Snakebite in the Hills and Mountains of Nepal

Snakebite is an important public health issue around the world. In Nepal, it affects a huge number of people mostly belonging to low-income households who are involved in agriculture. Although snakebite has a serious impact on the Terai population, a few studies suggest that snakebite also occurs frequently in hills and mountains. In the absence of sufficient studies related to snakebites in these geographical regions, it is tough to sketch a true picture and estimate the magnitude of snakebites in those areas. Because of this, the healthcare system is probably not prepared enough to handle the victims of snakebites. This demands a proper study of the burden of the issue in these regions and appropriate initiatives for addressing it

Portal Hypertension among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine of a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Portal hypertension is increased pressure within the portal vein. A portal pressure gradient of more than 10 mmHg is defined as "clinically significant portal hypertension" due to manifestations such as splenomegaly, gastroesophageal varices, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of portal hypertension among patients with chronic liver disease admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with chronic liver disease in the Department of Internal Medicine of a tertiary care centre from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 247 patients with chronic liver disease, the prevalence of portal hypertension was 38 (15.38%) (10.88-19.88, 95% Confidence Interval). A total of 16 (42.11%) patients were in the age group of 51-60 years and males were 36 (94.74%). Ascites as a complication were found in 4 (10.53%). Conclusions: The prevalence of portal hypertension among chronic liver disease inpatients in a tertiary care centre was found to be lower than other studies done in international settings