1.
A Study on the Ultrasound Reporting of Fatty Liver in Asymptomatic Patients During Routine Health Checkup
Shikha Rani, Sanjeev Suman, Rajiv Kumar
Abstract
Objectives: The present study was to evaluate the ultrasound reporting of fatty liver in asymptomatic patients during routine health checkup.
Methods: The patients who had been investigated by ultrasonography, those with fatty liver were defined as cases and those without fatty liver were defined as controls. The lipid profile [i.e., total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] was obtained for all patients. The serum GOT [aspartate transaminase (AST)], serum GPT [alanine transaminase (ALT)], and HbA1c levels were available in various proportions of patients.
Results: A total of 200 patients with age group 15 to >65 years were enrolled. All the patients were investigated by ultrasonography. Of these patients, 120 were diagnosed with fatty liver, and the remaining 80 patients with a normal hepatic echopattern served as controls. The mean age of the cases and controls was 47.76 and 42.78 years respectively. Male and female patients comprised 42% and 58% of the cases respectively. Triglyceride level between patients of case and control was significant differences (p=0.017). Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol between case and control group was not significant differences (p>0.05). And LDL cholesterol, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT) between case and control was statistically significant differences (p<0.05). While, HbA1c level between cases and control group was statistically highly significant differences (p<0.000).
Conclusions: Fatty liver was more common in female than male. The triglyceride level, LDL cholesterol, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT) and HbA1c were significantly increased in fatty liver asymptomatic patients. Hence, Ultrasonography is one of the best investigative tools for the diagnosis of fatty liver in asymptomatic patients.
2.
Hot Versus Cold Ziehl Neelsen Staining for The Diagnosis of Lung Tuberculosis
Guduri Srinivasulu, Anvesh Kyanam, Hitesh Cheran K., Somanath Dash
Abstract
Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB, significantly impacting developing economies. Despite its limitations, WHO and RNTCP endorse sputum smear microscopy (SSM) as a primary diagnostic tool in low-resource settings like India. This study assesses the effectiveness of Kinyoun’s technique (KT), a modification of Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN), in diagnosing pulmonary TB.
Methods: It was prospective study. Both gender, suspected TB were included. Those cannot produce sputum were excluded. Sputum sample was collected, and smears were prepared, stained and observed under microscope as per the guidelines. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: The study detected 151 smear-positive lung TB cases, predominantly male (55%). ZN outperformed KT, with a detection rate of 94.7% versus 83.4%. Statistical analysis confirmed ZN’s greater sensitivity with a significant P value of 0.0017.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of effective TB diagnostics, especially in LMICs. ZN superior sensitivity, demonstrated by higher detection rates and statistical analysis, suggests that integrating ZN with advanced molecular techniques could greatly enhance TB control and reduce its global impact.
3.
Comparative Evaluation of Buprenorphine and Dexmedetomidine As Adjuvants To Bupivacaine in Spinal Anaesthesia Among Those Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries
Jami John Sudhakar, Pradeep Kumar Karem, Laxmi Chaitanya Ramathoti, Yellapu Jhansi Lakshmi
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal anesthesia (SA) is essential for abdominal surgeries, using adjuvants like Buprenorphine and Dexmedetomidine to enhance Bupivacaine’s effects. This study aims to compare their efficacy and side effects to optimize patient outcomes, examining how each adjuvant affects anesthesia duration and postoperative stability.
Methods: This study employs a randomized controlled trial design, in government Medical College, Rajamahendrawaram among those undergoing abdominal surgery. Participants are assigned to receive spinal anesthesia with either Buprenorphine or Dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to Bupivacaine. Outcomes measured include duration of sensory and motor blocks, time to first analgesic requirement, and patient satisfaction.
Results: In this study, 50 patients were equally divided into two groups, receiving SA with Buprenorphine or Dexmedetomidine. No significant differences were observed in the duration of sensory block or patient satisfaction scores. However, the time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer in Group A (P = 0.0023).
Conclusion: The study concluded that while both Buprenorphine and Dexmedetomidine effectively prolong spinal anesthesia, Buprenorphine extends the time to first analgesic requirement more significantly than Dexmedetomidine. Both adjuvants showed similar patient satisfaction and sensory block duration, underscoring their utility in clinical settings for abdominal surgeries.
4.
Comparison of Topical Methotrexate Lontophoresis versus Topical Calcipotriol in Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Sappa Rama Tulasi, Trisandhya Palla, Thotla Kavya, Akondi Sai Hrudaya Samhitha, SMS Naga Hiranmai
Abstract
Introduction: Psoriasis, affecting 2.3% of dermatology outpatients in India, often involves the palms and soles as palmoplantar psoriasis (PP), leading to significant discomfort. Treatment is challenging due to poor drug penetration. This study aims to compare the efficacy of iontophoresis-delivered topical methotrexate with topical calcipotriol in Palmoplantar psoriasis (PP) management.
Methods: It was a prospective study conducted in the department of Dermatology, Konaseema institute of Medical Sciences and Research foundation. Both gender with PP not on treatment for the last 1 year were included in the research. The medications were applied as per the study protocol. The efficacy of both treatments was evaluated using the percentage reduction in the ESIF score at the 4th and 8th weeks.
Results: Fifty patients were studied, with a mean age of 44.5 years and male predominance. The sole was most frequently involved (58%). At 4 weeks, both drugs showed similar improvement (~17%). By 8 weeks, methotrexate achieved a 38.8% reduction, significantly better than calcipotriol’s 22.7%, indicating superior long-term efficacy.
Conclusion: Methotrexate delivered through iontophoresis showed greater long-term efficacy than topical calcipotriol in treating palmoplantar psoriasis. Both therapies were similarly effective at four weeks, but methotrexate provided significantly better results by eight weeks, suggesting it as a promising alternative for localized, treatment-resistant cases with minimal systemic side effects.
5.
At Study on Various Demographic Factors of Histologically Confirmed Lung Cancer in and Around Rajamahendravaram District
Nitish Guduri, N. Pramod Philip, D. Sowmya, Praveen Lolla, T. Jaya Chandra
Abstract
Introduction: Lung cancer (LC) is the most prevalent cancer globally, with 2.2 million new cases in 2020, significantly affecting older individuals, especially smokers. This study examines the demographic factors influencing LC, focusing on age, sex, socioeconomic status, and exposure risks to develop targeted prevention and early detection strategies.
Methods: It was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in GSL Medical College. Necessary approvals were obtained. Both genders, > 18 years with histologically diagnosed LC were included in the study. Participants were briefed about the study and given a physical and clinical examination. Data including demographic details, smoking history, and family history were recorded. BMI was calculated and income categorization was done.
Results: This study of 87 NSCLC cases showed a mean age of 61.3 years, predominantly affecting males (59) with a high incidence in the 61-70 age group. Adenocarcinoma was most common, especially among non-smokers. Most patients were overweight and from middle-income backgrounds. Lung cancer subtypes varied by smoking status and income.
Conclusion: This study affirmed that NSCLC mainly impacts older males, especially in the 61-70 age range, reflecting global trends. The prevalence of adenocarcinoma in non-smokers and links to socioeconomic status and BMI highlight the disease’s complex causes, necessitating personalized management and prevention strategies.
6.
Changes in Lipid Profile and its Association with CD4 Count in HIV Patients Undergoing Haart
Meshram KW, Tadas AK, Munghate SC, Singh Priya
Abstract
Introduction & Objectives: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries. While the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has improved survival and quality of life in people living with HIV (PLHIV), its long-term use has been associated with metabolic complications, including dyslipidaemia. This study was conducted to evaluate longitudinal changes in lipid profile and its association with CD4 counts in HIV-positive patients after initiation of HAART.
Materials & Methods: This prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in central India between May 2021 and October 2022. Ninety HAART-naïve, HIV-positive adults aged 18–65 years were enrolled after applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline (prior to HAART initiation), and at 3- and 6-months post-HAART initiation for lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL) and CD4 count estimation. Biochemical analyses were done using a fully automated biochemistry analyzer and CD4 counts by flow cytometry. ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used for group comparisons, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to assess relationship between CD4 count and lipid parameters.
Results: The mean age of the study population was 38 years, with males constituting 64.4% of participants. At baseline, 44.4% of patients had severe immunosuppression (CD4 < 200 cells/µl). CD4 counts significantly increased from 277.5 ± 198.1 cells/µl at baseline to 486.6 ± 180.0 cells/µl after 6 months of HAART (
p<0.001). Serum triglycerides and total cholesterol levels significantly increased at 3 and 6 months (
p<0.05), while HDL levels showed a decreasing trend but were not statistically significant. A 30% prevalence of dyslipidaemia, predominantly hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, was observed. CD4 counts were positively correlated with triglycerides (
r=0.259,
p=0.014) and total cholesterol (
r=0.326,
p=0.002), but not significantly correlated with HDL.
Discussion: HAART significantly improves immune function as indicated by rising CD4 counts but is associated with adverse changes in lipid metabolism. The observed dyslipidaemia may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications if left unchecked. The significant correlation between CD4 counts and lipid parameters suggests that lipid profile monitoring could provide insights into immunological status, especially in resource-constrained settings where CD4 testing is not always accessible.
7.
Evaluation of the Impact of Probiotics on Gut Health in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Amit Kumar Ranjan, Ashok Kumar Agarwal
Abstract
Background: Symptoms of the functional gastrointestinal illness known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include changes in bowel habits, persistent gas, and abdominal pain. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and probiotics have emerged as a potential treatment option to enhance gut health by restoring microbial balance.
Objective: Aiming to assess the effect of probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal health in Palamu, Jharkhand-based individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Methods: Over the course of three months, 108 adults diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using Rome IV criteria participated in this prospective interventional trial. A probiotic supplement was given to the participants every day for eight weeks. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using assessment measures such as the IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS), Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), and the IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBS-QoL). Paired t-tests and analysis of variance were used to analyse the data in SPSS v25.
Results: The mean IBS-SSS score significantly decreased from 296.2 ± 52.1 at baseline to 178.4 ± 45.7 at week 8 (p < 0.001). Normal stool consistency (BSFS types 3–4) improved from 28.7% at baseline to 67.6% by week 8. The mean IBS-QoL score improved from 54.3 ± 11.8 to 72.9 ± 10.4 (p < 0.001). No serious adverse events were reported, and compliance was high.
Conclusion: Probiotics proved effective in alleviating IBS symptoms and improving gut health and quality of life in a rural patient population. These findings support the incorporation of probiotics as a safe and accessible adjunct therapy in IBS management, particularly in resource-limited settings like Palamu.
8.
Factors Influencing Timely Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rajasthan
Kaptan Singh Yadav, Radhey Sankhala, Sunil Singh Rathore, Tanvi Ahalawat
Abstract
Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality globally. Timely intervention is crucial, with international guidelines recommending symptom-to-door time under 120 minutes and door-to-balloon (D2B) time under 90 minutes to improve outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to delays in symptom-to-door and door-to-balloon times among AMI patients in Rajasthan and to compare clinical outcomes between those receiving timely intervention (<90 minutes) and those experiencing delays.
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted at the Emergency Department of Narayana Super Specialty Hospital, Jaipur, from July 2023 to December 2024. A total of 400 patients diagnosed with STEMI, NSTEMI, or new-onset LBBB were included. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, mode of transport, and time intervals related to AMI management were collected using structured questionnaires. Key metrics such as symptom-to-door time and Door to Balloon time were statistically analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA (significance at p<0.05).
Results: The mean age of participants was 58.7 ± 11.2 years. The average symptom-to-door and Door to Balloon times were 133±48 and 95±15 minutes, respectively. Delays were significantly associated with rural residence, low education, lower socioeconomic status, and use of public transport. Conversely, EMS use and ambulance transport led to shorter times. Patients with diabetes and atypical symptoms had greater delays, while those with chest pain or previous MI presented earlier.
Conclusion: Multiple sociodemographic and clinical factors contribute to delays in AMI management. Enhancing EMS access, raising public awareness, and addressing healthcare disparities are essential to improve timely reperfusion and reduce AMI-related morbidity and mortality in Rajasthan.