Injection sclerotherapy for the treatment of haemorrhoids in anticoagulated patients.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic haemorrhoids (SH) are a common condition; however, conventional outpatient treatment, including rubber band ligation, is contraindicated in patients receiving concurrent anticoagulation. Injection sclerotherapy (IST) has been proposed as a treatment option for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of case notes was performed in a colorectal surgery department that sits alongside a tertiary cardiothoracic surgical unit. Patients treated with an IST for SH between 1 April 2014 and 30 November 2021 were identified. Anticoagulation was not stopped in these patients as they were at high risk of developing thromboembolism, except in two patients who required alternative procedures. The primary outcome was symptom resolution, defined as no patient reporting bleeding for at least six months. The secondary outcomes were patient-reported complications, number of IST procedures and number of other procedures performed to achieve symptom resolution. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with a median age of 64 years (range 35-86, 14 male) who underwent 32 IST treatments were identified. Symptom resolution was achieved in 18 (90%) patients using IST while continuing anticoagulation treatment, with two (10%) patients requiring alternative interventions. Ten patients (50%) required only one IST procedure, and three patients (15%) required two procedures. The remaining five (25%) patients required three or four interventions. The median time between IST treatments was 32 weeks (range 8-133). No complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that IST can be considered as a potential treatment option for patients with SH who are at a high risk of thromboembolic disease requiring anticoagulation.

Serum Vitamin D status in full term neonates with severe perinatal depression.

BACKGROUND: Severe perinatal depression is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Vitamin D levels were observed to be low in mothers and their neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in some studies, owing to its neuroprotective properties. OBJECTIVE: Primary objective was to compare vitamin D deficiency state in full term neonates with severe perinatal depression and healthy term controls. Secondary objectives were to determine sensitivity and specificity of serum 25(OH)D<12 ng/mL in predicting mortality, development of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, abnormal neurological examination at discharge, and developmental outcome at 12 weeks of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum 25(OH)D levels in full term neonates with severe perinatal depression and healthy controls were compared. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels in severe perinatal depression and controls (n = 55 each group) were significantly different (7.50 ± 3.53 ng/mL vs 20.23 ± 12.70 ng/mL). At cut-off of < 12 ng/mL, serum 25(OH)D could predict mortality with 100% sensitivity and 17% specificity and poor developmental outcomes with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 50%. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency status at birth can serve as an effective screening tool and poor prognostic markers in term neonates with severe perinatal depression.

Neonatal outcomes following phenylephrine or norepinephrine for treatment of spinal anaesthesia-induced hypotension at emergency caesarean section in women with fetal compromise: a randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Norepinephrine is as effective as phenylephrine for management of spinal anaesthesia-induced hypotension. Most of the studies comparing these vasopressors have been conducted in healthy pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean section. In the current study, we tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference in neonatal outcome when phenylephrine or norepinephrine is used to treat spinal anaesthesia-induced hypotension in women undergoing emergency caesarean section for fetal compromise. METHODS: Patients undergoing caesarean section for fetal compromise who developed spinal anaesthesia-induced hypotension were randomised to receive phenylephrine 100 µg or norepinephrine 8 µg for treatment of each hypotensive episode, defined as systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg. Umbilical cord arterial and venous blood samples were obtained for blood gas analysis. The primary outcome measure was umbilical artery pH. RESULTS: One hundred patients (50 in each group) were studied. There was no significant difference in umbilical artery pH between the two groups (mean difference 0.001; 95% CI -0.032 to 0.034). The number of hypotensive episodes, vasopressor boluses required, the incidence of bradycardia, heart rate and blood pressure trends following vasopressor administration, and the incidence of nausea/vomiting were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Phenylephrine 100 µg and norepinephrine 8 µg were not significantly different in terms of neonatal outcome when administered as intravenous boluses for treatment of spinal anaesthesia-induced hypotension in parturients undergoing emergency caesarean sections for fetal compromise.

Prevalence and predictors of adverse outcomes in neonatal seizures.

OBJECTIVES: Neonatal seizures are significant cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Current study was planned to study prevalence of adverse outcomes in neonatal seizures and identify its predictors. METHODS: This observational descriptive study was carried out on 220 neonates with seizures. Neonates who succumbed to illness/ death before investigations, or whose maternal records were incomplete were excluded. Blood sugar, serum calcium, serum electrolytes, and USG skull were done in all patients. CT scan, MRI and inborn errors of metabolism profile were done as and when indicated. Adverse outcomes were defined as death, phenobarbitone non responders, or abnormal examination at discharge. Antenatal, perinatal and neonatal predictors of adverse outcomes in neonatal seizures were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 220 neonates with seizures 76(34.5%) had adverse outcomes. Very low birth weight babies (≤1500 gm) [OR 1.27(CI 0.57-2.84)], microcephaly [OR 5.93 (CI 0.55-64.41)], Apgar score≤3 at 5 minutes [OR 11.28(CI 14.18-30.45)], seizure onset within 24 hours [OR 5.99(CI 12.43-14.78)], meningitis [OR 2.63(CI 0.08-6.39)], septicemia [OR1.22(CI 0.45-3.31)] and abnormal cranial USG [OR 7.95(CI 12.61-24.22)] were significant predictors of adverse outcomes in neonates with seizures. CONCLUSION: Prematurity, very low birth weight, birth asphyxia, meningitis, septicemia and abnormal USG could predict adverse outcomes in neonatal seizures. Improved antenatal and neonatal clinical practices may help reduce adverse outcomes in these patients.

Biomarkers as point of care tests (POCT) in neonatal sepsis: A state of science review.

Lack of a standard definition of neonatal sepsis and a swift diagnostic method has proven detrimental in the management of this serious condition. Biomarkers have emerged as a beacon that might help us detect neonatal sepsis more effectively. The use of point-of-care biomarkers can aid in early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment. Procalcitonin, presepsin, interleukin-6, highly specific C-reactive protein, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin have been proven to aid in early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment, thereby reducing sepsis-induced morbidity and mortality. These biomarkers have been found to be useful in reducing the duration of hospital stay and monitoring the response to therapy. When used in combination with each other, or with clinical scores, they have been proven to be advantageous over the gold standard by eliminating the waiting time for blood culture results. The use of biomarkers as a point of care investigation holds a future over the traditional method. We present a state of science review of literature summarizing the current status of these biomarkers in neonatal sepsis.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Ambulatory and Operating Room Rhinology Practice in the US.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus virus has altered all facets of clinical practice in the United States. The goal of this study is to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on rhinologic ambulatory and operative practice. METHODS: A 27-item survey to assess these objectives was created and approved by the Division of Rhinology faculty at Rush University Medical Center in April 2020. The survey was then distributed to rhinologists in a web based format via www.surveymonkey.com from April 10 through April 23, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 277 U.S based rhinologists responded to the survey (23.04%). The most common practice types were single specialty private (44.9%) and academic (24.6%). 90.2% practice in a state under a shelter in place order. Comparing pre-COVID baseline to during-COVID, there was statistically significant reduction in the number of patients of seen daily in clinic (p < 0.001). The number of nasal endoscopies in the office and surgical procedures fell dramatically. Overall, 5 respondent rhinologists have been infected with COVID-19 and 27 have been furloughed. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has drastically affected rhinologic practice. There is a dramatic reduction of in person care in the office setting and surgical management of sinonasal and skull base disease. Enhanced PPE is being used in only half of potentially aerosolizing procedures which represents an area of further education. Novel approaches such as use of virtual encounters and point of care testing should be considered as options to facilitate care.

Hyperpigmentation as a cutaneous manifestation of fungal sepsis in neonates: Case series report.

With improved and prolonged survival of very and extremely low birth weight infants, invasive fungal infection has emerged as an important concern in the neonatal intensive care units. Candidiasis is the third leading cause of late onset sepsis in these neonates and is associated with 20-30% mortality. Extreme prematurity, central venous catheters, prolonged antibiotic exposure, parenteral nutrition are important risk factors. Various forms of cutaneous manifestations of candidiasis have been described ranging from local diaper dermatitis and oral thrush to widespread erosive and ulcerative lesions with extensive crusting in invasive fungal dermatitis. We report a series of four cases with cutaneous hyperpigmentation as manifestation of systemic candidiasis.

Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus seroprevalence in critically ill emergency department patients at a Trauma Care Centre, India.

INTRODUCTION: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most common occupationally acquired infections amongst the healthcare workers (HCWs) with critically ill patients attending the emergency department being the most common source of occupationally acquired infections. Therefore, the present study was conducted at a 165 bedded level-1 trauma centre of India to ascertain the seroprevalence rate of HIV, HBV and HCV; and thus the risk associated with the occupational exposure in a busy emergency setting of the developing world. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective, 7 years study (2007-2013) was carried out at the JPNA Trauma Centre of the 2,500 bedded All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Records of all patients whose serum samples were sent to the laboratory for viral markers testing were obtained and those falling in the red area were included. RESULTS: A total of 11,630 patients were received in the red area; and samples from 7,650 patients were sent for testing. Seropositivity of HIV, HBV and HCV in these samples was 0.28%, 3.4% and 0.9% respectively. The number of samples received was lesser than the total number of patients received in the red area. CONCLUSION: Adopting Standard Precautions (SP) can be used as an easy method to decrease the risk of occupationally acquired infections.

Genital injuries in neonates following breech presentation.

Breech presentation is seen in 3-4% of babies born. Delivering a breech baby through vaginal route is difficult and carries a much higher complication rate than cesarean sections. Breech born babies carry an overall increased risk of maternal morbidity, neonatal mortality, birth asphyxia and birth injuries. Various types of birth injuries to the babies have been reported following breech delivery, but genital injuries are less commonly reported and thus, less anticipated. We report series of five babies with spectrum of genital injuries following breech delivery. These injuries led to significant short and long term morbidity in these babies. Keeping high index of suspicion, an early cesarean section can be an aide in preventing these complications. Once the baby is born, careful examination and early intervention should be done to prevent long term complications.

Pilot randomized trial demonstrating reversal of obesity-related abnormalities in reward system responsivity to food cues with a behavioral intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with hyperactivation of the reward system for high-calorie (HC) versus low-calorie (LC) food cues, which encourages unhealthy food selection and overeating. However, the extent to which this hyperactivation can be reversed is uncertain, and to date there has been no demonstration of changes by behavioral intervention. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure changes in activation of the striatum for food images at baseline and 6 months in a pilot study of 13 overweight or obese adults randomized to a control group or a novel weight-loss intervention. RESULTS: Compared to controls, intervention participants achieved significant weight loss (-6.3±1.0 kg versus +2.1±1.1 kg, P<0.001) and had increased activation for LC food images with a composition consistent with that recommended in the behavioral intervention at 6 months versus baseline in the right ventral putamen (P=0.04), decreased activation for HC images of typically consumed foods in the left dorsal putamen (P=0.01). There was also a large significant shift in relative activation favoring LC versus HC foods in both regions (P<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first demonstration of a positive shift in activation of the reward system toward healthy versus unhealthy food cues in a behavioral intervention, suggesting new avenues to enhance behavioral treatments of obesity.

Anxiety, locus of control, and coping strategies among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) have a lot of anxiety. Anxiety and coping are associated with the locus of control; the present investigation aimed to study the state and trait anxiety, locus of control, and active and passive coping among patients on MHD. Thirty MHD patients and 30 controls were administered State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Rotter's Locus of Control Scale, and Coping Responses Inventory. There were significantly higher scores on state and trait anxiety, respectively (67.53 ± 10.89 vs. 59.40 ± 6.97, P < 0.01, and 62.97 ± 8.45 vs. 58.07 ± 7.06, P < 0.05), and locus of control (11.27 ± 3.55 vs. 9.04 ± 1.86, P < 0.01) in patients as compared to controls. On coping responses, patients and controls differed on positive reappraisal (54.33 ± 4.67 vs. 51.17 ± 3.12, P < 0.01), seeking guidance and support (58.07 ± 5.51 vs. 53.27 ± 4.22, P < 0.01), problem solving (51.03 ± 4.70 vs. 47.57 ± 4.73, P < 0.01), cognitive avoidance (60.27 ± 6.76 vs. 56.80 ± 4.08, P < 0.05), acceptance or resignation (61.67 ± 6.30 vs. 58.83 ± 4.23, P < 0.01), emotional discharge (68.07 ± 6.78 vs. 64.30 ± 4.50, P < 0.05), approach coping (205.57 ± 10.55 vs. 189.70 ± 11.37, P < 0.01), and avoidance coping (255.30 ± 16.45 vs. 241.10 ± 10.50, P < 0.01). A higher prevalence of anxiety trait could be the cause of anxiety in MHD patients besides the medical problems. The locus of control among patients though a mixed one was significantly more toward externalism. Thus, there is a need to identify this group well in advance and prepared not only medically but also psychologically for MHD.

Pleuropulmonary blastoma: transition from type I (cystic) to type III (solid).

Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a unique dysontogenetic neoplasm of childhood that appears as a pulmonary and/or pleural-based mass, and is characterised histologically by a primitive, variably mixed blastematic and sarcomatous appearance. We report a 12-month-old female child who was operated for a lung cyst at the age of six months and postoperative histopathology was suggestive of type I pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB). She presented to us at the age of twelve months with a huge mass over the left chest wall and axilla, histopathological examination of which was type III PPB. Partial removal of the lung cyst led to transition from type I to type III PPB in a short span of a few months. Complete surgical removal followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is needed for a better outcome in type I PPB.

Post-varicella myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of neuromuscular junctions. We report a three-year-old boy with post-varicella myasthenia gravis. This patient, to the best of our knowledge, is the youngest in age and second reported case of the condition. The patient presented with drooping of both eyelids which increased as the day progressed, two weeks after varicella infection. Repetitive nerve stimulation tests showed decremental response in action potential, and the child responded dramatically to test doses of neostigmine. A diagnosis of post-varicella myasthenia gravis was made and the patient was started on oral pyridostigmine. He is doing well at follow-up and there is no recurrence of symptoms to date.

Distraction in a case of otopalatodigital syndrome type II.

INTRODUCTION: Otopalatodigital syndrome type II is a rare X-linked recessive disorder with generalized skeletal dysplasia and hearing anomalies. Its features include conductive hearing loss, unusual facies, cleft palate, micrognathia, and overlapping flexed fingers and toes. It is a more lethal variant of otopalatodigital syndrome type I. There are many consistently reported craniofacial and dental findings; however, no case has been published in dental literature. CASE REPORT: We report a case of otopalatodigital syndrome type II with micrognathia, cleft of the soft palate, and partial anodontia, and discuss the combined orthodontic and surgical management. CONCLUSION: We also discuss the differential diagnosis and consider more recent theories on possible aetiology as well as clinical management strategies for such cases.

Alkaline phosphatase activity in gingival crevicular fluid during canine retraction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate alkaline phosphatase activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic tooth movement in humans. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Postgraduate orthodontic clinic. Ten female patients requiring all first premolar extractions were selected and treated with standard edgewise mechanotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLE: Canine retraction was done using 100 g sentalloy springs. Maxillary canine on one side acted as experimental site while the contralateral canine acted as control. OUTCOME MEASURE: Gingival crevicular fluid was collected from mesial and distal of canines before initiation of canine retraction (baseline), immediately after initiation of retraction, and on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day and the alkaline phosphatase activity was estimated. RESULTS: The results show significant (p < 0.05) changes in alkaline phosphatase activity on the 7th, 14th and 21st day on both mesial and distal aspects of the compared experimental and control sides. The peak in enzyme activity occurred on the 14th day of initiation of retraction followed by a significant fall in activity especially on the mesial aspect. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that alkaline phosphatase activity could be successfully estimated in the GCF using calorimetric estimation assay kits. The enzyme activity showed variation according to the amount of tooth movement.

Non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.

Supernumerary teeth are common in the general population and occur more frequently in-patients with family history of such teeth. Multiple supernumerary teeth are associated with cleidocranial dyplasia and Gardner syndrome. However it is rare to find multiple supernumeraries in individuals with no other associated disease or syndrome. We describe the occurrence of multiple supernumerary teeth in a family occurring as a non-syndromal trait. The autosomal dominant transmission of non-syndromal multiple supernumerary teeth is new.

In vitro microtuberization in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars.

Mechanism of microtuberization in three elite cultivars kufri badhsha (KB), kufri chandramukhi (KCM) and kufri jawahar (KJ) of potato was studied. Sprouts of all the three cultivars were used to obtain in vitro shoot cultures. MS medium supplemented with chlorocholine chloride was found to be most suitable for all the cultivars. Maximum tuberization was obtained under incubation conditions of continuous darkness at 20 degrees +/- 1 degrees C. The highest number of micro-tubers per plant basis was produced under continuous darkness and KCM recorded the highest yield of micro-tubers and was found significantly superior to KJ and KB.

"Craniofacial and dental manifestations of a case of Proteus syndrome".

Proteus syndrome, which is a reference to the ancient Greek god Proteus, the Polymorphous, was called to the attention of pediatricians. Recognition of this syndrome has been difficult because of the variability of the syndrome's manifestations and because of its rarity. We describe a rare case of Proteus syndrome and we discuss its differential diagnosis. Our case presents with hemi facial hypertrophy, scrotal tongue, enamel hyperplasia as well as differential in the size of the dentition on both sides of the arch.