Clinical profile of malaria at a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India

Introduction:

Despite recent reductions in the overall malaria case incidence, malaria remains an important public health issue. There has been a change in clinical and epidemiological profile of malaria in our country and vivax malaria known to be benign has been reported to cause severe complications. Therefore, the present study was conducted to delineate the clinical profile of malaria, proportion of severity, spectrum of complications, and presence of comorbidities among adult patients admitted at a tertiary health-care center in North India.

Materials and Methods:

This was an observational prospective study conducted in all adult patients (>15 years of age) diagnosed to have Plasmodium vivax malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, and mixed malarial infection at a tertiary care teaching hospital on the basis of peripheral smear or rapid diagnostic tests.

Results:

The study included 295 patients, the most common species was vivax (62%) followed by falciparum (29%) and mixed plasmodium spp. (9%). The mean age of the patients was 34.23 ± 15.7 years, with 64% male and 36% female. Out of all patients, 23% patients had at least one component of severe malaria. Severe anemia (hemoglobin <5 mg/dl), thrombocytopenia (platelet count <1 lac/cmm), and acute kidney injury were significantly greater in patients with P. vivax. Presence of comorbid conditions was observed in a significant proportion (32%) of patients.

Conclusion:

P. vivax is the plasmodium species which is responsible for most of the cases. Its potential to cause life-threatening illness is the cause of concern. The role of comorbid conditions in influencing the clinicaloutcome of malaria should be further explored.

Quantitative Characterization of the Prostatic Urethra Using MRI: Implications for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative assessment of the prostate anatomy with a focus on the relation of prostatic urethral anatomic variation to urinary symptoms.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer who were also assessed for lower urinary tract symptoms. Volumetric segmentations were utilized to derive the in vivo prostatic urethral length and urethral trajectory in coronal and sagittal planes using a piece-wise cubic spline function to derive the angle of the urethra within the prostate. Association of anatomical factors with urinary symptoms was evaluated using ordinal univariable and multivariable logistic regression with IPSS score cutoffs of ≤7, 8-19, and >20 to define mild, moderate, and severe symptoms, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 423 patients were included. On univariable analysis, whole prostate volume, transition zone volume, prostatic urethral length, urethral angle, and retrourethral volume were all significantly associated with worse urinary symptoms. On multivariable analysis prostatic urethral length was associated with urinary symptoms with a normalized odds ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval 1.0-2.2, p = 0.04). In a subset analysis of patients on alpha blockers, maximal urethral angle, transition zone volume as well as urethral length were all associated with worse urinary symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Multiple parameters were associated with worse urinary symptoms on univariable analysis, but only prostatic urethral length was associated with worse urinary symptoms on multivariable analysis. This study demonstrates the ability of quantitative assessment of prostatic urethral anatomy to predict lower urinary tract symptoms.

A Preliminary Study on the Evaluation of In-vitro Inhibition Potential of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Raw and Commercial Honey on Escherichia coli: An Emerging Periodontal Pathogen

Periodontitis, a multiple pathogen disease has the latest addition to the family i.e. Escherichia coli as a potential and emerging periodontal pathogen owing to its lipopolysaccharide more potent than Porphyromonas gingivalis, which makes it an emerging threat in periodontal disease. The role of antimicrobial agents in the management of periodontal diseases is of utmost importance. However, in the present scenario, antibiotic resistance is a public health concern now and there are very few options left for treatment. So, honey, a pioneer in traditional medicine was tried in the treatment against Escherichia coli to evaluate and compare the "in-vitro" antibacterial activity and efficacy of raw and commercial honey at different concentrations in comparison to tetracycline as a control on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Escherichia coli 25922 strain from 5th Aug 2018 to 15th Feb 2019 at the Department of Microbiology, Rama Medical College, Kanpur (UP), India. In the in-vitro study different concentrations (100%, 75%, 50% and 25% v/v) of raw and commercial honey were studied and sensitivity tests were used to evaluate their antibacterial effect on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and the ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined for raw honey, and commercial honey in comparison to tetracycline. In case of raw honey, zone of inhibition was seen at 100%, 75% and 50% concentration, with maximum inhibition being 27±1.154mm and 23±0.666mm for patient-isolated Escherichia coli and ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain respectively at 100% concentration, whereas, the commercial honey was effective only at 100% and 75% concentration, with maximum inhibition zone of 13±1.054mm and 17±0.942mm at 100% concentration on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain respectively. However, no effect was observed at 25% concentration for both raw and commercial honey. The MIC and MBC of raw and commercial honey were determined by the broth dilution method, where raw honey exhibited both MIC and MBC at 512 mg/ml whereas, and commercial honey exhibited MIC at 512mg/ml and MBC at 1024 mg/ml respectively. While comparing the zone of inhibition of raw and commercial honey, it was observed that the raw honey showed almost equivalent potency and efficacy as compared to a positive control tetracycline (2.5%). There was statistically significant difference (p≤0.01) in zone of inhibition of raw and commercial honey at 100% concentration on patient-isolated Escherichia coli and ATCC Escherichia coli 25922 strain. Antimicrobial activity of raw honey at 100% concentration was equivalent to that of tetracycline and was significantly better than commercial honey.

Micro-electromechanical-system-tuned resonant filters spanning the 8-12 µm band

The spectral band covering ∼8-12µm is atmospherically transparent and therefore important for terrestrial imaging, day/night situational awareness systems, and spectroscopic applications. There is a dearth of tunable filters spanning the band. Here, we propose and demonstrate a new, to the best of our knowledge, tunable-filter method engaging the fundamental physics of the guided-mode resonance (GMR) effect realized with a non-periodic lattice. The polarization-dependent filter is fashioned with a one-dimensional Ge grating on a ZnSe substrate and interrogated with a ∼1.5mm Gaussian beam to show clear transmittance nulls. To expand the tuning range, the device parameters are optimized for sequential operation in TM and TE polarization states. The theoretical model exhibits a tunable range exceeding 4 µm, thus covering the band fully. In the experiment, a prototype device exhibits a spectral range of 8.6-10.0 µm in TM and 9.9-11.7 µm in TE polarization or >3µm total. With additional efforts in fabrication, we expect to achieve the full range.

A Prospective Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Ultrasonic Dissector with Electrocautery for Axillary Dissection in Patients of Carcinoma Breast

Background

Axillary dissection is one of the important components of modified radical mastectomy (MRM). The present study was conducted to compare surgical outcomes by using monopolar electrocautery and ultrasonic dissector for axillary dissection in MRM.

Methods

A parallel randomised controlled single blinded study was conducted with a sample size of 70 patients who were randomised into two groups. One group underwent MRM using ultrasonic dissector (Group A) and the other one using electrocautery (Group B). Intra- and post-operative outcomes were compared.

Results

Group A had an average operating time of 30.86 min, which was statistically less than that of Group B. The mean mop count and the daily drain output in Group A were less as compared to Group B and the differences were statistically significant. Drain was removed early in Group A as compared to Group B. However, post-operative pain scores and seroma formation were not statistically significant among the two groups.

Conclusion

Ultrasonic dissector group had significantly lesser intra-operative bleeding, operating time and post-operative drain output when compared to electrocautery group. However, the two groups had no significant difference in post-operative pain scores and seroma formation.

Adverse Drug Reactions with First-Line and Second-Line Drugs in Treatment of Tuberculosis

Drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) requires treatment with first-line drugs (FLDs) whereas drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) are treated with combination of second-line drugs (SLDs) and fewer FLDs. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to these drugs are quite evident as they are being used for longer duration. The overall prevalence of ADRs with FLDs and SLDs are estimated to vary from 8.0 to 85 and 69 to 96%, respectively. Most ADRs are observed in the intensive phase as compared to continuation phase. Major concerns exist regarding treatment of DR-TB patients, especially with SLDs having lower efficacy more toxicity and high cost as compared to FLDs. A variety of ADRs may be produced by anti-TB drugs ranging from mild or minor to severe or major like gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, and hepatotoxicity), ototoxicity, neurotoxicity (peripheral neuropathy and seizures), nephrotoxicity, cutaneous toxicity, and cardiotoxicity. Most of ADRs are minor and can be managed without discontinuation of treatment. Few ADRs’ can be major causing life-threatening experience leading to either modification or discontinuation of regimen and even mortality. A careful monitoring of ADRs during the treatment with anti-TB drugs and early recognition and appropriate management of these ADRs might improve adherence leading to favorable outcome.

Evaluation of ISS, RTS, CASS and TRISS scoring systems for predicting outcomes of blunt trauma abdomen

PURPOSE

Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in people below the age of 45 years. Abdominal trauma constitutes one-fourth of the trauma burden. Scoring systems in trauma are necessary for grading the severity of the injury and prior mobilization of resources in anticipation. The aim of this study was to evaluate RTS, ISS, CASS and TRISS scoring systems in blunt trauma abdomen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective single-center study was conducted on 43 patients of blunt trauma abdomen. Revised trauma score (RTS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Clinical Abdominal Scoring System (CASS) and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated and compared with the outcomes such as need for surgical intervention, post-operative complications and mortality.

RESULTS

The majority of the study subjects were males (83.7%). The most common etiology for blunt trauma abdomen as per this study was road traffic accident (72.1%). Spleen was the most commonly injured organ as per the study. CASS and TRISS were significant in predicting the need for operative intervention. Only ISS significantly predicted post-operative complications. All scores except CASS significantly predicted mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the scoring systems studied CASS and TRISS predicted the need for operative intervention with good accuracy. For the prediction of post-operative complications, only the ISS score showed statistical significance. ISS, RTS and TRISS predicted mortality with good accuracy but the superiority of one score over the other couldn't be proved.

Functional role of iNOS-Rac2 interaction in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) induced cytotoxicity in sepsis

BACKGROUND

Recent reports from this lab have demonstrated a higher incidence of NETs, nitrosative, as well as oxidative stress, and have a direct correlation with the severity of sepsis and organ damage. However, the mechanistic perspective of NETs induced organ damage has not been understood at the cellular and molecular level. Interaction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with Rac2 in regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generation and its implications in microbial killing has been reported. This study was, therefore, undertaken in neutrophils of sepsis patients to investigate the functional importance of iNOS-Rac2 interaction in ROS/ RNS, peroxynitrite generation, NETs generation, and NETs mediated cell death.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 100 patients with sepsis and 50 healthy volunteers. Interaction between iNOS and Rac2 was performed using co-immunoprecipitation and co-immunolabeling assay. Free radicals involving ROS and RNS were evaluated using cytochrome c reduction assay. NETs formation was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. The cytotoxic effect of NETs was assessed on lung carcinoma cell line (A549) using colorimetric Alamar blue assay.

RESULTS

Enhanced interaction between iNOS and Rac2 was found in sepsis neutrophils in comparison with control. This was accompanied by an increased level of superoxide (O2.-), nitric oxide (NO), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) which were decreased in the presence of NAC, DPI, and 1400 W, signifying the role of iNOS-Rac2 interaction. Enhanced NETs release from activated sepsis neutrophils were abrogated in the presence of DPI. NETs from sepsis neutrophils exert a cytotoxic effect on lung epithelial cells (A549) in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our findings exhibit the functional role of iNOS-Rac2 interaction in ROS/RNS, peroxynitrite generation, NETs generation, and NETs mediated cell death.

Comparing pattern of musculoskeletal injuries prior to and during COVID-19 lockdown: A time-trend case study from a tertiary level Trauma Center of Northern India

Background and Aims:

In the COVID-19 times, Indian sub-continent is struggling to contain the epidemic and trying to strengthen the existing health infrastructure, the national level lockdown has raised concerns about the pattern of injuries whether it has remained the same or has changed over this period. This is the first study to compare injury pattern during the two months lockdown period with the data of corresponding months from years 2016-2020. Also we compared the age- and sex-wise distribution patterns of these injuries for the above mentioned period.

Methods:

This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted by the Department of Orthopaedics in Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital (GGSMCH) in Faridkot, Punjab. Secondary data for patient's age and sex, mode of injury, and site of injury was collected through record review for the period of two months (24^th March to 24^th May) for five consecutive years of 2016-2020. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test was used to see the association between age and sex with mode and type of injury.

Results:

The five year injury trends reflected that the proportion of injuries in 2016 was 16.5% (n = 48) of the total musculoskeletal injuries (n = 291) which rose to 23.4% (n = 68) in 2020. Majority of the patients were males (80%), and belonged to adult age group (69.4%) followed by elderly (17.2%), adolescents (8.6%) and children (4.8%). The proportion of road traffic accidents out of all injuries significantly reduced during the lock down period of two months in 2020 (p = 0.001). On the contrary, the proportion of injuries due to falls as well as unspecified assault increased significantly in 2020 as compared to previous years.

Conclusions:

The proportion of musculoskeletal injuries have increased from 2016-2020. Unspecified assault and all types of falls pushed the road traffic accidents to third position during the lockdown period in 2020 as compared to previous four years. Injury surveillance needs to be integrated in routine hospital system for precise information and for more efficient functioning.

What Is New with Rezūm Water Vapor Thermal Therapy for LUTS/BPH?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rezum® is a novel convection-based thermal therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This review provides an overview of its safety, efficacy, cost, and potential role in the paradigm of BPH/LUTS therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data regarding Rezum® stems primarily from one large randomized controlled trial of 197 patients with 4 years of follow-up. The efficacy and safety of Rezum® is further supported by 4 additional studies including 1 prospective pilot study, 1 crossover study, and 2 retrospective studies. Durable improvements in IPSS (47-60%), QoL (38-52%), Qmax (45-72%), and PVR (11-38%) were seen without causing deterioration of sexual function. Rezum® offers a cost-effective and safe approach to treating BPH/LUTS and should be considered as a possible first-line therapy for patients with moderate to severe symptoms.

Giant Malignant Phyllodes Tumour of Breast- A Clinical Dilemma and Surgical Challenge

Phyllodes tumour is an uncommon tumour of the breast. It is fibroepithelial in origin and mostly benign. Giant phyllodes tumours are described as tumours with size more than 10 cm and are extremely rare. Differentiating malignant and benign tumours pathologically is difficult and needs clinical judgement and high index of suspicion. A 50-year-old female presented with complaint of swelling in the left breast. On further evaluation, it was diagnosed as phyllodes tumour on biopsy. She underwent left mastectomy and excision of pectoralis major muscle due to clinical and radiological suspicion of malignancy. Postoperative histopathology report revealed malignant phyllodes tumour. Cases of giant phyllodes tumour should undergo adequate imaging and image guided biopsy with high index for suspicion for malignancy. They should be operated as per the principles of oncosurgery as there is a high probability of such huge tumours harboring malignancy.

Predictors of Mortality in Patients of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lucknow, India

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is an enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. Initial steps of the infection involve binding of the spike protein (S) of the virus to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor on the mucosal surfaces of various organs like lungs, kidney, heart, intestine. Pathogenesis of complications are still poorly understood. Aim: This study was designed to find out the baseline biochemical parameters at the time of admission which may predict outcome in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in a dedicated COVID-19 hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (Dr. RMLIMS), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, from 1st July, 2020 to 30th November, 2020. A total of 109 moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients who required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, were enrolled. Based on their outcome, patients were divided into two groups: “Survived” and “Expired”. Biochemical characteristics of patients were compared among the two groups using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: On Univariate analysis Coagulation profile, Prothrombin Time (PT), International Normalised Ratio (INR), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) and D-Dimer values were raised significantly in the expired group. Among other acute phase reactants Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Creatinine Phosphokinase-MB (CPKMB) were raised in expired group and this difference was significant statistically too. On Multivariate analysis among all acute phase reactant only IL-6 was increased significantly. All other variables were found to be non significantly associated with mortality, statistically (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Baseline biochemical parameters have prognostic values in COVID-19 patients. Raised IL-6 levels can be viewed as an independent predictor of mortality among COVID-19 patients at the time of admission in ICU.