Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in a community-based study in North India: the Chandigarh Urban Diabetes Study (CUDS)

AIMS

As there have been few studies in North India of the prevalence of diabetes within the past decade, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with diabetes in the North Indian city of Chandigarh.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey of 2227 subjects (response rate: 94%), aged ≥20 years and representative of the urban Chandigarh population, was conducted from April 2008 to June 2009. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG) following ingestion of 75 g of an anhydrous glucose equivalent were estimated by glucometer in all subjects except those with known diabetes, in whom only FPG was measured. Diagnosis of diabetes was based on 1999 WHO criteria. The collected prevalence data was age-standardized for the Chandigarh population, and multivariate logistic-regression analysis was used to correlate risk factors with the presence of diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 349 subjects (15.7%, 95% CI: 13.9-16.9) were diabetic, comprising 210 (9.4%) with known diabetes and 139 (6.2%) with newly diagnosed diabetes, and 344 (15.4%, 95% CI: 14.3-17.1) subjects were prediabetic. The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were 11.1% (95% CI: 9.7-12.4) and 13.2% (95% CI: 11.8-14.6), respectively. Age ≥50 years, a family history of diabetes, BMI ≥23 kg/m(2), abdominal obesity and hypertension were significantly and positively associated with the presence of diabetes, whereas educational status was negatively associated with diabetes (P<0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were 11.1% and 13.2%, respectively. Older age, family history of diabetes, obesity and hypertension were positively related, while educational status was negatively related, to the presence of diabetes.

A child with suprasellar mass and ascites

A 7-year-old child having short stature presented with headache and vomiting of 6 months' duration. MRI of the brain showed a sellar and suprasellar mass suggestive of craniopharyngioma with hydrocephalus. He underwent a right ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunting followed by a subtotal resection of the tumour. A year later, he presented with progressive ascites and umbilical hernia. Systemic examination was unremarkable except for massive ascites. Ultrasound abdomen confirmed free-fluid in the peritoneal cavity and the ascitic fluid was transudative. Ventriculo-cysternography revealed a functional and patent V-P shunt. A diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid ascites (shunt ascites) was made and he underwent ventriculo-atrial shunting. After treatment the patient improved with the gradual disappearance of ascites.

Adolescent acromegaly: clinical parameters and treatment outcome

BACKGROUND

Adolescent acromegaly is a rare disorder and these patients present with tall stature/gigantism, tumor mass effects and menstrual irregularities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

34 consecutive (26 males) patients having onset of disease prior to 21 years of age were included in this retrospective analysis. Their clinical features and treatment outcome were studied.

RESULTS

Mean age and lag time at presentation were 21.6 +/- 3.9 years and 5.1 +/- 3.5 years respectively. Common presenting manifestations included acral enlargement, tumor mass effects and menstrual irregularities. Mean height at presentation was 174.6 +/- 13.7 cms (range: 150-210 cm) and one third had gigantism (height > or =97th percentile, WHO growth charts). Hypertension and glucose intolerance were seen in 15% and 23.5% respectively. Mean nadir GH after glucose load was 58.2 +/- 13.7 ng/ml and IGF -1 was 534.8 +/- 132.8 ng/ml. Half of the patients had concomitant hyperprolactinemia. Almost all (97%) had macroadenoma and anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies were frequent (75%). Patients with gigantism were younger (19.6 +/- 4.9 vs. 22.6 +/- 2.9 years; p = 0.001), had higher GH values (66.68 +/- 27.22 vs. 53.98 +/- 15.99 ng/ml; p = 0.04) and hypogonadism was more common (90.9% vs. 56.5%, p = 0.03) than those with normal stature. 32 patients (94.1%) were treated primarily with surgery, 7 (21.9%) received post operative radiotherapy. Mean duration of follow up was 33.1 +/- 10.1 months. Only 30% had nadir GH values of <1 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION

One third of adolescent patients had acrogigantism. These patients were younger, had higher GH levels and concurrent hypogonadism was more common. Cure could be achieved only in about one third of the patients.

Efficacy of cabergoline on rapid escalation of dose in men with macroprolactinomas

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Since cabergoline has a long half-life and sustained occupancy of dopamine (D2) receptors in lactotrophs, its doses are slowly built up either monthly or two monthly. This possibly results in delayed normalization of serum prolactin and slow reduction in tumour size. This study was planned to assess the efficacy and safety of rapid escalation of cabergoline doses in men with macroprolactinomas.

MATERIALS

Fifteen consecutive men with macroprolactinomas underwent evaluation for anterior pituitary functions, visual fields, quality of life (QOL) score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at baseline and after 6 months of cabergoline therapy. Serum prolactin and testosterone levels were assessed at monthly intervals. Cabergoline was started at a dosage of 0.5 mg twice per week and increased to 1.5 mg twice per week (3 mg ) by the third week, as 3 mg is usually considered as effective dose. Subsequent increase in doses was done as per protocol.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients at presentation was 31.7 +/- 3.3 yr and duration of symptoms was 25.0 +/- 3.6 months. Serum prolactin at baseline was 6249.3 +/- 3259.2 microg/l with a tumour volume of 28.9 +/- 8.3 cm(3). Eighty six per cent of the patients had visual field defects while 53 per cent had decreased visual acuity. The mean dose of cabergoline required was 3.2 mg/wk. Symptoms improved in majority (93%) of patients after four weeks of cabergoline therapy with a dramatic fall in serum prolactin by 99 per cent from 6249.3 +/- 3259.2 to 46.9 +/- 14.9 microg/l and it was normalized in 93 per cent of the patients by 8.2 wk. Improvement in visual field defects was noted in all but one, after one month and there was further improvement at 6 months. All patients had >25 per cent reduction in tumour size, and 73 per cent had > 50 per cent reduction after six months of cabergoline therapy. Basal circulating testosterone levels were low in 11 (73%) patients and started improving from first month of cabergoline therapy and became normal in around half of the patients after 6 months. No major side effects were observed requiring discontinuation of cabergoline therapy.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings show that rapid build-up of cabergoline doses increases its efficacy as well as rapidity of response in terms clinical improvement, normalization of serum prolactin and gonadal functions and reduction in tumour size, without compromising its safety in men with macroprolactinomas. Further studies with a larger sample size and control group for comparison need to be done to confirm these findings.

Ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicates the clinical course of preterm infants, increasing their risks of developing chronic lung disease (CLD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Indomethacin is used as standard therapy to close a PDA, but is associated with reduced blood flow to the brain, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Ibuprofen, another cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, may be as effective as indomethacin, with fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to placebo or no intervention for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (including indomethacin, mefenamic acid) for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ibuprofen to placebo or indomethacin or mefenamic acid for therapy of PDA were identified by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2007), MEDLINE (1996 - August 2007), CINAHL (1982 - August 2007), EMBASE (1980 - August 2007), reference lists of published RCTs and abstracts from the Pediatric Academic Societies and the European Society for Pediatric Research meetings published in Pediatric Research (1991 - April 2005) or on their website (to August 2007). No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1) DESIGN: Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials2) POPULATION: Preterm (< 37 weeks gestational age) or low birth weight infants (< 2500 g) with a clinically or echocardiographically diagnosed PDA3) INTERVENTION: Administration of ibuprofen (orally or intravenously) for the closure of PDA4) OUTCOMES: At least one of the following outcomes were reported: failure to close a PDA, mortality, surgical ductal ligation, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), NEC, decreased urine output, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), chronic lung disease (CLD), sepsis, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension, duration of supplementary oxygen, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of hospital stay, and serum creatinine levels following treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors worked independently at each step of the original review, then compared results and resolved differences. The current update was conducted by one review author (AO). Methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed according to blinding of randomization, of intervention and of outcome assessment, and completeness of follow up. Weighted treatment effects, calculated using RevMan 4.2.10, included typical relative risk (RR), typical risk difference (RD), number needed to treat to benefit (NNT) or harm (NNH), and weighted mean difference (WMD), all with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A fixed effect model was used for meta-analyses. Heterogeneity tests including the I-squared test (I(2)) were performed to assess the appropriateness of pooling the data.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies using mefenamic acid were identified. Sixteen studies enrolling 876 infants were identified. Four additional trials were identified for this update and two studies published as abstracts were now available as full articles. One study compared ibuprofen to placebo, but the results were not reported unblinded to intervention group. Fifteen studies including 740 infants compared the effectiveness of ibuprofen to indomethacin for the closure of a PDA. For the primary outcome (failure of ductal closure), there was no statistically significant difference between ibuprofen and indomethacin groups [typical RR 0.99 (95% CI 0.78, 1.27); typical RD 0.00 (95% CI -0.06, 0.06)]. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality, reopening of the ductus, need for surgical duct ligation, duration of ventilator support, duration of supplementary oxygen, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension, CLD, IVH, PVL, NEC, intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleed, time to full enteral feeds, time to regain birth weight, ROP, sepsis, duration of hospitalization. Ibuprofen treatment was associated with statistically significantly lower serum creatinine levels after treatment (6 trials, 336 infants; WMD - 8.2 (95% CI -13.3, -3.2) mmol/L and lower incidence of 'decreased urine output' [3 trials, 336 infants; typical RR; 0.22 (95% CI 0.09, 0.51); typical RD -0.12 (95% CI -0.18, -0.06); NNT 8 (95% CI 6,17)]. There was moderate heterogeneity of treatment effect for the outcomes 'time to regain birth weight' and 'decreased urine output". Heterogeneity was not noted for other outcomes. For several of these outcomes, the sample size was small and the estimates imprecise. There are not enough data available regarding the effectiveness of oral ibuprofen compared with indomethacin to close a PDA [3 trials, 69 infants; typical RR 1.41 (95% CI 0.68, 2.93); typical RD 0.10 (95% CI -0.10, 0.30)]. Pulmonary hypertension was noted in one infant receiving ibuprofen to close a PDA enrolled in a trial in this review and an additional report of such a case was identified from the literature.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of ibuprofen compared to indomethacin in closing a PDA was found. Ibuprofen compared with indomethacin reduces the risk of oliguria and is associated with lower serum creatinine levels following treatment. Pulmonary hypertension has been observed in three infants after prophylactic use of ibuprofen and one infant receiving ibuprofen for treatment in this review developed pulmonary hypertension. One additional case of pulmonary hypertension following treatment with ibuprofen to close a PDA was identified from the literature. The available data support the use of either drug for the treatment of a PDA. As both drugs are equally effective in closing a PDA, the clinician needs to weigh the potential side effects of one drug vs. the other when making a decision which drug to use. The most urgent research question to be answered is whether ibuprofen compared to indomethacin confers an improved rate of intact survival (survival without impairment) at 18 months corrected age and at the age of school entry.

A case of successful treatment of cutaneous Acanthamoeba infection in a lung transplant recipient

Acanthamoeba species are known to cause 2 well-described entities: (1) granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), which usually affects immunocompromised hosts, and (2) keratitis, which typically follows trauma associated with contamination of water or contact lenses. Less common manifestations include pneumonitis and a subacute granulomatous dermatitis. We describe a case of granulomatous dermatitis secondary to Acanthamoeba infection in a lung transplant recipient and a successful outcome following treatment with lipid formulation of amphotericin B and voriconazole. We believe this is the second case report describing disseminated Acanthamoeba infection in a lung transplant recipient. We also describe successful outcome with a combination of lipid formulation of amphotericin B and voriconazole, drugs that have not been previously reported to treat Acanthamoeba.

Ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicates the clinical course of preterm infants, increasing their risks of developing chronic lung disease (CLD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Indomethacin is used as standard therapy to close a PDA, but is associated with reduced blood flow to the brain, kidneys and gut. Ibuprofen, another cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, may be as effective with fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to placebo or no intervention for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (including indomethacin, mefenamic acid) for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ibuprofen to placebo or indomethacin or mefenamic acid for therapy of PDA were identified by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (1996 - July 2005), CINAHL (1982 - July 2005), EMBASE (1980 - July 2005), reference lists of published RCTs and abstracts from the Pediatric Academic Societies and the European Society for Pediatric Research meetings published in Pediatric Research (1991 - April 2005). No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1) DESIGN: Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials 2) POPULATION: Preterm (< 37 weeks gestational age) or low birth weight infants (< 2500 grams) with a clinically or echocardiographically diagnosed PDA 3) INTERVENTION: Administration of ibuprofen for the closure of PDA 4) OUTCOMES: At least one of the following outcomes were reported: failure to close a PDA, mortality, surgical ligation, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), NEC, decreased urine output, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), chronic lung disease (CLD), sepsis, days on supplementary oxygen.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two authors worked independently at each step of the original review, then compared results and resolved differences. The current update was conducted by one author (AO). Methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed according to blinding of randomization, of intervention and of outcome assessment, and completeness of follow up. Weighted treatment effects, calculated using RevMan 4.2, included typical relative risk (RR), typical risk difference (RD), number needed to treat (NNT) or harm (NNH), and weighted mean difference (WMD), all with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A fixed effect model was used for meta-analyses. Heterogeneity tests including I(2 )were performed to assess the appropriateness of pooling the data.

MAIN RESULTS

No study using mefenamic acid was identified. One study compared ibuprofen to placebo but results were not reported unblinded to group. Eleven studies including 620 patients compared the effectiveness of ibuprofen to indomethacin for the closure of a PDA. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity of treatment effect for any of the outcomes. For the primary outcome (failure of ductal closure), there was no statistically significant difference between ibuprofen and indomethacin groups [typical RR 0.96 (95% CI 0.74, 1.25)]. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality, surgical duct ligation, duration of ventilator support, IVH, PVL, NEC, time to full enteral feeds, ROP, sepsis, duration of hospital stay or gastrointestinal bleed. For many of these outcomes the sample size was small and the estimates imprecise. The incidence of decreased urine output (< 1cc/kg/hr) was lower in the ibuprofen group as compared to the indomethacin group [NNT 9 (95% CI 5-14)]. This was the only statistically significant clinical finding favouring ibuprofen. CLD defined as oxygen requirement at 28 days post-natally was statistically significantly more likely to occur in the ibuprofen group [typical RR 1.37 (95% CI 1.01, 1.86); NNH 7 (95% CI 3 - 100)]. There was a similar trend for CLD at 36 weeks corrected gestational age.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of ibuprofen compared to indomethacin in closing the PDA. Ibuprofen reduces the risk of oliguria. However, ibuprofen may increase the risk for CLD, and pulmonary hypertension has been observed in three infants after prophylactic use of ibuprofen. Based on currently available information ibuprofen does not appear to confer a net benefit over indomethacin for the treatment of a PDA. We conclude that indomethacin should remain the drug of choice for the treatment of a PDA. The most urgent research question to be answered is weather ibuprofen compared to indomethacin confers an improved rate of intact survival (survival without impairment) at 18 months corrected age.

Lymphocytic Myocarditis After Lung Transplantation

This study reports the development of lymphocytic myocarditis in a bilateral lung allograft recipient. A 23-year-old woman developed congestive heart failure and severe left ventricular dysfunction 32 months after a bilateral lung allograft for cystic fibrosis. She had taken oral acyclovir for infectious mononucleosis that was diagnosed 11 months previously. Her viral load for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) increased, and an echocardiogram revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 25% and endomyocardial biopsy revealed lymphocytic myocarditis. She received valacyclovir (1 g x 3 times daily) and made a full recovery 6 months later.

Immunoprophylactic effects of the anti-leprosy Mw vaccine in household contacts of leprosy patients: clinical field trials with a follow up of 8-10 years

We report here a large scale, double blind immunoprophylactic trial of a leprosy vaccine based on Mycobacterium w (Mw) in an endemic area of Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh, India. A population of 420,823 spread over 272 villages was screened where 1226 multibacillary (MB) and 3757 paucibacillary (PB) cases of leprosy were detected. A total of 29,420 household contacts (HHC) of these patients were screened for evidence of active or inactive leprosy. After exclusion of 1622 contacts for any of the different exclusion criteria, a total of 24,060 HHC could be vaccinated for vaccine or placebo under coding (20,194 administered two doses and 3866 received single dose). The vaccine consisted of 1 x 10(9) heat killed bacilli (Mw) in normal saline for the first dose and half of the first dose, i.e. 5 x 10(8) bacilli for the second dose, given 6 months after the first dose. The placebo consisted of 1/8th dose of the normal dose of tetanous toxoid. Both placebo and vaccine were given under double-blind coding, The contacts were followed up during three surveys at 3, 6 and 9 years after the initial vaccination, for detection of post-vaccination cases (PVCs) and observing any side-effects caused as a result of vaccination. The codes were opened on 24th January 2001, after the analysis of the data following completion of the third and final follow-up survey. When only contacts received the vaccine, Mw vaccine showed a protective efficacy (PE) of 68-6% at the end of first, 59% at the end of the second and 39.3% at the end of the third follow-up survey. When both patients and contacts received the vaccine, the protective efficacy observed was 68%, 60% and 28% at the end of the first, second and third surveys, respectively. When patients, and not the contacts, received the vaccine, a PE of 42.9% in the first, 31% in the second and 3% in the third survey was shown. These results suggest that the vaccination of the contacts is more valuable in achieving the objective of immunoprophylaxis than that of patients, and the vaccine effects are noted maximally in children (as compared to adolescents and adults) who constitute the most responsive group The effect of vaccine is sustained for a period of about 7-8 years, following which there is a need to provide a booster vaccination for the sustained protection.

Low-levels of fluoride in plaque and saliva and their effects on the demineralisation and remineralisation of enamel; role of fluoride toothpastes

AIM

To summarise support for current consensus on the likely means by which fluoride toothpastes reduce caries and review some relevant studies of the effect of low levels of fluoride on the demineralisation and remineralisation of enamel. The major anti-caries effect of fluoride toothpastes is thought to result from small but protracted elevations in levels of fluoride in plaque and saliva. Fluoride incorporated into enamel systemically does not reduce enamel solubility sufficiently to exert an anti-caries effect. Fluoride has the potential to exert an anti-caries benefit largely through three mechanisms; inhibition of demineralisation, promotion of remineralisation and interference with bacterial growth and metabolism. However, the low levels of fluoride thought to influence caries are insufficient to have a significant effect via the latter mechanism. Thus reductions in caries resulting from the use of fluoride toothpastes can be linked to modification of the demineralisation/remineralisation balance by direct effects on dental mineral exerted topically by low levels of fluoride. Numerous in vitro studies have shown that low levels of fluoride, typical of those found after many hours in resting plaque and saliva, and resulting from the regular use of fluoride toothpastes, can have a profound effect on enamel demineralisation and remineralisation.

Tracheobronchial amyloidosis: a case report of successful treatment with external beam radiation therapy

Tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) refers to the deposition of localized amyloid deposits within the upper airways. Treatments have historically focused on bronchoscopic techniques including debridement, laser ablation, balloon dilation, and stent placement. Local excisions often prove temporarily effective, with multiple local recurrences and progressive compromise pulmonary function occurring frequently. We present a case of TBA managed with definitive external beam radiation therapy. Eighteen months after moderate-dose radiation, the patient demonstrated improvements in functional status, pulmonary function, bronchoscopic visualization, and CT-based luminal diameters. The literature involving the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of TBA is reviewed.

Ibuprofen for the treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicates the clinical course of preterm infants, increasing their risks of developing chronic lung disease (CLD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Indomethacin is used as standard therapy to close a PDA, but is associated with reduced blood flow to the brain, kidneys and gut. Ibuprofen, another cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, may be as effective with fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to placebo or no intervention for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. To determine the effectiveness and safety of ibuprofen compared to other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (including indomethacin, mefenamic acid) for closing a PDA in preterm and/or low birth weight infants.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Randomized (or quasi-randomized) controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ibuprofen to placebo or indomethacin or mefenamic acid for therapy of PDA were identified by searching the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 4, 2002), MEDLINE (1996 - January 2003), CINAHL (1982 - November 2002), EMBASE (1980 - January 2002), reference lists of published RCTs and abstracts from the Pediatric Academic Societies and the European Society for Pediatric Research meetings published in Pediatric Research (1991 - 2002). No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1) DESIGN: Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials 2) POPULATION: Preterm (< 37 weeks gestational age) or low birth weight infants (< 2500 grams) with a clinically or echocardiographically diagnosed PDA 3) INTERVENTION: Administration of ibuprofen for the closure of PDA 4) OUTCOMES: At least one of the following outcomes were reported: failure to close a PDA, mortality, surgical ligation, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), NEC, decreased urine output, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), CLD, sepsis, days on supplementary oxygen.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two reviewers worked independently at each step of the review, then compared results and resolved differences. Methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed according to blinding of randomization, of intervention and of outcome assessment, and completeness of followup. Weighted treatment effects, calculated using Revman 4.1, included typical relative risk (RR), typical risk difference (RD), number needed to treat (NNT) or harm (NNH), and weighted mean difference (WMD), all with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A fixed effect model was used for meta-analyses. Heterogeneity tests were performed to assess the appropriateness of pooling the data.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight studies including 509 patients were included. All studies compared the effectiveness of ibuprofen to indomethacin for the closure of a PDA. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity of treatment effect for any of the outcomes. For the primary outcome (failure of ductal closure), there was no statistically significant difference between ibuprofen and indomethacin groups [RR 0.92 (95% CI 0.69, 1.22)]. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality, surgical duct ligation, duration of ventilator support, IVH, PVL, NEC, time to full enteral feeds, ROP, sepsis, duration of hospital stay or gastrointestinal bleed. For many of these outcomes the sample size was small and the estimates imprecise. The incidence of decreased urine output (< 1cc/kg/hr) was lower in the ibuprofen group as compared to the indomethacin group [NNT 9 (95% CI 5-14)]. This was the only statistically significant clinical finding favouring ibuprofen. Chronic lung disease defined as oxygen requirement at 28 days post-natally was statistically significantly more likely to occur in the ibuprofen group [RR 1.37 (95% CI 1.01, 1.86); NNH 7 (95% CI 3 - 100)]. No studies comparing ibuprofen versus placebo for the closure of PDA were identified.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

We found no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of ibuprofen compared to indomethacin in closing the PDA. Ibuprofen reduces the risk of oliguria. However, ibuprofen may increase the risk for chronic lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension has been observed in three infants after prophylactic use of ibuprofen. Based on currently available information ibuprofen does not appear to confer a net benefit over indomethacin for the treatment of a PDA. We conclude that indomethacin should remain the drug of choice for the treatment of a PDA. Future research may include a four arm trial where infants are randomized at birth, either to a prophylaxis arm starting at birth or to an arm in which treatment starts after a PDA is diagnosed by echocardiography within the first seven days of life. Within the prophylaxis and treatment arms, the infants would be randomized to either ibuprofen or indomethacin. The primary outcome should be intact survival (survival without handicap) at 18 months corrected age.

Clinico-histopathological study of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematous

Fourteen cases of sub acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) were selected from Dermato-Venereology outpatients during the last 2(1/2) years. Clinically all patients revealed photosensitivity and annular plaques either covered with peripheral collarette of scale or EM--like or DLE--like lesions. Systemic associations were arthralgia in 4, hypertension in I. rheumatoid arthritis in I and pulmonary tuberculosis in L Histopathologically epidermal atrophy, interface dermatitis, basal cell degeneration, colloid bodies and mononuclear infiltrate of dermis were salient features. Good response to 15 mg prednisolonc, medium potency topical steroids and sunscreens was seen in all cases.

Pityriasis rosea: A histopathologic study

The histopathologic features of pityriasis rosea (PR) have been considered by many authors to be compatible with those of dermatitis, but it is not surprising that histological difference may exist between PR and dermatitis. fifty patients of pityriasis rosea were included in this study. We studied the 50 biopsies including 9 biopsies from herald patches. The characteristic features were; absence or decrease of the granular cell layer, extravasation of red blood cells in papillary dermis and partly into the epidermis, dyskeratosis, liquefaction of basal cells, homogenization of papillary collagen, intraepidermal vesicles in apparently dry skin. In addition of these features, we observed prominent delling of epidermis and a typical spongiotic pattern not reported earlier. The biopsies from herald patches showed minor differences from the secondary lesions. We also compared the histopathological features of recent lesions with older lesions.

Tuberculous meningitis in children: problem to be addressed effectively with thorough contact tracing

Worldwide, tuberculosis is the most common cause of death from a single infectious agent in children. There has been an increase in its incidence in Europe in recent years. Early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in children is extremely difficult because of its nonspecific early presentation and it is universally fatal if not recognised and treated. Young children are at increased risk of acquiring tuberculosis and it is more likely to be disseminated in neonates. In summarising the cases of three children with tuberculous meningitis admitted to our centre, we highlight the importance of diagnosis and contact tracing of the source case.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis requires a high index of suspicion, thorough contact tracing, and appropriate investigations with early treatment as the key to reducing morbidity and mortality.

Multiple familial keratoacanthoma of Witten and Zak - A report of three siblings

Three out of 11 siblings of a nonconsanguineous marriage suffering from biopsy-proven multiple small eruptive keratoacanthoma (KA) of Grzybowski as well as large nodular KA of Ferguson-Smith are reported. The response to oral methotrexate was not encouraging. Intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at a dose of 12 mg/kg/day in isotonic saline given in weekly 5-day cycles resulted in almost complete resolution of small eruptive lesions and signs of involution in older large agglomerate noduloulcerative KA after 6 cycles. Thus, intravenous 5-FU was found to be an effective therapeutic modality for the Witten and Zak type of KA.