Demographic Profile Of Patients Research Articles

Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin: A Novel Biomarker Determining Steroid Responsiveness in Nephrotic Syndrome.

Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) has been demonstrated to be a powerful marker of progression in chronic kidney disease. The present study was done to find out the ability of uNGAL as a biomarker to differentiate steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS), and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) from each other. The cross-sectional study included 45 patients with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (INS) (15 each of SSNS, SDNS, and SRNS). uNGAL was measured by ELISA. Demographic profile of patients with INS, lab parameters including Serum albumin, cholesterol, urinary albumin, creatinine, etc., were estimated using standard laboratory methods. Various statistical methods were used to assay the usefulness of NGAL as a diagnostic marker. Among the three groups, the median value of uNGAL was 8.68 ng/ml in SSNS, higher in SDNS (32.8 ng/ml), and highest in the SRNS group (50 ng/ml). The receiver operating curve (ROC) was generated for uNGAL to differentiate between SDNS and SSNS. Cut-off 13.26 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 97.4%, PPV 92.9%, and NPV 87.5 % with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.958. Another ROC was generated for uNGAL to differentiate between SRNS and SDNS, and cut-off 40.02 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 86.7% with an AUC of 0.907. A similar result was observed when ROC was generated to differentiate SRNS from SSNS and SDNS combined. uNGAL can distinguish between SSNS, SDNS, and SRNS.

Correlation of clinical features, cytological, and histopathological findings of breast lumps

Background: Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of females worldwide. Variety of breast lesions ranging from inflammatory to benign to malignancy can present as palpable breast lump. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of this lump can prevent a significant morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is simple, readily available, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tool for evaluating breast lump. Aims and Objectives: (i) Correlation of FNAC findings with histopathology (HPE) diagnosis; (ii) To evaluate clinical presentation and demographic profile of patients with breast lump. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out from June 2021 to July 2022 at C. U. Shah Medical College and Hospital, Surendranagar, in the General Surgery department along with the Pathology department. It was a prospective observational type of study which included 75 patients presented with breast lump. All the patients were evaluated clinically and then investigated by FNAC and either core biopsy or excision biopsy then sample sent to the pathology department. Results of the FNAC were categorized and correlated with HPE findings. Results: In our study, benign lesions were more common than malignant ones on FNAC. Among benign lesions, fibroadenoma was the most common (36/75 cases) lesion involving the young females (20–29 years), followed by fibrocystic disease (16/75 cases). Malignant lesions-carcinomas were found (6/75 cases) in the age group of 30–39 years. Two out of 75 cases were of phyllodes tumors, followed by other benign lesions in small numbers. Cytological findings were consistent with HPE reports in 72 cases with the sensitivity of 100% and 98.55% specificity. Conclusion: Findings of FNAC are correlated well with HPE reports which are considered the gold standard method for tissue diagnosis. In addition, FNAC is a simple, rapid, easily available, outpatient department based, and cheap procedure with high sensitivity and specificity. Hence, it can be used as an early diagnostic tool for evaluation of the patient with breast lump and ultimately will guide the clinician to determine the line of treatment.

Anaemia in Pregnancy, Severity and Outcome in Lumbini Province, Nepal

INTRODUCTION Anemia is common nutritional deficiency disorder in pregnant women. It is important cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women. We evaluated pregnant women presenting to UCMS-TH with hemoglobin level less than 9 gm/dl with reference to maternal and fetal outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS Total of 255 women presenting with moderate to severe anemia at our hospital were evaluated. Demographic profile of patients, maternal outcomes and fetal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Most of patients were from rural area (78%) of which majority (69.8%) were unbooked. Severe anemia was present in 16.5% cases. Maternal complications included preterm labor (23.1%), post partum hemorrhage (19.2%), wound infection (8.6%), ante partum hemorrhage (5.5%), intensive care unit admission (4.3%) and mortality (0.4%). Fetal outcomes included neonatal intensive care unit admission (29.8%), intrauterine growth restriction (9%) and neonatal death (7.5%). CONCLUSION Severity of anemia associated with significant increase in PPH, preterm delivery, ICU admission and heart failure.

Step-in step-down approach in the management of bronchial asthma in adolescents and adults.

Despite the step-up step-down approach of asthma management suggested by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), control of asthma continues to be poor. It was hypothesized that a new "Step-in Step-down approach" could prove to be a better alternative. The present study was carried out with the objective to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of this new approach in the control of asthma. All treatment-naïve asthma patients were randomly allocated to either Group I (patients received budesonide 400 μg + formoterol 6 μg twice daily via dry powder inhalation device along with as-needed salbutamol) or Group II (patients received stepwise treatment as per GINA guidelines, 2017). Patients were monitored on a fortnightly basis for control of symptoms, spirometry, and complications if any. Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-7) was used to assess control of asthma. Adverse effects, if any, were recorded and managed appropriately. Step-down was attempted on achieving sustained control of asthma, i.e., ACQ score of <0.75 on two consecutive fortnight assessments in both the groups. In Group I patients, long-acting β2-agonist was withdrawn first. Subsequently, a dose of budesonide was also reduced. In Group II patients, the treatment was decreased to the next lower step medicines as per the GINA guidelines. After exclusions, a total of 787 patients were randomized to either Group I or II. The demographic profile of patients in the two groups was similar. Patients on "step-in step-down" approach had a statistically significant advantage over those on conventional step-up step-down approach in terms of (a) time to the first control (271 vs. 98 within first 4 weeks), (b) need for rescue steroids (two patients in Group 1 vs. 40 in Group 2), (c) number of exacerbations (30 vs. 232), and (d) use of rescue SABA (Only 30 patients in group I required > 5 inhalations per week as compared to all in group II). Adverse reactions were not observed in any of the patients in either group. We conclude that step-in step-down approach is a more robust and safer approach for control of asthma.

Epidemiology and natural history of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Russia

Aim. To study the clinical and demographic profile of patients with non-metatstatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and clinical approaches to the treatment of nmCRPC in the context of daily medical practice before and after progression M1 stage.Materials and methods. The multicenter non-interventional epidemiological study were included 200 patients with a documented diagnosis of nmCRPC from 2019 to 2020. Each patient visited twice: start and after 6 months. Of the 200 patients included, 9 were excluded from the analysis presented in this article: 1 patient had no information on inclusi- on criteria, 1 patient did not meet the inclusion criteria, 7 patients did not attend visit 2. Thus, data are presented for 191 patients.Results and conclusion. The median age was 74.3 years (range 55 to 91). 72 % (137/191) had a disability group. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (n = 115) and hypercholesterolemia (n = 56). The median time from the diagnosis of prostate cancer to the development of castration resistance (diagnosis of nmCRPC) was 75 months. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) nadir (0.37 ng/ml on average) was achieved after 15 months of prostate cancer therapy (median time to reach PSA nadir). At the same time, PSA doubling time in most cases (47.6 %; 91/191) was less than 6 months, 18.8 % of persons (36/191) had PSA doubling time for more than 10 months.

Crossing Vessel in Pelvi Ureteric Junction Obstruction: A Histopathological Analysis.

The aim of the study is to identify whether crossing vessel is a cause or an associated finding in Pelvi Ureteric Junction Obstruction. This is a prospective study of a total of 128 patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty from January 2016 to June 2020. All patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty and pelvi ureteric junction segments were sent for histopathological examination. The presence of crossing vessels is documented intraoperative and patients were divided into two groups, group 1 having pelvi ureteric junction obstruction with crossing vessel, and group 2, pelvi ureteric junction obstruction without crossing vessels. Histopathological examination findings of pelvi ureteric junction segment including inflammation, fibrosis, muscle hypertrophy, muscle disarray, and synaptophysin were recorded. Unpaired Student t-test was used for comparing differences between continuous normally distributed data from 2 samples and non-parametric tests were applied for continuous data. Of the total 128 patients, crossing vessels were identified in 42 (32.8%), and 86 (67.2%) were without crossing vessels. The demographic profile of patients between the 2 groups was comparable. On histopathological examination, moderate-to-severe chronic inflammation was seen in 23.8% and 44.2% (P > .05) in group 1 and group 2, respectively; fibrosis and muscular hypertrophy were higher in group 2 but statistically insignificant (P > .05), and muscle disarray was higher in group 1 but statistically insignificant (P > .05). Synaptophysin was positive in 4.8% and 4.7% in group 1 and group 2, respectively. The differences in histopathological examination between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. However, in patients with crossing vessels, there was a higher degree of inflammation, which may lead to early pelvi ureteric junction obstruction.

Socioeconomic and demographic profile of breast cancer patients: A single-institution experience

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among females all over the world, with high prevalence rate in developed and developing countries alike. Since the last decade, breast cancer made a huge jump and became the most common cancer among women in India, in cities, as well as in rural areas, thereby posing a grave public health threat that demands increasing attention. OBJECTIVES: To study socioeconomic and demographic profile of patients with breast cancer attending a tertiary cancer care center in North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study made up of 213 patients registered in a cancer care center of Delhi over a period of 1 year. Study subjects were histopathologically confirmed cases of breast cancer. The data were collected by employing pretested, structured questionnaire including information such as age, income, religion, occupation, education, and residence after taking prior consent from patients and concerned authorities from the institution. RESULTS: More than half of the patients were in the 41–60-year-old category. One hundred and seventy-nine patients out of the total 213 hailed from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, implying that the institute mostly caters to the patients hailing from Northern Indian states. Laborers and people from lower socioeconomic class made the greater part of the patient sample size, and cases of distant metastasis were also found mostly in the people from lower socioeconomic class. CONCLUSION: Factors such as low levels of literacy, financial constraints, rural residence, and lack of awareness were associated with higher incidence and late presentation of breast cancer.

Psychological Distress, Emotional Regulation, and Demographic Profile of Patients with Substance-Related Disorders

The main objective of the present research was to study psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress) and its relationship with emotional regulation in patients with substance-related disorders. Emotional regulation and psychological distress are directly linked as psychological distress takes place when an individual has difficulties with regulating their emotions. It was a correlational study that followed a cross-sectional research design. G power analysis with a medium effect size suggested a 153-sample size. A sample of 155 men in the age range of 18 to 55(M=30.39, SD=7.97) was drawn from government hospitals admitted for the treatment of the substance-related disorders through purposive sampling. Demographic information sheet, Drug History Performa, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-42 (DASS 42), and Emotional Regulation scale were used to collect data. Descriptive analysis, for demographic and social variables, depicted most of the participants belonged to a lower socioeconomic class. The mean duration of drug addiction was 12 years (SD =2.45). Most of the participants were multiple drug abusers. Peer pressure, failure in love affairs, and stress were reasons for drug addiction while reasons for relapse were peer pressure along with withdrawal symptoms and cessation of treatment. Descriptive analysis revealed that expressive-suppression emotional regulation strategies were common in study participants. Pearson product-moment correlational analysis demonstrates a significant positive relationship between psychological distress and expressive-suppression emotional regulation. In the present population, both social (peer pressure and bad company of friends) and psychological (stress, loneliness, curiosity and failure in love affair) factors are proven related to drug addiction problems. It is important to consider them for assessment as well as therapeutic intervention plans for patients with substance-related disorders.

Assessment of patients’ satisfaction through dietary services in government and private hospitals in India

Consumer satisfaction is a keyfeaturein delineating the quality of offered services.Similarly, in hospitals, satisfaction of patientswith the dietary services is considered as one of theparameters of estimation of quality of hospitals’ food services. Food provided in the hospital must be nutritious and must qualify the clinical needs of patients along with fulfilling their dietary expectations. A satisfied patients responds to the clinical treatment in a much better way than discontented. Thus, to improve the health care system, in parallel to the development of other sectors, considering the patient satisfactionas benchmark of dietary service is seen as a pivotal factor.Such studied are essential for improvement in hospital service quality and in India relatively lesser research is done in this field. In the present study we aimed to examine the factors that could influence the dietary satisfaction of patients and could be used to amend the food services in hospital. We took qualitative and non-experimental approach where we used questionnaire as our data collection tool where we collected demographic profile of patients, their nutritional status along with the type of facilities they are availing.

Physician awareness and attitudes regarding early warning score systems in mainland China: a cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the application of the early warning score system (EWS-S) and gauge physician awareness, perceptions of necessity and attitudes regarding these tools based on previously experienced unnoticed clinical deterioration (CDET). A cross-sectional survey was carried out via an online questionnaire at a large 3,500-bed Class 3A general hospital in China. A total of 299 physicians of adult general wards were asked to answer a translated questionnaire that was localised from the original version. Demographic profiles of patients were included as well as three other sections assessing awareness of CDET/EWS-S and gauging attitudes towards and perceptions of the necessity of EWS-S at our hospital. A high level of physician awareness of the CDET problem was observed. Most physicians knew about the existence of a systematic assessment tool for clinical application. Physicians with previous experience in reanimation, unplanned transfer to intensive care unit (UTICU) and/or death tended to consider EWS-S necessary in attentive and well-trained staff (p < 0.05). Physicians who had previous experience with UTICU were more likely to recommend implementing EWS-S in their wards compared with those without such experience (p < 0.05). Most physicians have positive attitudes towards EWS-S. However, their awareness should be further heightened. Physicians who had previous experience with CDET/UTICU were more likely to employ EWS-S in their clinical practices. To better facilitate the implementation of EWS-S in Chinese hospitals, existing facilities, policy supports, standardised managements and the development of information systems should be strengthened.

Clinical and demographic profile of vernal keratoconjunctivitis at a tertiary eye care hospital in national capital region of India

To study the clinical and demographic profile of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) at a tertiary eye care center in NCR of India. A total of 92 patients with active VKC, were included in the study. Age, gender, personal and family allergies, presenting symptoms, duration of disease, complete ocular examination and complications were recorded. The Mean age at presentation was 9 years with male to female ratio of 3.4:1. Majority of the patients had mixed pattern disease (72.8%). Chronic perennial disease was seen in 44% patients. Personal or family history of allergies was noted in 9.8% patients. Moderate to severe vision loss was seen in 8.7% of cases. The commonest complication was peripheral corneal neovascularisation in 7.6% patients. VKC is the disease of childhood,and males are more commonly affected. In this region,mixed type and with perennial diseaseis the most common form.

Characterization of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the integrated development region of the Federal District and Surrounding Areas (RIDE), Brazil, between 2017 and 2019

IntroductionGuillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy that primarily affects the peripheral nerves. Following the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America, all the Latin American and Brazilian studies conducted reported an increase in the incidence of GBS. The present study aims to characterize the clinical and demographic profile of patients with GBS, according to electrophysiological estudies. MethodsThis is a clinical cohort study based on data from medical charts and interviews conducted at the homes of GBS cases identified by three data sources, admitted to and treated at a tertiary referral hospital between March 2017 and May 2019. ResultsThere was a high level of diagnostic certainty among the 51 GBS cases monitored, with most classified as exhibiting acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). The majority of the individuals were of working age, with an average schooling level. Diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infection were the previous events most reported. Most cases were admitted to the hospital unable to walk and the main complication identified was aspiration pneumonia. ConclusionThe findings indicate the need to rethink the care of patients with GBS in order to minimize the possibility of future complications during hospitalization that may lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Eating and nutritional habits in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundThere are few studies that relate eating and nutritional habits to the severity of the disease and demographic profile in patients with schizophrenia. ObjectiveTo describe eating and nutritional habits and their relationship with the severity of the disease in patients with schizophrenia. MethodCross-sectional descriptive study. Sample: 31 patients with schizophrenia (ICD-10) under outpatient treatment. Inclusion criteria: age 18–65 years, clinically stable and, written informed consent. Assessment: Demographic, clinical characteristics (CGI-SCH, length of illness, BMI, abdominal perimeter), ad hoc questionnaire (eating, nutritional, and physical activity). ResultsMean age 43.13(SD = 7.85) years, males 61.3%. Mean severity of illness was 3.94(SD = 1.06), mean duration of the illness 18.42(SD = 8.27) years. 74.2% used to eatweekly fat meat and 64.5% less than 3−4 servings of fish, 77.4% less than 3 servings of fruit per day, and 51.6% drink less than 1 L of water. 83.9% used to drink coffee daily, 2.81(SD = 2.02) cups per day. Patients showed lower levels of Vitamin A, D, E, K1, C, folic acid, and magnesium. 93.5% did not fulfill the WHO recommendations on physical activity. Only retinol (r = −0.602, P = .039) and vitamin K1 (r = −0.693, P = .012) in women were related to the severity of illness. ConclusionsOutpatients with schizophrenia do not follow WHO recommendations on healthy diets, neither physical activity. Both clinical severity of the illness and marital status and cohabitation were associated with poor eating habits and nutrients deficit. These data should be taken into account by the nursing staff when implementing specific care in routine clinical practice.

Intermittent Manually Controlled versus Continuous Infusion of Propofol for Procedural Sedation during Interventional Endoscopic Procedures: A Single-blinded Randomised Study

Introduction: Sedation with propofol during interventional gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually accomplished with two main modes-intermittent manually controlled using a syringe, and continuous infusion using an infusion device. Aim: To compare the effect of bolus administration and infusion of propofol on recovery profile during sedation in patients undergoing interventional endoscopy procedures. Materials and Methods: The present study was a singleblinded randomised study in which 120 patients, belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II, of either gender, and age 18-70 years, were randomly assigned to receive intermittent bolus (Bolus Group, BG) or continuous infusion (Infusion Group, IG) of propofol sedation after induction with 2 mg Midazolam for deep sedation. BG patients received an initial dose of propofol, 1%, according to body weight (&lt;60 kg: 40 mg, &gt;60 kg: 60 mg), followed by boluses of 10- 20 mg adjusted to maintain a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness /Sedation Scale (MOAA/S) of 0 or 1. In the IG, continuous propofol infusion (4-6 mg/kg/hr) via Graseby 2000 (Smiths Medical) was administered after a bolus of 1 mg/ kg of propofol. Vital signs, recovery time, quality of recovery, total dose of propofol, side-effects as well as patient and endoscopist satisfaction score were evaluated. The data was compiled systematically and analysed using unpaired Student’s t-test and Chi-square test. The p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: The demographic profile of patients was comparable in both the groups. The recovery time (6.30±2.06 minutes in BG versus 5.71±2.19 minutes in IG) and total propofol dose (327.74±45.52 mg in BG versus 314.46±64.52 mg in IG) were comparable. Similarly, the quality of recovery was identical in both groups. At 10 and 15 minutes after induction, arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in group BG as compared to group IG (114±16.96 in BG versus 120.34±8.78 in IG; p-value=0.031). The endoscopist’s satisfaction score was better in IG (p-value=0.001), whereas, the patient satisfaction score was comparable in both the groups (p-value=0.162). Conclusion: Both regimes allowed good controllability of propofol sedation. However, endoscopist satisfaction score was significantly better and haemodynamic fluctuations were less in infusion group.

Clinical and histopathological aspects of lichenoid dermatitis in patients of retroviral diseases.

Context:Lichen planus (LP) is known to be associated with viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, but its association with HIV is rarely reported. Lichenoid drug eruptions have been implicated as the side effects of anti-retroviral therapy.Aims and Objectives:The aim of this study is to study demographics, clinical, histological, and immunological profile of the HIV patients presenting with lichenoid dermatitis.Subjects and Methods:HIV patients presenting with LP such as lesions were evaluated with complete history and physical examination. Demographic profile of patients was studied with features such as age, sex, duration of disease, distribution of the lesions, CD4 count, concomitant medications, associated comorbidities, and response to the treatment.Results:Twenty-one HIV patients presenting with LP such as lesions were studied. Of these, 20 patients had LP and one patient had lichenoid drug reaction. The age of the patient ranged from 40 to 60 years with no sex predilection. The duration of lesions ranged from 15 days to 7 years. Eleven patients had simultaneous cutaneous and oral involvement, five patients had only oral involvement and four patients of LP and one patient of lichenoid drug reaction had only cutaneous lesions. All the patients were on antiretroviral therapy, mainly on lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine. Almost all the patients had CD4 count of more than 250 at the time of presentation. One patient was diagnosed to have lupus erythematosus and LP overlap. Patients were treated with oral medications such as corticosteroids, methotrexate, and dapsone and topical medications such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.Conclusions:The appearance of LP such as lesions in HIV patients is a rare occurrence with 11 cases of LP reported till date. Our case series of 20 patients will throw light on possible etiology and difficulties in the management of LP such as lesions in HIV patients.

Demographic Profile of Patients with Corneal Blindness at Tertiary Health Care Centre

Objective: To study the etiopathogenesis, age, gender distribution and visual impairment due to corneal blindness in a tertiary health care centre. In addition, to create awareness for eye donation among the population.&#x0D; Methods: The study was a cross sectional study conducted at a university hospital. Patients who arrived at the outpatient department while the study was ongoing had their demographic profiles recorded. Corneal blindness was defined by presenting a VA 3/60 by corneal disease in the affected eye. The experts made the diagnosis. 56 patients of both gender and age were included in study.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of corneal blindness was found to more in men than women were and is more in patients with age &gt;50 and &lt; 10 years. The prevalence is more in rural population than urban among which farmer are most involved&#x0D; Conclusion: To decrease the burden of the corneal blindness patient in developing countries like India, there is need of educating the population about preventive measures and development and modernisation of ophthalmic centres.

Demographic profile of patients and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour in a South African district hospital.

BackgroundSuicidal behaviour comprises self-destructive thoughts coupled with attempts at suicide, which negatively impacts the patient, family, friends, and their community. There is a paucity of data on factors influencing suicidal thoughts and behaviour in South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic profile and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour.MethodsIn this retrospective descriptive and observational study, 282 medical records of patients with suicidal behaviour were studied. The risk factors and age at occurrence were tabulated. Descriptive analyses were undertaken to understand how they were distributed across key socio-demographic groups.ResultsSuicidal behaviour was particularly prominent amongst the female population. The suicidal ideation, plan and non-fatal suicide were reported by 48.6%, 29.1% and 36.5%, of patients respectively. The prevalence for suicidal ideation was significantly higher in females (54.5% vs. 31.5%; p < 0.0007) but not for suicidal plan (28.7% vs. 30.1%; p < 0.81) and suicidal attempt (37.3% vs. 34.2%; p = 0.63) as compared with males. Suicidal behaviour was positively associated with depression (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with age (r = −0.16, p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that suicidal behaviour was influenced by female gender, poor social support, depression and a family history of non-fatal suicide.ConclusionThis research has confirmed an association between female sex and factors associated with a higher risk of suicidal behaviour.

Sociodemographic profile of women with abnormal vaginal flora: a prospective study

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and association of abnormal vaginal flora with socio demographic profile of patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The present study was undertaken in outpatient’s department of obstetrics and gynaecology, government medical college, Patiala. We studied 300 cases with symptoms and signs of vaginal infections in the reproductive age group (15-49 years). After taking detailed history, examination and collecting samples of vaginal discharge, patients were subjected to colposcopy followed by microbiological analysis of vaginal discharge. Recorded data was analysed for prevalence and sociodemographic profile of affected women.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The prevalence rate of vaginal infections was 31% among patients who had reported to us with symptoms and signs of vaginal infections. The most common micro-organism detected was &lt;em&gt;B. vaginosis&lt;/em&gt; (BV) in 14%, &lt;em&gt;C. albicans &lt;/em&gt;(C) in 12% and &lt;em&gt;T. vaginalis&lt;/em&gt; (T) in 3.33%. It was analysed that association is more with 25-34 years age, low education level, lower socioeconomic status, unemployed and with married and multiparous group. White and watery discharge characteristic were found to be more common. Lower abdominal pain, dysuria and backache were the most prevalent co-morbidities associated with vaginal infections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;We concluded that vaginal discharge is a common gynaecological complaint and vaginal infections are an important cause of vaginal discharge thus leading to significant proportion of female morbidity in sexually active age group. Education and women’s empowerment can prove powerful methods to solve this feminine issue.&lt;/p&gt;

Prospective study to analyze clinico-epidemiological profile of patients presenting with liver abscess at tertiary care centers

Background: Liver abscess is an ancient disease bothering mankind since ages and continues to be a common health problem in India. Both of its subtypes i.e., amoebic and pyogenic, continues to pose serious challenge to the Indian health care system.Aims and objectives: To determine the demographic profile of patients, to assess type of liver abscess prevalent in the region and to assess etiological factors of the disease.Methods: Study was conducted in two tertiary care and referral hospitals in the Indian national capital region and a govt. hospital in Punjab from 01 July 2016 to 31 December 2019 and the patients were followed up till June 2020 with the last recruited patient getting a six month follow up. Diagnosis was confirmed by sonography and examination of aspirate. Positive routine bacteriological culture of the pus and a positive response to routine antibiotics made up for the pyogenic liver abscess category.Results: Liver abscess commonly affects middle aged males of low socioeconomic status. Diabetics and alcohol (both Indian made foreign liquor and the local country liquor) are biggest risk factors. Majority have raised leukocyte counts while Alkaline phosphatase is the most commonly deranged liver function test marker, raised to more than twice of the normal range in most cases. Right lobe involvement, right sided pleural effusion and raised right hemidiaphragm are seen in plain chest X-ray. Fever and pain abdomen are the most common presenting complaints. USG abdomen is an effective diagnostic modality that also serves to guide intervention procedures.Conclusions: Early diagnosis and timely intervention produces best results.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 05 No. 04 October’21 Page: 473-477

Linear lesions in dermatology: a clinicoaetiopathological study.

Linear lesions are fairly common in our daily practice. However, the appearance of these lesions can vary, thus complicating the diagnosis. To study the various clinical presentations, the demographic profile of patients and the clinicopathological correlations of dermatoses presenting with a linear distribution. We conducted an institution-based, cross-sectional, descriptive study of 281 consecutive patients with linear lesions attending dermatology clinics. MedCalc software (V11.6) was used for statistical analysis. Patients were divided into eight groups: lesions along the lines of Blaschko (n = 136), lesions along blood vessels (n = 3), lesions along lymphatics (n = 3), Koebner phenomenon (n = 24), autoinoculation (n = 24), external factors (n = 45), infestations (n = 2) and 'other' (n = 44). The mean age at presentation was 24.50 ± 18.82 years and the male/female ratio was 1.32 : 1. The commonest symptom was itching/burning (56.94% of patients), while the commonest site was the arm (44.48%); followed by the leg (30.60%), trunk and abdomen (22.42%), head and neck (19.20%), and genitalia (0.35%). Apart from the common cases, there was a wide gamut of rare conditions (e.g. angiokeratoma circumscriptum naeviforme, porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct naevus, Blaschko-linear syringocystadenoma papilliferum, progressive cribriform and zosteriform hyperpigmentation, unilateral naevoid acanthosis nigricans, fixed drug eruption, discoid lupus erythematosus). Linear lesions act as diagnostic clues to many dermatological conditions, therefore, the importance of meticulous examination in clinical dermatology cannot be overemphasized.