KPC Medical College Research Articles

Hospital-based study of cervical rib/ribs and its association with neurological complication

Introduction: Cervical rib is an additional rib which is the costal element of seventh cervical vertebra. Hence cervical ribs may first be revealed by nervous (particularly on eighth cervical and first thoracic spinal nerve) and vascular symptoms. Cervical rib is more often unilateral and somewhat more frequent on the right. In 90% of cases cervical rib probably causes no trouble. So the present study addresses the prevalence of cervical rib/ribs among both adult male and female and Radiological measurement of costal elements and its association with neurological involvements. Aim: the main aim of this study is to find out the prevalence and relation of length of costal process of 7th cervical rib with neurological symptoms among KPC Medical College outdoor patients. Methods: A prospective study has been carried out using technically adequate cervical spine AP and chest x rays PA view taken in department of Radiology, KPC Medical College and Hospital. Results: In this study all numerical and nonnumeric data of 495 patients has been plotted in Excel of Office 13. Observed 13 cases of cervical rib/ribs in which 7 were unilateral and 6 bilateral. Out of these 13 cases 12 cases had rudimentary cervical ribs.

Association of Serum Hydrogen Sulphide Levels and Dyslipidaemia: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dyslipidaemia is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease. Oxidative damage to plasma lipoproteins ultimately results in the development of atherosclerosis. Since Hydrogen Sulphide (H2 S) is a cytoprotective molecule in oxidative stress, decreased H2 S levels may be a cause of dyslipidaemia. Aim: To determine the relationship between the serum levels of H2 S with serum Triglycerides (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), and High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) in cases of dyslipidaemia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and June 2023 in the Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine at KPC Medical College, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Serum lipid profile {TC, TGs, HDL-C, and Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (calculated by Friedewald’s equation)} and serum H2 S were measured in 70 cases of dyslipidaemia {according to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria} aged between 30 to 80 years and compared with an equal number of healthy volunteers as controls. The means of continuous variables were compared by independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Chi-square test was applied to compare gender distribution. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated for normal and non normal distributions, respectively. Results: The mean age of dyslipidaemic patients (54.54 years±11.19) was significantly (p=0.0017) higher than that of the controls (47.02 years±16.18). Among the 70 cases of dyslipidaemia, 38 participants were male and 32 were female, while among the healthy controls (n=70), 42 participants were male and 28 were female. The serum H2 S levels in cases of dyslipidaemia (37.91±6.28 μmol/L) were significantly lower than in the healthy controls (58.52±12.92, p<0.01 μmol/L). A significant positive correlation was found between serum H2 S levels and HDL-cholesterol (r=0.81, p<0.001), whereas a negative correlation was found between serum H2 S and TG levels (r=-0.55, p<0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, dyslipidaemia was associated with decreased levels of serum H2 S. Serum H2 S was positively correlated with serum HDL and negatively correlated with serum TG levels.

#3462 A STUDY OF ETIOLOGY OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY AND ACUTE ON CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AMONGST IN-HOSPITAL PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN INDIA

Abstract Background and Aims Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the leading cause of nephrology consultation and is associated with high mortality rates. The primary causes of AKI include sepsis, ischemia, hypoxia or nephrotoxicity. An underlying feature is a rapid decline in GFR usually associated with a decrease in renal blood flow. Inflammation represents an important additional component of AKI leading to the extension phase of injury, which may be associated with insensitivity to vasodilator therapy. Recent data suggest that AKI represents a potential link to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in surviving patients. Patients with CKD may be at risk for the development of a transient decrease in renal function consistent with AKI. Such rapidly declining renal function causing an acute deterioration of CKD is termed acute-on-chronic kidney disease (ACKD). The mechanisms by which these occur include failure of auto-regulation, abnormal vasodilatation, susceptibility to antihypertensive agents & side effects of medication. The successful recovery from AKI depends on the degree to which these repair processes ensue & these may be compromised in elderly or CKD patients. Aim To determine the burden of AKI among the in-hospital patients & their progression to CKD if at all along with the number & cause of the cases of CKD who develop ACKD due to an acute insult. Method The first 100 consecutive patients admitted with Acute Kidney Injury and Acute on Chronic Kidney Disease in the Department of General Medicine, Nephrology, Intensive care unit in KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, were selected for the study. Inclusion criteria: • Patients admitted with AKI, ACKD or developing them during the course of stay. • CKD stages I to V with acute exacerbation (reduced GFR, reduced urine output). Exclusion criteria: • Patients <14 years • ESRD patients already on hemodialysis. • Patients with acute Glomerulonephritis (due to the unavailability of biopsy in our institution) • Patients not giving consent to participate in the study. For statistical analysis, data were entered into a Microsoft excel spreadsheet and then analyzed by SPSS and GraphPad Prism version 5. Data had been summarized as mean and standard deviation for numerical variables and count and percentages for categorical variables. Unpaired proportions were compared by Chi-square test or Fischer's exact test, as appropriate. p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results ● Out of the first 100 consecutive patients fulfilling the study criteria, 33 patients had AKI & 15 patients had ACKD. ● The male population was higher than the female population. ● T2DM and HTN were more common in ACKD patients than the AKI patients. ● Patients with AKI were clinically dehydrated compared to patients with ACKD. ● Metabolic acidosis was less in AKI patients. ● Most of the ACKD patients had sepsis than the AKI patients. Conclusion The most common etiology of AKI amongst in-hospital patients is dehydration whereas that of ACKD is sepsis associated with more incidence of metabolic acidosis & comorbidities. Earlier diagnosis of AKI represents an important area in treating patients with AKI that has spawned increased awareness of the potential that biomarkers of AKI may play in the future.

Cross sectional study to evaluate modified Alvardo score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Background: Appendectomy is one of the most commonly performed emergency operation. The diagnosis requires distinguishing from other causes of pain in that region of the abdomen like acute ureteric colic, right sided salphingoophoritis. Presently ultrasonogram and contrast enhanced CT scan are the diagnostic modalities of choice. Although these facilities are readily available in urban areas but rural areas still suffer from lack of timely diagnosis and negative appendectomy, enhancing the need for a reliable scoring system for diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Here we will evaluate modified Alvardo scoring system in diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional hospital-based study at KPC medical college, Kolkata with 92 consecutive cases of suspected acute appendicitis, who were admitted, investigated and treated during 1st February 2022 to 31st January, 2023. Modified Alvardo score is calculated of each patient and compared with the histopathological findings of operated appendix. Results: The above study shows that modified Alvardo score 7-9 has high sensitivity of 93.10% in men and in female sensitivity is 77.78%. Overall sensitivity of modified Alvardo score of 7-9 came out to be 83.63%. Conclusions: It can be concluded that modified Alvardo score of 7-9 can be used as a potent diagnostic tool in male. But in females due to lower sensitivity and significant number of negative appendectomy, it can be used an diagnostic aid in addition to imaging studies for diagnosis.

EVALUATION OF INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF WEST BENGAL

Introduction: Factors responsible for cardiovascular disease (CVD) become operational from the early course of CKD and are spread over the entire spectrum of it. The relative risks of cardiovascular events are inversely related to the estimated glomerular ltration rate (eGFR). A patient with CKD is more likely to die from CVD rather than CKD which denotes high burden of CVD in subpopulation and need for early intervention to reduce mortality. Generally in the population, early CKD, atherosclerotic disease is predominant cardiovascular disease but as the CKD progresses the burden of non-atherosclerotic disease increases.Aims:To evaluate relation of Inammatory Biomarkers (IB) in CKD patients with and without ECG and Echocardiography evaluated LVH and IHD with hypokinetic or dyskinetic wall motion with specic ECG changes in KPCMCH. Materials and method: This study was conducted 18 months at KPC medical college and hospital jadavpur, kolkata-72. 100 patients were included in this study. Result: Our study showed that, majority number of patients were Abnormal [64 (87.7%)] in with Echo LVH compared to [16(59.3%)] without Echo LVH it was statistically signicant (p=0.0016) and we also found that, majority number of patients were Abnormal [64(87.7%)] in with Echo LVH compared to [17 (63.0%)] it was statistically signicant (p=0.0272). Conclusion:We concluded that the frequency and types of cardiovascular diseases associated with different stages of CKD, traditional risk factors in CVD associated with various stages of CKD

A STUDY OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CERVICAL LYMPHADENOPATHY

Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a consistent and fairly priced method for evaluating lymphadenopathy. Lymph node FNAC is usually the rst step in the evaluation of enlarged lymph node. The etiology may range from a benign nonspecic inammation to lymphoproliferative disorders and metastatic malignancy. Aims and Objectives: To study role of FNAC as a diagnostic tool in enlarged cervical lymphadenopathy. Methods: The present study was a prospective and cross-sectional study. This Study was carried out over a period of 1 year (February 2022 to January2023) at department of pathology KPC Medical college &Hospital, Kolkata. 100 patients were included in this study. Results: Out of 100 cervical lymph node FNAC cases, reactive non-specic was the most common nding (52%) followed by tubercular (28%). Conclusion:This study highlights the usefulness of FNAC as a reliable diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy

Prevalence of pulmonary function abnormalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with HbA1c in nonsmokers

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with vast social and economic consequences an ageing population and obesity due to sedentary lifestyle are one of the foremost reasons for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim of the current study was to ascertain the burden of respiratory function abnormalities in type 2 diabetic subjects and its correlation with symptom and hba1c in non-smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in KPC medical college, Jadavpur. Patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus between the age of 30-80 years fulfilling the modified Borg dyspnoea scale were included after excluding heart failure, COPD, musculoskeletal disorders. The selected subjects were then subjected to a PFT with reversibility and DLCO assessment Pattern of PFT abnormality recorded. Total of 65 subjects were chosen for the study. Results: In our study most of the patients had Restrictive abnormality Female 24 (42.9%) and male 32 (57.1%). Rest 3 (50.0%) Female patients and 3 (50.0%) male patients had Mixed abnormality. 2 (66.7%) female patients and 1 (33.3%) male patient had normal abnormality which was not statistically significant (p=0.6939). Conclusions: Pulmonary function is reduced in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes duration seems a more important influence than glycaemic control, but the definitive direction as well as the exact pathophysiological mechanism to explain this association requires further investigation.

PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITIES AMONG DELIBERATE SELF-HARM ATTEMPTERS, IN EMERGENGY SETTINGS, IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL OF KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL

Introduction: Deliberate self-harm, including suicide attempt, is a potentially self- injurious behaviour, for which there is proof, that the individual, either implicitly or explicitly, has intention of self-killing. Aims: To assess the lethality of the deliberate self-harm attempts; also, to assess the risk of death and likelihood of rescue, of the attempts and to nd out if there is an association between such morbidities, and the lethality of attempt and likelihood of rescue. Material And Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical, quantitative, hospital-based study was conducted at KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. 182 patients of deliberate self-harm, who fullled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were randomly selected by computer using a predetermined random number generated from computer. Result: The method of DSH attempt in male & female sexes. It is seen that in the 'cutting' method, 54.4% are males; in ingestion of oral agents, majority (62.2%) are females; in the hanging/ asphyxiation' method, 51.4% are males. Conclusion: The study found that, majority of the DSH attempters were females, young (median age being in the early 30s), Hindu, educated up to class 10, housewives followed by employed subjects, and married. Majority of the patients did not have a past history, or a family history of DSH attempt. The method of DSH attempt used by majority was ingestion of oral agents, followed by cutting, followed by hanging

Study of correlation between gallstones and bactibilia

Background: Now a days Cholecystectomy is one of the commonly performed operations. Most common cause is Gallstones. So, we planned this study to determine to find out any association between gallstone and microbiological spectrum in bile in cholelithiasis patients undergoing laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy. Methods: Total 140 patients of chronic calculous cholecystitis admitted in the department of general surgery, KPC medical college & hospital, Jadavpur, Kolkata, during August 2021 to July 2022 for cholecystectomy were included in this study. All patients underwent either laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy. During cholecystectomy bile was collected and sent to the department of microbiology for bacteriological profile of bile. Gallstone is classified based on morphology following gallstone retrieved from the gall bladder. Results: Out of 140 cases 115 cases done laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 25 cases done open cholecystectomy. In this study bile culture test negative in 105 cases and positive in 35 of cases. Escherichia coli was the most common micro-organism found in 20 cases, Enterococcus species in 8 cases, in 5 cases Staphylococcus aureus and 2 mixed infections. In culture negative case mostly gallstones were larger, 2 to 3 in number and yellowish in colour. In culture positive cases mostly, gallstone was more than 3 in number, smaller, black and brown in colour. Conclusions: In the light of above obtained results, the authors concluded that multiple, small, dark and brown in colour gallstone in cholelithiasis patients often show bactibilia. The low incidence of bacterbilia may suggest restriction of use of antibiotics in mild biliary pain.

Post operative effect of bile spillage in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Most common disease of gall bladder and biliary tree is cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now gold standard treatment. Gall bladder contents can be spilled during both in open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but these contents are eliminated usually through direct removal, copious irrigation and mopping in open operations. Right shoulder tip pain is a common short term complaint. Aims and objectives were to study right shoulder tip pain, its duration and severity in post-operative period of patients having spillage versus non spillage of gall bladder contents. Method: It is a hospital based prospective comparative study was conducted in KPC medical college and hospital, Jadavpur, Kolkata. Time frame was April 2021- July 2022. Sample size was 100. Result: Our study showed that, less number of patients had right shoulder tip pain (in numerical rating scale) and requirement of rescue analgesia in case compared to control group. Conclusions: Right shoulder-tip pain, which may occur post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is variable in duration, severity and character and is more in spillage group.

Spermatic cord block in open inguinal hernioplasty

Background: Spermatic cord block is a useful technique for providing anesthesia with scrotal pain and it has been described and published in the urology and anesthesia literature for more than 40 years. Spermatic cord block for inguinal hernioplasty along with spinal anaesthesia avoids the potential risks of neuraxial and general anesthesia and provides long-lasting postoperative analgesia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postoperative effect of 0.5% Bupivacaine for spermatic cord block along with spinal anaesthesia in inguinal hernioplasty.Methods: This study was carried out in KPC medical college and hospital on 100 patients with ASA physical status I and II, age older than or equal to 18 years undergoing elective open inguinal hernioplasty from September 2021 to August 2022. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups: 50 patients received spermatic cord block after mesh placement by bupivacaine 5 ml (0.5%), and 1 ml normal saline (group 1), and 50 patients received 6 ml saline injection in spermatic cord.Results: There was no significant difference between the demographic data, patient characteristics, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and oxygen saturation in the studied groups. There was significantly rapid onset and prolonged duration of blockade, significant decrease in visual analog scale score at 6 h and 12 h postoperatively and the amount of rescue analgesia in group 1 respectively.Conclusions: Spermatic cord block in inguinal hernioplasty surgery improves onset of the block, prolongs postoperative analgesia and reduces the consumption of of postoperative rescue analgesics.

PULMONARY FUNCTION CHANGES IN POST COVID-19 PATIENTS

Introduction: The covid 19 pandemic has exploded since cases were rst reported in China on December 2019.As of July 9 2020, more than 12 million cases of Covid 19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2(SARS-CoV-2) have been reported, and cases have been reported in more than 180 countries. Aim and Objectives: To study the common abnormality in pulmonary function tests in post Covid 19 discharged patients and to correlate with the severity of the disease. Material and Method: A single centre, hospital based, observational, crosssectional study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur, Kolkata, both indoor and OPD patients from 25th of August 2020 to 25th Of June 2021. Result: In our study, 16(20.0%) patients had Mild restriction at PFT Spirometry Finding-x, 34(42.5%) patients had Moderate Restriction at PFT Spirometry Finding-x, 23(28.8%) patients had moderately severe Restriction at PFT Spirometry Finding-x and 7(8.8%) patients had severe restriction at PFT Spirometry Finding-x. Conclusion: DLCO/Va-x was less in severe disease followed by mild and moderate disease which was statistically signicant. DLCO/Va-y was less in severe disease followed by mild and moderate disease which was statistically signicant.

Effect of caffeine on the possible amelioration of diabetic neuropathy: A spectroscopic study

ImportanceOne of the consequential and alarming complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic neuropathy (DN). DN is assured to be caused chiefly by excess sorbitol levels in the body. The harmful consequences of DN alike peripheral nerve damage with extremity ulcers may be dodged with timely detection and treatment. The therapeutic methods for DN are scarce and expensive. Therefore economic and user friendly methodologies to prevent acquiring the disease need proper attention. ObjectiveThe present research has been conducted (1) to analyse the levels of sorbitol in diabetic blood samples and compare them with non-diabetic ones and (2) to study the reduction in sorbitol levels upon addition of an important biochemical compounds caffeine in both sample groups. Research design, setting, participants and methodSorbitol-caffeine interaction analysis of blood samples of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes from KPC Medical College, Kolkata, India was made. The spectroscopic analysis and their interpretations were compared with 16 healthy subjects. Main outcomes and measuresPresent work describes that caffeine can be helpful in reducing the sorbitol level in diabetics, so the chances of development and progression of diabetic neuropathy can be controlled with the introduction of caffeine. ResultsA total number of 32 blood samples of patients (aged 35–70 years); mean age ranges were 52.06 ± 2.68 and 53.50 ± 2.66 years for non-diabetic and diabetic ones respectively, glucose and sorbitol screening examination were done by enzymatic methodologies where concentrations were assessed by means of either absorption or fluorescence spectroscopy. The calibration range was 18.2–1119.3 mg/dL (Linear regression analysis r2 = 0.996). The sensitivity of this screening program in detecting DN with the healthy adults has been inquired and found efficient. Results of fasting insulin analyses have also been analysed for HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment – insulin resistance) and HOMA-B (homeostasis model assessment – pancreatic β cell function) values. Statistical significance of the results in non-diabetic and diabetic groups were performed and found to be statistically significant. ConclusionsWe have defined the relationship between blood glucose level, insulin level, sorbitol and caffeine in human body and utilized them in the plausible remediation of DN.

A study on infant and young child feeding practices among mothers attending the immunisation clinic of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal

Background: Age appropriate feeding practices is an essential determinant of physical growth as well as mental health of under-five children. WHO and UNICEF have formulated the infant and young child feeding practices guidelines to enhance appropriate feeding practices in infants and young children.Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the immunization clinic of KPC medical college and hospital from October to December 2018 among children in 0-23 months age group. The mothers were interviewed regarding their sociodemographic details as well as the IYCF practices as per WHO.Results: It was found that appropriate practices in terms of prelacteal feeding, colostrum feeding; early initiation of breast feeding and exclusive breast feeding was present in 78.4%, 80%, 77.5% and 50% children respectively. Timely initiation of complementary feeding was found in 81%, breast feeding was continued upto 1 year in 68.8% and consumption of iron rich or iron fortified food was found in 54.5% children. Appropriate practices in terms of minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity and minimum appropriate diet were found in 49.7%, 27% and 32.3% children respectively. Sex wise distributions have found significant association with minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet. Age wise distribution revealed significant association with minimum dietary frequency, minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet (p<0.005).Conclusions: Thus infant and young child feeding practices were not satisfactory. Mothers should be made aware about the appropriate feeding practices and health education should be given regarding correct child feeding practices.

Operative fixation of type IV-VI acromioclavicular joint separation: an internal splint technique

<p class="abstract">Treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is controversial. Rockwood type I, II, III AC joint injuries generally treated conservatively. In the literature there is various treatment options described for treating type IV - VI injuries with good and poor outcome but no single gold standard method. Rockwood type IV - VI AC joint separation treated with internal splint technique by passing Merselene tape through drill hole at lateral end clavicle, passing it under coracoid process and tied it after reducing vertical displacement of AC joint. Simultaneously horizontal displacement corrected and Merselene tape passed through drill hole of acromian process and tied. Endobuttn supports Merselene tape at superior aspect of clavicle. This study was conducted between April 2015 to March 2019 in KPC Medical College and hospital, Kolkata after taking ethical committee permission. 20 patients undergo surgical fixation of type IV-VI AC joint separation within 3 weeks of injury. Outcome of clinical and radiological parameter assessment was at 6, 12, 24 weeks. Male female ratio was 7:3. Mean age 38.2 years, abduction was less than 100 degree in 2 patients at 6 months follow up due to inadequate compliance to physiotherapy. Other patients develop full Range of motion (ROM) and power of shoulder muscle 5/5. No cosmetic deformity except one painful scar. No postoperative displacement in alignment in Anteroposterior (AP) and axillary lateral view. This technique of interal spilint construct reduces need for rigid implant and biological procedure for acute AC joint dislocation though having excellent fixation strength, good reduction in both coronal and sagittal plane for proper healing of AC and Coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments.</p>

A study of lipid profile in subclinical hypothyroidism in tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, India

Background: Objective was to study lipid profile in patients of subclinical hypothyroidism in tertiary centre in Kolkata, West Bengal and compare the same with matched controls.Methods: This observational study (single exposure) was conducted May 2019 to Nov 2019 at Department of Medicine, KPC Medical College, Jadavpur, Kolkata in subjects diagnosed with Sub Clinical Hypothyroidism [defined as normal T3 or FT3, normal T4 or FT4, and with increased TSH. Sixty patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were selected after careful exclusion; lipid profile was compared with matched controls.Results: Between the two groups (group I - controls vs. group II - cases), the values were as follows: Mean serum total T3 value was 114.03±29.22 ng/dl vs. 106.15±36.24 ng/dl (p = 0.3476); mean total T4 was 7.07±1.69 μg/dl vs. 6.86±1.31 μg/dl (p = 0.535); mean TSH was 3.17±1.28 μIU/ml vs. 9.77±4.19 μIU/ml (p <0.0001). Lipid profile pattern (group I vs. group II) was as follows: Mean total cholesterol (TC) 125.50±9.18 mg/dl vs. 162.07±42.32 mg/dl (p <0.0001), mean triglycerides (TG) is 136.65±14.82 mg/dl vs. 148.90±65.27 mg/dl (p = 0.3236), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol is 62.17±7.40 mg/dl vs. 98.81±33.26 mg/dl (p <0.0001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol 39.17±6.62 mg/dl vs. 34.27±9.63 mg/dl (p = 0.0702), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels are 34.54±15.38 mg/dl vs. 32.08±13.21 mg/dl (p = 0.5245)..Conclusions: Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with increased serum total cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol levels. Therefore, there is a potential association between Subclinical hypothyroidism and atherosclerosis.

Bacteriological profile and its antibiotic susceptibility in patients with urinary tract infection in tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are counted among the most common infections in humans. In spite of the availability and use of antimicrobial drugs, UTIs caused by bacteria have been showing increasing trends. The extensive and inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents has invariably resulted in the development of antibiotic resistance which, in recent years, has become a major problem worldwide. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among the different ages of groups of both males and females attending KPC Medical College, Jadavpur, Kolkata during six months of the period included in this study. A total of 350 urine samples received from patients of the ICU and other wards of the medical college and hospital. All urine samples were processed within 1 hour after collection for aerobic bacterial culture. Results: Out of a total of 380 patients, isolates were detected in 350 (76.29%) samples. Out of these, 280 (80%) were female. The most common organism found positive was Escherichia Coli. E. coli was highly sensitive to Amikacin and Nitrofurantoin. Whereas, E.coli was highly resistant to Ampicillin and Nalidixic acid. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Klebsiella and Acinetobacter shows that they were also highly sensitive to Amikacin. Klebsiella and Acinetobacter were highly resistant to Ampicillin and Gentamicin. Conclusion: The pattern of resistance to commonly used antibiotics for treating UTI alerts us against indiscriminate usage of antibiotics.

Knowledge, socio demographic profile, vaccination status and factors determining the acceptance of hepatitis B vaccine among nursing staff of KPC Medical College of West Bengal

Background: Hepatitis B, a vaccine preventable infection is one of the important causes of morbidity in India. The risk of acquiring the infection is more among the health care providers like nurses than in general population as they come in close contact with patients. The study has been done to know the sociodemographic profile, vaccination status along with the knowledge about the disease and the factors determining the acceptance of vaccination among nursing staff of KPC Medical College in West Bengal.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the 284 nursing staff of KPC Medical College and Hospital in November to December, 2018 with the help of pre-designed and semi-structured questionnaire. Data on demographic characteristics, knowledge, occupational exposure, vaccination status and factors for acceptance of vaccine etc. were collected and analysed.Results: 86% nursing staff received vaccination out of which 71% were completely vaccinated, 29% were partially and 14% were non vaccinated. The acceptable knowledge was found in 84% of the nurses. The major reason of vaccination was to protect themselves from infection and the major reason for non-acceptance was time limitation, cost issues etc. Accidental prick was found in 5% of the nurses and universal precautionary measure was taken by 98% of the nurses.Conclusions: In spite of availability of safe, effective and cheap vaccine against hepatitis B infection, 29% of nursing staff were partially vaccinated and 14% were non-vaccinated. There should be a mandatory vaccination at the beginning of their training and frequent educational and awareness programme for them on hepatitis B.

Study of socio-demographic and treatment profile and other epidemiological correlates of clients attending revised national tuberculosis control programme clinic in a tertiary hospital of West Bengal, India

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria spread by droplet infection.According to global TB report 2017, there were approximately 28 lakhs cases of TB in India accounting a quarter of the world TB cases. Today, it is the fastest-expanding and the largest program in the world in terms of patients initiated on treatment and the second largest in terms of population coverage. The objective of this study is to assess the socio-demographic profile of the patients attending revised national TB control programme (RNTCP) clinic, to determine the nature of disease, its co-morbidities, seasonal variability and treatment profile of the patients attending the RNTCP clinic during this study period.Methods: This was a retrospective record-based study conducted in RNTCP clinic of KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Details of all the 684 patients who were enrolled under RNTCP from the year 2014 to 2018 were collected from RNTCP records. Data was analyzed using suitable software.Results: 684 cases were registered and treated under directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) during the study period with 41% completing treatment. 84.3% were new TB cases. 23.61% were sputum smear positive. Males (67.25%) contributed to more in cases. Maximum patients visited during March to June. 74.87% of the total patients were diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Pleural effusion was the commonest form of extrapulmonary TB (42.75%).Conclusions: The number of TB cases showed a decreasing trend over the years. Males contributed to a greater number of cases with majority being contributed by the age group 21-30 years.

Detection of dengue virus in Eastern India

Background: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection. The virus has four serotypes; infection with one type usually gives lifelong immunity to that type, but only short-term immunity to the others. Subsequent infection with different dengue virus increases the risk of severe complications. A number of tests are available to confirm the diagnosis including detection via Dengue NS1Ag Microlisa and Dengue IgM/IgG Microlisa antibody by ELISA Method. Methods: There are three methods followed in particular to detect the dengue virus: (A) Dengue NS1 AG Microlisa is designed for in-vitro qualitative detection of Dengue NS1 antigen in human serum or plasma and is used as a screening test for testing of collected blood samples suspected for DENGUE. This method detects all four subtypes; DEN1, DEN2, DEN3 & DEN4 of Dengue Virus. (B) Dengue IgM Microlisa designed for in-vitro qualitative detection of Dengue IgM Antibody in human serum or plasma and is used as a screening test for testing of collected’ blood samples suspected for DENGUE. This method also detects all four subtypes; DEN1, DEN2, DEN3 & DEN4 of Dengue Virus. (C) Dengue IgG Microlisa designed for in vitro qualitative defection on Dengue IgG antibody in human serum / plasma. Duration – 6 months – July, August, September, October, November, December 2019 at KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata West Bengal. Results: Among 1860 dengue samp1es, 420 sâmp1es were found to be NS1Ag positive 160 samples were found to be IgM positive and 24 samples were found to be IgG positive. Rest Samples negative for all three parameters. Conclusion: Dengue is a mosquito borne viral infection causing a severe flu like illness and sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue. The incidence of dengue has increased 30 fold over the last 50 years. Up to 50-100 million infections are now estimated to occur annually in over 100 endemic countries, putting almost half of the world’s population at risk. If sever dengue fever can damage the lungs, liver or heart or multiorgan failure. Blood pressure can drop to dangerous levels, causing shock and in some cases death.