Prevalence and clinical characteristics of hyperuricemia among patients with chronic kidney disease under haemodialysis in a tertiary care center: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Hyperuricemia is common in chronic kidney disease patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hyperuricemia in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 patients with chronic kidney disease who visited the haemodialysis unit of a tertiary centre hospital from 11 September 2022, to 11 November 2022. A convenience sampling technique was used. The data were collected using a proforma form, entered into, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Results: The mean age group of the study participants was 54.02 ± 14.03 years, and around two-thirds were male (n=70, 67.3%). Almost half of the participants (50, 48.07%) had hyperuricemia with a mean uric acid level of 6.76 ± 2.62 mg/dl. The majority of the participants had associated hypertension (n=100, 96.2%). More than three-fourths of the respondents (83, 79.8%) had haemoglobin levels below the target range. Conclusion: Nearly half of the study participants had hyperuricemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia following herpetic esophagitis in a previously healthy female.

Introduction: Herpetic Esophagitis is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus, which generally affects immunocompromised individuals and is rarely seen in healthy individuals. Symptoms are usually self-limiting. Case presentation: We report the case of a 68-year-old female who presented with odynophagia, dysphagia, and epigastric pain with no other underlying disease. Endoscopic findings of soft, nodular, and friable growths just above the squamocolumnar junction with diffuse ulcerations in the distal esophagus, led to the diagnosis. It was confirmed with a histopathological report which revealed multinucleated giant cells with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions. During follow-up, laboratory investigations revealed iron deficiency anemia, which was the consequence of GI bleeding. Clinical discussion: Herpes Simplex virus esophagitis can occur in immunocompetent individuals and even it can cause food impaction and GI bleeding, which can lead to Iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: Hence, follow-up of patients is important for early diagnosis and intervention of any complications that may arise.

Benedikt syndrome in a 74-year-old hypertensive woman: A case report.

Benedikt syndrome is a rare neurological disorder of the midbrain. Herein, we present a case of Benedikt syndrome, who presented with left-sided body weakness, right oculomotor nerve palsy, cerebellar ataxia, and Holmes tremor in the left upper limb following midbrain infarction. She was treated with aspirin, clopidogrel, and amiodarone.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of headache among medical students of Nepal: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Headache is a common neurological disorder, with a global prevalence of around 50%. It may affect people of any age, gender, education, socioeconomic status and occupation. Tension headache, migraine headache and cluster headache are commonly encountered headache types. The prevalence of headache problems is higher among medical students. This could potentially affect their academic performance and quality of life. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of headaches and their clinical characteristics among students of a medical college. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online, single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Nepal. Stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was adopted depending upon the academic years of students. For data collection, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used. The data entry and analysis were done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS), version-23. The prevalence of headache and its subtypes were calculated. All the clinical characteristics associated with headaches were also studied. RESULTS: The prevalence of headache disorder was 65 (26.86%), with tension headache (69.23%) being the commonest one. It was highest among fourth-year students (37.84%) followed by first-year students (33.33%). Anxiety/stress (75.40%) was the most common precipitating factor. This problem stopped most of the students (63.09%) from doing daily activities. More than half of them (53.85%) practised self-medication in case of non-resolution of pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were frequently used. CONCLUSION: Headache was fairly prevalent among medical students. Anxiety/stress in medical life has led to headaches in the majority of students. The headache disturbed their daily activities and promoted self-medication practice. So, this problem should be properly looked into and addressed in time by the concerned authority.

Purpura fulminans in probable scrub typhus group of rickettsioses from hilly region in Nepal - A case report.

Introduction: Purpura fulminans is an acute and fatal condition presenting with acute progressive hemorrhagic infarction of the skin and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Scrub typhus, is an emerging disease of Nepal, despite being a rickettsioses has been rarely associated with Purpura fulminans. The non-specific clinical presentation and limited diagnostic facility make it difficult for clinicians to diagnose the disease. Knowing the prevalence of the disease, suspecting the disease early and treatment with appropriate antibiotics can limit the course of the disease. Case presentation: A 46-year-old female with no comorbidity presented with febrile illness and generalized weakness in the emergency department. During the course in hospital, she developed purpura followed by painful hemorrhagic bullae in bilateral lower limb with bluish discoloration in bilateral feet. IgM antibodies against the Orientia Tsutsugamushi antigen came out to be positive making diagnosis of purpura fulminans secondary to scrub typhus. She recovered with anti rickettsial therapy. Discussion: Purpura fulminans is an emergency condition. Scrub typhus, one of the rare cause, is diagnosed with Rickettsial DNA by PCR or by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or Indirect Immunoperoxidase Assay (IPA). Medical management includes Doxycycline, fluid therapy, antipyretics and surgical management includes escharotomies and fasciotomies if required. Conclusion: We feel that clinicians should be aware of rickettsia as a differential of acute febrile illness, especially when the patient presents from endemic areas. In addition to it, they should be aware of rare presentations such as purpura fulminans which can help with early suspicion of the disease and appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with acute stroke taking sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor.

Introduction: Diabetic Ketoacidosis is characterized by a triad of metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, and ketonemia. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent and aggressive management. In some cases, the blood glucose level may be relatively normal. Such a condition is known as Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Case presentation: We present a case of Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis, who was initially brought to the emergency room with the features of acute stroke. There was a diagnostic dilemma among the treating physicians due to his relatively normal blood glucose levels while he developed ketoacidosis. Discussion: Presentation of the patients includes similar to DKA such as nausea, vomiting, malaise, fatigue, and Kussmaul's respiration. The diabetic patients under sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor therapy may develop it under the setting of different precipitating factors like infection, trauma/surgery, strenuous physical exercise, fasting, alcohol intake and acute vascular events. Conclusion: Euglycemic DKA is a rare condition and its diagnosis is a challenging task. So, we should always consider it as a differential whenever any diabetic patient shows with increased anion gap metabolic acidosis with or without typical symptoms and signs. Also, we need to be aware to discontinue of SGLT-2 medication during the time of infection, surgery, severe trauma, acute illness and dehydration in the diabetic patients.

Aplastic anemia induced by human parvovirus B19 infection in an immunocompetent adult male without prior hematological disorders: A case report.

Introduction and importance: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a human pathogenic virus of clinical relevance. Human parvovirus B19 infection can be asymptomatic or frequently associated with erythema infectiosum, or joint symptoms in healthy adults. Aplastic anemia as a complication of human parvovirus infection is rare in healthy adults without prior hematological disorders. Case presentation: We report a case of severe aplastic anemia in a 22-years-old immunocompetent adult male without any hematological dysfunction who presented with periumbilical pain, loose watery stools, and fever with chills and rigor. General examination, laboratory investigation, and peripheral blood smear revealed anemia with leucopenia and relative lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and severe neutropenia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed hypocellular bone marrow with maturation arrest at the proerythroblast stage with intranuclear inclusions and no blast and hematopoietic cells replaced by mature adipocytes in marrow spaces. Parvovirus B19 infection was confirmed by viral serology and polymerase chain reaction. Clinical discussion: Asymptomatic or mild infection occurs most often when B19 affects immunocompetent adults. However, this is the fourth case reporting severe aplastic anemia in immunocompetent adults and the first case reported in immunocompetent adult males. The patient was admitted for close monitoring and supportive management, which effectively improved the patient's clinical condition, and discharged with a strict follow-up schedule in an outpatient setting. Conclusion: Thus, acute infection with this virus must be considered a cause of acquired aplastic anemia even in individuals without underlying disease.

Diffuse midline glioma H3K27M mutation in adult: A case report.

Introduction: Diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27M mutation is a new tumor entity from 2016 which is highly aggressive and classified as a WHO Grade IV tumor regardless of histopathologic features. DMG is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis, predominating in children and rarely in adults. The clinicopathologic features in adults remain poorly characterized. Case presentation: Herein we report a case of a 28-year-old female with diffuse midline glioma with pathology confirmation of histone H3 K27M mutation presenting predominately with left upper and lower limb weakness for 3 weeks followed by an event of loss of consciousness and suspicious mass in MRI Brain/CT Brain. It was confirmed by immunoreactive H3K27M with a score of 4+ in neoplastic cells, which revealed Diffuse midline glioma, H3K27M mutant. Clinical discussion: Diffuse midline glioma with histone H3-K27M mutation recently classified CNS tumor with grade IV, including both morphologic and molecular features for diagnosis and associated with poor prognosis. Conclusion: We report a case of adult diffuse midline glioma with H3K27M. The prognosis of diffuse midline glioma is poor and dependents solely on H3K27M irrespective of its grade and characteristics. A comprehensive study of diffuse midline glioma on clinical, radiographic, and demographic features in adult is needed.

Left-sided Appendicitis with Intestinal Non-rotation: A Case Report.

Appendicitis rarely presents with an left lower abdominal pain especially when the intestine is non-rotated or malrotated. Its diagnosis becomes quite troublesome to clinicians and delays prompt intervention. Non-rotation is the most common type of intestinal malrotation. Here, we present a case of a 40-year-old female with previously undiagnosed intestinal non-rotation with left lower abdominal pain and features of localised peritonitis. Abdominal ultrasonography and multidetector computerised tomography showed left-sided appendicitis with intestinal non-rotation. Diagnostic laparoscopy followed by explorative laparotomy and appendectomy was performed. Clinicians and surgeons are usually trained to diagnose and operate on right-sided appendix, thus, diagnosing and promptly intervening on left-sided appendicitis is quite challenging. Left-sided appendicitis must be kept in mind if a patient presents with left lower abdominal pain. Timely radiological scans like ultrasonography and computerised tomography scans help in prompt diagnosis in these cases. Keywords: appendicitis; case reports; peritonitis.

Late onset Wilson Disease with normal neuro-psychiatric status: A case report.

Introduction: Late onset Wilson disease (WD) is a rare form of WD. WD has variability of clinical presentations from acute liver failure to chronic liver disease (CLD). The hepatic and neurological variants of WD have wider variations. Case presentation: A 55-year-old female, known case of CLD, presenting with generalized body swelling and abdominal pain, was diagnosed with late onset WD with normal neuro-psychiatric status. She was treated with zinc and considered for liver transplantation. Clinical discussion: Late onset WD is itself a rare form of WD. Within it, neurological manifestations are common in late onset WD, which was quite opposite as compared to our case. Similarly, diagnostic delay has been a concern in late onset WD with CLD as with our case. Conclusions: In spite of being uncommon in later age, WD and its different variations like with normal neuro-psychiatric status should be considered as an etiology in cases of unexplained liver diseases.

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis in a 47 years old male with protein S deficiency: A case report.

Introduction: Mesenteric venous thrombosis is due to blood clot in veins that drain blood from the intestine. It may lead to mesenteric ischemia. Protein S deficiency is one of the causes of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Case presentation: A 47 years old male patient presented with pain in the abdomen. Contrast CECT shows filling defect in the superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. Coagulometer showed lower protein S activity than that of normal. Clinical discussion: Proper diagnosis is needed for early detection so that proper intervention can be made on time. Anticoagulation and vitamin K antagonists are given. Conclusions: Though rare, protein S deficiency should be considered a possible cause of mesenteric venous thrombosis.

Central pontine myelinolysis in a chronic alcoholic patient with mild hyponatremia: A case report.

Introduction: Central pontine myelinolysis is a type of osmotic demyelination syndrome, which involves damage to parts of brain most commonly pons. The most common causes include rapid correction of hyponatremia but other precipitating factors including alcoholism, diabetes, and chronic liver disease should also be considered. Case presentation: We present a case of 44-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol consumption, who presented in emergency room with complaints of slurring of speech and weakness of both upper and lower limbs. His MRI brain reveals 'trident-shaped' appearance with findings of High T2W/FLAIR signal noted in the pons with relative sparing of the periphery and hypo intense on T1W images. He was managed conservatively. Clinical discussion: Proper diagnosis with MRI is needed for early detection so that proper intervention can be made on time. Conclusion: CPM can occur in the patient even if they are normonatremic or hyponatremic but can precipitate in Chronic Alcoholic patients.

Seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with longitudinally extending transverse myelitis and optic neuritis: A case report.

Introduction: Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO; Devic syndrome,1894) is a CNS demyelinating syndrome. Significant proportion of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is associated with Anti AQ4 Ab. The revised diagnostic criteria for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (2015) has been proposed on the basis of Anti AQ4 Ab status. Most of cases reported has been found in females. It presents with multiple remissions. Common features of acute myelitis and optic neuritis seems to be the usual presentation. Case presentation: Herein we report a case of a 35-year-old male with longitudinally extending transverse myelitis and Optic Neuritis with confirmation of Anti AQ4 Ab negative status with presentation of bilateral below knee weakness and incontinence of bowel and bladder. It was confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Clinical discussion: Seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder recently classified by 2015 diagnostic criteria associated with strict clinical presentations neuroimaging findings and exclusions of differentials. It presents with a poor prognosis particularly in relapsing course. Conclusion: We report a case of seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. The prognosis of relapsing course is poor. Early diagnosis and immunomodulators are required to decrease chances of recurrence. Further development of diagnostic modalities in seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is required.