Polycythemia among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Admitted to the Department of Medicine in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a preventable and treatable disease marked by persistent airflow limitation. Abnormal rise of haemoglobin and/or hematocrit in peripheral blood is known as polycythemia which includes increased haemoglobin: greater than 16.5 g/dl in men or greater than 16.0 g/dl in women and increased hematocrit: >49% for men and >48% for women. Men, current smoking, impaired carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, severe hypoxemia, and high altitude living are risk factors associated with an increased risk for secondary polycythemia. Polycythemia contributes to the development of cor-pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension, which are linked to poor prognosis. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of polycythemia among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the department of medicine in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the Department of Medicine in a tertiary care centre after receiving ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 153/079/080). The study was conducted from 15 September 2022 to 2 December 2022. Data were collected from the hospital records. A convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 185 patients, Polycythemia was seen in 8 (4.32%) (1.39-7.25, 95% Confidence Interval) patients among which 7 (87.5%) were females and 1 (12.5%) were male. Conclusions: The prevalence of polycythemia was lower compared to other similar studies done in similar settings. Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; polycythemia; prevalence.

Dual Antiepileptics Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are acute mucocutaneous reactions hallmark of which is widespread necrosis and detachment of epidermis. SJS/TEN fall under the single disease spectrum with an incidence rate of 1.0 to 6.0 per 1000000 and 0.4 to 1.2 per 1000000 respectively. Here, we present a case of a 46 years female who developed a generalized erythematous rash over her body, 26 days after being exposed to phenytoin and sodium valproate. Given the strong association between SJS and antiepileptic drugs, and the usual presentation being within the first eight weeks of exposure to susceptible medications; we diagnosed her with SJS. Phenytoin and sodium valproate was withdrawn and she was managed with antihistamines and corticosteroids. She improved significantly within 15 days of our intervention. The mortality rates for SJS and TEN are up to 10% and 30-50% respectively. Early identification of SJS, discontinuation of triggering medicines, and prompt initiation of supportive therapy improve the prognosis. Keywords: adverse drug reactions;antiepileptic drugs;case report;stevens-johnson syndrome.

Recurrent Sacral Chordoma: A Case Report.

Chordoma is a rare and locally aggressive tumor that arises from the notochordal remnants and has an incidence of 0.1/100000 per year. It has a predilection for the axial skeleton and is the most common primary malignant tumor of sacrum. The mainstay of treatment is wide surgical excision but there is a risk of recurrence due to the infiltrating nature of the tumor. Here, we report a case of a 56-years male who complained of pain over his sacral region for the past two years along with episodic urinary symptoms, constipation, and weakness of both legs. Seven years after undergoing surgery and radiotherapy for his sacral chordoma, he was diagnosed with recurrent sacral chordoma and planned for reoperation. Subtotal excision of the chordoma was done which significantly alleviated his symptoms postoperatively. Timely intervention helps to improve the quality of life in patients with either primary or recurrent sacral chordomas.