Showing papers in "Journal of Postgraduate Medicine in 2000"

Blood utilisation in elective general surgery cases: requirements, ordering and transfusion practices

Abstract: AIMS: For elective surgeries, over ordering of blood is a common practice. This can be decreased by simple means of changing the blood cross matching and ordering schedule depending upon the type of surgery performed. The principle aim of the study was to improve the efficacy of ordering system for maximum utilisation of blood and formulation of maximum surgical blood order schedule (MSBOS) for procedures where a complete cross-match appears mandatory. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated blood ordering and transfusion practices in 500 elective general surgical procedures at our institute. With the help of different indices such as cross-match to transfusion ratio (C/T ratio), transfusion probability (% T) and transfusion index (TI), blood ordering pattern was changed in the next 150 patients. RESULTS: Out of 1145 units of blood crossmatched for the first 500 patients only 265 were transfused with non-utilisation of 76.86% of ordered blood. With the help of the indices the wastage was reduced in next 150 patients, i.e. from 76.86% to 25.26% and improved the utilisation of blood, i.e. from 23.14% to 74.74%. CONCLUSIONS: Change of blood ordering patterns with use of MSBOS can avoid the over ordering of blood.

Duplicate and salami publications.

Abstract: EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM full article in a different language and for a different reader base can be permitted provided the editors of Though there is a high degree of trust and both the journals agree for the same and consider it veracity in medical publications, an occasional beneficial for the readers. report of duplicate and salami publications bothers the medical fraternity. In recent years, On the other hand, slicing of data from a single research there have been more than 100 cases of notices process or gathered during a single study period, into of duplicate or redundant publications in different pieces, creating individual manuscripts from various journals. Byron Bailey, Editor, Archives each piece and publishing these to different journals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, or even the same journal is called ‘salami publication’ found that of 1000 authors chosen at random or ‘salami slicing’. Publishing the radiological findings from his journal, 201 published 644 articles of cases of cerebral hydatid disease to a radiological which could be labelled as duplicate. During journal and the neurosurgical aspects of it to a their work on impact of duplicate publication neurological journal is salami slicing. Exceptions are on meta-analysis, Tramer et al found that 17% large clinical or epide-miological studies with results of the manuscripts were covertly duplicated. that cannot be published simultaneously or are such Similarly, during a meta-analysis on exogenous that they address different and distinctly important surfactant, Raju found 6 of 35 articles to questions. For other studies focused to a small contain overlapping data. population size, with overlapping results, it is best to publish the results together to form a single more WHAT CONSTITUTES DUPLICATE cohesive and informative paper than two, without AND SALAMI PUBLICATION? being excessively long.

Study of Takayasu's arteritis in children: clinical profile and management.

Abstract: AIMS: To study clinical features, pattern of involvement and treatment modalities of Takayasu's arteritis (TA) in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of hospital records of children admitted over a period of 4.5 years. RESULTS: 17 patients in the age group of 5 to 11 years (M: F = 1.1: 1) were diagnosed to have TA on the basis of Ishikawa's criteria. One child was diagnosed post-mortem. The commonest presenting features were hypertension (64. 7%), congestive cardiac failure (47%), weak or absent peripheral pulses, cardiomyopathy (41.1% each) and cardiac valvular affection (35.2%). Retinopathy, hypertensive encephalopathy and abdominal bruits were uncommon. None presented in the prepulseless phase. No patient had an active tuberculous lesion, although Mantoux or BCG test was positive in 6 (35.2%). The predominant pattern of angiographic affection was Type II (52.9%). Nephrotic syndrome and portal cavernoma seen in one patient each were incidental associations. Anti-hypertensive drugs, oral steroids and drugs to control congestive heart failure were the mainstays of medical management. Antitubercular therapy was started in six patients. Angioplasty was attempted in 15 cases and proved to be partially beneficial in six. Three patients who failed to respond to medical management had to undergo surgical procedures, either bypass, nephrectomy or both. In-hospital mortality was 11.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of TA in this study presented acutely in the pulseless phase, with hypertension and its complications. Type II involvement was the commonest pattern. Anti-hypertensive agents and steroids along with angioplasty were partially successful in controlling symptoms in 35.2%. Surgical procedures were reserved for a minority with poor response to drugs and angioplasty.

The palm print as a sensitive predictor of difficult laryngoscopy in diabetics: a comparison with other airway evaluation indices.

Abstract: AIMS: To evaluate the ink impression made by the palm of the dominant hand as a screening tool for difficult laryngoscopy in diabetic patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, airway of 50 adult diabetic patients, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia, was assessed preoperatively using the common clinical indices such as Modified Mallampati test, thyromental distance, degree of head extension and a specific index- the palm print test. Following induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular relaxation, laryngoscopy was performed and the laryngoscopic view scored. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of each airway evaluation index were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was 16%. The palm print test had the highest sensitivity (75%) of all the indices. The thyromental distance less than six cm had the highest specificity (95.2%) but was least sensitive (25%). 87% of patients with difficult laryngoscopy had two or more indices abnormal. CONCLUSION: Though the palm print test was the most sensitive index of the four indices studied, a better prediction of difficult laryngoscopy can be achieved by evaluating all the four airway indices preoperatively.

Isolated tuberculous hepatic abscess in a non-immunocompromised patient.

Abstract: A 38 years old female presented with pain in the epigastrium, jaundice and fever since one and half month. The computerised tomographic scan of the abdomen revealed a multiloculated abscess of the left lobe of liver. The pus drained from the liver abscess at laparotomy showed acid fast bacilli on microscopy. A detailed search failed to identify any other focus of tuberculous infection. The case has been reported for the rarity of isolated hepatic tuberculous abscess and its presentation with jaundice, a rare feature, and to highlight the importance of microscopic or culture diagnosis in a suspected case of pyaemic abscess.

Comparison of closure of subcutaneous tissue versus non-closure in relation to wound disruption after abdominal hysterectomy in obese patients.

Abstract: AIMS: To evaluate the role of subcutaneous tissue closure in relation to wound disruption after abdominal hysterectomy in obese patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective study at a tertiary referral centre in Mumbai, India, 60 obese patients with subcutaneous fat more than 2.5 cms were included in the study. In 30 patients, subcutaneous tissue was closed using synthetic suture (dexon) while in 30 control patients subcutaneous tissue was not closed. Average weight in the study and control groups were 69 -/+ 9.2 kg and 63.3 -/+ 11.2 kg respectively. RESULTS: The wound disruption occurred in 5 patients in non-closure group as compared to only one in the closure group. Incidence of seroma, haematoma formation and other wound complications were higher in the non-closure group. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the subcutaneous tissue after abdominal hysterectomy of women with at least 2.5 cms of subcutaneous tissue lowers the overall rate of complications leading to disruption of the incision.

Giant cell tumour of talar body.

Abstract: Giant cell tumour (osteoclastoma) of talar bone is a rare entity and is seen more commonly in the third decade of life. We report this disease entity in a 17-years-old girl. The patient presented with painful swelling of the left ankle with an osteolytic lesion in the talus on conventional radiographs. Intralesional curettage and autologous bone grafting was performed following which patient's pain and swelling disappeared. Complete range of movement at the ankle joint was regained with minimal restriction at the subtalar joint. There is no evidence of relapse at six months follow up.

Rupture of left horn of bicornuate uterus at twenty weeks of gestation.

Abstract: Rupture uterus in nulliparous patients is generally associated with mullerian anomalies. A case of 23 years primigravida with 19 weeks gestation presenting with features of rupture is reported here. Ultrasound helped in the diagnosis of left horn of bicornuate uterus. After exploration, right ruptured horn was excised. The incidence, diagnosis and management of such cases is discussed.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: a rare presentation.

Abstract: Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare life threatening infection in diabetes characterised by suppurative infection of renal parenchyma and perirenal tissues It usually presents with fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shock, lethargy, and confusion Diabetic ketoacidosis is an uncommon presentation In the present case, an elderly female presented with abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and altered sensorium She was diagnosed to have diabetic ketoacidosis with metabolic encephalopathy with right emphysematous pyelonephritis She had an excellent response to medical treatment alone and was later discharged on oral hypoglycaemic agents

Bacterial nosocomial pneumonia in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract: AIMS: To determine the incidence, risk factors, mortality and organisms causing nosocomial pneumonia (NP) in intubated patients in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). MATERIALS & METHODS: All patients with endotracheal (ET) tube with or without mechanical ventilation (MV) in a PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital were included in this prospective study. Clinical parameters and investigations were evaluated in patients who developed nosocomial pneumonia (NP). Colonisation of the ET tube tip was studied by culture and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients had an ET tube inserted and fifty-nine of these underwent MV. ET tube tip colonisation was seen in 70 out of 88 ET tubes inserted. The incidence of NP in patients with ET tube was 27.54% (7.96/100 days of ET intubation). NP developed only in patients undergoing MV. The main risk factors for developing NP were - duration of MV and duration of stay in the PICU. Age, sex, immunocompromised status and altered sensorium did not increase the risk of NP. The mortality in cases with NP was 47. 37%. E. coli and Klebsiella were the commonest organisms isolated from the ET tube tip cultures with maximum susceptibility to amikacin and cefotaxime. CONCLUSIONS: NP developed only in patients undergoing MV. Duration of MV and duration of stay in the PICU increased the risk of developing NP.

An intragastric trichobezoar: computerised tomographic appearance.

Abstract: A 26-year-old lady presented with a history of abdominal pain and distension since two months. The ultrasound examination showed an epigastric mass, which was delineated as a filling defect in the stomach on barium studies. The computerised tomographic scan showed a gastric mass with pockets of air in it, without post-contrast enhancement. This case highlights the characteristic appearance on computerised tomography of a bezoar within the stomach, a feature that is not commonly described in medical literature.

Ruptured true aneurysm of the splenic artery: an unusual cause of haemoperitoneum.

Abstract: True aneurysm of the splenic artery is rare. Two cases of ruptured true splenic artery aneurysms are presented. The first patient was a 62-year-old female who presented within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms. The other was a 27-year-old non-alcoholic male patient who was admitted in a state of shock after 2 days of observation in a peripheral hospital. Both patients had haemoperitoneum and were subjected to exploratory laparotomy. Aneurysmectomy was performed in both the patients in addition to left splenopancreatectomy in the first case and splenectomy in the second. However, due to the prolonged preoperative shock, the second patient succumbed on the third postoperative day.

Vertigo and vestibular rehabilitation.

Abstract: The role of rehabilitation in the management of vertigo is limited to a very specific group of conditions. An Occupational therapist who is a part of the multidisciplinary team treating the vertiginous patient, with the knowledge of physiology and therapeutic benefit of vestibular rehabilitation can widen the rehabilitation spectrum for various diseases producing vertigo and dysequilibrium, to resolve or minimise these symptoms. The present article reviews the need for vestibular rehabilitation and the different conditions needing the same along with its characteristics, physiology and various exercises prescribed.

Imaging findings in a giant hepatic artery aneurysm.

Abstract: A rare case of relatively asymptomatic giant hepatic artery aneurysm of atherosclerotic aetiology is presented. The importance of imaging findings in the diagnosis of this condition and the differential diagnosis including the pertinent literature on the topic is discussed.

Indomethacin therapy in hydramnios.

Abstract: AIM: The use of indomethacin in treatment of hydramnios was evaluated. SUBJECTS & METHODS: Twelve patients with symptomatic hydramnios were treated with indomethacin (2.2- 3.0 mg/kg body weight/day). RESULTS: The treatment was started at a gestational age of 31.17-/+7.94 weeks and continued for 3.74-/+2.3 weeks. Eleven patients responded to the therapy both subjectively and objectively and pregnancies were prolonged by 4.6-/+3.1 weeks (range 0.1-10 weeks). Five women had term deliveries. Six patients had a favourable perinatal outcome. Four patients who had a known congenital anomaly in the foetus, delivered stillborn babies or had an early neonatal death. One patient who did not follow up after commencing therapy delivered a full-term stillbirth. One patient delivered within 1 day of starting therapy. Indomethacin therapy caused no maternal complications. CONCLUSION: Indomethacin was effective in the management of hydramnios and preventing it's complications.

Hirschsprung's disease: revisited.

Abstract: The diagnosis and therapy of Hirschsprung's disease has changed in recent times and a firm diagnosis of the entity can be made pre-operatively by immunohisto-chemistry. There has been a recent trend of switching over from the conventional staged surgical procedures to primary pull-through procedures. In this article the newer concepts referring to its aetiology, pathogenesis, and the current technical advancements like stapler anastomosis, laparoscopic assisted pull-through and single one stage operation without colostomy are discussed along with a brief mention of current concepts in intestinal neuronal dysplasia, enterocolitis and total colonic aganglionosis.

Effect of early mobilisation on grip strength, pinch strength and work of hand muscles in cases of closed diaphyseal fracture radius-ulna treated with dynamic compression plating.

Abstract: AIMS: The purpose of the study was to objectively determine the effects of early mobilisation in terms of grip strength and work of hand muscles in cases of closed diaphyseal fracture radius - ulna treated with dynamic compression plating. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty normal subjects and Twenty-one patients, (Eleven patients treated with early active and resistive goal directed mobilisation and Ten control group) were assessed for pinch strength and grip strength on Pinch Dynamometer and Jamar Dynamometer and work of hand muscles on Ergograph. Standardised positions of the equipments and patients were maintained throughout the study. RESULTS: Results showed highly significant reduction in performance in patients treated with early mobilisation as compared to normal subjects in their first assessment (Fourth week post operatively). These patients showed significant improvement in successive assessments (sixth & eighth post operative week) on exercising in between these assessments. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant effects on grip strength and work of hand muscles in patients treated with that early active and resistive goal directed mobilisation.

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: an ante-mortem diagnosis.

Abstract: A rare case of primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is reported with its clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. A 20-year-old girl presented with headache, projectile vomiting, unsteadiness of gait and urgency of micturition. She had left seventh nerve upper motor neuron type paresis, increased tone in all four limbs, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, cerebellar signs, and papilloedema. Cerebrospinal fluid showed lymphocytosis with elevated protein and normal glucose level. Cerebral computerised tomographic scan and MRI showed bilateral diffuse asymmetric supra- and infra-tentorial lesions (predominantly in the supratentorial and left cerebrum). On MRI, the lesions were hyperintense on T2, and proton density-weighted images and hypointense on T1-weighted images. Based on the clinical findings of raised intracranial tension and MRI features, initial diagnoses of gliomatosis cerebrii, tuberculous meningitis, primary central nervous system lymphoma and chronic viral encephalitis were considered. PACNS was not included in the initial differentials and, an open brain biopsy was advised which established the definitive diagnosis.

Antinuclear antibodies: clinical applications.

Abstract: One of the common serological hallmarks of autoimmune disorders is the presence of various autoantibodies in the sera of patients affected by these disorders. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) detection is often needed to aid the diagnosis in several autoimmune disorders. In view of the different methodologies available for their detection, it becomes essential to understand the advantages and pitfalls of each procedure. This brief review discusses some methodological aspects of ANA detection and the clinical relevance of the presence of some of the autoantibodies found in the sera of patients with autoimmune disorders.

Hypomagnesaemia in paediatric population in an intensive care unit.

Abstract: AIMS: To determine incidence and risk factors for hypomagnesaemia in children admitted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, (PICU). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Prospective study was carried out on 80 children admitted in PICU. The patients were clinically assessed for nutritional status, neurological status on Glasgow coma scale, congestive cardiac failure, etc. and relevant biochemical parameters including serum and red cell magnesium levels were done. 25 patients of the same age group admitted in general ward who were not in critical state were included as a control group. RESULTS: 70% of PICU patients had hypomagnesaemia, which was more common in patients on aminoglycosides and diuretics. CONCLUSION: In view of complications of magnesium depletion and benign nature of appropriate magnesium therapy critically ill children should have their magnesium level monitored.

Nephritis and cerebellar ataxia: rare presenting features of enteric fever.

Abstract: Enteric fever is a common infectious disease of the tropical world, about 80% of these cases occur in Asian countries. Enteric fever presenting with isolated cerebellar ataxia or nephritis is rare. We report three cases of enteric fever that presented with these complications. Isolated cerebellar ataxia usually occurs in the second week, whereas in our cases it presented within first four days of fever. The common complications of enteric fever related to the urinary tract are cystitis, pyelitis, and pyelonephritis. Glomerulonephritis is uncommon. Most patients with enteric glomerulonephritis present with acute renal failure, hypertensive encephalopathy, or nephritic syndrome. In comparison, our case had milder manifestations. All three patients were treated with parenteral ceftriaxone and showed a prompt recovery.

An unusual foreign body in the bladder.

Abstract: In spite of its inaccessibility, every conceivable object has been inserted into the urinary bladder. Such patients may have a psychiatric disorder with a sexual perversion or inquisitiveness (as in children) as the underlying cause. We report a case of an aluminum rod inserted into the urinary bladder by an adult male, which was removed successfully by surgery.

Neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome or LEOPARD Syndrome? A clinical dilemma.

Abstract: Neurofibromatosis (NF), Noonan syndrome (NS), and LEOPARD syndrome are all autosomal dominant conditions, each being a distinct clinical entity by itself. Rarely, one encounters cases with features of NF and NS and is termed as the 'Neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome' (NF-NS). The authors report a clinical dilemma with major clinical features of the NF-NS syndrome and LEOPARD syndrome co-existing in the same patient. Also, features of Noonan syndrome and LEOPARD syndrome are compared with the case reported.

Eisenmenger syndrome in pregnancy.

Abstract: Maternal mortality in the presence of Eisenmenger syndrome is reported to be 30 to 50% & increases further with associated complications. A case of Eisenmenger syndrome in pregnancy where the patient progressively deteriorated postpartum & expired 3 weeks later is reported.

Balloon dilatation of ureteric strictures.

Abstract: AIMS: Evaluation of dilatation as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of ureteric strictures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated this technique in 16 patients with ureteric and secondary pelviureteric junction strictures from June 1998. Of these, 7 were men and 9 were women. The age range was from 14 to 40 years. RESULTS: Balloon dilatation was successful in 69% of patients. Strictures secondary to previous surgery had nearly 100% success. Of the 8 cases diagnosed as genitourinary tuberculosis, success rate was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Factors affecting success of balloon dilatation are: a) age of the stricture b) length of the stricture and c) etiology of the stricture. In a select group of patients with fresh post-operative or post-inflammatory strictures, balloon dilatation may be an attractive alternative to surgery.