Outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.

BACKGROUND: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a heterogenous group of inherited hepatocellular disorders and the clinical aspects, role of liver transplantation (LT), and its outcomes remain largely unelucidated. We present our data of LT for each type of PFIC and compare their early, and long-term outcomes, highlighting their individual differences and management strategies. METHODS: Prospectively collected data over a decade (2011-2022) of children with PFIC who underwent LT was analyzed. The groups (PFIC 1-4) were compared with regard to early and long-term outcomes including attainment of catch-up growth. RESULTS: Of 60 children with PFIC who underwent LT, 13, 11, 31 & 5 were of PFIC 1, 2, 3 & 4, respectively. There were no significant differences in gender, PELD scores, BMI, type of grafts, cold and warm ischemia times, intraoperative blood loss, and morbidity among the groups. Post-LT chronic diarrhea was observed in 6 (46.1%) children with PFIC-I, and of them, 3 (23%) developed graft steatohepatitis. Three of these children underwent total internal biliary diversion (TIBD) and on 1-year follow-up, their graft steatosis resolved and they attained catch-up growth. Catch-up growth was significantly poorer in the PFIC1 group (44.4% vs. 88%, 90%, 100% p < .001). Overall 1- and 5-year patient survival of the four PFIC groups (1-4) were 69.2%, 81.8%, 96.8%, 100% & 69.2%, 81.8%, 96.8%, 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ours is the largest to-date series of LT for PFIC illustrating their short- and long-term outcomes. While the results for the whole cohort were excellent, those after LT for PFIC1 was relatively poorer as reflected by catch-up growth, graft steatosis, and post-LT diarrhea, which can be optimized by the addition of TIBD during LT.

Utility of chest radiograph severity scoring in emergency department for predicting outcomes in COVID-19: A study of 1275 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the reliability and reproducibility of a chest radiograph severity score (CSS) in prognosticating patient's severity of disease and outcomes at the time of disease presentation in the emergency department (ED) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 1275 consecutive RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 adult patients presenting to ED from March 2020 through June 2020. Chest radiograph severity score was assessed for each patient by two blinded radiologists. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected. The rate of admission to intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation or death up to 60 days after the baseline chest radiograph were collected. Primary outcome was defined as occurrence of ICU admission or death. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between clinical parameters, chest radiograph severity score, and primary outcome. RESULTS: CSS of 3 or more was associated with ICU admission (78 % sensitivity; 73.1 % specificity; area under curve 0.81). CSS and pre-existing diabetes were independent predictors of primary outcome (odds ratio, 7; 95 % CI: 3.87, 11.73; p < 0.001 & odds ratio, 2; 95 % CI: 1-3.4, p 0.02 respectively). No significant difference in primary outcome was observed for those with history of hypertension, asthma, chronic kidney disease or coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: Semi-quantitative assessment of CSS at the time of disease presentation in the ED predicted outcomes in adults of all age with COVID-19.

Comparison of postoperative analgesia with two different doses of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in adductor canal block for unilateral total knee replacement surgery: A randomized double-blinded study.

Background and Aims: Multimodal analgesia is used to treat severe postoperative pain (POP) in total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Adjuvants are used with local anesthetics to improve the quality and duration of pain relief. Studies comparing different doses of dexmedetomidine in adductor canal block (ACB) are sparse to date. This study compares postoperative analgesia with two different doses of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.2% ropivacaine in ACB for unilateral TKR. Material and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded comparative study, sixty patients were divided into two groups: A and B. Postoperatively perineural catheter was inserted and all patients received 0.2% ropivacaine 20 mL bolus followed by an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/Kg in Group A and 1 µg/Kg in Group B) at 8 mL/h. Postoperative pain, motor blockade, rescue analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, sedation, and adverse effects were recorded. Student t, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests were used. Results: Most patients were elderly females (M:15, F:45). Postoperatively, from 2nd to 24th hour, pain score was less in Group B (P < 0.05). The requirement of rescue analgesic was also less in Group B (A:B 330 µg:60 µg; 23%:6%). Motor blockade assessed using modified Bromage scale and sedation using Richmond agitation sedation scale did not show any statistical difference. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine infusion at 1 µg/Kg is a better adjuvant to 0.2% ropivacaine than 0.5 µg/Kg in ACB. It provides better analgesia without producing sedation, motor blockade, hemodynamic changes, or any adverse effects.

Managing recurrent portal steal in auxiliary liver transplantation for non-cirrhotic metabolic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: APOLT has been proposed as a treatment modality for certain types of NCMLD. While the short-term outcomes of this operation have been comparable with orthotopic LT, its long-term outcomes have sparsely been reported. We present one such case of Citrullinemia type I who underwent APOLT and developed recurrent PS. CASE REPORT: A 2-year-old male child with a diagnosis of Citrullinemia type I underwent APOLT with a left lateral segment from a split deceased donor liver, and his postoperative period was unremarkable. Ammonia-lowering agents were stopped 1 week following the operation and the child was discharged home on a normal diet. Four years following APOLT, the child presented with altered sensorium and seizures. A diagnosis of PS was made. Subsequent to an embolization of the native liver's right anterior portal vein his sensorium improved and he remained clinically stable on a normal diet. Six years following the APOLT, the child again presented with features of acute encephalopathy. Imaging was suggestive of PS. A portal vein embolization of the native portal vein was performed and the child's clinical condition improved. At 6 months' follow-up, the child remains well on a normal diet. CONCLUSIONS: While the early impediments in this technique may have been overcome, in the absence of any realistic clinical application gene therapy, the debate of long-term phenotypic metabolic correction for NCMLD by APOLT needs to be revisited.

Enhanced Recovery Pathway as a Tool in Reducing Post-operative Hospital Stay After Caesarean Section, Compared to Conventional Care in COVID Era-A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: To study the implementation of ERAS (Enhanced recovery after surgery) pathway and its effect on duration of post-operative hospital stay and various phases of post-operative care in comparison with conventional care group. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Prospective study conducted in Amrita institute of medical sciences, Kochi, Kerala. Women planned for elective and scheduled caesarean section were included in the study from September 2020 to October 2020 and compared with women who underwent caesarean section in the same period receiving standard perioperative care. Women who underwent emergency and urgent caesarean section and patients with medical or surgical comorbidities were excluded. Surgical procedure was the same in both arms. Intravenous hydration was goal directed. Oral feeding was started with liquids after 2 hours, solids were given after 4 hours. Intravenous paracetamol and diclofenac were given routinely. Intravenous tramadol and fentanyl were given if needed apart from these analgesics. Foleys catheter was removed after 12 hours. Conventional care group observed 6 h of fasting pre- and post-operatively. Catheter was retained for 24 h, 2500 ml IV fluids were infused on the first day followed by 1000 ml on the second day. The duration of hospital stay was based on clinical criteria and care providers decision. RESULTS: In ERAS arm, post-operative hospital stay was significantly reduced in comparison with conventional care group. (53.91 vs 77.71 h-p = 0.00) Early feeding, early ambulation, early catheter removal, multimodal and preemptive analgesia all contributed to early recovery of the patient. CONCLUSION: In ERAS pathway length of post-operative stay was significantly reduced as compared to conventional care. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13224-021-01461-6.

Perceptions of the Health Care Workers about the Guideline Implemented for Safe Surgical Practice during COVID-19 Pandemic in a University Teaching Hospital.

One area of health care delivery that has been affected badly in most of the institutions is the running of the surgical services. This is due to various factors such as the presence of asymptomatic carrier stage, increased morbidity and mortality in surgical procedures in a COVID-19 patient, and possible transmission of disease to the health care workers (HCWs). A guideline was formulated in our institution, which is a tertiary care university teaching hospital to resume the surgical activities in full. Following its implementation, a questionnaire-based study was conducted to understand the perception of the HCWs about the guidelines. The questionnaire had four domains with questions related to the impact of the epidemic on the practices, composition of the guidelines, its implementation, and effects. There were 217 responders which included doctors and the supportive staff. Majority of the responders welcomed the introduction of the guidelines, and felt that it ensured patient's safety and helped streamline the services. Quarantine and preoperative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing were found to be appropriate measures by the respondents. In some areas, there was a difference in the responses from the doctors to that from the supportive group which assumed statistical significance. These included the reason for drop in patient numbers was the reduced patient accessibility which was felt mainly by the doctors. The doctors perceived a delay in carrying out the work, increased workload, and mental agony due to the presence of the guidelines.

Comparison of PCR and phenotypic methods for the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Resistance to methicillin in methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is due to the presence of mec-A gene, which encodes a low affinity penicillin binding protein (PBP)-2a or PBP2. Accurate and rapid identification of MRSA in clinical specimens is essential for timely decision on effective treatment. The aim of the study was to compare three different methods for detection of MRSA namely cefoxitin disc diffusion, CHROM agar MRSA and VITEK-2 susceptibility with PCR which is the gold standard reference method and to find the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of these isolates by VITEK-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Total of 100 non-duplicate S. aureus isolates were collected from different clinical samples among both outpatient and inpatients. Detection of MRSA among these isolates was done by cefoxitin disc diffusion, VITEK-2, CHROM agar MRSA and PCR. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of cefoxitin disc diffusion and Vitek was found to be 97.2% and 100%, while that of CHROM agar was found to be 100% and 78.6%. The overall prevalence of MRSA in our study by PCR was 72%. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings in our study, isolates which show cefoxitin zone diameter < 22 mm can be reported as MRSA. However, those isolates which have a zone diameter between 22-24 mm, should ideally be confirmed by PCR.

Prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and its association with physical activity in adolescents - School-based analytical cross-sectional study from Kochi, Kerala.

INTRODUCTION: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a brown to black, poorly defined velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is a predisposition factor for Type 2 diabetes, malignancies and various endocrinopathies. The available data regarding AN from Kerala is limited. Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of AN and to examine its association with physical activity among the adolescents of age 13-14 years. METHODOLOGY: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in two grades of a school in Ernakulam district between June and December 2018 among 400 adolescents of age 13-14 years. The study proforma and the Physical activity questionnaire, Adolescents (PAQ-Adolescents), were self-administered to the students and the data were collected. The principal investigator verified the presence of AN by observation in the neck, elbow and knuckles and recorded in the study proforma. Statistical analysis of the data collected was done using SPSS Software program (version 21). RESULTS: The mean age of the group was found to be 13.31 ± 0.46 years. The prevalence of AN was 14.5% in the study population. AN was most prevalent among obese adolescents (61.54%), adolescents with low exercise rate (23.94%), having family history of diabetes (21.18%), family history of hypertension (21.86%) and family history of both diabetes and hypertension (26.32%). The risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, family history of diabetes, family history of hypertension and family history of both diabetes and hypertension had a positive association with AN had a negative association with physical activity with p=0.0001. In adolescents with increased exercise rate, there were no reported cases of AN. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that there is a strong association between AN and children with obesity, family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and low physical activity. Regular adequate physical activity can prevent the onset of AN and thereby reduce the early onset of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, coronary artery diseases and certain types of malignancies.

Prevalence of hepatitis C among haemodialysis patients in a tertiary care hospital in south India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C is the most common hepatotropic viral infection that affects patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Most of the laboratories in India depend on HCV antibody detection by ELISA. PCR based studies on detection of HCV RNA among haemodialysis patients are very scanty in India. The current study was undertaken to find the prevalence of HCV among haemodialysis patients by ELISA and PCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from January to May 2018 in a total of 100 samples. Patients more than 18 years of age, who had undergone at least 15 sessions of dialysis were enrolled in the study. All samples were screened for HCV antibody by ELISA and HCV RNA by PCR. Data regarding age and gender of the patients, history of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis, total bilirubin levels were collected from medical records. RESULTS: Among the 100 samples, only one was positive for HCV antibody by ELISA. Eight samples were positive for HCV RNA by PCR. In this study 62.5% of the HCV positives had a previous history of blood transfusion. Duration of dialysis was more among the HCV positive group but there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This is the first study from the southern state of Kerala in India showing the prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients by PCR. Our study showed an overall HCV prevalence of 8% by PCR. All the PCR positive samples were negative by 3rd generation ELISA which is an alarming finding and further justifies the need for PCR for detecting HCV.

Prognostic and predictive significance of microsatellite instability in stage II colorectal carcinoma: An 8-year study from a tertiary center in South India.

BACKGROUND: Microsatellite instability (MSI) accounts for 15-20% of colorectal cancer (CRC) and is considered to have favorable stage-adjusted prognosis compared to Microsatellite stable (MSS) CRCs. Determination of MSI in stage II CRC is important for management decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy administration. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic and predictive significance of MSI in stage 2 CRC in the Indian scenario. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 195 patients who underwent curative surgery for stage II CRC from 2010 to 2017 were included. MSI testing by immunohistochemistry (DNA MisMatch Repair proteins) was performed in all. Various clinicopathological factors and disease-free survival and overall survival were assessed between MSI and MSS groups. The effect of treatment in terms of survival benefits with adjuvant therapy in the MSI group was also assessed. RESULTS: 27.1% of the CRCs' showed MSI. Younger age (<50 years), family history of cancer, synchronous/metachronous malignancies, proximal (right sided) location, poor morphological tumour differentiation, mucin production, and presence of peritumoral (Crohn's-like) lymphocytic response showed statistically significant association with MSI. Majority (56%) of our patients showed combined loss of MLH1 and PMS2. Overall, survival among the MSI patients was significantly higher (76.6 ± 4.149 months) than the MSS patients (65.05 ± 3.555)P= 0.04. MSI patients did not show any differences in survival with or without treatment. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the distinct clinicopathological features of MSI-related CRC and the relevance of MSI testing of stage II CRC for management decisions and prognostication.

Comparison of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding needle-stick injury among health care providers.

INTRODUCTION: Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential hazards for health care workers. They pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens. The present study was done to determine the incidence of NSI among interns and nurses; their knowledge, attitude, and preventive strategies undertaken by the respondents after NSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was done among interns and nurses in various departments of a tertiary care center in Kerala, India using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The incidences of NSI among interns and nurses were 75.6% and 24.4%, respectively. The most common clinical activity leading to NSI among interns was blood withdrawal (42%) followed by recapping (29%). It was found that nurses had enough knowledge and followed better NSI practices and attitude than the interns. CONCLUSION: All the parameters analyzed were inadequate among the interns, indicating the need for continual awareness programs particularly during the preclinical years.

Female Gender is not a Risk Factor for Early Mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background: The female gender is considered as a risk factor for morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Aim: In this analysis, we assessed the impact of female gender on early outcome after CABG. Study Design: This is a retrospective analysis of data from our center situated in South India. Statistical Analysis: Patients were categorized according to gender and potential differences in pre-operative and post-operative factors were explored. Significant risk factors were then built in a multivariate model to account for differences in predicting gender influence on surgical outcome. Methods: 773 consecutive patients underwent first time CABG between January 2015 and December 2016. 96.77% of cases were performed using off-pump technique. 132 (17.07%) patients were females. These patients formed the study group. Results: The in-house/ 30-day mortality in females was similar to that of males (3.03% vs. 3.12%, p value 0.957). Mediastinitis developed more commonly in females (5.35% vs. 1.30%; p value 0.004) compared to males. There were more re-admissions to hospital for female patients (21.37% in females vs. 10.14% in males, p value <0.001). In multivariate analysis using logistic regression; there was a significant association between age (OR 1.08), chronic obstructive airway disease (OR 4.315), and use of therapeutic antibiotics (OR 6.299), IABP usage (OR 11.18) and renal failure requiring dialysis (OR 28.939) with mortality. Conclusions: Early mortality in females was similar to that of males. Females were associated with higher rate of wound infection and readmission to hospital.

A Study on Free Light Chain Assay and Serum Immunofixation Electrophoresis for the Diagnosis of Monoclonal Gammopathies.

Demonstration of monoclonal immunoglobulin molecule in serum forms the mainstay in the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies. The major tests that help in this regard are serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), serum immunofixation electrophoresis (sIFE) and serum free light chain assay (sFLC). Our objectives were to study the accuracy of sFLC and sIFE in the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies and also to study the role of combination of SPEP + sIFE + sFLC in the diagnosis of the same. 46 patients who attended the hemato-oncology clinic with signs and symptoms suggestive of monoclonal gammopathy were enrolled in this study. SPEP, sIFE, sFLC and pre-treatment serum beta-2 microglobulin levels were analysed among the study population. Both SPEP and sIFE were performed in the Interlab Genios fully automated machine. Serum beta-2 microglobulin and sFLC were estimated by immunoturbidimetry in Beckman Coulter AU 2700 analyzer. The accuracy of sIFE came to be 80% with respect to sFLC assay. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of sIFE with respect to sFLC were 81.3, 78.6, 89.7 and 64.7% respectively. It was observed that a combination panel of SPEP + sIFE + sFLC could detect all the cases of myeloma included in this study. Further testing in large samples is required for generalising the findings of this study. The pre-treatment beta-2 microglobulin levels were significantly higher in the group which was positive for myeloma. A combination panel of SPEP + sIFE + sFLC prove to be more useful than individual tests for the detection of myeloma.

Prevalence of dengue and leptospirosis co-infection in a tertiary care hospital in south India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dengue and Leptospirosis were often discussed separately with rash being more common in dengue and jaundice in leptospirosis. But with increasing reports of co-infection, the situation has become worse. The main objective of this study was to look for the presence of both Dengue and Leptospira IgM antibodies in serum samples of patients, presenting with acute febrile illness. Medical records of the co-infected patients were examined to analyse the clinical features and laboratory findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples of patients presenting with acute febrile illness were screened for the presence of Dengue IgM antibodies and Leptospira antibodies. Clinical features and laboratory parameters of patients with co-infection were compared with patients having dengue alone. Rainfall data was obtained to look for an association between rainfall and Dengue, leptospirosis and co-infected cases. RESULTS: Co-infection was seen in 33 (3.4%) samples. There was a statistically significant association between clinical features like rashes, bleeding gums and co-infection. There was a statistically significant association between various laboratory parameters like thrombocytopenia and co-infection. There was positive correlation between rainfall and development of dengue, leptospirosis, and co-infection but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of co-infection was 3.4%. This study re-emphasizes the fact that dengue and leptospirosis are widely prevalent in south India and clinicians should be aware that co-infection with dengue and leptospirosis is not uncommon.

Predictors of Postoperative Ventilation in Scoliosis Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing corrective surgery for scoliosis may require postoperative ventilation for various reasons. AIM: The aim was to study the correlation of preoperative (pulmonary function test [PFT], etiology, and Cobb's angle) and intraoperative factors (type of surgery, number of spinal segments involved, blood transfusion, and temperature at the end of surgery) on postoperative ventilation following scoliosis surgery. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: patients' medical records of scoliosis surgery at a tertiary care center during 2010-2016 were retrospectively analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied retrospectively 108 scoliosis surgeries done in our institute during this period by the same group of anesthetists using standardized anesthesia technique. We analyzed preoperative (etiology, preoperative PFT, and Cobb's angle) and intraoperative factors (type of surgery, number of spinal segments involved, blood transfusion, and temperature) influencing postoperative ventilation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: For all the continuous variables, the results are either given in mean ± standard deviation, and for categorical variables as a percentage. To obtain the association of categorical variables, Chi-square test was applied. RESULTS: Patients with Cobb's angle above 76° and spinal segment involvement of 11 ± 3 required postoperative ventilation. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) <38 and forced vital capacity (FVC%) <38.23 of the predicted could not be extubated. Increased blood transfusion and hypothermia were found to affect postoperative ventilation. CONCLUSION: Preoperative factors such as etiology of scoliosis, Cobb's angle, spirometric values FEV1% and FVC% of predicted and intraoperative factors like number of spinal segments involved, affect postoperative ventilation following scoliosis surgery. Increased blood transfusion and hypothermia are the preventable factors leading to ventilation.

A prospective cross sectional study of detection of Clostridium difficile toxin in patients with antibiotic associated diarrhoea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) include self-limiting antibiotic associated diarrhoea (AAD), antibiotic-associated colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis. The present study aimed at detecting C. difficile toxin in stool samples of patients with AAD and analyzing the antibiotic use and presence of other risk factors in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, which was conducted on 660 samples, a 2- step strategy was used. In the first step, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) was detected in stool samples by enzyme-linked immunofluorescent assay (ELFA). In the second step, GDH positive samples were tested for C. difficile toxin A and B by ELFA. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) was also performed on few samples that were found to be GDH positive and toxin negative or equivocal by ELFA. RESULTS: Of the 660 samples screened, toxin was detected in 8.8% (58/660) by ELFA and 9.7% (64/660) by NAAT. GDH was detected in 23.8% (157/660) and toxin in 36.9% (58/157) of the GDH positives. Most of the toxin positive patients were on one or more antibiotics prior to developing diarrhoea. The implicated antibiotics were meropenem, amikacin, colistin and cephalosporins. Diabetes, hypertension, use of proton pump inhibitors, previous hospitalization, malignancy and chemotherapy were found to be the risk factors in our study. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of GDH was 23.8% (157/660) by ELFA. Toxin prevalence was 9.7% (64/660). Detection rates of C. difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) increased with inclusion of NAAT testing by ELFA.