Meniscal Tear at Knee: Repair or Resect? An Early Experience from a University Hospital in Nepal.

Background The meniscus plays an important role in maintaining healthy articular cartilage. Meniscus tear, one of the common intra-articular knee lesions, is treated by either debridement or repair. Objective This study aims at identifying the early outcome of meniscus tears treated by debridement or repair. This study also elaborates on the spectrum of meniscal injuries presented in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Method A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Orthopedic Department of Dhulikhel Hospital from February 2018 until January 2020 among patients who underwent knee arthroscopies for meniscal tears treated either by debridement or repair. Patients having intra articular fractures, osteochondral injuries and multi-ligament injuries were excluded. The meniscal tears were classified according to location and type of tear. Those patients who had at least one-year of follow up were evaluated with Lysholm score for functional outcome. Data were compiled and analyzed with Microsoft Excel 2011. Result One hundred and ten cases of meniscal tears were managed over the study period. Ninty-three cases could be traced for outcome evaluation, which included 50 cases of meniscal debridement and 43 cases of meniscal repair. The mean Lysholm score of the patients who received debridement was 81.5 (SD 10.4) and those who received meniscal repair was 84.9 (SD 9.1) (p=0.105). The population distribution was found to be similar in both the groups according to age and sex distribution and associated ligamentous injuries. Conclusion Good functional outcome was seen for meniscal tears managed with debridement or repair in at least one year follow up and could not establish one modality of management better than the other.

First-Generation SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: A Comparative Analysis between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Hospitalized Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, which have emerged due to several mutations in spike protein, have a potential to escape immune protection provided by the first-generation vaccines, thereby resulting in breakthrough infections. Objective To identify the socio-demographic factors, clinical features, and outcomes in both vaccinated and unvaccinated hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Method Socio-demographic details, clinical features, and the outcomes among fully vaccinated (double for Covishield/AstraZeneca and BBIBP-CorV and single for Janssen), partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Result Among the hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n=299), 175 (58.5%) patients received a single-dose, 82 (27.4%) double-dose, and 124 (41.5%) did not receive any dose of the COVID-19 vaccines. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when compared between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients was found to be associated among professional degree holders (23.4% versus 9.7%) (p<0.05), professional workers (43.4% vs. 25.0%) (p<0.05), hospitalization to general ward (76.6% vs. 72.6%) (p<0.05), and presence of multiple symptoms (> or equel 3) (86.8% vs. 75.0%) (p>0.05) and comorbidities (> or equal 2) (15.5% vs. 13.7%) (p>0.05). Despite such approximate incidences, the risk of in-hospital mortality among the vaccinated patients was reduced (0.6% vs. 3.2%) (p>0.05), when compared to the unvaccinated patients. The risk of in-hospital mortality was associated with the older age and the presence of multiple comorbidities including bronchial asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. Conclusion Full or partial vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns might be effective in preventing in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients.

Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Acute STEMI Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre of Nepal.

Background Patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic heart disease and a higher incidence of myocardial infarction than the general population. Definitive diagnosis and precise assessment of anatomic severity of Coronary Artery Disease requires invasive diagnostic modality like coronary angiography. Objective To study angiographic characteristics and severity involving coronary arteries in patients with acute ST segment elevation Myocardial infarction and to compare the same in diabetics and non-diabetics. Method Among 150 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 75 diabetics and 75 nondiabetics admitted in Manmohan Cardiothoracic vascular and transplant Centre were selected randomly during a period of one year formed the study group. Random Blood Sugar, Fasting Blood Sugar was done in all 150 patients, HbA1c in all diabetics. All subjects with acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction were taken up for coronary angiography intended for primary PCI. Result In our study, 35 (46.7%) out of 75 diabetic patients had triple or multi-vessel disease compared to 10 (13.4%) out of 75 non diabetics. Non-diabetic patients had significantly higher single vessel disease (65.3%). There was a statistically significant association of duration of DM with vessels involved. The occurrence of Triple Vessel Disease/Multivessel Disease was significantly higher in the patients with DM duration > 10 years compared to patients with DM duration < 10 years (64.7% vs. 35.3%, P < 0.001), however there was no significant difference in type of vessel involved. Similarly, a significantly higher proportion of Triple vessel disease was observed in patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8.5%). 72.2% of the patients with HbA1c > 8.5% had Triple vessel disease/Multi vessel disease, whereas patients with good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7.0%) had predominantly Single vessel disease (90.0%), with no occurrence of Triple vessel disease/Multi vessel disease Conclusion Diabetic patients presenting with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction are likely to have triple/multiple vessel disease compared to non-diabetic patients. The occurrence of Triple Vessel Disease/Multivessel Disease was significantly higher in the patients with DM duration > 10 years compared to patients with DM duration <10 years.

An overview of the main intrauterine pathologies in the postmenopausal period.

Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for evaluating the uterine cavity, diagnosing intrauterine pathology, and operative intervention for some causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concluded that, when the endometrium measures ≤4 mm with transvaginal ultrasonography, the likelihood that bleeding is secondary to endometrial carcinoma is less than 1% (negative predictive value 99%), and endometrial biopsy is not recommended. Endometrial sampling in this clinical scenario will likely result in insufficient tissue for evaluation and it is reasonable to consider initial management for atrophy. A thickened endometrium on transvaginal ultrasonography (>4 mm in a postmenopausal woman with postmenopausal bleeding) warrants additional evaluation with endometrial sampling. A negative tissue biopsy following 'blind' endometrial sampling in women with postmenopausal bleeding is not considered to be an endpoint, and further evaluation of the endometrial cavity with hysteroscopy to exclude focal disease is imperative.

The Prognostic Value of the Fracture Level in the Treatment of Displaced Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children.

Background Supracondylar fractures are subclassified as high and low type depending on whether they are above or below the isthmus of the distal humerus and it play an important role in determining outcome. Objective To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with fractures above and below the distal humeral isthmus treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Method This is a prospective non-randomized analytical study of 40 patients with displaced extension type supracondylar fracture of distal humerus treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Radiological and functional outcomes was followed up to 6 months postoperatively. The significance of differences between means (baumann angle, carrying angle and time to recovery) were calculated using the independent t-test. Result Twenty-four (60%) patients were high type and 16 (40%) patients were low type. According to Flynn grading, there was no statistical significance between the high type and low type (p = 0.601). The time to recovery for the high type was 15.58 ± 2.95 weeks and for low type was 18.75 ± 2.18 weeks. Hence, the time to recovery for the low type was longer than high type and it was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion Low type supracondylar fractures require a longer period for the gain of elbow range of motion. However, in long term the prognosis of low type is comparable with that of high type fracture. Hence, the prognostic value of fracture level in the treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures is not statistically significant.

Multi-drug Resistant and Extended Spectrum ß-lactamase Producing Salmonella Species Isolated from Fresh Chicken Liver Samples.

Background Ductus arteriosus is a vascular structure which connects the roof of main pulmonary artery near the origin of the left branch pulmonary artery to the proximal descending aorta. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure is indicated for any patient who is symptomatic from left to right shunting. Objective To investigate the hospital outcomes of surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus over last 19 years starting from the very first case of our center. Method This is a retrospective analysis of all patent ductus arteriosus treated surgically from August 2001 to July 2019. Patients who underwent isolated surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus were included. Data have been presented in three different eras (Era 1: 2001-2007, Era 2: 2008-2013, and Era 3: 2014-2019) to see the trend of evolution of this surgery. Result A total of 901 patients aged 8.67±8.76 years under went patent ductus arteriosus surgical closure over last 19 years. Patients in the initial era 2001-2007 were significantly older compared with other 2 eras (p=0.000). Males accounted for 35.5% of all cases. Twenty percent had severe pulmonary artery hypertension.Duration of mechanical ventilation was 3.57±9.64 hours with ICU stay of 1.55±1.53 days, and hospital stay of 3.9±2.3 days. Overall in hospital mortality was 0.8%; for isolated patent ductus arteriosus diagnosis, mortality was 0.2%. Chylothorax was noted in 0.4%. Conclusion This is the first report to analyze surgical outcomes of patent ductus arteriosus ligation in our center. We have discussed the evolution of patent ductus arteriosus surgery in our center, and have shown favorable outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Adenosine deaminase activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus: does it have any role?

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in which glucose is underused, producing hyperglycemia. Diabetic patients are prone to opportunistic infection, thus serum ADA levels in these patients is very important as a screening test for Tuberculosis and autoimmune diseases. Thus, the present study was conducted to estimate the Serum ADA activity, glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial glucose level in patients with T2DM and to correlate the serum level of ADA with glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial glucose level in T2DM. METHODS: This is a Hospital based cross-sectional study done in BPKIHs, Dharan, Nepal. 204 diagnosed patients (102 males and 102 females) with T2DM and 102 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Diabetic patients were categorized into Uncontrolled and Controlled Diabetes on the basis of HbA1C; HbA1c > 7% = Uncontrolled Diabetes, HbA1c < 7% = Controlled Diabetes. RESULTS: Serum ADA levels (U/L) was significantly raised in Uncontrolled Diabetic patients (49.24 ± 16.89) compared to controlled population (35.74 ± 16.78) and healthy controls (10.55 ± 2.20), p value < 0.001. A significant positive correlation was obtained between Serum ADA and HbA1c, Fasting Plasma Glucose and Post-prandial Glucose respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a significant increase in Serum ADA activity in DM with increase in HbA1c levels which may play an important role in predicting the glycemic and immunological status in these patients.

Clinical Outcome following Intra-articular Triamcinolone Injection in Osteoarthritic Knee at the Community: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial.

Background Knee pain is one of the common complaints patients present with in any community based health camps and Osteoarthritis of knee is a usual diagnosis. Injecting a long acting steroid is a common practice to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritic knee. Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of injecting Triamcinolone acetenoid in osteoarthritis of knee in a community set up over a randomized double-blind placebo control trial. Method A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo control trial was carried out in community after obtaining the ethical clearance from the IRC. Patients with clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis of knee were injected either Triamcinolone or Placebo after recording the baseline scores of the knee by Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) - Physical Function Short form (KOOS-PS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The same tools were used at two, six and at twelve weeks post injection to evaluate the functional outcome and pain. Result One hundred and seventeen patients were available for analysis among which, 55(48.7%) patients received Triamcinolone and 58(51.3%) received placebo. The baseline status of knees of two groups was comparable at the start of study. There was significant pain relief in the group receiving Triamcinolone at two and six week but not in twelve weeks. Group receiving placebo had pain relief only for first two weeks. Functional outcome was significantly improved compared to baseline in both the groups until six weeks however, in the triamcinolone group, it was significant until twelve weeks. No major complications were noted. Conclusion Intra-articular injection of Triamcinolone acetenoid is effective in symptoms control and improving functional outcome in clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis of knees in community set up during health camps.

Improving Knowledge, Skill and Confidence of Novice Medical Doctors in Trauma Management with Principles of ABCDE.

Background Trauma is one of the major public health concerns clamming about five million death annually worldwide. Experience and confidence of a doctor in the management of trauma patients have big impact on the overall outcome. Objective This study aims to evaluate the outcome of a trauma course in improving the knowledge, skill and confidence of novice doctors in managing trauma victims. Method A pre/post test analytical study was carried out among novice medical doctors from Kathmandu University School of Medical Science (KUSMS) who participated in a standard two and a half day trauma course, that utilizes the principles of ABCDE, as a part of their regular training. Pre-course knowledge and skill were compared with immediate post-course scores on the same guidelines. Objective structured and subjective written feedbacks from the participants were analyzed qualitatively to identify the perceptions of candidates. Result Sixty-eight males and twenty-nine females completed the course. The average pre-test scores in knowledge and skill were 8.3(33.2%) and 19.6(78.5%) respectively. Similarly the post-test scores were 16.04(64.2%) and 22.45 (89.5%) respectively, showing statistically significant improvements (P 0.000). The mean percentage improvement in knowledge was 48.8% and that in skill was 160.9%. The feedback analysis showed majority of the participants were satisfied with the course and they perceived improved "self-confident" in handling trauma cases. Conclusion All the novice doctors should participate in a standard trauma course hence their knowledge, skill and confidence in handling a trauma can be improved.

Histopathological Analysis of Non-Neoplastic Superficial Lymphadenopathies.

Background Lymphadenopathies are the clinical manifestation of enlargement of lymph nodes which are a common occurrence and are processes of lymph nodes in response to a variety of exogenous and endogenous stimulants. The vast majority of enlarged lymph nodes are non- neoplastic. Objective The objective of the study is to analyze the spectrum of non-neoplastic lesions of superficial lymphadenopathies with their histomorphological features. Method This was a retrospective hospital based study done in the department of Pathology. All cases of superficial lymph node biopsies received during a period of 7 years were retrieved and divided into 2 broad categories: neoplastic and non-neoplastic. The latter group is the material for the present study. The diagnosis was made on morphological basis. Result Of all the 268 superficial lymph node biopsies, 25.4% (68 cases) were neoplastic and 74.6% (200 cases) were non-neoplastic. The non-neoplastic cases were further categorized into non-infectious 60.5% (121 cases) and infectious 39.5% (79 cases). Neck node (70%) was the most common site of involvement. There were 102 male and 98 female patients with male to female ratio 1.04:1. The age range of the patients was 2 years to 83 years with a mean of 27.16 years and most common being 11-20 years 29% (58 cases). Majority of the cases were non-specific reactive lymphadenitis 84.3% (102 cases) followed by tuberculosis 36.5% (73 cases). Conclusion The major cause for the superficial lymphadenopathy was found to be non-neoplastic etiology with slight male predominance. Reactive lymphadenitis was the leading cause unlike the studies done in other Asian and Tropical countries where tuberculosis was more common.

Ovarian Tumors: Pattern of Histomorphological Types- A 10 Years Study in a Tertiary Referral Center and Review of Literature.

Background Ovarian cancer accounts for 6% of all cancers in females. Among cancers of female genital tract, the incidence of ovarian cancers ranks below only carcinoma of the cervix and the endometrium. Objective To find the frequency of different types of histomorphological types and their association with age, side and size distribution. Method This study is a hospital based retrospective study carried out in the Department of Pathology, Manipal Teaching Hospital over a time period from Jan. 2006 to Sep. 2015. Specimens were received from the Manipal Teaching Hospital and other hospitals within the Himalayan valley of Pokhara. All the clinical and histolpathological data were retrieved from the departmental data bank and were analyzed. Result A total of 409 cases of ovarian tumors have been reported in the same period. Among them, 215 cases were of surface epithelial origin including 172 benign, 07 borderline and 36 malignant cases. Among the surface epithelial tumors, the commonest was serous cystadenoma (119 cases) followed by mucinous cyst adenoma (40 cases). There were 176 cases of tumors with germ cell origin which included 170 cases of teratoma, four dysgerminoma and one each case of choriocarcinoma and yolk sac tumor. Among seven metastatic tumors, one case was of Krukenberg tumor. Age range was 12 to 90 years and the size range from 3 to 36 cm. Conclusion In our study, we analyzed all the spectrum of ovarian tumors diagnosed on morphological bases and most of the findings were similar to other national and international studies. However, we have reported increased percentage of mucinous tumors and less sex cord stromal tumors.

Medication Adherence Pattern and Factors affecting Adherence in Helicobacter Pylori Eradication Therapy.

Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection worldwide affecting approximately half of the world's population. A number of screening tests as well as complex multi-drug therapies are available for the detection and treatment of H. pylori infection. However, the optimum eradication rates of H. pylori infection can only be achieved if adherence to drug therapy is higher. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to determine the factors leading to poor adherence to obtain successful treatment outcomes. Objective To determine the medication adherence pattern in patients with H. pylori infection and assess the factors associated with non-adherence to the prescribed drug therapy. Method Patients meeting the inclusion criteria who were confirmed as H. pylori positive by rapid urease test (histopathology) and/ or stool antigen test and those under H. pylori eradication therapy were considered. Informed consent was taken from the patients or from the patient party in incapacitated patients. They were then interviewed using structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and a p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result Among the 70 participants included in this study, 57.10% (n=40) of them were males. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 42.36 years (±17.93). Higher number (85.70% (n=60)) of the patients were adherent to the recommended medication. Forgetfulness was the reason for missing dose in a majority (80% (n=8)) of the nonadherent patients. A highly significant association (p<0.05) was observed between adherence and absence of symptomatic relief. However, there was no statistically significant association (p>0.05) between patients' adherence to gender, age, literacy, and the prescribed treatment regimen. Conclusion Majority of the patients with H. pylori infection were adherent to medication. Forgetfulness was the major reason for missing dose in the non-adherent patients.

Non-cancer mortality in workers in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets (1950-2006).

We studied non-cancer mortality in 10,701 workers in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets because they have increased exposure to a variety of microorganisms that infect and cause disease in food animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry, to which subjects in the general population are also exposed, albeit to a lesser degree. These workers were also exposed to fumes from the wrapping machine. Standardized mortality ratios were estimated in the cohort as a whole and in race/sex subgroups, using the US population for comparison. Study subjects were followed up from January 1950 to December 2006. Significantly increased deaths from diabetes, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism, chronic bronchitis, peritonitis, intracranial and intraspinal abscess, other bacterial diseases, and significantly decreased deaths from diffuse diseases of connective tissue, functional diseases of the heart, intracerebral hemorrhage, occlusion/stenosis of the precerebral and cerebral arteries, and various types of accidents were observed in certain race/sex subgroups or in the cohort as a whole. The observed increased risks of several infectious conditions suggest that the increased occupational exposure to microorganisms may be responsible for at least some of the observed excess deaths, while exposure to fumes may also contribute to the excess of chronic bronchitis. The findings are important not only for supermarket workers and other workers in the meat and poultry industries, but also because the general population is exposed to these microorganisms found in food animals and their products. Nested case-control studies within cohorts that include both workers in supermarkets and other sectors of the meat and poultry industries, are now needed to examine specific risks from occupational exposures while adequately controlling for confounding factors, so that the role of these infectious agents in the occurrence of these diseases in workers and in general population subjects can be adequately assessed.

Study on Corticosteroids use Pattern in Dermatological Practice and Investigating Adverse Effect of Corticosteroids Including its Associated Factors.

Background Corticosteroids are highly effective drugs with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Due to this, they have become a mainstay of pharmacotherapy in dermatology. However, improper and long term uses are associated with a number of serious adverse effects. Objective To investigate the corticosteroids use pattern, adverse effects and various factors associated with adverse effects in dermatological practice. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in a dermatology department of tertiary care hospital. All patients using at least one corticosteroids, either topically or systemically or the combination were included in this study. Informed consent was taken from the patients and interviewed using structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 20. p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result Among the 60 participants under this study, 81.67% of them were females. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 31.03 years (±15.0). A majority (58.30%) of the patients was prescribed with topical corticosteroids with low potency (25%). Most of them had used corticosteroids for urticaria. Adverse effects were reported by 33.30% of the patients. The most common adverse effect reported was the shedding of skin. Adverse effects was significantly associated with gender; use of systemic corticosteroids; regular use of corticosteroids; discontinuation of dose abruptly; and missed dose. However, there was no significant association between adverse effects and the duration of use of corticosteroids. Conclusion In conclusion, the present study suggested that the proper counselling and clear instruction regarding the use of corticosteroid should be provided to the patients for avoiding the abrupt discontinuation of the prescribed medication leading to treatment failure.

Women having abortion in urban Nepal: 2005 and 2010 compared.

BACKGROUND: The use of abortion services at the Maternity Hospital clinic, the largest public sector abortion clinic in Nepal, has risen over the years. Whether the profile of the clients, reasons for abortion, and contraceptive use have changed are not known and need to be investigated. OBJECTIVES: This paper evaluates changes between 2005 and 2010 in the socio-demographic profile of abortion users, reasons for seeking abortion, and contraceptive use of two cohorts of women who had first-trimester abortion at the Maternity Hospital. METHODS: We used data from two similar surveys conducted in 2005 and 2010 among 672 and 392 women, respectively, who obtained first-trimester surgical abortion in a large public sector clinic. We analyzed trend data in service utilization and carried out a cost analysis. RESULTS: The number of women having abortions has steadily increased over the years, and cumulatively about 19,800 women have received services. The profile of the clients at this clinic remained essentially the same between 2005 and 2010. The typical users of abortion services at the clinic has were 27 years old with two living children, mostly married, with the majority not wanting to have more children. About half of them used a contraceptive method-mostly condoms, withdrawal, the pill and rhythm-in the month of unintended pregnancy, suggesting failures with these methods. Health concerns, dislike of available methods, and perceived low risk of pregnancy were common reasons for not using a contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: Despite increases in the number of clients, the socio-demographic profile of the abortion clients has remained similar over the years. The linkage between the abortion and family planning clinics needs to be strengthened.

Descriptions of adults of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) sachini Takaoka & Henry and S. ( G.) williei Takaoka & Thapa in the S. (G.) gombakense species-group (Diptera: Simuliidae) from India.

The Simulium gombakense species-group, one of the 15 species-groups of the subgenus Gomphostilbia Enderlein, is small, being represented by only 12 species, all of which are distributed in the Oriental Region. It is characterized by the pupal gill composed of an inflated structure and eight or ten slender filaments. Among the 12 species, S. sachini Takaoka & Henry, and S. williei Takaoka & Thapa were originally described from two pupae, and one pupa and two larvae, respectively, from Darjeeling, India. In the present paper, the adult females and males of these species are described for the first time from specimens reared from pupae collected at the type locality. Simulium sachini is distinctive in the female by the claw with a medium-sized basal tooth, and in the male by the somewhat enlarged, spindle- shaped hind basitarsus and ventral plate with its ventral margin much depressed medially, while S. williei is characterized by the small number of male upper-eye (large) facets in 12 vertical columns and 13 or 14 horizontal rows and ventral plate much produced posteroventrally. Taxonomic notes are given to separate these two species in the adult stage from their related species.

A case of precocious puberty in a setting with limited resources.

Precocious puberty is a rare condition characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics before the median age for the sex. It is either gonadotropin dependent also called as central or gonadotropin independent also known as peripheral type. Hypothalamamic Hamartoma is a common cause of the central or precocious puberty due to organic brain lesion. Here we present a two year male who presented us with precocious puberty due to a hypothalamic Hamartoma.

Surgical abortion in second trimester: initial experiences in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of legalising abortion and making safe abortion available at affordable price at accessible distance to almost everyone, unsafe abortion especially second trimester abortion is still a big health problem in Nepal. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to fi nd the demographic profile, reasons for seeking abortion and to see the effectiveness of Misoprostol in preparing the cervix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was done in the two second trimester abortion trainings conducted in Maternity hospital, Kathmandu. Total 57 clients had second trimester abortion performed. Information was collected from structured questionnaire and then data was analysed. RESULTS: Commonest reason for seeking abortion was, multiparity (61.4%). Common reasons for second trimester abortion were, completed family size with unwanted pregnancy (61.4%), unwanted pregnancy in married (10.52%) unwanted pregnancy in unmarried (5.26%). CONCLUSIONS: Second trimester abortion is one of the most common procedures performed in reproductive-aged women and when performed by a skilled provider in the appropriate setting, it is one of the safest surgeries, if it is well supported by change in policy of the country and acceptability of the people.

Hazardous alcohol use in rural southern India: nature, prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of data on the hazardous use of alcohol in rural India. METHODS: We examined the nature, prevalence and factors associated with hazardous use of alcohol among men in a rural community in southern India. We used stratified sampling to select subjects from the Kaniyambadi block and employed 'AUDIT', a standard instrument, to assess the use of alcohol. RESULTS: The prevalence of life-time use, use in the past year and hazardous use of alcohol was 46.7%, 34.8% and 14.2%, respectively. Using Indian made foreign liquor (OR 20.51; 95% CI 8.81-47.75) and living in a village which brewed illicit alcohol (OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.39-5.72) were risk factors for hazardous use while education (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.21-0.72) was protective. These factors remained significantly associated with hazardous use after adjusting for age and education using logistic regression. CONCLUSION: The relationship between the availability of illicit and commercial alcohol and its hazardous use suggests the need for an alcohol policy which takes into account health and economic issues and also implements the law to prevent the negative impact of problem drinking.

Pattern of poisoning cases in Emergency Department of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the pattern and severity of poisoning cases in Emergency Department of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal (KMCTH). DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital records of all admissions to the Emergency Department of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH) following acute poisoning were revised and all data from February 2007 to February 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: This retrospective observational study was performed on 148 cases of poisoning who attended Emergency Department of KMCTH over a period of one year. The overall male to female ratio was 1.05:1. Poisoning was most common in the age group 21-30 years (40.5%). The most common causes of poisoning in adults were organophosphorous compounds and in children was kerosene oil. Oral route (79.05%) was the most common route of administration. 66.2% of cases were intentional poisoning for suicidal attempt. Students (43.9%) and service holders (18.9%) were commonly involved in poisoning. CONCLUSION: It was seen that adult between 21-30 years of age were more prone to suicidal poisoning with organophosphorous compounds and children of 1-10 years of age were more susceptible to accidental poisoning with kerosene oil.