Western Indian Population Research Articles

Spectrum of soft tissue lesions in upper and lower extremities on fine needle aspiration cytology: A three years’ experience from Western Indian population

Soft tissue lesions have a wide spectrum which includes non- neoplastic, benign & malignant lesions. FNAC act as preliminary diagnostic tool providing a predictive diagnosis of a benign or malignant soft tissue neoplasm and thus helps for further intervention. This study discusses the spectrum of FNAC of soft tissue lesions in upper and lower limbs.All cytology smears of soft tissue lesions from both upper and lower limbs were included over a period of three years at tertiary care hospital. The most common age group was 31 to 40 years with male to female ratio being 1.3:1. The spectrum included broadly neoplastic (65.7%) & non-neoplastic (34.3%) cases. The neoplasms were further divided as benign (42.8 %), malignant (18.6%) and suspicious for neoplasm (4.3%) whereas (34.3 %) were non-neoplastic lesions. The most common lesion was giant cell tumor (GCT) of tendon sheath. The most common site was hand (24%) followed by feet (22.5%). FNAC of soft tissue lesions is useful for differentiating various lesions and neoplasms in extremities so as to help patients in further management.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTOR NEURON DISEASE : A SINGLE CENTRE DATA FROM GUJARAT STATE.

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a heterogenous group of disorders with degeneration of upper and/or lower motor neurons. Limited data is available for clinical characteristics of MND from western India. Methods: We retrospectively observed all cases of MND, evaluated at our centre. Those with conrmed diagnosis, exclusion of secondary causes and with one year of minimal follow up were included, for the anaysis. RESULTS: Out of 51 patients of MND, 36 were diagnosed as Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and 15 patients were having pure Lower Motor Neuron(LMN) type of MND. Male: female ration was 2.8:1 in ALS group , with mean age of 50 years. Out of 10 bulbar onset MND patients, 5 died in the follow-up period. In the LMN subgroup, younger onset monomelic amyotrophy, of upper limb onset (Hirayama) was commonest subtype. No patients with isolated Upper motor Neuron type of MND was found. SUMMARY: ALS subgroups of patients had younger age of onset in western Indian population, with signicant male rd preponderance. Hirayama disease was commonest LMN type of MND, with onset in 3 decade and more commonly seen in males

Clinical Profile of Patients of ASD Device Closure with Special Reference to Short and Intermediate Term Complications

Background: Device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is a treatment of choice in selected patients with a suitable defect. We aimed to evaluate short- and intermediate-term outcomes with device closure in special reference to complications in Western Indian population. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study enrolled 184 patients with ASD who underwent Device closure. All patients were followed at 15–30 days (short) and 3–12 months (intermediate). Results: Device closure of ASD was done successfully in 180 (97.83%) patients. Systolic (P = 0.02), diastolic (P = 0.007), and mean PA (P = 0.0001) pressure were significantly decreased at postprocedure. Residual defect was resolved in 94.2% of patients by 6 months. Preprocedural Pulmonary artery hypertension was found in 36 (19.56%) patients and was reduced in 15 (8.15%) patients postprocedure and in 10 (5.43%) patients at 1 year. Residual shunt was reported in 34% of patients which was resolved in all by 6 months. At postprocedure and follow–up, patients were developed minor complications included (0.5%) moderate MR, 1 (0.5%) lower respiratory tract infection, and 3 (1.6%) local site hematoma. Eleven (5.98%) major complications involved arrythmia (2.17%), infective endocarditis (0.54%), LAA perforation (0.54%), cardioembolic shock (0.54%), device embolization (0.54%), sudden cardiac arrest (0.54%), intraprocedural acute coronary syndrome (0.54%), and cardiac tamponade (0.54%). Conclusion: Device closure appears to be best available option at the present time. Careful attention to the details of the technique is mandatory to achieve a successful outcome in order to avoid complication related to procedure. Patients of all ages experience reduction in pulmonary artery pressure after percutaneous device closure of ASD.

Clinical and Angiographic Profile of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients (<40 Years) and Short-Term Prognosis

Background: The rapidly changing economic stature and lifestyle choices of young individuals have affected healthcare in India. An increased prevalence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young individuals has been observed. Aims and Objectives: The present cross-sectional, observational study was designed to record the clinical and angiographic profiles of young individuals (<40 years) with ACS. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was also designed to analyze the associations of lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and alcohol on the occurrence of ACS and short-term (1 month) prognosis (rehospitalization and mortality). The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 40 years with angina pectoris or equivalent at presentation and later diagnosed ACS per the consensus paper from the European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/World Heart Federation joint task force. Patients with a previous history of ACS/coronary revascularization, atypical chest pain, valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and/or congenital heart disease were excluded. Results: Out of the 403 patients that were screened, 162 young patients (18–40 years, mean ± standard deviation: 31.5 ± 4.64) were enrolled from a single tertiary cardiac care center located at Pune, Maharashtra, from May 2014 to May 2016. Most of the patient population were males (n [%]:151 [93.2]) of which 50% had positive addiction status for alcohol and smoking, family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and a quarter of the patients had comorbidities of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and/or abnormal lipid profile. The majority of the young ACS patients had ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI: 87%), wherein anterior wall myocardial infarction was the most common electrocardiogram presentation, and primary angioplasty in myocardial infarction (PAMI) was the preferred modality of treatment in most of the young patients (61.7% vs. 38.3% thrombolysis). Conclusion: The prevalent angiographic profile of this study participants included obstructive CAD, single vessel disease, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45, Angina Class IV, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, and Killip class I. Low LVEF, NYHA class IV, and Killip class IV showed association with short-term outcomes (mortality). The present study adds to the pool of information related to the western Indian population. However, a larger cohort study with a long-term follow is warranted to analyze the detailed ACS progression status in young individuals.

Application and Validation of Lamendin et al.'s Adult Age Estimation Method using Mandibular Premolar Teeth on Western Indian (Gujarati) Population

Aim: To evaluate the applicability of the method by Lamendin et al. for adult dental age estimation using extracted single-rooted mandibular first premolar in the Western Indian population and to develop a new regression equation. Materials and Methods: Ninety-seven extracted mandibular first premolars were collected from patients in the age range of 15–75 years. The root height, root translucency, and periodontosis parameters were measured. Lamendin's formula was tested on 77 randomly selected specimens. The regression formula was applied to the remaining 20 specimens to validate the same. The data were analyzed using the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), paired t-tests, and Pearson's correlation tests. Results: The mean estimated age using Lamendin's original formula was 44.75 years (±10.52) for the overall sample (N = 77). There was an overestimation of the age of the study sample by 0.11 year (SD = 11.14; df = 76; P > 0.05). The regression equation based on the data of the mandibular first premolar was Age (Yrs.) =18.423 + 0.441 (P) +0.423 (T) with a SEE = 11.07; r 2 = 0.540; Sig. P <0.001. The mean estimated age of the test sample (N = 20) was 35.85 years ± 7.32 (P < 0.05) and 37.87 ± 6.19 (P > 0.05) by applying the new premolar formula and Lamendin's original formula, respectively. Conclusion: A strong positive correlation was found between the actual age and the estimated age using Lamendin's method, and there was no significant difference between the actual age and the estimated age of the study population using Lamendin's original and new premolar formula.

Metformin mediates MicroRNA-21 regulated circulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 in diabetic nephropathy: an in-silico and clinical study

Metformin is commonly used as an oral hypoglycaemic agent in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MicroRNA-21 is widely studied in diabetic and diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) is involved in extracellular matrix degradation and tissue repair processes. However, the effect of metformin administration on hsa-miR-21-5p and MMP9 has not been evaluated in T2DM and DN patients. The study subjects were divided into three groups (Healthy controls = 36, T2DM = 38, DN = 35). Anthropometric measurements were taken and biochemical tests were carried out on fasting blood samples. Reverse transcriptase PCR was employed for whole blood gene expression analysis of hsa-miR-21-5p and MMP9. Bioinformatics analyses including drug-gene interaction, protein-protein interaction, functional enrichment analyses and co-expression networks were performed. In the present study, MMP9 and hsa-miR-21-5p levels were downregulated and upregulated respectively in T2DM and DN patients when compared with healthy controls. However, in metformin-treated group, a downregulation of hsa-miR-21-5p and upregulation of MMP9 was observed. In-silico analysis revealed the target genes involved in the miR-21 and MMP9 interaction network. Metformin directly targets miR-21 and regulates MMP9 expression in T2DM patients, influencing the pathogenesis of DN. Highlights MMP-9 and hsa-miR-21-5p were downregulated and upregulated respectively in T2DM and DN patients in a Western Indian population. The patients treated with metformin showed downregulation of hsa-miR-21-5p and upregulation of MMP9. In-silico analysis revealed MMP-9 as well as PTEN to be targets of hsa-miR-21-5p. Metformin regulates MMP9 expression in T2DM and DN patient populations through hsa-miR-21-5p.

Study of quality of life in patients with premature graying of hair in Western Indian population

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Quality of life in patients with premature graying of hair is an under studied topic in Indian population. Its onset in adolescence may have a significant effect on the developing psyche of an individual sufferer impairing academic and work related performance and can be associated with low self esteem, low confidence which can further be associated with depression. Aim was<strong> </strong>to objectively evaluate the impact of premature canities on QoL and early identification of patients in need of medical and psychological intervention.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The impact on QoL was calculated with the help of a modified and prevalidated questionnaire based on the dermatology life quality index proposed by Finley and Kahn. One hundred patients with onset of canities before the age of 25 years were enrolled, after approval by the institutional ethical committee.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean modified DLQI score recorded was 14.3±6.76. Total of 71% patients were found to have a very large to extremely large effect on the QoL. Guilt, mood fluctuation and need for medical intervention were reported frequently. The comparison between DLQI scores of boys and girls was not significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Patients of premature canities were found to have profound impact on their QoL, attributable to their perception of the disease. Considering the age group affected, it could have a long‑term detrimental effect on their psychological and social wellbeing.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Host Genetic Factors for COVID-19 Severity and Outcome in Western Indian Population

Background: Different human populations across the globe responded in a different way against the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, it is anticipated that host genetic variants have straight association with the COVID-19. Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) may help to understand this aspect.Methods: We carried out GWAS analysis with 571 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients from Gujarat state of India with different phases of COVID-19 severity. After quality filtering, total 94, 320 and 147, deceased, recovered (after admitting in intensive care unit), and asymptomatic, patients were included in the final analysis using three tools i.e. PLINK, OrdinalGWAS·jl and SAIGE.Findings: We identified total ten, thirteen, and ten unique genomic loci for deceased vs recovered, deceased vs asymptomatic and recovered vs asymptomatic groups, respectively. TNFSF4, LRRC56 and TUBD1 genes have shown an association in deceased vs recovered. Similarly, genomic markers where nearby genes are OR7C2, OR7A17, PAX5, etc. are significant for disease vs asymptomatic comparison. For recovered vs asymptomatic comparison, a strong signal at chromosome 6, locus 6p21·32 where HLA group of genes, which are key regulators of the immune system, is found. Unfavorable alleles in AX-11318356, AX-11403743, and AX-11509434 have shown the higher frequency in European compared to the South Asian population and it is reversed for AX-40266551, AX-40266553, AX-38975337, AX-11258333, and AX-30353919.Interpretation: Unfavorable alleles of the markers showing association with the disease severity and outcome can be used for risk prediction in the SARS-CoV-2 infections. GWAS study in other populations may help to further strengthen the outcome of this study.Funding: Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, India.Conflict of Interest: All the authors of this manuscript declare no competing interests.Ethical Approval: The present studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by Institutional Ethical Committee of Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Gandhinagar, and B. J. Medical College and Civil hospital, Ahmedabad, reference No. EC/Approval/38/2020.

Correlation of the Stature to Forearm Length in the Young Adults of Western Indian Population

Introduction: Forensic anthropometry dealing with the application of anthropometric measurements ofhuman individual for the purposes of the identification of human remains. Inter and intra population variationscan be observed in relation to anthropometric measurements due to factors such as genetic makeup, age,gender and ethnicity and help in the identification of individual in criminal investigations.Method: This is cross sectional study using young adult students of age group 17 to 24 years. Participantsenrolled after due consent and stature(S) and forearm length (FAL) were measured using standardanthropometric techniques. SPSS statistical package used to calculate Pearson’s coefficients of correlationand regression equations between stature and the anthropometric variables.Results: There were total 255 participants including 54 (21.18%) males and 201 (78.82%) females.Regression equation for estimation of stature from right forearm length is S = 1.4111 Rt FAL+ 126.72, andfrom left forearm length is S = 1.3774 Lt FAL+ 128.39. There were strong positive correlations betweenheight and forearm lengths in all regressions (r >0.9; p < 0.0001).Conclusions: The proposed regression equations based on forearm length presented here will simplify thetask of stature estimation for adults in clinical forensic medicine or as aids to the identification in criminalinvestigation in endogenous population. The left forearm length is more accurate in estimating the stature ofyoung adults of western Indian population.

Taxonomical account of the Indian spiny clam shrimps (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata) from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, USA.

I present taxonomical re-descriptions of two Indian spinicaudatan species deposited at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, USA, emphasizing on a few characters not highlighted in the original descriptions. Specimens collected from South India and deposited in the museum forty years ago were assessed and re-described. The study shows that the Cyzicidae species deposited as Caenestheriella sp. is Ozestheria indica while the Eulimnadia species is the widely distributed Eulimnadia michaeli. Many of the taxonomical characters were variable and did not exactly match the earlier description for both the species. Ozestheria indica could be distinguished from other valid Indian species on the telson characters and its occurrence proximity to the type locality of the species. This species is currently restricted to Peninsular India. Eulimnadia michaeli could be identified based on its characteristic egg surface morphology, though, the inner layers of the egg did vary when compared with the western Indian population. Using museum material, the validated species tally of Indian spiny clam shrimps now stands at 8 while 15 still await re-examination.

Normal spirometry predictive values for the Western Indian adult population.

Interpretation of spirometry involves comparing lung function parameters with predicted values to determine the presence/severity of the disease. The Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) derived reference equations for healthy individuals aged 3-95 years from multiple populations but highlighted India as a "particular group" for whom further data are needed. We aimed to derive predictive equations for spirometry in a rural Western Indian adult population.We used spirometry data previously collected (2008-2012) from 1258 healthy adults (aged 18 years and over) by the Vadu Health and Demographic Surveillance System. We constructed sex-stratified prediction equations for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC using the Generalised Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) method to derive the best fitting model of each outcome as a function of age and height.When compared with GLI Ethnicity Codes 1 (White Caucasian) and 5 (Other/Mixed), the Western Indian adult population appears to have lower lung volumes on average, though the FEV1/FVC ratio is comparable. Both age and height were predictive of mean FEV1 and FVC; and for females, the variability of response was also dependent on age. FEV1/FVC appears to have a very strong age effect, highlighting the limitations of using a fixed 0.7 cut-off value.The use of GLI normal values may result in overdiagnosis of lung disease in this population. We recommend that the values and equations generated from this study should be used by physicians in their routine practice for diagnosing disease and its severity in adults from the Western Indian population.

Comparison of morphologic profile of congenital heart defects associated with right isomerism and left isomerism in Western Indian population

Context: Heterotaxy syndrome is a disorder that involves abnormal lateralization of the abdominal viscera, thoracic organs, and cardiac atria. The objective was to compare the frequency of morphologic profile of congenital heart defects associated with right isomerism and left isomerism in the Western Indian population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted by the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, U N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, from January 2016 to April 2018. All children presenting to the hospital with suspected congenital heart defect were included in the study. Echocardiography-based sequential segmental analysis was used; various cardiac defects were noted for patients with right isomerism (RAI) and left isomerism (LAI). Results: Occurrence of heterotaxy in our screening population is 0.12%. A total of 93 children had atrial heterotaxy (M: F; 1.06:1), with 65 (69.89%) having RAI and 28 (30.11%) having LAI. Most common lesions associated with RAI included complete atrioventricular septal defect (n = 43, 66.2%), and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction (n = 35, 53.84%). LAI was associated with atrial septal defect (n = 24, 85.7%) ventricular septal defect (n = 23, 82.1%). Conclusion: Heterotaxy encompasses a wide spectrum of congenital cardiac defects. The frequency of various defects associated with RAI and LAI in Western India is compared here to those as reported in the Western world.

Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology- An Experience from Western Indian Population.

Introduction:Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be challenging to provide a precise diagnosis in salivary gland cytopathology due to diversity of lesions and cytomorphological convergence between the tumors and within the same tumor of salivary gland. The recently proposed Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) provides a risk stratification-based classification system with an intrinsic risk of malignancy (ROM) for each diagnostic category, which aims to furnish useful information to the clinicians. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic utility and validity of MSRSGC.Methods and Material:In this retrospective study, FNAC done for all salivary gland lesions over a period of two years were retrieved. All cases were categorized according to MSRSGC and correlated with histopathological follow-up, wherever available. ROM was calculated for each category.Results:The cases belong to following categories: non-diagnostic (1.27%), non-neoplastic (30.38%), atypia of undetermined significance (5.06%), benign neoplasm (46.84%), salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (1.27%), suspicious for malignancy (1.27%), and malignant (13.92%). Out of 79 cases, 50.63% had follow-up. The ROM were 0% for category II and IVa, 50% for category III, and 100% for category IVb, V, and VI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were recorded as 77.78%, 100%, 100%, 91.3%, and 93.33%, respectively.Conclusions:Application of MSRSGC has immense value for standardization of reporting of salivary gland FNAC. Our data corresponds to the studies done worldwide and recommends the use of MSRSGC for future diagnostic purposes.

Comparative anthropometry analysis of the digital X-rays of the right and left hip joints in an Indian population

Background: Population-specific anthropometric analysis of hip joints has vital clinical and surgical implications including adoption of optimal preventive measures and selection of effective prosthesis. Hence, in this study, we determined the anatomical variance between the right and left hip of the patients referred to our orthopedic unit. Materials and Methods: Five hundred patients with a normal hip joint attending the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, Coimbatore, India, were included in this study. Plain radiographs were taken to measure the neck-shaft angle (NSA), head diameter (HD), neck width (NW) of the right and left femur, and the values were compared with data reported in the literature for various other population. Results: The mean value of NSA (134.2°), HD (42.9 mm), and NW (28.2 mm) in the study population differed when compared with data reported in the literature for the Western and other Indian population. Significant changes were also observed between the right and left sides of the hip joint in the study population. Conclusion: This study concludes that significant differences exist between the right and left side of hip joint in the study population. Further the values observed in our study population were considerably different from the values reported in the literature for the Western population.

Incidence of different morphological types of diabetic macular edema on OCT in western Indian Population

Incidence of different morphological types of diabetic macular edema on OCT in western Indian Population

Changes in diet composition with urbanization and its effect on the polycystic ovarian syndrome phenotype in a Western Indian population

To study the effects of increasingly prosperous diet content on clinical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A cross-sectional cohort study of 711 women with PCOS from a heterogeneous population spanning a wide spectrum of socioeconomic strata. Independent hospital. A total of 711 women with PCOS in whom the diagnosis was based on Rotterdam criteria. Results were compared with a locally recruited reference group. Clinical assessment of women with PCOS. Clinical characteristics were assessed with particular reference to diet composition. Four diet groups were identified: simple rice with vegetables, vegetarian with mixed carbohydrates, nonvegetarian with mixed carbohydrates, and an urban diet of processed foods. Women with PCOS showed the characteristic features of raised LH and androstenedione concentrations and increased ovarian volume and antral follicle count. There was a notable association between an increasingly affluent diet, the presence of hirsutism, raised body mass index, insulin resistance, and higher serum antimüllerian hormone concentrations. The positive association between antimüllerian hormone and body mass index is an unusual feature possibly explained by the wide spectrum of lifestyles in this cohort. Urbanization of women in India is associated with increasingly severe phenotype of PCOS, which is likely to have implications on fertility outcomes.

Morphometric analysis of the hip joint in Western Indian population: Relevance in designing of various hip implants & prosthesis

Background: Proximal femur bears significant functional impact on gait and posture. Numerous proximal femoral parameters have been reviewed in the Western literature. In turn this knowledge was implemented in the designing of various prostheses. These implants which have been manufactured for the Western population are being utilised rampantly without modifications in our Indian patients undergoing hip replacements. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in 250 patients (500 hips) with an otherwise normal hip joint after ethical committee clearance. Computed tomography scanning of proximal femur was carried out. The following parameters were calculated: Neck-shaft angle (NSA), neck width (NW), head diameter (HD), acetabular angle (AA), horizontal offset (HO), vertical offset (VO), medullary canal diameter at the level of lesser trochanter (MDLT), and acetabular version (AV). Results were compared with various populations and statistically analysed. Results: The mean values of NSA was 133°, NW 25 mm, femoral HD 41.9 mm, AA 35.1°, HO 36 mm, VO 47 mm, MD LT 19 mm, and AV 18.13°. These values are in contrast with those of the Western population. There was difference in the results when compared with contemporary Indian studies carried out in Northern and Northeast Indian population. There were significant differences in the parameters with respect to sex and side of the hip joint. Conclusion: We conclude that there are significant differences in the morphometric parameters of proximal femur among the Western Indian population when compared with the world population. Also comparison within the Indian population reveals that the morphometric parameters show variation from region to region.

Applicability and reliability of foramen magnum for sex determination in contemporary Western Indian population: A computed tomographic study

Abstract Establishing sex of fragmentary skeletal remains is a critical issue in forensic anthropology and is of prime importance, since it helps to significantly narrow down the number of potential victims. Forensic anthropologists have always advocated for population specific sex discriminant formula for each population using different skeletal parts. Till date Gujarati population of India has not have any discriminant formulae for sex determination from fragmentary crania. So, the current research aims to examine the usefulness of foramen magnum variables in sex estimation of Western Indian (Gujarati) population and to provide population data which can be used as reference in cases of establishing identity in unknown fragmentary skulls. A total of 553 adult individuals [♂ = 291, ♀ = 262] of Gujarati origin with age range 18–60 years were subjected to Computed Tomography (CT) scan of skull. Length and width of foramen magnum were measured and based on these, three other variables (areas by Radinsky and Teixeria formulae and foramen magnum index) were calculated. Descriptive and discriminant function analysis was performed using SPSS 20.00. Significant difference was observed in all variables except foramen magnum index, but sexing accuracy didn't exceed 69.1%, even after using multivariate discriminant analysis. It is concluded that the foramen magnum region is not suitable for sexing Gujarati population in forensic context.

Killer immunoglobulin like receptor gene profiling in Western Indian population

One hundred and sixty one healthy unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplant donors from Western Indian were enrolled in this study. The study was initiated to observe the genotypic diversity of 16 killer immunoglobulin like receptor (KIR) genes in this population. KIR genotyping was carried out using the PCR-SSP technique. 56 KIR genotypes were observed in our population, where 15 genotypes were reported for the first time in any population. The KIR genotype data for the population can be accessed from Allele Frequencies Net Database under the population name “India Western KIR” and identifier “3570”.

A correlation of first trimester serum levels of PAPP-A and PlGF with preeclampsia in western Indian population

Preeclampsia till today is a leading cause of serious maternal morbidity as well as maternal mortality. Prevention of preeclampsia is the mainstay of controlling various maternal and fetal complications as cure for it is not available. Early identification of preeclamptic patients is helpful in prevention of serious morbidities. Various biochemical markers were studied for prediction of preeclampsia but the sensitivity and specificity were found to be low. We intend to study the serum levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein-a (PAPP-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) at 10-14 weeks of period of gestation for early prediction of development of preeclampsia. In a prospective observational study carried out from Aug 2014 to Jul 2016 at a tertiary care hospital where 323 patients participated. Serum levels of PAPP-A and PlGF at 10-14 weeks were collected and followed up till the time of delivery for development of preeclampsia. Incidence of preeclampsia was 6.5%. Maternal characteristics and obstetric factors were comparable in cases and controls. Serum levels of PAPP-A in cases and controls were 14.34 ugm/ml & 18.96 ugm/ml and for PlGF it was 27.86 pg/ml & 38.56 pg/ml respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the cases and controls in serum levels of PAPP-A and PlGF. Low serum levels of PAPP-A and PlGF at 10-14 weeks were observed in patients who developed preeclampsia at later gestation.