The High Necessity of Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) use to Guide Antibiotic Prescribing Pattern for Acute Pharyngotonsillitis in Syria

Author(s):  
Hussam Zein Al-Abedine ◽  
Afraa Zrieki

The objectives of this study were to assess the percentage of the inappropriate antibiotics prescribing for clinically diagnosed Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) caused acute pharyngotonsillitis (APT), and to investigate factors influencing this prescribing and the possibility and necessity of routine usage of RADT for rational treatment of APT in different primary care facilities in Latakia, Syria. Throat swabs were collected from 80 patients, ≥ 5 years old, seen in urban or rural pharmacies, otolaryngology clinic or emergency unit of University Tishreen hospital over a period of 6 months, who were diagnosed and treated for APT depending on clinical findings. RADT was applied and McIsaac score (MIS) was recorded for all patients. Throat cultures were done only for negative RADT cases seen in the hospital. The chi square (χ2) statistical test was used for comparing categorical variables. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Antibiotics were prescribed for 59 patients (74%) among them RADT results were positive for only 9 patients (15.25%) with a percentage of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing of (84.75%). Cultures were GABHS negative for all negative RADT cases. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was azithromycin (50.8%). Antibiotics prescribing was significantly influenced by the presence of fever (P=0.041), anterior cervical adenitis (P=0.0003), and MIS≤0 (P=0.0001). We found a significance association of the presence of tonsillar exudate (P=0.013) and MIS≥4 (P=0.002) with positive RADT results. There was no significant difference in antibiotic prescribing according to age, sex or place of consultation. Our findings highlight the great need to use RADT in clinical practice as important adjuvant tool in APT diagnosis to reduce the percentage of antibiotic prescribing and so limiting of bacterial resistance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (03) ◽  
pp. 147-151
Author(s):  
Alia Ahmed ◽  
◽  
Usman Anwer Bhatti

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare visuospatial and psychomotor skills of second year pre-clinical dental students with final year dental students using an exercise in dentinal pin placement. METHODOLOGY:A total of 120 BDS undergraduate students who had completed second or final year Operative dentistry rotation were included. While students from second and final year who had not consented to participate or had missed the practical demonstration or whose dentinal pins were misplaced after becoming loose from the tooth were excluded. Participating students placed the dentinal pins, following which Adobe Photoshop (version CC 2014) was used to analyze the photographs of the taken radiographs in two dimensions. Parameters assessed were pulpal perforations, periodontal perforations and pin angulation. Independent sample t-test was used to compare continuous variables while chi-square test was used for testing association for categorical variables. RESULTS: Final year students fared better in all categories of pin placement except periodontal perforation which was the same for both years. Statistically significant difference in the angulation for pin placement were observed between the two student groups in mesiodistal direction (p value =0.001) and in buccolingual direction (p value <.001). CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in the psychomotor and visuospatial skill of second year pre-clinical when compared with the final year clinical undergraduate students. KEYWORDS: curriculum, dental, learning, operative, students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Hina Shan ◽  
Ayesha Javaid ◽  
Anam Zeb

Objective: To assess the frequency of antibiotic use with or without prescription and the source of purchasing antibiotics in relation to social determinants among residents of Wah, Pakistan.Study Design: Cross sectional.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the community of Wah Cantt from January 2017 to December 2017.Materials and Methods: A two stage cluster random sampling technique was used. 400 participants aged 16 years and older, completed the validated questionnaire. Chi-square test of significance was applied to determine the relationship between categorical variables and a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Use of antibiotics in the preceding month was reported by 110 (27.6%) participants, 101 (25.3%) reported having taken antibiotics in the last six months. Use of antibiotics was more in males in all categories as compared to females (chi-square= 15.778, p = 0.008). The analysis showed that individuals between 55-64 years of age had taken antibiotics in last month (69.2%). Government employees showed the highest percentage (36.5%) of respondents who consumed antibiotics in last one month as compared to any other profession. Overall, most respondents 277 (82.7%) reported that they got their antibiotics on a prescription from doctors.Conclusion: Effective education along with close vigilance for the judicious use of antibiotic prescribing should be aimed at both the prescribers and the public. Better knowledge is associated with correct behavior of antibiotic/antimicrobial use. How to cite this: Shan H, Javaid A, Zeb A, Maqbool S.  Socio Demographic Aspects of Antibiotic Consumption Practices in Residents of Wah. Life and Science. 2020; 1(1): 17-23.  doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/L&S.1.1.28


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.


Author(s):  
Sagaya Arockiya Mary. A ◽  
Susai Mari.A ◽  
Wincy. C ◽  
Thirumurugan. M ◽  
Verginia Dsouza ◽  
...  

Background: The one virus stumbled the whole universe is the novel corona virus and impacted physical, emotional and social health status of almost every individual in the world irrespectively. Since the existence of Covid-19 till now it is been noticed that student nurses also affected by this fatal viral infection during their clinical practice. Objectives: The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of webinar on knowledge regarding the strategies to prevent Covid -19 among student nurses of SIIHS, Honavar, Uttara Kannada. The study aimed at enhancing the knowledge level and influences others through effective health teaching at clinical areas and even in community settings. Methodology: An evaluative approach with pre- experimental, non-randomized, one group pre and post-test research design was adapted. The sample size was 294, purposive sampling technique was adapted. Data collected through testmoz web page and webinar was conducted by google meet app for one week. Data analysed by descriptive and statistical methods (chi-square and z-test) and interpreted by graphs. Results: The findings show that in pre-test 10(3.41%) had poor, 127(43.19%) had average, 157(53.40%) Good and 00% excellent knowledge level whereas in post-test 00% had Poor, 59(20.06%) Average, 176(59.86%) Good and 59 (20.06%) had excellent knowledge level. The pre-test mean score was 23.1 (46.2 %.) and of post-test was 35.6 (71.2%). The computed z’-test value showing significant difference in the pre (x?1=23.1) and post-test (x?2=35.6) knowledge score (p=1.18357, < z= -5.1679, critical z score=-1.6449 ? =0.05 level of significance). Hence the p value is greater than the z value (p(x?Z) = 1.18357e-7), it indicates the webinar was effective and the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected. Conclusion: The study was concluded as the webinar was highly effective and influenced the participant to gain sufficient information on prevention and the spread of Covid 19. Hopefully this enables them to apply


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1304-1309
Author(s):  
Bikash Khadka ◽  
Nil Raj Sharma

Introduction: Pain during the injection of anesthetic agents may be distressing and can reduce the acceptability of an otherwise useful agent such as propofol during daycare surgeries. Lidocaine and ketamine both are used as pre-treatment to decrease propofol induced pain. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ketamine injection to decrease propofol-induced pain in comparison to lidocaine injection. Methodology: This is a prospective cross-sectional comparative study. Eighty-nine cases were divided into two groups where group K received ketamine 2 ml (0.2 mg/kg) whereas group L received lidocaine 2% 2ml (0.5 mg/kg) after venous occlusion with rubber tourniquet. One-fourth dose of propofol was injected 1 min after release of tourniquet and pain accessed at 0, 1, and 2 minutes of propofol injection with a verbal response and behavioral signs. Chi-square test and paired T-test were used and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Result: Regarding hemodynamic, oxygenation, and adverse effects there was no significant difference. Immediately after propofol injection, only 1 patient of the ketamine group had mild pain (2.22%) while 12 patients from the lignocaine group had mild pain (27.27%) with a p-value of 0.009. Also after 2 minutes of propofol injection, only 12 cases had mild pain i.e. 13.48% (1 from ketamine group i.e. 2.22% and 11 from lidocaine group i.e. 25%) with p-value of 0.002. Conclusion: Our study helps prove low-dose ketamine is more effective in reducing the incidence and severity of pain on injection of propofol in comparison to Lidocaine with better hemodynamic stability. 


Author(s):  
Saurav Kumar ◽  
Shiv Prakash ◽  
Mona Srivastava

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the attitude of the school and college-going students towards online classes. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted on 228 school and college-going students fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria selected through purposive sampling methods. A semi-structured online questionnaire consisting of a socio-demographic questionnaire and Attitude towards online classes (ATOC) questionnaire was prepared by the researcher using Google form. The link of the questionnaire was sent to all the selected respondents through WhatsApp messages and emails. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 software. The reliability of the attitude questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha test. The association between categorical variables was assessed using Chi-square tests. The comparison between variables was assessed using the students independent t-test.Results: More than half of the respondents (51.32%) were found with a positive attitude towards online classes. There was a significant association found between attitude towards online classes and socio-demographic variables such as age (p<0.05), academic level (p<0.05), and family income (p<0.01). The respondents who attended online classes (p<0.05), have technical knowledge (p<0.01), and got supported by their parents in the study (p<0.05) were found significantly high positive attitudes towards online classes. There was a significant difference found in the attitude of the respondents who faced psychological disturbances such as a decline in attention-concentration (p<0.05), irritation-anger (p<0.01), and tension (p<0.05) due to online classes.Conclusions: Although, online classes are more beneficial for the students and teachers in their academic activities during the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it can’t take place of traditional face-to-face classes. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Türkan SEZEN ERHAMZA ◽  
Kübra A ARSLAN ÇARPAR

Introduction: The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of orthodontics, a specialty of dentistry,amongst Medical Students. Materials and Method: A sample of 550 students (279 female, 226 male aged between 18 and 36 years) were attented.Of the subjects, 58.6% (n = 296) were preclinical students, while 41.4% (n = 209) were clinical students. The students were informed about the questionnaire and asked to fill in the questionnaire forms. For the comparison of data between groups (gender, level of education), the chi-square test was used. A chi-square test was used for statistical evaluation and the p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: 385 students (76.2%) had heard the term orthodontics although 41.2% of the subjects knew that orthodonticswas concerned with malocclusions and their treatment. The question about treatment procedures was answeredas scaling by 35.8%, tooth polishing by 40%, tooth aligning by 89.9% of the students. The percentage of knowingorthodontics to be related to tooth aligning showed a significant difference between female and male (p = 0.006), andpreclinical and clinical students (p = 0.033). Of the participants, 42.8% thought that dentures, 83% brackets, 78.8% ofremovable appliances were used by orthodontists. Conclusion: Our results have shown that medical students should have more information about orthodontics, aspecialty of dentistry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amr Sobhy ◽  
Doaa M. K. Eldin ◽  
Hany V. Zaki

Background and Aims: In our study, we investigated the effectiveness of intravenous milrinone in life-threatening bronchial asthma as compared to conventional treatment. Methods: Fifty patients aged 18-50 years, presenting with life-threatening asthma were enrolled in a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). They were randomly allocated into Group C (25 patients): who received the standard pharmacotherapy and placebo, and Group M (25 patients): who in addition to the standard therapy, received 25 μg milrinone as an initial slow IV bolus diluted in 10 ml of normal saline. The following data were recorded: PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) expressed as a percentage of the patient’s previous value, Respiratory Rate (RR), MABP (Mean Arterial Blood Pressure), arterial blood gases, and the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Differences between groups were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for quantitative variables with post hoc using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test, and Chi square test for categorical variables. Results: Group M showed marked improvement in PEFR that was highly significant (P < 0.001) 10 min after injection and significant after one hour from the start of treatment in comparison to Group C. There was also an improvement in RR and PO2 that was significant in group M. Milrinone was associated with a reduction in MABP only after 10 min from injection, and showed a statistically significant decrease in the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilator support (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Milronine is a promising agent as a rescue drug in the treatment of life-threatening bronchial asthma.


Author(s):  
Mallikarjuna Rao I. ◽  
Usha Kiran Prayaga ◽  
Dharma Rao Uppada ◽  
Ramachandra Rao E. ◽  
B. L. Kudagi

Background: The SSRIs being used as 1st line therapy in treatment of depression have delayed therapeutic effect which makes the patient vulnerable to an increased risk of suicide and decreased adherence to the treatment and will prematurely discontinue the therapy. The present study was conducted to evaluate if low dose mirtazapine-escitalopram combination therapy has any add on benefit over monotherapy with escitalopram.Methods: In a single-centered, comparative study involving patients with depression attending the out-patient after screening and exclusion, 60 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive tablet mirtazapine 7.5 mg plus tablet escitalopram 10 mg intervention or tablet escitalopram 10 mg plus placebo intervention in a double-blind 6-week treatment phase. The primary outcome measure was the change in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score from baseline. Participants were evaluated at baseline, 1st, 2nd,4th and 6th week. Results were analyzed using Chi-Square test for adverse effects and independent t-test analysis for efficacy parameter.Results: In the analysis of results at 6th week the numbers of patients achieved remission in mirtazapine group are more with a p-value of 0.018 which is significant and the numbers of responders in mirtazapine group are also more which is statistically significant on chi-square test. There is no significant difference was observed between the two groups with reference to occurrence of adverse effect.Conclusions: Adding low dose mirtazapine has an added benefit in terms of efficacy and getting remission early with more number of responders in the treatment of major depression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (05) ◽  
pp. 891-894
Author(s):  
Shahid Ishaq ◽  
Ejaz Mazari ◽  
Fazal ur Rehman

Objectives: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common type of seizures and typically transpire in children with ages from 6 to 60 months. This study was planned to find out major clinical risk factors for seizures in febrile children who were aged 6 to 60 months. A total of 100 febrile children aged 6 to 60. Study Design: Analytical Study. Setting: Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan. Period: From 1st April 2018 to 31st December 2018. Material & Methods: Group A had 40 children with febrile seizures while group B had 60 febrile children but without seizures. Demographic features along with family history of (H/O) epilepsy as well as family history of febrile seizure, types of seizure and infection diseases were noted and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Odds ratio was calculated for various risk factors. Chi square test was applied and P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of a total of 100 children, there were 54 (54.0%) male and 46 (46.0%) female. There was no statistical difference in terms of gender between the two groups (p value = 0.566). Overall, mean age of the children was 26.02 months with standard deviation of 13.4 months. There were 28 (70.0%) children who reported with simple seizures while complex seizures were found in 12 (30.0%) cases. Statistically significant difference (p value = 0.001) was seen in terms of types of infections between the two study groups. When risk of seizures for various risk factors was calculated, family H/O FS, family H/O epilepsy, and upper RTI were as 14, 7 and 3 times respectively and turned out to be the major risk factors for seizures in febrile children. Conclusions: Family H/O FS, family H/O epilepsy and upper RTIs are the major risk factors related with seizures in febrile children. Measures to prevent these risk factors can decrease the burden of FS in our population.


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