The economic impact of a COVID-19 illness from the perspective of families seeking care in a private hospital in India.

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic had a tremendous impact that caused significant morbidity, mortality, and financial stress for families. Our study aimed to determine the Out-of-pocket expenses and economic impact of a Covid-19 illness for households where patients were admitted to a private hospital in India. Methodology: This was a cost-of-illness study from a tertiary care academic institute where adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from May 2020 to June 2021 were included. Patients with an admission of less than one day or who had any form of insurance were excluded. The clinical and financial details were obtained from the hospital information system and a cross-sectional survey. This was stratified across three clinical severity levels and two epidemiological waves. Results: The final analysis included 4445 patients, with 73 % admitted in Wave 1 and 99 patients interviewed. For patients with severity levels 1, 2 and 3, the median admission days were 7, 8 and 13 days respectively. The total cost of illness (general category) was $934 (₹69,010), $1507 (₹111,403) and $3611 (₹266,930) and the direct medical cost constituted 66%, 77% and 91% of the total cost for each level respectively. Factors associated with higher admission costs were higher age groups, male gender, oxygen use, ICU care, private admission, increased duration of hospital stay and Wave 2. The median annual household income was $3247 (₹240,000) and 36% of families had to rely on more than one financial coping strategies, loans with interest being the commonest one. The lockdown period affected employment and reduced income for a considerable proportion of households. Conclusion: A Covid admission of higher severity was a significant financial burden on families. The study reaffirms the need for collaborative and sustainable health financing systems to protect populations from hardships.$-US Dollar; ₹- Indian Rupees.

The Impact of Secondary Hypertension in Pregnancy on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: A 42-Month Observational Study from South India.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence, etiology, and clinical outcomes of secondary hypertension in pregnancy in a high-risk tertiary care hospital. Study Design: This retrospective study used data from patient records between January 2015 and July 2018. Of 52,293 pregnant women admitted during this period, those with hypertension were included. Patient demographics, diagnosis of secondary hypertension, investigations, suspected etiologies of secondary hypertension, maternal and neonatal outcomes and discharge conditions were included. Main Outcome Measures: The prevalence of secondary hypertension and causes were measured. Univariate followed by multivariate analyses were done to look for associated maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: Among patients with chronic hypertension in pregnancy, 13.7% had secondary causes, of which renal and cardiac causes were the commonest. The incidence of severe pre-eclampsia (40.5%) among patients with secondary hypertension was higher in patients with systolic blood pressures more than 140 mm of Hg than in those with systolic blood pressures lower than 140 mm of Hg (odds ratio [OR]: 4.92, confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-14.16, p: 0.002) irrespective of etiology. Pre-eclampsia predisposed to maternal acute kidney injury (OR: 1.23, CI: 1.04-1.45, p: 0.003), low birthweight (OR: 4.69, CI: 1.44-11.9, p: 0.006), preterm delivery (OR: 4.69, CI: 1.78-12.34, p: 0.001), and neonatal death (OR: 5.19, CI: 0.97-27.6, p: 0.04). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy was 10.3%; among them, the prevalence of secondary hypertension was 1.46%. Uncontrolled secondary hypertension was associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Strict control of blood pressure in secondary hypertension in pregnancy ensured better outcomes.

Tuberculous ARDS is associated with worse outcome when compared with non-tuberculous infectious ARDS.

BACKGROUND: Patients with tuberculosis (TB) developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may have a higher mortality when compared with ARDS of other infectious etiology. METHODOLOGY: In this single-centre retrospective cohort study spanning 5-years (2012 to 2016), TB-ARDS patients were age and gender matched (1:2) with non-TB infectious ARDS and followed up until death or hospital discharge. Clinical profile, treatment and outcomes were compared using t-test and Chi-square as appropriate. Mortality predictors were explored using Conditional Poisson regression analysis and expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of the 516 ARDS patients, 74 TB-ARDS and 148 non-TB infectious ARDS patients were included. Although admission APACHE-II (21.4 ± 7.1 vs. 17.6 ± 6.8, p < 0.001), incidence of shock (36.5% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.005) and mortality (59.5% vs. 29.7%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in TB-ARDS than non-TB etiology, overall ICU length of stay and nosocomial infections were similar in both groups. On regression analysis, after adjusting for confounders, TB-ARDS (RR 1.82; 95% CI 1.13-2.92) and need for inotropes (RR 3.49; 95% CI 1.44-8.46) were independently associated with death. CONCLUSION: Patients with TB-ARDS presented sicker and had higher mortality when compared with ARDS due to non-TB infectious etiology.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy: An analysis of clinical profiles and outcomes from a tertiary care centre in southern India.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of maternal heart failure with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction affecting maternal and fetal well-being. We analysed clinical profiles and outcomes in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy enrolled retrospectively from a tertiary care centre in southern India (1 January 2008-31 December 2014). The incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy was one case per 1541 live births. Fifty-four women with a mean age of 25.5 years and mean gestational age of 35.4 weeks were recruited; 35 were primigravidae. Maternal and fetal deaths occurred in 9.3% and 24.1% of subjects, respectively. Mild-to-moderate maternal anaemia (80-110 g/L) was associated with fetal mortality (p = 0.02). Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<30%, p = 0.04) and cardiogenic shock (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with adverse maternal outcomes. Forty per cent of women were followed up after 24.2 ± 17.7 months, and in these women a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction was seen (mean 16.4%, p < 0.01); all were asymptomatic. Peripartum cardiomyopathy with poor left ventricular ejection fraction and shock is associated with adverse maternal outcomes, while non-severe maternal anaemia predisposes to adverse fetal outcomes. Significant left ventricular ejection fraction recovery occurred on follow-up.

Treatment outcomes with daily self-administered treatment and thrice-weekly directly-observed treatment in two cohorts of newly-diagnosed, sputum-positive adults with pulmonary tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) envisages shifting from thrice-weekly to a daily anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) regimen. The potential merits and demerits of both regimens continue to be debated. METHODS: This retrospective study compared treatment outcomes in 191 HIV-negative, newly diagnosed, sputum-positive adults with pulmonary tuberculosis from Vellore district of Tamil Nadu who were treated at a private medical college during 2009 to 2012 with intermittent Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (intermittent DOTS cohort, n=132) or who opted for daily Self-Administered Treatment (daily SAT cohort, n=59). Treatment outcomes obtained from medical records were supplemented by interviews with consenting, traceable patients. RESULTS: The rates for the RNTCP-recommended sputum smear examinations were suboptimal (42% for daily SAT and 72% for intermittent DOTS). However, treatment success with daily SAT and intermittent DOTS (76.2% vs. 70.4%); default (11.9% vs. 18.2%); death (6.8% vs. 5.3%); treatment failure (5.1% vs. 4.6%); and relapse (0% vs. 1.5%) did not significantly differ. CONCLUSIONS: While evaluable treatment outcomes were not significantly different with daily SAT and intermittent DOTS, rates for timely smear examinations and for treatment success were lower, and for default higher, in both cohorts than comparable RNTCP data from Vellore district. Further strengthening of RNTCP facilities within private medical colleges and regular, real-time audits of performance and outcomes are needed if daily ATT regimen under the RNTCP is to succeed.

Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with Takayasu's arteritis: single centre experience over five years

Objective: To study obstetric and perinatal outcomes among pregnant women with Takayasu arteritis (TA), attending our hospital for pregnancy and childbirth between January 2011 to December 2016. Material and Methods: Retrospective study was carried out by abstracting clinical charts on all pregnant women with TA who underwent antenatal care and/or delivery in our hospital during this period. American College of Rheumatology criteria was used for diagnosis of TA. Sixteen women with TA were included in the study. Maternal demographic data, stage of disease, complications related to disease, details of treatment taken prior to pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were studied. Results: Forty-four percentage (7/16) belonged to type 5 angiographic type, however the same proportion (7/16) had undergone surgical corrections prior to pregnancy and the majority (15/16) were on medical management. Only three women (19%) were diagnosed during pregnancy. Most did not have active disease measured by Kerr's criteria (n=12; 75%), and Indian Takayasu clinical activity scores A. Chronic hypertension was the commonest antenatal complication (56.2%), nearly one-third had growth restricted babies and 25% had preterm labour. There were no cardiovascular events, no maternal deaths, nor fetal or neonatal deaths. Two-thirds of our women were delivered by caesarean section. Conclusion: Preconceptional counselling is of paramount importance in women with TA. Good maternal and fetal outcomes are observed with close antenatal surveillance and multidisciplinary care. Pregnancy should be planned during disease remission, with good antenatal care, close monitoring of clinical symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment of complications.

Risk Factors for Acquiring Scrub Typhus among the Adults.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and geographical factors may play a role in the acquisition of scrub typhus infection. In this prospective case-control study, we studied the factors associated with infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive adult patients admitted with scrub typhus infection over 10 months were recruited. For every case, a geographical control from the same area and a gender-matched clinical control admitted with acute febrile illness were enrolled. The risk factors, which included sanitation, environment, activity, and protective measures, were compared between cases and controls using univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The study cohort (n = 225; 132 female) aged 44 ± 17 years comprised of 75 cases and 150 controls from mid to low socioeconomic background. When compared with clinical controls, on univariable conditional regression analysis, cases were more likely to be involved in farming or gardening and less likely to have a toilet within the house. On multivariate regression analysis, only involvement in farming or gardening was associated with infection (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.5-11.5). When compared with geographical controls, on univariable conditional regression analysis, cases were less likely to change undergarments or clothes before sleeping (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.3-9.5) and more likely to have rodents in their house (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1-6.4) and rest on grass/mud without a mat (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.3). On multivariate regression analysis, not changing undergarments or clothes tended to be associated with infection (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 0.98-7.3). CONCLUSION: Certain behavioral factors predisposed our cohort to develop scrub typhus infection. Lifestyle changes may reduce the burden of scrub typhus in South India.

Clinical presentation, etiology, management, and outcomes of iliopsoas abscess from a tertiary care center in South India.

INTRODUCTION: Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is the collection of pus in the iliopsoas compartment. The etiology of IPA is variable and depends on the geographical area and the antibiotic usage prevalence in that area. This study attempts to evaluate the etiology, clinical features, risk factors, management modalities, and outcomes in patients with IPA from a tertiary care center in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study done in a tertiary care center in South India. Patient details were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were enrolled in the study, the causative organism could be identified in 20 (46.5%) patients. The most common etiology was tuberculosis (TB). Most (23 [56.5%]) patients were treated conservatively, 20 (46.5%) patients were treated with percutaneous drainage (PCD), and 2 (4%) patients required surgery. CONCLUSION: The most common cause of IPA is TB. PCD was successful in 95% of the patients with complete resolution of symptoms.

Vertical integration of basic science in final year of medical education.

BACKGROUND: Development of health professionals with ability to integrate, synthesize, and apply knowledge gained through medical college is greatly hampered by the system of delivery that is compartmentalized and piecemeal. There is a need to integrate basic sciences with clinical teaching to enable application in clinical care. AIM: To study the benefit and acceptance of vertical integration of basic science in final year MBBS undergraduate curriculum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After Institutional Ethics Clearance, neuroanatomy refresher classes with clinical application to neurological diseases were held as part of the final year posting in two medical units. Feedback was collected. Pre- and post-tests which tested application and synthesis were conducted. Summative assessment was compared with the control group of students who had standard teaching in other two medical units. In-depth interview was conducted on 2 willing participants and 2 teachers who did neurology bedside teaching. RESULTS: Majority (>80%) found the classes useful and interesting. There was statistically significant improvement in the post-test scores. There was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups' scores during summative assessment (76.2 vs. 61.8 P < 0.01). Students felt that it reinforced, motivated self-directed learning, enabled correlations, improved understanding, put things in perspective, gave confidence, aided application, and enabled them to follow discussions during clinical teaching. CONCLUSION: Vertical integration of basic science in final year was beneficial and resulted in knowledge gain and improved summative scores. The classes were found to be useful, interesting and thought to help in clinical care and application by majority of students.

Multiple Small Intestine Perforations after Organophosphorous Poisoning: A Case Report.

Organophosphate poisoning has significant gastrointestinal manifestations including vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and increased salivation. We report an uncommon gastrointestinal complication of multiple small intestinal perforations following organophosphorus poisoning. A 28-year old male presented after ingesting dichlorvos mixed with alcohol. Following the initial cholinergic symptoms, the patient developed severe shock with fever, attributed to aspiration pneumonia. Despite appropriate antibiotics, shock was persistent. Over the next 24-hours, he developed abdominal distension, loose stools and high nasogastric aspirates. Computed tomography showed pneumoperitonium. Exploratory laparotomy revealed six perforations in the jejunum and ileum. The involved portion of the bowel was resected and re-anastomosed, following which only 80-cm of small bowel was left. Postoperatively, shock resolved over 72-hours. However, over the next few days, patient developed features of anastomotic leak. Since only a small portion of the small bowel was preserved, a conservative approach was adopted. He deteriorated further and finally succumbed to the illness.

The clinical profile and predictors of mortality in patients with melioidosis in South India.

Melioidosis is an underdiagnosed and underreported disease in India with protean clinical manifestations. Mortality in this study population was 17%. The predominant risk factor for melioidosis was diabetes mellitus. Multifocal disease was present in 66% and pulmonary involvement in 61% of patients. In a country like India where the conditions are conducive for endemic melioidosis and due to the clinical similarity of melioidosis to diseases like tuberculosis, it is essential for clinicians to have a high degree of suspicion and pursue suitable diagnostic strategies for melioidosis in the appropriate clinical setting.

A sinister itch: prurigo nodularis in Hodgkin lymphoma.

A 24 year old lady presented with pruritis and lichenified nodular skin lesions for 1 year. She also had clinical features to suggest a superior venacaval syndrome (SVC) with large rubbery cervical lymph nodes. She was subsequently diagnosed to have Hodgkin lymphoma on lymph node biopsy. Skin changes in lymphoma can precede other clinical symptoms by months. High clinical suspicion and thorough systemic examination would help in excluding a sinister problem in patients with chronic dermatosis.