Stroke in sickle cell disease: case report

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It is characterized by polymerization of haemoglobin, erythrocyte stiffening, and subsequent vaso-occlusions. These can lead to microcirculation obstructions, tissue ischemia, infarction and acute stroke. Transient ischemic attack, Ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, silent cerebral infarction, headache, Moyamoya disease, neuropathic pain, and neurocognitive impairment are neurological complications of sickle cell disease. Here we report a case of ischemic stroke in a patient of sickle cell disease. For early diagnosis and proper management of sickle cell disease neurological complications require specialised haematological and neurological expertise. The newly used medications under ongoing research will be the hope to overcome this devastating disease and its complications.

Neonicotinoid insecticides: an emerging cause of acute pesticide poisoning

Neonicotinoids are a new class of insecticides widely applied for crop protection. Information on human exposures to neonicotinoids is limited. The most common routes of exposure were ingestion (51%), dermal (44%), and ocular (11%). These insecticides act as agonists at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which cause insect paralysis and death the high specificity for receptors in insects was considered to possess highly selective toxicity to insects and relative sparing of mammals. However, an increasing number of cases of acute neonicotinoid poisoning have been reported in recent years. Present study report three cases presented to us with acute neonicotinoid poisoning with different manifestations including acute myocardial infarction, central nervous system (CNS) depression, and acute kidney injury, who recovered subsequently with supportive care. A detailed literature review found that respiratory, cardiovascular and certain neurological presentations are warning signs of severe neonicotinoid intoxication. Supportive treatment and decontamination are the practical methods for the management of all neonicotinoid-poisoned patients.

Role of Beta HCG and AFP in Prediction of Hypertensive Disorder in Pregnancy in Second Trimester- A Hospital Based Prospective Study

Background: Pre-eclampsia is an important cause of maternal and neonatal complication and death. If hypertension in pregnancy is diagnosed at an early age, we can provide an efficient care to mother for good outcome of pregnancy. The aim of this study to evaluated the role of B-HCG and AFP as predictors of HDP. Methods: This prospective Investigation study was conducted on 100 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jaipur. Estimation of serum β-HCG and AFP was done by ELISA technique. Then there finding were correlated with the value of serum β-HCG and AFP in second trimester to see whether there is any relation between levels of serum β- HCG and AFP in second trimester and development of HDP. Results: ‘Out of 100 women, 5 i.e. 5% were <20 years of age, maximum i.e. 62 (62%) were in 21-25 years of age group, 25 (25%) were in 26-30 years of age group and 8 (8%) were in 31-35 years age of group. Significantly higher mean S. β-HCG (mIU/ml) was observed in HDP group i.e. 13450.5±3420.8 as compared to 7732±2024 in normotensive group and a test of full model was statistically significant indicating that the predictors reliably distinguish between HDP group and normotensive group (Chi square 55.328, df 4, p<.001). Conclusion: We conclude from this study the measurement of serum β-HCG and AFP should be routinely done in second trimester of pregnancy, to predict the occurrence of HDP for better fetomaternal outcome.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene complicating ventricular pseudoaneurysm: a report of an unusual case and a brief review of the literature

Abstract Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is an ischemic necrosis simultaneously involving the distal portions of two or more extremities without any proximal arterial obstruction or vasculitis. It may occur as a result of a large number of infectious and non-infectious causes. A few cases of symmetrical peripheral gangrene associated with cardiac disease have been described in the literature. We describe a case of symmetrical peripheral gangrene complicating ventricular pseudoaneurysm, probably a hitherto unreported occurrence. In this report, we sought to emphasize the importance of cardiac evaluation while dealing with a case of symmetrical peripheral gangrene.

Multiple giant angiokeratoma of Fordyce on the shaft of the penis masquerading as keratoacanthoma

The term 'angiokeratoma' includes a wide range of dermatological conditions of hyperkeratotic vascular disorders with a similar histologic combination of hyperkeratosis and superficial dermal vascular ectasia. Angiokeratomas can be classified into localized and systemic forms. Angiokeratoma of Fordyce (AKF) is a localized form of angiokeratoma, clinically characterized by 1- to 6-mm, black, blue, or dark red, dome-shaped papules located on the scrotum, shaft of penis, labia majora, clitoris, inner thigh, and lower abdomen. We describe herein a case of giant angiokeratoma of Fordyce on shaft of the penis in an elderly man, clinically masquerading as keratoacanthoma.