Evaluation of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score against Alvarado Score in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Background Patients presenting with suspected appendicitis pose a diagnostic challenge. Various scoring systems have been designed to aid in the clinical assessment of these patients. Widely applied was Alvarado score and best performed in validating studies, but was observed with few drawbacks. Appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score was designed to overcome the drawbacks associated with the implementation of Alvarado scoring system. Objective The main objective of this study was to evaluate the Appendicitis inflammatory Response Score and compare its performance in predicting risk of appendicitis with the Alvarado score. Method Appendicitis inflammatory response score and Alvarado scores were calculated prospectively on patients suspected of acute appendicitis presenting to Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal between July 2017 and June 2019. Diagnostic performance of the two scores was compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21 and p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Result The study included 217 patients with 109 (50.2%) males and 108 (49.8%) females. The mean age of patients was 25.77±15.54. The results analyzed showed better sensitivity of Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score (96.91%) as compared to 94.30% of Alvarado score. The positive and negative predictive values of Alvarado score were 74.87% and 50%, as compared to 79.70% and 72.20% for AIR score. Furthermore, the area under receiver operating curve of the appendix inflammatory response score was better (0.701) than that of Alvarado score (0.580). Conclusion Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR) scoring performed well and more accurate than Alvarado scoring system with high specificity and high negative predictive value preventing negative appendectomies.

Recovery Pattern in Different Surgical Approaches on Thoracic Enhanced Recovery based Fourteen-Step Protocol in Patients Undergoing Cardio-thoracic Surgery at University Hospital of Nepal

Background Cardio-thoracic surgery involves open and minimally invasive techniques. Enhanced recovery after surgery is used for early recovery from surgery. Enhanced recovery after surgery decreases hospital stay duration. Patients undergoing Enhanced recovery after surgery after video assisted thoracic surgery use less pain killers and have less hospital cost. There has not been any study on outcomes on patient who follow physiotherapy protocol designed in our setting. Objective To find the physiotherapy outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic enhanced recovery after surgery (T-ERAS) based 14 step protocol locally designed at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital (DH, KUH). Method This is a retrospective cross sectional observational study. All the cases who underwent cardiothoracic surgery were classified based on the approach of chest surgery performed into groups Sternotomy, Thoracotomy and Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) groups. Patients were advised for Thoracic Enhanced recovery after surgery based on the protocol that has been devised at Dhulikhel Hospital. The recovery of patients based on activities they could perform was noted and analyzed. Result Both ICU stay and hospital stay in number of days were highest in thoracotomy (6.04 days) group while that was lowest in video assisted thoracic surgery group (1.67 days). There is a similar recovery until step 5, i.e. 2 days and rapid progression in further steps in video assisted thoracic surgery group while it is much slower in both sternotomy and thoracotomy groups. Conclusion Postoperative mobilization and physiotherapy enhance early healing and decrease hospital stay. Mean hospital stay and ICU stay were shorter for video assisted thoracic surgery cases compared to Thoracotomy and Sternotomy groups and the mean days to achieve different steps varied within the protocol between groups compared.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Distance of Sciatic Nerve Bifurcation from the Popliteal Crease and its Depth from Skin in Volunteers

Background Sciatic nerve block used for various surgeries below knee and for maintenance of analgesia demonstrates wide variability regarding its bifurcation into tibial and common peroneal nerves, frequently accounting for incomplete nerve blocks. Objective To determine the variation of sciatic nerve bifurcation among Nepalese volunteers. Method This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital from March to May 2019, where 110 healthy volunteers underwent ultrasonography of sciatic nerve starting from popliteal fossa to its bifurcation. The distance between the bifurcation of sciatic nerve from popliteal crease and depth of the nerve at that point from the skin were measured. Result The mean distance at which sciatic nerve bifurcated from the popliteal crease was 5.42 ± 1.37 cm. Most commonly, the sciatic nerve bifurcated at a distance of 5-7 cm from the popliteal crease in 110 limbs (50.45%). However, in 80 limbs (36.69%), the bifurcation was found at less than 5 cm from the popliteal crease. The depth of the nerve from the skin at the point of bifurcation was 1.72 ± 0.54 cm, with results showing it was deeper in females compared to males (p value < 0.001). Conclusion This study showed that though the distance of sciatic nerve bifurcation from the popliteal crease in our study group was coherent with the published literature of 5-12 cm; many volunteers also had this bifurcation at distances less than 5 cm. Females showed nerves to be deeper at the point of bifurcation than males.

Effect of Positive Airway Pressure During Preoxygenation on Safe Apnea Period: a comparison of the supine and 25° head up position

Background Preoxygenation is performed before induction of anaesthesia which increases oxygen reserve and provides delayed onset of hypoxia during period of apnea. Several techniques such as positive airway pressure and head-up tilt during preoxygenation have shown to prolong safe apnea period compared to conventional technique. However, uniform recommendations have not yet been made. Objective To find out the effect of combination of 5 cmH2O continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and 25° head up position during preoxygenation on safe apnea period. Method In this comparative study 60 non-obese adult patients were divided into three equal groups; Group C receiving preoxygenation in conventional technique, Group S receiving preoxygenation with 5 cmH2O continuous positive airway pressure in supine position and Group H receiving preoxygenation in 25° head-up position with 5 cmH2O continuous positive airway pressure . After 3 min of preoxygenation, intubation was performed after induction of anaesthesia with propofol, fentanyl and succinylcholine. After confirming the tracheal intubation by direct visualization, all patients were administered vecuronium to maintain neuromuscular blockade. Post-intubation, patients in all groups were left in same position with the tracheal tube exposed to atmosphere and without being ventilated till the SpO2 dropped to 92%. The primary outcome compared between the groups was the safe apnea period (time from loss of consciousness to fall of SpO2 to 92%). Result The duration of safe apnea period was longer (p < 0.05) in Group H patients (405.9 ± 106.69 s) as compared to the Group C (296.9 ± 99.01s) and Group S (319.65 ± 71.54s). Although the duration of safe apnea period was longer in the Group S as compared to Group C the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Preoxygenation in 25° head-up position with 5 cmH2O continuous positive airway pressure significantly prolongs safe apnea period in non-obese adults compared to supine position, with or without 5 cmH2O continuous positive airway pressure.

Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening: An Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital

Background Hearing loss among neonates is one of the important health issue in pediatric population which may remain unnoticed until the child reaches a certain age. The importance of universal early screening, diagnosis and intervention in reducing the negative impact of congenital hearing loss has been described all over the world. Objective To observe the outcome of hearing screening by Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) in newborns delivered in Dhulikhel Hospital and neonates admitted in an intensive care unit (NICU) of Dhulikhel Hospital. Method A prospective study was done in neonates who were born at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from February 15th, 2017 to October 30th, 2019. AABR was used for their hearing assessment within 24 hours of birth and again at about 6 weeks of age in those neonates who failed the initial test. All the neonates admitted in NICU were studied regarding the risk factors based on Joint committee on Infant Hearing. Those who failed the test for the second time were referred for detailed audiological diagnostic work up. Result The screening rate was 92.6% of the total deliveries. A total of 5517 neonates comprising of 2800 males and 2717 females were screened from total deliveries of 5956 neonates in the study period. Among them, NICU (sick) babies were 422 (7.7%) and well babies were 5095 (92.3%). Out of them, 1675 failed the test in the first screening and 374 failed in the second screening. So, the total number of referred babies in second screening was 6.7% (374) out of 5517 screened. Amongst them, well babies were 6.59% (336), out of 5095 screened and sick babies were 9% (38) out of 422 screened. Low birth weight and prematurity were found to be the commonest risk factor present among them, followed by the use of ototoxic medications, hyperbilirubinemia and prolonged use of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) is a very useful tool for hearing screening which should preferably be done in all the neonates where possible. It should be done within one month of life and those with confirmed hearing loss should receive early appropriate intervention for better hearing in future.

Adherence to Iron, Folic Acid and Calcium Supplement and Factors Affecting it among the Antenatal Care Attending Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study

Background Pregnancy or gestation is the time during which a single or more children grows and develops inside a woman. Antenatal care improves the pregnancy outcomes under which a group of medication i.e. iron, folic acid and calcium are supplemented. Despite the effectiveness of such supplements, poor clinical outcomes are often encountered because of poor-adherence to the regimen. Objective To determine the adherence pattern and factors affecting adherence in antenatal care patients under iron, folic acid, and calcium therapy. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Pregnant women attending antenatal care under iron, folic acid, and calcium therapy fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. After obtaining the informed consent from the patients, structured questionnaire was used to interview the patients. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 23.0. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result Among 191 patients enrolled in this study majority (39.3%) of them belonged to age group 26-30 years. More than half (61.3%) of the patients were illiterate. Of the total 191, 64.40% were non-adherent to the medication. Forgetfulness was the main reason for missing the dose in majority (52.06%) of the non-adherent subjects while adverse effects (55.40%) was the most prominent cause for discontinuing the medication among non-adherent participants. Significant association was found between patients’ adherence and busy work schedule, visiting doctor for follow up. Conclusion More than half of the patients had not adhered to the medication under antenatal care. Forgetfulness was the most common factor for missing the dose in nonadherent patients. Illiteracy was associated with poor adherence. Patient-provider relationship, Socio-economic factors were determined as major barrier to medication adherence.

Types of Renal Stones and its Variation with Age and Gender in a University Hospital of Nepal

Background Types of renal stones have profoundly changed in the last half-century, parallel to the change in lifestyle and dietary habit, with an increase of calcium stones. Among many lithogenic factors age and gender are considered to be associated with the types of renal stones. Studies evaluating the influence of age and gender on the distribution of the types of urinary calculi are scarce in Nepal. Objective To explore the influence of age and gender on different types of urolithiasis. Method This is a single center prospective study encompassing urolithiasis during a study period of 18 months. All the stone retrieved from the patients after surgery were sent for biochemical analysis of the stone. The result was then compared with the age and gender of the study population. Result Calculi from a total of 107 patients were analyzed (62 from males and 45 from females). Mixed stones consisting of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate were the predominant constituent in 74.16% of stones, followed by uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. We found predominance of Calcium stones in males (47.66%) vs 36.44% in females and predominance of struvite stones in females (7.47%) vs 3.73% in males. Age group of 21-40 years has the main burden of stone. Conclusion Being aware and having better knowledge of risk factors, composition and correlation with age and gender can provide personalized guidance to prevention and avoid recurrence of urolithiasis.

Functional Outcomes of Arteriovenous Fistulas Created by Nephrologist

Background Nephrologists worldwide, after undergoing surgical training, have reported creating arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Objective To demonstrate the functional outcome of arteriovenous fistulas created by a trained Nepalese nephrologist. Method This was a cross sectional study. A convenient sampling method was used and all consecutive AVFs created by a single nephrologist from January 2016 to December 2018 were included to assess their functional status within 3 months of creation. Patients with incomplete data and no follow up for up to 3 months post surgery were excluded. Result One hundred sixty six (166) arteriovenous fistulas were created during the study period; mean age of the patients was 52 ± 14 years, 121 (75%) male and 65 (39%) were diabetic. The most common site of arteriovenous fistula creation was left radiocephalic (Lt RC) 69(41.5%), followed by left brachiocephalic (Lt BC) 66(39.7%). Other sites were left brachiobasilic (Lt BB) 10(6%), right brachiocephalic (Rt BC) 10(6%), right radiocephalic (Rt RC) 9(5.4%) and right brachiobasilic (Rt BB) 2(1.2%). 139 arteriovenous fistulas (83.7%) were functional within 3 months post creation. Functional outcomes of radiocephalic, brachiocephalic and brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas were 75.6%, 90.7% and 100% respectively at 3 months post creation. Lymphoceles developed in three Lt BC arteriovenous fistulas, thrombosis in two Lt BC arteriovenous fistulas and infection in two Lt BC arteriovenous fistulas with pseudoaneurysm formation. Conclusion The functional outcome of arteriovenous fistulas created by a trained Nepalese nephrologist is similar to that reported in the literature.

Endoscopic Management of Foreign Body Impaction in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in a Tertiary Care Centre of Nepal

Background Ingested foreign body impaction on upper gastrointestinal tract is common incidence among children, older age group, mentally challenged individuals, and people the influence of alcohol. In most cases, the foreign bodies pass spontaneously and uneventfully but when this does not occur; endoscopic management to ensure removal under direct visualization is required. Relief upon removal of foreign body and prevention of complications is essential. Objective To assess the endoscopic management and outcome of foreign body impacted in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Method This is a hospital based observational retrospective cross sectional study involving 165 patients at Endoscopy Department of Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal between November 2015 and October 2019. The data regarding the demographic profile, clinical characteristics and endoscopic findings were retrieved and analyzed to determine endoscopic interventions performed, complications and outcomes. Result One hundred and sixty five patients presenting with history of ingestion of foreign body were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 46.8 ± 19.1 years with male predominance (60%). The most common site of foreign body impaction was oesophagus (70%). The most common foreign body encountered was bone (62.2%) among which chicken bones (91.1%) were most frequent. For the retrieval of sharp-pointed foreign bodies, rat forceps and graspers (45.7%) were most commonly used. Total 14 cases required rigid oesophagoscopy as the foreign body could not be retrieved by flexible endoscopy. Conclusion Foreign body ingestion and its impaction in the upper gastrointestinal tract has been found to be common in endoscopic practise. Early detection and timely removal of foreign bodies is of utmost importance to avoid discomfort to the patient as well as to ensure successful removal without complications.

Knowledge on American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among the Nurses Working at University Hospital, Kavre

Background Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the foundational technique for the emergency treatment of cardiac arrest and the standardized training of it has been emphasized more than ever. Competence of the nurses in this lifesaving procedure is a critical factor in patient outcome from cardiac arrest and can largely prevent sudden death. Objective Many evidences suggest lack of knowledge on proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation among nurses so the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge on 2015 American Heart Association guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation among nurses working at University hospital and to identify the relationship between the level of knowledge and selected variables. Method Two hundred and sixty nurses working in Dhulikhel hospital participated in the study. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a predesigned questionnaire based on 2015 guidelines updates for cardiopulmonary resuscitation that incorporated total of 20 questions. Result Total 260 participated in the study and all were female. Only one third of the nurses had good knowledge regarding 2015 guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. No significant results existed between the knowledge score and age of the nurses, duration of work experience. However, significant results existed between the knowledge score and qualification, designation of the nurses and previous training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conclusion One third of the nurses had good knowledge regarding 2015 guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in this study. Thus, knowledge and practical approach has to be updated with current guidelines in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in order to improve the safety and effectiveness of patient care.