RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Studies on the relationship between asthma and various parameters of fasting lipid profile have reported conflicting results. In this study, we intend to explore this association between asthma and its level of control with fasting serum lipid profile further. METHODS: In our observational prospective cohort study, we studied 107 known asthmatic patients presenting in large tertiary care centre of North India. Fasting serum samples for lipid profile reports of all patients were collected. Patients were divided into controlled and uncontrolled asthma groups on the basis of clinical symptoms and spirometric findings. We evaluated the statistical difference and significance for various lipid profile parameters in between two groups using an independent t-test. RESULTS: On comparing the fasting lipid profile of 38 patients with uncontrolled asthma and 69 patients with controlled asthma, we found that serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (TC: HDL) were significantly higher among patients with uncontrolled asthma. On statistical analysis, their P values were 0.03 and 0.047, respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of LDL and ratio of TC: HDL were higher in patients with uncontrolled asthma.
RESUMEN
Background: Tubercular hydropneumothorax is commonly seen in Indian hospitals. Anti-tuberculosis drugs and intercostal drainage tube (ICD) insertion are the mainstays of treatment. But many patients have to be referred to thoracic surgery for surgical management. This study aims to evaluate the role of serratiopeptidase in successful resolution of tubercular hydropneumothorax and avoidance of thoracic surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study on 28 patients that were admitted to extrapulmonary TB ward of our hospital. All patients were given anti-TB drugs according to national guidelines and underwent ICD tube insertion. Out of 28 patients recruited, 19 suffering severe chest pain received serratiopeptidase containing analgesic tablets and nine patients of the control group not having severe chest pain received non-serratiopeptidase containing analgesic tablets. Both groups were compared on the basis of successful ICD tube removal. The results were analysed using Chi-square statistic with Yates correction. Results: Of the 19 patients in the intervention group who received serratiopeptidase, 16 had successful recovery while three had to undergo thoracic surgery. Of the nine patients in the comparison group, only one had a successful recovery while the other eight had to be referred to thoracic surgery with ICD tube in situ. The outcome showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups, in terms of ICD tube removal and avoidance of thoracic surgery, with a P value of < 0.001. Conclusion: We conclude that the addition of serratiopeptidase to anti-tubercular drugs regimen can lead to better clinical outcomes and avoidance of thoracic surgery, in patients of tubercular hydropneumothorax.
