Hospital Of West Bengal Research Articles

A study on the prevalence of scrub typhus among pediatric population in a rural tertiary care hospital in West Bengal

A study on the prevalence of scrub typhus among pediatric population in a rural tertiary care hospital in West Bengal

Systematic Barriers to Quality Mental Health Care and Services in Selected Mental Hospitals in West Bengal

Systematic Barriers to Quality Mental Health Care and Services in Selected Mental Hospitals in West Bengal

Study of Correlation of Apgar Score and Thompson Score with Hepatic Function in Perinatal Asphyxia Affected Neonates—A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the country. It leads to multi-organ failure with brain involvement as the major organ of concern (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy). Hepatic dysfunction is also a feature of perinatal asphyxia. Objectives: To detect hepatic dysfunction in birth asphyxia. To correlate the liver damage with increasing severity of birth asphyxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy through Apgar score and Thompson score. Methods: In this prospective observational study, after ethical clearance and informed consent from the parents, babies of gestational age >35 weeks weighing >1.8 kg, Apgar score <7 at 1 minute received in the newborn unit of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India were enrolled. Thompson’s score was assessed every day. The liver function test of these patients was assessed on days 1, 3, 10, and 15. Ultrasonography of the whole abdomen was performed on days 1 and 14 of life to rule out other probable causes of hepatic injury. Results: A total of 308 neonates were studied, of which Apgar score at 1 minute indicates that 99 (32.14%) of the newborns had severe birth asphyxia and the rest had moderate birth asphyxia. All the liver enzymes except total protein and albumin showed a significant rise on days 1 and 3 with increasing severity of asphyxia. This correlation was seen with Apgar score at 1 minute on day 1 with TSB (r = -0.256, P < .001), AST (r = -0.209, P < .01), ALT (r = -0.178, P < .002), ALP (r = -0.174, P < .002). As per Thompson score, total serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase showed maximum correlation on days 1 (r = 0.253, P < .001, r = 0.187, P < .001 and r = 0.268, P < .001, respectively) and on day 3 (r = 0.159, P < .005, r = 0.231, P < .001, and r = 0.190, P < .002, respectively). Conclusion: Thompson score and Apgar score can be correlated to perinatal asphyxia-related hepatic injury.

Burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis by the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and its clinico-epidemiological aspects at a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal

Multidrug -resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) is a serious threat to mankind. India has the highest number of MDRTB cases, although majority remain undiagnosed due to inadequate diagnostic infrastructure, leading to increased community transmission and mortality. This one-year observational retrospective study highlighted the effectiveness of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) for prompt detection of drug-resistant TB by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and revealed its associated clinico-epidemiological factors. The overall detection rates of MTB and RRTB were 20.70 % and 20.86 % respectively. The pediatric population had 7.69 % rifampicin resistance, and HIV was strongly associated with the development of TB and RRTB (P < 0.01).

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Feasibility Trial.

This study aimed at examining the feasibility issues of comparing individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) with identical-looking placebos for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty eligible patients participated in this double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled feasibility trial in the outpatient clinics of a homeopathic hospital in West Bengal, India. Either IHMs or identical-looking placebos were administered, along with mutually agreed-upon concomitant care guidelines. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was the primary outcome measure, along with derived Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores from KOOS. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were the secondary outcomes. All were measured at baseline and after 2 months. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were estimated using an intention-to-treat approach. p-Values less than 0.05 (two-tailed) were considered statistically significant. Enrolment/screening and trial retention rates were 43% and 85% respectively. Recruitment was difficult owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Group differences were statistically significant, favoring IHMs against placebos in all the KOOS sub-scales: symptoms (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.002), activities of daily living (p < 0.001), sports or recreation (p = 0.016), and quality of life (p = 0.002). Derived WOMAC scores from KOOS favored IHMs against placebos: stiffness (p < 0.001) and pain (p < 0.001). The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire score (p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS scores (p < 0.001) also yielded significant results, favoring IHMs over placebos. All the effect sizes ranged from moderate to large. Sulphur was the most frequently prescribed homeopathic medication. Neither group reported any harm or serious adverse events. Although recruitment was sub-optimal due to prevailing COVID-19 conditions during the trial, the action of IHMs was found to be superior to that of placebos in the treatment of knee OA. Larger and more definitive studies, with independent replications, are warranted in order to substantiate the findings. CTRI/2021/02/031453.

Factors influencing vaccine acceptance in pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter study from West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT Influenza, COVID-19, tetanus, pertussis and hepatitis B pose increased risk for pregnant women and infants and could be mitigated by maternal immunization. In India Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, while influenza and tetanus-acellular pertussis-diphtheria (Tdap) vaccines are not. We conducted a multicenter study from November 2021 to June 2022 among pregnant women (n = 172) attending antenatal clinics in three public hospitals in West Bengal, to understand the factors that influence women’s decisions to get vaccinated during pregnancy. Questions assessed vaccination coverage, knowledge, intention and willingness to pay for influenza vaccine, and factors influencing decisions to get Td, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. 152/172 (88.4%) women were vaccinated with Td, 159/172 (93%) with COVID-19, 1/172 (0.6%) with influenza, and none with Tdap. 10/168 (6%) had received hepatitis B vaccine (HBV). Community health workers advice was crucial for Td uptake and, the belief of protection from COVID for COVID-19 vaccines. Most women were unaware about Tdap (96%), influenza (75%), and influenza severity during pregnancy and infancy (85%). None were advised for influenza vaccination by healthcare providers (HCP), albeit, 93% expressed willingness to take, and pay INR 100–300 (95% CI: ≤100 to 300–500) [$ 1.3–4.0 (95% CI: ≤1.3, 4–6.7)] for it. Vaccination on flexible dates and time, HCP’s recommendation, proximity to vaccination center, and husband’s support were most important for their vaccination decisions. Women were generally vaccine acceptors and had high uptake of vaccines included in the Universal Immunization Program (UIP). Inclusion of influenza, Tdap, and HBV into UIP may improve maternal vaccine uptake.

Thyroid Disorders among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study from a District Hospital in West Bengal.

The coexistence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (both type 1 and type 2) and thyroid dysfunction, two common endocrine problems, is scientifically predictable. The prevalence of thyroid disorders among type 2 diabetics (more prevalent in India) was studied among patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) of a district hospital in West Bengal to assess its relation with different characteristics of type 2 DM. A total of 120 patients suffering from type 2 DM (already diagnosed and on treatment) were randomly selected from the OPD (irrespective of their glycemic status). The thyroid status of all those patients was assessed. All diabetic patients were studied with a predesigned schedule and lab investigations for the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its association with pertinent variables from January to December 2019. This study found a 28.3% prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among diabetics. It was significantly associated with poor glycemic control [rising hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level] (actual p-value for HbA1c vs abnormal thyroid status = 2.4 E-21) but not with other variables, including the duration of diabetes. Screening for thyroid dysfunction among diabetic persons should be routine, and strict glycemic control is essential.

A study on infection control practices among laboratory staff of a district hospital in West Bengal

A study on infection control practices among laboratory staff of a district hospital in West Bengal

Etiological spectrum and diagnostic challenges of short-duration fever in West Bengal (India). A cross-sectional tertiary care study

IntroductionThe scarcity of epidemiological data on acute febrile illnesses from South Asia impairs evidence-based clinical decision-making. Our study aimed to explore the etiological spectrum of short-duration fever in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study from May 2021 to April 2022 involving 150 adult patients presenting with a fever lasting less than two weeks at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (West Bengal, India). We performed comprehensive clinical assessments, including microbiological, serological, and other specific investigations, to identify the causes of the fever. ResultsThe demographic profile predominantly included individuals aged 21–40 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1; 60.7% of participants were from rural areas. The primary etiological agents identified were scrub typhus (25.3%), dengue (15.3%), and enteric fever (13.3%). Notably, 80% of patients presented with non-localizing symptoms, while 14.7% had respiratory symptoms. Blood cultures pinpointed Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus in a minority of cases (3.3%); malaria, primarily Plasmodium vivax, was diagnosed in 12% of the cases. ConclusionOur findings highlight the complexity of diagnosing short-duration fevers, dominated by a wide range of etiological agents, with a notable prevalence of scrub typhus. These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic facilities, including the availability of scrub typhus testing at primary healthcare centers. We recommend empirical doxycycline therapy for suspected cases and emphasize the need for further research to develop management guidelines for acute febrile illnesses. This study also highlights the importance of raising both community and clinician awareness to prevent irrational antibiotic use.

Comparative Analysis of Tenecteplase versus Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multicentric Observational Study from Eastern India.

Tenecteplase is used as an alternative to alteplase and is considered noninferior for thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke. To compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of tenecteplase and alteplase in the real-world management of acute ischemic stroke. In this retrospective observational study, we collected data from acute ischemic stroke patients admitted in six hospitals in West Bengal, India, and were thrombolysed with tenecteplase or alteplase between July 2021 and June 2022. Demographic data, baseline parameters, hospital course, and 3-month follow-up data were collected. The percentage of patients achieving a score of 0-2 in the modified Ranking scale at 3 months, rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and all-cause mortality within 3 months were the main parameters of comparison between the two thrombolytic agents. A total of 162 patients were initially included in this study. Eight patients were excluded due to unavailability of follow-up data. Among the remaining patients, 71 patients received tenecteplase and 83 patients received alteplase. There was no statistically significant difference between tenecteplase and alteplase with respect to the percentage of patients achieving functional independence (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) at 3 months (53.5% vs. 60.2%, P = 0.706), rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (5.6% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.246), and all-cause mortality at 3 months (11.3% vs. 15.7%, P = 0.628). The effectiveness of tenecteplase is comparable to alteplase in the real-world management of acute ischemic stroke. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and all-cause mortality rates are also similar in real-world practice.

Ileal perforation-etiopathology and outcome – An observational study

Background: Ileal perforations have a diverse etiology and often present with perforative peritonitis in the surgical emergency. This study is based on the scenario of management of ileal perforation encountered in a tertiary teaching hospital in West Bengal. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study is to document and evaluate the post-operative outcome based on the diverse etiopathology, clinical presentation, and surgical management performed in patients having ileal perforation. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Deben Mahata Government Medical College, Purulia, West Bengal, for a period of 2 years from February 2020 to January 2022 with 60 patients introperatively diagnosed with ileal perforation. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was done in all the cases presenting with perforative peritonitis. Ileal perforation was identified and an edge biopsy was taken. Appropriate surgical treatment in the forms of primary repair/resection-anastomosis/resection-ileostomy was done. The histopathological report was reviewed following surgery. The patients were evaluated in the post-operative period for post-operative morbidity and mortality. Results: Typhoid fever (68.33%) was the predominant cause in our study. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (93%), fever (85%), and abdominal distension (75%). Widal test was performed preoperatively and was positive in 41 cases (68.33%). In our study, primary repair (58.33%), resection-anastomosis (15%), and resection-ileostomy (26.67%) were the main surgical treatment performed. Sepsis, surgical site infections (SSIs), fecal fistula, and wound dehiscence were the common post-operative complications found. Among them, SSI (51.67%) was the most common post-operative complication (P&lt;0.0001) found and fecal fistula was the most dreaded post-operative complication with 50% mortality. Histopathological reports following surgery showed cases were mainly due to enteric fever (51.67%) and tuberculosis (25%). Conclusion: Early surgical intervention was the mainstay of treatment of ileal perforation. Delayed presentation of perforation is responsible for the development of surgical site infections (SSIs). Uncontrolled generalized sepsis, wound dehiscence, and fecal fistula were the main causes of post-operative mortality.

Readiness to manage domestic violence among medical interns - an observational study in a medical college and hospital in India.

Domestic violence is a deeply entrenched issue in Indian society, with global implications, especially for women's physical and mental health. Healthcare providers play important role in early identification and support of the victims. Medical interns, the future generation of Health care professionals, often acting as primary caregivers are uniquely positioned and expected to recognize and assist victims. This study aims to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and readiness to manage domestic violence and its associating factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 medical interns at a Medical college and hospital in West Bengal, India, from December 2022 to February 2023. Simple random sampling was done. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, Medical Intern Readiness to manage domestic violence scale (MIREDS), validated after adoption from Physician Readiness to manage Intimate partner violence scale (PREMIS). Ethical approval was obtained, and participants gave informed written consent for inclusion. Satisfactory threshold was determined to be more than 50 percent. Data analysis was performed using MS Excel and SPSS software, including descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level of p less than 0.05, along with logistic regression analysis. Only 45.2% of medical interns demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, 54.8% had a satisfactory attitude. Most interns (91.7%) exhibited poor practice in dealing with domestic violence cases, only 31.2% considered themselves ready to manage domestic violence cases. Interns who attend more patients was found to have better attitude. Positive associations were found between knowledge, attitude, and readiness to manage domestic violence cases among doctors . A substantial proportion of medical interns demonstrated inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practice and inadequate readiness to manage domestic violence. Comprehensive training and education with cultural sensitivity training along with more practical exposures are in need to address this issue properly.

Induction of abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy using letrozole and misoprostol combination versus misoprostol alone - A comparative observational study

Background: Medical abortion is safer than surgical abortion. Several studies have shown that combination of antiprogesterone drug mifepristone and prostaglandin misoprostol can increase complete abortion rate in medical management of first-trimester miscarriage compared to misoprostol alone. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has emerged as an alternative to mifepristone for induction of medical abortion as mifepristone is expensive and not registered in many countries. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined regimen of letrozole and misoprostol in first-trimester medical abortion compared to misoprostol alone. Materials and Methods: It was a comparative observational study conducted at R. G. Kar Medical College, a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India. The study population was the antenatal mothers booked at antenatal clinic willing for termination of pregnancy at &lt;12 weeks of gestational age. Participants were allocated, 39 in each group in a non-randomized manner. Patients in one group (Group A) were posted for medical abortion with combination regimen of tablet letrozole (10 mg) once daily for 3 days followed by application of tablet misoprostol 800 mcg sublingually on day 4. In other group (Group B), patients were on misoprostol-only regimen with the application of tablet misoprostol 800 mcg sublingually. Results: Induction-abortion time was significantly less in the letrozole group (11±0.79 h) than the misoprostol group (13.23±0.81 h), P=0.0001. Complete abortion rate was significantly higher in the letrozole group compared to misoprostol group (84.62% and 64.10%, respectively, P=0.03). 15.38% patients in the letrozole group and 35.90% patients in the misoprostol group had excessive vaginal bleeding and the difference was statistically significant, P=0.03. The duration of vaginal bleeding was also significantly less in the letrozole group (2.45±0.29 days) than the misoprostol group (2.82±0.37 days), P&lt;0.0001. Incidence of side-effects was comparable and the severity of side-effects was not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: Letrozole and misoprostol combination regimen leads to significant increase in complete abortion rate and also significant reduction of the duration of vaginal bleeding, induction-abortion time, and need for surgical intervention when compared to misoprostol regimen.

Assessment of heart rate variability among healthy 1st year medical students in a Government Medical College of Kolkata: A cross-sectional observational study

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) means the beat-to-beat variations of cardiac rhythm which is influenced by the interplay of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. At present, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have become a matter of great concern in the young population. Such complications may arise from cardiac dysautonomia. HRV analysis may be considered an efficient tool to detect this derangement as early as possible. Moreover, normative data on HRV should be established among the young population of India considering other demographic parameters such as gender, height, weight, and BMI. Aim and Objective: Our study intends to establish normative data for short-term HRV parameters among medical students of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal. Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, 250 apparently healthy medical students were assessed and HRV parameters such as mean RR, mean HR, SDNN, NN50, pNN50, root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), and LF/HF ratio were recorded. Results: In time domain parameters, values were significantly higher in males for mean HR and significantly higher in females for mean RR, NN50, and pNN50. In frequency domain parameters, significantly higher values were found for LF and LF/HF ratio in males and HF in females. Conclusion: We have established gender-based normative values of HRV parameters in the young population.

Evaluation of clinical presentation and maternal outcome of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital: An observational cross-sectional study

Background: The implantation and growth of the blastocyst outside of the endometrial lining of the uterus cavity are known as ectopic pregnancy. In our nation, ectopic pregnancy continues to be a major cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester, accounting for about 9% of pregnancy-related deaths. It can have very bad and deadly consequences, including as severe bleeding and maternal death. Therefore, this study is critical to the prevention of problems and enhancement of maternal outcomes by early and correct diagnosis through clinical presentation and investigation. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentations and maternal outcomes of ectopic pregnancy cases attending a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. The 12-month study ran from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal, India. This study comprised 100 diagnosed cases of ectopic pregnancy. To evaluate the age, socioeconomic status, gravida, gestational period, risk factors, clinical presentation, and maternal outcome of an ectopic pregnancy, data on these patients were recorded and statistical analysis was performed. Results: Of the 100 diagnosed cases of ectopic pregnancy, 72% were aged 21–30, and all were from rural areas. Most patients (61%) had a poor socioeconomic status. The obstetric status varied, with G3 being the most common (33%). A majority (62%) presented between 6 and 8 weeks of amenorrhea. Risk factors included pelvic inflammatory disease (21%), previous surgery (21%), and abortions (16%). Common symptoms were amenorrhea (98%), abdominal pain (85%), and vaginal bleeding (66%). Physical examinations revealed forniceal fullness (72%) and tenderness (65%). Positive pregnancy tests were universal, and 82% had USG findings suggesting ectopic pregnancy. The right fallopian tube was the most common site (63%), with 86% presenting with ruptured ectopic pregnancies. Most (94%) required emergency surgery, predominantly salpingectomy (85%). Blood transfusions were needed in 60% of cases, and 20% required ICU admission. Post-operative complications occurred in 14% of patients, with no mortality reported during the study period. Conclusion: Community education is crucial to urge women to attend health facilities as soon as they develop symptoms, as tubal rupture is a common occurrence in our system. For women who experience ectopic pregnancies, this strategy can greatly lower the risk of complications and improve outcomes. Overall, our study underscores the importance of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and prompt intervention to optimize maternal outcomes in the management of ectopic pregnancy. By outlining the risk factors as well as the clinical course of ectopic pregnancy in our hospital setting, our findings aim to improve clinical practice and direct future research efforts in this field.

Outpatient-department-based intensified tuberculosis case-finding activity in the tertiary care hospitals in West Bengal, India.: An observational study on the yields and outputs

BackgroundImproved tuberculosis (TB) case detection using intensified case finding (ICF) is one of the cornerstones of the Stop TB Strategy. A Non-Government Organization (NGO)-led project took place in two tertiary care hospitals of West Bengal for outpatient department (OPD)-based ICF activities. Methodology: A secondary analysis was conducted with the routinely collected project data to assess the yields of the model. Risk ratios have been calculated to identify associations of attrition before TB testing and diagnosis. ResultsA total of 2324 presumptive TB patients (PTBP) were identified from a screening of 105,391 OPD attendees. The screening yield of PTBP was 2.2 % (2.1%–2.3 %). Total 143 TB patients were detected with testing of 770 (out of 2324 identified) presumptive cases. The pretesting attrition rate was 66.9 % (64.9%–68.8 %). The screening yield of TB was 0.14 % (0.11%–0.16 %).Being younger than fifteen years of age, of the Islam religion, a homemaker or unemployed was independently associated with “attrition before TB tests”.Being Hindu, a homemaker or a student was independently associated with “diagnosis with TB” among the tested. ConclusionsThe OPD-based screening yield of TB is low. However, minimal resource requirements in this model advocate for its utility. Similar model can be replicated in other hospitals at low resource settings with appropriate setting-specific modifications.

Obstetric and neonatal outcome of COVID-19 positive mothers: A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal

Background: Coronavirus disease was declared a global pandemic by WHO in March 2020 and since then several reports on obstetric and neonatal outcomes due to COVID-19 infection in pregnancy are showing varying results from different corners of the world. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical course of the disease in pregnancy and evaluation of maternal and neonatal outcomes. The secondary objective was to compare the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19-positive mothers and COVID-19-negative mothers admitted in the same time frame. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study we included 155 COVID-positive and 310 COVID-negative pregnant women, from May 2020 to December 2020 admitted at our tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared in both groups. Results: Most of the COVID-positive pregnant women were asymptomatic (38%), 45.8% of patients had mild symptoms like fever and cough and only 1.9% of mothers developed severe pneumonia. Pregnancy complications like abortion, stillbirth, intrauterine fetal death, antepartum haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus were similar in both groups (P&gt;0.05) but significantly increased incidence of preterm labor and delivery of the low-birth-weight baby was found in the COVID-positive group (P&lt;0.05). Number of neonates with low birth weight (&lt;2.5 kg) was significantly higher in the COVID-positive group than in COVID negative group (28% vs. 16.7%, P&lt;0.05). Need for neonatal intensive care unit admission was similar in both groups (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Significantly increased incidence of preterm labor and delivery of the low-birth-weight baby was found in the COVID positive mothers without any evidence of mother-to-child vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Clinicopathological Study of Ovarian Masses in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital

IntroductionOvarian masses include both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. Fortunately, though most ovarian masses in adolescents are benign, about 10% turn out to be malignant. Thus, ovarian tumours constitute an important part of paediatric oncology and often create diagnostic dilemmas. The present study aimed to calculate the frequency and clinicopathological patterns of ovarian masses in adolescent and young females and briefly discuss and compare with the existing literature.MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Pathology of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India. All tissue samples of ovarian masses received in the Pathology department between 10 to 20 years of age group over 6 years (January 2016-December 2021) were included in this study. We evaluated the clinicopathological parameters of the cases. The statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info 7 software.ResultsA total of 53 cases were included in present study of the defined age group over 6 years (January 2016 – December 2021), of which 2 had bilateral lesions, so a total of 55 ovarian masses were studied. Of 55 ovarian masses, 50 (90.9%) were benign tumours or non-neoplastic lesions and 5 ovarian masses (9.1%) were malignant. Mature cystic teratoma was the most common type of tumour in this age group.ConclusionsOvarian masses in perimenarchal and young adults show diversity in the histological spectrum. Although most are benign, early diagnosis preserves fertility in this tender age group.

Effectiveness of Nesting and Swaddling on Sleep and Selected Physiological Parameters among Hospitalized Low Birth Weight Neonates in Selected Hospitals in West Bengal

Effectiveness of Nesting and Swaddling on Sleep and Selected Physiological Parameters among Hospitalized Low Birth Weight Neonates in Selected Hospitals in West Bengal

Study of mortality risk factors and outcomes in COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India

Background: The risk of mortality is high in Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)patients. The management of COVID-19 patients may be aided by the identification of variables associated with mortality. The aim of the study was to ascertain the outcomes and mortality risk factors in COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care facility in West Bengal, India. Method: A total of 94 patients with moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19 were included in this observational descriptive study from April 2021 to June 2021. The patients with moderate to severe infection diagnosed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines admitted to the hospital, and those willing to participate in the study, were included. Those with mild symptoms and who refused to participate were excluded from the study. The severity of patient condition was determined by Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare (MoHFW) guidelines. Informed consent has been obtained from patients. Data was analyzed by Microsoft® Excel workbook 2007 into SPSS v 21.0 (IBM, USA). Results: Fifty-four percent of the patients had moderate, and 45.7% had severe infections. In-hospital mortality was 41.5% among moderate to severe infected COVID 19 positive patients. Non-survivors have significantly higher levels of neutrophils to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), blood urea, and sodium levels in comparison with survivors (P&lt;0.05). On multivariate logistic regression, only the severity of infection (determined by Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare guidelines) was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.4717 to 9.4616; P=0.005). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with severe infection on admission are more likely to die. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2023; 11 (2): 103-108