Medical Sciences Institute Research Articles

The link between hypertension and stroke

Introduction: Diet plays a crucial role in managing hypertension and preventing stroke. This study explores how different dietary patterns influence blood pressure and stroke risk in hypertensive patients. Objective: To investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and their impact on hypertension and stroke risk among hypertensive patients. Methods: At Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, 58 hypertension patients with a stroke history participated in a cross-sectional study. Three dietary patterns were found by main component analysis of the food frequency questionnaire used to measure dietary intake: traditional, western, and health-conscious. Blood pressure readings were taken, and the relationship between eating habits and stroke risk was assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: Lower systolic (140 ± 12 mm Hg) and diastolic (90 ± 8 mm Hg) blood pressure was recorded in participants following a health-conscious diet pattern than in those following Traditional (150 ± 15 mm Hg systolic, 95 ± 10 mm Hg diastolic) or Western (160 ± 18 mm Hg systolic, 100 ± 12 mm Hg diastolic). Stroke risk was increased with the Western eating pattern (OR = 1.35, p = 0.005) and decreased with the health-conscious pattern (OR = 0.75, p = 0.020). Conclusion: Dietary habits have a big impact on how well hypertensive people control their blood pressure and how likely stroke is. Changing to a health-conscious diet can help control hypertension and lower the risk of stroke, which emphasizes the importance of dietary therapies and public health initiatives to encourage good eating habits.

The Role of Dietary Patterns in the Development Of Colorectal Cancer a Case-Control

Introduction: Food is one modifiable risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), a disease that is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality as well as morbidity worldwide. In a case-control research carried out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, this study examines food habits and CRC risk. Methodology: Eighty-four people—42 CRC patients and 42 controls—participated in a case-control research. Dietary consumption was quantified using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Using logistic regression analysis, relationships between eating habits and CRC risk were identified after accounting for pertinent variables. Results: There were notable variations in the food habits of the patients and controls. Compared to controls (2.8 and 1.9 servings/week, respectively; p < 0.001), CRC patients reported consuming more red meat (5.3 servings/week) and processed meat (4.1 servings/week). On the other hand, CRC patients ate fewer whole grains ‘(1.4 servings/day vs. 2.1 servings/day; p < 0.001), fruits (1.6 servings/day vs. 2.3 servings/day; p = 0.002), vegetables (2.0 servings/day vs. 3.4 servings/day; p < 0.001), and fiber (18.2 g/day vs. 25.6 g/day; p < 0.001)’. Conclusion: The risk of CRC is greatly influenced by dietary choices. Consuming more red and processed meat raises the risk of CRC; however, consuming more fiber, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains protects against the disease. Encouraging better eating practices may reduce the occurrence of CRC and enhance general health.

Morphological and Clinical Analysis of Colorectal Cancer: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increasing incidence in developing countries like Pakistan. This study aims to evaluate the distribution patterns of colorectal cancer morphologies among patients treated at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro. Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over two years (January 2022 to December 2023) at the Department of Gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Pathology, LUMHS Jamshoro. A total of 150 patients diagnosed with CRC and who underwent surgical resection were included in the study. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, histopathological types, tumor grading, and staging. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with Fisher’s exact test applied to assess associations between variables. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.7 years (± 11.2), with the majority being male (60%). Most tumors were classified as non-mucinous adenocarcinomas (56%), followed by mucinous adenocarcinomas (28%) and signet-ring cell carcinomas (16%). A strong positive correlation was found between tumor size and Dukes' staging (ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001), as well as between Dukes' staging and tumor grading (ρ=0.46, p<0.001). Rectal bleeding was significantly associated with advanced Dukes’ stages (ρ=0.44, p <0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the aggressive nature of colorectal cancer in the studied population, with significant associations between age, tumor size, staging, and grading. The findings underscore the need for early detection strategies and tailored treatment approaches to address CRC in this region. Keywords: Colorectal Cancer, Dukes’ Staging, Histopathology, Tumor Grading.

Acute Diarrhoea in Children Aged Up to 2 Years Age Group: Assessment of Therapeutic Strategies and Hospital Stay Variance, in Tertiary Care Rural Hospital – An Observational Study

Acute Diarrhoea, it is one of the leading causes of under 5 childrens’ morbidity and mortality in India. It is most common in children especially those between 6 months and 2 years. Antimicrobials are mostly used drug for acute diarrhoeal cases according to many studies but according to WHO antibiotics are not required for all the diarrhoeal cases except few bacterial diarrhoeas. Other way, WHO recommends Zinc with low osmolarity ORS for acute diarrhoea. So, this study was designed for assessing the treatment pattern and its outcome in our setup. Objectives: - To assess the use of antibiotics and Zinc among children under 2 years suffering from acute Diarrhoea by analysing average of use and hospital stay. Materials and Methods: - This observational study includes 76 patients, admitted under Paediatric Department of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, in the period of 6 months. All the patients admitted during the study period having acute Diarrhoea with moderate dehydration as per definition of WHO was included in the study. Patients with other existing diseases, bloody diarrhoea and seriously ill were excluded. Data was collected from Paediatric ward and was analysed by using GraphPad software. Results: - Over all among the 76 patients, 25(32.89%) patients received antimicrobials only and 31(40.79%) received Zinc only and11(14.47%) patients received both. Hospital stay difference was not statistically significant in culture negative acute diarrhoea cases with the use of zinc and antimicrobials (p = 0.08) but it was significant in culture positive cases (p = 0.03). Conclusion: - In culture negative acute diarrhoeal cases Zinc was mostly used and hospital stay was not found to be significant with and without antimicrobials. Implication: - Uncomplicated acute diarrhoeal cases may be treated with Zinc alone effectively.

ANALYSIS OF TRANEXAMIC ACID USAGE IN ADULT SPINAL DEFORMITY PATIENTS WITH RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS IN PAKISTAN

Patients who require complex spinal surgery require a huge amount of blood transfusion perioperatively. The anemia, the formation of hematoma, and increased coagulation properties, which are consequences of massive blood loss itself can negatively affect the postoperative clinical results.Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the tranexamic acid usage in adult spinal deformity patients with relative contraindications in Pakistan. Methodology of the study: This prospective observational study was conducted at Pakistan institute of medical sciences from 2016-2020. Data were collected from 185 patients of spine deformity.Data were collected through a combination of medical record reviews and direct patient interviews. Demographic details, including age, gender, weight, and height, were recorded for each of the 185 patients. Comprehensive medical histories were obtained to identify comorbid conditions and relative contraindications for tranexamic acid (TXA) use, such as a history of thromboembolic events, renal impairment, and concurrent anticoagulant therapy. Results: Data were collected from 185 patients according to criteria of the study. Mean age of the patients were 58.4 ± 12.3 years. Out of 185, there were 112 (60.5%) females and 73 (39.5%) male patients. Mean BMI was 28.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2. 49.7% were also suffering from hypertension, 24.3% from DM and 20% from osteoporosis.The regression coefficient (β) for total blood loss was -250 mL, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [-300, -200], and a p-value of < 0.001. Similarly, the regression coefficient for the number of blood transfusions was -1.2 units, with a 95% confidence interval of [-1.5, -0.9], and a p-value of < 0.001.Conclusion: Tranexamic acid effectively reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements in adult spinal deformity surgeries, even among patients with relative contraindications. The associated complication rates are manageable with careful patient selection and monitoring.

Trends and Patterns of Top Ten Common Cancers in Eastern India from 2014 to 2021: A Retrospective Hospital-based Cancer Registry Data Update.

India is a vast and diverse country with existing variations in the frequency and distribution of cancers across its various parts. In regions lacking population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) in a vast country like India, hospital-based cancer registry (HBCR) data become an important source of information on the trends and patterns of a region. To determine the numerical trends of cases of the top ten cancer sites reporting to HBCR of a tertiary care cancer center in Bihar from 2014 to 2021. The details of all histopathologically confirmed cancer cases registered in the HBCR department of radiation oncology, State Cancer Institute, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India between January 2014 and December 2021 were included in this retrospective observational study. All these cases were grouped site-wise and listed in descending order of the total number of cases reported in each group. Cross-tabulation with age and sex distribution was done. The frequency distribution of the top ten leading cancers for every consecutive calendar year was plotted in line diagrams for time trend analysis. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). was used for analysis. Annual percent change (APC) was determined for the number of cases of all ten cancer sites using joinpoint regression analysis (Joinpoint Regression Software, Version 4.0.4-May 2013; Statistical Methodology and Applications Branch, Surveillance Research Program of the US National Cancer Institute; Bethesda, MD, USA). Out of 32,057 total cancer cases registered between Jan 2014 and Dec 2021, 21,848 patients (68.2%) cases constituted the top ten cancers. The top ten cancers among both sexes were cancer gallbladder (n = 4204, 13.1%), head and neck (n = 3395, 10.6%), breast (n = 3392, 10.6%), lung (n = 2069, 6.5%), cervix (n = 2039, 6.4%), hematolymphoid (n = 1930, 6.0%), liver (n = 1572, 4.9%), stomach (n = 1116, 3.5%), ovary (n = 1103, 3.4%), and colon-rectum (n = 1028, 3.2%). Except for cervical and hematolymphoid cancers, the rest all showed a rising trend over consecutive years. Cancer of the gallbladder continues to be among the most common cancers in the region. Focused research in all aspects of this deadly disease is needed. Strengthening of prevention and screening programs for common cancers and upliftment of the existing infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the region are necessitated.

The Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in CNS Tuberculosis.

Background and objective Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a significant global health concern, with India being a hotspot for the disease burden. Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis, though comprising a smaller proportion of total TB cases, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the utility of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) in assessing the microstructural changes in white matter tracts associated with CNS tuberculosis. Materials and methods This study was conducted over two years at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh. We employed a cross-sectional observational design and included patients with definite or highly probable tuberculous meningitis, alongside healthy controls. Results Our findings revealed a significant reduction in fractional anisotropy (FA) values in various white matter tracts of patients with CNS tuberculosis compared to healthy individuals. This reduction in FA correlated with the severity of tuberculous meningitis, particularly in the corpus callosum. Additionally, DTI highlighted distinct patterns of white matter involvement around intraparenchymal lesions, suggesting potential implications for clinical outcomes. The study emphasizes the utility of FA values in grading disease severity and prognosticating treatment outcomes in CNS tuberculosis. Conclusions Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the microstructural alterations in white matter tracts associated with CNS tuberculosis, highlighting the potential of DTI in early diagnosis, grading disease severity, and monitoring treatment response. We believe these findings will pave the way for further research to optimize the clinical management of this debilitating disease.

Mapping the cancer research productivity of All India Institute of Medical Sciences: a scientometric study

Mapping the cancer research productivity of All India Institute of Medical Sciences: a scientometric study

Evaluating Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Glucose Levels in Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for Mucinous Versus Non-mucinous Differentiation.

A more precise identification of mucinous cysts will lower the likelihood of needless pancreatic surgery. Pancreatic cyst fluid (PCF) contains glucose and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which serve as biomarkers to differentiate mucinous from non-mucinous pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs). To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of combined CEA and glucose levels in PCF for distinguishing mucinous from non-mucinous PCNs preoperatively. After receiving approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, a cross-sectional validation research was carried out. All patients ≥18 years of age who had undergone pancreatic surgery or endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for a pancreatic cystic lesion and for whom PCF was acquired were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if there was no PCF available, if they had been diagnosed with an extrapancreatic illness (such as ampullary adenoma), or if they could not be excluded due to pancreatic cancer generated from PCN. Diagnoses were pathologically confirmed. We performed measurements for CEA and glucose in PCF. CEA and glucose were measured using an Architect i2000SR analyzer (Abbott, Lake County, IL) and AU 5800 Beckman Coulter (Brea, CA), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. PCF was obtained from 100 patients, of whom 54 (54%) had mucinous PCN and 46 (46%) had non-mucinous PCN. When CEA (cut-off ≥ 151 ng/ml) and glucose levels (cut-off ≤ 50 mg/dL) were combined, the results showed 46% sensitivity and 92% specificity. However, when CEA (cut-off ≥ 17 ng/ml) or glucose testing (cut-off ≤ 50 mg/dL) was used separately, the results showed 82% sensitivity and 73% specificity. The combined CEA and glucose testing in PCF demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity for differentiating mucinous from non-mucinous PCNs, suggesting its potential utility in preoperative diagnosis.

Predictive Value of C-reactive Protein in the Spontaneous Passage of Lower Ureteric Stones: A Prospective Single-Centre Study.

Ureteric stones, characterised by their presence in the ureter, present a common yet often painful urological condition requiring timely intervention. As C-reactive protein (CRP) emerges as a potential biomarker, its correlation with the spontaneous stone passage(SSP) offers valuable insights into patient management and treatment strategies. The present study aimed to assess if CRP levels can predict SSP in symptomatic lower ureteric calculi of size 5 mm-10 mm. This prospective observational study, conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna, India, from July 2022 to June 2023, focused on individuals aged 13 to 60 years presenting with ureteric colic and single distal ureteral stones (5 mm-10 mm). Patients underwent comprehensive initial assessment and monitoring, including diagnostic procedures such as a complete blood count, urinalysis, CRP levels, and renal function evaluations. Treatment consisted of hydration encouragement, tamsulosin (0.4 mg) daily administration, and diclofenac (50 mg) as needed. Follow-up assessments at one-month post-treatment involved clinical examination and imaging studies to evaluate treatment efficacy. This study analysed 157 patients with ureteric stones, finding that 76% experienced SSP. Lower CRP levels (≤6 mg/L), along with other laboratory parameters like low white blood cell counts, low neutrophil levels, absence of leukocyturia, absence of hematuria, and lower urine specific gravity, were associated with higher SSP rates. C-reactive protein levels ≤6 mg/L emerged as a strong predictor of SSP in multiple regression analysis. The findings underscore the potential utility of CRP as a predictive biomarker in guiding the management and treatment strategies for ureteric stones.

Predicting the Lymphovascular Invasion in Carcinoma Bladder at Transurethral Resection.

Bladder cancer is among the most common malignant neoplasms in the world. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is consideredthe standard procedure for diagnosis, staging, and risk classification of bladder tumors. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is considered a poor prognostic factor. Its assessment of TURBT is very important for risk stratification and decision-making for further treatment. The purpose of our clinical study is to attempt to predict/assess the correlation between LVI and various preoperative (age, gender, history of smoking, hematuria, urine cytology, and hydronephrosis/hydroureteronephrosis), intraoperative (tumor number, size, and appearance - sessile/ pedunculated) and histopathological (tumor histology, grading, and muscle invasion) factors. In this prospective study, 75 patients with bladder tumors underwent TURBT (standard monopolar TURBT with 1.5% glycine as irrigation solution) in the Department of Urology at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati between October 2021 and March 2023. Histopathological examination (HPE) reports were looked for the presence or absence of LVI. Accordingly, patients were divided into two groups, i.e., those with LVI and those without LVI. Various preoperative and intraoperative variables were analyzed for each subject in both groups. Statistically significant variables occurring in those patients with LVI compared to those without LVI were considered predictors of LVI in bladder tumors. Results: Sixteen patients out of 75 (21.33%) had LVI on their histopathology examination. The mean age was 68.19 years in the group with LVI and 64.14 years in the group without LVI. A total of 60 men (80%) and 15 women (20%) were included in our study. Thirteen men (21.7%) and three women (20%) were found to have LVI. We observed a significant association between the appearance of the tumor and LVI. Fifty-four subjects in our study had sessile tumors. Fifteen out of them (27.8%) hadLVI, while only one out of 21 patients (4.8%) with pedunculated tumors had LVI (p-value=0.028). 30% of subjects who had high-grade tumors on HPE also had LVI. On the contrary, only one of 25 patients (4%) with low-grade tumors had LVI (p-value=0.010). Our study also showed a significant association between muscle invasion and LVI. Thirty-four (45.3%) and 41 (54.7%) patients had muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive tumors, respectively. While 12 (35.3%) patients with muscle-invasive tumors had LVI, only four (9.8%) patients with non-muscle-invasive tumors showed LVI (p-value=0.007). We observed that LVI of bladder tumors at first TURBT is significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor appearance, and depth of invasion of the tumor. Though statistically not significant, we further observed that LVI was more commonly found in smokers, patients with hematuria, and larger tumor sizes. We conclude that these factors can be used as reliable predictors of LVI of bladder tumors at their first TURBT.

Development of a structured validated module to inculcate research skills in medical undergraduates.

Background Evidence-based research aids in decision-making in the health sector for developing health policies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Medical research is not taught in the undergraduate curriculum. Studies show that attributes of research knowledge, awareness and practical involvement in research are low among undergraduate students. We developed and validated a module and trained undergraduate students in research skills through an inter-ventional workshop using the structured module. Methods We did this participatory action research with a mixed-methods approach in the Department of Community Medicine at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab. A structured module was developed by the core committee and validated internally and externally. Pilot testing of the module was done by delivering it in the form of a workshop to 46 students. For statistical analysis, percentage agreements, validity indices, median (interquartile range), satisfaction percentages and Wilcoxon sign test were used. Results The structured and validated module was established to have high face validity (>90%) and content validity (CVI=0.975). The module was successfully pilot tested for delivery through both onsite and online modes. The satisfaction percentage with the workshop was 91% and 100% and overall rating of the module was 74% and 91% by interns and MBBS students, and 100% by faculty. The scores of knowledge and skills were found to be significantly higher on all variables post workshop with p<0.001. All students scored satisfactory grades for research skills. Conclusions Teaching research using a structured validated module improved the knowledge and skills related to research among students. Both students and faculty were satisfied with the use of the structured module.

Changing Paradigm of Yeast Isolates in HIV-Seropositive Patients with Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC).

Background Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a common fungal infection in HIV-seropositive patients. Understanding the spectrum of yeast isolates and their antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective management. This study aimed to determine the yeast isolates, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and associated factors in HIV-seropositive patients with OPC. Material and methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 350 HIV-seropositive patients attending an Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar. Yeast isolates from oropharyngeal lesions were identified, and their antifungal susceptibility was determined by automated method VITEK 2. Demographic characteristics, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) status, and CD4+ cell count categories were analyzed for associations. Results This study of 350 HIV-seropositive patients revealed that 100 tested positive forCandida, with distinct differences between HAART (n=67) and non-HAART (n=33) groups. HAART patients had a younger age distribution and higher median CD4+ cell counts (350 vs. 250 cells/mm³, U = 175, p < 0.05) compared to non-HAART patients.Candida albicanswas the most common species in both groups, but significant variations in species distribution (χ² = 9.23, p < 0.05) and antifungal susceptibility were noted. Specifically, susceptibility differences were significant for flucytosine (χ² = 7.21, p = 0.027) and voriconazole (χ² = 8.64, p = 0.013), emphasizing the influence of HAART on managing immune function and antifungal resistance in HIV patients. Conclusion This study provides insights into the spectrum of yeast isolates and their antifungal susceptibility patterns in HIV-seropositive patients with OPC. The findings emphasize the importance of considering multiple factors, such asCandida species, HAART status, and individual patient characteristics, in treatment decisions. The results will aid in the development of evidence-based management protocols for this vulnerable population. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors influencing antifungal susceptibility and optimize treatment strategies for this patient population.

Outcome of Lower Limb Amputation Performed in General Surgery Department

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of lower extremity amputation at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad for two years. All adult patients who underwent any form of lower limb amputation were included in the study. The data regarding their demographics, risk factors, indications of amputation, type of amputation and outcome was collected from patients on a prescribed proforma and were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: There were a total of 73 patients with 45 (61.6%) men and 28 (38.4%) women. The mean age was 57.3±13.7 years. The most common indication for amputation (69.8%) was diabetic foot gangrene. The most common level of amputation (45.2%) was below knee amputation and 21.9% had above knee amputation. The majority (83.6%) were admitted through the emergency department. Hypertension (72.6%) and smoking (46.6%) were the most common risk factors among the participants. The most common comorbidity reported was Diabetes Mellitus (65.8%) followed by Peripheral artery disease (41.1%). Pain and Mobility both improved after amputation. Conclusion: Lower extremity amputations are done mainly in patients with diabetes and peripheral artery diseases. Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension and PAD were the commonest comorbidities identified among them. Below knee amputation is the most common procedure followed by ray amputation. Postoperative patients have improved mobility and pain relief. In many cases, significant amputations can be avoided with the help of public awareness, education, and prompt health care seeking.

Echocardiogram Diagnosis of Complex Congenital Cardiac Malformations

Background: Complex congenital cardiac malformations rarely reported in literature Objective: Study was undertaken to define complex congenital cardiac malformations by Echocardiogram Materials and Methods: Prospective study included 101 children aged 2 to14 years, both male and female during March 2004 to February 2005 and July 2006 who attended in-patients &amp; outpatient departments at Vyedhi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (VIMS &amp; RC) and Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardio-vascular Sciences and Research of Cardiology (SJICR), Bangalore, India. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by relevant investigations and Echocardiography. Results: Complex congenital cardiac malformations presented in 16 (15.99%) of 101 children raising the total number of cardiac defects to 121. Majority 77 (76.2%) acyanotic cardiac malformations comprised of 29 (28.72%) Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) had 11 complex cardiac malformations. Three cases ASD + Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage (PAPVC), 2 cases ASD + Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) + Mitral Valve prolapse (MVP), 2 cases ASD + Pulmonary Stenosis (PS,) 1 case ASD + PDA + PS, 1 case ASD + Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), 1 case ASD + Coarctation of Aorta (CoA) and 1 case ASD + MVP. Next 23 (22.77%) VSD had 4 complex cardiac malformation cases, 3 cases of VSD + Aortic Stenosis (AS) of which one case had dextrocardia and 1 case VSD + PS. Followed by AS 8 (7.9%) with 1 case of AS + CoA, another case had VSD + AS. Among 24 (23.76%) cyanotic defects, TOF18 (17.8%) was the commonest, other rare variants included Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) 4(3.96%) one case with dextrocardia. Pentalogy of Fallot 1 (0.99%) and Triology of Fallot 1 (0.99%). The age distribution revealed most 30(29.8%) were young children aged 2-4 years with overall male predominance Male:Female::1.3:1, observed contrasted to female predominance noted in ASD and TOF, M:F::1:2 and M:F::1:1.3 respectively Conclusion: Complex congenital cardiac malformations presented in 16(15.99%) of 101 children raising the total number of cardiac defects to 121

The Efficacy of Montelukast in Reducing the Risk of Warning Signs and Subsequent Dengue Shock Syndrome in Adult Dengue Fever Patients.

Dengue fever continues to pose significant health challenges globally, with recent outbreaks in Bihar, India, prompting a search for effective therapeutic interventions. This study assesses the effectiveness of Montelukast, traditionally used for asthma, in mitigating the severity of dengue fever symptoms and its progression to dengue shock syndrome (DSS). To evaluate the impact of Montelukast on the prevalence of dengue warning signs and the incidence of DSS in adult patients. A prospective observational study was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences(IGIMS), Patna, India, from August 2022 to October 2023, enrolling 500 patients diagnosed with dengue fever. Participants were divided into two groups. About 250 were treated with Montelukast and 250 received standard care. Outcomes measured included the incidence of warning signs, DSS, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. The Montelukast group exhibited a 24% lower prevalence of dengue warning signs compared to the control group, with 90 out of 250 patients (36%) in the Montelukast group versus 150 out of 250 patients (60%) in the control group (p < 0.001). The incidence of DSS was significantly reduced in the Montelukast group, with 4 out of 250 patients (1.6%) compared to 21 out of 250 patients (8.4%) in the control group (odds ratio: 0.178, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Montelukast users experienced shorter hospital stays (average 4.52 days vs. 6.54 days, T-statistic: -7.59, p = 1.58×10-13) and a reduced 30-day mortality rate, with 5 out of 250 patients (2%) in the Montelukast group versus 12 out of 250 patients (5%) in the control group (p < 0.03). Montelukast significantly lowers the incidence of dengue warning signs and DSS, shortens hospital stays, and decreases mortality rates among dengue patients, supporting its potential integration into existing dengue treatment protocols. This study highlights the need for further clinical trials to confirm these findings and fully understand the therapeutic mechanisms of Montelukast in dengue management.

The Effects of Smartphone Addiction on Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Karnataka, India: A Multi-centric Study.

Background and objective While smartphones offer various benefits, addiction to them among young people poses a serious problem for parents and educators globally. Several studies have tried to assess the impact of the excessive use of/addiction to smartphoneson students' overall academic performance. While a few studies have found a positive impact, most have observed a negative impact, mainly in the form of deterioration of mental and physical healthand academic performance of students. In light of this, we conducted this study in three medical colleges in Karnataka, India with the objectives of determining the effect of smartphone addiction on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students and to identify the risk factors associated with it. Material and methods This cross-sectional study, conducted between July 2022 and October 2023, involved undergraduate medical students from Yenepoya Medical College, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, and Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Science. A total of 481 students were enrolled by stratified random sampling. Data were collected with the help of Google Forms by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Mobile phone addiction was assessed by using the smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV). Results Among 481 students, 211 (43.9%)were found to be mobile phone addicts. An independent t-test showed that academic performance was negatively affected in students who were mobile phone addicts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed several factors significantly associated with mobile phone addiction, including male gender, regular mobile gaming, seeking recognition/popularity through social media, frequent smartphone checking, perceiving smartphone use as more attractive than other activities, limited co-curricular activities, and increased smartphone use during periods of depression or anxiety. Conclusions Based on our findings, smartphone addiction has a negative impact on the academic performance of students. To mitigate this issue, educational institutions should integrate efforts to tackle smartphone addictioninto their curricula and prioritize addressing the identified risk factors.

Evaluation of the SARC-F Questionnaire as a Diagnostic Tool for Sarcopenia in Geriatric Age-group in India.

With medical science advancing in leaps and bounds, average lifespan is now trending upward, and we are now facing an increasing prevalence of diseases of the elderly, sarcopenia being one of them. Unfortunately, sarcopenia, especially in India, remains to be frequently overlooked, underdiagnosed, and largely understudied. One of the greatest hindrances to the diagnosis of sarcopenia is high costs and limited availability of diagnostic modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Accessible, feasible, and affordable means to diagnose sarcopenia is thus the need of the hour. We performed a cross-sectional observational study among 300 patients aged 65 years or above (including both outpatient and inpatient departments) at MM Institute of Medical Sciences, Mullana between June 2021 and June 2022. Patients were evaluated as per the European Working Group for Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) algorithm using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the results were compared with results of the SARC-F questionnaire. Statistical analyses were then carried out using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics version 26. Out of 300 patients, 56 (18.7%) were sarcopenic. Sarcopenia showed no significant association with sex (p = 0.74). SARC-F showed a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 37.3% with a positive predictive value of 86.51% and a negative predictive value of 32.84% in diagnosing sarcopenia. SARC-F showed good internal reliability with a Cronbach's α > 0.7. The SARC-F questionnaire can be used as a bedside screening tool for sarcopenia, especially in a developing country like India where diagnostic resources are frequently scarce.

Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Urinary Tract Infections: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, and antibiotic resistance complicates empiric treatment. This study aimed to describe recent resistance patterns among uropathogens in a tertiary-care teaching hospital to optimize empiric UTI management. This retrospective observational study included 280 patients diagnosed with UTIs at the Dr. Patnam Mahender Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, over a six-month period from June 2023 to November 2023. Urine culture and antibiotic susceptibility data were collected from electronic medical records. Patient demographics, including age, sex, and comorbid diabetes, were recorded. Causative uropathogens and their resistance rates to commonly prescribed UTI antibiotics were analyzed. Empiric antibiotic treatment patterns and outcomes were talked about. These included clinical cure, recurrence, susceptibility match, and microbiologic eradication. The mean age of patients was 43.5 years, with 196 (70%) being female and 70 (25%) having diabetes. Escherichia coli caused 210 (75%) of UTIs, Klebsiella pneumoniae 42 (15%), Proteus mirabilis 14 (5%), Enterococcus faecalis 8 (3%), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 6 (2%). E. coli resistance rates were 48% for ampicillin, 25% for ciprofloxacin, 18% for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and 5% for nitrofurantoin. K. pneumoniae resistance rates were 89% for ampicillin, 67% for ciprofloxacin, 44% for TMP/SMX, and 22% for nitrofurantoin. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was nitrofurantoin (45%), then ciprofloxacin (35%). Clinical cure was achieved in 75% of cases. Recurrent UTIs within four weeks occurred in 25% of cases. Treatment matched urine culture susceptibility in 82% of patients. The rising fluoroquinolone resistance highlights the need for current local data to guide empiric UTI treatment. Nitrofurantoin had low resistance rates and was an effective first-line therapy. Ongoing monitoring of resistance patterns in UTIs is essential to optimize antibiotic selection.

Demographic and Clinicopathological Spectrum of Gallbladder Carcinoma in a Tertiary Care Centre in Jharkhand: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Gallbladder carcinoma is a rare but aggressive cancer of adults that affects females more than males. Its occurrence is more common in the regions of South America and Asia. Chronic inflammation and cholelithiasis are frequently associated risk factors of gallbladder carcinoma. The incidental discovery of a gallbladder carcinoma during cholecystectomy, gross or microscopic examination of the unsuspected gallbladder specimens is termed incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC). Considering the lack of extensive studies on gallbladder carcinoma in the Eastern region of India, especially in Jharkhand, this study has been done to present the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of gallbladder carcinoma in this region. Methods A retrospective and descriptive study was done at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, a tertiary care center in Jharkhand. The study sample comprised 2386 gall bladder casesreceived in the Department of Pathology over five years, from December 2018 to December 2023. Results Of 2368 specimens, 25 cases (n=25) were reported as primary gallbladder carcinoma. The female-to-male ratio was 4:1. Pain was the most common complaint by the patients. Of the 25 cases, 12 were suspected intra-operatively or diagnosed microscopically (IGBC). Most showed a mass at the neck. In six cases, no gross mass/lesion was seen. Cholelithiasis is present in 19/25 cases.Most cases showed adenocarcinoma (not otherwise specified). Out of the adenocarcinoma cases, most were well differentiated. At the time of diagnosis, most were at the pT2 stage. Twelve cases of IGBC were found. Eight out of 12 IGBC were early-stage carcinoma when diagnosed. Conclusion Twenty-five cases of gallbladder carcinoma were diagnosed in the last five years in our center, with 19 (76%) of them associated with cholelithiasis. Twelve (48%) of the cases were incidentally diagnosed either preoperatively or during gross/microscopic examination, and eight (66%) of those were discovered early, out of which five (62.5%) were observed to be in the T1b stage. At this stage, there is a diversion from the general surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma for a better prognosis. This underscores the significance of routine histopathological examination of gallbladder specimens, even if there is no preoperative suspicion of gallbladder carcinoma.