Drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome in Post traumatic facial injury.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe adverse drug reaction affecting the skin and mucous membrane. The causes include Sulfonamides, Anticonvulsants, etc. A patient developed ulcerations in the lips and oral cavity with difficulty in swallowing and rashes over the back, abdomen, and genitalia following administration of injection ceftriaxone 1 g intravenous (IV) b.i.d, injection pantoprazole 40 mg IV b.i.d, tablet aceclofenac + paracetamol 325 mg b.i.d, tablet cetirizine 10 mg b.i.d, chlorhexidine mouth wash, and injection metronidazole 500 mg IV t.i.d for the treatment of traumatic facial injury after 4 days of treatment. Injection ceftriaxone and tablet aceclofenac + paracetamol were suspected as the cause of this reaction. The two drugs were stopped. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, other antimicrobials, and oral topical anesthetics. Health-care providers should be careful about the possible adverse drug reactions even to commonly used drugs.

TB-DOTS Outcome in Relation to HIV Status: Experience in a Medical College.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is scarce information regarding TB associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection treated under routine program conditions in medical colleges of India. This study evaluates the clinical profile and outcome of TB-DOTS treatment by HIV status. METHODS: Total two hundred and eighty TB patients registered under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) during January 2011 and December 2012 in a teaching hospital of South India were enrolled in the study. The demographic profile, treatment related data of these patients was obtained from RNTCP treatment card and the DOTS outcome of all enrolled cases depending on their HIV status was evaluated. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: Among 280 TB patients enrolled 41 were HIV positive patients and 239 HIV negative. About 21% patients were retreatment patients. Over all, pulmonary TB was still the commonest form of TB among the registered patients. However, Extra Pulmonary (EPTB) was high among HIV positive TB patients. Treatment success among HIV positive TB patients was lower than HIV negative TB patients (61% vs. 79%). Further, 19.5% HIV positive and 8.3% HIV negative patients died. The proportions of defaulters and failures were similar in HIV positive and HIV negative patients. CONCLUSION: HIV co-infected TB patients responded poorly to DOTS as evidenced by lower success rates and higher mortality than HIV negative TB patients. A significant proportion of retreatment patients in our study is the matter of concern.

Study on neuromuscular blockade action of verapamil in albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are now widely employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and peri operative hypertension. It has been reported that calcium channel blockers inhibit neuromuscular transmission. They have been shown to increase the neuromuscular blockade produced by neuromuscular blocking agents in in-vitro muscle nerve preparations. The present study is undertaken to demonstrate the effect of calcium channel blocker, verapamil on neuromuscular transmission in albino rats. OBJECTIVES: To study the neuromuscular blockade action of verapamil in albino rats. METHODS: Twenty four albino rats of either sex weigh 150-250gms are selected and are randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The experimental rats are divided into four groups of 6 rats each and they are given the following treatment. Group 1(Control) - Normal saline (1ml/ kg), Group 2 (Standard) - Pancuronium (0.04 mg/kg) Group 3-Verapamil (2.5mg/kg), Group 4-given Verapamil (10mg/kg). The time of onset of hind limb paralysis and total duration of recovery are noted using inclined screen method. RESULTS: Analysis of the results of group 3 that was received 2.5mg/kg of Verapamil, there was no onset of paralysis, in group 4 that received injection Verapamil 10mg/kg, showed neuromuscular blockade activity. The mean onset of hind limb paralysis was delayed compared to standard group and the mean duration of hind limb paralysis was shorter than standard group. It was statistically significant (P≤ 0.05). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: It is generally held that external calcium is not necessary for the contraction of mammalian skeletal muscle, the demonstration of inward calcium currents that can be abolished by CCBs in these muscles prompted to re-examine the effect of Verapamil on the neuromuscular transmission. The present study allows us to determine the neuromuscular blockade activity of Verapamil.