Personal and household PM2.5 and black carbon exposure measures and respiratory symptoms in 8 low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution (HAP) from cooking with solid fuels has been associated with adverse respiratory effects, but most studies use surveys of fuel use to define HAP exposure, rather than on actual air pollution exposure measurements. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between household and personal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) measures and respiratory symptoms. METHODS: As part of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology Air Pollution study, we analyzed 48-h household and personal PM2.5 and BC measurements for 870 individuals using different cooking fuels from 62 communities in 8 countries (Bangladesh, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe). Self-reported respiratory symptoms were collected after monitoring. Associations between PM2.5 and BC exposures and respiratory symptoms were examined using logistic regression models, controlling for individual, household, and community covariates. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of household and personal PM2.5 was 73.5 (119.1) and 65.3 (91.5) µg/m3, and for household and personal BC was 3.4 (8.3) and 2.5 (4.9) x10-5 m-1, respectively. We observed associations between household PM2.5 and wheeze (OR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.46), cough (OR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.06, 1.39), and sputum (OR: 1.26; 95%CI: 1.10, 1.44), as well as exposure to household BC and wheeze (OR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.39) and sputum (OR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.36), per IQR increase. We observed associations between personal PM2.5 and wheeze (OR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.50) and sputum (OR: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.41). For household PM2.5 and BC, associations were generally stronger for females compared to males. Models using an indicator variable of solid versus clean fuels resulted in larger OR estimates with less precision. CONCLUSIONS: We used measurements of household and personal air pollution for individuals using different cooking fuels and documented strong associations with respiratory symptoms.

Anemia management in dialysis patients: a PIVOT and a new path?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We will examine the current and future options in management of anemia in dialysis patients focusing on recent trials in iron supplementation and alternatives to erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). RECENT FINDINGS: We review the literature on Erythropoietin (EPO)-stimulating agents, focusing on the risk benefits of various options available. We review the recent practice changing trial in iron supplementation in dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease and movements in the research on alternatives to EPO-stimulating agents primarily hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs). SUMMARY: ESAs constitute the mainstay of treatment of anemia in dialysis and evidence does not support the preference of any one type over the other. But concerns exist about the cardiovascular safety of supra-physiological ESA levels. Iron supplementation has been shown to be a well tolerated method to decrease ESA doses while maintaining hemoglobin levels and recent evidence should result in a revisiting of the guidelines for iron supplementation. HIF-PHIs are potentially safe alternatives to ESAs that correct and maintain hemoglobin while maintaining physiological levels of erythropoietin. Ongoing phase III trials for these drugs will likely answer questions of long-term safety regarding these drugs.

Quality of medical prescriptions in diabetes and hypertension management in Kerala and its associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Kerala is facing challenges in the secondary prevention efforts of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In spite of being the top performer in health parameters among Indian states, the burden of NCDs, especially diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and hypertension, is higher in Kerala. This research endeavours to identify the role of quality of medical prescriptions in secondary prevention of diabetes and hypertension and suggest corrective measures. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved collection of prescription data and other details from consenting doctors across seven districts in Kerala. After the quality of prescription was assessed using a checklist, scores were generated, and cutoff points were used to classify the prescriptions. PASW version 18 software, was used for data analysis which included univariate and bivariate analyses and logistic regression. The proportion of quality prescriptions was estimated after adjusting for clustering, and the proportion of doctors writing quality prescriptions was also estimated. Prior to the study, ethical clearance from Independent ethics committee in Health action by People (HAP) and informed consent from all the study participants were obtained. RESULTS: After assessing 9199 prescriptions from 344 doctors, it was found that about 37.2% (95% CI: 34.9-39.4%) of the prescriptions were of good quality, and 48.2% (95% CI: 42.9-53.7%) of the doctors provided quality prescriptions. Factors associated with quality prescriptions were found to be knowledge about NCD guidelines, quality certifications of hospitals and usage of patient data management software. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of rising prevalence of NCDs and the challenges in the secondary prevention efforts, this is one of the first studies in Kerala to evaluate the quality of prescriptions to manage NCDs as prescriptions often reflect the quality of medical management. The study also addresses other factors associated with quality medical management. The findings indicate that the scope for improvement is more than 50%, when considered for the overall quality of prescriptions in diabetes and hypertension management. Further, it was found that appropriate training of doctors, adherence to treatment guidelines and the use of technology may improve the overall quality of prescriptions.

The effect of physical activity on mortality and cardiovascular disease in 130 000 people from 17 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: the PURE study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease (CVD) in high-income countries, where physical activity is mainly recreational, but it is not known if this is also observed in lower-income countries, where physical activity is mainly non-recreational. We examined whether different amounts and types of physical activity are associated with lower mortality and CVD in countries at different economic levels. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited participants from 17 countries (Canada, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Poland, Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa, China, Colombia, Iran, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe). Within each country, urban and rural areas in and around selected cities and towns were identified to reflect the geographical diversity. Within these communities, we invited individuals aged between 35 and 70 years who intended to live at their current address for at least another 4 years. Total physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPQA). Participants with pre-existing CVD were excluded from the analyses. Mortality and CVD were recorded during a mean of 6·9 years of follow-up. Primary clinical outcomes during follow-up were mortality plus major CVD (CVD mortality, incident myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure), either as a composite or separately. The effects of physical activity on mortality and CVD were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and other risk factors taking into account household, community, and country clustering. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2010, 168 916 participants were enrolled, of whom 141 945 completed the IPAQ. Analyses were limited to the 130 843 participants without pre-existing CVD. Compared with low physical activity (<600 metabolic equivalents [MET] × minutes per week or <150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity), moderate (600-3000 MET × minutes or 150-750 minutes per week) and high physical activity (>3000 MET × minutes or >750 minutes per week) were associated with graded reduction in mortality (hazard ratio 0·80, 95% CI 0·74-0·87 and 0·65, 0·60-0·71; p<0·0001 for trend), and major CVD (0·86, 0·78-0·93; p<0·001 for trend). Higher physical activity was associated with lower risk of CVD and mortality in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. The adjusted population attributable fraction for not meeting the physical activity guidelines was 8·0% for mortality and 4·6% for major CVD, and for not meeting high physical activity was 13·0% for mortality and 9·5% for major CVD. Both recreational and non-recreational physical activity were associated with benefits. INTERPRETATION: Higher recreational and non-recreational physical activity was associated with a lower risk of mortality and CVD events in individuals from low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Increasing physical activity is a simple, widely applicable, low cost global strategy that could reduce deaths and CVD in middle age. FUNDING: Population Health Research Institute, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Ontario SPOR Support Unit, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, AstraZeneca, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Servier, GSK, Novartis, King Pharma, and national and local organisations in participating countries that are listed at the end of the Article.

Stress Cardiomyopathy Caused by Diving: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Stress cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient myocardial dysfunction that mimics a myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The onset is frequently triggered by an acute illness or intense physical or emotional stress. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman who was brought to the emergency department with acute onset shortness of breath while scuba diving. She was found to have acute pulmonary edema radiographically. Her troponins were noted to be positive. Initial echocardiogram showed basal hypokinesis with hyperkinesis of apex. She was treated with noninvasive ventilation and intravenous diuretic therapy and her symptoms significantly improved. She subsequently underwent cardiac catheterization which revealed nonobstructive coronary artery disease. An exercise stress echocardiogram was performed 2 days later that revealed resolution of the wall motion abnormality and no ischemia at high levels of exercise. A diagnosis of reverse stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy was made based on Mayo Clinic Diagnostic criteria. ​WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case brings to light the risk of stress cardiomyopathy in divers. The diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with acute pulmonary edema during diving.

Does risk for major adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing vasodilator stress with adjunctive exercise differ from patients undergoing either standard exercise or vasodilator stress with myocardial perfusion imaging?

BACKGROUND: In patients with functional limitations, the use of adjunctive exercise with vasodilator stress has advantages over vasodilator stress alone in single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for technical reasons and with regards to more effective cardiac risk stratification. Whether patients who undergo vasodilator with adjunctive exercise stress MPI possess clinical characteristics and cardiac risk that differs from those who undergo standard exercise or vasodilator stress MPI is unknown. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on 19,367 consecutive patients referred for stress MPI to a tertiary care center (9,331 [48%] underwent exercise-only, 3,793 [20%] underwent vasodilator plus exercise, and 6,243 [32%] underwent vasodilator-only) were analyzed. Perfusion data were scored using the ASNC 17-segment with a summed stress score (SSS) < 4 = normal, 4-8 = mildly abnormal, and > 8 = moderate to severely abnormal. Patients were followed a mean of 1.96 ± 0.95 years. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction) were compared between the three stress modality groups. RESULTS: Comparison of demographics and clinical characteristics revealed significant differences in gender, age, cardiac risk factors, and stress MPI between the three stress modality groups (P < .001). In follow-up, cardiac event-free survival of patients in the vasodilator plus exercise stress group was significantly higher than those in the vasodilator-only group but lower than those in the exercise-only group (P < .001). Annualized cardiac event rates of patients in the vasodilator plus exercise stress group were significantly lower than those in the vasodilator-only group for all three categories of the SSS (P < .001). After multivariable adjustment, with exercise-only as reference category, vasodilator plus exercise and vasodilator-only stress emerged as independent predictors (more likely occurrence) of cardiac death, while vasodilator-only stress emerged as an independent predictor (more likely occurrence) of cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. With vasodilator-only as the reference category, exercise-only and vasodilator plus exercise stress emerged as independent predictors (less likely occurrence) of cardiac death as well as of cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing vasodilator plus exercise stress MPI possess clinical characteristics and cardiac risk that differs significantly from those undergoing either standard exercise or vasodilator stress MPI and places them in a lower risk category compared to vasodilator stress alone.

Rare occurrence of fatal Candida haemulonii peritonitis in a diabetic CAPD patient.

A 68-year-old diabetic chronic kidney disease patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for two years developed Candida haemulonii peritonitis without any predisposing factors. There is no effective treatment for this fungus. A peritoneal biopsy showed morphological changes of acute inflammation and chronicity.

Nutritional status in stage V dialyzed patient versus CKD patient on conservative therapy across different economic status.

BACKGROUND: This aim of this multi-centric cross-sectional study was to assess the nutritional status in Indian chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and to compare the nutritional indicators between stage 5 dialyzed (CKD-D) patients below the poverty line (BPL), and stage 3-4 non-dialyzed (CKD-ND) patients above (APL) and below the poverty line. METHODS: Patients were selected from a government medical college hospital, a charity-based outpatient dialysis unit, and a non-profit tertiary care center. The study groups included BPL CKD-ND (n = 100), BPL CKD-D (n = 98), and APL CKD-ND (n = 92) patients, based on a cut-off of per capita income US $1.25 a day. Patients were enquired by a qualified renal dietitian about their pattern of diet, and daily energy and protein intake by 24 h recall method. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical investigations were made and compared. RESULTS: Nutritional indicators were low in all three groups compared to those prescribed by European Best Practice Guidelines (EBPG). BPL CKD-D patients had low serum albumin levels (32.44444 ± 6.279961 g/L; p = 0.017) and 41.83% of them were underweight. The APL CKD-ND group registered the lowest mean daily energy (22.576 ± 6.289 kcal/kg/day) and protein intake (0.71 ± 0.06 g/kg/day), due to dietary restrictions imposed on them by themselves and unqualified renal dietitians. The APL group had better indicators of nutritional status in terms of mid-upper arm circumference (p = 0.001), triceps skin fold thickness (p < 0.001), and serum hemoglobin (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Several nutritional parameters were below the recommended international guidelines for all the three groups, though the high income group had better parameters from several indicators. There is an urgent need for nutritional counseling for CKD-D and CKD-ND patients.

Central line associated blood stream infection related to cooling catheter in cardiac arrest survivors undergoing therapeutic hypothermia by endovascular cooling.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) related to cooling catheters used for therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is unclear. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis on 131 cardiac arrest survivors between 2007 and 2010, who underwent TH by femorally placed endovascular cooling catheter. All patients received prophylactic intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam for 72 hours to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Cooling catheter related CLABSI and other infections over a period of seven days from initiation of TH were estimated. RESULTS: Of a total 131 patients, 16 (12%) patients had bacteremia or infection prior to initiation of TH and were excluded. Of the remaining 115 (88%) patients, zero (0%) patients had cooling catheter related CLABSI and 23 (20%) patients had other infections during the study period. CONCLUSION: In cardiac arrest survivors undergoing TH, femorally placed endovascular cooling catheter is not associated with an increased incidence of CLABSI.

Newer TB diagnostics: An update.

In recent years, nucleic-acid amplification tests (NAATs), which are highly specific and sensitive, have helped to transform the TB diagnostic landscape. According to the WHO 2021 Guidelines on Diagnostics, the NAATs used in TB diagnosis at the point of care (POC) include Xpert MTB/RIF a cartridge-based test manufactured by Cepheid, and Truenat a chip-based test manufactured by Molbio. Other POC tests that are expected to be implemented in near future include Xpert Omni and Xpert MTB/XDR. The use of line probe assay is involved at the level of reference labs for the detection of MTB and its resistance to first-line (Isoniazid and Rifampicin) and second-line (fluoroquinolones and second-line injectables) drugs. When the currently available NAATs detect mutations for drug resistance at a particular region of MTB sequence, the Whole genome sequencing (WGS) platform demonstrates the exceptional potential for reliable and comprehensive resistance prediction for MTB isolates, by multiple gene regions or whole genome sequence analysis allowing for accurate clinical decisions.

Renal Allograft Cortical Necrosis in a COVID-19 Positive Patient.

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been reported to be higher in kidney transplant recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared with the general population. Here, we report a case of cortical necrosis in the graft kidney due to COVID infection in a patient with stable graft function over the years. The patient was started on hemodialysis and treated with steroids, and anticoagulants for COVID infection. Later, he had gradual improvement in his graft function and became dialysis independent on follow up.

Household Air Pollution and Adult Lung Function Change, Respiratory Disease, and Mortality across Eleven Low- and Middle-Income Countries from the PURE Study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, household air pollution (HAP) is a major environmental hazard that affects respiratory health. However, few studies have examined associations between HAP and lung function decline and respiratory disease and mortality. METHODS: We used data from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study and examined adults residing in 240 rural communities in 11 low- and middle-income countries where HAP from cooking with solid fuels is common. Spirometry was conducted for 28,574 individuals at baseline and 12,489 individuals during follow-up (mean of 8 y between spirometry measures). In cross-sectional analyses, we compared lung function measurements [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio] in those who used solid fuels for cooking in comparison with clean fuels. Using repeated measurements of lung function, we examined the percent change in lung function measures per year, comparing individuals by baseline fuel type and individuals who used solid fuels at baseline but switched to clean fuels during follow-up. We also examined associations with prospective health events (any respiratory diseases, respiratory disease hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality). RESULTS: In adjusted cross-sectional models, use of solid fuel in comparison with clean fuels was associated with lower FEV1 of -17.5mL (95% CI: -32.7, -2.3) and FVC of -14.4mL (95% CI: -32.0, 3.2), but not FEV1/FVC. In longitudinal analyses, individuals who switched from solid fuels to clean cooking fuels during follow-up (n=3,901, 46% of those using solid fuel at baseline), showed no differences in the annual rate of change in FEV1 or FVC, but had small improvements in FEV1/FVC change (0.2% per year, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.3). Individuals who switched from solid to clean fuels had a decreased hazard ratio for respiratory events of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57, 1.00) in comparison with persistent solid fuel users, which was not attenuated by lung function measures. CONCLUSION: We observed modest associations between HAP exposure and lung function, lung function change, and respiratory disease and mortality. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11179.

Does location matter? Prognostic value of single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging by vascular territory.

BACKGROUND: The location of a myocardial perfusion abnormality frequently affects clinical decision making, especially if the left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory is involved. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the location of abnormalities on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging affects outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 21,294 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease who underwent exercise or pharmacological stress SPECT over a 10-year period. Using the ASNC 17-segment model, 2 observers interpreted images with regards to defect severity, size, and reversibility. The summed stress score (SSS) was used in relation to vascular territories [LAD, right coronary artery (RCA), and left circumflex artery (LCx)]. All patients were followed over a mean period of 2.5 ± 2 years for cardiac events (cardiac death or non-fatal myocardial infarction). RESULTS: Of the enrolled patients, 5,676 had single-vessel territory defects with a mean SSS of 4.3 ± 2.8. Cardiac event-free survival curves revealed no significant difference between the 3 locations (LAD, RCA, and LCx) (P = .235). When compared by mild (2-3), moderate (4-8), or severe (>8) SSS, outcomes between the 3 groups were again similar. There were 2,907 patients with two-vessel territory defects with a mean SSS of 10.8. Outcomes were similar between the following 2 groups: two-vessel with LAD involvement and two-vessel without LAD involvement (P = .558). CONCLUSION: In patients with single- or two-vessel territory perfusion abnormalities with similar size and severity of perfusion defects, the location of defect did not impact future cardiac events. Location of myocardial perfusion defect on SPECT imaging may not be helpful in clinical decision making.

The clinical value of single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging in cardiac risk stratification of very elderly patients (≥80 years) with suspected coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The role of single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI) in cardiac evaluation of the very elderly patients is unclear. We investigated the clinical value of SPECT MPI in very elderly patients (≥80 years) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as in comparison to younger patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 8,864 patients [1,093 patients ≥80 years (very elderly), 3,369 patients 65-79 years (elderly), and 4,402 patients 50-64 years (middle-aged)] with suspected CAD who underwent exercise and/or pharmacologic stress testing with SPECT MPI between 1996 and 2005 was performed. Clinical and SPECT MPI characteristics, cardiac event rates, early (≤60 days) cardiac catheterization and revascularization rates of very elderly patients were compared to that of younger patients. Mean follow-up for cardiac events (cardiac death or non-fatal myocardial infarction) was 1.9 ± 0.9 years. Very elderly patients with moderate to severely abnormal SSS had a significantly higher annualized cardiac event rate than those with mildly abnormal or normal study (9.6% vs 3.4% and 2.5% respectively, P < .001). Across all categories of SSS, very elderly patients had a significantly higher cardiac event rate as compared to younger patients (P < .001). Early cardiac catheterization and revascularization referrals in very elderly patients increased as a function of severity of ischemia on SPECT MPI (P < .001), although these referral rates were significantly lower in very elderly patients with mild to moderate and severe ischemia as compared to younger patients (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In very elderly patients (≥80 years) with suspected CAD, SPECT MPI has prognostic and incremental value in the noninvasive cardiovascular assessment for risk stratification and may influence medical decisions.

Proportion of rapid eye movement sleep related obstructive sleep apnea (REM related OSA) in patients with sleep disordered breathing: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep is gaining importance in recent years. This study was done to determine the proportion of REM-related OSA and its associated polysomnographic features. METHODS: One hundred forty-two patients were included in the study. REM-related OSA was defined based on previously established broad and strict criteria (REM apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]/non-REM [NREM] AHI ratio ≥2 and REM AHI >5 with NREM AHI <5, respectively), and its association with polysomnographic features was studied using appropriate statistical tools. RESULTS: The proportion of REM-related OSA in the study was 56.3% and 25.3% as per broad and strict criterion, respectively. The REM-related OSA group had a mean younger age (47.4 ± 13.2 years) as compared to NREM-related OSA group (52.6 ± 15.8 years). Females (34 out of 45; 75.6%) were more likely to have REM-related OSA as compared to males (46 out of 107; 47.4%). Supine AHI, arousal index, oxygen desaturation index, length of the longest event, and the lowest oxygen saturation recorded during sleep had a significant association with REM-related OSA. 74% of patients with overall AHI <5 and 87% patients with overall AHI 5 to 15 satisfied the criteria for REM-related OSA as per broad criterion. CONCLUSION: REM-related OSA was quite prevalent in the study population (56.3%) and was more common in the mild and moderate severity subgroups of OSA.

Hypertension control in Kerala, India: A prescription-based study at primary and secondary level health care institutions.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook a prescription-based study to identify the provider and institution-level factors related to achieving guideline-recommended control of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Kerala, India. METHODS: This cross-sectional study in primary and secondary care hospitals in Kerala included both public and private institutions. One practitioner was selected from each institution. Data on institutional and provider factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Prescriptions were photographically captured and data on disease status and drugs prescribed were recorded. Factors associated with disease control were identified using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Totally 4679 prescriptions were included for analysis. For hypertension-only patients, control levels were 31.5% and was significantly higher in public hospitals (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.96, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.50-2.57). Among patients with diabetes only, diabetes control was seen in 36.6%. When both conditions were present, control was achieved in only 17.0% patients. Being prescribed two or more drugs indicated lower control, whatever the respective condition. Among antihypertensive prescriptions rationality of 26.7% were questioned, such as lack of Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) inhibitor in diabetic hypertensives, dual RAS blockage, and indication for beta-blocker monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this prescription-based study in Kerala, India, a majority of hypertensive patients did not have controlled blood pressure levels, particularly if diabetes coexisted. This has serious implications as Kerala is the state with the highest burden of hypertension in India. Several prescription patterns were of questionable rationality. Further research and actions on rationality of anti-hypertensive prescriptions and barriers to treatment intensification is warranted.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection among Adults of Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala as Measured by Interferon Gamma Release Assay - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: To achieve the goals of the end tuberculosis (TB) strategy, strategies for management of TB infection (TBI) have to be expanded. The first step to devise policies is to understand the distribution and determinants of TBI in the community. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of TBI using Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) and its determinants among the adult population of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study using the stratified cluster sampling was carried out among the adults. TBI was detected using IGRA conducted on whole blood sample. Data on determinants were collected using a structured questionnaire by the face-to-face interview. The prevalence of TBI was estimated. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the determinants. Results: Age standardized prevalence of TBI among 396 adults was 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.52-24.48). On adjusting for the possible confounders, increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.028; 95% CI 1.008-1.048; P = 0.005), history of contact with active TB disease (adjusted OR 7.61; 95% CI 4.43-13.05; P < 0.001), childhood contact (adjusted OR 8.20; 95% CI 3.14-21.41; P < 0.001), and household contact (adjusted OR 10.12; 95% CI 5.39-18.98; P < 0.001) were found to be the determinants of TBI in this population. Conclusion: The present study observed that nearly one-fifth of the adult population in the Thiruvananthapuram district has TBI. For the programmatic management, factors such as increasing age and contact history may be considered for the elimination of TBI in the state.

Diagnostic yield of CBNAAT in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis: A prospective observational study.

Background: Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for 15%-53% of all TB cases. In recent years, cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) has emerged as an important diagnostic tool since the diagnostic yield is higher. We conducted this study to evaluate the diagnostic yield of CBNAAT in EPTB. Methods: One hundred and four patients with EPTB were included in the study. Samples were subjected to CBNAAT, AFB smear, culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and histopathology examination (HPE). Yield of each was estimated as compared to a composite reference standard (CRS). Results: The most common EPTB was lymph node TB (48.1%). CBNAAT was positive in 30.76% of EPTB cases. The highest yield was for bone and joint TB (35.7%), followed by lymph node TB (34%) and abdominal TB (33.3%). Taking CRS as the gold standard, sensitivity of CBNAAT was 32.3%, that of AFB culture was 33.3% and that of HPE was 87.2%. Conclusion: When taken as a single diagnostic tool, HPE had highest sensitivity in diagnosing EPTB when compared to CBNAAT and AFB culture. Use of CBNAAT alone for diagnosis of EPTB may result in missing the diagnosis. A combined modality incorporating CBNAAT, histopathology and AFB culture is the best approach for diagnosis of EPTB.

Spatial analysis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its risk factors in an urban area of Trivandrum, Kerala, India.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the second leading cause of death in India. The objective of this study was to map COPD cases and its risk factors and to determine the association between them using geographic information system (GIS) in a semi-urban area of Trivandrum, South India. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional, descriptive study (n = 494) was conducted in a subcenter area of a primary health center. Location was mapped and COPD population screener questionnaire was administered to all the study subjects enrolled by census method. Lifetime firewood exposure (person-hours) and tobacco smoking were enquired and distance from road was mapped using portable differential global positioning system. The association with COPD was assessed by kriging and hotspot analysis using ArcGIS software. Results: The prevalence of COPD (6.5%) was comparable to national prevalence estimates. Spatial maps showed COPD case clustering in areas with higher firewood exposure, greater smoking exposure, and in households with closer proximity to local roads. A particular high-risk cluster was obtained which had a significant association with all the risk factors. Conclusion: GIS technology is useful in identification of spatial clustering of COPD cases and its environmental risk factors, making it an important tool for targeted interventions for COPD.