Showing papers by "Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College published in 2014"

Role of ultrasound with color Doppler in acute scrotum management.

Abstract: Background and Objective: An acute scrotum is defined as acute pain with or without scrotal swelling, may be accompanied by local signs or general symptoms. Acute scrotal pain is a medical emergency. Depending on cause, the management is entirely different. Torsion of testis and strangulated hernia are surgical emergency; whereas, epididymo-orchitis is treated by medicines. Testicular trauma and obstructed hernia can be differentiated by taking history from patient. Physical examination adds only a little information. Color Doppler ultrasound (US) is the modality of choice to differentiate testicular torsion from inflammatory conditions and can thus help in avoiding unnecessary surgical explorations. Subjects and Methods: A study on 50 patients was conducted who were referred with history of acute scrotal pain to our department between January 2013 and January 2014. Trauma and scrotal mass were excluded from the study. The clinical presentation, outcome, and US results were analyzed. Results: Color Doppler sonography yielded a positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of 100% each for torsion, whereas, 93.9 and 70.6% for epididymo-orchitis, respectively; a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for torsion, whereas, for epididymo-orchitis it was found to be 86.1 and 85.7%, respectively. In cases of incomplete or early torsion, some residual perfusion may be detected leading to false-negative results. Conclusion: We therefore conclude that color Doppler sonography can reliably rule out testicular torsion and can thus help in avoiding unnecessary surgical explorations. Hence, it can significantly improve outcome and decrease morbidity of patient. It is an accurate, rapid, nonexpensive, nonionizing, important adjunct to clinical assessment of scrotum.

Role of virtual bronchoscopy in children with a vegetable foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree.

Abstract: Objectives:Multidetector computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool which provides a three-dimensional view of the tracheobronchial airway. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of virtual bronchoscopy in cases of vegetable foreign body aspiration in children.Methods:The medical records of patients with a history of foreign body aspiration from August 2006 to August 2010 were reviewed. Data were collected regarding their clinical presentation and chest X-ray, virtual bronchoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy findings. Cases of metallic and other non-vegetable foreign bodies were excluded from the analysis. Patients with multidetector computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy showing features of vegetable foreign body were included in the analysis. For each patient, virtual bronchoscopy findings were reviewed and compared with those of rigid bronchoscopy.Results:A total of 60 patients; all children ranging from 1 month to 8 years of age, were included. The mean age at presentation was 2.01 years. Rigid bronchoscopy confirmed the results of multidetector computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy (i.e. presence of foreign body, site of lodgement, and size and shape) in 59 patients. In the remaining case, a vegetable foreign body identified by virtual bronchoscopy was revealed by rigid bronchoscopy to be a thick mucus plug. Thus, the positive predictive value of virtual bronchoscopy was 98.3 per cent.Conclusion:Multidetector computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy is a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for identifying radiolucent vegetable foreign bodies in the tracheobronchial tree. It can also provide a useful pre-operative road map for rigid bronchoscopy. Patients suspected of having an airway foreign body or chronic unexplained respiratory symptoms should undergo multidetector computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy to rule out a vegetable foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree and avoid general anaesthesia and invasive rigid bronchoscopy.

Retrospective study of risk factors and maternal and fetal outcome in patients with abruptio placentae.

Abstract: Introduction: Abruptio placentae (AP) which is a major cause of maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality globally is of serious concern in the developing world. We retrospectively analyzed the AP cases and evaluated its impact on fetal and maternal outcomes. Materials and Methods: The present study was undertaken from September 2007-August 2009 at a tertiary care center attached to medical college; patients of AP were selected from all cases with minimum of 28 weeks of gestation, presenting with antepartum hemorrhage. Patients underwent complete obstetrical investigations and were managed according to maternal and fetal condition. Results: 4.4% incidence rate of AP was documented accounting for 318 cases during the study period. Most of cases were unbooked, with an average age of 34.5 years (range, 18-44) and nearly two-third of the patients were from lower socioeconomic class. Anemia was observed in 96% of patients, with 3.5 and 68% incidence of maternal and fetal mortality, respectively. Conclusion: We observed a higher than expected frequency of AP and neonatal mortality in our study population, which is of major concern. We envisage need for mass information regarding the importance of antenatal maternal care and improvement in nutritional status, which may reduce the frequency of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality associated with AP.

Maternal and perinatal outcome of women with sickle cell disease of a tribal population in Central India.

Abstract: Pregnancy in sickle cell disease is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Sickle cell disease is very common in tribal populations. The objective of this study was to review the maternal and perinatal outcome in patients with sickle cell disease of tribal populations. This is a retrospective study. The data extracted from the patients' case files included age, gravidity, family history, complications during pregnancy or at time of delivery or postpartum period, mode of delivery, and fetal outcome. There were 25 deliveries to women with sickle cell disease and 54 with sickle cell trait. Preeclampsia and disseminated intravascular coagulation were common problems associated with sickle cell disease as compared to the sickle cell trait and normal groups. No maternal mortality occurred during the period under study. However, a total of five intrauterine fetal deaths and one early neonatal death did occur. The present study confirms the previous reports, the increased risk of fetal death in women with sickle cell disease, however, in contrast to previous studies, no maternal mortality was found.

Single-stage preputial skin flap urethroplasty for long-segment urethral strictures: evaluation and determinants of success.

Abstract: Objective To determine the overall efficacy and predictors of success of the penile preputial flap in the management of complex urethral strictures >2.5 cm in length. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective and prospective study of 58 patients undergoing single-stage penile preputial flap urethroplasty for complex long-segment urethral strictures, without lichen sclerosus, repaired between May 2005 and April 2012 at our institution. For obvious reasons circumcised patients were excluded from the study. Results were assessed by univariate analysis of various patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative patient satisfaction (based on symptoms), and urethral ultrasonography, retrograde urethrography and uroflowmetry. Results The median (range) follow-up was 42 (6–90) months, the median (range) intra-operative stricture length was 48.5 (26–85) mm and the median (range) operating time was 90 (85–125) min. A total of 87.93% of patients had a satisfactory outcome, with an overall success rate of 81.03%. Diabetes mellitus (relative risk [RR] 5.21, confidence interval [CI] 2.31–64.68, P = 0.003) and smoking (RR 4.19, CI 1.54– 45.0, P = 0.01) were predictors of failure, while postinfective aetiology (RR 2.19), panurethral stricture (RR 2.73), stricture length >70 mm (RR 3.25), previous urethroplasty (RR 2.4) and severe peri-urethral fibrosis (RR 2.37) were also associated with a higher risk of failure. Conclusions A urologist should try to gain experience of all the methods of urethroplasty as the techniques may vary according to the circumstances. Single-stage preputial skin flap urethroplasty, in experienced and expert hands, has results equivalent to all other methods of urethroplasty in complex urethral strictures. We prefer this technique in this part of the world where buccal mucosa cannot be used because of dyskeratotic changes as a result of consumption of gutkha, tobacco, pan masala, betel nut.

Importance of Universal screening for thyroid disorders in first trimester of pregnancy.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the importance of screening for Thyriod disorders in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The Study was conducted on 305 patients which were were randomly selected and screened on OPD basis by TSH levels (cut off level 0.10-2.50 mIU/ml). Results: In the 305 women screened mean age was 24.46 years, mean gestational age was 9.09 weeks, 89.83% were euthyroid, 9.8%were hypothyroid, 0.32% were hyperthyroid. Incidence of hypothyroidism in high risk population was 20.58% and in normal population was 6.7%. There was significant association of thyroid disorders with high risk factors (P < 0.001). In hypothyroid women 46% had adverse perinatal outcomes and 53.33% had normal outcomes. This shows statistically significant association abnormal TSH values with adverse pregnancy outcomes (P < 0.001). In abnormal perinatal outcomes 6.2% women had Caesarean section out of them 73.68% were euthyroid, 26.31% were hypothyroid 1.9% had preterm labour, out of them 50% were euthyroid, 50% were hypothyroid. Out of 2.2% spontaneous abortions 28.5% were in euthyroid group while 71.4% were in hypothyroid group. There was 1 term stillbirth in hypothyroid group.This study showed significant association between abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values and adverse perinatal outcomes (P < 0.001). Conclusion: There is significant correlation between risk factors and hypothyroidism. So high risk screening is mandatory in early pregnancy. But if we screen only high risk population we would miss 4.6% cases which could have been diagnosed and treated earlier. Therefore it is important to screen all pregnant women in the first trimester, it should be made mandatory.

Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma

Abstract: Fibrous histiocytomas (FHs) are mesenchymal tumors that may be benign or malignant. Ocular involvement by FHs is infrequent and primarily limited to the orbit. Rarely, FHs can also involve the conjunctiva and perilimbal area. We report the case of a 38-year-old male with lid, conjunctival, and neck FHs. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology.

An educational intervention to study the awareness of solar disinfection of drinking water among residents of an urban slum of a city in Central India

Abstract: Solar disinfection (SODIS) is a simple, environmentally sustainable, low-cost solution for drinking water treatment at household level. It uses solar energy to destroy pathogenic microorganisms causing water borne diseases. Contaminated water is filled into transparent plastic bottles and exposed to full sunlight for 6 h. During the exposure to the sun, the pathogens are destroyed. Objective: To study the awareness of SODIS of drinking water among residents of an urban slum. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study imparting educational intervention to spread the awareness of SODIS of drinking water among residents of an urban slum. Result: A total of 50% increase in awareness regarding concept of SODIS; 66% increase in awareness regarding method of SODIS. The study was carried out with sample size of 100 which was not sufficient to corroborate the findings on a larger picture, needs more sample size to be incorporated which unfortunately was not contemplated owing to time constraint. Conclusion: It is recommended to find the utility of SODIS on a scientific basis and in Indian context, so that this cost-effective method can be utilized on a larger scale.

Pattern of thyroid carcinoma in Gizan region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Objective: To study the frequency, clinical features, and histopathological types of thyroid carcinoma in Gizan region of Saudi Arabia. Research Design and Methods: We analyzed the clinical features, laboratory data, histopathological reports, and outcome of 32 patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma out of 231 patients who underwent thyroidectomy at King Fahd Central Hospital (KFCH), Gizan and peripheral hospitals over a period of 6 years. Results: The papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was present in 25 patients and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) in 5 cases. Anaplastic cell variety was found in two cases. The mean (±SD) were significantly different ( P = 0.015) when the groups with PTC and FTC were compared (43.1 ± 12.7 vs. 61.3 ± 15.4). Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done in all 32 cases; it was negative in 11 cases. Conclusions: In Gizan, incidence of thyroid carcinoma is about 14% among total patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Painless thyroid nodule is the most common clinical feature. PTC is the most common variant. FNAC is a useful tool for diagnosis but it can be false negative also.

Pharmacotherapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis is a form of chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease causing scarring of lung tissue and usually affect adults. Treatment is usually aimed at controlling inflammation and thus slowing the process of fibrosis. With only few patients responding to treatment and the disease being ultimately fatal with poor progression, the underlying lesion was considered to be fibrotic rather than inflammatory. Fibrotic foci, deposition of collagen, and lack of inflammatory cells are a predominant finding. Pirfenidone and N-acetyl cysteine are the only effective pharmacotherapy available till date. Interim results of PANTHER Trial clearly indicate more risk with triple therapy. However, in Indian patients, trial of steroid therapy may be tried when there is doubt of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. BIBF 1120 has also shown positive results in Phase II clinical trial and shows a positive response in deteriorating lung function. Supplemental oxygen, education of patient, pulmonary rehabilitation, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza vaccine are the most important supportive care. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be used as a treatment in the majority of patients.