Adverse Events during Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study (I-TOUCH Study).

Background: Critically ill patients are frequently transported to various locations within the hospital for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, which increases the risk of adverse events (AEs). This multicenter prospective observational study was undertaken to determine the incidence of AEs related to intrahospital transport, their severity, and their effects on patient outcomes. Patients and methods: We included consecutive unstable critically ill patients requiring intrahospital transport, across 15 Indian tertiary care centers over 5 months (October 11, 2022-February 20, 2023). Apart from the demographics and severity of illness, data related to transport itself, such as indications and destination, incidence of AEs, their category and treatment required, and patient outcomes, were recorded in a standard form. Results: Eight hundred and ninety-three patients were transported on 1065 occasions out of the intensive care unit (ICU). The mean (SD) acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score of the patients was 15.38 (±7.35). One hundred and two AEs occurred, wherein cardiovascular instability was the most common occurrence (31, 30.4%). Two patients had cardiac arrest immediately after transport. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II [odds ratio (OR): 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.00-1.05, p = 0.04], emergent transport (OR: 5.11, 95% CI - 3.32-7.88, p = 0.00), and team composition (OR: 5.34, 95% CI - 1.63-17.5, p = 0.00) during transport were found to be independent predictors of AEs. Conclusion: We found a high incidence of AEs during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. These events were more common during emergent transports and when the patients were transported by doctors. Transport by itself was not related to ICU mortality. We feel that stabilization of the patients before transport and adherence to a standardized protocol may help in minimizing the AEs, thereby enhancing patient safety. How to cite this article: Zirpe KG, Tiwari AM, Kulkarni AP, Govil D, Dixit SB, Munjal M, et al. Adverse Events during Intrahospital Transport of Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study (I-TOUCH Study). Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(9):635-641.

Heart Rate, Acidosis, Consciousness, Oxygenation, and Respiratory Rate: A Perfect Weaning Index or Just a New Kid on the Block.

Successful weaning is when spontaneous breathing is sustained for more than 48 hours after extubation. Despite a plethora of individual and composite weaning indices being available, most indices have not found much clinical utility, and weaning continues to be largely based on clinical assessment. Heart rate, acidosis, consciousness, oxygenation, and respiratory rate (HACOR) is a new score for prediction of failure of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in hypoxemic patients receiving NIV. The present study explores its utilization in weaning from invasive ventilation. How to cite this article: Pande RK, Sharma J. Heart Rate, Acidosis, Consciousness, Oxygenation, and Respiratory Rate: A Perfect Weaning Index or Just a New Kid on the Block. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(8):887-888.

Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Laboratory Parameters, Therapeutics and Outcome in Patients Infected with SARS-CoV2.

SARS-CoV-2 is the third coronavirus to have caused severe disease in humans in the last two decades, with approximately 5% of all patients and 20% of hospitalized patients experiencing severe symptoms, necessitating intensive care. The occurrence of Cytokine Storm has been implicated in the immune-pathogenesis of severe COVID-19. This is associated with cardiac injury, precipitated by cytokine mediated imbalance of coagulation and fibrinolysis, in the lung alveoli. In the absence of proven therapeutic agents, combinations of anti-viral drugs, immune-modulators and other adjunctive therapies have been tried in different clinical settings. A total of 128 confirmed cases of severe COVID-19 admitted to BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital between 16th of June to 31st of July, 2020 were included in this study. The correlation of age, gender, first value (on admission) of serum IL-6 and D-dimer, and impact of Tocilizumab and Remdesivir therapy on clinical outcome (28-day mortality), was evaluated in confirmed cases of severe COVID-19. The mortality rate was highest in the age group above 70 years. The incidence of death was significantly higher in males above 50 years, when age and gender were considered together. IL-6 and D-dimer levels >70 pg/mL and > 0.5µg FEU/mL respectively, were associated with poor outcome. 85.3% of patients treated with Remdesivir showed clinical improvement. When Tocilizumab and Remdisivir were administered together, 44.0% of patients survived while 56% expired. 79.7% of patients survived while 20.3% expired when neither Tocilizumab nor Remdesivir was administered.

Post-extubation Dysphagia-Early Detection by Serial Tongue Pressure Measurements: Is it Practical?

How to cite this article: Paul S, Pande RK. Post-extubation Dysphagia-Early Detection by Serial Tongue Pressure Measurements: Is it Practical? Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(12):1233-1234.

Recommendations for Evaluation and Selection of Deceased Organ Donor: Position Statement of ISCCM.

There is a wide gap between patients who need transplants and the organs that are available in India. Extending the standard donation criterion is certainly important to address the scarcity of organs for transplantation. Intensivists play a major role in the success of deceased donor organ transplants. Recommendations for deceased donor organ evaluation are not discussed in most intensive care guidelines. The purpose of this position statement is to establish current evidence-based recommendations for multiprofessional critical care staff in the evaluation, assessment, and selection of potential organ donors. These recommendations will give "real-world" criteria that are acceptable in the Indian context. The aim of this set of recommendations is to both increase the number and enhance the quality of transplantable organs. How to cite this article: Zirpe KG, Tiwari AM, Pandit RA, Govil D, Mishra RC, Samavedam S, et al. Recommendations for Evaluation and Selection of Deceased Organ Donor: Position Statement of ISCCM. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(S2):S43-S50.

Renal Replacement Therapy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendation.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in ICU patients. The cause of AKI may be multifactorial and the management strategies focus primarily on the prevention of AKI along with optimization of hemodynamics. However, those who do not respond to medical management may require renal replacement therapy (RRT). The various options include intermittent and continuous therapies. Continuous therapy is preferred in hemodynamically unstable patients requiring moderate to high dose vasoactive drugs. A multidisciplinary approach is advocated in the management of critically ill patients with multi-organ dysfunction in ICU. However, an intensivist is a primary physician involved in life-saving interventions and key decisions. This RRT practice recommendation has been made after appropriate discussion with intensivists and nephrologists representing diversified critical care practices in Indian ICUs. The basic aim of this document is to optimize renal replacement practices (initiation and management) with the help of trained intensivists in the management of AKI patients effectively and promptly. The recommendations represent opinions and practice patterns and are not based solely on evidence or a systematic literature review. However, various existing guidelines and literature have been reviewed to support the recommendations. A trained intensivist must be involved in the management of AKI patients in ICU at all levels of care, including identifying a patient requiring RRT, writing a prescription and its modification as per the patient's metabolic need, and discontinuation of therapy on renal recovery. Nevertheless, the involvement of the nephrology team in AKI management is paramount. Appropriate documentation is strongly recommended not only to ensure quality assurance but also to help future research as well. How to cite this article: Mishra RC, Sinha S, Govil D, Chatterjee R, Gupta V, Singhal V, et al. Renal Replacement Therapy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendation. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(S2):S3-S6.

Intensive Care in India in 2018-2019: The Second Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study organizational aspects, case mix, and practices in Indian intensive care units (ICUs) from 2018 to 2019, following the Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study (INDICAPS) of 2010-2011. METHODS: An observational, 4-day point prevalence study was performed between 2018 and 2019. ICU, patient characteristics, and interventions were recorded for 24 hours, and ICU outcomes till 30 days after the study day. Adherence to selected compliance measures was determined. Data were analyzed for 4,669 adult patients from 132 ICUs. RESULTS: On the study day, mean age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were 56.9 ± 17.41 years, 16.7 ± 9.8, and 4.4 ± 3.6, respectively. Moreover, 24% and 22.2% of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV) and vasopressors or inotropes (VIs), respectively. On the study days, 1,195 patients (25.6%) were infected and 1,368 patients (29.3%) had sepsis during their ICU stay. ICU mortality was 1,092 out of 4,669 (23.4%), including 737 deaths and 355 terminal discharges (TDs) from ICU. Compliance for process measures related to MV ranged between 62.7 and 85.3%, 11.2 and 47.4% for monitoring delirium, sedation, and analgesia, and 7.7 and 25.3% for inappropriate transfusion of blood products. Only 34.8% of ICUs routinely used capnography. Large hospitals with ≥500 beds, closed ICUs, the APACHE II and SOFA scores, medical admissions, the presence of cancer or cirrhosis of the liver, the presence of infection on the study day, and the need for MV or VIs were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital size and closed ICUs are independently associated with worse outcomes. The proportion of TDs remains high. There is a scope for improvements in processes of care.Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03631927). HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Divatia JV, Mehta Y, Govil D, Zirpe K, Amin PR, Ramakrishnan N, et al. Intensive Care in India in 2018-2019: The Second Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(10):1093-1107.

A Real-world Study on Prescription Pattern of Fosfomycin in Critical Care Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study presents a real-world scenario for prescription pattern, efficacy, and safety data on the current clinical use of intravenous fosfomycin in critically ill patients in Indian settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted for a period of 10 months among critically ill patients admitted to hospital's critical care unit. The primary objective of the study was to analyze the prescription pattern of intravenous fosfomycin, and the secondary objective was to evaluate the safety profile and patient outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 309 patients were enrolled, and they were diagnosed with bacteremia (45.3%), pneumonia (15.85%), septic shock (14.24%), and urinary tract infections (UTI) (13.91%). The average dose of fosfomycin given was 11.7 ± 4.06 gm/day. The average duration of the therapy was 4.85 ± 3.59 days with a median duration of 4 days. Fosfomycin was given at 8 hourly dosing frequency to maximum (45.6%) cases. Hypokalemia was the most observed adverse event. The overall survival was seen in 55% of patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that UTI, infection caused by Escherichia coli, and a daily dose of >12 g were associated with better clinical outcomes. The overall survival of critically ill patients receiving fosfomycin was 55%. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Zirpe KG, Mehta Y, Pandit R, Pande R, Deshmukh AM, Patil S, et al. A Real-world Study on Prescription Pattern of Fosfomycin in Critical Care Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(9):1055-1058.

Drug-related Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare, life-threatening, allergic reactions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. SJS is considered to be a milder form with less than 10% of body surface area (BSA) involvement. We report successful management of two cases of SJS and TEN. Firstly, a case of a 24-year-old female who presented with rashes over face, chest, and upper limbs after the oral intake of ciprofloxacin and local application of moxifloxacin eye drops. She developed high-grade fever and difficulty in breathing requiring intubation and lung-protective mechanical ventilation and was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone, azithromycin, soframycin skin dressings, and topical ocular antibiotics. Secondly, another case of a 16-year-old female who developed bullous eruptions over the trunk, arms, hands, face, and sole involving 60% of BSA, after oral intake of albendazole. She was diagnosed as TEN and successfully managed with sterile silver nitrate, soframycin dressings, and antibiotics. KEY MESSAGE: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening, allergic reactions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Early identification, withdrawal of the suspected drug, and early transfer to a specialized center decrease mortality. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Arora R, Pande RK, Panwar S, Gupta V. Drug-related Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(5):575-579.

Arterial Blood Gas: Bowling Wide and Poor Wicketkeeping.

Arterial blood gas (ABG) is an essential point-of-care test to identify the pH, metabolic, and respiratory status of critically ill patients. In addition, it provides useful information about co-oximetry, lactate, electrolytes, and other parameters. Studies show that it is widely prescribed but the impact of ABG result on clinical care is limited. Protocols addressing effective utilization of ABG can address and help in minimizing cost and complications. How to cite this article: Pande RK. Arterial Blood Gas: Bowling Wide and Poor Wicketkeeping. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(2):119-120.

Gastrointestinal Stomas and Fistulas: What is Lost and What to Do?

Abnormal connections between gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and skin are called enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs). Presence of ECF is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A stoma refers to a surgically created opening in the abdomen to divert feces or urine to the outside of the body, to compensate for partial or complete loss of bowel function. Gastrointestinal (GI) stomas and postoperative ECFs present a unique challenge to the intensivist due to development of malnutrition, dehydration, and sepsis leading to high morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the basic concepts about the type of fistula and stomas, their indications and complications, and management. Principles of clinical management include replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses, control of sepsis along with reducing fistula output, prevention of malnutrition and psychological support, and skin care. How to cite this article: Pande RK, Gupta A. Gastrointestinal Stomas and Fistulas: What is Lost and What to Do? Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 4):S175-S178.

Procedures in COVID-19 Patients: Part-I.

The number of cases with novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection is increasing every day in the world, and India contributes a substantial proportion of this burden. Critical care specialists have accepted the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and are frontline warriors in this war. They have worked hard in streamlining workflow isolation of positive patients, clinical management of critically ill patients, and infection prevention practices. With no end in sight for this pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) practitioners, hospital administrators, and policy makers have to join hands to prepare for the surge in critical care bed capacity. In this position article, we offer several suggestions on important interventions to the ICU practitioners for better management of critically ill patients. This position article highlights key interventions for COVID-19 treatment and covers several important issues such as endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy (surgical vs PCT), nebulization, bronchoscopy, and invasive procedures such as central venous catheters, arterial lines, and HD catheters. How to cite this article: Pande RK, Bhalla A, SN Myatra, Yaddanpuddi LN, Gupta S, Sahoo TK, et al. Procedures in COVID-19 Patients: Part-I. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S263-S271.

Procedures in COVID-19 Patients: Part-II.

Critical care in the era of novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection has multiple challenges including management of the patient, underlying comorbidities, and the complications. With no end in sight to the pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) practitioners and hospital administrators have to join hands to prepare for the long battle ahead. Critically ill COVID-19 patients need imaging or image-guided interventions in one form or the other including X-rays, ultrasonography (USG), echocardiography (ECHO), and CT scan. These patients often require renal replacement therapy (RRT) for either the preexisting chronic renal insufficiency or acutely developing kidney injury. Another important component of care is transfer of the patient to and fro from the ICU or to higher care centers. Most of the ICUs are equipped with modern facilities but with increasing number of patients a large number of makeshift arrangements are being made for managing these patients. This position paper outlines important tips to formulate protocols and procedures for critically ill patients, who are managed in the ICU. How to cite this article: Pande RK, Bhalla A, Myatra SN, Yaddanpuddi LN, Gupta S, Sahoo TK, et al. Procedures in COVID-19 Patients: Part-II. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S272-S279.

Convalescent plasma therapy and remdesivir duo successfully salvaged an early liver transplant recipient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

The impact and clinical spectrum of COVID-19 infection in liver transplant recipients/solid organ transplants are being unveiled during this recent pandemic. The clinical experience of use of current antiviral drugs and immunomodulators are sparse in solid organ transplantation. We present the clinical course of a 49-year-old male recipient who underwent living donor liver transplant for recurrent gastrointestinal bleed and contracted severe COVID-19 pneumonia during the third postoperative week. Herein we report the successful management of severe COVID-19 pneumonia using convalescent plasma therapy and remdesivir. Recipient's clinical deterioration was halted after three consecutive convalescent plasma transfusions with improvement in hypoxia and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein). The use of convalescent plasma therapy along with remdesivir may be an ideal combination in the management of severe COVID-19 pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients.

Behavioral Pain Assessment Tool: Yet Another Attempt to Measure Pain in Sedated and Ventilated Patients!

The interesting study by Mitra et al. in this issue explores this newly developed pain assessment tool- Behavior pain assessment tool (BPAT) for critical patients who cannot communicate. The authors explored the tool in a prospective survey in 400 adults, noncomatose intensive care unit (ICU) patients. BPAT scoring was done within 2-3 hours of admission in ICU, followed by every day in the morning, and also before and after ICU procedures associated with pain. The BPAT scoring was done by untrained senior residents independent of each other. Majority of the patients had BPAT score of ≤3 (initial score in 83.5% and baseline score in 74.5% patients). In all, 56.5% patients had a postprocedure pain score of ≤3, highlighting the role of institutional sedation-analgesia protocol, as all patients received either morphine or fentanyl infusion along with midazolam infusion. Grimace was the most liked behavior (67%) by the observers, whereas closed eyes was the least liked (59%). Closed eyes behavior was felt to have poor utility in paralyzed, ventilated patients. Authors feel that as verbal and bodily responses could not be assessed in these patients, the BPAT can be further modified to observe pain in such patients. The behaviors like verbal complaints, muscle rigidity, and clenched fist were also liked less. For most behavior patterns liked by observers, the κ coefficient was quite high (>0.9). The BPAT tool was found easy to understand (93.3%) and apply (91.8%) by untrained observers. Most observers (59.25%) considered that the time spent on calculating BPAT was short, although the timelines have not been defined. The study again confirms that sedated, paralyzed, and ventilated patients are the most difficult group for assessment of pain. Interobserver variability may lead to subjective bias. The study has not looked at the impact of BPAT scoring on reduction or adjustment of opioid needs of these patients. Further studies may throw more light on the practical applications of BPAT score, and comparative studies between BPAT, behavioral pain scale (BPS), and critical-care pain observation tool (CPOT) would be very interesting. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Pande RK. Behavioral Pain Assessment Tool: Yet Another Attempt to Measure Pain in Sedated and Ventilated Patients!. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(8):617-618.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Intensive Care Unit Setting of India: A Review of Clinical Burden, Patterns of Prevalence, Preventive Measures, and Future Strategies.

AIM: The aim of this review article is not only to analyze the clinical burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in intensive care unit (ICU) setting of India, along with the patterns of prevalence and its prevention measures, but also to focus on the new anti-MRSA research molecules which are in late stage of clinical development. BACKGROUND: Methicillin resistance is reported to be present in 13-47% of Staphylococcus aureus infections in India. Therapeutic options to combat MRSA are becoming less, because of emerging resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Intensive care units are the harbinger of multidrug-resistant organisms including MRSA and are responsible for its spread within the hospital. The emergence of MRSA in ICUs is associated with poor clinical outcomes, high morbidity, mortality, and escalating treatment costs. There is an urgency to bolster the antibiotic pipeline targeting MRSA. The research efforts for antibiotic development need to match with the pace of emergence of resistance, and new antibiotics are needed to control the impending threat of untreatable MRSA infections. REVIEW RESULTS: Fortunately, several potential antibiotic agents are in the pipeline and the future of MRSA management appears reassuring. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The authors believe that this knowledge may help form the basis for strategic allocation of current healthcare resources and the future needs. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Mehta Y, Hegde A, Pande R, Zirpe KG, Gupta V, Ahdal J, et al. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Intensive Care Unit Setting of India: A Review of Clinical Burden, Patterns of Prevalence, Preventive Measures, and Future Strategies. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(1):55-62.

A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Fluid therapy in critically ill patients, especially timing and fluid choice, is controversial. Previous randomized trials produced conflicting results. This observational study evaluated the effect of colloid use on 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (RIFLE F) within the Rational Fluid Therapy in Asia (RaFTA) registry in intensive care units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RaFTA is a prospective, observational study in Asian intensive care unit (ICU) patients focusing on fluid therapy and related outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for increased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI). RESULTS: Twenty-four study centers joined the RaFTA registry and collected 3,187 patient data sets from November 2011 to September 2012. A follow-up was done 90 days after ICU admission. For 90-day mortality, significant risk factors in the overall population were sepsis at admission (OR 2.185 [1.799; 2.654], p < 0.001), cumulative fluid balance (OR 1.032 [1.018; 1.047], p < 0.001), and the use of vasopressors (OR 3.409 [2.694; 4.312], p < 0.001). The use of colloids was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.655 [0.478; 0.900], p = 0.009). The initial colloid dose was not associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 1.094 [0.754; 1.588], p = 0.635). CONCLUSION: RaFTA adds the important finding that colloid use was not associated with increased 90-day mortality or AKI after adjustment for baseline patient condition. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Early resuscitation with colloids showed potential mortality benefit in the present analysis. Elucidating these findings may be an approach for future research. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jacob M, Sahu S, Singh YP, Mehta Y, Yang K-Y, Kuo S-W, et al. A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1028-1036.

Growth of carbon nanotubes on silicon carbide fabric as reinforcement for SiC/C composites.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been grown on conventional silicon carbide (SiC) fabric by the catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) technique. These hybrid reinforcements have been used to develop Silicon carbide-carbon nanotube-carbon matrix mini-composites (SiC/CNTs/C) by chemical vapour infiltration (CVI) method. The microstructures of these hybrid materials and their composites have been studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Raman spectroscope. The microstructure of the carbon matrix has been compared with the silicon carbide-carbon matrix composites (SiC/C) made with SiC fabric alone. It has been found that the carbon matrix exhibit orientation circumferentially around the SiC fibers. In case of composites with CNTs coated SiC fibers, the carbon matrix is found to get infiltrated within the bundles of CNTs whereas at distance away from the CNTs, the matrix is found to be oriented circumferentially around the SiC/CNT bundles. SiC/CNT/C composites are found to exhibit inherent intrabundle porosity and lower density.

Chronic pain and cost: an epidemiological study in the communities of Sunsari district of Nepal.

The purpose of the study was to find out the prevalence of chronic pain in economically active population and associated economic loss. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 3 VDCs of Sunsari District involving 1730 individuals of 15-64 years age group selected by multistage random sampling. Demographic data, absence or presence of pain, site, severity, duration and relieving measures, approximate expenditure in treating pain and number of days lost due to pain were noted using a preformed questionnaire. Out of 1730 individuals interviewed, 882 (50.1%) had pain of which 93.7% had chronic pain (pain lasting for > 3 months). Backache (25.8%), headache (20.1%) and abdominal pain due to acid peptic disease (12.5%) were the most prevalent painful conditions. About 14.0% of individuals had severe grade pain. Female sex, age e"30 years, lack of formal schooling, smoking habit and dependent status were associated with higher prevalence of pain. Almost 19.0% of individuals with pain were unable to go to work the previous day. Man-days loss due to pain was 1.37 days/month/person in the study population. In terms of cost, pain related losses were Nepalese Rupees (NRs) 1671.89/person/year as against the per capita GDP of NRs 98,640.00 (US$ 1370.0). The money incurred by individuals for therapy on pain was NRs 760.15/person/year. In conclusion, probably first time, we are reporting the prevalence of chronic pain in our communities with people having to spend significant portion of their scarce income (and country's GDP) to treat pain, thus, highlighting it as a public health problem.