Tuberculosis of head and neck region, our experience at a tertiary care center in Gujarat.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck lesions of tuberculosis, though not uncommon are often difficult to diagnose and require a unique management protocol. These lesions are often misdiagnosed as bacterial infections, malignancies or other granulomatous diseases. Hence in our study we endeavor to gain a better understanding of the diagnostic and management protocols of tuberculosis in otorhinolaryngology. METHODS: We have performed an observational study at our institute, the patient's details were obtained from patient record forms and noted in a standard proforma. Results were calculated as percentage and Chi square analysis was performed. RESULTS: We found cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis to be the most common manifestation 76.97%, with a significant association with pulmonary tuberculosis. Neck swelling was the most common presenting complaint, 65.35%. 26-50 years of age was the most commonly involved age group. CONCLUSION: FNAC, PCR and histopathology are the modalities for bacteriological diagnosis for tuberculosis of Head and Neck. Anti-tuberculous therapy is uniformly found to be useful in all the patients, with surgical intervention used as and when required.

Biochemical and Sociodemographic Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Hemodialysis.

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic disabling illness with multiple physical and psychosocial consequences. A major treatment modality for CKD is renal replacement therapy in the form of hemodialysis. A bidirectional relationship between depression and CKD is proposed, as depressive symptoms lead to poorer outcomes in CKD and vice versa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis and find any sociodemographic, clinical, or biochemical correlates. Material and methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in north India. We used clinical interviews for diagnosing MDD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The severity was quantified using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) in those diagnosed with MDD.  Results A total of 77 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of MDD in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis was 31.17%, much higher than in the general population. Most of those who were depressed had moderate to severe depression. Male gender and lower socioeconomic status were significantly associated with the diagnosis of MDD. Those undergoing dialysis less frequently or having more work days lost due to CKD were more likely to be depressed. Additionally, patients with MDD were found to have significantly lower blood hemoglobin levels, lower serum ionized calcium levels, and a lower urea reduction ratio compared to those who did not have MDD. Conclusion The high prevalence of MDD in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis suggests that clinicians should actively evaluate for depressive symptoms in this patient population and refer them to mental health services when required, especially those with the above-identified sociodemographic and biochemical risk factors.

Quantitative analysis of lncRNA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The study evaluated expression profiles of few regulatory lncRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal mucosa adjacent to oral cancer using paired fresh frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues stored at a different duration of time (1-5 years) using real-time quantitative PCR. The quantity and quality of total RNA isolated from FFPE tissues was less compared with that of fresh frozen tissues, which resulted in a noncorrelation of quantification cycle values. Following normalization, the expression of lncRNAs in the paired tissues did not differ significantly. The differential expression of the lncRNAs in the study was consistent with The Cancer Genome Atlas head and neck squamous cell carcinoma database. The study findings demonstrate the possibility of performing accurate quantitative analysis of lncRNAs using short amplicons and standardized real-time quantitative PCR assays in oral squamous cell carcinoma FFPE samples.

Outcomes of symptomatic coronavirus disease 19 in maintenance hemodialysis patient in India.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients face disadvantages with higher risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection, atypical manifestations, and associated multiple comorbidities. We describe patients' outcomes with symptomatic COVID-19 on MHD in a large cohort of patients from India. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively from hemodialysis units in 11 public and private hospitals between March 15, 2020, and July 31, 2020. The survival determinants were analyzed using stepwise backward elimination cox-regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 263 total patients (mean age 51.76 ± 13.63 years and males 173) on MHD with symptomatic COVID-19, 35 (13.3%) died. Those who died were older (p = 0.01), had higher frequency of diabetic kidney disease (p = 0.001), comorbidities (p = 0.04), and severe COVID-19 (p = 0.001). Mortality was higher among patients on twice-weekly MHD than thrice-weekly (p = 0.001) and dialysis through central venous catheter (CVC) as compared to arteriovenous fistula (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, CVC use (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.26-5.07, p = 0.009), disease severity (HR = 3.54, 95% CI 1.52-8.26, p = 0.003), and noninvasive ventilatory support (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.25-0.99, p = 0.049) had significant effect on mortality. CONCLUSION: The adjusted mortality risk of COVID-19 in MHD patients is high in patients associated with severe COVID-19 and patients having CVC as vascular access.

A retrospective study to assess the risk of bladder cancer in type-2 diabetic patients treated with pioglitazone.

INTRODUCTION: Pioglitazone has been a cornerstone of oral hypoglycemic therapy. Concerns have been raised about its association with urinary bladder cancer. Considering the wide usage of this drug, concrete and multiple population-based studies are needed to establish the safety of this drug. The present retrospective study is aimed to assess the association of pioglitazone with urinary bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of 4170 patients (2085 pioglitazone users and similar number of nonpioglitazone users) attending the diabetes clinic at a tertiary level teaching hospital were accessed, and the patients were subjected to symptom-directed questionnaire, urine examination, and cystoscopy and bladder biopsy (whenever clinically indicated). The risk of bladder cancer was also assessed with respect to cumulative dose and duration of pioglitazone. RESULTS: We did not observe any increased risk of bladder malignancy with pioglitazone exposure; furthermore, there was no association with cumulative dose and duration of pioglitazone therapy. Pioglitazone was found to be effective and safe in managing glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Should screening voluntary blood donors be used as strategy to diagnose diabetes and diabetic nephropathy?

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The present study aims to assess the glycemic status during voluntary blood donation as a strategy to detect undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital and medical college. All voluntary blood donors underwent random capillary blood glucose screening and patients who had random blood sugar exceeding 200 mg/dl were subjected to undergo oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The subjects thus detected diabetic by capillary blood sugar and OGTT underwent screening diabetic kidney disease with urine albumin to creatnine ratio (UACR). Data collected was statistically analyzed using SPSS 16 using Student's t test. RESULTS: Seven hundred and sixty five males and 443 females were enrolled for the study. Capillary blood sugar of 54 subjects was ≥200 mg/dl. 48 subjects gave consent for OGTT, stratified data showed 22 subjects (12 males and 10 females) were in range of 200-300 mg/dl. 20 subjects (12 males and 8 females) were in range of 300-400 mg/dl, whereas 6 subjects (5 males and 1 female) had blood sugar more than 400 mg/dl. The HbA1C ranges in respective glycemic groups were 200-300 mg/dl - 7.4% to 8.6% (mean - 8.05%), 300-400 mg/dl - 8.7% to 11.8% (mean 9.63%), more than 400 mg/dl - 11.8% to 14.2% (mean - 13%). Male preponderance was observed in all glycemic groups, though the difference was statistically insignificant. Of the 48 diabetic subjects, 13 (27.08%) were detected to have albuminuria, of these 11 (22.91%) had microalbuminuria (UACR 30 - 300 mg/gm), whereas 2 (4.16%) had overt proteinuria (UACR exceeding 300 mg/gm). CONCLUSION: Glycemic screening with random capillary blood glucose screening, 75 gm 2 hour OGTT and HbA1C amongst voluntary blood donors can be used to detect pre diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of root canal preparation, obturation, and retreatment on the induction of dentinal microcracks: A microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effect of root canal preparation, obturation, and different techniques of retreatment on the percentage increase in the number of dentinal microcracks using microcomputed tomography (CT) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five mandibular premolars after micro-CT scanning were prepared using Protaper universal files up to F4 and obturated. After the second micro-CT scanning again, the samples were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15) for retreatment procedure. In Group 1, retreatment was done with Protaper universal D1, D2, and D3 retreatment files followed by Protaper universal file till F4. In Group 2, retreatment was performed with R-Endo reciprocating motion, Re, R1, R2, R3, and Rs followed by Hero Shaper size #40. In Group 3, retreatment was performed with H-files and xylene till size #40. After gutta percha removal, the samples were again scanned for micro-CT for the evaluation of percentage increase in dentinal microcracks. Data were analyzed using "Kruskal-Wallis test ANOVA" and "student t-test" at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Few unprepared samples showed preexisting microcracks. There were statistically significant percentage increase dentinal cracks after root canal preparation and obturation as well as after retreatment procedure with statistically significant percentage increase in the number of dentinal microcracks between all three groups. CONCLUSION: Intraradicular procedures such as shaping and cleaning and obturation as well as the use of retreatment file lead to the induction and propagation of dentinal microcracks. In the present study, the maximum microcracks were produced with Protaper universal retreatment file system followed by R-Endo system. H-files produced minimum cracks during retreatment procedures.

Short term efficacy and safety of low dose tolvaptan in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with hyponatremia: a prospective observational pilot study from a single center in South India.

BACKGROUND: In acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), diuretic use, the mainstay therapy for congestion, is associated with electrolyte abnormalities and worsening renal function. Vasopressin mediates fluid retention in heart failure. In contrast to diuretics, the vasopressin antagonist tolvaptan may increase net volume loss in heart failure without adversely affecting electrolytes and renal function. Hyponatremia (serum sodium concentration, <135 mEq/L) is a predictor of death among patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVE: We prospectively observed the short term efficacy and safety of low dose (15 mg) tolvaptan in admitted patients with hyponatremia and ADHF in Indian population. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 patients with ADHF along with hyponatremia (<125 mEq/L) on standard therapy were treated with 15 mg of tolvaptan at a single oral dose for 7 days. RESULTS: Serum sodium concentrations increased significantly after treatment with tolvaptan from baseline (P < 0.02). There was a significant improvement in symptoms and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class after starting tolvaptan (P ≤ 0.05). Total diuretic dose and mean body weight was reduced non-significantly at 7(th) day from the baseline. Side-effects associated with tolvaptan included increased thirst, dry mouth and increased urination. Few patients had worsening renal function. However, several patients developed hypernatremia. CONCLUSION: In this small observational study, tolvaptan initiation in patients with ADHF with hyponatremia in addition to standard therapy may hold promise in improvement in NYHA class and serum sodium. At the same time, we observed that serious adverse events such as renal function deterioration and hypernatremia developed after tolvaptan treatment, which needs to be addressed in future by randomized study with larger sample size.

Cystatin C as a marker of glomerular filtration rate in voluntary kidney donors.

OBJECTIVES: Cystatin C is emerging as an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate. This study sought to assess the usefulness of serum cystatin C as a marker of glomerular filtration rate in comparison with serum creatinine and serum creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate estimations in voluntary kidney donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum cystatin C and serum creatinine were estimated in 35 voluntary kidney donors. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using: (1) Cockcroft-Gault method normalized to 1.73 m(2) of body surface area, (2) 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Diseases formula, and (3) (99m)Tc-DTPA double plasma sampling method. Glomerular filtration rate-double plasma sampling method was used as a reference value. Results were expressed as means ± SD. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 44.23 ± 8.61 years old (19 women, 16 men). The mean serum creatinine was 0.83 ± 0.14 mg/dL, and the mean serum cystatin C was 0.71 ± 0.12 mg/L. Serum cystatin C showed significant correlation with serum creatinine (r = 0.864; P < .001). Glomerular filtration rate-MDRD showed the strongest correlation with glomerular filtration rate double plasma sampling method (r = 0.93; P < .001), followed by glomerular filtration rate-Cockcroft-Gault (r = 0.76; P < .001 ), serum creatinine (r = - 0.68; P < .001), and serum cystatin C (r = - 0.59; P < .001). The mean serum cystatin C values were 22.6% higher in men than in women. There was a significant correlation of serum cystatin C with glomerular filtration rate-Cockcroft-Gault (r = - 0.50; P = .002 ), glomerular filtration rate-MDRD (r = - 0.59; P < .001 ), and glomerular filtration rate-double plasma sampling method (r = - 0.59; P < .001 ). CONCLUSIONS: Serum cystatin C is an optimal marker of glomerular filtration rate in voluntary kidney donors.

High anion gap refractory metabolic acidosis as a critical presentation of endosulfan poisoning.

Organochloride insecticides are chlorinated cyclic hydrocarbons. One of such insecticides is endosulfan (6,7,8,9,10-10 hexachloro 1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6-methano-2,4,3-hexadithioxanthiep in 3-oxide) and it has been widely used in agriculture since 1960. The uncontrolled use of these compounds in developing countries has resulted in the deaths of animals and humans. Characteristic clinical signs following acute exposure are indicative of CNS disturbances or overstimulation. Mortality and morbidity rates are high and there is no specific antidote. We present an uncommon presentation of endosulfan poisoning in a 32-year-old male with high anion gap severe refractory metabolic acidosis. The patient was treated with continuous renal replacement therapy and was salvaged. Till date, there is no case report from India for endosulfan poisoning with severe metabolic acidosis and hypotension. Through this case report, we emphasize the role of continuous renal replacement therapy as a rescue therapy for endosulfan poisoning with severe refractory metabolic acidosis and hypotension, even though it is a non dialyzable poison.

A rare clinical syndrome of refractory secondary hypertension, renal artery stenosis and erythrocytosis.

Clinical syndrome of refractory secondary hypertension, renal artery stenosis and secondary erythrocytosis could occur in the same patient. We report a rare case of refractory secondary hypertension, renal artery stenosis and primary erythrocytosis as an expression of polycythaemia rubra vera (PV) and suggest that erythrocytosis in a hypertensive renovascular occlusive disease may be primary due to underlying PV. This clinical syndrome should be excluded in such patients with refractory hypertension.