Meta-analysis of Usefulness of Phrenic Nerve Stimulation in Central Sleep Apnea

Transvenous neurostimulation of the phrenic nerve (PNS) is a potentially improved and unique approach to the treatment of central sleep apnea (CSA). There have been multiple studies with limited individuals evaluating the efficacy of PNS. Our aim was to review and pool those studies to better understand whether phrenic nerve stimulation is efficacious in the treatment of CSA. The initial search on Pubmed retrieved a total of 97 articles and after screening all articles, only 5 could be included in our quantitative analysis. Pooling of data from 5 studies with a total of 204 patients demonstrated a reduction of mean apnea hypopnea index with PNS compared to controls by -26.7 events/hour with 95% confidence interval and P value of [CI (-31.99, -21.46), I² 85, p 0.00]. The mean difference in central apnea index was -22.47 [CI (-25.19, -19.76), I² 0, p 0.00]. The mean reduction in the oxygen desaturation index of 4% or more demonstrated a decrease in PNS group by -24.16 events/hour [(CI -26.20, -22.12), I² 0, p 0.00] compared with controls. PNS resulted in mean reduction in arousal index of -13.77 [CI (-16.15, -11.40), I² 0, p 0.00]. The mean change in percent of time spent in rapid eye movement sleep demonstrated a nonsignificant increase in PNS group by 1.01 % [CI (-5.67, 7.86), I²93, p 0.75]. In conclusion, PNS therapy for treating CSA demonstrated positive outcomes but larger randomized studies are needed to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes.

Percutaneous left ventricular assist device support during ablation of ventricular tachycardia: A meta-analysis of current evidence

INTRODUCTION

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be an effective therapy to reduce VT burden, but often it is limited by the potential for hemodynamic instability. Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVADs) have been used to maintain hemodynamic support during VT ablation but the evidence regarding its clinical impact has been inconclusive.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We sought to assess the clinical impact of pLVAD when used in VT ablation by conducting a meta-analysis of the current evidence. We searched Pubmed and found nine observational studies that compared clinical outcomes of VT ablation in patients with pLVAD support to controls with no pLVAD support. The pooled data did not show a significant difference in mortality between both groups, nor a difference in acute procedural success or in recurrence of VT. There was also no difference in the number of patients receiving a cardiac transplant or being enrolled in the transplant list. Although there was no difference in the ablation time between the groups, patients in the pLVAD group had a longer total procedural time and more procedure-related adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis did not show clinical benefits from using pLVAD support during VT ablation, whereas it was associated with longer procedure times and more complications. This study was, however, limited by the observational nature of the data. In view of these data, the risk and benefit of pLVAD support during VT ablation should be considered on an individual basis.

Outcomes following transcatheter transseptal versus transapical mitral valve-in-valve and valve-in-ring procedures

Introduction: Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (ViV) & valve-in-ring (ViR) are relatively novel therapeutic alternatives for patients with degenerated bioprostheses or failed annuloplasty rings whose reoperative risk is too high. The predominant procedural access for both procedures is transapical or transseptal. However, whether there are differences in outcomes of this procedure using transseptal versus transapical access has not yet been defined. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of all published articles from MEDLINE and EMBASE to explore the outcomes of these two procedural approaches. Results:total of 55 studies including 183 patients (154 ViV and 29 ViR) were included. Patients that underwent ViV (101 transapical and 53 transseptal) using the transseptal approach required more iatrogenic atrial septal defect (ASD) closure (19% versus 0.0 %; P < 0.001) and hence had a lower device success rate (68% versus 89%; P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in procedural success and all-cause mortality at 30 days. Overall severe bleeding complications (major or life threatening) were not different the two groups (3.7% versus 7.9%; P = 0.321). In the ViR group (19 transapical and 10 transseptal), no difference in procedural success, device success or 30-day outcomes were identified between transseptal and transapical groups, although sample size was small. Conclusion: In conclusion, mitral ViV and ViR using the two different procedural approaches appear to confer equal and reasonable 30-day outcomes.

Identification and Ablation of Dormant Conduction in Atrial Fibrillation Using Adenosine

BACKGROUND

Ablation is used for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) but recurrence is common. Dormant conduction is hypothesized to be responsible for these recurrences, and the role of adenosine in identification and ablation of these pathways is controversial with conflicting results on AF recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis for studies evaluating AF ablation and adenosine use. Included in the meta-analysis were human studies that compared ablation using adenosine or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reported freedom from AF in patients beyond a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

RESULTS

Our analysis suggests that the use of adenosine leads to a decrease in recurrence of AF compared to the cohort which did not utilize adenosine. Subgroup analysis showed no difference in the recurrence of AF with the modality used for ablation (cryoablation vs. radiofrequency ablation) or with the preparation of adenosine used (ATP vs. adenosine). There was a significant benefit in delayed administration of ATP over early administration. Pooling results of only randomized control trials did not show any significant difference in AF recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenosine-guided identification and ablation of dormant pathways may lead to a decrease in recurrence of AF.

Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled Randomized Controlled Trials on the Prevalence of Statin Intolerance

The prevalence of intolerance varies widely. Stopping statin therapy is associated with worse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. Despite extensive studies, the benefits and risks of statins continue to be debated by clinicians and the lay public. We searched the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases for all randomized controlled trials of statins compared with placebo. Studies were included if they had ≥1,000 participants, had patients who were followed up for ≥1 year, and reported rates of drug discontinuation. Studies were pooled as per the random effects model. A total of 22 studies (statins = 66,024, placebo = 63,656) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis showed that, over a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, the rates of discontinuation were 13.3% (8,872 patients) for statin-treated patients and 13.9% (8,898 patients) for placebo-treated patients. The random effects model showed no significant difference between the placebo and statin arms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93 to 1.06). The results were similar for both primary prevention (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.92 to 1.05, p = 0.39) and secondary prevention (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.83 to 1.05, p = 0.43) studies. The pooled analysis suggested that the rates of myopathy were also similar between the statins and placebos (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.88 to 1.62, p = 0.25). In conclusion, this meta-analysis of >125,000 patients suggests that the rate of drug discontinuation and myopathy does not significantly differ between statin- and placebo-treated patients in randomized controlled trials. These findings are limited by the heterogeneity of results, the variable duration of follow-up, and the lower doses of statins compared with contemporary clinical practice.

Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease in Patients With Sjögren's Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, but the risk of IHD in Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we estimated the prevalence and risk of IHD with SjS compared to controls from the general population using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample 2011 database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project administrative longitudinal database contains encounter-level information on inpatient stays, emergency department visits and ambulatory surgery in all U.S. hospitals. We conducted a cross-sectional study among the inpatient population diagnosed with SjS and matched 1:4 with controls for age, sex and hospital region. Odds ratio for IHD was calculated as cases compared to controls. The contribution of various risk factors to IHD was also evaluated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Analysis demonstrated that 7,154 of 13,086 cases (54.7%) of SjS had IHD compared to 27,367 of 52,448 controls (52.2%). The adjusted odds ratio for IHD in those with SjS was 0.898 (95% CI: 0.844-0.955). Patients with SjS were significantly more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, apnea and lipid disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the largest population-based study investigating the risk of IHD in patients with SjS. We found a modest, though statistically significant, decrease in the risk of IHD in SjS compared to controls.

Isolated rupture of bicuspid aortic valve following blunt chest trauma: a case report and systematic review of literature

Blunt trauma to chest cause injury to various cardiac structures. Isolated rupture of aortic valve without aortic dissection is rare complication of blunt chest trauma and can be caused by a tear or avulsion of the valve. We report a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with severe aortic insufficiency due to rupture of a non-infected congenital bicuspid aortic valve following non-penetrating chest trauma. The diagnosis was suggested by echocardiography and was confirmed by intra-operative and histological findings. The patient was successfully treated with surgical valve replacement with uneventful postoperative course and recovery. We describe patho-physiology, clinical manifestations, management and the literature review of traumatic rupture of bicuspid aortic valve.

Clinical outcomes associated with per-operative discontinuation of aspirin in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative state is characterized by increased thrombotic risk by virtue of platelet activation. Whether aspirin ameliorates this risk in patients with established coronary artery disease undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgery is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and the risk of bleeding in patients with early (3-5 or more days before surgery) vs. late discontinuation(<3-5 days)/no discontinuation of aspirin.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched from inception of these databases until March 2015 to identify studies that reported discontinuation of aspirin in patients undergoing surgery. The outcomes measured were all cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction and other relevant thrombotic events (MACE) which also may include, fatal and nonfatal MI, stent thrombosis and restenosis, stroke, perioperative cardiovascular complications (heart failure, MI, VTE, acute stroke) and perioperative bleeding during the perioperative period to up to 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1,018 titles were screened, after which six observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Our analysis suggests that there is no difference in MACE with planned discontinuation of aspirin (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.76-1.81; P = 0.05; I²  = 55%). Early discontinuation of aspirin showed a decreased risk of peri-operative bleeding (OR 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67-0.99; P = 0.04; I²  = 42%).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests that planned short-term discontinuation in the appropriate clinical setting appears to be safe in the correct clinical setting with no increased risk of thrombotic events and with a decreased risk of bleeding. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transient Complete Heart Block Secondary to Bed Bug Insecticide: A Case of Pyrethroid Cardiac Toxicity

Pyrethroids are the major components of various commercially used insect repellants. These are less toxic to humans due to their slow absorption and rapid metabolism. However, cases of suicidal and accidental poisoning with household insecticides are not uncommon. We report a case of a 59-year-old female who presented with syncope after an accidental exposure to bed bug repellant spray at home. She was found to be in complete heart block and was treated conservatively. There was complete resolution of symptoms and atrioventricular conduction abnormality on day 2 of hospitalization. She was discharged in a stable condition with an uneventful follow-up course. Cardiac involvement in pyrethroid toxicity is rare. We describe various clinical manifestations and the pathophysiology of toxicity caused by pyrethroid-containing insecticides.

Safety and Use of Anticoagulation After Aortic Valve Replacement With Bioprostheses: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The American College of Cardiology guidelines recommend 3 months of anticoagulation after replacement of the aortic valve with a bioprosthesis. However, there remains great variability in the current clinical practice and conflicting results from clinical studies. To assist clinical decision making, we pooled the existing evidence to assess whether anticoagulation in the setting of a new bioprosthesis was associated with improved outcomes or greater risk of bleeding.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched the PubMed database from the inception of these databases until April 2015 to identify original studies (observational studies or clinical trials) that assessed anticoagulation with warfarin in comparison with either aspirin or no antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. We included the studies if their outcomes included thromboembolism or stroke/transient ischemic attacks and bleeding events. Quality assessment was performed in accordance with the Newland Ottawa Scale, and random effects analysis was used to pool the data from the available studies. I(2) testing was done to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. After screening through 170 articles, a total of 13 studies (cases=6431; controls=18210) were included in the final analyses. The use of warfarin was associated with a significantly increased risk of overall bleeding (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-3.08; P<0.0001) or bleeding risk at 3 months (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.34; P<0.0001) compared with aspirin or placebo. With regard to composite primary outcome variables (risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, or transient ischemic attack) at 3 months, no significant difference was seen with warfarin (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.56; P=0.67). Moreover, anticoagulation was also not shown to improve outcomes at time interval >3 months (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.58; P=0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to the current guidelines, a meta-analysis of previous studies suggests that anticoagulation in the setting of an aortic bioprosthesis significantly increases bleeding risk without a favorable effect on thromboembolic events. Larger, randomized controlled studies should be performed to further guide this clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in intermediate surgical risk patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in aortic stenosis patients at high surgical risk has been established. The data on patients with intermediate risk is not conclusive. We performed a meta-analysis of studies which compared TAVR with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients at intermediate surgical risk.

METHODS

Several databases searched from inception to February 2015 yielded 7 eligible studies with 2,173 participants. The measured outcome of efficacy was all-cause mortality. Data on safety included stroke, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI), aortic regurgitation (AR), vascular access complications, and major bleeding. Outcomes were pooled and relative risk (RR) was calculated with the Mantel-Haenszel method.

RESULTS

There was no difference in either short-term (RR, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.63-1.63; P = 0.94; I²  = 0%) or medium to long-term all-cause mortality (RR, 0.99; 95% CI: 0.81-1.21; P = 0.91; I²  = 0%). There was increased incidence of stroke (RR, 2.96; 95% CI: 0.87-10.09; P = 0.08; I²  = 0%), AR (RR, 3.59; 95% CI: 2.13-7.19; P < 0.00001; I²  = 2%), PPI (RR, 6.53; 95% CI: 1.91-22.32; P < 0.003; I²  = 0%) and vascular access complications (RR, 3.84; 95% CI: 0.65-22.76; P < 0.14; I²  = 48%) in patients with TAVR. There was a small, albeit increased risk of major or life threatening bleeding with SAVR as compared to TAVR (RR, 1.36; 95% CI: 1.04-1.80; P < 0.03; I²  = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis we found that TAVR may be an acceptable alternative to SAVR in patients with intermediate risk for surgery. However, we must await evidence from the current large randomized trials before widespread adoption of this procedure is undertaken. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Left dominant circulation increases mortality in acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies involving 255,718 patients

BACKGROUND

The effect of coronary dominance on mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of coronary dominance in patients with ACS.

METHODS

Several data sources were searched for studies which compared studies that compared outcomes between right and left dominant coronary circulation in patients with ACS. The measured outcomes were in-hospital, 30-day or long-term mortality as reported in individual studies. The Generic inverse variance method was used in a random-effects model to pool mortality as an outcome. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated for mortality in the left dominant circulation relative to a right dominant one. Sub-group analysis was performed after stratification of mortality by duration.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies with 8 comparisons and 255,718 participants revealed an increased risk mortality (OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.13 - 1.42; P < 0.0001; I(2)  = 34%). Sub-group analysis revealed that the increased risk was evident at all time periods after the ACS; in-hospital (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.76; P = 0.01; I(2)  = 50%), at 30 days (OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.14 - 2.52; P = 0.009; I(2)  = 18%) and long-term (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.28; P = 0.01; I(2)  = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis we found that there is an increased risk of mortality with LD coronary circulation in patients with ACS. The knowledge of coronary dominance may not only be helpful as an incremental prognostic factor beyond pre-procedural risk scores in all patients with ACS, but may also aid in clinical decision making in a subset of these patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation and enhancement of medical knowledge competency by monthly tests: a single institution experience

BACKGROUND

In-training examination (ITE) has been used as a predictor of performance at the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certifying examination. ITE however may not be an ideal modality as it is held once a year and represents snapshots of performance as compared with a trend. We instituted monthly tests (MTs) to continually assess the performance of trainees throughout their residency.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictors of ABIM performance and to assess whether the MTs can be used as a tool to predict passing the ABIM examination.

METHODS

The MTs, core competencies, and ITE scores were analyzed for a cohort of graduates who appeared for the ABIM examination from 2010 to 2013. Logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of a successful performance at the ABIM examination.

RESULTS

Fifty-one residents appeared for the ABIM examination between 2010 and 2013 with a pass rate of 84%. The MT score for the first year (odds ratio [OR] =1.302, CI =1.004-1.687, P=0.04) and second year (OR =1.125, CI =1.004-1.261, P=0.04) were independent predictors of ABIM performance along with the second-year ITE scores (OR =1.248, CI =1.096-1.420, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

The MT is a valuable tool to predict the performance at the ABIM examination. Not only it helps in the assessment of likelihood of passing the certification examination, it also helps to identify those residents who may require more assistance earlier during their residency. It may also highlight the areas of weakness in program curriculum and guide curriculum development.

Presence of anomalous coronary seen on angiogram is not associated with increased risk of significant coronary artery disease

It is unclear if anomalous coronary arteries are at higher risk for atherosclerosis. The link between anomalous coronary artery and early coronary artery disease has been suggested. The aim of this study is to determine whether the coronary artery anomaly predisposes to development of significant coronary disease. Using retrospective chart review, patients with documented anomalous coronary arteries recognized during coronary angiography between years 2000 to 2007 were analyzed. Prevalence of significant atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (defined as more than 50% luminal narrowing) was compared between normal and anomalous coronaries. A total of 147 patients with anomalous coronary arteries were found. Right coronary artery was the most common anomalous artery 128 of 148 (86.5%) in our dataset. There was no difference in the occurrence of atherosclerosis between anomalous and nonanomalous coronaries. Significant atherosclerosis was present in 59 of the 148 anomalous coronary arteries (37.8%), and 112 of the 293 nonanomalous coronary arteries (38.2%, p = 0.9). On the basis of our study, there is no evidence that anomalous coronary arteries predispose to significant coronary artery disease in comparison to normal coronary arteries.

Cardioprotective role of ischemic postconditioning in acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that ischemic postconditioning (IPoC) may reduce the extent of reperfusion injury. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, which compared the role of IPoC during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to PCI alone (control group) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Several databases were searched, which yielded 19 studies. The outcomes of interest were measures of myocardial damage (serum cardiac enzymes and infarct size by imaging) and left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion score index). Mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to assess the treatment effect. An inverse variance method was used to pool data into a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Ischemic postconditioning demonstrated a decrease in serum cardiac enzymes (SMD -0.48, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.05, I(2) = 92%), reduction in infarct size by imaging (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.01, I(2) = 80%), wall motion score index (MD -0.19, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.09, I(2) = 44%), and showed improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (IPoC 52 ± 0.4, control 49.7 ± 0.4) (MD 2.78, 95% CI 0.66-4.91, I(2) = 69%). All included studies were limited by high risk of performance and publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic postconditioning during PCI in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction appears to be superior to PCI alone in reduction of both myocardial injury or damage and improvement in global and regional left ventricular function. The effect seems to be more pronounced when a greater myocardial area is at risk. Given the limitations of the current available evidence, additional data from large randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular aneurysm: the role of cardiac magnetic resonance

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with concomitant left ventricular aneurysm is rare and has important clinical implications, including an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Most patients with this rare combination have obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but we treated a 26-year-old woman who had nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a family history of probable sudden cardiac death. In our patient, coronary angiograms showed distal occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance images showed scattered fibrosis within and beyond the left ventricular aneurysm. Precautionary therapy with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator yielded an uneventful outcome. Cardiac magnetic resonance has emerged as a promising method for diagnosing these aneurysms and detecting associated myocardial fibrosis, thereby enabling patient risk stratification and the determination of appropriate therapeutic options. We discuss the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the management of this rare clinical entity.

Ischaemic stroke management by emergency care physicians at public sector hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinicians management of patients presenting with acute ischaemic stroke in the emergency departments of two large state run hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.

METHODS

A questionnaire was filled by 59 registered medical practitioners working at these two government hospitals who would be managing stroke patients presenting in the emergency. It was a descriptive cross sectional study designed to assess the methods used by the doctors for diagnosing and treating stroke patients. The data was collected from October to November 2007 and entered using Epi Data Entry and analyzed by SPSS 13.0.

RESULTS

The preferred overall investigation for a suspected stroke patient in an emergency ward was an ECG (98%). 51% of the respondents would prescribe aspirin to most patients (300 mg by 40% respondents). Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator was thought to be beneficial by 43% of doctors, low molecular weight heparin by 91%, subcutaneous heparin by 86.5%, intravenous Vitamin B complex by 20% and steroids by 39% of respondents. Regarding elevated blood pressure, 60% answered that they would manage the blood pressure according to the type of stroke and 73% responded that they would lower blood pressure when it reached greater than 150/80. 88% of the doctors answered that they would use cholesterol lowering drugs in the management of stroke patients in an emergency. 97% of the doctors recommended rehabilitation and 88% of the respondents believed that there should be separate stroke units.

CONCLUSION

The development of a standardized protocol and stroke team is recommended which should speed the clinical assessment, decisions for early management and also increase the performance of diagnostic studies.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety in a village in Sindh

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of Anxiety and Depression and its association in a rural area of Sindh, Pakistan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ansari Para, in Tehsil Hala, Sindh province in Pakistan, using the Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale Urdu Version.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 260 people interviewed, 112 people (43.1%) were screened to have anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety were strongly associated with female gender, family dynamics, child environment, unsuccessful love affairs and among those with medical chronic disorders. A gradual decreasing incidence of depression and anxiety was noted with increasing level of education. A significantly strong association was noted between child mortality and maternal depression while no such association was found in males. There is a significant difference in the age of depressed and normal individuals. There was significant correlation between unhappy childhood and unsatisfying family relationships. However, no relationships were found between depression & anxiety and martial status, presence or number of children, absence of male offspring, living in joint family system, financial problems and any deficiencies that the respondents felt that he might have.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that anxiety and depression is a common psychiatric disorder even in remote village areas and contradicts the common belief that people those who live in the remote rural areas lead stress-free lives or have low rates of psychiatric morbidity.