Author Archives: pisrt

Abstract:Background: Radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (RC-AVF) is considered the preferred vascular access for dialysis, particularly in the non-dominant arm. However, elderly patients and those with comorbidities have a higher failure rate of RC-AVF. Therefore, clinical examination before surgery is crucial, and careful postoperative monitoring is necessary to overcome impaired fistula maturation. This study aims to evaluate different factors that may affect the outcome of arteriovenous fistula creation.
Methods: The study included patients aged 20-65 years with chronic kidney disease, without prior radio-cephalic arteriovenous vascular access intervention, from February 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. Factors affecting the outcome were assessed, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. In this study, an end-to-side anastomosis technique was used with prolene 7-0 suture material in an interrupted suturing technique.
Results: Out of 250 patients, the highest successful AVF creation rate was observed in the 20-30 years age group (84%), followed by the 31-40 years and 41-50 years age groups (78%). The success rate was found to be higher in males (61%) than in females (39%). Moreover, the success rate of AVF had an incremental relation with the diameter of the radial artery and cephalic vein.
Conclusion: The success of fistula maturation is strongly correlated with postoperative monitoring. Therefore, AV fistula monitoring should begin immediately during surgery and continue in the postoperative period.

Abstract:Background: The spleen is a crucial intra-peritoneal hemo-lymphoid organ that is related to various abdominal viscera and the diaphragm. It is known for its variable size and shape and receives its blood supply from the tortuous splenic artery and is drained by the splenic vein. Palpation of the spleen is possible in certain pathological conditions. Notches on the spleen are a result of incomplete fusion of the embryonic splenunculi. In blunt trauma to the abdomen, the spleen is the most common intra-abdominal organ to rupture.
Aims: The study aimed to investigate the variations in morphology, morphometry, shape, size, and weight of cadaveric spleens in the Santhal-Pargana Division of Jharkhand, India.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 dissected human spleens of both sexes. The spleen was removed by detaching it from various attachments, and the splenic vessels near its hilum were cut with the help of scalpel, scissors, and forceps. The shape, notches, length, breadth, thickness, and weight were studied.
Results: The study found that a wedge shape was the most common (40%). The mean weight of the spleen was 145.13 gm, and the average number of notches on the superior border was 2. The mean length, breadth, and thickness were 10.8 cm, 6.83 cm, and 4 cm, respectively. These findings were consistent with most similar studies on the spleen, although some studies had different results.
Conclusion: The study reaffirmed that the spleen is quite variable in shape and size. Splenomegaly may be more prevalent due to some endemic diseases. This knowledge is important for clinicians, physicians, radiologists, surgeons, and for routine anatomical dissection. The findings of the study may also contribute to a better understanding of the structure and function of the spleen, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and injuries related to this organ.

Abstract:Background: The spleen is a crucial intra-peritoneal hemo-lymphoid organ that is related to various abdominal viscera and the diaphragm. It is known for its variable size and shape and receives its blood supply from the tortuous splenic artery and is drained by the splenic vein. Palpation of the spleen is possible in certain pathological conditions. Notches on the spleen are a result of incomplete fusion of the embryonic splenunculi. In blunt trauma to the abdomen, the spleen is the most common intra-abdominal organ to rupture.
Aims: The study aimed to investigate the variations in morphology, morphometry, shape, size, and weight of cadaveric spleens in the Santhal-Pargana Division of Jharkhand, India.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 dissected human spleens of both sexes. The spleen was removed by detaching it from various attachments, and the splenic vessels near its hilum were cut with the help of scalpel, scissors, and forceps. The shape, notches, length, breadth, thickness, and weight were studied.
Results: The study found that a wedge shape was the most common (40%). The mean weight of the spleen was 145.13 gm, and the average number of notches on the superior border was 2. The mean length, breadth, and thickness were 10.8 cm, 6.83 cm, and 4 cm, respectively. These findings were consistent with most similar studies on the spleen, although some studies had different results.
Conclusion: The study reaffirmed that the spleen is quite variable in shape and size. Splenomegaly may be more prevalent due to some endemic diseases. This knowledge is important for clinicians, physicians, radiologists, surgeons, and for routine anatomical dissection. The findings of the study may also contribute to a better understanding of the structure and function of the spleen, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and injuries related to this organ.

Abstract:Background: Sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of death and the most common cause of death among critically ill patients. Severity scores and prognostic models are used to evaluate the severity of illness in patients in the critical care unit. The present study aimed to compare the APACHE II and SOFA scoring systems in critically ill patients with sepsis in the medical ICU of a tertiary hospital.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study conducted on patients aged > 18 years, of either gender, admitted to the medical ICU for sepsis. All patients were evaluated using the APACHE II and SOFA scoring systems.
Results: The present study included 225 cases that met the study criteria. The mean age was 59.2 \(\pm\) 12.3 years, the mean length of stay was 9.3 \(\pm\) 4.2 days, and the mean length of ICU stay was 7.3 \(\pm\) 3.7 days. The majority of the patients were male (63.56%). The mortality rate was 58.22%, 39.56% of patients had multiple organ dysfunction, 74.22% were diagnosed with septic shock, and positive blood culture was noted among 34.67% of patients. On the day of admission, a significantly higher APACHE II score was noted among non-survivors (23.8 \(\pm\) 11.65) compared to survivors (16.59 \(\pm\) 8.24). The daily SOFA score was higher among non-survivors than survivors, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Both APACHE II and SOFA scoring systems were found to be equivalent in predicting mortality in patients diagnosed with sepsis, and there was no statistical significance.
Conclusion: The APACHE II and SOFA scoring systems are equivalent in predicting mortality in patients diagnosed with sepsis, and there was no statistical significance.

Abstract:Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of childhood cancer therapy. Patients with neutropenia are at a higher risk of acquiring infections compared to individuals with normal immune function. In severe cases, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) can be less than 500 per microliter. The aim of this study was to understand the clinical and etiological profile of febrile neutropenia in hemato-oncological and aplastic anemia patients in a tertiary care center in India and to determine the outcome of patients after starting empirical antibiotic therapy. Additionally, we aimed to formulate specific antibiotic therapy based on etiological data from our study.
Methodology: The study was conducted in the pediatric hemato-oncology department of a tertiary care center in India from March 2015 to September 2016. The study included 76 children aged between 1 month and 18 years diagnosed with febrile neutropenia in aplastic anemia and hemato-oncological patients. All febrile neutropenia patients received ceftriaxone and amikacin empirically according to the hospital protocol. Vancomycin was administered additionally to patients who had persistent fever, and fluconazole was initiated empirically in patients in whom fever persisted despite antibiotics on day 4 or 5. In culture-negative and stable patients, intravenous antibiotics were continued for 3 days or until ANC recovered to >500/\(\mu\)l. Bacterial pathogens in all samples yielding culture positivity were identified, and their antibiogram was recorded.
Results: The study found that febrile neutropenia occurs almost equally in all age groups, with a mean age of 6.2 \(\pm\) 4.1 years. Males were predominantly affected, and the mean temperature was 101.7 \(\pm\) 0.7350F. The mean ANC count was 257 \(\pm\) 226.4 neutrophils/mm, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 6.7 \(\pm\) 5.7 days. The respiratory system was the most commonly affected, followed by problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract. In other antibiotic therapies used for our patients empirically or according to the culture sensitivity, we found that the drugs used in decreasing order of frequency were piperacillin-tazobactam (14.4%), vancomycin (11.8%), metronidazole (10.5%), fluconazole (7.9%), meropenem (6.5%), and imipenem (2.6%), while linezolid, ciprofloxacin, and colistin were used in one patient each. Culture reports were positive in a total of 11 (14.5%) patients. No significant difference was found in mean ANC count, but a significant difference was found in the duration of hospital stay between culture-positive and culture-negative patients, with a difference of almost 10 days. The mortality rate was 2.6%.
Conclusion: Males were more commonly affected than females, and most patients presented with symptoms of the respiratory system, followed by the gastrointestinal and urinary tract systems. Most episodes of febrile neutropenia occurred during the induction phase of treatment of acute leukemia, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most common malignancy followed by acute myeloid leukemia. Empirical therapy with ceftriaxone and amikacin leads to a satisfactory clinical outcome in febrile neutropenia. A significant difference was found in the duration of hospital stay between culture-positive and culture-negative patients, with a difference of almost 10 days between the two. The mortality rate in our study was found to be 2.6%.

Abstract:Background: Ovarian neoplasms can be benign or malignant and accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate surgical approach. Risk of malignancy index (RMI 4) is a useful tool that combines radiological findings, CA-125 levels, and tumor size to predict the likelihood of malignancy. The RMI 4 score is interpreted as either <450 or >450 and compared to the final histopathology report.
Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of RMI 4 in predicting the risk of malignancy in early ovarian neoplasms and to investigate its association with histopathological findings. The specific objectives are:
1) To determine the sensitivity of RMI 4 in predicting malignancy in suspected early ovarian neoplasms.
2) To compare the sensitivity of RMI 4 with CA-125 levels in predicting malignancy.
3) To examine the association between RMI 4 score and final histopathological examination findings.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oncology OPD of ALLURI SITA RAMA RAJU ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (ASRAM) over a period of one year, from February 2021 to January 2022. We included 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria.
Results: The sensitivity of RMI 4 in predicting malignancy was found to be 52.4% for all cases, while it was 84.6% for serous and mucinous tumors. The sensitivity of CA-125 was 61.9% for all cases and 84.6% for serous and mucinous tumors. Our study found that RMI 4 and CA-125 are more predictive of malignancy in serous tumors compared to mucinous and other pathologies.
Conclusion: In conclusion, RMI 4 is a useful tool for differentiating malignant from benign ovarian lesions. Our study shows that RMI 4 and CA-125 are more sensitive in predicting malignancy in serous tumors compared to mucinous and other pathologies. Clinicians can use these tools to guide the appropriate surgical approach and improve patient outcomes.

Abstract:Background: Peri-puberty is a critical period between 10-16 years of age, during which various environmental factors, such as family, peer group, school, and community characteristics, contribute to adolescent health and risk behaviors. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension, anemia, and malnutrition in school children of the peri-pubertal age group, along with associated social factors.
Material and Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in school children from standard 7th to 9th who were present during the survey. They underwent history taking, anthropometric measurements, and clinical examination.
Results: The study included 300 school children aged 12-14 years. Most of the children were 14 years old (39.33%), boys (83%), and from socioeconomic class IV (50.67%). Of the total, 185 (61.67%) children were underweight, 85 (28.33%) were normal, 21 (7%) were overweight, and 9 (3%) were obese. Among the children, 32 (10.67%) had hypertension, with diastolic hypertension being more prevalent (19, 6.33%) than systolic hypertension (13, 4.33%). The prevalence of hypertension in girls (13.72%) was higher than in boys (10%). HTN was found more in obese children (5, 55.6%), followed by overweight children (7, 33.33%), normal children (14, 16.5%), and lastly underweight children (6, 3.2%). A total of 123 (41%) children were anemic, and the prevalence of anemia was insignificantly higher in girls (43.13%) than in boys (40.56%) (p-value=0.36, not significant). Out of 133 (44.33%) malnourished children, boys (46.18%) were more prevalent than girls (35.29%). Among 215 malnourished children, 104 (34.67%) children were anemic, and out of 85 well-nourished children, 19 (6.33%) were anemic.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was higher in children from higher socioeconomic status, obese and overweight children. Anaemia was more common in undernourished children.

Abstract: Background: Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delays, and physical features such as a flattened face, short neck, and small head and ears. Previous research has suggested that having a sibling with Down syndrome may have a positive impact on children, as they may develop richer family values, warmth, kindness, and empathy. However, research on the needs and perceptions of siblings with Down syndrome in the Indian population is limited. Therefore, this study aims to assess the feelings and perceived impact among siblings of children with Down syndrome.
Methodology: From September 2015 to August 2016, 40 siblings of children with Down syndrome were recruited for this study, after obtaining written informed consent from both parents and siblings. Socio-demographic details were collected, and the siblings were interviewed using the “feeling and perceived impact questionnaire scale” to assess their feelings and perceived impact. Each sibling was interviewed only once.
Results: The majority of siblings, across all ages, expressed feelings of love or fondness towards their siblings with Down syndrome. A minority of siblings reported feeling sad or sorry for their sibling with Down syndrome. The majority of younger siblings enjoyed helping their sibling with Down syndrome learn new things.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that having a sibling with Down syndrome does not negatively impact the feelings or perceptions of siblings. Rather, siblings express positive emotions towards their brothers and sisters with Down syndrome, and enjoy helping them learn and grow. This study adds to the limited literature on the perceptions and needs of siblings of children with Down syndrome in the Indian population.