Rectal prolapse in pregnancy: a case report

Rectal prolapse is complete or partial protrusion of rectal tissue through the anus to the exterior of the body. It generally occurs after 60 years of age and is more common in women than men. Here we present a case report of 30 years old G3P1L1A1 with 37 weeks gestation age with complaint of mass protruding per rectum and diagnosed as rectal prolapse which is uncommon during childbearing years. Its management during pregnancy is mostly conservative and definite treatment is deferred until delivery. Rectal prolapse is not a contraindication for vaginal delivery and low outlet forceps deliveries have been mentioned in literature. However, most obstetricians prefer caesarean section to prevent a difficult vaginal delivery and perineal trauma to the patient that could further aggravate rectal prolaps

Evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorders using cone beam computed tomography

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of segmental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting bony changes in condyle and thickness of roof of glenoid fossa in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.Methods: The study group comprised of 10 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients of either sex between the age group of 20-60 years diagnosed as TMDs by clinical evaluation using the research diagnostic criteria was considered. After the clinical examination, radiographic investigations were carried out which included digital OPG, transcranial radiograph and CBCT scan. TMJ Evaluation included: (a) bony changes of the condyle (flattening, erosion, sclerosis, osteophytes, resorption); (b) joint space (normal, increased, reduced, bony contact between the condyle and the mandibular fossa); and (c) bony changes of mandibular fossa (normal, sclerosis, erosion, resorption). The radiographic findings were statistically analysed.Results: Significant difference between OPG, transcranial and CBCT were found for the presence of erosion (P =0.000), thickness of roof of glenoid fossa (P =0.000), deformed contour (P =0.001), joint space (P =0.011), subchondral sclerosis (P =0.011), irregularity of articular surface and eminence (P =0.000), flattening (P =0.050). Conclusions: Using CBCT as imaging technique in our study to detect osseous changes in the TMJ was proved to be effective as compared to the conventional radiographic techniques, the results achieved with CBCT was 100%.The results obtained in our study prove to be a full proof one and it seems to promise to go one step closer to detect progression and severity of the osseous changes in the condylar head and mandibular fossa in patients with TMDs

Correlation between abscess size and liver function tests in cases of liver abscess

Background: Liver abscess has shown a major change in demographics, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment over the past 100 years. The modern diagnostics like ultrasound and computed tomography to locate and drain the abscess have reduced the mortality to 2-12%. However, due to the complications of liver abscess especially the amebic ones the morbidity is still high. This study aims to study the correlation of various LFT parameters with abscess volume for early detection of high risk patients and early treatment thus reducing morbidity.Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 6 months on 50 patients of liver abscess. History and physical examination was done. All patients were subjected to complete hemogram, liver function test, coagulation profile (PT/INR) and USG abdomen. The data was recorded and compiled in excel sheets and analyzed using correlation coefficient (R) method.Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.2 years with male preponderance. Amoebic liver abscess (88%) was predominant over pyogenic liver abscess (12%). Alcoholism (48%), smoking (42%) and diabetes mellitus (18%) are main predisposing factors in case of liver abscess. Hepatomegaly was found in 88% cases. Elevated ALP, low albumin, increased PT INR points to the diagnosis of liver abscess. Complications seen were pleural effusion (10%) and ascites (4%). On analysis, liver abscess size is significantly positively correlated with INR, ALP, liver enzymes, and negatively correlated with serum albumin level.Conclusions: Liver abscess size was found to be positively correlated with INR and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT) and negatively correlated with serum albumin levels. There was no correlation of abscess size and bilirubin levels. Hence, LFT can be used to estimate the liver abscess size and predict the severity and prognosis of patient

A Randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of group-based Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program on glycemic control and self-care activities among type-2 diabetics in South-East Delhi

Introduction: India has the second-largest population of diabetes globally. The long-term complications due to poor glycemic control are concerning. Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a fundamental component in managing diabetes better. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of group-based DSME in achieving glycemic control and improving self-care practices among people with type-2 diabetes as against the usual care. Methods: A non-blinded parallel-arm RCT among adults (? 30 years) diagnosed with Type-2 DM. Written informed consent was taken from each patient before enrollment. The sample size is estimated to be 85 in each arm according to the formula for equivalence design for an RCT. Randomization was done using a computer-generated random number table. The control arm received usual care, while the intervention group received group-based DSME in addition to usual care. At the end of 6 months, the change in glycemic control and self-care activity scores were compared between the two arms. Results: A total of 139 individuals (intervention =69; control =70) were analyzed. The proportion of females (62.1%) was higher than males (37.9%). There was no statistically significant difference at baseline. At end line, HbA1c showed a reduction from 9.3% to 6.9% in the intervention arm (P<0.001), which was greater than that in the control arm (p=0.017). All the self-care components showed a statistically significant improvement, except the medication score. Conclusions: Group-based DSME effectively increases self-care practices among people with diabetes, resulting in better glycemic control

Is Indian osteoarthritis different? Emerging scenarios of disease pattern and implications for diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis in India

Background: There are many studies to show comparative cartilage wear of medial and lateral compartment of knee. However, there are no studies in Indians that compare relative cartilage loss between femur and tibia.Methods: 44 patients with osteoarthritic knee at our center were posted for operative intervention in the form of partial or total knee arthroplasty and included in this study. Each patient had an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (cartogram) and weight bearing X-rays of the same knee. Intraoperative qualitative cartilage loss both femoral and tibial surfaces was observed and confirmed with preop findings of cartilage loss on X-ray or MRI.Results: The wear/loss of cartilage in 44 patients in femur is approximately twice that of tibia.Conclusions: Femoral cartilage loss is significantly more than tibia in Indians. These findings carry significance of not waiting for bone on bone arthritis to consider active treatment for Indian osteoarthritis patients. Bone on bone arthritis has so far been considered the litmus test for any intervention for osteoarthritis, even in India. Specific attention should rather be given to the femoral condyle clinically and radiologically. The authors have already described “The Dervan RIM sign” for the same purpose. The wear pattern is different from Caucasians and focus cannot be on joint space narrowing which is only with equally prevalent tibial and femoral cartilage wear.

Clinical profile of patients with pancytopenia in a tertiary care centre

Background: Pancytopenia is a condition in which all three cell lines i.e. erythroid, myeloid and megakaryocytic are affected resulting in anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. It can be a manifestation of a wide variety of disorders which primarily or secondarily affect the bone marrow. Early diagnosis of these conditions will help in implementing the appropriate treatment. The objective of the study was to know the clinical presentation and etiology of patients presenting with pancytopenia.Methods: A one year study from April 2016 to March 2017 was conducted in the department of medicine at a tertiary care centre. Total 32 patients with pancytopenia were studied to determine their clinical features and etiology through relevant investigations.Results: Our study revealed megaloblastic anaemia (46.87%) as the most common cause of pancytopenia, followed by malaria (12.5%). Other causes included hypothyroidism (6.2%), hypersplenism (6.2%), drugs (12.5%) and miscellaneous (9.43%).Conclusions: Megaloblastic anaemia was found to be the major cause of pancytopenia in patients. Other causes of pancytopenia were malaria, drugs, hypersplenism and hypothyroidism. These should be kept in mind while evaluating patients with pancytopenia

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in Plasmodium vivax malaria. A case-control study of comparison between ARDS and non-ARDS patients in P. Vivax malaria

Background: Plasmodium vivax was conventionally considered to be a benign parasite for centuries but in the recent years have proved to be a virulent parasite causing severe malaria. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of such severe complications with a significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to find the prevalence of ARDS and identify the associated factors that could potentially lead to ARDS in patients with vivax malaria. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in New Delhi. 329 patients with an established diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax mono-infection were identified using hospital medical records, the associated factors were evaluated and compared to calculate the odds of developing ARDS. All patients were categorized into ARDS cases and non-ARDS controls. Results: The incidence of ARDS was 7% with a female sex predominance (60.86%). Mean urea (71.5 mg/dl), creatinine (2.7 mg/dl), and AST (97.8 units/l) elevation in addition to decreased hemoglobin (7.7 gm/dl) and platelets count (38,217 cells/µl) proved to be significantly associated with ARDS in our study. Conclusions: Plasmodium vivax is a virulent parasite and can cause severe malaria even in the setting of isolated infection. Cytokine mediated diffuse inflammatory response is a postulated pathophysiology causing ARDS

Anterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy, a Stitchless and Bloodless Surgery: Clinical and Radiological Results

Objective Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion [ACDF] has been considered gold standard for cervical disc herniation over period of time. Anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy [PECD] is minimally invasive technique without need for implant or bone graft in properly selected cases. In this study we present clinical and radiological results of anterior PECD. Methods We retrospectively studied 31 patients treated with anterior PECD in our institute from January 2014 to December 2016. Patients’ clinical data, visual analogue score [VAS], neck disability index [NDI] and radiographs were collected. Cervical lordosis angle, focal angle and disc height of involved segment were measured using Medsynapse software. Statistical analysis was performed using paired T test, chi square test. Results There were 18 males, 13 females in this study. Mean follow up period was 28.5 months. VAS for neck pain reduced from 6.2±0.72 to 1.67±0.59; VAS for arm pain reduced from 7.25±0.71 to 1.5±0.61 at final follow up. NDI reduced from 64.7±7.62 to 13.48±5.42 at final follow up. Mean disc height of involved segment was 6.15 mm pre-operatively which reduced to 5.24 mm at final follow up showing reduction of 0.91 mm. This reduction is disc space is not clinically significant as VAS and NDI show significant fall. Cervical lordosis was well maintained which changed from 13.93°±3.7° to 15.58°±6.66°; [p-value is 0.060]. Pre-operative focal cervical angle of involved segment was 0.86°±1.66° which increased to 1.7°±1.81° at final follow up [p-value 0.0067]. Twenty out of 31 patients resumed their previous employment within 2 weeks. Conclusion Anterior PECD is excellent minimally invasive technique for cervical disc herniation in properly selected cases. Patients have good functional and clinical recovery after this procedure

Counting outcomes, coverage and quality for early child development programmes

Improved measurement in early child development (ECD) is a strategic focus of the WHO, UNICEF and World Bank Nurturing Care Framework. However, evidence-based approaches to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of ECD projects in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) are lacking. The Grand Challenges Canada®-funded Saving Brains® ECD portfolio provides a unique opportunity to explore approaches to M&E of ECD programmes across diverse settings. Focused literature review and participatory mixed-method evaluation of the Saving Brains portfolio was undertaken using an adapted impact framework. Findings related to measurement of quality, coverage and outcomes for scaling ECD were considered. Thirty-nine ECD projects implemented in 23 LMIC were evaluated. Projects used a 'theory of change' based M&E approach to measure a range of inputs, outputs and outcomes. Over 29 projects measured cognitive, language, motor and socioemotional outcomes. 18 projects used developmental screening tools to measure outcomes, with a trade-off between feasibility and preferred practice. Environmental inputs such as the home environment were measured in 15 projects. Qualitative data reflected the importance of measurement of project quality and coverage, despite challenges measuring these constructs across contexts. Improved measurement of intervention quality and measurement of coverage, which requires definition of the numerator (ie, intervention) and denominator (ie, population in need/at risk), are needed for scaling ECD programmes. Innovation in outcome measurement, including intermediary outcome measures that are feasible and practical to measure in routine services, is also required, with disaggregation to better target interventions to those most in need and ensure that no child is left behind