Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Follow up Treatment Outcome in a Tertiary Care Center of Eastern Nepal.

Background Spontaneous pneumothorax is not an uncommon medical emergency in pulmonary practice. Related data are not available in our setting. In emergency departments, clinical presentation is often confused with other cardiopulmonary problems. Follow up outcome is important for better patient care. Objective To study clinical profile and outcome after non surgical intervention in a tertiary care center. Method This was a prospective observational study carried out in Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar over last 3 years. We enrolled consecutive spontaneous pneumothorax patients over 15 years of age. Each data related to individual patients were collected in predefined proforma. To study follow up outcome of management, we used OPD attendance or if not possible took, at least two telephone numbers from the patients. All patients were followed for recurrences. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Result Over the last 3 years, we enrolled 65 spontaneous pneumothorax patients. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax was more common (92.3%). Commonest presentations were acute pleuritic chest pain (92.3%), dyspnea (84.62%) and cough (92.3%). COPD (46.14%), PTB sequelae (15.38%), bronchiectasis (23.07%) and bullous lung disease (23.07%) were common risk factors. Tube thoracostomy (95.38%) with pleurodesis with iodopovidone (84.61%) led to lung expansion in 92.3% cases. During follow up, only 4.61% had recurrences of pneumothorax. There was one mortality. Conclusion Spontaneous pneumothorax is a common pulmonary emergency. Meticulous and careful assessment of the patients may help reach the diagnosis even in primary care setting. Tube thoracostomy followed by pleurodesis with iodo-povidone suffices in most circumstances leading lower future recurrences.

Clinical Profile and Survival Rate of Interstitial Lung Disease in a Tertiary Care Center of Eastern Nepal.

Background The clinical profiles of interstitial lung diseases are reported mainly from developed world. There have been no data from Nepal. Objective The objective of this study is to describe clinical profile and survival in Eastern Nepal. Method Prospectively collected clinical, radiological and laboratory data of consecutive patients with Interstitial lung disease from an eastern regional tertiary care center were analyzed. The recommended official criteria for diagnosing different types of interstitial lung diseases were followed accordingly. Result The study revealed that, 68.0% of the patient's age was of above 60 years with male predominance (66.0%). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (79.5%) was the commonest interstitial lung disease followed by connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease. Persistent cough (97.7%) and dyspnea (95.5%) were the commonest presentations. Renal impairment, ischemic Heart Disease and anasarca were significant co morbidities contributing to mortality. Survival rate of the patients was found to be maximum at 5 months (95%) and minimum at 24 months (42%) from the diagnosis of the disease. Conclusion Widespread use of High-resolution computed tomography has made early recognition of interstitial lung disease in elderly patients. Well planned large scale multicenter prospective studies are needed to broaden our understanding about this serious pulmonary disorder.

Role of C-reactive Protein in Acute Appendicitis.

Background Acute appendicitis is the common surgical emergency. This study analyzed the value of C-reactive protein as the diagnostic marker of acute appendicitis. Objective To assess the level of C-reactive protein in acute appendicitis and to relate the quantitative measurement with degree of inflammation of appendix. Method A cross sectional study was done with consecutive patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis that underwent appendectomy over six months period. Peroperative findings and histopathology report were compared and analyzed with the level of C-reactive protein. Result A total of 54 patients were enrolled in this study. 94.40% were proved as acute appendicitis in histopathology. The level of C-reactive protein was significantly raised among highly inflamed appendix. C-reactive protein showed 84.31% sensitivity, 66.66% specificity, 97.72% positive predictive value and 20% negative predictive value in diagnosing acute appendicitis. Conclusion With degree of inflammation of appendix, value of C-reactive protein was raised. Quantitative assessment can predict severity of inflammation. Raised level of C-reactive protein is an aid for diagnosing acute appendicitis.

"Epizoonosis of dermatophytosis": a clinico- mycological study of dermatophytic infections in central Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Identification of dermatophytic species in clinical settings are important not only for epidemiological but also for the treatment. OBJECTIVES: Present study was carried out to find out the clinical variants of Dermatophytosis and species of fungus responsible for the disease. METHODS: The prospective observational analysis of 200 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytic infection attending Dermatology department of College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal. Skin scraping, hair and nail samples were collected and processed according to standard protocol. RESULTS: Maximum number of patients enrolled in study were reported for treatment 5-8 weeks after the onset of disease. Overall male predominance was observed and ages between 26-30 years. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type of tinea with female dominance in our study. 10 % of cases were having extensive Tinea. 71.5% of samples were positive on direct microscopy and 62 % positive on culture. Samples from T capitis were highest positive by direct microscopy (80%) and over all dominant species of fungus isolated in our study was Trichophyton verrucosum (30.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted Tinea corporis as the most common clinical type with female predominance. Overall predominant causative fungal species isolated was Trichophyton verrucosum.

Antenatal care practices in Tamang community of hilly area in central Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal care is provided during pregnancy to save lives of mother and foetus. World Health Organization recommends four focused visits as sufficient for normal pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to find out antenatal care practices in Tamang community of hilly areas of central Nepal. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Tamang community of Lalitpur district. Systematic random sampling method was used to collect data from April to May 2011. Data of 194 women having ≥ 3 years of children was collected and analyzed in descriptive and inferential ways. RESULTS: Antenatal visits were made by 78.9% (153) of women but only 46.4% (71) completed four antenatal visits. Mean visit was of 3.5 +/- 1.13 times. Ninety four (61.4%) of first antenatal visits attainders completed the fourth visit. Age of women and antenatal visits, taking tetanus toxoid injection and knowledge on work of iron tablets exhibited significant association at 95% level of confidence (p less than 0.05). There was also significant association between numbers of childbirth and antenatal visits at 95% level of confidence (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high rate of early marriage and early pregnancy in the Tamang communities. Women did not place high importance on antenatal visits. A large percentage did not complete all four recommended antenatal visits. Use of necessary medicine like iron, albendazole tablets and tetanus toxoid injection was often incomplete.

Clinicohistopathological correlation in leprosy.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is classified into five groups based on clinical, histological, microbiological and immunological criteria (Ridley and Jopling Classification) . However, a great variation has been observed in the interpretation of histopathological examination ok skin biopsies and clinical presentation of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To correlate clinical diagnosis with histopathological diagnosis of leprosy patients in Nepal. METHODS: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted among patients with all clinical types of leprosy, classified as per the Ridley-Jopling classification. Skin biopsies were taken from active lesions in all patients and were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and modified Fite-Ferraco stain for identification of Mycobacterium leprae. The histopathological findings were compared with clinical diagnoses. RESULTS: A total 156 patients were studied, out of which 84 (53.8%) males and 72 (46.1%) females between 8 and 86 years of age. The majority of patients 33 (23.57%) were in the age group of 21-30 years and least affected was children below 10 years 1(0.007%).Overall coincidence of clinical and histopathological diagnoses of classification was seen in 115 cases (80.4%). The maximum correlation (95.2%) was noted in LL patients (p value 0.000049) followed by BT(89.74%), TT (73.2%),BL(72.4%), BB(64.7%). CONCLUSION: Leprosy still continues to be one of the common infectious disease in Nepal and skin biopsy is a useful tool in confirming the clinical diagnosis of leprosy as well as for the therapeutic guide.

Antimicrobial resistance in neonates with suspected sepsis.

SETTING: Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of antimicrobial resistance and hospital exit outcomes in neonates with suspected sepsis in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). DESIGN: This hospital-based cohort study was conducted to follow patients from January to December 2019. All identified cases of suspected sepsis were enlisted from hospital records. RESULTS: Sepsis was suspected in 177 (88%) of the 200 cases admitted in the NICU; 52 (29%) were culture-positive. Pseudomonas was the predominant organism isolated (n = 40; 78%), followed by coagulase negative staphylococcus (n = 12, 23%). Nine (17%) of the 52 isolates were resistant to the Access and Watch group of antibiotics, including some resistance to Reserve group drugs such as imipenem and linezolid. Most treated cases (n = 170, 96%) improved, although 7 (4%) left against medical advice. CONCLUSION: Most of the pathogens were resistant to WHO Access and Watch antibiotics and occasional resistance was observed to Reserve group drugs. Most sepsis was caused by Gram-negative bacilli. Improving turnaround times for antibiotic sensitivity testing using point-of-care testing, and a greater yield of culture-positive results are needed to enhance the management of neonatal sepsis.

LIEU: Hôpital Universitaire Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, Népal. OBJECTIF: Déterminer le profil de résistance antimicrobienne et les résultats au moment de la sortie d'hôpital chez des nouveau-nés avec suspicion de sepsis dans une unité néonatale de soins intensifs tertiaires (NICU). MÉTHODE: Cette étude de cohorte hospitalière a été réalisée pour suivre les patients de janvier à décembre 2019. Tous les cas identifiés de suspicion de sepsis ont été inclus à partir des dossiers hospitaliers. RÉSULTATS: Une suspicion de sepsis a été observée chez 177 (88%) des 200 cas admis en NICU ; 52 (29%) étaient positifs par culture. Pseudomonas était le micro-organisme prédominant (n = 40 ; 78%), suivi des staphylocoques à coagulase négative (n = 12, 23%). Neuf (17%) des 52 isolats étaient résistants aux groupes d'antibiotiques « dont l'utilisation est essentielle ¼ et « à utiliser sélectivement ¼, avec certaines résistances aux antibiotiques « de réserve ¼ comme l'imipénème et le linézolide. L'état de la plupart des cas traités (n=170, 96%) s'est amélioré, mais sept (4%) nouveau-nés sont sortis contre avis médical. CONCLUSION: La plupart des pathogènes étaient résistants aux antibiotiques des groupes OMS « dont l'utilisation est essentielle ¼ et « à utiliser sélectivement ¼, et quelques résistances ont été observées à certains « antibiotiques de réserve ¼. La plupart des sepsis ont été causés par des bacilles à Gram négatif. L'amélioration des délais d'exécution des tests de sensibilité aux antibiotiques à l'aide de tests au point de service et un meilleur rendement des résultats positifs par culture sont nécessaires pour renforcer la prise en charge du sepsis néonatal.

High multidrug resistance in urinary tract infections in a tertiary hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.

SETTING: Tribhuvan University Teaching Tertiary Care Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, May-October 2019. OBJECTIVE: 1) To describe the bacteriological profile, 2) to identify the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern, and 3) to find the demographic characteristics associated with the presence of bacterial growth and multidrug resistance (MDR) in adult urine samples undergoing culture and drug susceptibility testing. DESIGN: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study using routine laboratory records. RESULTS: Among 11,776 urine samples, 16% (1,865/11,776) were culture-positive, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (1,159/1,865; 62%). We found a high prevalence of resistance to at least one antibiotic (1,573/1,865; 84%) and MDR (1,000/1,865; 54%). Resistance to commonly used antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as ceftazidime, levofloxacin, cefepime and ampicillin was high. Patients aged ⩾60 years (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.7) were more likely to have culture positivity. Patients with age ⩾45 years (45-59 years: aPR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.7; ⩾60 years: aPR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6), male sex (aPR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.5) and from inpatient settings (aPR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7) had significantly higher prevalence of MDR. CONCLUSION: Urine samples from a tertiary hospital showed high prevalence of E. coli and MDR to routinely used antibiotics, especially among inpatients. Regular surveillance and application of updated antibiograms are crucial to monitor the AMR situation in Nepal.

LIEU: Hôpital universitaire de soins tertiaires de Tribhuvan, Katmandu, Népal, mai­octobre 2019. OBJECTIF: 1) Décrire le profil bactériologique, 2) identifier le profil de résistance antimicrobienne (AMR), et 3) identifier les caractéristiques démographiques associées à la présence de croissance bactérienne et de résistance à plusieurs médicaments (MDR) dans les échantillons urinaires d'adultes mis en culture et testés pour sensibilité aux médicaments. MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale hospitalière réalisée en utilisant les dossiers de laboratoire de routine. RÉSULTATS: Parmi 11 776 échantillons urinaires, 16% (1 865/11 776) étaient positifs par culture, principalement à Escherichia coli (1 159/1 865 ; 62%). Nous avons observé une prévalence élevée de résistance à au moins un antibiotique (1 573/1 865 ; 84%) et de MDR (1 000/1 865 ; 54%). La résistance aux antibiotiques fréquemment utilisés dans le traitement des infections urinaires (UTI), comme la ceftazidime, la lévofloxacine, la céfépime et l'ampicilline était élevée. Les patients âgés ⩾ 60 ans (ratio de prévalence ajusté [aPR] 1,6 ; IC 95% 1,4­1,7) étaient plus susceptibles d'avoir une culture positive. Les patients âgés de ⩾ 45 ans (45­59 ans : aPR 1,5 ; IC 95% 1,3­1,7 ; ⩾ 60 ans : aPR 1,4 ; IC 95% 1,2­1,6), les hommes (aPR 1,3 ; IC 95% 1,2­1,5) et les patients hospitalisés (aPR 1,4 ; IC 95% 1,2­1,7) avaient une prévalence significativement plus élevée de MDR. CONCLUSION: Les échantillons urinaires d'un hôpital tertiaire étaient associés à une prévalence élevée d'E. coli et de MDR aux antibiotiques utilisés en routine, notamment chez les patients hospitalisés. Une surveillance régulière et l'utilisation d'antibiogrammes à jour sont essentielles au suivi de l'AMR au Népal.

High drug resistance among Gram-negative bacteria in sputum samples from an intensive care unit in Nepal.

SETTING: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. OBJECTIVES: 1) To report the number and proportion of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas (PABS) species among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sputum culture; and 2) to assess antimicrobial resistance patterns, demographic and clinical characteristics associated with resistance to at least one antibiotic and ICU discharge outcomes among those patients with PABS species admitted to hospital between 14 April 2018 and 13 April 2019. DESIGN: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study using secondary data. RESULTS: Of 166 who underwent sputum culture, 104 (63%) had bacterial growth, of which, 67 (64%) showed PABS species. Of the positive cultures, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia and Stenotrophomonas were present in respectively 32 (30.7%), 31 (29.8%), 1 (1%) and 3 (2.8%). Pseudomonas showed a high level of resistance to levofloxacin (61%), cefepime (50%) and amikacin (50%). Acinetobacter was largely resistant to cefepime (95%), imipenem (92%) and levofloxacin (86%). Of the 67 with PABS infection, 32 (48%) died. CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter and the emergence of Stenotrophomonas in sputum culture samples of ICU patients. This highlights the need for monitoring PABS and associated resistance patterns to reduce mortality in ICU patients.

LIEU: Hôpital universitaire de Tribhuvan, Katmandu, Népal. OBJECTIFS: 1) Rapporter le nombre et le pourcentage d'espèces de Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia et Stenotrophomonas (PABS) parmi les patients admis en soins intensifs (ICU) avec culture d'expectorations ; et 2) évaluer les profils de résistance antimicrobienne, les caractéristiques démographiques et cliniques associées à la résistance à au moins un antibiotique et le devenir des patients après un séjour en ICU parmi ceux infectés par une espèce PABS admis à l'hôpital entre le 14 avril 2018 et le 13 avril 2019. MÉTHODE: Étude transversale hospitalière réalisée en utilisant des données secondaires. RÉSULTATS: Sur 166 patients dont les échantillons d'expectorations ont été mis en culture, 104 (63%) présentaient une croissance bactérienne dont 67 (64%) étaient associées à la présence d'espèces PABS. Parmi les cultures positives, PABS étaient présents dans respectivement 32 (30,7%), 31 (29,8%), une (1%) et trois (2,8%) cultures. Pseudomonas a été associé à un niveau de résistance élevé à la lévofloxacine (61%), à la céfépime (50%) et à l'amikacine (50%). Acinetobacter était majoritairement résistant à la céfépime (95%), à l'imipénème (92%) et à la lévofloxacine (86%). Sur les 67 patients présentant une infection à PABS, 32 (48%) sont décédés. CONCLUSION: L'étude a montré une forte prévalence de Pseudomonas et Acinetobacter, ainsi que l'émergence de Stenotrophomonas dans les échantillons de culture d'expectorations des patients admis en ICU. Cela souligne le besoin de suivi des espèces PABS et des profils de résistance associés afin de réduire la mortalité des patients admis en ICU.

Correlation of serum free prostate-specific antigen level with histological findings in patients with prostatic disease.

BACKGROUND: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) has been widely used in the diagnosis and management of patients with prostate cancer. It may be elevated in other prostatic diseases and surgical procedures. PSA exists in two forms, a major bound form (cPSA) and a free form (fPSA). OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between serum fPSA levels and histologic findings in biopsy specimens of men with prostatic disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study includes 91 patients planned for transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). Blood samples were collected before TURP and tested for fPSA. Histology of the tissue samples collected after TURP were studied and the relationship with fPSA analysed using SPSS 11.5. RESULTS: The median values for benign, premalignant and malignant lesions were 1.8 ng/ml, 4.5 ng/ml and 13.20 ng/ml respectively (p<0.001). Most cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) without inflammation had fPSA levels <2 ng/ ml, while most with active inflammation had levels >5 ng/ml. Low grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (LGPIN) saw levels <5 ng/ml while high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and prostate cancer (PCa) had levels > 5 ng/mL (p<0.05). For detection of high grade lesions (HGPIN and PCa), the sensitivity and specificity of fPSA level > 5 ng/ml was found to be 88.8% and 90.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum fPSA is elevated marginally in patients with BPH without inflammation. Active inflammation and high grade lesions are associated with fPSA level more than 5 ng/ml.

Urological complication after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is a regular service at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and complications have been known to occur after it. This study was conducted to assess complications after transplantation. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of urological complications after living related renal transplantation at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. METHODS: A clinical study was performed (from August 2008 to July 2010) which included 50 living-related renal transplantations at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. All the donors and recipients were evaluated preoperatively with necessary investigations and followed up postoperatively with standard hospital transplant protocol. The incidence of urological complications were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty living-related, renal transplantations were carried out during the study period. Seven doors had minor post operative complications; three had post operative fever, two had chest infections and each one had superficial surgical site infections and severe pain at incision site. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed with double J stent in all recipients. Urological complications were noted in 12 (24%) recipients. Clinical significant hematuria occurred in four cases. One patient had ureteric necrosis and urinary leak which required re-exploration post operatively. Two patients developed delayed ureteric stricture which were managed by antegrade Double J stenting and ureteric reimplantation. Peri-graft abscess occurred in two cases, which were drained percutaneously. surgical site infections was seen in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Urological complications are inevitable in renal transplantation and our complications rate appears similar to that reported in literature.

Feasibility of Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) to improve mental health and functioning of adults in earthquake-affected communities in Nepal.

AIMS: Psychological interventions that are brief, acceptable, effective and can be delivered by non-specialists are especially necessary in low- and middle-income countries, where mental health systems are unable to address the high level of psychosocial needs. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a five-session intervention designed for those impaired by psychological distress while living in communities affected by adversity. Individual PM+ has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing distress in Kenya and Pakistan, and a group version of PM+ (Group PM+) was effective for conflict-affected women in Pakistan. This paper describes a feasibility and acceptability trial of locally adapted Group PM+ for women and men in an earthquake-affected region of rural Nepal. METHODS: In this feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial, participants in the experimental arm were offered five sessions of Group PM+ and participants in the control arm received enhanced usual care (EUC), which entailed brief psycho-education and providing referral options to primary care services with health workers trained in the mental health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG). A mixed-methods design was used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Group PM+. Feasibility was assessed with criteria including fidelity and retention of participants. Acceptability was assessed through in-depth interviews with participants, family members, programme staff and other stakeholders. The primary clinical outcome was depression symptoms assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) administered at baseline and 8-8.5 weeks post-baseline (i.e. after completion of Group PM+ or EUC). RESULTS: We recruited 121 participants (83% women and 17% men), with equal allocation to the Group PM+ and EUC arms (1:1). Group PM+ was delivered over five 2.5-3 hour sessions by trained and supervised gender-matched local non-specialists, with an average attendance of four out of five sessions. The quantitative and qualitative results demonstrated feasibility and acceptability for non-specialists to deliver Group PM+. Though the study was not powered to assess for effectiveness, for all five key outcome measures, including the primary clinical outcome, the estimated mean improvement was larger in the Group PM+ arm than the EUC arm. CONCLUSION: The intervention and trial procedures were acceptable to participants, family members, and programme staff. The communities and participants found the intervention to be beneficial. Because feasibility and acceptability were established in this trial, a fully powered randomised controlled trial will be conducted for larger scale implementation to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in Nepal.

Chondrodysplasia Punctata: A Case Report of Fetal Warfarin Syndrome.

Chondrodysplasia punctata is abnormal calcification in the cartilage of developing bones and has been seen in association with deranged vitamin K metabolism. Warfarin, an oral anticoagulant acting on vitamin K dependent clotting factors is known to cause chondrodysplasia punctata. Despite the knowledge of the condition the management of patients with prosthetic heart valves might require use of the drug for anticoagulation. Here, we present a case of a fetal warfarin syndrome in a second born child of a 27 year lady under warfarin for prosthetic heart valve. The pregnancy was complicated by polyhydramnios in third trimester and terminated at term by normal vaginal delivery. The baby was well, except for facial dysmorphism in the form of depressed nasal bridge, narrow nares and suspected left choanal atresia. Radiograph revealed stippled ephiphysis of vertebra, femora and humera supporting diagnosis of fetal warfarin syndrome. The baby did not develop any perinatal complication and was discharged home.

Management of Organophosphorus Poisoning.

Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are widely used for agriculture, domestic pest-control and chemical warfare. Pesticide self-poisoning accounts for one-sixth to one-eighth of the world's suicides and a third of suicide deaths in rural Asia each year. OP pesticides inhibit cholinesterase enzymes leading to overstimulation of cholinergic receptors. Clinical features depend on the types of receptors stimulated at various sites of the body. The diagnosis of OP poisoning is made on the basis of history of poisoning, smell of pesticides, the characteristic clinical signs and reduced cholinesterase activity. Measurement of plasma cholinesterase is useful for diagnosis of OP poisoning although it may not directly correlate with severity of the poisoning. Atropine remains the main stay of treatment of OP poisoning with clear evidence of benefit if administered effectively. Atropine therapy should be monitored to maintain systolic blood pressure > 80 mmHg, pulse > 80 beats/min and clear chest on auscultation. Oximes reactivate cholinesterase enzymes and help to overcome even the nicotinic effects of OP poisoning. However, evidence for its effectiveness after self-poisoning is weak. Although several newer adjuvant therapies are tried to achieve better outcome, their potential benefits are not yet established.

Outcomes Bronchoscopic Evaluation in A University Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Study of clinical profile of the patients and diagnostic yield of the selected bronchoscopic procedures gives us important information in clinical decision making and better patient care. There are hardly very few studies regarding these entities. Therefore, we decided to study clinical characteristics and outcomes of the patients who underwent bronchoscopic evaluation in our setting. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study the consecutive patients who underwent bronchoscopy from 1st May 2013- 30th April 2015 in division of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The main procedure performed was bronchoalveolar lavage. RESULTS: The mean age was 54.71 years with 76 (76%) males. Recurrent hemoptysis in 58 (58%) patients were the commonest indication. Total 95 (95%) patients have chest X-ray abnormalities. The commonest bronchoscopic finding was bronchiectasis 23 (23%) of patients followed by chronic bronchitis in 18 (18%) and endobronchial tuberculosis in 16 (16%). Total 10 (71%) of the 14 bronchoscopically suspected lung cancer patients have intraluminal lesions. Bronchoalveolar lavage culture for tuberculosis showed growth in 46 (46%), positive for malignancy in 7 (7%) positive Ziehl Neelson stain for tuberculosis in 6 (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopic evaluation of patients with pulmonary diseases gives us a lot of information that may help us in better patient care and bronchoalveolar lavage has high diagnostic yield in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Degenerative Disc Disease of Cervical Spine in Symptomatic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiological findings demonstrated in cervical spine in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can explain only partly the occurrence of neck and shoulder pain. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of cervical degenerative disc pathologies in symptomatic patient with neck pain and radiculopathy. METHODS: The study was a retrospective and institutional record based descriptive study carried out for the duration of 3yrs in a well-equipped imaging center. Only MRI performed for neck pain with or without radiculopathy with complete clinical form was included in the study. MRI findings were entered in SPSS spread sheet and analyzed using SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: A total of 750 MRI was reviewed among which 571(76.13%) had cervical degenerative disc pathology. Disc degeneration and disc bulge was the most common finding, followed by neural foramina stenosis, disc herniation and myelopathic changes. Disc degeneration and disc bulge was seen more frequently in patients older than 40 years than those less than 40 years. Disc herniation was rare in extremes of age and noted predominantly in productive population between 3 rd and 6 th decade of life. CONCLUSIONS: Disc degeneration and global disc bulge were predominant findings in symptomatic patients increasing with the age. Disc herniation and neural foraminal stenosis were common changes seen associated with neck pain with or without radiculopathy and were predominant in productive age group.

Morphological Changes in Degenerative Disc Disease on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Comparison Between Young and Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Morphological changes implicated in low back are complicated by additional age related degenerative changes in spine, which increases with aging. This study aims to compare the morphological MRI findings in young and elderly patients with low back pain and also correlate them with the clinical symptoms. METHODS: The study was a retrospective hospital record based comparative study carried out in a Teaching Hospital. MRI performed for patients with low back pain during May 2012 to October 2012 were reviewed. The MRI findings were compared between below 60 years and at and above 60 years and were also correlated with symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 301 MRI met the inclusion criteria out of which 228(75.74%) were young adults and 73(24.25%) were elderly adults. Degenerative changes and disc bulge was more common in elderly. Disc herniations including disc prolapse was more common in young adults. Disc protrusion involving L4-L5 was most common in the elderly while L5-S1 was most common in young adults. Nerve root compression was noted more commonly in the young adults. Radiculopathy was associated with grade III nerve root compression and paramedian disc protrusion in young adults while no such association was noted in elderly. No association of radiculopathy with presence of degenerative changes, spinal stenosis was noted in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative changes are more common in elderly while disc herniations are more common in young adults. Morphologic changes do correlate with symptoms in young adults to some extent while they do not correlate in elderly.

Acute on chronic phenomenon in hepatic IVC obstruction: a case report.

Hepatic IVC obstruction though common is usually misdiagnosed because of lack of appreciation of the disease. Patient with chronic disease may develop acute exacerbation, which may be precipitated by surgery or endoscopic procedures. It is a report of a case of chronic IVC disease with acute development of ascites following gallbladder surgery.

Routine Measurement of Serum Amylase in Acute Abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Acute abdominal pain is a common condition presenting to both the emergency department (ED) and surgical admission unit. Increase in serum amylase levels are found in much gastrointestinal pathology. Serum amylase level is consistently high in acute pancreatitis though high values are not pathognomonic of pancreatitis .The aim of this study to assess the level of serum amylase in various diseases presenting with acute abdominal pain and to evaluate the role of routine measurement of serum amylase in the screening of patient with acute abdominal pain for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in a prospective series. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed from 15th May 2014 - 15th Nov 2014 (6 months) at Department of Surgery of Kathmandu medical College Teaching Hospital; Kathmandu. All consecutive patients presented at emergency department and required admissions in surgical ward were included. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess the level of serum amylase in various diseases presenting with acute abdominal pain including acute pancreatitis. RESULTS: Overall, 318 patients were included during a period of 6 months among them 48 patients were excluded. 34 cases (12.6 %) were diagnosed of acute pancreatitis. three cases (1.1%) of non pancreatic pathology with raised serum amylase level (> 1000 U\L). CONCLUSIONS: Routine assessment of serum amylase is helpful in excluding differential diagnosis of patient presenting with acute abdomen and this study identified serum amylase as a good screening tool if done in cases with clinical suspicion.

External validation of prognostic model of one-year mortality in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: External validation of prognostic model for one-year mortality in patients ventilated for 21 days or more. A measure that identifies patients who are at high risk of mortality after prolonged ventilation will help physicians communicate prognoses to patients or surrogate decision makers. Our objective was to validate a prognostic model developed by Carson et al in a different setting. METHODS: An observational study was conducted from September 2002 to September 2007 in 30 beds Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital (MFH) and 20 beds Medical/Surgical ICU at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital (MPH). One hundred and fifty medical and surgical patients requiring mechanical ventilation after acute illness for at least 21 days after initial intubation were enrolled. RESULTS: One year mortality was 45.4%. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for three month mortality was 0.90 and for one year mortality was 0.92. For identifying patients who had ≥90% risk of death at 3 month had sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 95% and risk of death at 1 year had sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 99%. Four predictive variables, requirement of vasopressors, hemodalysis, platelet count ≤ 150 x 10 9/L and age ≥50 yrs can be used as a simple prognostic score that clearly identifies low-risk patients and high-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: Simple clinical variables measured on day 21 of mechanical ventilation can identify patients at highest and lowest risk of death from prolonged mechanical ventilation.