Women and Stroke: Different, yet Similar

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The impact of gender on acute ischemic stroke, in terms of presentation, severity, etiology, and outcome, is increasingly getting recognized. Here, we analyzed the gender-related differences in etiology and outcome of ischemic stroke in South India. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients with first ever ischemic stroke within 1 week of onset presenting to the Comprehensive Stroke Care Centre, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India, were included in our study. Clinical and risk factor profile was documented. The stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at onset, and stroke subtype classification was done using Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Ischemic Stroke criteria. The 3-month functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) with excellent outcome defined as an mRS ≤2. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the 742 patients, 250 (33.7%) were females. The age, clinical profile, and rate of reperfusion therapies did not differ between the genders. Women suffered more severe strokes (mean NIHSS 9.5 vs. 8.4, <i>p</i> = 0.03). While large artery atherosclerosis was more common in men (21.3% vs. 14.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.03), cardioembolic strokes secondary to rheumatic heart disease were more common in women (27.2% vs. 19.7%, <i>p</i> = 0.02). Men had a better 3-month functional outcome compared to women (68.6% vs. 61.2%, <i>p</i> = 0.04), but was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our data, from a single comprehensive stroke unit from South India, suggest that stroke in women are different, yet similar in many ways to men. Guideline-based treatment can result in comparable short-term outcomes, irrespective of admission stroke severity.

Birth and Growth of Neuroimaging and Vascular Intervention at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram—Part I

This article is a historical narrative that traces the growth of neuroradiology and interventional radiology at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram. From its humble origins in the pre-CT scan era of the mid and late 1970s, when invasive diagnostic procedures such as percutaneous carotid angiography, myelography, pneumoencephalography (PEG) and ventriculography were the mainstay of neuroimaging, the authors take the reader through their gradual foray into catheter four-vessel angiography and later free-flow embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and finally to the use of microcatheters for selective embolization procedures. The equipment used in those early years—fluoroscopic tilting table, roll-film cameras, serial changers, PEG tables—provide an insight to an era with all its challenges before the advent of digital imaging. The authors’ efforts to indigenize some of the hardware such as metallic stents and embolization material such as hydrogel spheres and lyophilized dura are also highlighted. The development of peripheral vascular intervention alongside neuroradiology is also highlighted. The authors pay tribute to an early pioneer of neuroradiology in India, Prof. Mahadevan Pillai, who was a guiding light to them during those nascent years.

Birth and Growth of Neuroimaging and Vascular Intervention at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram—Part II

This is the second part of the two-part paper on the history of development of neuroradiology at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram. In this part, the authors describe the evolution of interventional procedures at their institute from the initial techniques of free-flow embolization as a palliative procedure for large arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) to the more refined techniques of selective embolization using microcatheters, calibrated leak balloons and liquid polymerizing embolic agents. The authors acknowledge the immense encouragement and support provided to them by the French neurointervention pioneers Prof. Luc Picard and Prof. Jacques Moret in this endeavor.

Outcome of Surgical Treatment in Medically Refractory Epilepsy

The aim of epilepsy surgery is not only to control seizures but also to curtail future adverse neurological sequelae and improve quality of life. Epilepsy surgery is a viable treatment option for selected cases of medically refractory epilepsy. A study was carried out with a series of 34 cases who underwent epilepsy surgery at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science & Technology, Kerala, India during July, 2010 to December, 2010. Clinical features, operative procedures and early response to treatment were characterized. Among 34 cases, main clinical manifestation was recurrent seizures. All cases were evaluated by Video Electro Encephalogram (EEG) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain with epilepsy protocol. Nearly 58% cases were diagnosed as mesial temporal sclerosis who were treated by anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) with amygdalohippocampectomy (AH). Excision of epileptogenic foci was confirmed by preoperative Electro Cardiogram. Early response to surgery was good. However, a prolonged longitudinal follow up is essential for accurate assessment of seizure outcome.

A Comparative Study of the Retentive Strengths of Commercial and Indigenously Developed Luting Cements using Both Lathe-cut and Clinically Simulated Specimens

ABSTRACT Introduction Superior adhesive strength in luting agents is of paramount significance in fixed partial denture success. In this in vitro study five cements were tested for retentive qualities, using both lathe-cut and hand-prepared specimens. Materials and methods A total of 104 freshly extracted tooth specimens were prepared. Seventy of them were lathe-cut and 30 specimens were hand-prepared to simulate clinical conditions. Five different cements were tested, which included a compomer, a composite, a zinc phosphate, and 2 glass-ionomer luting cements. Of the 5, 2 trial cements were indigenously developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, India – a glassionomer cement (Chitra GIC) and a chemical-cure composite (Chitra CCC). All cements were compared within each group and between groups (lathe-prepared and hand-prepared). Results GC Fuji 1 (GC America) exhibited superior retentive strengths in both lathe-cut and hand-prepared specimens, whereas the compomer cement displayed the lowest values when tested. In lathe-cut specimens, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between GC Fuji 1 and indigenously developed Chitra CCC. Conclusion Both Chitra CCC and GC Fuji 1 have comparable strengths in lathe-cut samples, making Chitra CCC a potential luting agent. Statistical analysis reveals that all cements, except GC Fuji 1, exhibited a significant decrease in strength due to the change in design uniformity. The chemical bonding of GC Fuji 1 proves to be quite strong irrespective of shape and precision of the tooth crown. Clinical significance The indigenously developed Chitra GIC and Chitra CCC showed promising results to be used as a potential luting agent. How to cite this article Mathew J, Kurian BP, Philip B, Mohammed S, Menon P, Raj RS. A Comparative Study of the Retentive Strengths of Commercial and Indigenously Developed Luting Cements using Both Lathe-cut and Clinically Simulated Specimens. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(8):663-669.

Hyponatremia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Implications and outcomes

ABSTRACT Background: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Clinically significant hyponatremia (Serum Sodium <131 mEq/L) which needs treatment, has been redefined recently and there is a paucity of outcome studies based on this. This study aims to identify the mean Serum Sodium (S.Na+) level and its duration among inpatients with SAH and to identify the relationship between hyponatremia and the outcome status of patients undergoing surgery for SAH. Materials and Methods: This outcome study is undertaken in the department of neurosurgery, The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala. Medical records of all patients with SAH from 1st January to 31st July 2010 were reviewed. Preoperative status was assessed using World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grading system. Discharge status was calculated using the Glasgow outcome score scale. Results: Fifty nine patients were included in the study and 53 (89.8%) of them have undergone surgical treatment. Hyponatremia was observed in 22 of 59 patients (37%). The mean Sodium level of hyponatremic patients was 126.97 mEq/L for a median duration of two days. Glasgow outcome score was good in 89.8% of patients. We lost two patients, one of whom had hyponatremia and vasospasm. Conclusion: Hyponatremia is significantly associated with poor outcome in patients with SAH. Anticipate hyponatremia in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, timely detect and appropriately treat it to improve outcome. It is more common in patients who are more than 50 years old and whose aneurysm is in the anterior communicating artery. Our comprehensive monitoring ensured early detection and efficient surgical and nursing management reduced morbidity and mortality.