Simultaneous Ipsilateral Pediatric Fractures of the Elbow and Forearm Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Ipsilateral supracondylar humerus and forearm fractures in the pediatric population are an uncommon injury associated with high-energy trauma. The incidence varies between 3% and 13%. Our aim was to conduct a descriptive analysis on seventeen cases of children with floating elbow injuries who attended our institution and to review the literature relating to this topic. Methods: Between April 2013 to March 2016, data were obtained through the medical records. Children who had completely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus associated with ipsilateral forearm fracture were reviewed. All patients underwent operative reduction and percutaneous K-wire stabilization. At mean follow up of 12.9 months, all patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. The following variables were used: age, gender, side, mechanism, type of fracture, classification, treatment and complications. Results: Seventeen pediatric 'floating elbow' cases that had operative management were identified. Twelve (70.5%%) were male and five (29.4%) female. The mean age was 9.5 (SD = 2.1) years, ranging from six to 14 years. The left side was predominantly affected (70.5%). The commonest injury mechanism was fall from a height (76.47%). All the supracondylar fractures were Gartland type III. Majority of forearm fractures (76.4%) were at distal meta diaphyseal region. Distal radius physeal fractures were diagnosed in three patients. Open fractures occurred in three cases (17.6%). All supracondylar fractures were reduced and fixed using K-wires. There was one radial nerve, and three median nerve injury. Five patients had pin tract related complications. Fifteen (88.2%) patients had good to excellent, two had fair in terms of modified Flynn criteria in last month follow up. All patients went on to radiographic union without secondary procedures. Conclusion: This, uncommon injury in most cases, results from high-energy trauma. Early surgical treatment for both fractures is required in the form simultaneous closed reduction of the displaced forearm fracture followed by supracondylar fixation with K-wires. This provides not only stable fixation but also allows close observation for early sign and symptom of development of compartment syndrome

Outcomes of Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures of Humerus Treated by Posterior Triceps Splitting Approach

Introduction: Close reductions and percutaneous pinning is the gold standard treatment for supracondylar fracture  of humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation is indicated in patients with unacceptable closed reduction, neurovascular compromise, and open fractures. Open reduction can be performed through various approaches. Every approach has their advantages and limitations. The aim of this study was  to assess the functional outcome of pediatric supracondylar fracture of humerus treated by posterior triceps splitting approach. Methods: This was a prospective evaluation of 20 consecutive patients with displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures operated by triceps spitting posterior approach in our institution for two years. At initial presentation, 19 cases were Gartland III  and one was flexion variant of injury. Complications such as reduction loss, pin migration, infection, osteonecrosis of any part of the elbow, bone healing, and functional results were evaluated. Flynn criteria were used to evaluate the final results. Results: Twenty patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation by triceps splitting approach. Thirteen patients were male and seven were female with M:F ratio of 1.86:1. The mean age was 6.8 yr (SD=2.74, range 2-14). All the fractures united by six weeks; mean time for union was 4.5 wk (SD=0.94). All patients were assessed at six months using Flynn clinical and radiological criteria. Results were satisfactory in all patients. Conclusion: Posterior triceps splitting approach is simple, safe and has good functional and radiological outcome. We recommend this approach  for open reduction and internal fixation in pediatric supracondylar fracture

Outcome of Inferior Patellar Pole Avulsion Fractures

Introduction: The optimal treatment for inferior pole patella avulsion fractures has still been a topic of debate. The options include (a) internal fixation of the pole fragment and (b) resection of the avulsed fragment and repair of the patellar ligament to the patella. We present the comparative outcomes for patients with displaced inferior pole patella treated by resection and transosseous Ethibond® Krackow suture repair of patellar ligament with open reduction and internal fixation with modified tension band wiring and circumferential wiring. Methods: During a three year period between August 2013 and September 2016, twenty consecutive patients with distal pole fractures of the patella were prospectively enrolled in this study. These patients were divided into two groups. Group-T patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with modified tension band wire and  group-R patients by resection of the avulsed fragment and reattachment of the patellar ligament to the patella with #5 Ethibond®. Data entry and analysis was done by using SPSS version 20. Anatomical and functional outcome were compared. Results: Consecutive 20 patients were treated either with resection lower patellar pole (n=10) or with open reduction internal fixation with tension band wiring (n=10). Demographics were matched in two groups. Group-T required a longer hospital stay (U=13.5, p=0.005). Complications were seen more often in Goup-T compared to Group-R (p=0.005). Group-R had better scores (Bostman score U=6, p=0.001; SFMA U=7.5, p=0.001) and range of movement (p<0.05). Conclusion: Resection of the avulsed fragment and reattachment of the patellar ligament to the patella had better outcome according to the Bostman and SFMA dysfunction score, shorter hospital stay, and less complications as compared to open reduction and internal fixation with tension band wire and circumferential wiring

Functional Outcome of Intramedullary Nailing with Rush Pin for Pediatric Both Bone Fractures of Forearm in Western Hilly Nepal

Introduction: Both bone diaphysis fracture of forearm is common in children of hilly area in Nepal because the children climbs tree and cliff for playing and cutting grass. Close reduction and casting is the preferred method of treatment these fractures but the chances of re-displacement is very high. Intramedullary nailing with titanium elastic nails or rush pins is widely accepted these days with good outcome. Titanium nails are popular in western world but is costly whereas rush pins are cheap and are preferred in developing world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of intramedullary rush pin for pediatric both bone fracture of forearm. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study done from 1st of February 2017 to 31st of March 2017, a total of sixty patients with both bone fractures of forearm were treated with intramedullary rush pin and followed up for six months for evaluation of functional outcome. T-test and Chi-square tests were done. Results: Closed reduction and internal fixation was done in 48 (80%) patients. Mean age of the patients was 9.23 year (SD=2.77). Fifty-six (93.3%) patients were male with a significant difference (p<0.001). With price et al. grading system, 49 (81.7%) patients had excellent results, nine (15%) had good and two (3.3%) patients had fair results. There was no major complication. Mean time to implant removal was 24.16 weeks (SD=1.62) from the time of surgery with range of 20 to 28 weeks. Among transverse and oblique fractures, patients with transverse fracture were likely to have better outcome (p=0.04). Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing with rush pin gives excellent to good functional outcome in majority of the cases without major complications at low cost for management of both bone fractures of forearm in children

Stress and Coping Mechanism among Students Residing in Private School Hostels

Background. Mental health problems can significantly impact a student’s academic performance, career, health, and future if they are not identified and managed in time. The poor mental health of young people is a global problem, including in Nepal. However, the scenario of perceived stress among adolescent students residing in academic hostels is not explored in Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence of perceived stress with its associated predictors, experienced stressors, and coping mechanisms among adolescent students residing in private hostels in Nepal. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was employed among all adolescent students of grades six to ten who resided in eight school hostels in Nepal. A total of 209 students responded to self-administered validated questionnaires for perceived stress (PSS-10) and coping scales. Results. More than half (51.67%) of the students experienced symptoms of perceived stress. Strict discipline in the hostel (77.03%) and groupism based on religion (5.26%) were the most common and least common stressors experienced, respectively. One-third of the students (n = 70, 33.5%) very often felt confident about handling personal problems. The presence of a mischievous element and neglect from friends were significant stressors determined. Seeking social support was the most used coping strategy over externalizing behaviours such as using bad words, yelling, and shouting. Conclusion. The study confirmed the presence of perceived stress among students living in hostels, where hostel residential factors were the predominant predictors. As a minority of the students can properly manage their stress, it is necessary to provide students with the appropriate educational counselling to help them deal with potential obstacles. Additionally, monitoring, increased communication with family and friends, and improving the hostel environment can be important in addressing students’ perceived stress

Functional Outcome of Intramedullary Nailing with Rush Pin for Pediatric Both Bone Fractures of Forearm in Western Hilly Nepal

Introduction: Both bone diaphysis fracture of forearm is common in children of hilly area in Nepal because the children climbs tree and cliff for playing and cutting grass. Close reduction and casting is the preferred method of treatment these fractures but the chances of re-displacement is very high. Intramedullary nailing with titanium elastic nails or rush pins is widely accepted these days with good outcome. Titanium nails are popular in western world but is costly whereas rush pins are cheap and are preferred in developing world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of intramedullary rush pin for pediatric both bone fracture of forearm. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study done from 1st of February 2017 to 31st of March 2017, a total of sixty patients with both bone fractures of forearm were treated with intramedullary rush pin and followed up for six months for evaluation of functional outcome. T-test and Chi-square tests were done. Results: Closed reduction and internal fixation was done in 48 (80%) patients. Mean age of the patients was 9.23 year (SD=2.77). Fifty-six (93.3%) patients were male with a significant difference (p<0.001). With price et al. grading system, 49 (81.7%) patients had excellent results, nine (15%) had good and two (3.3%) patients had fair results. There was no major complication. Mean time to implant removal was 24.16 weeks (SD=1.62) from the time of surgery with range of 20 to 28 weeks. Among transverse and oblique fractures, patients with transverse fracture were likely to have better outcome (p=0.04). Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing with rush pin gives excellent to good functional outcome in majority of the cases without major complications at low cost for management of both bone fractures of forearm in children

Continuing Pharmacy Education: Exploring the Status and Future Prospects in Nepal

Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) is an educational way for pharmacy professionals to develop competency in providing quality pharmaceutical care to patients. The CPE program helps maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills, increase the professionalism of pharmacists, and positively impact patient health outcomes. However, the concept and practice of CPE are still in their infancy in Nepal. Nepal’s conventional pharmacy education system involves didactic lectures focusing more on theoretical learning than practical and experiential approaches, leading to the generation of pharmacists theoretically knowledgeable but practically non-competent to deliver pharmaceutical care services in independent practice settings. Additionally, in the absence of CPE, the professionals might miss updated information on new therapies, technologies, and approaches in patient management. The community and hospital pharmacies in Nepal are often business-oriented rather than service, and may not even be staffed by pharmacists, so the CPE programs are rarely conducted for the pharmacy professionals. Hence, the present commentary aimed to explore the status of CPE and its barriers or challenges in implementation and to suggest solutions in Nepal

Spatial heterogeneity of enteric fever in 2 diverse communities in Nepal

Background: Typhoid fever is endemic in the urban Kathmandu Valley of Nepal; however, there have been no population-based studies of typhoid outside of this community in the past 3 decades. Whether typhoid immunization should be prioritized in periurban and rural communities has been unclear.Methods: We performed population-based surveillance for enteric fever in 1 urban catchment (Kathmandu) and 1 periurban and rural catchment (Kavrepalanchok) as part of the Surveillance for Enteric Fever in Asia Project (SEAP). We recruited individuals presenting to outpatient and emergency departments at 2 study hospitals with suspected enteric fever and performed blood cultures. Additionally, we conducted a household survey in each catchment area to characterize care seeking for febrile illness. We evaluated spatial heterogeneity in febrile illness, care seeking, and enteric fever incidence.Results: Between September 2016 and September 2019, we enrolled 5736 participants with suspected enteric fever at 2 study hospitals. Among these, 304 (5.3%) were culture positive for Salmonella Typhi (249 [81.9%]) or Paratyphi A (55 [18.1%]). Adjusted typhoid incidence in Kathmandu was 484 per 100 000 person-years and in Kavrepalanchok was 615 per 100 000 person-years. While all geographic areas for which estimates could be made had incidence \u3e200 per 100 000 person-years, we observed spatial heterogeneity with up to 10-fold variation in incidence between communities.Conclusions: In urban, periurban, and rural communities in and around Kathmandu, we measured a high but heterogenous incidence of typhoid. These findings provide some support for the introduction of conjugate vaccines in Nepal, including outside urban areas, alongside other measures to prevent enteric fever

Impact of pharmacist services on economic, clinical, and humanistic outcome (ECHO) of South Asian patients : a systematic review

Background: Pharmacists in high-income countries routinely provide efficient pharmacy or pharmaceutical care services that are known to improve clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes (ECHO) of patients. However, pharmacy services in low- and middle-income countries, mainly South Asia, are still evolving and limited to providing traditional pharmacy services such as dispensing prescription medicines. This systematic review aims to assess and evaluate the impact of pharmacists’ services on the ECHO of patients in South Asian countries. Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for relevant articles published from inception to 20th September 2021. Original studies (only randomised controlled trials) conducted in South Asian countries (published only in the English language) and investigating the economic, clinical (therapeutic and medication safety), and humanistic impact (health-related quality of life) of pharmacists’ services, from both hospital and community settings, were included. Results: The electronic search yielded 430 studies, of which 20 relevant ones were included in this review. Most studies were conducted in India (9/20), followed by Pakistan (6/20), Nepal (4/20) and Sri Lanka (1/20). One study showed a low risk of bias (RoB), 12 studies showed some concern, and seven studies showed a high RoB. Follow-up duration ranged from 2 to 36 months. Therapeutic outcomes such as HbA1c value and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure) studied in fourteen studies were found to be reduced. Seventeen studies reported humanistic outcomes such as medication adherence, knowledge and health-related quality of life, which were found to be improved. One study reported safety and economic outcomes each. Most interventions delivered by the pharmacists were related to education and counselling of patients including disease monitoring, treatment optimisation, medication adherence, diet, nutrition, and lifestyle. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that pharmacists have essential roles in improving patients’ ECHO in South Asian countries via patient education and counselling; however, further rigorous studies with appropriate study design with proper randomisation of intervention and control groups are anticipated

The evolving role of social media in enhancing quality of life: a global perspective across 10 countries

Background: Excessive or inappropriate use of social media has been linked to disruptions in regular work, well-being, mental health, and overall reduction of quality of life. However, a limited number of studies documenting the impact of social media on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are available globally. Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceived social media needs and their impact on the quality of life among the adult population of various selected countries. Methodology: A cross-sectional, quantitative design and analytical study utilized an online survey disseminated from November to December 2021. Results: A total of 6689 respondents from ten countries participated in the study. The largest number of respondents was from Malaysia (23.9%), followed by Bangladesh (15.5%), Georgia (14.8%), and Turkey (12.2%). The prevalence of social media users was over 90% in Austria, Georgia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and the Philippines. The majority of social media users were from the 18–24 age group. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher education level was positively correlated with all four domains of WHOQoL. In addition, the psychological health domain of quality of life was positively associated in all countries. Predictors among Social Media Needs, Affective Needs (β = -0.07), and Social Integrative Needs (β = 0.09) were significantly associated with psychological health. Conclusion: The study illuminates the positive correlation between higher education levels and improved life quality among social media users, highlighting an opportunity for policymakers to craft education-focused initiatives that enhance well-being. The findings call for strategic interventions to safeguard the mental health of the global social media populace, particularly those at educational and health disadvantages