An Artificial Intelligence-Based Reactive Health Care System for Emotion Detections.

In the past few years, remote monitoring technologies have grown increasingly important in the delivery of healthcare. According to healthcare professionals, a variety of factors influence the public perception of connected healthcare systems in a variety of ways. First and foremost, wearable technology in healthcare must establish better bonds with the individuals who will be using them. The emotional reactions of patients to obtaining remote healthcare services may be of interest to healthcare practitioners if they are given the opportunity to investigate them. In this study, we develop an artificial intelligence-based classification system that aims to detect the emotions from the input data using metaheuristic feature selection and machine learning classification. The proposed model is made to undergo series of steps involving preprocessing, feature selection, and classification. The simulation is conducted to test the efficacy of the model on various features present in a dataset. The results of simulation show that the proposed model is effective enough to classify the emotions from the input dataset than other existing methods.

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to pseudoaneurysms in children.

Radiological embolization is the treatment of choice in adults with visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) and gastrointestinal bleeding, but pediatric data is scanty. We analyzed the etiology, clinical presentation, and outcome of radiological intervention in children with PSA of celiac (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branches. Electronic records of children with PSA of CA or SMA branches were reviewed and data on clinical and laboratory profile, radiological intervention, and outcome was recorded. Eleven children with PSA (5 boys, 11 [7-17] years) were studied. Etiology was liver abscess (n 4), abdominal trauma (n 3), pancreatitis (n 3), and indeterminate in 1 case. Ten (91%) patients were symptomatic: abdominal pain (10, 91%), hematemesis/melena (9, 81%), and Quincke's triad (1, 9%). One child with pancreatic pseudocyst was diagnosed incidentally on imaging. Doppler ultrasound identified PSA only in 3 cases, while computed tomography angiography (CTA) picked all cases. Children with liver abscess, trauma, and unknown etiology had PSA from CA (right hepatic artery 7, left hepatic artery 1). Of the 3 pancreatitis cases, 2 had PSA from SMA (inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery and ileal branch) and 1 from CA (left gastric artery). Radiological embolization was done in 9 (81%) cases (coil 6, glue 2, both 1), without any complications or failure. One case resolved spontaneously and 1 died pre-intervention. Nine intervened cases were asymptomatic in follow-up [6 (1-24) months].Conclusion: Liver abscess, trauma, and pancreatitis are causes of PSA of CA and SMA branches in children. A majority present with gastrointestinal bleeding and are identified on CTA. Radiological embolization was safe with 100% success. What is Known: • Pseudoaneurysm of visceral artery is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. • Endoluminal intervention is an established and efficacious treatment modality in adults and preferred over surgery. What is New: • Liver abscess, abdominal trauma and pancreatitis are common causes of celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery branch pseudoaneurysm in children and computed tomography angiography has high sensitivity in identifying these pseudoaneurysms. • Minimally invasive radiological angio-embolization, in the hands of trained radiologists, is a safe and successful modality of treatment in children.

Assessment of iodine nutrition of schoolchildren in Gonda, India, indicates improvement and effectivity of salt iodisation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the total goitre rate (TGR), urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and salt iodine content among schoolchildren in a previously endemic area for severe iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). DESIGN: Cross-sectional epidemiological study. SETTING: The study was carried out in the Gonda district (sub-Himalayan region) of North India. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred and seventy-seven schoolchildren (6-12 years) were studied for parameters such as height, weight, UIC and salt iodine content. Thyroid volume (TV) was measured by ultrasonography to estimate TGR. RESULTS: The overall TGR in the study population was 2·8 % (95 % CI 1·8, 3·8). No significant difference in TGR was observed between boys and girls (3·5 % v. 1·9 %, P = 0·2). There was a non-significant trend of increasing TGR with age (P = 0·05). Median UIC was 157·1 µg/l (interquartile range: 94·5-244·9). At the time of the study, 97 % of salt sample were iodised and nearly 86 % of salt samples had iodine content higher than or equal to 15 part per million. Overall, TGR was significantly lower (2·8 % v. 31·0 %, P < 0·001), and median UIC was significantly higher (157·1 v. 100·0 µg/l, P < 0·05) than that reported in the same area in 2009. CONCLUSIONS: A marked improvement was seen in overall iodine nutrition in the Gonda district after three and a half decades of Universal Salt Iodisation (USI). To sustainably control IDD, USI and other programmes, such as health education, must be continuously implemented along with putting mechanisms to monitor the programme at regular intervals in place.

Robotic-assisted computed tomography-guided 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography-directed biopsy for diagnosis of intra thoracic lesions: An experience from a tertiary care centre in North India.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of robotic-assisted computed tomography (CT)-guided F-FDG PET/CT-directed biopsy for the evaluation of intrathoracic space occupying lesions. METHODS: Twenty-four patients being evaluated for intrathoracic masses were included in the study. The indications were patients with unknown/likely primary detected from PET-CT, suspicious lesions identified from PET-CT in a known primary disease and fine needle aspiration cytology/CT-guided biopsy negative lesions with a high index of suspicion for malignancy. Biopsies were carried out with the help of automated radiology arm (ROBIO-EX) which is essentially a needle positioning and holding device. A two-day protocol was followed in which PET-CT scan was done on the first day, biopsy procedure was done on the next scheduled day. PET images were refused with the CT images done on the second day in the console by using manual alignment and then a biopsy was carried out with the help of a robotic arm. Primary outcome was histopathological yield from the obtained specimens. RESULTS: Tissue yield was 100% (n = 24) and histopathological diagnosis rate was 96% (n = 23). Out of the 24 lesions biopsied 30% (n = 8) were benign and 70% (n = 16) turned out to be malignant. The complication rates were pneumothorax 4% (n = 1) and haemothorax 4% (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted CT-guided F-FDG PET/CT-directed biopsy is a useful and accurate technique for diagnostic evaluation of intrathoracic neoplasms with minimal complications rates as compared with conventional imaging techniques.

Childhood pancreatic trauma: Clinical presentation, natural history and outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To study the presentation, management strategies and long-term natural history of children with pancreatic trauma. METHODS: Children admitted with pancreatic trauma were analyzed for their presentation, management and outcome. Management included nasojejunal feeds, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), octreotide, drainage (radiological and endoscopic), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and surgery. Patients were assessed in follow-up for development of chronic pancreatitis (CP). RESULTS: 36 children [29 boys, age 144 (13-194) months] presented at 30 (3-210) days after trauma. Most common cause of trauma was bicycle handle bar injury [n = 18,50%]. Presenting features were abdominal pain [n = 26,72%], lump [n = 16, 44.4%], ascites [n = 13,36%], pleural effusion [n = 9,25%] and anasarca [n = 3,8.3%]. All presented with sequelae of ductal disruption with pseudocyst, ascites or pleural effusion. Fifteen (41.6%) patients each had Grade III and IV injury, 4 (11%) had grade V, and grading was unavailable in 2. Other organs were injured in 4 (11%) cases. Management consisted of various combinations of nasojejunal feeds [n = 17,47.2%], TPN [n = 5,13.8%], octreotide [n = 13,36%], pseudocyst drainage [radiological (n = 18,50%), endoscopic (n = 3,8.3%)] and ERCP [n = 12,33.3%]. Surgical intervention was done in 2 (5.5%) cases [cystojejunostomy and peritoneal lavage in 1 each]. Two (5.5%) patients died due to sepsis. Of the 32 cases in follow-up, 19 (59.3%) recovered and 13 (40.6%) developed CP, with half (6/13) of them being symptomatic with recurrent pain. CONCLUSION: Multi-disciplinary non-operative management is effective for managing pancreatic trauma in 94.4% of children, with 75% requiring radiological or endoscopic intervention. 40% developed structural changes later but only half were symptomatic.

A Clinico-Radiological Study: Veria Technique of Cochlear Implant-A Study of 50 Cases.

Main limitation of classical technique is limited access to cochlea in terms of cochlear rotations and related structures, thus causing difficulty in electrode insertion. Veria technique allows full access to cochlea after raising tympanomeatal flap. To our best knowledge this is first clinic-radiological study for Veria technique studying distance between tympanic segment of facial nerve and posterior wall of external auditory canal (EAC) demonstrating facial nerve safety. Prospective study was done on 50 patients having bilateral sensori-neural hearing loss. Patients underwent cochlear implant surgery irrespective of age and gender. Preoperative high-resolution computed tomography temporal bone and magnetic resonance imaging head was done, distance between tympanic segment of facial nerve and posterior wall of EAC and basal turn angle were measured. Intraoperative NRT followed by orbito-meatal X-ray was done in post operative period. 25 (50%) were male, 25 (50%) female. 35 patients (70%) showed that the distance between tympanic segment of facial nerve and posterior wall of EAC was more than 3 mm with mean 4.41 mm (± 0.63 SD). Distance calculated was greater in older age group than younger group. Patient having inner ear malformation, mean was 3.96 mm (± .44 SD). Whereas patients having acquired disease, mean distance was 4.30 mm (± .47 SD). On gender comparison of basal turn angle score, no significant difference was observed male (54.34° ± 4.48°) versus female (55.66° ± 4.15°) (p = 0.282). Mean of basal turn angle (BTA) in ≤ 5 years age group was 54.89° ± 3.65°, in 6-10 years age group was 55.21° ± 5.23° and in age group ≥ 11 years was 54.93° ± 4° with no significant difference in mean value between the groups (p = 0.282). High jugular bulb was seen in 4 patients (2 in right side, 2 in left side), hypoplastic jugular bulb was seen in 10 patients (9 in left, 1 in right), otosclerosis in 2 patients. Veria technique is safe for facial nerve, as preoperatively distance between tympanic segment of facial nerve and posterior canal wall can be identified. It is suitable method for rotated cochlea (identified preoperatively through BTA) and deformed cochlea as it offers a wide visibility and accessibility as compared to posterior tympanotomy approach. BTA and distance between posterior canal wall of EAC and tympanic segment of facial nerve should be done in all cases to see any cochlear rotation and feasibility of surgery.

Revision Surgery in the Management of Anorectal Malformations: Experience from a Tertiary Center of India.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the significant advancements in the management of anorectal malformations (ARMs), there are various surgical and functional complications reported. Complications are closely related with the surgical techniques adopted and the types of malformations. In this article, we present our experiences with ARM patients who required reoperation after unsuccessful previous surgeries or who had developed complications related to the previous surgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and electronic records of all the patients with ARM who were operated for ARMs in our institute from June 2010 to May 2016. All ARM patients who needed reoperation were included in the study. These patients were previously operated outside our institute and referred to us with ongoing problems of constipation, stool impaction with overflow incontinence, perineal soiling, and difficult urination. RESULTS: There were 31 patients (M:F = 2.1:1) of ARM, reoperated for 38 indications during the above-mentioned period. Five patients had more than one problem. Presentation included neoanal stenosis (11), complete obliteration of neoanus (2), malpositioned neoanus (2), persistent/recurrent rectourethral fistula (3), iatrogenic rectovaginal fistula (4), rectal prolapse (5), large widened neoanus with soiling (2), and urethral stricture (2), which required revision interventions. Six patients had megarectum. All patients showed improvement in their symptoms after revision surgery, but 10 (41.7%) patients required further regular bowel management program (BMP) to avoid the soiling and constipation. Fourteen (58.3%) patients stayed clean without regular BMP. CONCLUSION: All these complications had clear explanations and are well described in the literature. Revision surgery in such patients had fair outcome, but some sort of BMP was required. Both posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and anterior sagittal anorectoplasty are excellent techniques for revision surgery with few simple modifications.

Prognostic scoring systems and outcome of endovascular radiological intervention of chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Prognostic scoring systems (PSS) have not been validated in children with chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). We aimed to analyse the long-term outcome of radiological intervention (RI) and validate the PSS in children. METHODS: Chronic BCS children were analysed in four subgroups: (i) SI: successful intervention (primary or secondary stent patency) (ii) PO: poor outcome (refractory stent block or requirement of liver transplantation), (iii) NU: naïve unintervened (awaiting RI) and (iv) DBI: died before intervention. PSS analysed included Paediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD), Rotterdam, BCS-Transjuglar intrahepatic Portosystemic shunt (BCS-TIPS) index, Zeitoun, Child-Pugh and Model for end-stage liver disease. RESULTS: Of 113 BCS children, 48 children underwent 53 successful primary RI. Actuarial probability of vascular patency was 87% at 1 year and 82% at 5 years follow-up. Four groups (SI: n = 40, PO: n = 7, NU: n = 13, DBI: n = 6) were analysed. Univariate analysis showed pre-intervention PELD score [PO: 11 (-1-23) vs SI: 2 (-8-25), P = .009] with a cut-off of 4 (AUC: 0.809, 86% sensitivity, 75% specificity) determined PO following intervention. In unintervened group (NU vs DBI), multivariate analysis demonstrated that Zeitoun score predicted death independently (OR 15.4, 95% CI: 1.17-203.56, P = .04) with a cut-off of 4.3 (AUC: 0.923, 83% sensitivity and 77% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Children with BCS have a favourable long-term outcome. Among those undergoing RI, pre-intervention PELD score determines the outcome. Survival is determined by Zeitoun score in those unintervened.

Intussusception in celiac disease: Is it a common feature in children?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are sporadic reports of occurrence of intussusception in celiac disease (CD) but no systematic study yet. We prospectively studied the prevalence and natural history of intussusception in newly diagnosed CD. METHODS: From January 2010 to October 2013, 150 children, diagnosed to have CD on the basis of positive serology and duodenal biopsy, were recruited in this study. Abdominal ultrasonography was carried out before starting gluten-free diet (GFD) and repeated in those who had intussusception, on day 3 and then weekly till the resolution of intussusception. RESULTS: The median age was 72 (range, 16-204) months, and 79 (53%) were boys. Diarrhea was the presenting symptom in 119 (79%) cases. A total of 45 intussusceptions were detected in 37 (25%) children. Out of 45 intussusceptions, 95% involved small bowel. All but one had asymptomatic intussusception. On GFD, intussusception resolved spontaneously within 7 days in 65%, within 14 days in 84%, and within 28 days in 92% of cases, and none required surgical or hydrostatic reduction. On univariate analysis, younger age, low weight z score, presentation with diarrhea, abdominal distension, rickets, lower serum albumin, more severe villous atrophy, and refeeding syndrome were more common in children with intussusception. On multivariate analysis, abdominal distension and hypoalbuminemia were found to be significantly associated with intussusception. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception is frequently (25%) seen in children with newly diagnosed CD, generally asymptomatic and resolves spontaneously on GFD. It is often associated with more severe disease. Children with CD and intussusception should not be subjected to surgical/radiological intervention.

Early Nephrectomy in Unilateral Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney in Children Cures Hypertension Early: An Observation.

Objective Surgery is still indicated as the treatment of choice in subset of patients with unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (UMCDK) because of its potential complications and malignant change. The purpose of this study is to present our observation that early nephrectomy may cure hypertension early in children with UMCDK and review the literature. Materials and Methods We report here four children (two males and two females) with antenatally diagnosed UMCDK with hypertension, treated in the past 4 years. All have antenatal diagnosis of UMCDK and referred to us after their birth. Diagnosis of hypertension (blood pressure > 95th percentile) was made after 3 months of follow-up in all patients. Nephrectomy was performed in all children in variable time duration. Hypertension, urinary tract infection, and desire of parents were the main indication of surgery. Results All children showed decrease in the size of their dysplastic kidney with time, but hypertension was persistent and needed antihypertensive drugs; even increase in the doses in successive follow-up. After nephrectomy, three children who were operated early got cured having normal blood pressure within variable time duration, while a child, operated late, still had high blood pressure and needed antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion Early nephrectomy in recently diagnosed hypertension in UMCDK is advisable and can cure hypertension early. Levels of Evidence The level of evidence is IV (case series with no comparison group).

Acute presentation of koch's abdomen in children: Our experience.

BACKGROUND: To analyse our experience with acute presentations of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in children for early diagnosis and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2010 to April 2016, available electronic and operation theatre (OT) records of 17 patients with confirmed diagnosis of abdominal TB were analysed retrospectively. Parameters reviewed were age, sex, presentations, diagnostic investigations, surgery/intervention performed, final outcome and follow-up. RESULTS: Out of 17 patients, 6 (35.3%) were already operated elsewhere. The duration of symptoms ranged from 4 to 58 weeks. Abdominal pain was present in all cases whereas 11 (64.7%) had abdominal distension, 16 (94.1%) fever, 14 (82.3%) ascites, 9 (52.9%) vomiting, 14 (82.3%) weight loss, 6 (35.3%) anorexia and 4 (23.5%) night sweat. All patients needed surgical intervention for definitive diagnosis. Thirteen (76.5%) out of 17 patients managed by staged surgery and primary anastomosis/repair/adhesiolysis were done in 4 (23.5%) patients. The main post-operative problems were wound infections (8; 47.1%), subacute bowel obstruction (6; 35.3%) and chest infections (12; 70.6%). Follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 5.5 years. CONCLUSION: Abdominal TB should always be considered in differential diagnosis in children presenting with abdominal pain/distension, fever and ascites or with abdominopelvic mass. Recurrent bowel obstruction or anastomotic disruptions also give clues of its diagnosis. A careful history of illness, high index of suspicion, ascitic fluid adenosine deaminase or polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium needed for early diagnosis. Prompt minimal surgical interventions, preferred diversion over primary anastomosis, algorithmic vigilant post-operative care and early antitubercular treatment required for success in acute crisis.

A Report of 320 Cases of Childhood Pancreatitis: Increasing Incidence, Etiologic Categorization, Dynamics, Severity Assessment, and Outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Because there is paucity of data on natural history of pediatric pancreatitis, we studied prevalence, etiology, severity, and outcome of pancreatitis. METHODS: Over 12 years consecutive children with pancreatitis were included. Pancreatitis was classified as acute (AP), acute recurrent (ARP), and chronic pancreatitis (CP) as per standard definitions. RESULTS: The study group comprised of 320 children (age, 11.4 ± 3.5 years, 201 males); AP, 160 (50%); ARP, 67 (21%); and CP, 93 (29%). The number of cases increased progressively from 28 to 157 between first and last quarter, and there was a significant increase (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) in AP-related hospitalizations over the years. Half of AP were idiopathic, 69% had severe pancreatitis (6 died) and on follow-up (21.1 ± 20.9 months) 21.5% progressed to either ARP (n = 8) or CP (n = 24). Progression was significantly associated with idiopathic etiology. The majority of ARP (70%) and CP (88%) were idiopathic and on follow-up (23.2 ± 28.9 months) 22% of ARP developed CP. CONCLUSIONS: There was 7-fold increase in number of hospitalization due to pancreatitis over the years. Progression of AP to ARP/CP was noted in 21.5% and ARP to CP in 22%. Thus, a subset of pancreatitis seems to be a continuum of acute to ARP and CP.

Percutaneous Direct Needle Puncture and Transcatheter N-butyl Cyanoacrylate Injection Techniques for the Embolization of Pseudoaneurysms and Aneurysms of Arteries Supplying the Hepato-pancreato-biliary System and Gastrointestinal Tract.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of percutaneous direct needle puncture and transcatheter N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) injection techniques for the embolization of pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms of arteries supplying the hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, where the study group comprised 11 patients with pseudoaneurysms/aneurysms of arteries supplying the HPB system and GI tract presenting to a tertiary care center from January 2015 to June 2016. Four patients (36.4%) underwent percutaneous direct needle puncture of pseudoaneurysms with NBCA injection, 3 patients (27.3%) underwent transcatheter embolization with NBCA as sole embolic agent, and in 4 patients (36.4%), transcatheter NBCA injection was done along with coil embolization. RESULTS: This retrospective study comprised 11 patients (8 males and 3 females) with mean age of 35.8 years ± 1.6 (standard deviation [SD]). The mean volume of NBCA: ethiodized oil (lipiodol) mixture injected by percutaneous direct needle puncture was 0.62 ml ± 0.25 (SD) (range = 0.5-1 ml), and by transcatheter injection, it was 0.62 ml ± 0.37 (SD) (range = 0.3-1.4 ml). Embolization with NBCA was technically and clinically successful in all patients (100%). No recurrence of bleeding or recurrence of pseudoaneurysm/aneurysm was noted in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous direct needle puncture of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms and NBCA glue injection and transcatheter NBCA injection for embolization of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms are cost-effective techniques that can be used when coil embolization is not feasible or has failed.

Ultrasound guided transrectal catheter drainage of pelvic collections.

The transrectal approach to draining deep-seated pelvic collections may be used to drain The transrectal approach to draining deep-seated pelvic collections may be used to drain intra-abdominal collections not reached by the transabdominal approach. We discuss 6 patients with such pelvic collections treated with transrectal drainage using catheter placement via Seldinger technique. Transrectal drainage helped achieve clinical and radiological resolution of pelvic collections in 6 and 5 of 6 cases, respectively. It simultaneously helped avoid injury to intervening bowel loops and neurovascular structures using real-time visualization of armamentarium used for drainage. Radiation exposure from fluoroscopic/CT guidance was avoided. Morbidity and costs incurred in surgical exploration were reduced using this much less invasive ultrasound guided transrectal catheter drainage of deep-seated pelvic collections.

Prevalence, Natural History, and Outcome of Acute Fluid Collection and Pseudocyst in Children With Acute Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Recent years have witnessed an increase in acute pancreatitis (AP) in children; however, the natural history of acute fluid collection (AFC) and pseudocyst is largely unknown. We evaluated the frequency, clinical characteristics, and natural history of pseudocysts in children with AP. METHODS: Children with AP admitted at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences from 2001 to 2011 were enrolled and studied until complete resolution. Subjects with inadequate follow-up, recurrent AP, and chronic pancreatitis were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 58 children (43 boys, median age 14 [1-18] years) with AP, 34 (58.6%) and 22 (38%) developed AFC and pseudocyst, respectively. No difference in age (12 [4-18] vs 13 [1-16] years), etiology (idiopathic 64% vs 47% and traumatic 27.2% vs 22.2%), and systemic complications (pulmonary [18% vs 11%], renal [22.7% vs 11%], and shock [13.6% vs 10%]) was observed between children with and without pseudocyst. A total of 11 of the 22 subjects with pseudocyst underwent drainage, the commonest symptom requiring drainage being gastric outlet obstruction [n = 5] and infection [n = 2]. The 11 of the 22 children with AP and pseudocyst (size 6.4 [3-14.4] cm) showed spontaneous resolution (disappearance [n = 9] and significant reduction in size [n = 2]) during 110 (25-425) days. Symptomatic pseudocysts requiring drainage were more often secondary to traumatic AP (6/6 vs 2/14 [idiopathic], P = 0.0007) than asymptomatic pseudocysts resolving spontaneously. Overall, only 26.4% (9/34) children with AFC required drainage because of symptomatic pseudocyst. CONCLUSIONS: Among children with AP, 58.6% developed AFC and 38% developed pseudocysts. Only patients with symptomatic pseudocyst need drainage, and asymptomatic pseudocyst can be safely observed irrespective of size and duration of collection.

ß-Blocker therapy ameliorates hypersplenism due to portal hypertension in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Thrombocytopenia due to hypersplenism precludes percutaneous liver biopsy in many cases of chronic liver disease (CLD). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of propranolol in correcting platelet counts (>100,000/mm(3)) to ensure percutaneous liver biopsy in children with CLD. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2012, 51 consecutive children (mean age 11.5 ± 3.0 years, 34 boys) with CLD who needed liver biopsy but could not be done due to hypersplenism-related thrombocytopenia (platelets <100,000/mm(3) and/or total leukocyte counts <4,000/mm(3) with splenomegaly) were recruited and given a 4-week trial of long-acting propranolol (1.5-2 mg/kg/day). Hemodynamic parameters and splenic artery hemodynamics by Doppler ultrasound were recorded before and after the propranolol trial. Response to therapy was defined as improvement of platelet counts to ≥10(5)/mm(3). RESULTS: Thirty-two (62.7%) children responded to propranolol therapy and their mean platelet counts increased from 57.5 ± 13.0 × 10(3) to 140.7 ± 43.3 × 10(3)/mm(3), p = 0.0001. Liver biopsy could be done in 29. While comparing responders with non-responders, baseline spleen size (7.4 ± 3.3 vs. 12.7 ± 4.5 cm, p = 0.0001) and platelet counts (57.5 ± 13.0 × 10(3) vs. 39.5 ± 14.5 × 10(3), p = 0.0001) were found to be significant. ROC curve suggested a cut-off value of ≤8.5 cm of spleen and ≥53,000 platelets as predictors of response. With propranolol, mean arterial pressure and spleen size reduced (p < 0.05) and splenic artery resistance increased significantly (p = 0.005) in responders. CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol corrects thrombocytopenia and makes liver biopsy possible in almost two-thirds of cases by reducing splenic sequestration through splenic artery vasoconstriction. The baseline spleen size and platelet counts determine the effectiveness of therapy. A trial of ß-blocker is worth carrying out in cases where liver biopsy is contraindicated due to hypersplenism-related thrombocytopenia.

Clinico-radiologic Findings in Group II Caudal Regression Syndrome.

Caudal regression syndrome (CRS) is a rare congenital abnormality in which a segment of the lumbo-sacral spine and spinal cord fails to develop. The severity of the morphologic derangement inversely correlates with residual spinal cord function. We present a case report of a 10-year-old girl with Group 2 CRS, to emphasize clinical and radiologic findings in this rare abnormality.

Does conventional defecography has a role to play in evaluation of evacuatory disorders in Indian population?

Barium studies are one of the best investigations for evaluating submucosal and extrinsic mass lesions. However, barium studies bring less money, are operator dependent and one of the more difficult investigations for radiologists to master. Economic factors have acted as powerful disincentives for performing gastrointestinal (GI) fluoroscopy in most radiology practices. In this pictorial essay, we discuss the role of conventional defecography in evaluating evacuatory disorders in the Indian population.