Platelet count as a prognostic indicator in burn septicemia.

Evaluation of platelet count and its significance in early detection of post burn septicemia for commencement of timely vigorous treatment against it. Studies investigating the role of platelets and platelet count in burn patients are rare, rather old and mostly presenting case reports. Septicemia is the most important cause of mortality in burns. Burn patients can only be saved if septicemia is detected early which requires very sensitive prognostic indicator. Total 594 adult burn patients were studied, by observing them for septicemia and studying their subsequent platelet counts using visual method. In non-survivors (256) gradual decline in platelet count was observed and minimal platelet count was observed before death of the patient, while in survivors (338) gradual rise in platelet count was observed. No significant variation observed in other laboratory parameters such as total neutrophil count and serum creatinine. In significant number of non survivor (62.11%) platelet count was low before their death and in significant number of survivor (86.09%) platelet count was normal before their discharge. Thus it is conclude that serial declining platelet count is a very sensitive prognostic factor in early detection of post burn septicemia.

Formation of median nerve from single root on left side and communicating branch from median nerve to musculocutaneous nerve on right side.

We report here a rare variation of median nerve in an adult male cadaver observed during routine cadaveric dissection. A meticulous dissection was performed and the observations were noted. On left side, median nerve was formed from lateral cord. On right side, median nerve was formed by fusion of two slightly longer roots. The communicating branch from median nerve goes laterally to join musculocutaneous nerve. This communicating branch lies between biceps brachii and brachialis muscle and gives small branches to brachialis muscle. Knowledge of these variations is important to anatomists, radiologists, anaesthesiologists and surgeons, which may contribute to the explanation of diagnosis and surgical treatment, which can prevent any postoperative complications during surgery. The knowledge of this anatomical variation is important specially when performing plexus bloc or Latarjet's procedure.

Applicability of Greulich and Pyle skeletal age standards to Indian children.

A total 375 Indian children of age 1 day to 19 years were studied (male 194 and female 181). For determining the bone age (skeletal age), wrist and hand radiographs were taken. The skeletal age was determined by blinded review of radiograph using Greulich and Pyle atlas (2nd edition, 1959). If we consider all age group (1-19 years), the Indian boys were retarded in skeletal age by 0.7 years and females by 0.33 years. Male and female children skeletally lag behind the American standard (GP Atlas) in all age groups except 12-13 years age group in which girls are accelerated by 0.22 years. Chronological age and skeletal age difference of more than 1 year is seen between age group 7 years and 12 years in males. Females after second year showed a retardation, which ranged from 0.2 to 0.8 years, up to the age of 19 years. The present study concludes that, Greulich and Pyle atlas is not applicable to the Indian children of both sexes especially in middle and late childhood.

Bilateral malrotation and lobulation of kidney with altered hilar anatomy: a rare congenital variation.

Variations of the structure and position of the kidney along with the variations of renal vessels are the most frequently reported. Rotational variations form a rare entity that is not cited in most of the embryology textbooks. During educational cadaveric dissection of a 57-year-old female, a complex picture of bilateral anatomical variants was encountered. Bilateral malrotation of kidney, bilateral lobulated kidneys along with open hilum of kidney was observed, so that the contents of the sinus were exposed. The renal pelvis was present anterior to the renal vessels instead of posterior position.The right kidney in addition showed lower lumbar position with three supplementary arteries and two veins. The right ovarian vein arched over the laterally rotated hilum of kidney and drained into superior renal vein instead of inferior vena cava. This is a rare case in which such numbers of congenital variations are seen. These variations of kidney have embryological base. Rotational variation though comparatively rare assumes great importance in view of the present day surgical procedures like percutaneous nephrectomy, renal transplantation, etc.