Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity during early pregnancy is associated with pregnancy complications and maternal morbidity in later life.

AIMS: We assessed the impact of detecting anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO-Ab) in the first trimester of pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes and maternal thyroid function during the postpartum period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study consisting 400 pregnant women (8-12 weeks pregnant) were screened for their thyroid profile and followed-up to 12 weeks postpartum. Patients with abnormal thyroid function at 12 weeks postpartum were further followed-up with repeated assessment of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and serum-free thyroxine-4 levels at 8 weeks interval up to 12 months postpartum. RESULTS: 11.5% of the subjects were positive for anti-TPO-Ab who had mean TSH level of 2.31 µIU/ml, which was significantly (P- 0.0001) higher than pregnant women negative for anti-TPO-Ab (1.73 µIU/ml). Increased incidence of miscarriage was observed in anti-TPO positive mothers when compared to antibody negative mothers. Postpartum thyroid dysfunction developed in 4.7% cases at 12 weeks, among them antibody positivity was observed in 81.25% of subjects. In 18.75% mothers positive for anti-TPO-Ab, the thyroid dysfunction persisted up to 12 months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid antibodies detected in early pregnancy seems to be predicting pregnancy complications and later maternal thyroid disease related morbidity.

Clinicopathological study and management of liver abscess in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Liver abscess is a burning problem in tropical nations, with often lethal consequences and diagnostic/therapeutic challenges. We have determined etiopathology, clinical, radiological, and bacteriological characteristics of this condition and review its management strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period of the month from May 2007 to September 2009, a prospective study was performed involving 125 patients admitted to the in-patient ward of the Department of General Surgery of N.R.S Medical College their diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical features (such as right upper abdomen pain, and fever), laboratory investigations and radiological evidence of liver abscess. RESULTS: Amoebic liver abscess was the most common (88%) type of liver abscess among the study groups. There was a strong correlation with the occurrence of liver abscesses and addiction to alcohol, history of diabetes mellitus and low socioeconomic status. The most common etiology of pyogenic liver abscess was Escherichia coli. Ultrasonography (USG) of the abdomen was accurate and cost-effective in diagnosis of liver abscesses. Percutaneous catheter drainage was the most effective method of treatment (with a 100% success rate). CONCLUSION: Most patients in our study had liver abscess of amoebic origin and had temporal relationship with diabetes, alcoholism, and staggering socioeconomic status. We suggest early recognition of clinical features and prompt abdominal USG as cost-effective means for treatment initiation and reducing complications.

Effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine as adjuvant in bupivacaine -induced subarachnoid block for traumatized lower limb orthopaedic surgery: a prospective, double-blinded and randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Improved pain management for blunt trauma to the lower extremity has shown to reduce morbidity, induce early ambulation and improve long-term outcomes. Dexmedetomidine; a selective α-2 agonist; has recently been used intrathecally in different doses to prolong spinal anaesthesia. We evaluated the effect of adding two different doses of dexmedetomidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia. The primary endpoints were the onset and duration of sensory, motor block and duration of analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients, (20-60yrs) posted for elective lower limb orthopedic surgery of traumatic origin under spinal anaesthesia were divided into 2 equal groups (Group D5&D10) in a randomized, double-blind fashion. In this prospective parallel group study, group D5(n=40) 3ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine+5µg dexmedetomidine in 0.5 ml of normal saline and group D10 (n=40) 3ml 0.5% bupivacaine+10µg dexmedetomidine in 0.5 ml of normal saline were administered intrathecally. Sensory and motor block onset times and block durations, time to first analgesic use, total analgesic need, postoperative VAS, hemodynamics and side effects were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Though with similar demographic profile in both groups, sensory and motor block in group D10(p<0.05) was earlier than group D5. Sensory, motor block duration and time to first analgesic use were significantly longer and the need for rescue analgesics was lower in group D10(p<0.05) than D5. 24 h VAS score was significantly lower in group D10(p<0.05). Intergroup hemodynamics was comparable (p>0.05) without any appreciable side effects. CONCLUSION: Spinal dexmedetomidine increases the sensory, motor block duration and time to first analgesic use, and decreases analgesic consumption in a dose-dependent manner.