Is India's public health care system prepared for cervical cancer screening?: Evaluating facility readiness from the fourth round of the District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-4).

India's cervical cancer screening program was launched in 2016. We evaluated baseline facility readiness using nationally representative data from the 2012-13 District Level Household and Facility Survey on 4 tiers of the public health care system - 18,367 sub-health centres (SHCs), 8540 primary health centres (PHCs), 4810 community health centres and 1540 district/sub-divisional hospitals. To evaluate facility readiness we used the Improving Data for Decision Making in Global Cervical Cancer Programmes toolkit on six domains - potential staffing, infrastructure, equipment and supplies, infection prevention, medicines and laboratory testing, and data management. Composite scores were created by summing responses within domains, standardizing scores across domains at each facility level, and averaging across districts/states. Overall, readiness scores were low for cervical cancer screening. At SHCs, the lowest scores were observed in 'infrastructure' (0.55) and 'infection prevention' (0.44), while PHCs had low 'potential staffing' scores (0.50) due to limited manpower to diagnose and treat (cryotherapy) potential cases. Scores were higher for tiers conducting diagnostic work-up and treatment/referral. The highest scores were in 'potential staffing' except for PHCs, while the lowest scores were in 'infection & prevention' and 'medicines and laboratory'. Goa and Maharashtra were consistently among the top 5 ranking states for readiness. Substantial heterogeneity in facility readiness for cervical cancer screening spans states and tiers of India's public healthcare system. Infrastructure and staffing are large barriers to screening at PHCs, which are crucial for referral of high-risk patients. Our results suggest focus areas in cervical cancer screening at the district level for policy makers.

BIRTH ORDER, STAGE OF INFANCY AND INFANT MORTALITY IN INDIA.

Using data from India's National Family Health Survey, 2005-06 (NFHS-3), this article examines the patterns of relationship between birth order and infant mortality. The analysis controls for a number of variables, including mother's characteristics such as age at the time of survey, current place of residence (urban/rural), years of schooling, religion, caste, and child's sex and birth weight. A modest J-shaped relationship between birth order of children and their risk of dying in the neonatal period is found, suggesting that although both first- and last-born children are at a significantly greater risk of dying compared with those in the middle, last-borns (i.e. fourth and higher order births) are at the worst risk. However, in the post-neonatal period first-borns are not as vulnerable, but the risk increases steadily with the addition of successive births and last-borns are at much greater risk, even worse than those in the neonatal period. Although the strength of relationship between birth order and mortality is attenuated after the potential confounders are taken into account, the relationship between the two variables remains curvilinear in the neonatal period and direct in the post-neonatal period. There are marked differences in these patterns by the child's sex. While female children are less prone to the risk of dying in the neonatal period in comparison with male children, the converse is true in the post-neonatal period. Female children not only run higher risks of dying in the post-neonatal period, but also become progressively more vulnerable with an increase in birth order.

EFFECT OF INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY FACTORS ON MATERNAL HEALTH CARE SERVICE USE IN INDIA: A MULTILEVEL APPROACH.

This study aimed to assess empirically the influence of individual and community (neighbourhood) factors on the use of maternal health care services in India through three outcomes: utilization of full antenatal care (ANC) services, safe delivery and utilization of postnatal care services. Data were from the third round of the National Family Health Survey (2005-06). The study sample constituted ever-married women aged 15-49 from 29 Indian states. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed for the three outcomes of interest accounting for individual- and community-level factors associated with the use of maternal health care services. A substantial amount of variation was observed at the community level. About 45%, 51% and 62% of the total variance in the use of full ANC, safe delivery and postnatal care, respectively, could be attributed to differences across the community. There was significant variation in the use of maternal health care services at the individual level, with socioeconomic status and mother's education being the most prominent factors associated with the use of maternal health care services. At the community level, urban residence and poverty concentration were found to be significantly associated with maternal health care service use. The results suggest that an increased focus on community-level interventions could lead to an increase in the utilization of maternal health care services in India.

Surgical Outcomes and Predictive Factor Analysis for Facial Nerve Preservation in Patients With Cerebellopontine Angle (CPA) Tumors: A Ten-Year Single Institutional Study.

Objective To analyze the surgical outcome and predictive factors for facial nerve preservation in patients with surgically operated cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. Methodology Methodology Data were retrospectively retrieved from inpatient medical records of patients admitted with CPA tumors from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020, at our institute. Epidemiological, clinical and radiological findings, histopathological types, surgical outcomes, and facial nerve function of these patients were recorded using a data-gathering tool. Results Out of 230 patients, 188 (81.7%) were diagnosed histopathologically with vestibular schwannoma (VS), 20 (8.7%) with meningioma, 15 (6.5%) with epidermoid, and 7 (3.1%) with other conditions. The most common clinical features were hearing loss in VS and headaches in meningioma and epidermoid. Preoperatively, 103 (44.8%) had grade 2, 68 (29.6%) had grades 3 or 4, and 8 (3.5%) had grade 5 facial nerve palsy, while post-operatively, 93 (40.9%) patients had grade 2, 83 (36.6%) had grades 3 or 4, and 6 (2.6%) had grade 5 facial palsy. Greater facial nerve preservation was observed in patients with tumor sizes <4 cm (p=0.0041) and in those who underwent near-total (NTR) or subtotal resection (STR) (p=0.0442). Excellent facial nerve outcomes (HB grades 1 or 2) were noted in patients who underwent intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (p<0.0001). CSF leak and meningitis were present in 3.5% and 2.2% of patients, respectively. The mortality rate was 6.1%, with a recurrence rate of 4.8%. Conclusion Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, tumor size less than 4 cm, and extent of resection (NTR/STR) are predictive factors that significantly affect facial nerve outcomes.

Tuberculoma of the Cavernous Sinus and Meckel's Cave in a Child.

Tuberculous infection of the cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave is extremely rare. In this report, we describe a patient with tuberculoma of the cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave, extending to the petrous apex. The patient underwent microsurgical excision of the lesion and antitubercular chemotherapy resulting in a good outcome. We describe the diagnostic difficulties and review the relevant literature.

Opportunistic Fonsecaea pedrosoi brain abscess in a patient with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis-induced hypersplenism--a novel association.

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis, a common cause of splenomegaly in tropical countries, can lead to hypersplenism and pancytopenia. Hypersplenism in this setting has not been associated with opportunistic infections. We describe a patient with hypersplenism secondary to non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis who developed a Fonsecaea pedrosoi brain abscess and succumbed to the illness despite aggressive management.

Idiopathic intraventricular aneurysm presenting with intraventricular hemorrhage: case report and review of the literature.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a relatively commonly encountered problem in neurosurgical practice. The underlying causes could include hypertension, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), angiomas, trauma, tumors, aneurysms and moyamoya disease. Truly idiopathic intraventricular aneurysms (IVA) are rare. A high index of suspicion needs to be maintained since, with the appropriate treatment, the outcome is generally good. We report the case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with sudden onset headache and vomiting. CT angiogram pointed to the possibility of an IVA. This was confirmed by MRI with three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state (CISS-3D) sequences and digital subtraction angiography. The patient underwent microsurgical excision of the aneurysm and is doing well on follow-up. Idiopathic IVA can present with IVH at any age. MRI with CISS-3D and MR angiography would be the imaging modality of choice since it can also rule out other causes of intraventricular bleeding such as tumors and AVM. These lesions could be managed effectively by microsurgical excision/clipping. The necessity of investigating every patient who presents with IVH is debatable.

The Role of Early Postoperative Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Predicting the Outcome of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Performed in Infants With Congenital Hydrocephalus: A Prospective Analysis.

Introduction Hydrocephalus is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cavity and spaces of the brain. To date, there is no single method to accurately assess the compliance of subarachnoid spaces after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Objective To analyze the intracranial pressure (ICP) trends in the early postoperative period in infants undergoing ETV for congenital hydrocephalus and correlate them with the final outcome. Material and methods This is a single-center prospective study conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery of our institute from January 2019 to February 2020. Infants presented with congenital hydrocephalus mandating ETV were included in the study. ICP was continuously monitored for the first three days after the procedure. ICP values were recorded hourly, and 24 ICP values obtained daily were averaged to obtain a daily average value (DAV). Results Forty patients were recruited in the study. The mean age of the study population was 4.7 ± 2.8 months; 80% of the infants were <6 months of age. The male/female ratio was 5.7:1. The most common etiology was congenital aqueductal stenosis, which was observed in 18 (45%) of the patients, followed by Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) in 11 (27.5%) of the patients. On considering a difference of >1 mmHg between the first and third postoperative day, the ETV success rate was dropped from 50% in stable trend to 11% in progressive increase trend, which was statistically significant (p = 0.044). At DAV variation of >2 mmHg in progressive increase trend, the sensitivity of stable ICP trend increased to 100% in predicting ETV success. Also, the negative predictive value (the ability of a stable trend to rule out ETV failure) reached 100%. The overall success rates of ETV in our study at one, three, and six months were 62.5%, 40%, and 35%, respectively. Conclusion A progressive increase in the ICP trend (with a difference of >2 mmHg between postoperative days 1 and 3) was the best predictor of ETV failure in our study. It was superior to any other clinical or radiological variable in our study, which was affecting the outcome.

Pediatric Cervical Spine Injuries.

Objective Pediatric cervical spine injuries are rare and account for 1 to 2% of all pediatric spine injuries. There is a paucity of data on pediatric cervical spine injuries in developing countries like India. The purpose of this study is to review and analyze our 5 years of experience with pediatric cervical spine injuries. Methods All the available medical records over the 5 years were reviewed retrospectively. The data was analyzed to know the epidemiology, mechanism of injury, injury patterns, management, and outcome. The patients were divided into two groups: 0 to 9 years and 10 to 18 years. Results Seventy-five eligible records were included in our study. The incidence of cervical spine injuries was significantly lower in younger children than the older ones ( p < 0.042). The most common mechanism of injury was fall from height: 33 (44%) patients followed by road traffic accidents: 27 (36%) patients. The involvement of the upper cervical spine was significantly higher in younger children ( p < 0.001). Fractures with subluxation were the most common pattern of injury, observed in 35 (47%) patients. However, fractures with subluxation were uncommon in younger children compared with older children ( p < 0.04). Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) was observed in 42% of younger children compared with 8% of older children ( p < 0.02). Thirty (40%) patients were managed surgically; anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion was the most commonly performed procedure in 19 (63%) patients. The overall mortality was 20%. Conclusion The results of our study revealed predominant involvement of the upper cervical spine in children younger than 10 years of age. SCIWORA was documented in both the age groups with a significantly higher incidence in younger children. The instrumentation and fusion techniques in children are safe; however, developing pediatric spine needs special considerations.

Dynamic change in cortisol levels associated with severity, progression, and survival of patients with traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Cortisol levels are elevated in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and gradually decrease during patient recovery. Thus, dynamic changes in cortisol levels may serve as a prognostic biomarker of TBI. AIM: This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum cortisol levels and outcomes in TBI patients. METHODS: In this prospective case-cohort study, 238 patients with TBI were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were recorded within the first 24 h of hospitalization. Serum cortisol levels were measured using chemiluminescence assay (Immunoassay i1000). The association between cortisol levels and outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score) was evaluated at discharge from the hospital and after six months of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35.03 ± 17.68 years and the male: female ratio was 4.3:1. At the time of admission(day-1), cortisol levels in the TBI patients were significantly higher than those on day-7 (9.81 ± 4.20 µg/dl versus 23.41 ± 11.83 µg/dl; p<0.001). There was a significant relationship between cortisol levels and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (p = 0.018). Moderate head injury (GCS;9-12) was observed in 108(45.4 %) patients and 130(54.6 %) patients with severe head injury (GCS;3-8) at presentation. CGS was significantly associated with the survival of patients with TBI; alive(n = 143) vs. dead (n = 77); p < 0.001. At 6 months follow-up of patients (n = 184), the findings revealed that the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and GCS score were significantly associated(p = 0.018). One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference in cortisol levels on day-1, day-7 and six months of sampling (p < 0.0001). Based on the GOS E score, the cortisol levels in the unfavorable and favorable groups significantly differed from those in the GOSE groups (p = 0.05). Similarly, cortisol levels were significantly associated with survival in patients with TBI (p = 0.04). With increasing cortisol levels, the GOSE score was poor and at > 50 µg/dl, no patient has survived. CONCLUSIONS: Day 1 and 7 cortisol, correlated with the outcomes at 6 months, had predictive value post-TBI.

Ecological context of infant mortality in high-focus states of India.

OBJECTIVES: This goal of this study was to shed light on the ecological context as a potential determinant of the infant mortality rate in nine high-focus states in India. METHODS: Data from the Annual Health Survey (2010-2011), the Census of India (2011), and the District Level Household and Facility Survey 3 (2007-08) were used in this study. In multiple regression analysis explanatory variable such as underdevelopment is measured by the non-working population, and income inequality, quantified as the proportion of households in the bottom wealth quintile. While, the trickle-down effect of education is measured by female literacy, and investment in health, as reflected by neonatal care facilities in primary health centres. RESULTS: A high spatial autocorrelation of district infant mortality rates was observed, and ecological factors were found to have a significant impact on district infant mortality rates. The result also revealed that non-working population and income inequality were found to have a negative effect on the district infant mortality rate. Additionally, female literacy and new-born care facilities were found to have an inverse association with the infant mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions at the community level can reduce district infant mortality rates.

Totally thrombosed giant anterior communicating artery aneurysm.

Giant anterior communicating artery aneurysms are rare. Apatient presented with visual dysfunction, gait ataxia and urinary incontinence. MRI showed a giant suprasellar mass. At surgery, the lesion was identified as being an aneurysm arising from the anterior communicating artery. The difficulty in preoperative diagnosis and relevant literature are reviewed.

Larsen syndrome with C3-C4 spondyloptosis and atlantoaxial dislocation in an adult.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a clinical case report with a review of relevant literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of Larsen syndrome with C3-C4 spondyloptosis and atlantoaxial dislocation in a middle-aged female patient and to discuss management strategies. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spondyloptosis of the cervical spine is relatively rare and is caused by trauma, destruction of the vertebral bodies by tumors, or tuberculosis. Such gross vertebral displacement is usually associated with significant neurological deficits. Larsen syndrome is characterized by multiple joint displacements and can, very rarely, be associated with nontraumatic spondyloptosis of the cervical vertebra. A single case report of C1-C2 joint laxity causing atlantoaxial dislocation in a patient with Larsen syndrome is available in literature. No reports of any patient (with Larsen syndrome or nonsyndromic) who had both cervical spondyloptosis and atlantoaxial dislocation are available in literature. METHODS: A 36-year-old female presented with chronic neck pain, bilateral hand deformity, and mild spasticity involving all 4 limbs. Cervical radiograph, computed tomographic scan, and magnetic resonance image revealed C3-C4 spondyloptosis and atlantoaxial dislocation. RESULTS: A combined ventral decompression of subaxial spine and instrumentation from C2 to C5, followed by posterior C1-C2 distraction arthroplasty and lateral mass stabilization of the subaxial spine up to C6, was done. The cervical deformity was corrected, and the patient remains symptom free. CONCLUSION: Patients with spondyloptosis of the cervical spine can rarely present with chronic neck pain and minimal neurological deficits. An additional pathology, such as atlantoaxial dislocation, can add to the complexity. Circumferential stabilization and fusion would be required in such cases to achieve a good outcome. Larsen syndrome is a rare cause of nontraumatic cervical displacements.

Acute pyogenic necrotizing encephalomyelitis: a fulminant and fatal infection.

In this report the authors describe a rare case of a fulminant, pyogenic, necrotizing infection of the spinal cord and brain. Necrotizing lesions of the brain and spinal cord are usually infectious in origin and are associated with high rates of morbidity and death. Although the pathogens responsible have been identified in a few instances, the causal factors remain unknown in many cases. An 11-year-old girl developed acute, rapidly progressive paraplegia with bladder involvement and sensory loss below T-10. She had been treated recently for a Staphylococcus aureus infection of the knee joint precipitated by a penetrating injury with organic matter in the aftermath of a cyclone. Although appropriate antibiotic therapy was instituted, the spinal cord infection progressed to involve the entire spinal cord, brainstem, and brain. This fulminant course was marked by a rapid deterioration in the patient's clinical condition, ultimately leading to her death. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a previously undescribed pattern of longitudinal enhancement along the spinal cord, as well as the white matter tracts in the brainstem and brain. The possible route of spread of infection along the neuraxis is postulated to be the potential space along the white matter tracts. Treatment is not standardized due to the rarity of the condition.

Decelerating mortality rates in older ages and its prospects through Lee-Carter approach.

The present study attempts to study the age pattern mortality and prospects through Lee-Carter approach. The objectives of the study are to examine the trend of mortality decline and life expectancy. Contemporaneously, we have projected life expectancy up to 2025, projecting ASDR using Lee-Carter method. Life table aging rate (LAR) used to estimate the rate of mortality deceleration. Overtime, LAR increased and during recent decade it remained more or less unchanged. By age, LAR significant increased in the oldest of old. The slope is steepest in the oldest of old in the recent decade. The rates of mortality increased in oldest of old as the age group is more vulnerable to chronic disease and vulnerable to identifiable risk factors for virtually every disease, marked by senility. The analysis revealed that the level of mortality is not declining but rate of acceleration is declining and is further expected to decline. By the year 2025, the age specific death rates for the age group 5-9 and 10-14 will go below one per thousand.Life expectancy will attained as high as 73 and 79 years for male and female and is further expected to increase linearly. 71 percent of total female birth and 57 percent of total male birth will survive up to age 70+. Also the findings revealed that mortality rate is declining with constant rate up to age 70 and thereafter, the mortality rate accelerates and this holds true for both sexes.