scholarly journals Neurocysticercosis: a commonest neuroimaging abnormalitiy in children with first afebrile seizure in central India

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Agarwal G. ◽  
Lazarus M. ◽  
Roy A. ◽  
Ajmariya M.

Background: Seizures are the commonest neurological ailments in paediatrics in ~10%, even though the role of emergent neuroimaging in first onset afebrile seizure is not well defined.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India to determine the incidence of neuroimaging abnormalities in children with first onset afebrile seizure and to make specific recommendations for use of routine neuroimaging in the new onset afebrile seizure. A total of 75 children (1 month to 14 years of age) with the new-onset afebrile seizure were enrolled and underwent clinical examination & neuroimaging. We defined first seizure using the international league against epilepsy (ILAE). The data were recorded and analysed by Student ‘t’ test for continuous variables, Fisher’s Exact Test or Chi square test for categorical variables. The critical level of significance was considered at P < 0.05 level.Results: Neuroimaging abnormalities were found in 66.7% of the cases, mostly in the children above 2 years of age (72.6 %) (P value <0.05). A significant relationship (P <0.001) was observed between focality (partial seizures (83.8%)) and abnormal neuroimaging, among these neurocysticercosis (26.7%) were in highest proportion with parietal lobe as the commonest involvement. The cases with contact history of tuberculosis /mantoux positivity/abnormal chest radiography were found significantly interrelated with tuberculoma (P <0.05).Conclusions: In developing countries like India the prevalence of neurocysticercosis and tuberculoma is high, hence neuroimaging in all cases of first onset afebrile seizure/ focal seizure with mantoux positive/ history of Contact /abnormal chest radiograph can be kept in a view for better management of child.

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S162-S163
Author(s):  
Jennifer B Radics-Johnson ◽  
Daniel W Chacon ◽  
Li Zhang

Abstract Introduction Burn camps provide a unique environment and activities for children that have experienced a burn-injury. Positive outcomes from attending burn camp include increased self-esteem, decreased feelings of isolation and a greater sense of self-confidence. In a 3-year retrospective review of camper evaluations from one of the largest and longest running week-long burn camps in the nation for ages 5–17, we aimed to assess if a child’s gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity affected the impact that burn camp had on a child. Methods A 3-year retrospective review of a Burn Camp’s camper evaluation forms was conducted for campers that attended burn camp between 2017–2019. Camp rosters were reviewed to determine the camper gender, age, TBSA and ethnicity. Camper self-evaluation forms completed at the end of each camp session were reviewed to record camper responses to questions regarding their opinions on the impact camp had on them as well as how camp will impact their lives once they return home. Categorical variables were summarized as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables were described as median and range. To check the relationship between two categorical variables, Chi-square test was used. To compare the continuous variable among groups, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used. Statistical significance was declared based on a p value&lt; 0.5. Results Within 2017–2019, there were 413 camper records. Participants’ demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. There were 208 males (50.3%) and 205 females (49.6%). The median age of campers were 11.86, 12.44 and 12.45 for 2017–2019, with the range from 5.16 years to 17.96 years. The median TBSA were 20, 20 and 18 for 2017–2019, with the range from 0.08 to 90. Collectively there were 47.7% Hispanic (n= 197); 24.2% Whites (n=100); 13.1% Black (n= 54); 4.6% Asian (n=19) and 7.7% Other (n=32). There were 395 camper self-evaluation forms submitted. Results of three questions there we were interested in are summarized collectively in Table 2. 57% of campers responded, “Yes, Definitely” to the question “After going to this event, will you feel more comfortable being around your classmates or friends?” 54% responded, “ Yes, Definitely” to the question “Do you feel more confidents in sharing your burn story with others when returning home?” and 51% responded “Yes, Definitely” to “Did you learn anything that will help you when you return home?” Conclusions In analyzing the camper responses, there was no statistically significant difference in responses comparing gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 734.1-734
Author(s):  
S. Maguire ◽  
F. B. O’shea

Background:Previous research in axial spondyloarthropathy(axSpA) has shown this population to have a high prevalence of depression. This co-morbidity has been previously shown to impact disease activity in patients with rheumatic disease.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to screen for early signs of depression using two validated tools, the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for depression (HADs-D) in patients with known axSpA.Methods:AxSpA patients attending the Rheumatology department in St James’ Hospital between February and October 2020 were invited to take a self-administered survey which included the PHQ-9 and the HADs-D. Scores from the HADs-D yielded a numerical result which was then categorised as normal, borderline or abnormal. PHQ-9 numerical results were categorised as normal, mild, moderate, moderate/severe or severe. Patients with a known diagnosis of depression were excluded. In addition to baseline demographics, patient reported outcomes from the clinic visit were also recorded.Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26. Continuous variables were recorded as means, categorical variables as frequencies with percentages. A one-way analysis of variance analysis (ANOVA) was used to determine significance of variation in outcomes between patient outcomes as determined by the HADs-D and PHQ-9. A p-value of <0.05 was deemed significant. Consent was obtained prior to participation. Approval was received from the St James’/Tallaght Hospital Joint Ethics Committee.Results:In total 71 axSpA patients took part in the survey. The population was 70.4%(50) males and 29.5%(21) female, with an average age 47.9 years and mean disease duration 19.7 years (mean outcomes: BASDAI 4.08, BASFI 3.62, BASMI 3.54, ASQoL 6.79). Overall, 7 (9.9%) participants recorded abnormal HADs-D scores, while 17 (23.9%) recorded moderate to severe PHQ-9 scores indicative of underlying depression. AxSpA females had higher mean HADs-D scores (7.5 vs 4.8, p=0.01) than males, with abnormal scores in 19%(4) of females and 6% (3) of males. No significant differences were found in PHQ-9 scores between genders.Analysis revealed significantly worse BASDAI (6.27 vs 3.42, p<0.01) and AQoL scores (12.57 vs 5.26, p<0.01) in axSpA patients with abnormal compared to normal HADs-D scores. No significant differences were noted in BASFI, BASMI or baseline demographics. A similar pattern was noted on analysis of PHQ-9 scores, with significantly worse BASDAI (7.9 vs 2.55, p<0.01), BASFI (8.05 vs 2.33, p<0.01) and ASQoL (19.5 vs 2.62, p<0.01) noted in those scoring as severe compared to normal. No significant differences were detected in BASMI scores or baseline demographics.Conclusion:A high percentage of axSpA patients recorded high HADs-D and PHQ-9 scores concerning for undiagnosed depression. These patients were noted to have significantly worse disease activity and quality of life as compared to patients with normal scores. Clinicians treating axSpA should consider screening for depression in this population.Disclosure of Interests:Sinead Maguire Speakers bureau: Speaker fee from Jassen, Grant/research support from: Recipient of the Gilead Inflammation Fellowship Grant, Finbar Barry O’Shea: None declared


Author(s):  
C. P. Okoye ◽  
D. N. Onwusulu ◽  
C. P. Nnamani

Background: Immediate postpartum CuT380A intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion provides a novel approach in reducing the unmet contraceptive needs of family planning. The insertion can be trans-caesarean or vaginal following delivery of the placenta. The clinical outcomes of the different routes of insertion have not been adequately studied. Aim: The study aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes following trans-caesarean and vaginal post-placental insertions of CuT380A IUCD. Methodology: The study was a prospective cohort study of 81 pregnant mothers managed at a tertiary health institution in southern Nigeria. They were recruited into two groups using a convenient sampling technique; 27 and 54 mothers in the caesarean and vaginal delivery groups respectively. The pregnant mothers were followed up till delivery and at the six weeks postnatal visit. Information on their socio-demographic characteristics, Obstetrics and Gynecology history were obtained with the aid of a proforma. The proforma was updated with the clinical outcomes of immediate PPIUCD insertions in the two groups, at the six weeks visit. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical package of social sciences version 21. Continuous variables were expressed as means and standard deviations. The Chi square test was used for dichotomous or categorical variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study showed that PPIUCD is a safe practice in both vaginal and caesarean deliveries with no significant differences in clinical outcomes. However, incidence of missing string was higher in the caesarean group compared to vaginal group (81.5% vs 51.9%; p value-0.01); and expulsion rate was also high in the vaginal group but not significant. (13.0% vs 7.4%; p value 0.45). Conclusion: Immediate postpartum CuT380A contraception, irrespective of route of insertion, is convenient, effective, and safe. Although there is a relatively higher incidence of missing strings, including expulsions after vaginal PPIUCD insertions, immediate post-partum contraception should be encouraged. This will help to reduce high unmet contraceptive needs in our environment and loss to follow up irrespective of route of delivery. Recommendation: Immediate PPIUCD, irrespective of the route, should be encouraged and integrated into the existing Maternal and Child Health Programme. Awareness should be created to promote acceptance in our environment.


Author(s):  
P. Amulya Reddy ◽  
K. Saravanan ◽  
A. Madhukar

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the QOL of patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Study Design: This was a prospective, observational study. Duration of Study: The study was conducted from August 2019 to January 2021 in Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad. Methodology: Patients of either sex with ≥1year history of diabetes willing to give the consent were included in the study. Patients of either sex with <1year history of DM, Pregnant/lactating women and patients not willing to give the consent were excluded from the study. Data on Blood glucose levels (FBS, PPBS) and HbA1C was also obtained and assessed. QOLID questionnaire was administered to the patients and assessed which consisted of a set of 34 items representing 8 domains such as Role limitation due to the physical health, Physical endurance, General health, Treatment satisfaction, Symptom botherness, Financial worries, Mental health, and Diet satisfaction). Results: A total of 200 patients were analysed in the study,108(54%) were males and 92(46%) were females. The average age of the patients was 58.5 years with majority being 51-70years (73.5%) of age. Patients with higher age and females had poor QOL compared to others. The correlation between various categorical variables with that of scores of QOL in various domains was assessed, Age of the patients influenced QOL score in various domains like RLPH (p value-0.038), PE (p value-0.0183), and SB (p value-0.0002), Gender has influenced QOL score in domains like RLPH (p value-0.0008), PE (p value-0.0106), TS (p value-0.0005) and Educational Qualification has influenced QOL score in RLPH (p value-0.0008), GH (p value-<0.0001), TS (p value-<0.0001), E/MH (p value-<0.0001). Conclusion: The results concluded that overall QOL was noticeably low in Diabetic patients especially in Women and elderly thus indicating that Diabetes management is not restricted to treatment but also requires attention on QOL of patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arithi Mutembei ◽  
Festus K. Mutai ◽  
Damaris Mwololo ◽  
John Muriuki ◽  
Mark Obonyo ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionLeptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic infection caused by spirochetes of Leptospira genus. Humans get infected through direct or indirect contact with urine of infected animals or environment. It accounts for more than 300,000 severe cases annually worldwide with case fatality rates of over 30%. Costs of diagnosis and treatment for human and animals, disruption of international trade of animals and products, reduced productivity and reproductivity in animals constitute economic importance. In Kenya, leptospirosis burden is significant but under-diagnosis and under-reporting affects the awareness of the disease. This study aimed to determine and compare the sero-prevalence and factors associated with Leptospira spp. in the two counties.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study that involved apparently healthy people of at least 5 years of age in randomly selected households in Garissa and Tana River Counties. Blood samples were collected and tested for Leptospira spp antibodies using IgM ELISA. Standardized structured questionnaires were administered to collect socio-demographic and exposure information. We calculated frequencies and proportions for categorical variables and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate association between sero-positivity and exposure factors. We used Wilcoxon test to evaluate statistical difference in sero-positivity for continuous variables and calculated test statistic (H) and p-value.ResultsA total of 952 subjects were recruited into the study – these included 482 persons from Garissa and 470 from Tana River. The overall sero-prevalence was 26% [(244/952); (CI: 23% to 29%)]. Garissa County had significantly higher Leptospira spp. seroprevalence (31%, n = 147; CI: 27% to 35%) compared to Tana River County (21 %, n = 97; CI: 17% to 25%). Being a female (OR=1.6, CI: 1.2-2.2) and engaging in pastoralism (OR=2.7, CI: 1.8-3.9) were significantly associated with higher odds of Leptospira spp. seropositivity compared to being a male or working in irrigated areas. The mean altitude of residence of sero-positive patients was 73m ± 21 SD (standard deviation) above sea level and that for sero-negative was 80m ± 22 SD (H=35, p-value = 0.00).ConclusionThis study determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for Leptospira spp. exposure in Garissa and Tana River Counties, Kenya. Females in pastoral communities experience high burden of the disease. Enhanced surveillance in humans and animals and further research is required to understand the complex and multifactorial drivers of leptospirosis transmission in the two Counties.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anine Kritzinger ◽  
Anthony Grant Zaborowski ◽  
Wilbert Sibanda ◽  
Linda Visser

Abstract Background: Very few studies in the literature describe adult-onset vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). HIV has many associated ocular pathologies and an association with VKC has not been described yet. The aim is to identify and describe patients who present with new-onset VKC after puberty, with no prior history of atopic diseases or allergies. Methods: The study consisted of two parts: the first part was a prospective observational descriptive study of patients with adult-onset VKC, detailing the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of these patients, including their HIV status. The second was a case-control study to determine the relationship of a CD4 count with adult-onset VKC in the setting of HIV. Patients were recruited between January 2016 and November 2017 from McCord Provincial Eye hospital, one of two large referral hospitals for the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Patients presenting to the Eye clinic were screened at the Primary Eye Care Unit. Inclusion criteria were age 15 years and older with signs and symptoms of new-onset VKC. Exclusion criteria were a history of childhood atopic diseases, atopic keratoconjunctivitis and patients who refused HIV testing. Data collected included HIV status, CD4 count where appropriate, anti-nuclear antibodies and total serum immunoglobulin E. Results: 33 patients were included in this study; females n=16, males n=17. The mean age at presentation was 32.45±9.93 years, 95% CI=28.94-35.97. All of the patients were black Africans. One patient tested ANA positive. 51.5% of patients had a raised IgE level. A total of 13 of 25 HIV positive patients (52%) had a raised IgE. The proportion of HIV positive patients was statistically different from the HIV negative group, with Chi-squared = 21.866, p-value <0.0001. 72% of the HIV positive patients were grouped as immunodeficient according to their CD4 counts. An association was proven between severely immunodeficient patients and the risk of having VKC (chi-squared=4.992, p-value=0.0255). Conclusion: In this cohort a statistically significant association was found between adult-onset vernal keratoconjunctivitis and an HIV positive status. This association calls for more research on the subject, but could imply that patients presenting with adult-onset VKC should be offered an HIV test. Key words: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, New-onset VKC Adult-onset VKC Ocular manifestations of HIV Allergy Immunocompromised.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean D Pokorney ◽  
Meena P Rao ◽  
Daniel M Wojdyla ◽  
Bernard J Gersh ◽  
Renato D Lopes ◽  
...  

Background: The package insert for apixaban recommends against its use for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with prosthetic heart valves. There are no published data on the use of apixaban in patients with AF with bioprosthetic valves. This analysis provides preliminary exploratory data on the safety and efficacy of apixaban in these patients. Methods: The ARISTOTLE trial randomized patients with AF to apixaban versus warfarin, and patients with a history of bioprosthetic valve replacement were eligible for inclusion in the trial. In this secondary analysis, baseline characteristics of patients with bioprosthetic valves were compared between apixaban and warfarin patients using Wilcoxon tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Unadjusted endpoints were compared between randomized treatments using a Cox regression model. With data collection on these valve patients ongoing, this interim report represents 82 of 260 patients with a history of valve surgery from ARISTOTLE. Results: Among 82 patients with bioprosthetic valves, 41 patients each were in the apixaban and warfarin arms. The patients had a median age of 78 years (vs. 70 years in overall trial), 18% had prior stroke (vs. 19% in overall trial), and 41% had concomitant aspirin use (vs. 31% in overall trial). Other than a higher rate of hypertension in the warfarin arm (98% vs. 81%, p=0.03), there were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. There were few events in patients with bioprosthetic valves. There were 2 stroke events, and there were no statistically significant differences between the apixaban and warfarin groups for major bleeding, stroke/systemic embolism, all-cause death, or cardiovascular death (Table). Conclusions: Among the small number of patients in ARISTOTLE with bioprosthetic valves, there were few events with similar event rates in both the apixaban and warfarin groups.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Kim ◽  
Arati A Gangadharan ◽  
Matthew A Corriere

Introduction: Some approaches to frailty screening use diagnostic or laboratory data that may be incomplete. Grip strength can identify weakness, a component of phenotype-based frailty assessment. We compared grip strength as a reductionist, phenotype-based approach to frailty screening with comorbidity and laboratory-based alternatives. Hypothesis: Grip strength and categorical weakness are correlated with the modified frailty index-5 (mFI-5) and lab values associated with frailty. Methods: Weakness based on grip, BMI, and gender was compared with mFI-5 comorbidities and lab values. Patients with at least 3/5 mFI-5 comorbidities were considered frail. Lab data collected within 6 months of grip measurement was assessed. Associations were evaluated using multivariable models and kappa. Methods: 2,597 patients had grip strength measured over 5 months. Mean age was 64.4±14.6, mean BMI was 29.5±6.9;46% were women, and 87% white. Prevalent comorbidities included hypertension (28%), CHF (22%), diabetes (29%), and COPD (26%); 9% were functionally dependent. 34% were weak, but only 13% were frail based on mFI-5. Hemoglobin, creatinine, and CRP differed significantly based on weakness ( Table ). Laboratory data were missing for 36%- 95% of patients. Multivariable models identified significant associations between weakness, hemoglobin, and all MFI-5 comorbidities. Categorical agreement between weakness and frailty was limited (kappa =0.09; 95% CL 0.0641-0.1232). Conclusion: Weakness based on grip strength provides a practical, inexpensive approach to risk assessment, especially when incomplete data excludes other approaches. Comorbidity-based assessment categorizes many weak patients as non-frail. Table. Demographic, laboratory values, and comorbidities by categorical weakness based on grip 20 th percentile. Mean values for continuous variables by weakness adjusted for gender and BMI, p-value for T-test; frequency and total percent for categorical variables, p-value represents chi-square test.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1887-1891
Author(s):  
Malik Jamil Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Nasir ◽  
Aamir Furqan

Objectives: To investigate whether the addition of dexamethasone and chloropheniramine to oral ketamine premedication affects the incidence of postoperative vomiting. Study Design: Randomized control trail. Setting: Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: March 2016 to March 2017. Methodology: After obtaining ethical approval ethical and review board of hospital. Data was entered in a computer software SPSS version 23.1 and analyzed for possible variables. Continuous variables were presented as mean and standard deviation like age, weight, sedation time, anesthesia time, admission time and PACU time. Categorical variables were presented as gender, ASA statusand postoperative vomiting. Student test and chi square test was applied to see association of outcome variable. P value of 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Overall, 100% (n=80) patients were included in this study, both genders. The study group was further divided into twoequal groups, 50% (n=40) in each, i.e. Group K (Ketamine) group and group KD (Ketamine-Dexamethasone). The main outcome variable of this study was postoperative vomiting. In this study, Postoperative vomiting observed in 35% (n=10) and 10% (n=4) patients, for group K and group KD respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.007). Conclusion: Addition of dexamethasone and chloropheniramine with ketamine as premedication reduce the incidence of postoperative vomiting.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Wang ◽  
Chunhui Peng ◽  
Wenbo Pang ◽  
Dayong Wang ◽  
Tingchong Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To review our experience with pediatric congenital buttock sinus tract, and to conclude the clinical characteristics and management of the disease. Methods Twenty-two pediatric patients diagnosed with congenital buttock sinus tract were included. Medical records were reviewed, and the patients were followed up. Continuous variables were presented by median and range. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results Among the 22 patients, there were 8 boys (36.4%) and 14 girls (63.6%). The median first onset age was 42 months, and the range was 5 months to 12 years old. Admission age was 69.5 months, with a range from 14 months to 12 years old. Overall prior treatment time was 11 months, ranging from 3 months to 11 years. Twenty-one patients had definite congenital dimples since birth, and later manifested with infection through the dimple. All patients came to the doctor with complaint of the infection. The number of invasive procedures ranged from 0 to 5, with an average of 2. Radiology could exactly display the morphology and show the termination as a retrorectal cyst. The surgical procedure was adopted trans-fistula tract, and the pathological results showed a dermoid cyst in 11 patients and an epidermoid cyst in 10 patients. During the follow-up period of 34.5 months (range, 2 months to 8 years), 19 patients were uneventful and 3 patients suffered recurrence. Two of them underwent a second operation and had no recurrence ever since. The third patient did not receive a second operation, and the refractory infection was still present. Conclusions Pediatric congenital buttock sinus tract is rare and has a female predominance in the morbidity. Patients have a distinctive congenital dimple on the buttock with recurrent infection, and there usually exists a congenital sinus tract from the dimple to the retrorectal space. Total excision is the only method for the cure. The nature of the disease is a retrorectal developing dermoid cyst or epidermoid cyst.


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