Panacea Journal of Medical Sciences

2-6

Authors: Gupta M

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity internationally. The aetiology of this disease is unknown, though widespread endothelial dysfunction is considered to be the major reason. Early identification of this disease would be helpful in early identification of the high risk patients, diagnosis and better prenatal care. Several biomarkers either individually or in combination have been identified which either increase or decrease in PE and may be of utility either as predictors or diagnostic tools. This review focuses on various available biomarkers and their utility from the already existing literature.

14-19

Authors: Gupta A, Date K

The aim of this study was to identify the organisms causing neonatal septicemia and their antimicrobial susceptibility at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary care hospital; to evaluate the maternal and neonatal risk factors and to establish a correlation between the hematological markers and septicemia. This cross sectional study period extends from 1st May to 30th June 2011. 40 neonates suspected to have septicemia or had maternal history of risk factors were enrolled after ethical clearances. A septic work up was carried out in all these infants that included Complete blood counts, C-reactive protein, and blood cultures with antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. The analysis of the peripheral smear was done. Statistical analysis was done by ‘Z’ test. Out of total 40 suspected cases; male: female ratio was found to be 1.6:1.The blood culture was positive in 26(65%) cases, whereas negative in 14(35%). Early onset septicemia was in 27(67.5%) and late onset septicemia was in 13(32.5%). Out of these, 26 positive blood cultures, non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (65.3%) were found to be the commonest; followed by Pseudomonas species (11.5%); Serratia species (7.69%); Enterococci (3.84%).The organisms showed highest sensitivity to Imipenem and Cefotaxime. The significant risk factors were perinatal maternal fever, prolonged rupture of membranes (>12 hours), Neonatal Resuscitation, Low Birth Weight. Hematological markers TLC<5000 cu.mm and increased CRP were highly indicative of septicemia. As of now, non-fermenters have not been reported to be isolated from the maternal genital tract. This strongly suggests that early onset hospital – acquired sepsis due NFGNB should be an area of concern and future research. But for this, a study on larger sample size is required.

24-28

Authors: Khandelwal R, Tamhane A, Khandelwal R

Amblyopia is one of the major causes of childhood blindness. Screening of all pre-school children for refractive errors and strabismus is important to detect amblyopia and prevent a child from losing his/her eyesight permanently. We evaluated the efficacy of Canon Powershot SX-260 HS digital camera as an amblyopia screener for identifying amblyogenic risk factors. We obtained Bruckner reflex photographs using consumer digital camera. There were 77 subjects, 42 were amblyopes and 35 were diagnosed to be normal. Of the 42 subjects, 23(55%) were strabismic amblyopes and 19(45%) were anisometric amblyopes. Overall mean sensitivity of was 95% for all amblyopes, 82% for strabismic and 83% for anisometric amblyopes. The specificity was found to be 94% for all amblyopes, 87% for strabismic and 88% for anisometric amblyopes. The consumer digital camera appears to be a simple, quick and feasible option to screen for amblyogenic risk factors. It is easy to interpret by not only the ophthalmologists but by students and paramedical staff.

33-39

Authors: Choudhary S, Tayade BO, Kharbade S, Sontakke A, Khan S, Abraham R

Bronchoscopy is very useful for diagnosing Sputum smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SSN-PTB). Our aim is to find out the diagnostic yield of fiber optic bronchoscopy in sputum smear negative under RNTCP and radio logically suspected new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and the complications of fiber optic bronchoscopy. A cross-sectional prospective study in which consecutive 108 patients was carried out in patients whose two sputum smear for Acid Fast Bacilli was negative and chest X-ray suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis were included into the study. Fiber optic bronchoscopy was carried out in all patients. The yield for tuberculosis was 78 %( 85/108) i.e. made a final diagnosis of tuberculosis.29 (26.85%), 41(37.96%) and 30(27.78%) patients had positive AFB smear on Bronchial brush, Broncho alveolar lavage and post bronchoscopy sputum of which 11(12.94%), 22(25.88%) and 13(15.29%) patients had exclusive diagnosis from the respective procedures. The immediate yield combining positive smear samples from different procedures and histopathological evidence of caseating granuloma in present study is 56%(61/108). In Broncho alveolar lavage culture 57/108(57.08%) were confirmed tuberculosis diagnosis and 24(28.4%) patients had exclusive diagnosis on bronchial culture. Bilateral, advanced, and non cavitatory disease had 52, 53 and 64 patients diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and was more as compared to different site, extent and type of disease on chest x-ray which were initially negative for tuberculosis. Our study suggests that fibre-optic bronchoscopy and its procedure can provide excellent material for early as well as confirming the diagnosis in suspected patients of pulmonary tuberculosis when smears of expectorated sputum do not reveal mycobacteria and helps in diagnosing different diseases and disorders having clinical picture mimicking tuberculosis.

43-46

Authors: Warpe B, Thakur S

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a primary benign neoplasm of bone accounting for 5% of all skeletal tumors. Although considered benign, it has propensity for local recurrence, distant metastasis as well as malignant transformation. GCTs of bone usually arise in the epiphyseal region of the limbs, and rarely it affects the ribs. We report a case 52-year-old male who presented with left sided rib mass. Total excision of rib mass with thoracic reconstruction with prolene mesh was done. Microscopic examination of the mass showed features of giant cell tumor. Authors consider the rarity location of this entity along with unusual clinical presentation worth to publish.

50-51

Authors: Akhtar M, Fulare S

Cutaneous horn is a rare clinical entity. Sebaceous horns are commonly seen in sun-exposed areas. They are rare in chest wall or covered areas. Their association with malignancy makes proper identification of these lesions essential. A case of a cutaneous horn on the chest wall in an elderly male is reported.