Showing papers in "Journal of Postgraduate Medicine in 2007"

Adult mesenchymal stem cells: differentiation potential and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of multipotent cells found primarily in the bone marrow. They have long been known to be capable of osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation and are currently the subject of a number of trials to assess their potential use in the clinic. Recently, the plasticity of these cells has come under close scrutiny as it has been suggested that they may have a differentiation potential beyond the mesenchymal lineage. Myogenic and in particular cardiomyogenic potential has been shown in vitro. MSCs have also been shown to have the ability to form neural cells both in vitro and in vivo, although the molecular mechanisms underlying these apparent transdifferentiation events are yet to be elucidated. We describe here the cellular characteristics and differentiation potential of MSCs, which represent a promising stem cell population for future applications in regenerative medicine.

An international review of tobacco smoking among medical students

Abstract: We conducted a systematic international review of tobacco smoking habits among medical students. Particular attention was paid to countries where smoking rates have been historically well-documented in local journals, but were less often included in larger international review articles. The methodology involved a search of relevant medical subject headings, after which the reference lists of journal papers were also examined to find additional publications. A total of 66 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The most common countries previously studied included India, the United States, Australia, Japan, Pakistan, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Overall, our review suggests that the prevalence of smoking among medical students varies widely amongst different countries and also between male and female students within the same areas. Consistently low smoking rates were found in Australia and the United States, while generally high rates were reported in Spain and Turkey. Given their important future role as exemplars, more effective measures to help reduce tobacco smoking among medical students are clearly needed worldwide.

Translation and validation of brief patient health questionnaire against DSM IV as a tool to diagnose major depressive disorder in Indian patients

Abstract: Context: Depression is frequently encountered in the primary care setting but is often unrecognized and hence untreated. There is a need for a uniform user-friendly screening instrument for depression for primary healthcare personnel in India. Aims: Translation and validation of the brief patient health questionnaire (BPHQ) as a screening tool for depression in major Indian languages. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at 18 sites, in psychiatric and general clinics. The English version of the BPHQ was translated into 11 Indian languages. The translations were reviewed by experts and volunteers and proofread for the final translated BPHQ. The validation exercise included more than 3000 subjects. A psychiatrist and a psychiatry social worker / coordinator conducted the study under the supervision of the principal investigator. For each language, the presence or absence of major depressive disorder (MDD) as diagnosed with the help of a patient-completed BPHQ and the psychiatrist DSM-IV diagnosis was matched. The kappa coefficient was used as a measure of inter-observer agreement between the two diagnostic methods. Results: Seven languages failed the primary validation exercise. These translations were reviewed and the updated versions, after proofreading were re-run for validation. The self-administered BPHQ was successfully translated and validated for diagnosis of MDD against DSM-IV diagnosis made by a psychiatrist, in English, Hindi, Marathi, Oriya, Malayalam, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali and Tamil. Conclusions: BPHQ is a simple, quick and reliable instrument, which facilitates rapid and accurate diagnosis of depression in the primary care setting in our country.

The oxidative hypothesis of senescence.

Abstract: The oxidative hypothesis of senescence, since its origin in 1956, has garnered significant evidence and growing support among scientists for the notion that free radicals play an important role in ageing, either as "damaging" molecules or as signaling molecules. Age-increasing oxidative injuries induced by free radicals, higher susceptibility to oxidative stress in short-lived organisms, genetic manipulations that alter both oxidative resistance and longevity and the anti-ageing effect of caloric restriction and intermittent fasting are a few examples of accepted scientific facts that support the oxidative theory of senescence. Though not completely understood due to the complex "network" of redox regulatory systems, the implication of oxidative stress in the ageing process is now well documented. Moreover, it is compatible with other current ageing theories (e.g, those implicating the mitochondrial damage/mitochondrial-lysosomal axis, stress-induced premature senescence, biological "garbage" accumulation, etc). This review is intended to summarize and critically discuss the redox mechanisms involved during the ageing process: sources of oxidant agents in ageing (mitochondrial -electron transport chain, nitric oxide synthase reaction- and non-mitochondrial- Fenton reaction, microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes, peroxisomal beta -oxidation and respiratory burst of phagocytic cells), antioxidant changes in ageing (enzymatic- superoxide dismutase, glutathione-reductase, glutathion peroxidase, catalase- and non-enzymatic glutathione, ascorbate, urate, bilirubine, melatonin, tocopherols, carotenoids, ubiquinol), alteration of oxidative damage repairing mechanisms and the role of free radicals as signaling molecules in ageing.

Microscopic papillary thyroid cancer as an incidental finding in patients treated surgically for presumably benign thyroid disease.

Abstract: Background: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is a relatively common entity in the general population. Aim: To present our experience with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma of the thyroid as an incidental finding in patients treated surgically for presumably benign thyroid disease. Settings and Design: Histology reports of patients treated surgically with a preoperative diagnosis of benign thyroid disease were reviewed to identify patients with PTMC. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer were excluded from this study. Materials and Methods: The files of 380 patients who underwent surgery for presumably benign thyroid disease in our hospital from 1990 to 2002 were reviewed. Data regarding patient's demographics, pathology findings, management and outcomes, were retrieved. Statistical Analysis Used: The findings are expressed as absolute numbers and as percentages (with reference to the total number of patients of this study). Results: Twenty-seven patients with PTMC diagnosed incidentally following thyroid surgery for presumably benign thyroid disease (27/380 or 7.1%) (multinodular goiter = 20 patients, follicular adenoma = 6 patients, diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid = 1 patient) are presented. Mean diameter of PTMC was 4.4 mm. In 11 patients (40.7%) the tumor was multifocal and in about half of them tumor foci were found in both thyroid lobes. In two patients the tumor infiltrated the thyroid capsule. Total/near-total thyroidectomy was performed in all these patients (in three as completion thyroidectomy). All patients received suppression therapy and 20 of them underwent adjuvant radioiodine therapy. Follow-up (mean 4.56 years, range 1-12 years) was completed in 25 patients; all these patients were alive and disease-free. Conclusions: PTMC is not an uncommon incidental finding after surgery for presumably benign thyroid disease (7.1% in our series). The possibility of an underlying PTMC should be taken into account in the management of patients with nodular thyroid disease; total/near total thyroidectomy should be considered, at least in selected patients with presumably benign nodular thyroid disease.

Thyroid cancer in toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter

Abstract: Background : Many authors have claimed that hyperthyroidism protects against thyroid cancer and believed that the incidence of malignancy is lower in patients with toxic multinodular goiter (TMG) than in those with non-toxic multinodular goiter. But in recent studies, it was reported that the incidence of malignancy with TMG is not as low as previously thought. Aim : To compare the thyroid cancer incidence in patients with toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter. Settings and Design : Histology reports of patients treated surgically with a preoperative diagnosis of toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter were reviewed to identify the thyroid cancer incidence. Patients having a history of neck irradiation or radioactive iodine therapy were excluded from the study. Materials and Methods : We reviewed 294 patients operated between 2001-2005 from toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter. One hundred and twenty-four of them were toxic and 170 were non-toxic. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed by elevated tri-iodothyroinine / thyroxine ratios and low thyroid-stimulating hormone with clinical signs and symptoms. All patients were evaluated with ultrasonography and scintigraphy and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Statistical Analysis Used : Significance of the various parameters was calculated by using ANOVA test. Results : The incidence of malignancy was 9% in the toxic and 10.58% in the non-toxic multinodular goiter group. Any significant difference in the incidence of cancer and tumor size between the two groups could not be detected. Conclusions : The incidence of malignancy in toxic multinodular goiter is not very low as thought earlier and is nearly the same in non-toxic multinodular goiter.

Religion, spirituality, health and medicine: why should Indian physicians care?

Abstract: Religion, spirituality, health and medicine have common roots in the conceptual framework of relationship amongst human beings, nature and God. Of late, there has been a surge in interest in understanding the interplay of religion, spirituality, health and medicine, both in popular and scientific literature. A number of published empirical studies suggest that religious involvement is associated with better outcomes in physical and mental health. Despite some methodological limitations, these studies do point towards a positive association between religious involvement and better health. When faced with disease, disability and death, many patients would like physicians to address their emotional and spiritual needs, as well. The renewed interest in the interaction of religion and spirituality with health and medicine has significant implications in the Indian context. Although religion is translated as dharma in major Indian languages, dharma and religion are etymologically different and dharma is closer to spirituality than religion as an organized institution. Religion and spirituality play important roles in the lives of millions of Indians and therefore, Indian physicians need to respectfully acknowledge religious issues and address the spiritual needs of their patients. Incorporating religion and spirituality into health and medicine may also go a long way in making the practice of medicine more holistic, ethical and compassionate. It may also offer new opportunities to learn more about Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine and have more enriched understanding and collaborative interaction between different systems of medicine. Indian physicians may also find religion and spirituality significant and fulfilling in their own lives.

Present status of understanding on the G6PD deficiency and natural selection.

Abstract: G6PD deficiency is a common hemolytic genetic disorder, particularly in the areas endemic to malaria. Individuals are generally asymptomatic and hemolytic anemia occurs when some anti-malarial drugs or other oxidizing chemicals are administered. It has been proposed that G6PD deficiency provides protection against malaria. Maintaining of G6PD deficient alleles at polymorphic proportions is complicated because of the X-linked nature of G6PD deficiency. A comprehensive review of the literature on the hypothesis of malarial protection and the nature of the selection is being presented. Most of the epidemiological, in vitro and in vivo studies report selection for G6PD deficiency. Analysis of the G6PD gene also reveals that G6PD-deficient alleles show some signatures of selection. However, the question of how this polymorphism is being maintained remains unresolved because the selection/fitness coefficients for the different genotypes in the two sexes have not been established. Prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Indian caste and tribal populations and the different variants reported has also been reviewed.

Bullying among trainee doctors in Southern India: a questionnaire study.

Abstract: Background: Workplace bullying is an important and serious issue in a healthcare setting because of its potential impact on the welfare of care-providers as well as the consumers. Aims: To gauge the extent of bullying among the medical community in India; as a subsidiary objective, to assess the personality trait of the bullying victims. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional, anonymous, self-reported questionnaire survey was undertaken among a convenient sample of all the trainee doctors at a Government Medical College in Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire, in English with standard written explanation of bullying was used. Basic information like age, sex, job grade and the specialty in case of Postgraduates (PGs) were also collected. Statistical Analysis: The results were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square test for comparison of frequencies. Results: A total of 174 doctors (115 PGs and 59 junior doctors), took part in the study with a cent percent response. Nearly half of the surveyed population reported being subjected to bullying. Nearly 54 (53%) of the men and 35 (48%) of women were subjected to bullying. Significant proportions ( P <0.0001) of medical personnel and paramedical staff bullied the PGs and junior doctors, respectively. More than 85 (90%) of bullying incidents went unreported. A significant ( P <0.0001) percentage of PGs and junior doctors revealed a personality trait towards bully. Conclusions: Workplace bullying is common among trainee doctors and usually goes unreported.

Pott's puffy tumor following an insect bite

Abstract: Pott's puffy tumor, a feature of osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, is a rare entity, especially in adults. Sir Percival Pott originally described this condition as a complication of trauma to the frontal bone. This is also a recognized complication of fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis. We present a rare case of Pott's puffy tumor caused by an insect bite presenting initially as a preseptal cellulitis and explore its pathogenesis and management.

Psoriatic arthritis as a distinct disease entity

Abstract: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by joint inflammation associated with cutaneous psoriasis. For many years, the amount of attention directed to PsA had been less than that for various other arthropathies. With the advances in understanding its pathogensis, it is now recognized as a distinct disease entity with characteristic features. Psoriatic arthritis has a greater tendency towards asymmetric oligoarticular involvement, distal interphalangeal involvement and spondylitis. Associated features such as enthesitis and dactylitis are more common. Specific radiological features include ankylosis and bone resorption. With the availability of potent new therapeutic agents for psoriasis and PsA, interest in research and clinical care for these conditions has been reinvigorated. Anti-TNF therapy has achieved encouraging efficacy in both the joints and skin disease, improving function and quality of life and inhibiting radiological progression measured in patients with PsA and psoriasis. Biologic agents may have the potential in addressing the unmet medical need in patients with PsA.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa for emergency reversal of anticoagulation

Abstract: Context: There is limited data regarding the use of activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) in anticoagulated patients requiring reversal. Aims: To identify and describe characteristics of subjects who received rFVIIa as part of emergency treatment aimed at improving hemostasis. Settings and Design: Data was obtained from an international peer-reviewed registry haemostasis.com. This registry contains data reported by physicians, who had elected to use rFVIIa to control bleeding in an emergency clinical situation. The contributors' approval for inclusion in the study was obtained and they were requested to validate and update information. Materials and Methods: Database review of cases receiving rFVIIa to manage bleeding coherent with the use of anticoagulant therapy. Statistical Analysis: The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare requirements for blood products and crystalloids/colloids during the 24h preceding and following rFVIIa administration, as well as changes in the levels of clotting factors during that period. Results: Eighteen patients were treated with rFVIIa (median dose: 87.35 µg/kg; range: 20.0-106.0 µg/kg) for bleeding. Anticoagulants requiring reversal included low-molecular-weight heparin (n = 6), unfractionated heparin (n =8), coumarin (n =3) and warfarin (n=1). All patients had failed to respond to traditional antidotes and blood products. Following administration, bleeding stopped in 10, markedly decreased in five and slowed in the remaining three. Amongst 12/16 patients, a response was observed within 2.0 h of first administration. The requirement for blood products and crystalloids/colloids decreased ( P <0.05) after rFVIIa administration. rFVIIa was well tolerated. Conclusions: rFVIIa may play a role in control of untoward bleeding in subjects receiving anticoagulation therapy.

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody is not useful to differentiate between Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis in India.

Abstract: Context : Clinical, endoscopic, radiological and histological parameters of intestinal tuberculosis (IT) and Crohn's disease (CD) are so similar that differentiation between these two diseases, which require different treatment, is difficult. Anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), which is often present in the sera of patients with CD, may be potentially useful to differentiate CD from IT. Aim : To evaluate the role of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for ASCA in serum in differentiating CD from intestinal tuberculosis. Settings and Design : Prospective case-control study. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with IT, 16 CD, 36 UC diagnosed using standard parameters and 12 controls (11 healthy subjects and one with colonic carcinoma) were tested for IgG ASCA in serum. Statistical Analysis Used : Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square test with Yates' correction, as applicable. Continuous variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results : Eight of 16 (50%) patients with IT, 10 of 16 with CD (62%), nine of 35 with UC (26%) and one of 12 controls tested positive for ASCA in serum. Though the frequency of ASCA in serum was comparable among patients with IT and CD (8/16 vs. 10/16, P = ns), IT and UC (8/16 vs. 9/35, P =ns), CD and UC (10/16 vs. 9/35, P =ns), its frequency in CD or IT but not in UC was higher than healthy controls ( P < 0.01). Conclusions : Serum ASCA is unlikely to be useful to differentiate between CD and IT in India.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: a component of metabolic syndrome?

Abstract: In 1935, Stein and Leventhal first described the polycystic ovary (PCO) as a frequent cause of irregular ovulation in women seeking treatment for subfertility. Although the initial management was surgical with wedge resection of ovary, the availability of radioimmunoassay and increased clinical use of ultrasound made it clear that many women had the ultrasound characteristics of PCO with or without the biochemical or clinical features of PCOS and therefore that PCO were not associated with a single syndrome. The association between increased insulin resistance and PCOS is a consistent finding in all ethnic groups. Obesity is a common factor in the majority of women with PCOS. It is postulated that a woman may be genetically predisposed to developing PCOS but it is only the interaction of environmental factors (obesity) with the genetic factors that results in the characteristic metabolic and menstrual disturbances. Weight loss, altered diet and exercise have been shown to be effective in the management of PCOS. Importance of early recognition, proper intervention, long-term monitoring and health implications needs more concern.

Study of association between use of complementary and alternative medicine and non-compliance with modern medicine in patients presenting to the emergency department.

Abstract: Context: Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are extensively used by the public. Noncompliance is an important cause of therapy failure. Aim: This study was done to determine prevalence of emergency admission due to noncompliance with modern medicine following switching over to CAM and to identify any significant association for CAM use among noncompliers. Setting and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency unit of a tertiary healthcare institute. Materials and Methods: Demographic factors and system affected were compared between compliers and noncompliers. Prevalence, reasons and nature of noncompliance were determined. Age, gender, outcome, relation strength and potential preventability of noncompliance, precipitating and previous disease and noncompliant drugs were compared for significant association between CAM using and other noncompliers. Statistical Analysis: Student's 't' test, Chi square test and odds ratio were used. Results: Of the 506 patients interviewed 168 (33%) were noncompliant. In 160 (95%) patients noncompliance was due to under-dosing. Lack of knowledge and CAM use constituted 144 (86%) noncompliance-related admissions. Thirty-three (7%) admissions were strongly related to noncompliance and CAM use. Age, gender, outcome, drug use and diseases except chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma showed no association while relation strength and potential preventability of emergency admission was less with CAM-using noncompliers. Noncompliance was observed for hypertension, diabetes, COPD and asthma, seizure disorder, tuberculosis and hemophilia besides hepatic and renal failure. The CAM noncompliers used CAM more for modern medicine incurable or unaffordable than curable diseases. Conclusion: Advice for regular treatment and frequent monitoring can decrease CAM use-related noncompliance admissions.

A new approach to the study of diet and risk of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a polygenetic disorder resulting from interaction of both hereditary and environmental factors. Diet is an important environmental factor in the development of T2DM. However, there existed inconsistent conclusions among previous studies. The validity of a study of associations between diet and diabetes depends on the method used in the study. Associations between individual nutrients/foods and T2DM have been explored even till today, but the controversy is still unsolved due to the limitations of the study methods such as interactions among nutrients. Emergence of analyses on dietary patterns and diabetes shows its popularity in the studies of associations of dietary patterns with T2DM, but only a few articles have been published. In this review, dietary-pattern-related studies since 1990 were identified by searching through Medline and PubMed in order to analyze methods used in the studies of diabetes. A dietary pattern approach was introduced as an alternative complementary way used to test associations of diet with risk of T2DM and the advantages of the studies of T2DM using this new approach are also explored. It is concluded that the dietary pattern approach shows its advantages over that using individual nutrients or foods in studies on associations between the diet and diabetes, but its reproducibility and validity for such effects, however, need to be further verified in different ethnic population-based on diverse eating habits. The long-term effects of a beneficial dietary pattern on T2DM also require clarifying in future studies.

Field rats form a major infection source of leptospirosis in and around Madurai, India

Abstract: Aims: To determine the seroprevalence of leptospires and to isolate Leptospira spp. from field rats and bandicoots in and around Madurai. Materials and Methods: Thirteen rats and five bandicoots were trapped alive from fields in and around Madurai. Blood samples were tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies by microscopic agglutination test while the urine and kidney samples were used for isolation of leptospires. The isolated leptospires were tested for pathogenic status (13°C test and PCR) followed by serological and genetic characterization. Results: Serology revealed the presence of anti-leptospiral antibodies in 58% (7/12) of field rats and leptospires were isolated from two urine and six kidney samples. The bandicoots were negative in both serology and culture. Analysis of the isolates from field rats revealed that all the isolates were pathogenic except for one, which was further confirmed by serological and genetic characterization. Six of the seven pathogenic isolates were identified as L. interrogans serogroup Autumnalis serovar Akiyami A and one as L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica serovar Veldrat Batavia 46. Conclusions: Serology and isolation reveals that field rats are major natural carriers and shedders of leptospires in and around Madurai.

One gene, many phenotypes

Abstract: "Phenotype" is the visible or quantifiable effect of the expression of a gene, whereas the specific genetic constitution responsible for a phenotype is called "genotype". It was hoped that phenotype could be accurately predicted if the genotype could be characterized. But, the relationship between the genotype and phenotype is not straightforward. Similar genetic lesions can have entirely different phenotypes. In recent years, there has been tremendous progress in the understanding of the genetic basis of diseases. The extent to which it will be possible to relate findings at the DNA level to the clinical phenotype is difficult to delineate on many occasions. The elucidation of mechanisms underlying genotype-phenotype discrepancies is important as it will influence the use of DNA-based tests in the diagnosis, therapy and counseling of individuals affected with genetic disorders. This issue is pertinent to almost every aspect of medical practice and research in this post-genome era. In this article, we have tried to summarize those factors which are responsible for varied manifestations of lesion(s) in a single gene.

Retrospective study of severe cases of leptospirosis admitted in the intensive care unit

Abstract: Objectives: Evaluate patient demographics, risk factors, complications, seropositivity, treatment and outcome among leptospirosis patients Design: Retrospective analysis of 104 patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) with a clinical suspicion of leptopirosis Setting: Ten-bedded medical ICU in a medical school situated in a rural area endemic for leptospirosis Main Outcome Measures: Seropositivity for leptospirosis, patient demographics, risk factors, complications, treatment and survival Results: One hundred and four patients were admitted with a clinical suspicion of leptospirosis Fifty-three (507%) were serologically confirmed cases Males dominated both groups Most of the admissions were in the monsoon season Exposure to moist soil was the main risk factor The mortality in the seronegative group was 268% while it was only 38% in the seropositive group Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, primarily acute respiratory distress syndrome with thromboctyopenia and renal failure were the causes for mortality All the patients who died presented late into the illness Conclusions: The initial diagnosis of leptospirosis depends on a high index of clinical suspicion, routinely available diagnostic tests being unreliable in the initial period A reliable, unsophisticated test should be developed for early detection of this disease As leptospirosis in its early stage mimics other tropical infections, both medical professionals and the general public (especially with risk of occupational exposure) should be educated about the disease and the need to seek early medical intervention

Paraphenylene diamine ingestion: an uncommon cause of acute renal failure.

Abstract: Paraphenylene diamine (PPD) is a major component of hair dyes. The aim is to study the renal manifestations and outcome of PPD consumption. During a four-year period from 2002 to February 2006, 10 persons were admitted to our Institute after consuming a hair dye in a suicidal bid. The percentage of ARF due to PPD at our Institute was 0.95%. Seven patients out of 10 (70%) who consumed PPD developed ARF. All 10 patients, including the patients who had normal renal function had features of rhabdomyolysis. Two patients required ventilator support for respiratory distress and two more required tracheostomy due to upper airway tract edema. One patient has expired after two sessions of dialysis. Renal biopsy in two patients (one, postmortem) showed acute tubular necrosis along with presence of casts in tubules due to myoglobin.

Melioidosis presenting as genitourinary infection in two men with diabetes.

Abstract: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It occurs predominantly in tropical regions. The manifestations are protean which include pneumonia, visceral abscesses, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, acute suppurative and chronic granulomatous lesions with involvement of almost all organ systems. Fulminant sepsis is much more common and is associated with high mortality. Hence prompt recognition and early treatment is warranted. We report unusual presentations of urinary tract melioidosis in two diabetic men.

Antimicrobial price variation: conundrum of medical profession!

Abstract: Pharmacoeconomics plays a pivotal role in clinical practice. High medicine prices can adversely affect a patient's finances and compliance. The Indian pharmaceutical industry has become a cornucopia of medicines with wide variation in prices for the same medicine marketed under different brand names. Price list of available antimicrobial brands was procured from a commercial drug directory. Average price of widely prescribed oral antimicrobials was found and price variation between different brands was calculated. The variation in medicine prices was found to be from 95% lower to more than 350% higher than the average price. Implications of price variation in clinical practice are discussed and remedial measures suggested.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy accompanied by simultaneous umbilical hernia repair: A retrospective study

Abstract: Background : Umbilical defects may cause technical problems for general surgeons in patients during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) operations and may increase the incidence of incisional hernia. Aim : The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal repair method for umbilical hernias that already exist or are encountered incidentally and to present data regarding potential problems that may occur during LC. Settings and Design : Medical records of patients who had received simultaneous umbilical hernia repair (UHR) with LC were investigated retrospectively. Materials and Methods : Cholelithiasis was accompanied by umbilical hernia in 64 (8.6%) out of 745 patients who underwent LC and UHR simultaneously in our hospital between 2000 and 2004. Statistical Analysis Used : The Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, One-Way Anova, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the log-rank test and t test were used for statistical analyses. Results : LC was followed by UHR using primary suture (Group 1), Mayo repair (Group 2) and flat mesh-based repair (Group 3) in 32 (50%), 18 (28.1%) and 14 (21.9%) patients, respectively. Mean body mass indexes (BMI) of patients were 26.6 kg/m 2 , 29.2 kg/m 2 and 39.9 kg/m 2 in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Recurrence rates were 9.4%, 5.6% and none (0%) in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Recurrence was observed in three (7.0%) out of 43(67.2%) patients with BMI≥30 kg/m 2 while umbilical hernia recurred in one (4.8%) out of 21 (32.8%) patients with BMI<30 kg/m 2 . Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 14.1% and 0%, respectively. Conclusions : The outcomes of the UHR with mesh after laparoscopic surgeries appear to be better for either obese or non-obese patients than primary suture techniques in recurrence rates.

Severe nitrofurantoin lung disease resolving without the use of steroids.

Abstract: We report a case of an elderly woman who developed a severe, chronic pulmonary reaction to nitrofurantoin therapy that she had taken continuously for three years to prevent urinary tract infections The patient was taking no other drug known to cause lung disease but the diagnosis was delayed by failure to recognize the association between nitrofurantoin and adverse drug reactions affecting the lung When originally seen, the patient was unable to care for herself due to dyspnea Bronchoscopy with biopsy ruled out other causes of her pulmonary disease Immediate withdrawal of nitrofurantoin led to substantial, sustained improvement and disappearance of symptoms over several months without administration of corticosteroids Nitrofurantoin toxicity should always be considered in any person taking that drug who develops bilateral infiltrates

Sedation in patients above 60 years of age undergoing urological surgery under spinal anesthesia: Comparison of propofol and midazolam infusions

Abstract: Context : Propofol and midazolam are commonly used sedatives during regional anesthesia in adults. Smaller doses of these drugs are required in older age due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Aims : To study the sedation, side-effects and the costs involved with smaller doses of propofol and midazolam in patients aged above 60 years during spinal anesthesia. Settings and Design : A randomized single-blind study was conducted in 60 ASA I-II patients aged ≥60 years undergoing urological surgery under spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods : Sedation was administered after spinal anesthesia using propofol (bolus 0.4 mg/kg-1; infusion 3 mg/kg/hr) or midazolam (bolus 0.02 mg/kg; infusion 0.06 mg.kg-1/h-1 ) and titrated to achieve a sedation score of 3 on the modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale. Perioperative sedation, hemodynamics and respiratory events were monitored. Statistical Analysis : The analysis for parametric data was done using Student's unpaired t test and the incidence data using Chi-square test. Results : The onset (13.0±4.2 vs. 18.8±4.2 min, P <0.001) and offset (8.9±2.8 vs. 12.5±3.5 min, P <0.001) of sedation were faster and the duration of adequate sedation longer (44.7±12.5 vs. 29.8±12.9% of total infusion time, P <0.001) with propofol than midazolam. More patients receiving propofol compared to midazolam had hypotension (16 [50%] vs.4 [14.3%], P= 0.003). Airway obstruction occurred frequently in both the groups. Sedation was significantly more expensive with propofol than midazolam (US$ 9.83 ± 2.80 vs. US$ 0.33 ± 0.06, P< 0.001). Conclusions : Propofol provided better titration and adequacy of sedation than midazolam in patients above 60 years of age, but caused hypotension. Lighter sedation is recommended in this age group.

Neostigmine does not prolong the duration of analgesia produced by caudal bupivacaine in children undergoing urethroplasty.

Abstract: Context : Neostigmine extends the duration of analgesia produced by caudal bupivacaine in children. Aims : To study the effect of different doses of caudal neostigmine on the duration of postoperative analgesia. Settings and Design : A randomized, double-blind study was conducted in 120 boys aged 1-12 years undergoing urethroplasty under combined general and caudal anesthesia. Materials and Methods : Children were administered 1.875 mg/kg bupivacaine alone (Group B), or with 2, 3 or 4 µg/kg of neostigmine (groups BN 2 , BN 3 or BN 4 respectively) as caudal drug (0.75 ml/kg). Children with a pain score of 4 or more (OPS and NRS) postoperatively were administered rescue analgesic. Time to first analgesic and the number of analgesic doses administered in the 24h were recorded. Statistical Analysis : Parametric data were analyzed using ANOVA. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the time to first analgesic administration were plotted and compared using log rank analysis. Chi-square test was used to analyze the incidence data. Results : The median [IQR] time to first analgesic in Group B (540 [240-1441] min) was similar to that in Groups BN 2 (450 [240-720]), BN 3 (600 [360-1020]) and BN 4 (990 [420-1441]). Significantly more patients in Groups B (9 [34.6%]) and BN 4 (13 [44.8%]) required no supplemental analgesic for 24h than those in Groups BN 2 and BN 3 (4 [13.8%] and 4 [13.3%]). The number of analgesic doses required in 24h in the four groups was similar. Conclusion : Addition of neostigmine to 1.875 mg/kg of caudal bupivacaine did not prolong the analgesia following urethroplasty in children.

The rumination syndrome in adults: a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Rumination in adults is considered to be the effortless regurgitation of recently ingested food into the mouth, followed by either rechewing and reswallowing or expulsion of the regurgitate. On the basis of the definition of rumination as a unique category of functional gastroduodenal disorders, according to the newly established Rome III classification, a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of the rumination syndrome in adults is presented after systematic and critical approach of all articles that could be retrieved through PubMed using the term "rumination".

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a patient with cryptococcal lymphadenitis as the first presentation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is commonly seen in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients having concomitant opportunistic infection, following initiation of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). We describe IRIS in a young man with unknown human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status who presented with cryptococcal lymphadenitis as the first manifestation of AIDS. At presentation the patient had features overlapping with tuberculosis (TB) lymphadenitis which was ruled out by fine needle aspiration cytology. The patient responded to antifungal treatment but following the start of HAART, symptoms recurred which were managed conservatively. Though TB is common in India, a thorough workup including histopathology of lymph node should be done before the patient is started on anti-tuberculosis treatment. HIV infected patients having opportunistic co-infection should be closely monitored following initiation of HAART.

Tumoral calcinosis of the foot with unusual presentation in an 11-year-old boy: a case report and review of literature.

Abstract: Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by development of calcified masses within the soft tissues near the large joints such as the hip, elbow and shoulder and rarely occurs in the foot. We report the clinical, radiological and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a case of tumoral calcinosis of the foot observed in an 11-year-old boy which caused erosion of underlying bone and describe the surgical treatment and pathology results.