "poor" outcome. Univariate analysis showed poor outcome associated with age < 30 years, female sex, focal deficit, GCS ≤ 12, ≥3 sinuses involved and intracerebral haemorrhage. On Cox proportional hazard regression only GCS ≤ 12 was significant. Around 96% had complete/ partial recanalization at 6 months. Over one year, the complications included dural AV fistula in 10 (5.7%), intracranial hypertension in 4 (2.3%), venous thromboembolism in 6 (3.4%) and arterial infarct in 4 (2.3%). Proportions with complications in each group were similar. At one year 41 patients (25.2%) were continued on anticoagulation and 97 (55.2%) on antiepileptic drugs. Proportion in each group were similar. CONCLUSION: In patients with CVT, GCS ≤ 12 at admission was a predictor of poor functional outcome (mRS 2-6) at one year. During this period, complications were few and similar in the both the groups.

Long-Term Study about the Incidence of Epilepsy in Male Service Personnel from India: A Retrospective, Cohort Study.

Background The data on the epidemiology of epilepsy are limited for developing countries including India. We estimated the incidence of epilepsy in a cohort of service personnel from India followed for over two decades. Materials and Methods The data for this epidemiological study were derived from the electronic medical records (EMRs) of the male service personnel. The participants (age < 18 years) were enrolled into active service between 1990 and 2015 in good health. The data pertaining to the diagnosis of epilepsy were derived from the EMR using the prevalent International Classification of Diseases codes. We calculated the incidence rate as per person-years (py) using appropriate statistical methods. Results Our data included 51,217 participants (median age: 33 years, range: 17-54) with a mean follow-up of 12.5 years, giving a cumulative follow-up duration of 613,925 py. A total of 291 patients developed epilepsy during the study, giving an incidence rate of 0.47 per 1000 py (95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.53). Undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy, central nervous system disorders, and alcohol dependence syndrome were the common comorbid ailments in patients with epilepsy. Conclusion Our cohort had a comparable incidence rate of epilepsy with other studies from India and abroad.

Brain stem death certification protocol.

Transplantation of Human Organs is guided by laid down specific Laws in India. The organs which are targeted to be transplanted are liver, kidney and cornea. The waiting list is enormous but the donor pool is meagre. This document has been made with a view that the donor pool can be enlarged by identifying patients who are 'Brain Dead' while still not having 'Cardiac Death'. The steps include the prerequisite conditions which must be satisfied by patients who have suspicion of being brain dead, detailed examination of the patient, confirmation of the Brain Death and Counselling of the relatives for organ donation.

Effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with coexisting hypovitaminosis D: A parellel group placebo controlled randomized controlled pilot study.

CONTEXT: Vitamin D supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients may lead to improved glycemic control by improving insulin secretion and decreasing insulin resistance. AIMS: To investigate effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coexisting hypovitaminosis D. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Randomized, Parallel Group, Placebo Controlled Trial carried out in a tertiary care hospital of Indian Armed Forces. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Sixty patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypovitaminosis D were randomized into cases and controls and were supplemented with oral Vitamin D and microcrystalline cellulose respectively for six months. Subjects' HbA1c and vitamin D levels were monitored at the beginning and end of the study, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) & post prandial plasma glucose (PPPG) during monthly OPD visits. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Intra-group comparison was made by paired t test & unpaired t test was used for inter-group (A v/s B) comparisons. Repeated measures ANOVA was undertaken to compare values over time. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable for all parameters at baseline. Case group showed significant decrease in mean HbA1c levels (7.29% to 7.02%; P = 0.01), mean FPG levels (131.4 to 102.6 mg/dl; P = 0.04) and mean PPPG levels (196.2 to 135.0 mg/dl; P < 0.001). Incidentally, significant improvement in systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol was also noted in the cases, while for LDL cholesterol improvement tended towards significance (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that oral vitamin D supplementation was associated with improved glycemic control and other metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Supplementation to achieve normal levels of vitamin D can be a promising adjuvant therapy for T2DM patients & coexisting hypovitaminosis D.

Steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) in childhood.

AIM: Steroid responsive encephalopathy with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is a clinically and electrographically heterogeneous steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with thyroid autoantibodies. We report an adolescent with SREAT and review PubMed literature relating to childhood. METHODS: A 14-year-old boy, without any preceding history of trauma, meningoencephalitis or seizures, was admitted in a comatose state. A similar episode of loss of consciousness 2 months prior with normal neuroimaging and electroencephalogram (EEG) had been followed by behavioral alterations. A year previously, during evaluation for increased appetite and poor weight gain, he was noted to have small goitre with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 7.26 mIU/L, T3 1.232 nmol/L, and T4 117.63 nmol/L. Routine hemogram, blood biochemistry, thyroid function tests including free hormone levels, ultrasonography thyroid and magnetic resonance imaging were normal. EEG showed diffuse slowing of all waves. Cerebrospinal fluid showed no pleocytosis and electrophoresis showed oligoclonal band. Viral studies and serum N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody levels were negative. Anti-thyroid peroxidase (Anti-TPO) antibodies were raised. Intervention was with intravenous dexamethasone 4 mg every 6 h for 1 week followed by tapering schedule of oral prednisolone over 6 months. RESULTS: He regained consciousness after the second dose of dexamethasone and was discharged on day 7 in a fully conscious and ambulant state on a tapering course of low dose prednisolone for 6 months. He remains euthyroid with normal sensorium and behavior at 18 months follow-up. Only 50 cases below 18 years age were identified amongst 300 PubMed articles up to 31 July 2013. CONCLUSION: Prompt steroid therapy following early recognition by high clinical suspicion and measurement of antithyroid antibody titers can lead to a favorable prognosis in SREAT.

An unusual cause of progressive quadriparesis.

Thyroid carcinoma is a rare cause of compressive myelopathy. Quadriparesis as the presenting manifestation of follicular carcinoma of thyroid without any preceding features of malignancy is quite uncommon. We describe a case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with progressive quadriparesis of 2 months duration, on evaluation was found to have a large tumor destroying C1, C2 vertebrae and occupying craniovertebral junction. Histopathological examination of excised tumor was follicular thyroid carcinoma. She was successfully managed with surgical excision, stabilization of spine followed by radiotherapy.

Brittleness of diabetes due to achalasia cardia managed successfully by multiple innovative strategies.

Achalasia cardia is an infrequent disorder of esophageal dysmotility that has failure of the lower end of the esophagus to relax with swallowing as hallmark abnormality. Diabetes mellitus, on the other hand, can afflict the motor activity of gastrointestinal tract by causing autonomic neuropathy. Combination of these diseases can be very distressing to a patient. We present a 45-year-old lady co-affected with both these disorders who presented with severe hypoglycemia and was managed successfully using the multiple strategies to treat achalasia and diabetes.

Botulinum toxin for meralgia paresthetica in type 2 diabetes.

Botulinum toxin has been used for a variety of neuropathic conditions in diabetes mellitus. Meralgia paresthetica is a mononeuropathy of femoral nerve seen in diabetes and obesity with an unclear etiopathogenesis. We studied the role of botulinum toxin in resistant cases of meralgia paresthetica in type 2 diabetes.

Shock due to amlodipine overdose.

Amlodipine is a commonly prescribed calcium channel blocker. Its toxicity is the leading cause of drug overdose seen in the practice of cardiovascular medicine. It can lead to profound hypotension and shock. Management involves early and aggressive supportive measures and calcium infusion in large doses to overcome competitive blockade. We report one such case that presented with amlodipine overdose and was successfully managed.

Gitelman's syndrome with panhypopituitarism: Reno-endocrine interplay.

Gitelman's syndrome is an inherited tubulopathy affecting thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter, which manifests with hypokalemic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria. Recently few cases have been described having an association of Gitelman's syndrome with pituitary abnormalities on imaging, though with normal hormonal status. We describe the first case of an adult patient having Gitelman's syndrome and hypopituitarism with abnormal pituitary imaging. She presented to us with hypotension, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia with alkalosis, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, and hypogonadism. She was treated with replacement of electrolytes and hormones, to which she showed an excellent response.