ABSTRACT
Background Mean platelet volume (MPV) is considered an emerging biological marker of platelet function and activity. Higher MPV has been scientifically linked to diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Plasma fibrinogen is a circulating glycoprotein, serving as an acute inflammatory marker ultimately leading to enhanced atherogenic plaque formation. We conducted this study to evaluate the crucial role of MPV and plasma fibrinogen, which showed elevated levels in diabetes mellitus patients compared to non-diabetic healthy individuals. This study also elaborates on the pivotal role that MPV and plasma fibrinogen levels play in the pathogenesis of microvascular complications, which progress and eventually lead to mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology This study is a single-center hospital-based study including 120 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 120 healthy non-diabetic individuals. It is a cross-sectional and observational study. The study was conducted over a period of one and a half years in a medical college and hospital in a semi-urban locality in Western Maharashtra, India. We obtained informed written consent from the patients. All patients underwent thorough clinical assessment, and data were collected using proformas, which were later tabulated and entered in Microsoft Excel sheets. Later, the statistical data analysis was performed. Plasma fibrinogen was performed by photo-optical clot detection. MPV was analyzed by coulter principle in the central laboratory department of the parent institute. Patients above 18 years with cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without any related complications, while the controls are healthy non-diabetic individuals attending the outpatient and inpatient departments of General Medicine. We excluded patients under the age of 18 years, those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, hematological conditions associated with anemia and abnormal platelet counts, pregnant females, any acute or chronic infections, patients currently on antiplatelet medication and other drugs affecting the platelets, and all critical patients. Results The majority of patients in our study were in the age group of 41-50 years, with 49.2% having one or more microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. In our study, out of 120 cases, 3.3% and 23.3% had raised MPV and fibrinogen levels, respectively, above the normal range. When compared with males and females, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean value of MPV and fibrinogen. On the t-test (p < 0.05), there was a statistically significant difference in the mean value of MPV and fibrinogen level between diabetics with and without microvascular complications. The t-test (p < 0.05) showed that there was a statistically significant difference among cases in the mean values of MPV and plasma fibrinogen in relation to retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, which are all microvascular complications of diabetes. Conclusion The study reveals higher levels of MPV and fibrinogen in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic healthy individuals. In addition, higher levels of MPV and fibrinogen were present in patients with microvascular complications, correlated with age and diabetes duration.
ABSTRACT
Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is a rare neurological manifestation caused by dengue infection. Here, we describe the uncommon presentation of a 24-year-old male with fever and maculopapular rash followed by flaccid quadriparesis with acute urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine with contrast revealed a long-segment ill-defined hyperintense signal noted in the cord. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous steroids and later intravenous immunoglobulins. The patient is on regular follow-up and doing well. Currently, the patient is on tablet prednisolone with a tapering dose.
ABSTRACT
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are relatively uncommon among intracranial aneurysms and present unique challenges due to their complex anatomical origins. PICA aneurysms arise from the vertebral artery (VA), basilar artery, or anterior inferior cerebellar artery and can have complex anatomical sites and structures. A 31-year-old female known case of trigeminal neuralgia, currently asymptomatic for the same, experienced acute vertigo, headache, and altered sensorium. On the basis of the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with angiography, she was diagnosed with a PICA aneurysm, necessitating immediate intervention. The patient subsequently underwent endovascular coiling of the aneurysm. The successful management of this unusual case emphasizes the significance of prompt diagnosis and early intervention in managing posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms, leading to a favourable outcome. The patient is on regular follow-ups and has satisfactory progress.