Author Archives: pisrt

Abstract:Background:  Alcohol is the most frequently misused substance on a global scale. Research has demonstrated that it can elicit detrimental impacts on nearly all bodily organ systems. A number of medical conditions can be ascribed to the direct impact of alcohol, while others may be indirect consequences stemming from nutritional inadequacies or susceptibility to injury. The consumption of alcohol has been linked to a range of cardiovascular disorders. Consequently, this study was conducted to investigate the Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic abnormalities in asymptomatic chronic alcoholic patients.
Materials and Methods: The present study, an analytical cross-sectional investigation, was conducted between April 1st, 2021 and September 30th, 2022. The study population consisted of 150 individuals with chronic alcoholism, aged between 21 and 40 years, who had been consuming more than 80 grammes of alcohol per day for a period exceeding 5 years. The participants’ medical history was evaluated according to the definition of chronic alcoholism, and electrocardiography and echocardiography were employed as diagnostic tools. The study group excluded individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.
Results: Our study reveals that the incidence of cardiovascular abnormalities among individuals with chronic alcoholism is 37%. The predominant electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations observed are sinus tachycardia (18%) and non-specific ST-T changes (9%). The prevalent alterations observed in 2D ECHO were augmented thickness of the posterior wall (11%), succeeded by heightened thickness of the interventricular septum and diminished ejection fraction (<40%). The incidence of cardiovascular abnormalities is positively correlated with prolonged alcohol consumption and is also elevated in the elderly population.
Conclusions: The present investigation validates that a multitude of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic alterations manifest before the onset of symptomatic cardiac pathologies that are attributed to prolonged alcohol consumption, such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Early indicators of the ongoing effects of alcohol may be detected through non-invasive investigations such as Electrocardiography and Echocardiography. These indicators are likely reversible during the early stages but may progress to alcoholic dilated cardiomyopathy if left untreated.

Abstract:Introduction: Fever with thrombocytopenia is a common clinical presentation among patients in tertiary care hospitals. Various etiologies, such as malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid, miliary tuberculosis, and septicemia, are the common causes of fever with thrombocytopenia.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the various etiologies of febrile illness in children with thrombocytopenia, study their bleeding and clinical manifestations, and examine their correlation with the severity of platelet count.
Materials and methods: This study included 1000 pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia between January 2021 and December 2021 at an autonomous state medical college in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Results: In our study, the most common etiology was dengue, followed by sepsis and hematological malignancies. The most common age group of patients was 10-15 years. The severity of cases was determined based on the grading of thrombocytopenia and bleeding and clinical manifestations. Fever and myalgia were the most common clinical presentations of patients with thrombocytopenia.
Conclusion: Platelet count is a good predictor of bleeding manifestations due to severe thrombocytopenia, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible, including platelet transfusions for patients.

Abstract:Introduction: Spinal TB (Pott’s disease) is the most common, as well as one of the most potentially dangerous forms of skeletal TB, with an incidence of neurological complications as high as 10% to 43%. Radiographic manifestations of tuberculous spondylitis include intraosseous and paraspinal abscess formation, subligamentous spread of infection, vertebral body destruction and collapse, and extension into the spinal epidural space. Catastrophic neurological sequelae can lead to mortality and significant chronic morbidity. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment can be a boon to such patients.
Objective: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to identify common patterns of tubercular spinal osteomyelitis on MRI.
Materials and Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional observational study conducted by reviewing existing MRI images in the radiology department. The MRI spine studies of subsequently proven cases of spinal TB were included in the study. These images were re-evaluated and compiled by experienced radiologists.
Results: The thoracic spine was the most common site of involvement. Vertebral body wedge collapse or compression fracture was seen in 64% of patients. Posterior element involvement was found in 10 out of 20 cases. Prevertebral and paravertebral collections were seen in 65% of cases. Spinal cord compression was seen in 55% of cases.
Conclusion: MRI is an excellent imaging modality for spinal tuberculosis due to its ability to pick up early as well as advanced changes of the disease and provide the best possible anatomic demarcation of the extent of the disease.

Abstract:Introduction: Fractures in the upper end of the ulna, including its olecranon and coronoid processes, are common. Poor replacement of a dislocated or fractured bone can result in complications such as joint instability, stiffness, and functional deformity. This study aimed to determine the morphometry of the upper end, length, weight, and volume of the ulna bone on both sides in a cross-sectional study.
Materials and Methods: Eighty-four dry ossified ulna bones (42 right, 42 left) were used in this study. The length of the ulna (L) was measured using a digital vernier caliper, while the weight of the ulna (W) was measured using an electronic weight balance. Alginate cast material was used to measure the volume of the upper end of the ulna (V). Longitudinal dimensional parameters, such as the distance between the highest point of the olecranon and that of the coronoid process (OCD) and the mid-olecranon thickness in the mediolateral (T1) and anteroposterior orientation (T2), were measured using a digital vernier caliper. Paired t-tests were used to compare the parameters between the right and left ulnas, with a statistically significant p-value <0.05.
Results: There was a statistically significant variation (p<0.05) in T1, length, weight, and volume between the right and left ulna. However, there was no statistically significant variation in OCD and T2 between the right and left ulna. The average value of T1, T2, length, weight, and volume in the right ulna was higher than that of the left ulna, while the OCD of the left ulna was higher than that of its counterpart.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can be useful for engineers and medical professionals in designing implants for conditions such as fractures and dislocations. Parameters of the olecranon and coronoid processes can also be helpful in determining an individual’s sex.

Abstract:Primary brain tumors are a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and numerous studies have indicated an increase in their incidence over the past two decades. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of primary intracranial tumors presenting at KLE’s DR Prabhakar Kore’s Hospital and MRC, Belgaum, and to examine correlations between various factors, including age, sex, clinical symptoms, and signs. Between January 2006 and December 2010, 159 patients with proven cases of primary intracranial tumour based on CT/MRI scans were included in the study. Gliomas were the most frequent tumor type (45.28%), followed by meningiomas (23.89%). Males were more commonly affected (55.97%) than females, and the most commonly affected age group was 41-60 years, including 74 of the 159 cases (46.65%). Over half of the tumors were located in the cerebral lobes, with the frontal lobe being the most frequently involved. Headaches, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits related to the anatomic site of involvement were the most common presenting signs and symptoms. The findings of this study can be extrapolated to the population of North Karnataka and are consistent with similar studies conducted elsewhere in the country. Additionally, the study reveals a significant relationship between patient age and sex and the occurrence of different tumor types.

Abstract:Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in children in endemic regions. While viruses have been the primary etiological agents attributed to AES in India, other microbes and toxins have also been reported in recent years. This study aimed to determine the etiology, clinical features, and outcomes of AES in children. This prospective observational study was conducted in the pediatric department of Jorhat Medical College and Hospital of Assam over a period of one year. The study included 49 diagnosed cases of AES in children aged between one month to 12 years as per the WHO case definition. Clinical features, etiology, and outcomes (recovery without or with neurological sequelae or death) were recorded for each patient. The study found that fever (100%) and altered sensorium (100%) were the most common clinical presentations in AES cases. Seizure (63%), headache (34.7%), vomiting (26.5%), diarrhea (22.4%), and other symptoms such as excessive crying and irritability (22.4%) were also observed. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) was the most common cause of AES (28.6%), followed by Herpes Simplex Virus (4.1%), pyogenic meningitis (4.1%), and tubercular meningitis (2%). The majority of cases (61.2%) were of unknown etiology. Among the 49 cases, 27 (55.1%) recovered without neurological sequelae, 8 (16.8%) had neurological sequelae, and 14 (28.6%) died during hospital treatment. The most common neurological sequelae was motor deficit (37.5%), followed by behavioral disorders and aphasia (25% each). Cranial nerve palsy was observed in one case (25%). Of the eight AES cases with neurological sequelae, five were JE positive and three were caused by other agents. The study concludes that AES cases commonly present with fever, altered sensorium, seizure, headache, vomiting, and signs of meningeal irritation. JE remains a major cause of AES in children in this region of India. These findings highlight the need for global attention to combat the menace of this arboviral encephalitis and save the lives of children.

Abstract:Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition characterized by excess fat in the liver, which ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the absence of excessive alcohol intake. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD among pre-diabetic and diabetic patients at a tertiary hospital.
Methods: This single-center, prospective, comparative, parallel-group, observational study included male and female patients between 30 and 70 years old who were either diabetic or pre-diabetic. A total of 600 patients with NAFLD were studied.
Results: Of the 200 diabetes cases studied, the prevalence of NAFLD was 52% (104 cases), while the prevalence of NAFLD among pre-diabetic cases was 45.5% (91 cases), and the prevalence of NAFLD among normal cases was 30.5% (61 cases). The prevalence of NAFLD was significant among females in all patient groups. Diabetic patients with NAFLD had a higher BMI and waist circumference than pre-diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and this difference was statistically significant. Diabetic patients with NAFLD also had higher Glycohemoglobin (%) and fasting glucose (mmol/L) than pre-diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and this difference was statistically significant. Liver function tests and other parameters such as total bilirubin, AST, ALT, GGT, LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and platelet count were comparable in diabetic, pre-diabetic, and non-diabetic patients, and the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD among diabetic patients was 52%, while the prevalence of NAFLD among pre-diabetic cases was 45.5%. These findings highlight the importance of early screening and prevention strategies for patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes to reduce the burden of NAFLD.

Abstract:Introduction: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required for normal vision, epithelial maturation, and immunological responses. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in many developing countries, including India, but only 5%-10% show clinical evidence. Studies have shown that subclinical vitamin A deficiency is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.
Materials and Methods: Children suspected of VAD, who were attending the Pediatric OPD at VIMS, Ballari, were studied. Those children with classical features of VAD were excluded. Conjunctival impression was taken using cellulose acetate filter paper, stained, and studied for epithelial changes, which were graded according to the Nelson grading system.
Results: Out of 250 children, 140 (56%) were male and 110 (44%) were female. All age groups were equally affected and had subclinical VAD with an average of 81.2%. The occurrence of subclinical VAD was significantly associated with severe grades of PEM, recurrent LRTI, diarrhea, UTI, measles, etc. Nelson’s grading for Conjunctival imprint cytology (CIC) was effective in detecting more than 80% of all cases of sub-clinical VAD.
Conclusion: Subclinical VAD without ocular manifestations was largely prevalent in a suspected group of children, more so in children of low socio-economic status. Conjunctival Impression cytology was able to detect the majority of these cases, initiate early management of these subclinical cases, and thus reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with VAD.

Abstract:Background: Soft tissue tumors (STTs) and tumor-like lesions have fascinated clinicians and pathologists for years. Due to their wide variety and close histopathological similarities between certain tumors, they pose a diagnostic challenge. They most commonly present as masses and are rarely associated with pain. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been documented as a reliable preoperative diagnostic tool to broadly differentiate them into benign and malignant categories. Histopathology is still considered the gold standard for STTs.
Aim of the Study:}The aim of this study is to classify and subcategorize soft tissue tumors and to correlate the findings of FNAC of soft tissue tumors with histopathology.
Methods: This prospective study was carried out on patients with palpable soft tissue masses attending the surgical OPD between January 2021 and June 2022. FNAC of soft tissue lesions was performed, and only cases with subsequent histopathological examination were included in the study. Cytopathological and histopathological diagnoses were correlated.
Results: Out of 90 soft tissue tumors, 83 (92.22%) were benign, 1 (1.11%) was intermediate, and 6 (6.6%) were malignant. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. The most common site was the trunk (34.4%), followed by the lower extremity (30%). Of all benign lesions, lipoma was the most common (71.1%). There was a concordance of FNAC with histopathology in 88 out of 90 cases (97.8%).
Conclusion: Benign soft tissue tumors outnumber malignant tumors. FNAC is an effective method for the rapid diagnosis of STTs, and preoperatively, it helps differentiate between benign and malignant lesions in most cases. Although histopathology is the gold standard, FNAC has high specificity in diagnosing malignant tumors, thereby preventing unnecessary extensive or radical surgery for benign lesions.

Abstract:Background: Abruptio placenta is a serious pregnancy complication that occurs when the placenta separates partially or completely from the uterus after the age of viability and before delivery, which can result in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the percentage, sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and feto-maternal outcomes of abruptio placenta in a tertiary care hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Medical College and Hospital, Sangli.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included all cases of abruptio placenta that occurred between June 1\({}^{st}\), 2020 and May 31${}^{st}$, 2022 in the obstetrics ward of Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Medical College and Hospital, Sangli. Sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality data were extracted from patient case notes for analysis.
Results: Of the 966 deliveries during the study period, 37 cases (3.83%) of abruptio placenta were identified. The incidence of abruptio placenta was higher in the age group of 20-29 years (64.8%) and in multiparous women (59.4%). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the most common risk factors, observed in 54.05% of cases. Prematurity was the major perinatal morbidity and was found in 56.7% of cases, followed by birth asphyxia in 37.8%. NICU admission was required for 48.6% of babies, and 29.7% were stillborn. The caesarean section rate was 70.3%. Blood transfusion was required for 28 subjects (75.6%), postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 10 subjects (27.02%), and postpartum anemia was observed in 20 subjects (54.05%). There were two maternal deaths, resulting in a maternal mortality rate of 5.4%. The perinatal mortality rate was 51.3% due to a higher percentage of stillbirths.
Conclusion: Abruptio placenta is a serious pregnancy complication that can result in significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were identified as the most important risk factor. Good antenatal care services and early referral to well-equipped institutions with qualified personnel, efficient blood banking systems, and good neonatal services are essential in reducing the adverse outcomes of abruptio placenta.