REASSESSING THE ROLE OF HOMOCYSTEINE AND HOLOTRANSCOBALAMIN LEVELS IN DIAGNOSING VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible neurological damage, megaloblastic anemia, osteoporosis, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular diseases, and thus, early diagnosis is essential. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess homocysteine (Hcy) and holotranscobalamine (HoloTC) levels among patients with Vitamin B12 deficiency and to see if Hcy and HoloTC level assay can help us in diagnosis of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional observational study on 60 patients of Sr. B12 deficient male and female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years in IPD and OPD patients at multispecialty hospital. Data were collected from predefined pro forma and were asked about their diet, socioeconomic status, and history. Then, these patients further undergone anthropometric measurements and investigated for Hcy and HoloTC level. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SSPS) software (version 11). Results: About 60% of cases were vegetarian and 40% of cases were non-vegetarian. Mean age of study participants was 43.67 years, mean of mean cellular volume was 90.7 fl, mean of B12 was 138 pmol/L, mean of HoloTC was 60.84 pmol/L, and mean of Hcy was 34.17 umol/L. Out of 60 patients, 10 patients had anemia, 21 patients had neurological manifestation, and 29 patients had gastrointestinal (GI) manifestation. In male group, out of 32, 11 patients had HoloTC <8.9, 19 patients had value between 8.9 and 128, and two patients had HoloTC more than 128. In female group, out of 28, seven patients had HoloTC <8.9, 14 patients had value between 8.9 and 128, and seven patients had HoloTC >128. In group of 32 male patients, none of male patients showed Hcy value <5.9, four patients showed Hcy between 5.9 and 16, and 28 patients showed Hcy value >16. Out of 28 female patients, none of female patients showed Hcy <3.36, nine patients showed Hcy between 3.36 and 20.4, and 19 patients showed Hcy >20.4. p <0.001 is highly statistically significant. Conclusion: In our study, we found that 31.33% of cases also showed decreased HoloTC along with B12 deficiency, but this correlation was statistically insignificant. We also found that 78.33% of cases showed increased Hcy along with serum B12 deficiency, which was statistically significant, so we concluded that there is a strong association between serum B12 and Hcy. We found that all patients with elevated Hcy also had low HoloTC except in two cases, but this correlation was not found to be statistically significant

PLACENTA ACCRETA IN PRIMIGRAVIDA AT PERIPHERAL SETUP – A RARE CASE REPORT

One of the risk factors for maternal mortality is morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) and accounts for 7–10% of maternal mortality cases worldwide. Placenta accreta is the most common type of MAP, while the other two types are placenta increta and placenta percreta. Placenta accrete accounts for 75–80% of MAP. Here, we present a case of 22 years old, primigravida with no known antenatal risk factors, diagnosed to have placenta accreta intraoperatively after delivering health baby. It is extremely rare for MAP to occur in a patient with no prior risk factors in a primigravida. Peripartum hysterectomy is the only option in a limited care facility with a hemodynamically unstable patient without a proper full-fledged blood bank facility. It is once again reiterated that bleeding from the vagina that does not slow or stop, drop in blood pressure and signs of shock are early signs of blood loss and should be investigated with great concern

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 VACCINATION DRIVE: THE PERCEPTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE OF VACCINATION AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection evolved as a worst nightmare across entire humanity especially for health care workers along with all stakeholders of the society ever since the beginning of year 2020. Vaccination campaign is one of the most successful public health interventions and a cornerstone for the prevention of communicable infectious diseases. To have a baseline data and to form the basis for further vaccination drive, we carried out this study with an objective to understand the perception and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care workers (HCWs). Methods: A correctional study was carried out at one of the multispecialty hospital in North India where COVID-19 vaccination for HCWs was planned and 675 HCWs were taken into the study. Data were collected by means of personal interview using pretested semi-structured questionnaire and Epi Info version 6 was used for analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.78 years. Majority were male (89.48%), working in government sector (87.7%) and paramedic (88.15%). While 94.67% were accepting vaccine voluntarily while remaining were not confident enough on their own, only 26.96% were ready to take vaccine even on payment. The overall awareness scores of study participants were calculated and found that 79.56% of them had poor awareness level while only 20.44% had satisfactory awareness level. The association of awareness score was statistically significant with job profile (designation), gender, and prior COVID-19 positivity of study participants. Conclusion: The decision of vaccine prioritization to HCWs and frontline workers will boost the morale and spirit of warriors high in future. This study was a preliminary attempt to check any vaccine hesitancy factors among HCWs and act accordingly. Although almost all had volunteered for vaccine, the knowledge about vaccine was poor in majority of HCWs as the time period was recent to vaccine rollout and detailed research findings were not yet out about vaccine. All measures to be taken including intensive information education and communications activities targeting HCWs and general population on regular basis to upgrade the knowledge on vaccine issues. A strong communicating policy in an era of misinformation is highly recommended as social media plays an important role in spreading true as well as false messages jeopardizing the entire gains of successful vaccination and attainment of herd immunity. HCWs to act as role model for general public and patients which would in turn increase the vaccine acceptance among them

“EFFECT OF BODY MASS INDEX ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME” - A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Mothers who are overweight or obese during pregnancy and childbirth, are known to be at risk of significant antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal complications. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of high pre pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (<12 weeks of gestation) on the occurrence of maternal pregnancy outcome. A longitudinal observational study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. In Group I, 50 antenatal women with gestational age <12 weeks BMI 18.5–35 kg/m2 and having singleton pregnancies were included in the study, while 50 women with normal BMI formed the Group II. Both groups were followed up throughout pregnancy and post-natal to assess complication during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium. Results: The mean BMI in Group I and Group II was 27.516 kg/m2 and 21.433 kg/m2. The prevalence of anemia was 40% and 26% among two groups. Antenatal and post-natal complications were gestational diabetes mellitus (Group I - 28% and Group II - 6%), preeclampsia (Group I - 16% and Group II - 2%), required induction of labor (Group I - 26% and Group II - 6%), preterm labor (Group I - 4% and Group II - 16%), and meconium staining of liquor (GroupI-20% and GroupII-12%), and the difference was statistically significant among two groups. Newborn complications were weight ≥2.5 kg (Group I - 74% and Group II - 48%), neonatal intensive care unit admission requirement (Group I - 26% and Group II - 17%), and the difference was statistically significant among two groups. Other complications which were not statistically significant among two groups were oligohydramnios (Group I - 2% and Group II - 4%), polyhydramnios (Group I - 6% and Group II - 4%), and appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration score at 1 min <7 (Group I - 14% and Group II - 6%). Conclusion: Pregnancy complications related to maternal BMI is a growing problem. Both lean and obese mothers carry an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Given the major economic and medical consequence of pregnancy in these women, all attempts should be made to maintain a normal BMI in women of childbearing age. Pre-pregnancy counseling, health programs and appropriate multidisciplinary management should be done

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CAUDAL BLOCK AND ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE BLOCK WITH LEVOBUPIVACAINE AND DEXAMETHASONE AS ADDITIVE IN EXTRAPERITONEAL LOWER ABDOMINAL SURGERIES IN PEDIATRICS

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block versus caudal block for post-operative analgesia with levobupivacaine and dexamethasone as additive in extraperitoneal lower abdominal surgeries in pediatrics as there is no available literature showing the same. Methods: This is a randomized control study carried out between two groups among 50 children (1–8 years of age), both sexes, posted for elective extraperitoneal lower abdominal surgeries after taking informed consent from parents. Fifty children were randomly allocated into two groups, 25 in each group. Caudal epidural (CE) group received general anesthesia and caudal block with 1 ml/kg of 0.2% levobupivacaine and 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone. TAP group received general anesthesia and ultrasound-guided TAP block with 0.5 ml/kg of 0.2% levobupivacaine and 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone. Data were collected by means of pre-designed format with pre-/post-operative assessment with standardized scores. Results: The mean age of the patients was 4.84 (SD=2.29). Mean face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability score was low and non-significant before shifting the patient (<2 h post-operative [post-op]) in both the groups. Thereafter from 2 to 12 h, the mean score increased to 4.92 (SD=2.72) in the CE group and 2.92 (SD=2.17) in the TAP group and the difference was statistically significant at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 12 h postoperatively. Mean time to rescue analgesia in the CE group was 4.96 h (SD=4.32) and 5.52 h (SD=7.53) in the TAP group and difference was statistically significant (p=0.000). Mean total rescue analgesic requirement for the CE and TAP groups was 298.40 mg (SD=170.70) and 111.40 mg (SD=138.81) and the difference was also significant. Post-operative complications such as urinary retention and motor blockade were seen in 28% of CE patients, while none of the patients experienced post-operative nausea/vomiting. Conclusions: Our study showed significant increase in duration of post-operative analgesia among TAP patients with reduced requirement of rescue analgesics and lesser post-operative complications as compared to CE patient

PRIMARY BONE GRAFTING AND K-WIRE FIXATION: A PREFERABLE OPTION TO TREAT ACUTE UNSTABLE SCAPHOID FRACTURE

Objective: The Objective of this study is to analyze the radiological, clinical and functional outcome of patients with acute unstable scaphoid fracture treated with primary bone grafting and K (Kirschner)-wire fixation Methods:Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria , a prospective observational study was carried out on 21 patients with acute unstable  scaphoid fracture who had been treated with primary bone grafting and K-wire fixation from November 2017 to March 2020 and were followed up for a minimum of 24 weeks. The average patient age was 26.9 years. The time from injury to treatment averaged 11days. Surgery was done under Bier’s Block using volar approach. Bone graft was harvested from distal Radius. The mean operating time was 24 minutes.Clinical parameters like tenderness, grip strength and Range of Movement (ROM) at wrist was assessed. The functional outcome was evaluated using Modified Mayo wrist score. Bone union was assessed using serial plain radiographs. Results:Union was achieved in all (100%) at 12 weeks. There was no evidence of Avascular necrosis (AVN) or arthrosis at latest follow up. As per Modified Mayo wrist score, there were 15 excellent,03 good and 03 fair results at the final follow-up. Individuals resumed their routine work at 12 weeks and all were comfortable with heavy works/ sports activity by 24 weeks. Conclusion: Primary bone grafting has a definite role in the management of acute unstable scaphoid fracture by which aquicker and higher rate of union isachieved with minimal complications. Open reduction allows thorough assessment of fracture for better anatomic reduction. Although the type of fixation device hardly contributes for quicker and higher union, but then the use of K-wire for fixation is the only viable option for smaller bony fragments and is more forgiving in terms of its positioning. It has an added advantage in terms of requirement of minimal inventory and thus is a cost-effective modality. This procedure also confirms that the patients could get back to their work earlier hence decreasing economic burden

CLINICAL PROFILE AND COMPARISON OF OUTCOME OF TREATMENT BY EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY AND URETERORENOSCOPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF UPPER URETERIC CALCULI

Objective: Urinary calculi are the third most common affliction of the urinary tract, exceeded only by urinary tract infections and pathologic conditions of the prostate. This study was carried out to assess the safety, efficacy, and compare structural and functional outcome after treating the patients of the upper ureteric calculus with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Ureterorenoscopy (URS). Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients with the upper ureteric stone of size 0.5–1.5 cm. A total of 50 patients were included in the study by means of systematic random sampling so as to get 25 patients in each category of ESWL and URS for the treatment of their upper ureteric calculi. Results: The age ranged from 15 years to 55 years. There were 36 males and 14 females in the study of 50 patients, 43 (86%) presented with pain, followed by 4 (8%) presented with hematuria. Twenty-eight (56%) of the patients had stone in the range of 0.5–1.0 cm, and 22 (44%) of the patients had stone in the range of 1.0–1.5 cm. Sixteen (32%) patients had stone within 2 cm of the pelvi-ureteric junction, and 13 (26%) had stone within 2 cm of the sacroiliac joint. Twenty-one (42%) patients had stone in between these two. Of the 50, 25 patients (50%) underwent shock wave lithotripsy, 25 patients (50%) underwent URS. In the ESWL group, 21 (84%) patients were stone-free after single sitting of ESWL. Four patients (16%) who required Re ESWL, after repeat ESWL two became stone-free however 2 (8%) patient of 1.0–1.5 cm category required secondary procedure, that is, URS and became stone free. To achieve stone-free 1.24 procedure was required per patients. Of the 25 patients in the ESWL group, 2 (8%) patient (one steinstrass case and one poor fragmentation case) required secondary procedure. They underwent URS. Both the patient belonged to 1.0–1.5 cm group. URS was done using semirigid ureteroscope using pneumatic Lithoclast. In our study, two patients of each 0.5–1.0 cm and 1.0–1.5 cm category did not become stone free. These four patients were subjected to ESWL and became stone free. Conclusion: The management of the ureteral stone should be decided on individual basis, based on stone size, location, symptoms, obstruction, and the availability of the instruments. For stones of 0.5–1.0 cm, ESWL is the treatment of choice for the upper ureteric stones, with very low Re- ESWL (1.12 sittings) without any requirement of ancilliary procedure. URS may be used for the upper ureteric stones but requirement of ancilliary procedure is high 11.11%. For stones between 1.1 cm and 1.5 cm, ESWL is the preferred modality of treatment for the upper ureteric stones