Institutional Review Committee Research Articles

Corrigendum to: Imaging Features and Misdiagnosis of Giant Cerebral Cavernous Malformations

An error occurred in the Ethical Commiittie details of the manuscript titled “Imaging Features and Misdiagnosis of Giant Cerebral Cavernous Malformations”, 2024; 20: e15734056273891 [1]. <p> Original: <p> ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE: <p> This study was approved by the institutional review committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (ZF2022-216). <p> Corrected: <p> ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE: <p> The ethics approval was provied by the Biomedical Ethics Committee of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Taditional Chinese Medicine and the written informed consent was exempted. <p> The original article can be found online at https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/137176

High Risk Pregnancy and its Outcome in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: High-risk pregnancy is defined as one which is complicated by factors or factors that adversely affect the pregnancy outcome (maternal, perinatal or both). Early detection and effectivemanagement of high risk pregnancy helps in achieving favorable maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to find the prevalence of high risk pregnancy and its outcome among pregnant women admitted for delivery in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital among high risk pregnant women admitted for delivery using structured proforma, from April 2023 to September 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling was used among pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria. Data was entered in excel and analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics. Point estimate was calculated at 95% Confidence Interval Results: Among 350 deliveries, high risk pregnancy was seen in 91 (26%) (16.15-32.00, 95% Confidence Interval). The high risk factors were previous history of cesarean section 25 (27.47 %) followed by hypothyroidism 19 (20.87%) and gestational diabetes mellitus 15 (16.48%). Out of 90 high risk pregnancy, 84 (92.30%) had term delivery. Lower segment cesarean section was done in 69 (75.82%) patients of which 26 (28.57%) underwent emergency cesarean section. The total number of births among high risk preganancies were 93 with two sets of twin births. A total of 13 (13.97%) of the babies had low-birth weight. Conclusions: The prevalence of high risk pregnancy was found to be similar as compared to studies done in similar settings.

Cranial Autonomic Symptoms in Migraine Patient Presenting in the Department of Neurology of a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Cranial autonomic symptoms (CAS) are typically associated with trigeminal autonomic cephalagias (TACs) and are also a part of TACs' diagnostic criteria. However, they have also been commonly reported in migraine patients. This study aimed to find the prevalence of CAS in Migraine patients who presented to the Department of Neurology in a tertiary care center.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among migraine patients who visited the Department of Neurology of a tertiary care center from September 2023 to December 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Neurologists used ICHD-3 beta criteria to diagnose migraine and the presence of cranial autonomic symptoms in patients with migraine through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.Results: Among 119 migraine patients, at least one cranial autonomic symptom was seen in 76 (63.86%) (55.23-72.51, at 95% Confidence Interval). Lacrimation 34 (44.73%) and conjunctival injection 27 (35.52%) were the two most commonly reported symptoms. Bilateral CAS was present in 60 (78.94%) patients.Conclusions: The prevalence of at least one CAS in migraine patients was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings.

Burnout among Nurses and Doctors Working at a Tertiary Care Government Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Work environment related feelings of dissatisfaction, exhaustion, decreased interest and isolation is common. Burnout among health professionals has been on rise at every stage of professional growth affecting wellness of service providers, patient care and health care organizational efficiency. Assessment of burnout among health care workers from government setup in the current context in this post COVID era in our socio-geographical context has become essential. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of burnout among nurses and doctors working at a tertiary care government hospital in Nepal. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among nurses and doctors working at a tertiary level government hospital from May 2022 to Nov 2022 after approval from Institutional Review Committee of the same institute. Nurses and doctors available on duty, from all ages were included. Trainees and students, those unable to participate due to their illness, on leave, known cases of mental illness were excluded. The point estimate was calculated at 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 180 participants, the prevalence of moderate burnout was 94 (52.22%) (44.92-59.51, 95% Confidence Interval). Among nurses 72 (50%), while in doctors 22 (61.11%) had moderate burnout. Out of those with moderate levels of burnout, the majority of 66 (52.80%) were in the age group 26-50 years. Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout among nurses and doctors is high, similar to other studies done in similar settings.

The Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) study protocol: a multi-country mixed-method evaluation of pulse oximetry and clinical decision support algorithms.

Effective and sustainable strategies are needed to address the burden of preventable deaths among children under-five in resource-constrained settings. The Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) project aims to support healthcare providers to identify and manage severe illness, whilst promoting resource stewardship, by introducing pulse oximetry and clinical decision support algorithms (CDSAs) to primary care facilities in India, Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania. Health impact is assessed through: a pragmatic parallel group, superiority cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT), with primary care facilities randomly allocated (1:1) in India to pulse oximetry or control, and (1:1:1) in Tanzania to pulse oximetry plus CDSA, pulse oximetry, or control; and through a quasi-experimental pre-post study in Kenya and Senegal. Devices are implemented with guidance and training, mentorship, and community engagement. Sociodemographic and clinical data are collected from caregivers and records of enrolled sick children aged 0-59 months at study facilities, with phone follow-up on Day 7 (and Day 28 in the RCT). The primary outcomes assessed for the RCT are severe complications (mortality and secondary hospitalisations) by Day 7 and primary hospitalisations (within 24 hours and with referral); and, for the pre-post study, referrals and antibiotic. Secondary outcomes on other aspects of health status, hypoxaemia, referral, follow-up and antimicrobial prescription are also evaluated. In all countries, embedded mixed-method studies further evaluate the effects of the intervention on care and care processes, implementation, cost and cost-effectiveness. Pilot and baseline studies started mid-2021, RCT and post-intervention mid-2022, with anticipated completion mid-2023 and first results late-2023. Study approval has been granted by all relevant institutional review boards, national and WHO ethical review committees. Findings will be shared with communities, healthcare providers, Ministries of Health and other local, national and international stakeholders to facilitate evidence-based decision-making on scale-up.Study registration: NCT04910750 and NCT05065320.

Pattern of Inappropriate use of Topical Corticosteroid and Cutaneous Adverse Effects at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Kathmandu

Introduction: Topical corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-proliferative drugs with profound efficacy. As it provides rapid relief, it is used for a wide spectrum of dermatological conditions. Rampant use of topical corticosteroids due to their easy availability gives rise to difficult-to-treat cutaneous adverse effects. Objectives: To determine the pattern of inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids and cutaneous adverse effects Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional prospective study conducted among 84 participants in the Department of Dermatology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, from October 2020 to September 2021. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee. The participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Results: Out of 84 cases, 59.5% were females and 40.5% were males. The mean age of participants was 30.4±9.1years. Dermatophytoses (71.4%) were the most common cause of inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids. The most common adverse effect was tinea incognito (23.8%). The most potent class (60%) of topical corticosteroids were misused. Most of the participants used topical steroids either for the duration of 1 week to 1 month ( 23.8%) or for more than 12 months (23.8%). Conclusion: Inappropriate topical corticosteroid use is a common problem due to its easy accessibility, resulting in several difficult-to-treat cutaneous adverse effects. So, awareness-raising activities regarding the proper use of corticosteroids have to be conducted.

Post COVID-19 Infection in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism among Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Kathmandu

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection may induce thyroid dysfunction as Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can invade the human tissue cells through the cell receptor of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), expression of which is high in thyroid tissue. The aim of the present study was to assess the subclinical hyperthyroidism post-COVID-19 effects on thyroid function in patients without history of thyroid disease after complete recovery from mild-to-severe COVID19 and find the prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Internal Medicine, of tertiary care center from September 2022 to February 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee of Nepal Medical College (Ref. No.: 15-079/080). Convenience sampling method was used among patients who met the eligibility criteria. Point estimate at 95.0% confidence interval were calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Out of 38 patients, 34 (89.5%) had thyroid dysfunction. Among them, 7 (20.6%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism, 2 (5.9%) had thyroiditis and 1 (2.9%) had Graves’ disease. Those who had thyroid dysfunction, 10 (29.4%) people were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The hyperthyroidism among COVID-19 patients is a common finding and subclinical hyperthyroidism was seen in 20.6% of patients post COVID-19. Therefore, while managing COVID-19, patients’ thyroid profile should be considered.

Exercise oncology clinical trials during treatments: a commentary to address the safety concerns of human subjects regulatory reviewers and committees.

Exercise oncology clinical trials contribute to the advancement of our scientific knowledge and to the safety and care of patients diagnosed with cancer. Nevertheless, regulatory reviewers and committees may not be familiar with the well-documented long-term health benefits and safety of the regular practice of physical activity. Moreover, they may not see how the benefits outweigh the risks in the context where patients diagnosed with cancer are typically seen as vulnerable. Therefore, we would like to provide a purpose-built overview of exercise oncology clinical trials for members involved in institutional review committees, including the Scientific Review Committee (SRC), the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) to facilitate a greater understanding of the safety and benefits of physical activity during cancer treatments. Communication is key to improve the success of exercise oncology clinical trials, which are vital for patients diagnosed with cancer.

Etiological Profile of First Episode Seizures in Paediatric Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Seizures are the most common neurological emergency and one of the most common reasons for paediatrics hospital admissions. This study aimed to identify the etiology, clinical profile, and immediate outcome of children with the first episode of seizure in Eastern Nepal. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study carried out in the Tertiary Care Centre from September 2022 to August 2023. Ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref no:654/2022). Convenience sampling was done to include 170 children presenting with the first episode of seizure at age 6 months to 15 years. Variables collected were demographics, clinical presentations, family history, trauma history, laboratory tests, neuroimaging, EEG, final diagnosis, and immediate outcome.Results: A total of 170 patients were admitted with the first episode of seizure with 123 (72.36%) males and 47 (27.64%) females. The mean age of the patients was 5.13±2.95 years with 104 (61.18%) patients under 5 years of age. The most common seizure was generalized tonic-clonic type in 132 (77.64%) patients. The most common associated symptom was fever in 150 (88.23%) children. Neuroimaging was abnormal in 52 (30.59%) patients, with neurocysticercosis seen in 27 (15.88%). The most common etiology was febrile seizure in 92 (54.17%) patients, neurocysticercosis in 27 (15.88%), and meningitis in 12 (7.05%).Conclusions: Febrile seizures, neurocysticercosis, infection, and trauma were the major causes of seizures in children. When simple febrile seizures were unlikely, lumbar puncture, neuroimaging, and laboratory tests were useful tools for diagnosing etiologies of seizures.

Workplace Violence against Nurses Working at Private Teaching Hospitals of Kathmandu: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Workplace Violence against Nurses Working at Private Teaching Hospitals of Kathmandu: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACCUSED AND VICTIM CASES ATTENDED IN ONE STOP CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER OF CENTRAL NEPAL

Background: Sexual violence is a global public health issue, drawing more concern compared to other forms of violence. Evidence indicates that adolescents face an increased risk of encountering both physical and sexual violence. Despite this, there is a scarcity of nationally representative research on sexual violence in Nepal, hindering the development of informed interventions. This paper seeks to determine the prevalence of sexual violence and relationship between accused and the victim cases attended in one stop crisis management center of central Nepal. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Forensic Medicine of College of Medical Sciences in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal, from January, 2023 to January 2024. Ethical approval was taken from institutional review committee of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Chitwan. Data was entered and analyzed by using descriptive statistical tools in SPSS-16. Results: The prevalence of sexual violence was 41.97% (with 95% CI as 36.31% to 47.62%). Out of 123 sexual violence cases majority (40.65%) of them were in the age group less than 14years followed by 38.21% in the age group 15-18 years. Majority of the victim were female (99.2%) by gender and Janajati (52.8%) by ethnicity. majority (78.9%) were victim of forcefully sexual intercourse. Most of the accused person (20.3%) were stranger followed by boyfriend (17.9%). Conclusions: The prevalence of sexual violence is almost half among all type of violence. Majority of the victim were Adolescence girls and they were from janajati. One out of ten victim had present of body injuries while two out of ten had genital injuries. Most of the accused person were known person (boyfriend, Neighbors, Uncle and cousin). The statistically significant variables were age and gender.

Choosing Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Versus Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Proximal Ureteric Stones

Background Proximal ureteric stone is one of the common presentations in renal stones disease. Safety, efficacy and stone free rate of retrograde intrarenal surgery and mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy are controversial. Thus, we aim to compare the efficacy, safety and stone free rates of two procedures.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study including 60 cases divided into group A (Retrograde-intrarenal Surgery) and Group B (Mini-Percutaneous Surgery) between September 2022 to August 2023. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional review Committee (Reference number: CMC-IRC/079/080-100). Convenience sampling was done.ResultsThe mean age in group A was 43.83 ± 16.92 years and in group B was 46.33 ± 15.78 years with no significant p value (p = 0.112). Post operative haemoglobin changes in group A was 0.266 ± 0.279 gram% and in group B was 1.493 ±0.360 gram% with significant P value of 0.001. Similarly the duration of operation in Group A was 42.43± 13.783 minutes and in group B was 36.30 ± 7.173 minutes with significant P value 0.035. However the stone free rate was higher in group B than Group A without significant P value of 0.064. Both of the groups have minor post operative complication of fever and mild haeamaturia.Conclusions The stones clearance rate of mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy is better than retrograde intrarenal surgery and the safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery is higher than of mini percutaneous surgery.

Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of COVID-19 of Patients Presenting to Emergency Department of a Tertiary Medical College of Central Nepal

Background Clinico-epidemiological profile of COVID-19 includes varied clinical symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, with a potential for rapid community spread through respiratory droplets. Understanding the clinical characteristics of patients is crucial for planning human resources and logistics support. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics observed in patients suspected of having COVID-19 presenting to emergency department of College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital. MethodsThis is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal from April 2020 to February 2021. Ethical approval was taken from institutional review committee of College of Medical Sciences. Data was collected from record file of emergency department. Data was entered and analyzed by using descriptive statistical tools in SPSS-20.ResultsMajority (25.2%) of them were in the age group 50-60 years. Mean±SD of age was 55.2±16.5 years. Majority (54.3%) respondents were male. In presenting complaints 71.42% had cough, 69.5% had fever, 62.9% had shortness of breath. Also, 34.28% had severe symptoms, and 33.34% had moderate symptoms, 20% were asymptomatic and 12.38% had mild symptoms. Finding showed that 69.52% of patients required oxygen supplementation. The motility of COVID-19 patients during emergency stay was 6.67% while 36.19% were admitted in ward and 31.43% were admitted in ICU, 20% patients were sent for home isolation.Conclusions Young adults were the most commonly affected age group and males showed a higher incidence of COVID-19. Since many patients were symptomatic with fever and cough as the typical presentations in the emergency department. Majority of patients during presentation had moderate and severe symptoms and needed oxygen supplementation.

Association of Fatigue Level and Physical Activity among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Fatigue is a common complaint among adults worldwide, with an estimated 20% experiencing persistent symptoms. Physical activity is recognized as a beneficial behavior with the potential to alleviate feelings of fatigue and enhance energy levels. However, the relationship between physical activity and fatigue among university students remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between physical activity levels and fatigue among university students, providing insights into the potential of physical activity as a non-pharmacological intervention for fatigue mitigation. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Lahore's Islamabad campus, involving 206 participants aged 17 to 25 years. After securing approval from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC)/Ethical Review Board (ERB), data were collected using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, with a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 0.05. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 25, employing Chi-square tests to examine the association between physical activity levels and fatigue. Results: The study comprised 41.3% male and 58.7% female participants. Results indicated that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of fatigue. Specifically, 38.8% of participants reported no fatigue, 54.9% reported mild to moderate fatigue, and 6.3% reported severe fatigue. Physical activity status revealed that 18.9% of participants had low, 48.1% had moderate, and 33% had high levels of physical activity. The Chi-square test demonstrated a significant association between physical activity levels and fatigue (X² = 23.13, P = 0.00). Conclusion: The findings underscore a significant inverse relationship between physical activity levels and fatigue among university students, suggesting that engaging in higher levels of physical activity may reduce fatigue levels. This study contributes to the understanding of physical activity as a viable approach to fatigue management in young adults.

Study on anatomical variations of nose and paranasal sinuses in patients with sinonasal polyposis

Background: Knowledge regarding the sinonasal variations plays an important role in the management of sinonasal diseases. Despite being postulated as one of the risk factors for sinonasal diseases, its role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyp is still unclear. This study was done to determine the prevalence of sinonasal anatomical variations by CT imaging and examine its association with sinonasal polyposis (SNP). Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January, 2019 to January, 2020 at a tertiary care center after receiving ethical approval from the institutional review committee of the hospital. Patients above 17 years of age having sinonasal polyp and not responding to 3-4 weeks of medical treatment were included in the study. Convenience sampling was done. Data were collected and entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences version 24.0. Results: Among 72 patients, 86.11% of the patients were found to have anatomical variations of nose and paranasal sinuses with Agger nasi (79.09%) and deviated nasal septum (DNS) (72.5%) being the most common variations noted, 29% of patients were found to have a single variation while multiple variations were seen 70.9% of patients. Conclusions: Our study showed that patients with sinonasal polyps have a higher prevalence of sinonasal anatomical variations and severity of polyp increased with the presence of more than one variation in a patient.

Outcomes of Premature Rupture of Membrane Among Women Admitted in Teaching Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal

Background: Premature rupture of membranes is defined as rupture of membranes after 28th weeks of gestation before the onset of labor is called preterm PROM when it occurs after 37 completed weeks of gestation and before onset of labor, then it is term PROM. Spontaneous rupture of the membrane any time beyond 28th weeks of pregnancy but before the onset of labor is called Premature Rupture of Membrane (PROM). The management of maternal and fetal outcome in PROM is very important to decrease maternal as well as neonatal mortality and for better management and prevention of complications which has essential significance for the further fate pregnancy. Thus, the study aims to find out the factors and outcomes of PROM among the women who will be admitted in maternity ward at Chitwan Medical College. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital of Chitwan, Nepal during the study period of six months from 13th Feb 2023 to 14th August 2023 after getting ethical approval from Chitwan Medical College- institutional Review Committee (Reference number-CMC-IRC/079/080). Women were selected via convenience sampling technique. Face to face interview was conducted to gather socio-demographic and obstetric data by structured interview schedule whereas, data related to the feto maternal outcomes were obtained from patient charts and delivery record books. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for data analysis. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Result: The prevalence of premature rupture of membrane was found to be 15.3% out of 503 delivered mothers during six-month period. More than half (67.5%) of postnatal mother were between age of 35-45 years. More than half (57.1%) of mother were at 33-35weeks of gestation. Only 3.9 % of mother has Postpartum hemorrhage as maternal outcome. Only 2.6% of fetus have meconium aspiration syndrome as fetus outcome. Conclusion: The burden of premature rupture of membrane was found quite higher as compared to other similar studies done in Nepal. Hence, awareness, early screening, and treatment are necessary for the hospital attended pregnant women to minimize the risk of premature rupture of membrane. Keywords: Outcomes, premature and Rupture of membrane

(137) Telemedicine for Sexual Health Issues: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare by enabling remote consultations. In the realm of sexual health, it offers a discreet and convenient platform for couples to seek expert advice, receive counseling, and access personalized treatments from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Objective The objective of this study is to examine the predominant sexual health issues in telemedicine consultations and analyze the socio-demographic profiles of the subjects accessing the service. Methods The study received ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee of the Medical College. A sexual wellness clinic was established within the psychiatry department, operating on specific days. Patients visiting the clinic were provided with a WhatsApp number for teleconsultation. This number was also shared on various social media platforms to reach a wider audience. During the study period, 88 individuals sought telemedicine consultation, of whom 51 presented with one or more sexual health issues and were included in the study after providing informed verbal consent. The subjects' sociodemographic profiles and relevant clinical data were recorded. Diagnosis of sexual dysfunction followed the DSM5 criteria, while other sexual health issues were categorized separately. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Among 51 subjects 48 were male while 3 were female. Fourty six subjects had some sexual dysfunction while 5 subjects presented with other sexual health issues. Majority of the patients were young. Among sexual dysfunction, premature ejaculation was the most common sexual dysfunction while among sexual health issues, dhat syndrome was the most common one. Conclusions In regions with limited access to sexual health services, telemedicine offers a promising alternative, providing accessible and private consultations. This study emphasizes its significance in addressing sexual health concerns and advocates for further integration into mainstream healthcare. Disclosure No.

Self-medication among Basic Science Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Self-medication is using drugs to treat self-diagnosed signs or symptoms of oneself or others. Being closer to pharmacology and pathology, medical students have been more prone to it. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication among basic sciences medical students in a tertiary care centre in Kathmandu. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among basic science students from 15 February 2023 to 14 March 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 04122022/04). A convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected online and analysed. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated.Results: Among 322 basic science medical students the prevalence of self-medication was 218 (67.70%) (64.81–70.59 at 95% Confidence Interval). Fever was the most common condition treated by self-medication 106 (48.62%) and paracetamol was the most common medication 93 (42.66%). Of those who engaged in self-medication, 97 (44.50%) did so to save time. Moreover, within this group, 67 (30.73%) experienced adverse drug reactions, leading 37 (16.97%) of these students to visit a private doctor. Additionally, 138 (63.30%) refrained from prescribing medication to their family and friends. Conclusions: Self-medication among basic science medical students was found to be lower in comparison to other studies done in similar settings.

Complete Correction following Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis using 2-hole Reconstruction Plates among Skeletally Immature Patients with Angular Deformities around Knees: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Studies have shown that 2-hole reconstruction plates can be used effectively as tension band plates for temporary hemiepiphysiodesis. However, limited data is available regarding the effectiveness of such plates in terms of complete correction rates. This study was aimed to find out the prevalence of complete correction following temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using 2-hole reconstruction plates among skeletally immature patients with angular deformities around knees. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among skeletally immature patients with angular deformities around knees undergoing temporary hemiepiphysiodesis after getting approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: B&BIRC-23-05). The data were collected between 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2018. All skeletally immature patients with angular deformities around knees undergoing temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using 2-hole reconstruction plates were included. Patients who required additional procedures or implants for deformity correction and those who did not provide consent were excluded. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated. Results: Among 102 patients, 66 (64.70%) patients achieved complete correction (59.97-69.43 at 95% Confidence Interval). Mean age of the patients was 8.21±3.11 years and 43 (65.15%) were males and 23 (34.84%) were females.Conclusions: The prevalence of complete correction following temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using 2-hole reconstruction plate among skeletally immature patients with angular deformities around knees was lower than that reported in other international studies.

Acute Poisoning among Children Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Acute poisoning is one of the critical causes of hospital admission in children worldwide. Understanding the clinico-demographic profile of childhood poisoning will help in developing targeted prevention strategies. This study aimed to find the prevalence of acute poisoning cases among children admitted to a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 4972 children admitted in the pediatric ward, High Dependency Care Unit, and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. The data were collected from the hospital records from over three years between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. A convenience sampling method was used. Data related to the clinical and demographic data were collected from the patients with acute poisoning and analyzed. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated.Results: Out of 4972 paediatric cases admitted to the hospital, acute poisoning was seen in 57 (1.14%) (0.81-1.39, 95% Confidence Interval) patients. Out of these acute poisoning cases, 31 (54.39%) were accidental. The mean age was 10.10±5.40 years with 35 (61.40%) patients from the adolescent age group. Conclusions: This study conducted in a Nepalese tertiary care hospital identifies acute poisoning as a notable concern among pediatric admissions.