Prevalence and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infection in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and intensity and examine the risk factors of soil transmitted helminth (STH; i.e., roundworm [Ascaris lumbricoides], hookworms [Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus], and whipworm [Trichuris trichiura]) infections in Nepal. METHODS: Five hundred and ninety-four adults (256 men and 338 women) were selected via convenience sampling from five communities in Nepal. The Kato-Katz method was used to assess the prevalence and intensity of STH infection in this population. RESULTS: Prevalence of STH infection ranged from 3.3% in Birendranagar in Chitwan, 3.5% in Kuleshor in Kathmandu, 11.7% in Kanyam in Ilam, 17.0% in Dhikurpokhari in Kaski and 51.4% in Khokana in Lalitpur District [corrected]. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that not using soap for hand-washing was significantly associated with the prevalence and infection intensity of roundworm, hookworms and whipworm. Similarly, not wearing sandals or shoes outside was significantly associated with the prevalence and infection intensity of roundworm and hookworms, but not with infection intensity of whipworm. Literacy, being underweight or overweight, anemia and occupation were not associated with prevalence and intensity of roundworm and hookworms infection, but there was an association between occupation and the prevalence of whipworm infection. CONCLUSION: STH infection was associated with individual hygiene behavior, but not with nutritional status or socio-demographic characteristics. Health policy focusing on changing individual hygiene behaviors might be useful in addressing STH infection in Nepal.

Health status of married women residing five communities in Nepal: unexpectedly high prevalence of anemia in a well-off community of Kathmandu.

The high prevalence of anemia and underweight among reproductive age women is a serious health concern in Nepal. The objective of the present study was to describe anemia prevalence and nutritional status of married women in Nepal. Total of 278 women were included in the present analysis. The five communities included an urban commercial area (W) in Kathmandu, an agricultural village (K) in Lalitpur District, an agricultural village in Chitwan District (C) and one in Ilam District (I) with intensive cash cropping, and another rural village in Kaski District (P) with high number of international out-migration of males. The study procedure included anthropometric measurements, blood collection for hemoglobin measurement, and stool collection for examination of hookworm infection, and a structured interview on their reproductive history including contraceptive use. The altitude adjusted prevalence of anemia was 65%, 23%, 16%, 49% and 58% in communities C, I, K, P and W respectively. The hookworm prevalence of each community was not associated with the anemia prevalence. In the urban well-off community W, although 38% of the women had BMI > or = 25 and only 2% of women had BMI<18.5, 58% of the women were anemic. A logistic regression analysis on the anemia risk at the individual level showed no effect of helminth infection, but a significant negative effect of Depo-Provera (depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate) use. Causes of high anemia prevalence among the women resided in the urban well-off area should be investigated in future studies.

Diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in thyroid swellings.

BACKGROUND: Proper management of the disease depends upon accurate diagnosis. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology has become the investigation of choice because of its high accuracy, simplicity, minimal-invasiveness, quick result and reliability. METHODS: All the patients with thyroid disease, irrespective of age and gender, who underwent thyroid were studied. These patients had their fine needle aspiration Cytology was done in our centre. Detailed history, physical examination, routine investigations, radiological investigations (including CT scans when needed), hormonal assay, (T3, T4, TSH ), ultrasound of neck and FNAC were done. Pre- operative fine needle aspiration results were compared with histopathology results of operated specimen and then analyzed statistically to assess the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the result. RESULTS: There were total of 51 patients. Age ranges from 21 to 62 years. The study duration was from May 2006 to February 2011. Out of 51 patients, 82.35% (n=42) were females and 17.64% (n=9) were males. In 43 patients, FNAC showed benign lesions, of which 40 were true negative (TN) and three false negative (FN), which on histopathology reported malignancy. Remaining eight cases were diagnosed as malignancy on histopathology of which seven cases were true positive (TP), one case of false positive (FP) was detected in our study. Over all Sensitivity was 70% and specificity was 97.5% and accuracy of FNAC was 92.1%. CONCLUSIONS: FNAC should be performed in all cases of thyroid nodules because of its high sensitivity and specificity to differentiate benign from malignant lesions and counsel the patient as well as plan surgery accordingly. Expenditure, time and the hassle of revision surgery is minimized by the pre operative FNAC report.

Prospective study of medical abortion in Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH). A one year experience.

A combination of antiprogesterone mifepristone and prostaglandin analogue misoprostol provides an effective non surgical method for termination of pregnancy up to gestational age of 63 days. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this medical regimen for termination of pregnancy up to 63 days of pregnancy. A hospital based prospective study was carried out in department of obstetrics and gynecology at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH) for a period of one year where 100 women requesting for medical abortion were enrolled. The medical regimen used was mifepristone 200 mg orally followed 24 hours later by misoprostol 800 micrograms administered buccally. Most of the women were in age group 20-29 years (50%), were nulliparous (81%) and were within 42 days of pregnancy (47%). The overall success rate of this regimen was 93.6%. Where success was defined as achieving complete abortion without needing surgical evacuation. Surgical evacuation was needed in 6 (6.4%) patients i.e. 5 for incomplete abortion and one for continued viable pregnancy. The combination of oral mifepristone 200mg followed 24 hours later by buccal misoprostol 800mcg is effective method of medical termination of pregnancy.

Successes rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy at KMC.

BACKGROUND: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common problem which can be corrected by dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The gold standard treatment for this is DCR operation through an external approach. Development of endoscopic sinus surgery and endoscopic DCR performed through intranasal route is a major recent development in this field. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to find out the success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without silicon stent intubation within the period of six month following surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was done on 26 patients with obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct referred from eye out-patient department to ENT OPD during one year period from 2008 to 2009. All the cases had undergone endoscopic DCR operation which was regularly followed up for a period of six months. Postoperative patency of ostium was checked by sac syringing and endoscopic visualisation of ostium in the nasal cavity. The success of surgery was categorised as: complete cure, partial cure and no improvement depending upon symptomatic relief and clinical examination such as sac syringing and endoscopic examination following surgery. RESULT: In six months' follow-up, 22 (84.5%) out of 26 patients had achieved the complete cure and 4 patients (15.5%) continued to have persistent epiphora. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic DCR is a beneficial procedure for nasolacrimal duct obstruction with no external scar on face and less bleeding. The success rate is as good as external DCR.

Use of double-balloon catheter in the management of epistaxis: a boon for the periphery.

BACKGROUND: Epistaxis is one of the most commonly encountered emergencies in ENT practise. It has been reported that almost 60% of general population experience epistaxis of small or large quantity in his /her lifetime(1). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the outcome of double balloon catheter to normal packing method for epistaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interventional study of 30 patients admitted in Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal from Baisak 2065 to Chaitra 2066 with bleeding from the nose were taken into study. These patients were analysed on the basis of duration of hospital stay, any related cause for epistaxis, modalities of treatment, success of balloon catheter etc. RESULT: Results with double-balloon catheter showed less hospital stay and better compliance by the patient. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that double-balloon catheter has a higher chance of acceptance by the patient and is better in the treatment of epistaxis. This method can be undertaken without anaesthetic assistance thus it is very feasible even in the most remote areas of our nation.

Computed tomographic assessment of lateral lamella of cribriform plate and comparison of depth of olfactory fossa.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sinus surgery is an upcoming branch in rhinological practice but with some major risks since it has to play around the skull base area. Lateral lamella of cribriform plate is the thinnest area of the skull base. Thus this study is undertaken to evaluate the height of lateral lamella of cribriform plate and the depth of olfactory fossae by the help of computed tomographic images. METHODS: Computed tomographic study of 50 patients was done in Advanced Imaging and Diagnostic center, Kathmandu Medical College. Coronal sections at the centre of infra-orbital foramina were taken as reference slide. The height of cribriform plate point was subtracted from the height of medial ethmoidal roof point to measure the length of lateral lamella of cribriform plates on both sides. RESULTS: The median height of LLCP in 100 slides was 2.8 mm. LLCP height was 0 to 3.9 mm in 86 slides, 4 to 7 mm in 12 slides and greater than 7mm in 2 slides. The LLCP length was greater in right side in 28 (56%) patients and was greater in left side in 19 (38%) patients. It was equal in both sides in only three patients (6%). CONCLUSIONS: As regards the length of LLCP; 0 to 3.9 mm length was most common. The olfactory fossa depth was more in the right side compared to the left side. Thus, right side is more vulnerable to injury during surgery. Thus adequate caution has to be exercised by the rhinological surgeon during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Incidence of tuberculosis in enlarged neck nodes, our experience.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis in enlarged neck nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Continuous prospective study is carried out in the department of otorhinolaryngology head & neck surgery, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, during two years, from January 2006 to January 2008. The study included a group of 155 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. Each patient underwent a detail clinical Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) examination and a battery of investigations which included Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the nodes, Montoux's test, blood Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and chest X-ray. Those patients with tubercular lymphadenitis were referred to Directly Observed Therapy System (DOTS) clinic for anti-tubercular therapy. Others with reactive lymphadenitis were treated with antibiotic and those with metastatic neck nodes were treated accordingly. RESULTS: Of the 155 cases with enlarged neck nodes, 83 (54%) had tubercular lymphadenitis. Fifty two (33%) cases had reactive lymphadenitis and 17 (11%) cases were diagnosed with metastatic neck nodes. Fine needle aspiration cytology was found to be highly effective in the diagnosis of tubercular lymphadenitis with 94% accuracy. Majority of patients were otherwise healthy adults, aged between 8 - 71 years. No difference was observed between male and female in this study. Posterior triangle (PT) nodes were most commonly affected group of nodes accounting for 35 (42%) cases and preauricular region 1 (1%) case being the least commonly affected site. Fifteen (18%) cases presented with abscess formation. Only 42 (50%) cases had family history of tuberculosis but 8 (9%) patients had previous history of various forms of tuberculosis. Twelve (14%) patients had positive chest X-ray findings suggesting of concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis. All the patients were referred to DOTS clinic and were treated with category (CAT) - III anti tubercular therapy (ATT). Others with concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis were treated with CAT I regime. None of the patients required surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: There is high incidence of tubercular cervical lymphadenitis in patients with enlarged neck nodes in developing countries like Nepal. Involvement of cervical lymphnodes are the most commonly affected group of nodes. Therefore, it is important that otolaryngologists are aware of tuberculosis in the head and neck region.

Observation of hearing loss in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media tubotympanic type.

BACKGROUND: It is acknowledged that size and site of tympanic membrane perforation is proportional to degree of hearing loss but there are many studies which suggests otherwise. Persistent ear discharge is also supposed to deteriorate hearing level with passage of time. This study is carried out to find out the relation between size and site of tympanic membrane perforation and duration of ear discharge on hearing loss. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to study the effect of size and site of tympanic membrane perforation and duration of ear discharge on hearing loss. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is a cross-sectional prospective study conducted at Kathmandu Medical College, department of ear nose and throat from January till July 2009. One hundred patients aged between 8 to 60 years with pars-tensa perforations were included in the study. Detail clinical examination and history was carried out followed by hearing evaluation by audiometry was done in all cases. All the data is collected, statistical analysis is done using SPSS program and documented for study. RESULTS: One hundred patients with 119 perforated tympanic membrane, age ranged between 8 to 60 years, 44 males and 56 females were studied. Bilateral tympanic membrane perforation were seen in 19 patients, right sided perforation in 39 and left sided in 42 patients respectively. Large central perforation involving all four quadrants was the most common otologic findings seen in 72 ears (60.50%) whereas perforation in posterosuperior quadrant was the least common finding seen in 3 patients (2.52%). Significant relation is observed between site of perforation and degree of hearing loss; posterior placed perforations seem to have larger hearing loss. Ninety-five perforations (79.83%) showed more loss in low frequencies with larger air bone gap at low frequencies. The longer the duration of ear discharge, the more the hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The larger the perforation, the greater the decibel loss in sound perception. The location of perforation on the tympanic membrane and the duration of ear discharge have significant effect on the magnitude of hearing loss.

Comparison of chemical cautery (AgNo3) and steroid spray against SMD (submucosal diathermy) in the treatment of symptomatic inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of chemical cautery (AgNo3) and steroid nasal spray against SMD (submucosal diathermy) in the treatment of symptomatic Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy (ITH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients attending OPD in the department of ENT &HNS at KMCTH with symptomatic Inferior turbinate Hypertrophy were taken with their approval included for the study. Patients were divided into 2 Groups: in the first Group 25 patients were included and treated with chemical cautery (AgNo3) under Local Anaesthesia (LA), followed by steroid nasal spray for 3 months; in the second Group 25 patients were included and were treated with SMD (submucosal diathermy) under General Anaesthesia (GA).They all had history of use of topical nasal decongestant for different time period. Patients were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS: In Group 1, 16 patients complain of burning sensation for first week and 8 patients complain of continuous nasal blockage for 6 weeks.1 patient complain about inosmia for 2 weeks. In Group 2, nasal pain was complained by 17 patient for 2 weeks. 3 patients complain of persistent nasal blockage for 4 weeks. 3 patients complain of anosmia for 4 weeks. After completion of 6 months in Group 1, 20 patient has recurrent nasal blockage, whereas in Group 2, 10 patient has recurrent nasal blockage. Besides these, other symptoms noticed during initial phase did not appear. CONCLUSION: Chemical cautery (AgNo3) and steroid nasal spray is easy to follow, has less complication ,but failure rate is high, whereas SMD is procedure with less failure rate, but has to carried out under GA and has more discomfort postoperatively. For symptomatic inferior turbinate hypertrophy, where topical nasal decongestant has little role SMD is the choice of treatment for longer relief.

Comparison of sub mucosal diathermy and partial resection of Inferior turbinate in the treatment of symptomatic nasal valve blockage.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the efficacy of sub mucosal diathermy (SMD) and partial resection of inferior turbinate (PRIT) in the treatment of symptomatic enlarged inferior turbinates. STUDY DESIGN: prospective. METHODS: Forty patients of age group 18 -56 yrs with symptomatic enlarged inferior turbinates had given choices for SMD and PRIT. All the patients had history of failed medical treatment. RESULTS: Each twenty patients underwent SMD (group I), PRIT (group II), five pt of gr. I had to have anterior nasal packing after surgery for bleeding. Three pt complained of excessive rhinorrhoea for first 2 weeks while 3 pt of Group 1 complained of nasal blockage for 1 week even after intervention. In group 2, 5 pt had to have re-anterior nasal packing after pack removal. Both groups followed up for 6 months. Nine patients were lost in follow up, so excluded from the study. Following 6 months of follow up, 6 patient of gr. I had recurrence with nasal blockage and in gr. II none had recurrence. CONCLUSION: PRIT is better than SMD in long course; nevertheless it should be reserved for failed SMD, not as a primary option.

Gender differences in dietary intake among adults of Hindu communities in lowland Nepal: assessment of portion sizes and food consumption frequencies.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate gender differences in dietary intake among adults in lowland Nepalese communities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: For 122 male and 195 female subjects aged 20 years and over from 94 randomly selected households, interviews using a 19-item food frequency questionnaire were conducted. To determine the portion sizes of these foods, the samples consumed by 56 subjects in a full 1-day period were weighed. Energy expenditure was estimated by time spent on daily activities. RESULTS: Gender differences in per-day energy and protein intakes were related to sex differences in body size and energy expenditure. Apparent gender differences in the crude intakes disappeared when they were expressed by nutrient density (mg or microg/MJ) since micronutrient intakes were significantly correlated with energy intake. However, males' iron intake was larger even after adjustment for energy intake, attributing to their larger portion sizes of commonly consumed staple foods and higher frequencies of consuming luxury foods (fish and tea). CONCLUSION: The intrahousehold unequal distribution of food incurs risk of iron deficiency among female subjects. SPONSORSHIP: This study was financially supported by the Ajinomoto Foundation for Dietary Culture and the Alliance for Global Sustainability Program.

Prevalence of otitis media in school going children in Eastern Nepal.

OBJECTIVES: To find out the prevalence of otitis media in school going children from lower socio-economic strata. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was carried out in a government school, Shree Naragram Secondary School in Morang district, eastern Nepal, and included 1050 children aged between 5-15 years. RESULTS: Of the 1050 school children, 346 children were found to have various ENT related problems. Hearing assessment revealed a conductive hearing loss on one or both sides in 114 cases (87%). Various middle ear pathologies were detected in these children, out of which chronic suppurative otitis media "Tubotympanic type" was the most common, followed by otitis media with effusion. The prevalence of otitis media in these children was found to be13.2% and those with hearing loss comprised 12.47%. Prevalence of otitis media is found to be much higher in school going children as compared to adults, and is even higher amongst children belonging to the lower socio-economic strata. Conditions complicating otitis media are more common and severe in children as compared to adults. CONCLUSION: Primary ear care education to teachers, students and guardians can prevent these vulnerable children from developing hearing impairment. School based study could be one of the useful and cost-effective modality aimed at community oriented program.

Waardenburg syndrome Type II.

Two rare cases of Waardenburg type II are reported. First case had three main features of WS--profound SN hearing loss, hetrochromia iris and white forelock of hair. Second case had moderate SNHL and depigmentation of hair.

Serological evidence of Trichinellosis in local pigs of Nepal.

In Nepal, animal husbandry is a major source of income. Pig husbandry is practiced in rural, peri-urban, and urban communities. Free ranging "back yard" pigs and the practice of feeding offal is a very common management practice which potentially allows for the transmission of trichinellosis; however, this zoonosis has never been reported from this region. A total of 425 serum samples were collected from local pigs. These were initially screened by ELISA after which positive samples were examined by Western blot. This procedure identified two samples which had clear specific bands for Trichinella; however, muscle samples tested by HCL-pepsin digestion were found to be negative. If these highly specific serological analyses are confirmed, this would be the first report of trichinellosis in Nepal and a prevention program should be initiated to limit the access of pigs to open garbage dumps which exist both in towns and on farms.

Effect of adenotonsillitis on peak exploratory flow rate in children.

Peak Exploratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is a simple, economical, reproducible, non-invasive test, which can be quickly performed with ease. PEFR was assessed in 36 children with adenotonsillar enlargement with mean age 10.75 years and equal number of age and sex matched normal children who acted as controls. PEFR was found to be 250. 61 +/- 66.92 lt/min in controls and 216.85 +/- 59.76 lt/min in children with adenotonsillar enlargement signifying impairment of PEFR in children in the second group.

Controlling Taenia solium in Nepal using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model.

Taenia solium is a predominant food-borne parasitic zoonosis (FBPZ) in Nepal. Using the PRECEDE framework, as defined by Green and Kreuter, we can identify the factors behind the high incidence of this disease. Armed with this information, we can define the actions necessary to control T. solium. In accordance with the first step of PRECEDE, social assessment, we set the goal of decreasing the potential for T. solium transmission in Nepal by the year 2003. This goal has yet to be endorsed by policy makers. However, an epidemiological assessment based on hospital data alone showed that T. solium is an endemic problem in urban Nepal that must be addressed. Based on behavioral and environmental assessments (Steps 1 and 2 of PRECEDE-PROCEED), we defined the following action objectives to be achieved by 2003: 1) Train meat producers and sellers to detect contaminated pork and avoid selling it, 2) Improve pig husbandry to limit the animals' access to human feces, 3) Construct hygienic model slaughterhouses. These improvements could control the meat-producing environment, thus limiting the potential for cross-carcass contamination and other hygiene deficiencies associated with the spread of T. solium. An educational and ecological assessment shows all predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors are present in Nepal, consistent with PRECEDE requirements. While T. solium is clearly defined as a health problem according to PRECEDE, there remain significant hurdles to controlling it. These hurdles lie in administration and policy, where standardized law-enforcement and meat inspection practices are needed. Finally, the government of Nepal must assign high priority to T. solium control, as it is a preventable, yet prevalent disease.