Predictors of Recovery in Facial Nerve Palsy: Insights From an Observational Study in Odisha, India.

Background Facial nerve paralysis, leading to the loss of facial expression, poses significant discomfort to patients. While most individuals exhibit a favorable response to treatment, a subset experiences enduring facial deformities without clearly defined etiology. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors influencing outcomes and quality of life in facial nerve palsy patients, contributing to enhanced clinical management. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary care hospital. We included patients presenting with any clinical variety of facial nerve palsy, irrespective of age and gender. Only moribund and noncompliant cases were excluded. Patients underwent clinical assessment using the House-Brackmann (HB) grading at presentation and were subsequently monitored at three weeks, three months, and six months post-onset to assess recovery. Results Out of 66 patients, 18 (27.27%) fully recovered at three weeks, 50 (75.76%) recovered at three months, and 54 (81.82%) at six-month follow-up. Incomplete recovery was observed in 13 (19.69%) patients. Factors associated with favorable outcomes included younger age of onset (p = 0.003), lower baseline HB grade (IV or less) (p = 0.001), Electroneurography Degeneration Index (ENoG DI) of <70% (p < 0.0001), early initiation of treatment (within five days of onset) (p = 0.0003), and absence of comorbid conditions (p = 0.03). Gender and affected side (left or right) did not influence the outcome. Conclusion In summary, age, associated comorbid conditions, baseline HB grade, and extent of facial nerve degeneration are crucial predictors of outcomes in facial nerve palsy. This knowledge can guide clinicians in optimizing treatment strategies for improved patient care.

Ofloxacin Induced Cutaneous Reactions in Children.

Cutaneous adverse effects to antimicrobials are a major health problem. Though majority of them are mild and self-limiting, severe variants like Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are not uncommon. Ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone widely used for the treatment of urinary tract infections, acute bacterial diarrheas, enteric fever, STDs and other soft tissue infections either as a single drug or in combination with other drugs. Earlier a case of mucocutaneous maculopapular rash with oral ofloxacin and was reported in an adult. In the present hospital set up there were few reports of such reactions to adults. Here we report three different variants of reactions associated with oral ofloxacin in chlidren. Early detection of cutaneous lesions and immediate withdrawal of the offending drug can prevent progression of such reactions to their severe variants as well as morbidity and mortality.

Pricing and availability of some essential child specific medicines in Odisha.

OBJECTIVES: Continuous availability of affordable medicines in appropriate formulations is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in children. Odisha an eastern Indian state records very high mortality of children. The study aims at documenting the availability and prices paid for purchasing essential child-specific medicines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey of 34 essential medicines was conducted in six randomly selected districts of Odisha. Data were collected from medicine outlets of the public, private, and other sector (Nongovernmental Organization [NGO]/mission sectors) of six randomly selected districts, using WHO/Health Action International medicine price collection methodology. For each medicine surveyed, data were collected on the highest and lowest-priced formulations available in each facility. RESULTS: Both public sector and other sector health facilities procure only one brand of medicines, mean percentage availability of medicines being 17% and 21.8%, respectively. In the private sector, the mean percentage availability of the high and lowest-priced medicines for a particular drug product was 10.8% and 38.5%, respectively. The public sector procurement price is 48% lower than international reference prices. In the private sector, high-priced, and low-priced products are sold at 1.83 and 1.46 times the international reference price, respectively. Substantial price variation was observed for some medicines across individual outlets. Medicines were found to cost 2.08 times their international reference price in NGO/mission sector facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of children's medicines in public sector facilities of Odisha state is poor. Medicines for children cost relatively high in both private and NGO sectors compared to the international reference price. The availability medicines should be improved on an urgent basis to improve access of medicines for children of Odisha.

Netilmicin-induced carpopedal spasm.

Aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity is not uncommon. Netilmicin being a member of gentamicin family has the advantage of being relatively free from ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity and is also prescribed for gentamicin resistant cases. In spite of these benefits with netilmicin, occasional development of symptomatic hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia due to renal electrolyte wasting cannot be ruled out. Here we describe two cases of carpopedal spasm due to hypocalcemia following use of netilmicin.

Effect of aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos unripe fruit on inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Aegle marmelos unripe fruit extract (AMFE) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effect of AMFE was studied on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis (1 ml of 4% acetic acid solution, transrectal) and indomethacin-induced enterocolitis (10 mg/kg, single dose, p.o) in Wistar albino rats. The extract was administered orally at different dose of 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight. Disease pathogenesis was assessed by measuring disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic score, microscopic score, mesenteric mast cell protection, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in the above two models. RESULTS: The results showed a dose dependent decrease in intestinal inflammation following treatment with AMFE. Significant protection in mast cell degranulation was observed in acetic acid and indomethacin-induced IBD models. Treatment with AMFE significantly decreased the MDA levels and increased SOD activity. CONCLUSION: In our study, AMFE produced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mast cell stabilizing effects demonstrating protective effect in inflammatory bowel disease.