Prevalence of non-convulsive seizures and electroencephalographic abnormalities in critically ill patients-A retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities especially non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) have been found to be associated with worse outcomes in critically ill patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence of non-convulsive seizures and electroencephalographic abnormalities in critically ill patients. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate any association between the type of EEG abnormality and outcomes including ICU mortality and successful ICU discharge.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study carried out among critically ill patients in a mixed medical-surgical ICU from January 1, 2018 to May 15, 2020. A total of 178 records of 30 min bedside EEG records were found. EEG findings were grouped as normal, non-convulsive seizures (NCS), non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), and other abnormalities. Descriptive analytical tools were used to characterize the case details in terms of the type of EEG abnormalities. Chi square test was used to describe the EEG abnormalities in terms of mortality. The status epilepticus severity scores (STESS) were further calculated for records with NCSE. These data were then analyzed for any association between STESS and mortality for cases with NCSE.

RESULTS

The prevalence of EEG abnormality in our cohort of all critically ill patients was found to be 7.3% (170/2234). Among the patients with altered sensorium in whom EEG was done, 42.9% had non-conclusive seizure activity with 25.2% in NCSE. Though the study was not adequately powered, there was a definite trend towards a lower proportion of successful ICU discharge rates seen among patients with higher STESS (>2) with only 33.3% being discharged for patients with a STESS of 6 versus 92.9% for those with STESS 3.

SIGNIFICANCE

When combined with a strong clinical suspicion, even a 30-min bedside EEG can result in detection of EEG abnormalities including NCS and NCSE. Hence, EEG should be regularly included in the evaluation of critically ill patients with altered sensorium.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities and seizures can have high prevalence in critically ill patients. These abnormalities notably, non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) has been found to be associated with poor patient outcomes. This was a retrospective observational study analyzing 178 EEG records, from a mixed medical-surgical ICU. The indication for obtaining an EEG was based solely on the clinical suspicion of the treating physician. The study found a high prevalence of EEG abnormalities in 96.5% in whom it was obtained with 42.9% having any seizure activity and 28.8% having NCSE. The study was not powered for detection of association of the EEG abnormalities with clinical outcomes. However, a definite trend towards decreased chances of successful discharge from the ICU was seen. This study used strong clinical suspicion in patients with altered sensorium to obtain an EEG. High detection rates of EEG abnormalities were recorded in this study. Hence, combination of clinical judgement and EEG can improve detection of EEG abnormalities and NCSE.

Delayed CSF rhinorrhea presenting as a lethal acute bacterial meningitis 5 years post trauma

Key clinical message

Delayed presentation of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is rare following head trauma. It is frequently complicated by meningitis if not addressed in time. This report highlights the importance of its timely management, the lack of which can lead to a fatal outcome.

Abstract

A 33-year-old man presented with meningitis in septic shock. He had a history of severe traumatic brain injury 5 years back following which he had a history of intermittent nasal discharge for the past 1 year. On investigation, he was found to have Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, and CT scan of his head showed defects in the cribriform plate which established the diagnosis of meningoencephalitis secondary to cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. The patient did not survive despite appropriate antibiotics.

Pulmonary embolism in an ESRD patient following minimal venotomy and milking for salvage of dysfunctional autogenous arteriovenous fistula

Pulmonary embolism can be a complication following an attempted salvage of a dysfuctional arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We report a case of bilateral pulmonary embolism in a patient with underlying pericardial effusion who, following minimal venotomy and milking of the AVF, developed sudden and significant respiratory distress, and later improved.

Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering Cross Section at High Bjorken x_{B}

We report high-precision measurements of the deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) cross section at high values of the Bjorken variable x_{B}. DVCS is sensitive to the generalized parton distributions of the nucleon, which provide a three-dimensional description of its internal constituents. Using the exact analytic expression of the DVCS cross section for all possible polarization states of the initial and final electron and nucleon, and final state photon, we present the first experimental extraction of all four helicity-conserving Compton form factors (CFFs) of the nucleon as a function of x_{B}, while systematically including helicity flip amplitudes. In particular, the high accuracy of the present data demonstrates sensitivity to some very poorly known CFFs.

Hepatic Encephalopathy Induced Transient Cortical Blindness

Hepatic encephalopathy describes a spectrum of potentially reversible neuropsychiatric abnormalities seen in a patient with severe liver dysfunction with porto-systemic shunting. Cortical blindness can be a rare presentation of hepatic encephalopathy and can even precede the onset of altered sensorium. We report a case of 57 years female with chronic liver disease who presented with bilateral loss of vision, with no focal neurological deficits. From clinical and laboratory examination, a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy with cortical blindness was proposed. Her visual disturbances gradually improved with the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Keywords: Cortical blindness; end stage liver disease; hepatic encephalopathy; papilledema.

New Measurements of the Beam-Normal Single Spin Asymmetry in Elastic Electron Scattering over a Range of Spin-0 Nuclei

We report precision determinations of the beam-normal single spin asymmetries (A_{n}) in the elastic scattering of 0.95 and 2.18 GeV electrons off ^{12}C, ^{40}Ca, ^{48}Ca, and ^{208}Pb at very forward angles where the most detailed theoretical calculations have been performed. The first measurements of A_{n} for ^{40}Ca and ^{48}Ca are found to be similar to that of ^{12}C, consistent with expectations and thus demonstrating the validity of theoretical calculations for nuclei with Z≤20. We also report A_{n} for ^{208}Pb at two new momentum transfers (Q^{2}) extending the previous measurement. Our new data confirm the surprising result previously reported, with all three data points showing significant disagreement with the results from the Z≤20 nuclei. These data confirm our basic understanding of the underlying dynamics that govern A_{n} for nuclei containing ≲50 nucleons, but point to the need for further investigation to understand the unusual A_{n} behavior discovered for scattering off ^{208}Pb.

Surgical Outcome of Limberg's Flap Reconstruction in the Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease in a Community Hospital

Background Pilonidal sinus disease is an acquired condition that commonly arises in the hair follicles of the gluteal cleft with male predominance. Different treatment modalities have been described in the literature ranging from simple incision and drainage, wide local excision to complex plastic flaps. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of Limberg's flap reconstruction in a community hospital. Method This is a prospective study conducted over two-year duration in forty-two patients in the department of Surgery at Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital from January 2017 till December 2018. Result Total of 42 patients were operated ranging from 16-31 years with mean of 22.86 years, male to female ratio was 7.5:1, 52% were students and 19% were drivers. Mean operative duration was 61.86±25.3 minutes, length of hospital stay was 2.83±1.68 days, mean duration of drain in situ was 4±1.34 days, mean days for return to work was 14.5±5.7. We had a complication rate of 9.52% out of which 4.76% had seroma, 2.38% hematoma, 2.38% wound infection, and there was no flap necrosis or recurrence. Conclusion It is a simple, easy to learn and safe procedure with good cosmetic results and low recurrence rate. It can be considered as an alternative to other flap and plasty procedures.

Measurement of the Nucleon F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} Structure Function Ratio by the Jefferson Lab MARATHON Tritium/Helium-3 Deep Inelastic Scattering Experiment

The ratio of the nucleon F_{2} structure functions, F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p}, is determined by the MARATHON experiment from measurements of deep inelastic scattering of electrons from ^{3}H and ^{3}He nuclei. The experiment was performed in the Hall A Facility of Jefferson Lab using two high-resolution spectrometers for electron detection, and a cryogenic target system which included a low-activity tritium cell. The data analysis used a novel technique exploiting the mirror symmetry of the two nuclei, which essentially eliminates many theoretical uncertainties in the extraction of the ratio. The results, which cover the Bjorken scaling variable range 0.19<x<0.83, represent a significant improvement compared to previous SLAC and Jefferson Lab measurements for the ratio. They are compared to recent theoretical calculations and empirical determinations of the F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} ratio.

Form Factors and Two-Photon Exchange in High-Energy Elastic Electron-Proton Scattering

We present new precision measurements of the elastic electron-proton scattering cross section for momentum transfer (Q^{2}) up to 15.75  (GeV/c)^{2}. Combined with existing data, these provide an improved extraction of the proton magnetic form factor at high Q^{2} and double the range over which a longitudinal or transverse separation of the cross section can be performed. The difference between our results and polarization data agrees with that observed at lower Q^{2} and attributed to hard two-photon exchange (TPE) effects, extending to 8  (GeV/c)^{2} the range of Q^{2} for which a discrepancy is established at >95% confidence. We use the discrepancy to quantify the size of TPE contributions needed to explain the cross section at high Q^{2}.

Massive Middle Cerebral Artery Ischemic Stroke Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in H1N1 Influenza: A Case Report

Influenza has a common occurrence during its peak seasons. It usually causes disease of therespiratory tract including severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, it may also cause disease and complication of other organ systems. We present a rare complication of influenza in which a patient secondary to influenza developed massive middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. The patient however survived following recovery of both severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and ischemic stroke after decompressive craniectomy and a prolonged intensive care unit stay. This case report is to highlight the importance of influenza related complications besides the pulmonary infliction which can lead to morbidity and even mortality if not managed on time.

Deep Exclusive Electroproduction of π^{0} at High Q^{2} in the Quark Valence Regime

We report measurements of the exclusive neutral pion electroproduction cross section off protons at large values of x_{B} (0.36, 0.48, and 0.60) and Q^{2} (3.1 to 8.4  GeV^{2}) obtained from Jefferson Lab Hall A experiment E12-06-014. The corresponding structure functions dσ_{T}/dt+εdσ_{L}/dt, dσ_{TT}/dt, dσ_{LT}/dt, and dσ_{LT^{'}}/dt are extracted as a function of the proton momentum transfer t-t_{min}. The results suggest the amplitude for transversely polarized virtual photons continues to dominate the cross section throughout this kinematic range. The data are well described by calculations based on transversity generalized parton distributions coupled to a helicity flip distribution amplitude of the pion, thus providing a unique way to probe the structure of the nucleon.

Accurate Determination of the Neutron Skin Thickness of ^{208}Pb through Parity-Violation in Electron Scattering

We report a precision measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry A_{PV} in the elastic scattering of longitudinally polarized electrons from ^{208}Pb. We measure A_{PV}=550±16(stat)±8(syst) parts per billion, leading to an extraction of the neutral weak form factor F_{W}(Q^{2}=0.00616  GeV^{2})=0.368±0.013. Combined with our previous measurement, the extracted neutron skin thickness is R_{n}-R_{p}=0.283±0.071  fm. The result also yields the first significant direct measurement of the interior weak density of ^{208}Pb: ρ_{W}^{0}=-0.0796±0.0036(exp)±0.0013(theo)  fm^{-3} leading to the interior baryon density ρ_{b}^{0}=0.1480±0.0036(exp)±0.0013(theo)  fm^{-3}. The measurement accurately constrains the density dependence of the symmetry energy of nuclear matter near saturation density, with implications for the size and composition of neutron stars.

Outcomes of gallstone complications during the COVID pandemic

As data and metadata from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic mature, the true impact on non-cancer, non-emergency surgical practice is becoming apparent. The authors present data on the impact of gallstone disease in their unit during 5 months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to August 2020) compared with the equivalent period in 2019. Although the total number of patients presenting with gallstone disease was comparable, there was a decrease in patients with cholecystitis and perforation (although it is possibly too early for these to have presented), and there was a small but worrying increase in patients with gallstone pancreatitis. With the recent increase in alert level to 4 and increased government restrictions in an attempt to avoid a second national lockdown, a consistent national approach is required to mitigate these risks.

Spectroscopic Determination of Key Energy Scales for the Base Hamiltonian of Chromium Trihalides

The van der Waals (vdW) chromium trihalides (CrX₃) exhibit field-tunable, two-dimensional magnetic orders that vary with the halogen species and the number of layers. Their magnetic ground states with proximity in energies are sensitive to the degree of ligand-metal (p-d) hybridization and relevant modulations in the Cr d-orbital interactions. We use soft X-ray absorption (XAS) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) spectroscopy at Cr L-edge along with the atomic multiplet simulations to determine the key energy scales such as the crystal field 10 Dq and interorbital Coulomb interactions under different ligand metal charge transfer (LMCT) in CrX₃ (X= Cl, Br, and I). Through this systematic study, we show that our approach compared to the literature has yielded a set of more reliably determined parameters for establishing a base Hamiltonian for CrX₃.

Congenital absence of left circumflex artery with right coronary dominance

Absent left circumflex coronary (LCX) artery though rare and benign should be considered in patients with chest pain and differentiated from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease for better management & prognosis.

Cypermethrin poisoning manifesting with prolonged bradycardia: A case report

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Cypermethrin poisoning can present as a medical emergency with neurological, gastrointestinal or cardiac manifestations.

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Prolonged bradycardia following acute oral intoxication with cypermethrin is a rare entity.

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In view of the absence of antidote, conservative management has been found effective in prolonged bradycardia induced by cypermethrin toxicity.

Pyrethrins and their synthetic derivatives known as pyrethroids are highly effective insecticides used worldwide in the agricultural fields and households. Cypermethrin is a type II pyrethroid which acts primarily by delaying the closure of voltage-sensitive sodium channels at higher concentrations. Its toxicity in humans occur due to accidental or intentional exposure through inhalation, skin contact or via ingestion. Acute oral intoxication of cypermethrin commonly manifests with neurotoxic and gastrointestinal effects in humans. Cardiotoxic effects following ingestion of this compound have occurred in a few cases but underreported to date. This case highlights a case of intentional cypermethrin poisoning with acute effects in the form of prolonged bradycardia symptomatically managed with a muscarinic antagonist like atropine sulphate.

Pretilachlor poisoning: A rare case of a herbicide masquerading as organophosphate toxicity

Acute oral intoxication of pretilachlor, a chloroacetanilide herbicide, in humans can present with similar clinical manifestations of organophosphate toxicity. Clinicians should be aware of such mimickers for proper management of the patient.

Symptomatic Hyponatremia following Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Case Report

Colonoscopy is considered a gold standard tool for the diagnostic evaluation of colorectal diseases. Bowel preparation, a pre-requisite for colonoscopy, usually involves ingestion of purgatives for the cleansing of the bowel so that visualization is not obscured during the procedure. Commonly used preparations are sodium phosphate-based solutions, sodium picosulphate and polyethylene glycol. The use of such preparations is associated with electrolyte disturbances, commonly hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is usually seen with sodium phosphate based solutions and is rare with polyethylene glycol. Symptomatic hyponatremia, however, is rare following bowel preparation and is attributable to other factors as well, such as the age of patient, non-osmotic release of antidiuretic hormone and the procedure itself. In this report, we discuss a case of severe symptomatic hyponatremia observed in a 71-year-old gentleman who underwent polyethylene glycol based bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

Multiple Organ Dysfunction and Acute Pancreatitis Following Wasp Stings

Wasp stings are common in our part of the world and may cause complications ranging from mild local reactions to fatal anaphylaxis. Severe cases may present with multisystem involvement causing acute kidney injury, hepatic dysfunction, clotting abnormalities, rhabdomyolysis or even death. However, cases with acute pancreatitis as a complication of wasp sting is not usual and have been very rarely reported. We present a case of a fifty-two-year-old lady with the history of multiple wasp stings followed by multiple organ dysfunction and acute pancreatitis with complete recovery following immediate conservative measures. Keywords: Acute kidney injury; multiple organ dysfunction; pancreatitis; wasp; sting.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, though rare, should be considered in patients with duodenal obstruction with no other causes. History of recent weight loss and imaging modalities help in the diagnosis. Conservative management can be tried before going for surgery.

Diagnostic utility of ultrasonography and computerized tomography in gall bladder perforation: A case report

Gall bladder (GB) perforation can be misdiagnosed as any other more common cause of acute abdomen. We present a case of a 72-year-female who had presented to the emergency department with an acute abdomen. The clinical presentation and the biochemical markers had pointed towards acute pancreatitis. However, the ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen and the pelvis suggested GB perforation which was confirmed by the multislice computerized tomography scan. Following this the patient underwent open cholecystectomy and was successfully managed. The invaluable contributions from the radiological modalities led to the successful management of the patient.

Management of nitrobenzene poisoning with oral methylene blue and vitamin C in a resource limited setting: A case report

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Though intravenous methylene blue is a well established treatment modality for methhaemoglobinemia, there is limited experience with oral preparation.

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Oral methylene blue was used successfully in a case of nitrobenzene poisoning since intravenous preparation was not available in our setting.

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An oral dose of 2 mg/kg has been found to be safe and effective for other disease conditions. We too successfully managed the patient with this oral dose.

Nitrobenzene can cause life threatening methaemoglobinemia. Its management includes the use of intravenous methylene blue to reduce the iron moiety from its ferric to ferrous state. Due to unavailability of intravenous preparation, enteral methylene blue was used in our case. This case report is to highlight that even oral preparations can be successfully used in a resource limited setting where often intravenous preparations are unavailable.

Topical nitroglycerin for management of peripheral extravasation of vasopressors: a case report

Peripheral route for administration of vasopressors is often opted due to resource limitations or as a rescue until central venous access is established. This, however, is not devoid of complications, the most common being extravasation and tissue injury. Phentolamine is the only drug approved for management of vasopressor extravasation; however, successful use of other agents has been reported. Here we report a case of peripheral extravasation of vasopressors, successfully managed with topical nitroglycerin in intensive care unit in Kathmandu. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such kind from Nepal.

Acupuncture induced pneumothorax: A case report

Various forms of alternative medicinal practices are gaining popularity. With this, there will be rise in the complications arising from these practices. Acupuncture is also such practice which though safe can rarely cause life-threatening complications.

Amitraz Poisoning - Tale of an Unusual Pesticide Poisoning: A Case Report

Amitraz is a formamidine group of compounds used in many parts of the world as an agricultural pesticide and an ectoparasiticide. Amitraz intoxication secondary to the oral, dermal or inhalational routes, both accidental and suicidal, has been encountered in humans leading to severe life-threatening side effects. Only very few cases of amitraz toxicity have been reported to date. This emphasizes the importance to ascertain amitraz intoxication from more commonly encountered pesticides like organophosphorus poisoning to avoid erroneous management of the patient. We report a case of a twenty-seven-year-old man who presented to the emergency room following suicidal ingestion of amitraz with the clinical manifestations of vomiting, altered sensorium, bradycardia and hypotension and complete recovery following supportive management.

Probing Few-Body Nuclear Dynamics via ^{3}H and ^{3}He (e,e^{'}p)pn Cross-Section Measurements

We report the first measurement of the (e,e^{'}p) three-body breakup reaction cross sections in helium-3 (^{3}He) and tritium (^{3}H) at large momentum transfer [⟨Q^{2}⟩≈1.9  (GeV/c)^{2}] and x_{B}>1 kinematics, where the cross section should be sensitive to quasielastic (QE) scattering from single nucleons. The data cover missing momenta 40≤p_{miss}≤500  MeV/c that, in the QE limit with no rescattering, equals the initial momentum of the probed nucleon. The measured cross sections are compared with state-of-the-art ab initio calculations. Overall good agreement, within ±20%, is observed between data and calculations for the full p_{miss} range for ^{3}H and for 100≤p_{miss}≤350  MeV/c for ^{3}He. Including the effects of rescattering of the outgoing nucleon improves agreement with the data at p_{miss}>250  MeV/c and suggests contributions from charge-exchange (SCX) rescattering. The isoscalar sum of ^{3}He plus ^{3}H, which is largely insensitive to SCX, is described by calculations to within the accuracy of the data over the entire p_{miss} range. This validates current models of the ground state of the three-nucleon system up to very high initial nucleon momenta of 500  MeV/c.

Delayed Neurological Recovery After Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block: A Case Report

Introduction

Brachial plexus blocks are frequently practiced and safe mode of anaesthsia. Although minor complications may occur, major complications are a rarity. However, we report a rare case of prolonged supraclavicular brachial plexus block which required almost 4 months to recover without a perceivable cause.

Case Presentation

A 22-year-old gentleman posted for open reduction and internal fixation of both forearm bones was administered an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The intra-operative period was uneventful. However, the block persisted for a very prolonged period of time. All perceivable causes were ruled out. A total of 19 weeks was required for the entire block to regress with no residual neurological deficits thereafter.

Conclusion

Although peripheral neuropathies are known complications of peripheral nerve blocks, such a prolonged brachial plexus block is a rare event. The only plausible cause for the patient’s condition could have been the prolonged drug effect; however, it has been rarely documented.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Conversion Rate and Associated Factors for Conversion

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard surgical treatment of gall bladder disease. However, conversion to open cholecystectomy is inevitable in certain cases. Different centers has reported different conversion rate and factors associated with conversion. Objective To identify the conversion rate, postoperative complication and factors associated with conversion. Method This retrospective study included all laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases attempted in Dhulikhel hospital during the year 2015 and 2016. Records of all patients were reviewed to find out demography of the patients, indications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, rate of conversion to open, underlying reasons for conversion and postoperative complications. Result Out of 644 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 452 (70.18%) were female and 192 (29.81%) were male with the mean age of 39 years. Over all conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 1.86% with the frozen calot's triangle as the most common reason for conversion. The overall postoperative complication was found to be 1.24% with no major bile duct injury. Acute cholecystitis is a significant preoperative predictor for the conversion into open cholecystectomy. Conclusion Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can safely be done with low conversion rate and complication. Appreciation of the predictor factors help the patient and surgeon for appropriate treatment plan.

Utilizing pretreatment and fungal incubation to enhance the nutritional value of canola meal

AIMS

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal pretreatment and fungal strain to reduce glucosinolates (GLS), fibre and residual sugars while increasing the nutritional value of canola meal.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Submerged incubation conditions were used to evaluate four pretreatment methods (extrusion, hot water cook, dilute acid and dilute alkali) and three fungal cultures (Aureobasidium pullulans Y-2311-1, Fusarium venenatum NRRL-26139 and Trichoderma reesei NRRL-3653) in hexane-extracted (HE) and cold-pressed (CP) canola meal.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of extrusion pretreatment followed by incubation with T. reesei resulted in the greatest overall improvement to HE canola meal, increasing protein to 51·5%, while reducing NDF, GLS and residual sugars to 18·6%, 17·2 μmol l^-1  g^-1 and 5% w/w, respectively. Extrusion pretreatment and incubation with F. venenatum performed the best with CP canola meal, resulting in 54·4% protein while reducing NDF, GLS and residual sugars to 11·6%, 6·7 μmol l^-1  g^-1 and 3·8% w/w respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The work is significant in that it provides a method of reducing GLS (up to 98%) and neutral detergent fibre (up to 65%) while increasing the protein content (up to 45%) of canola meal. This novel pretreatment and submerged incubation process could be used to produce a canola product with higher nutritional value for livestock consumption.

Inter-instrumental comparison for the measurement of electrolytes in patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Objective

To investigate whether benchtop auto-analyzers (AAs) and arterial blood gas (ABG) analyzers, for measuring electrolyte levels of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), are equal and whether they can be used interchangeably.

Materials and method

This study was conducted on 98 patients admitted to the ICU of the Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal between 15 October and 15 December 2016. The sample for AA was collected from the peripheral vein through venipuncture, and that for ABG analyzer was collected from radial artery simultaneously. Electrolyte levels were measured with ABG analyzer in the ICU itself, and with benchtop AA in the central clinical biochemistry laboratory.

Results

The mean value for sodium by AA was 144.6 (standard deviation [SD] 7.63) and by ABG analyzer 140.1 (SD 7.58), which was significant (p-value <0.001). The mean value for potassium by AA was 3.6 (SD 0.52) and by ABG analyzer 3.58 (SD 0.66). The Bland-Altman analysis with the 95% limit of agreement between methods were −4.45 to 13.11 mmol/L for sodium and the mean difference was 4.3 mmol/L and −1.15 to 1.24 mmol/L for potassium and the mean difference was 0.04 mmol/L. The United States Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments accepts a 0.5 mmol/L difference in measured potassium levels and a 4 mmol/L difference in measured sodium levels, in the gold standard measure of the standard calibration solution. The passing and Bablok regression with 95% confidence interval has an intercept of zero and slope one for both sodium and potassium, and the 95% of random difference is −6.32 to 6.32 for sodium and −0.84 to 0.84 for potassium, showing no significant deviation from linearity.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that AA and ABG analyzers may be used interchangeably for measurement of potassium in the Institute of Medicine, while the same cannot be concluded for the measurement of sodium, because of the significant difference in sodium measurement by the two instruments.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Conversion rate and complcation

Introduction and Objective: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is the standard surgical treatment for gallbladder disease. However, conversion to open surgery is not the complication. Different centers have reported different conversion rates and post operative complications. The objective of this study is to identify conversion rate and post operative complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomyMaterials and Methods: This retrospective study included all laparoscopic cholecystectomies attempted in Dhulikhel hospital during the year 2015. Files of all patients were reviewed to find out the demography of the patients and the indication of Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy, the underlying reasons for conversion and postoperative complications were analyzed.Results: Out of 324 cases attempted laparoscopic cholecystetomies, two cases with the history of previous laparotomy were excluded to rule out the bias in the result. Out of 322 cases 226(70.18%)were female and 96(29.81%) were male . The mean age was 38 years. Over all conversion rate to open cholecystetomy was 1.86% with frozen calot’s triangle as the most common reason for conversion. The over all postoperative complication was 1.24% with no major bile duct injury.Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can safely be done with low conversion rate and complication.

Retrospective study on early outcome of acute burn injuries treated at Nepal Cleft and Burn Centre of Public Health Concern Trust-Nepal

BACKGROUND

Nepal Cleft & Burn Center, Kirtipur Hospital, Kathmandu has been providing the acute burn care since 2013 with 10 ICU beds, 32 general beds and two operating rooms. This study analyses the demographics of and early outcome in the acute burn patients.

METHODS

This is a descriptive retrospective study of the clinical data of acute burn patients admitted from January 1 to December 31, 2014.

RESULTS

There were 78 patients from 3 months to 88 years of age with a median age of 29 years. Forty six (58.9%) were females and 32 (41.1%) were males. Most of the injuries (n=57; 73%) occurred inside the house. Flame burn was the commonest mode of injury (n= 48, 61.6%). Only eleven (14.1%) patients arrived on the same day of the injury. The time elapsed was from 1 to 67 days with a median of 5 days. Only two (2.5%) patients had poured water for more than 20 minutes. Range of total body surface area (TBSA) involved was 1% to 70% with a median of 12%. Range of hospital stay was 1 to 105 days with a median of 17 days. Sixty (76.9%) patients underwent 102 surgical operations. Twenty six (33.3%) patients needed blood transfusion. A total of 15 (19.2%) patients died. None survived a burn injury of more than 40% TBSA.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of acute burn is very challenging with high mortality rate. A lot of effort is needed to change the present standard of care. Awareness programs on First Aid treatment of burn injuries together with the preventive programs focused on high risk population such as females and children in a large scale needs to be organized as soon as possible.

Microsurgical free flaps at Kathmandu Model Hospital

BACKGROUND

Microsurgery is an emerging subspecialty in Nepal. Microsurgery was started at Kathmandu Model Hospital in 2007 with the support from Interplast Australia and New Zealand. This study will be useful for establishing a baseline for future comparisons of outcome variables and for defining the challenges of performing microsurgical free flaps in Nepal.

METHODS

A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted using the clinical records of all the microsurgical free flaps performed at Kathmandu Model Hospital from April 2007 to April 2014.

RESULTS

Fifty-six free flaps were performed. The commonest indication was neoplasm followed by post-burn contracture, infection and trauma. Radial artery forearm flap was the commonest flap followed by fibula, antero-lateral thigh, rectus, tensor facia lata, lattisimus dorsi, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator, and deep circumflex iliac artery flap. Radial artery forearm flaps and anterolateral thigh flaps were mostly used for burn contracture reconstructions. Twelve of the 13 (92%) fibulae were used for mandibular reconstruction for oral cancer and ameloblastoma. Rectus flaps were used mainly for covering defects over tibia. Hospital stay ranged from six to 67 days with an average of fourteen. Fifteen patients (26%) developed complications. The duration of operation ranged from six hours to 10.5 hours with an average of nine hours. The longest follow up was for four years.

CONCLUSIONS

Microsurgery can be started even in very resource-poor center if there is support from advanced centers and if there is commitment of the institution and surgical team.

Extraventricular Neurocytoma

Extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) is a rare neuroepithelial tumor. Its propensity to occur in cerebral hemisphere is much higher. EVN has a histological resemblance to central neurocytoma but radiologically, it is more complex. Ganglionic differentiation is more common in EVN and tends to have more of a cystic component. Calcification is frequent but hemorrhage is only an occasional finding. Although it has been reported to occur in various regions, the propensity to occur in cerebral hemisphere is much higher. Herein, we report two cases which presented as a mass in the right frontal lobe and right parietal lobe. MRI showed hypointesity on T1, hyperintesity on T2-weighted images with moderate enhancement after contast injection. In short extraventricular neurocytoma should be considered indifferential diagnosis of complex intracranial masses.  Keywords: central neurocytoma; computed tomography; xtraventricular neurocytoma; MagneticResonance Imaging.

Extraventricular neurocytoma

Extraventricular neurocytoma is a rare neuroepithelial tumor. Its propensity to occur in cerebral hemisphere is much higher. EVN has a histological resemblance to central neurocytoma but radiologically, it is more complex. Ganglionic differentiation is more common in EVN and tends to have more of a cystic component. Calcification is frequent but hemorrhage is only an occasional finding. Although it has been reported to occur in various regions, the propensity to occur in cerebral hemisphere is much higher. Herein, we report two cases which presented as a mass in the right frontal lobe and right parietal lobe. MRI showed hypointesity on T1, hyperintesity on T2-weighted images with moderate enhancement after contast injection. In short extraventricular neurocytoma should be considered indifferential diagnosis of complex intracranial masses.

Efficacy of Endovascular Therapy for Direct Occlusion of Intracranial Aneurysms

Introduction: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular therapy using detachable coils and balloons for the direct occlusion of intracranial aneurysms. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 563 patients undergoing digital subtraction angiography from January 2007 to July 2009. Two hundred and fi fty patients with 323 embolized intracranial aneurysms were studied. Results: Among 250 patients, 66 % were female and 34 % male, the age ranging from 19 - 83 years (mean 50.66 ± 12.92). One hundred and seventy-seven had a single aneurysm while 73 showed multiple aneurysms. Seventeen (9.6 %) had giant aneurysms. Three hundred and eleven aneurysms were treated using detachable coils, and 12 giant aneurysms were embolized by detachable balloons for the parent vessel occlusion. Of 323 aneurysms treated via the endovascular approach, total occlusion was seen in 93 % of the aneurysms, near total occlusion in 5.2 % and incomplete embolization in 1.5 %. Among patients presenting with sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, 62 improved to the Glasgow outcome score (GOS) of 5, 93 improved to GOS 4, 14 improved to GOS 3, 10 improved to GOS 2 at the time of discharge and 5 patients died. Angiographic follow-up was scheduled between 6 - 12 months post-embolization. The aneurysm recurred in 1.2 % and were re-embolized using additional coils. Statistically, Hunt and Hess Grade and GOS indicated clinical signifi cance (P < 0.05). The patients, gender, clinical presentation and aneurysmal location did not show statistical signifi cance (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Hunt and Hess VI and V are considered as poor clinical gradings in aneurysmal SAH. However, endovascular treatment has been established as an effective method to obliterate intracranial aneurysms allowing subsequent decrease in mortality and morbidity. Keywords: detachable coils, detachable balloons, endovascular therapy, intracranial aneurysms.  

Efficacy of endovascular therapy for direct occlusion of intracranial aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular therapy using detachable coils and balloons for the direct occlusion of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 563 patients undergoing digital subtraction angiography from January 2007 to July 2009. Two hundred and fifty patients with 323 embolized intracranial aneurysms were studied.

RESULTS

Among 250 patients, 66 % were female and 34 % male, the age ranging from 19 - 83 years (mean 50.66 ± 12.92). One hundred and seventy-seven had a single aneurysm while 73 showed multiple aneurysms. Seventeen (9.6 %) had giant aneurysms. Three hundred and eleven aneurysms were treated using detachable coils, and 12 giant aneurysms were embolized by detachable balloons for the parent vessel occlusion. Of 323 aneurysms treated via the endovascular approach, total occlusion was seen in 93 % of the aneurysms, near total occlusion in 5.2 % and incomplete embolization in 1.5 %. Among patients presenting with sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, 62 improved to the Glasgow outcome score (GOS) of 5, 93 improved to GOS 4, 14 improved to GOS 3, 10 improved to GOS 2 at the time of discharge and 5 patients died. Angiographic follow-up was scheduled between 6 - 12 months post-embolization. The aneurysm recurred in 1.2 % and were re-embolized using additional coils. Statistically, Hunt and Hess Grade and GOS indicated clinical significance (P < 0.05). The patients, gender, clinical presentation and aneurysmal location did not show statistical significance (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hunt and Hess VI and V are considered as poor clinical gradings in aneurysmal SAH. However, endovascular treatment has been established as an effective method to obliterate intracranial aneurysms allowing subsequent decrease in mortality and morbidity.

Evolving experience in the management of empyema thoracis

BACKGROUND

Empyema thoracis a disease of significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing world. However, the optimal management of empyema thoracis remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse evolving experience in clinical presentation, management, outcome and factors contributing to adverse morbidity in empyema thoracis.

METHODS

This is hospital based retrospective study of patients who were diagnosed with empyema thoracis in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS) unit, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal over a period of one year (July 2009 to June 2010). A total of forty-six adult cases were categorized into two treatment groups: (i) thoracotomy for decortication (ii) segmentectomy, lobectomy and redo-thoracotomy for pneumonectomy. The median duration of illness prior to hospital admission was compared. The presence of loculated pleural fluid determined the need for thoracotomy.

RESULTS

Out of forty-six cases, twenty- nine (63.04%) who had early thoracotomy (less than 22 days) had prompt symptomatic recovery. Fourteen out of seventeen (82.35%) of the patients who were initially treated with thoracocentesis or tube thoracostomy eventually needed thoracotomy. There was a positive shift in management towards early thoracotomy resulting in prompt symptomatic recovery. Significant complications were noted in eight patients who had delayed thoracotomy. Complications included recurrent empyema with lung abscess (n = 3), restrictive lung disease (n = 3), bronchopleural fistula (n = 1) and scoliosis (n=1).

CONCLUSION

Early thoracotomy and decortication was found to be an excellent surgical procedure with good functional results and high patient satisfaction rate.