Fibro-Adipose Vascular Anomaly (FAVA): Not Another Vascular Anagram

Background. Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a rare benign mesenchymal lesion. Characterized primarily by intramuscular vascular malformation with secondary overgrowth of other mesenchymal elements, particularly fibro-adipose tissue, the condition is sometimes complicated by nonspecific clinical and imaging features, causing diagnostic dilemma. Herein, we attempted to outline and correlate the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and histopathological features of this unusual entity. Method. The study design was retrospective in nature. Computerized database of our institute was searched for tumors, and archived slides were reviewed. Pertinent clinical data including imaging findings and treatment details were also recovered for correlation. Result. Among total of 24 patients identified, mean age was approximately 16 years, with the presence of nearly equal gender distribution. Pain along with swelling was most common symptoms with the presence of movement limitation, in few. Most lesions were long-standing and anatomically confined to lower limb with no side predilection. Using imaging, the majority of the lesions were identified as vascular anomaly or venous malformation, with FAVA being a differential diagnosis in few lesions. However, in a couple of patients, likelihood of mesenchymal tumors was also suggested, radiologically. On histology, the lesions showed the presence of clustered back to back, abnormal thin-walled, variably dilated, blood-filled sac-like vessels amid skeletal muscle bundles, along with extensive fibro-adipose tissue and variably atrophic skeletal muscle bundles, at the periphery, diagnostic of FAVA. Conclusion. Owing to the presence of overlapping clinical and imaging features, FAVA is often misdiagnosed, causing dilemma in clinical management. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological correlation is thereby warranted for clinching the correct diagnosis.

Mapping the immune landscape in small cell lung cancer by analysing expression of immuno-modulators in tissue biopsies and paired blood samples

Small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC) are aggressive tumors with high propensity to metastasize. Recent NCCN guidelines have incorporated immunotherapy in extensive stage SCLC. Limited benefit in few patients compounded by side effects of unwonted immune-checkpoint-inhibitor (ICPI) usage necessitates identification of potential biomarkers predicting response to ICPIs. Attempting this, we analysed expression of various immunoregulatory molecules in tissue biopsies and paired blood samples of SCLC patients. In 40 cases, immunohistochemistry for expression of immune inhibitory receptors CTLA-4, PD-L1 and IDO1 was performed. Matched blood samples were quantified for IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α and sCTLA-4 levels using immunoassay and additionally for IDO1 activity (Kynurenine/Tryptophan ratio) using LC-MS. Immunopositivity for PD-L1, IDO1 and CTLA-4 was identified in 9.3%, 6.2% and 71.8% cases, respectively. Concentration of serum IFN-γ (p-value < 0.001), TNF-α (p-value = 0.025) and s-CTLA4 (p-value = 0.08) were higher in SCLC patients while IL-2 was lower (p-value = 0.003) as compared to healthy controls. IDO1 activity was significantly elevated in SCLC cohort (p-value = 0.007). We proffer that SCLC patients show immune suppressive milieu in their peripheral circulation. Analysis of CTLA4 immunohistochemical expression along with s-CTLA4 levels appears prospective as biomarkers for predicting responsiveness to ICPIs. Additionally, evaluation of IDO1 appears cogent both as prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target as well.

Identification of celiac disease associated IgA nephropathy by IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase2 antibody deposits in archived formalin-fixed tissues

BACKGROUND

The causal association between IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and celiac disease (CeD) is based on their clinical coexistence. In this prospective study, we screened patients with IgAN for CeD and explored the utility of analysis of IgA anti-TG2 antibody deposits, for establishing a causal association.

METHODS

Biopsy-proven patients of IgAN were screened for serum IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (IgA anti-tTG Ab) titer and thereafter were invited to undergo endoscopic duodenal biopsy. Corresponding duodenal and kidney biopsies were subjected to IgA anti-TG2 antibody colocalization study using dual-color immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. Additionally, kidney biopsies from 105 patients with IgAN who did not give consent for serology analysis, 30 non-IgA nephropathies, and 10 normal controls were also included. Dual-color-stained slides were interpreted based on stain distribution and intensity scores, and Pearson's index >0.3-1 on confocal imaging was considered significant.

RESULTS

Of a cohort of 151 patients with IgAN, 32 consented to undergo sero-screening and 5 of them had high serum anti-tTG Ab titer. Two out of the latter consented to endoscopic duodenal biopsies, in whom modified Marsh grade 3b changes were identified. Strong IgA anti-TG2 antibody deposits were noted in the kidney and duodenal biopsies of these patients. One patient out of non-consenting 105 patients with IgAN and 3 out of 30 patients with other non-IgA nephropathies also showed IgA anti-TG2 deposits. None of the healthy kidney tissues showed IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-localized IgA anti-TG2 deposits in the kidney biopsies in patients with IgAN help to establish a pathogenic link with CeD. A small proportion of patients with IgAN have associated CeD.

Gastrointestinal tract involvement in patients with potential celiac disease beyond the small intestine: An early proof with IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase-2 antibody deposits

Background

IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase-2 antibody (anti-TG2Ab) deposits in intestinal and extraintestinal organs have been used to link the respective pathological changes in these organs with celiac disease (CeD).

Aims

To know if parts of intestine other than the duodenum, such as esophagus, stomach, and colon, have any pathology related to potential CeD or have mucosal IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits.

Settings and Design

A prospective case-control study conducted from April 2018 to December 2019.

Materials and Methods

Nine patients with potential CeD and 27 age- and gender-matched patients with irritable bowel syndrome were recruited as cases and controls, respectively. Mucosal biopsies were collected from esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and rectosigmoid regions, histological changes were evaluated, and IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits were analyzed in these regions by two-color immunohistochemical staining.

Statistics

Data were analyzed using statistical software Stata 14.0.

Results

No distinct difference in mucosal lymphocytosis were identified between biopsies of patients with potential CeD and controls at the following sites: esophagus (11.1% vs 0%, P = 0.079), stomach (14.3% vs 7.7%, P = 0.590), and rectum (20% vs 0%, P = 0.067). Co-localized IgA anti-TG2Ab deposits were observed more in potential CeD than in controls at esophagus 22.2% (2/9) vs 0%, P = 0.012; stomach 66.7% (6/9) vs 11.5% (3/26), P < 0.001; and duodenum 66.7% (6/9) vs 0%, P < 0.001 but not at rectum 0% (0/4) vs 0% (0/25).

Conclusion

Although histological changes are not distinct, a subset of subjects with potential CeD has pan-intestinal involvement other than in the duodenum.

Rare Floret Like Tyrosine Crystals in Pleomorphic Adenomas of Parotid Gland

The pleomorphic adenoma arising in the parotid gland is a benign neoplasm that is aptly named because of its histomorphological diversity. The stromal component can contain chondromyxoid material, amyloid, and elastic fibers, along with a few rare reports of crystalline structures present in this tumor. Especially, the crystalline components are rarely encountered or appreciated in routine pathology reporting. Here, we report a case of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, in which tyrosine-rich crystalloids were identified in abundance and were confirmed with special stains and electron microscopy. Though their exact source is not yet known, crystallization of the stromal or myoepithelial cell secretion has been hypothesized. This comprehensive report is to make the histopathologists aware of this rare morphological observation in pleomorphic adenomas so that more cases are identified and followed-up to reveal the impact of their presence in a subset of pleomorphic adenomas.

Pan-Gastrointestinal Tract Mucosal Pathologies in Patients with Celiac Disease with the Demonstration of IgA Anti-Transglutaminase Mucosal Deposits: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

While celiac disease (CeD) is considered to affect primarily the small intestine, pathological changes in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are also known to occur. IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase-2 antibody (anti-TG2 Ab) deposits at the site of involvement is one of the methods to establish CeD-related tissue pathology.

AIMS

To explore the utility of IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits in pan-gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies as evidence of CeD-related pathologies.

METHODS

Forty-two treatment-naive patients with CeD and 45 patients with irritable bowel syndrome were included as cases and controls, respectively. Mucosal biopsies were collected from the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and rectosigmoid regions at baseline from cases and controls, and additionally after 6-months of gluten-free diet in cases. All biopsies were evaluated for histological changes and subjected to dual-color immunohistochemical staining for identifying IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits.

RESULTS

Significantly higher number of patients with CeD had lymphocytic esophagitis (9.7% vs. 0%, P = 0.05), lymphocytic gastritis (35% vs. 8.8%, P < 0.01) and lymphocytic colitis (17.4% vs. 0%, P < 0.05) than that in controls. IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits were observed in significantly more numbers in esophagus (30.9% vs. 6%, P < 0.001), stomach (62.2% vs. 9.3%, P < 0.01), duodenum (88.5% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) and rectum (17.4% vs. 0%, P < 0.05) than that in controls. There was a decline, but not statistically significant, in severity of lymphocytosis and intensity of IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits in follow-up biopsies.

CONCLUSION

Significantly higher number of patients with CeD had evidence of lymphocytic infiltration and IgA anti-TG2 deposits along GIT suggesting that CeD affects other parts of GIT.

Small cell variant anaplastic large cell lymphoma presenting as leukemia: A case report and review of Literature

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a subcategory of the mature T-cell neoplasm characterized by sheets of cluster of differentiation (CD)30-positive pleomorphic large cells mostly present as lymphadenopathy. Here, we describe a case of Small cell variant ALCL with leukemic presentation without lymphadenopathy. A 68-year-old male presented with fatigue and weakness; examination revealed a total leukocyte count of 295,000/uL. The peripheral smear showed cells having cerebriform nuclei comprising 90% of the leukocytes. The flow cytometry showed that the cells were immunopositive for CD3 (weak), CD4, CD7, and negative for the rest of the markers. The cell blocks from the peripheral blood showed cells with immunopositivity for CD30, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). A diagnosis of the small cell variant of ALK-positive ALCL was made. Due to the presence of atypical pleomorphic cells without lymphadenopathy, the case has a diagnostic dilemma with differential diagnosis of Sezary syndrome, T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Karyotyping and additional immunohistochemistry help for the confirmation of the diagnosis.

TTF-1: A Well-Favored Addition to the Immunohistochemistry Armamentarium as a Diagnostic Marker of SEGA

BACKGROUND

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a World Health Organization grade 1 neoplasm, which, due to its dubious morphologic features, may be misdiagnosed as a high-grade tumor at times. This tumor shows binary immunoexpression including both glial and neural markers, leading to a state of diagnostic quandary. Recent evidences have surmised the diagnostic utility of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), spurring us to study the practicality of this marker in distinguishing SEGAs from its mimics.

METHODS

In this study, TTF-1 immunohistochemistry using clone 8G7G3/1 (1:50) was performed in 38 cases of SEGA, 30 cases of central neurocytoma, 10 cases each of intraventricular glioblastoma and ependymoma, and 5 cases of cortical tubers. Additionally, serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf (BRAFV600E) mutation, a common genetic alteration in pediatric low-grade-glial tumors with neuronal-differentiation, was analyzed using Ventana immunohistochemistry platform.

RESULTS

TTF-1 immunopositivity was seen in all 38 cases (100%) of SEGAs, with 20 cases (52.6%) showing diffuse (>50% of tumor area) expression while focal (<50%) immunopositivity was seen in 18 cases (47.3%). None of the cases demonstrated serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf immunolabeling. Barring 2 cases of neurocytoma (6.6%), all other cases including ependymoma, glioblastoma, and cortical tubers were immunonegative for TTF-1.

CONCLUSIONS

The congruous finding of TTF-1 expression in SEGA and cells of the developing neuroepithelium in the medial ganglionic eminence hint toward a primogenitor cell with neoplastic potential in the presence of impelling factors.

44 Hipec Therapy-A New Development to Fight Cancer; Report Of 3 Cases

Introduction

HIPEC is highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy treatment that is delivered directly to the abdomen during surgery. HIPEC delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells in abdomen. Cytoreductive surgery(CRS) combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy is currently a valid treatment option for peritoneal dissemination of gastrointestinal, gynaecological cancers or primary peritoneal neoplasms.

Method

3 patients with peritoneal surface malignancy were selected. PET scan was done for all the patients to assess metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis index(PCI) calculated was&lt;20 for all 3 patients They were then treated with CRS+HIPEC therapy with disease-specific chemotherapeutic agents like Cisplatin, Mitomycin and Doxorubicin and Oxaliplatin . Aim was

Results

All the 3 patients had a good post-operative recovery with no recurrence in the follow-up period

Conclusions

HIPEC and CRS plays synergistic role. A complete CRS followed by HIPEC with the disease-specific chemotherapeutic agent at 41-43ºC constitutes optimal treatment for certain malignancies. High regional concentration with low systemic concentration of chemotherapy, increased tissue penetration and thermal enhancement of cytotoxicity are some of the advantages with HIPEC therapy

Suicide and self-harm in women with mental disorders during pregnancy and the year after birth

Introduction

There is little prospective data on the risk factors for later suicide in women who experience perinatal mental disorders, particularly beyond one-year postnatal.

Objectives

Among a cohort of women who were in contact with a mental healthcare provider during the perinatal period, to: (1) Describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the women who died by suicide (2) Understand when, in relation to childbirth, most suicides tended to occur.

Methods

Data-linkage of de-identified service-user electronic healthcare records, national hospital episode statistics and mortality data generated a cohort of women in contact with a mental healthcare service provider in London, UK, perinatally. Using Natural Language Processing and structured field extraction, we identified clinical, socio-demographic characteristics, self-harm exposure, and suicide.

Results

Among 5204 women, clinical and demographic characteristics of women who did and did not die by suicide were similar apart from indicators of illness severity including perinatal sedative medication prescription, clinician-rated functional impairment and smoking, which were more common in women who died by suicide. Suicide deaths occurred most frequently in the second year post-delivery. The most common method of suicide ocurring wihtin two years was by violent means, whereas after two years postnatal, the most common method was non-violent.

Conclusions

Our findings support the extension of perinatal mental healthcare service provision to two years post-delivery.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Liver involvement in patients with coeliac disease: proof of causality using IgA/anti-TG2 colocalisation techniques

AIMS

Despite clinical evidence of liver involvement in patients with coeliac disease (CeD), there is a lack of a method to prove this association.

METHODS

Of 146 treatment-naive patients with CeD, 26 had liver dysfunction. Liver biopsies and corresponding small intestinal biopsies were obtained from these 26 patients. Multicolour immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence confocal microscopic studies were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue to detect the IgA/anti-TG2 deposits. Follow-up liver biopsies were taken after a gluten-free diet.

RESULTS

Twenty-six out of the 146 patients (17.8%) with suspected coeliac-associated liver disease on histological examination revealed irregular sinusoidal dilatation in 15 (57.6%), steatohepatitis in 4 (15.3%), non-specific chronic hepatitis in 3 (11.5%), autoimmune hepatitis in 2 (7.6%) biopsies, including cirrhosis in one of them, irregular perisinusoidal fibrosis and changes of non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis in one biopsy each (3.8%). IgA/anti-tTG deposits were observed in 22 (84.6%) liver biopsies by dual immunohistochemistry technique, and in 24 (92.3%) by confocal immunofluorescence technique and in all corresponding duodenal biopsies (100%). Overall, IgA/anti-tTG deposits showed 100% sensitivity, 77% specificity and 85% positive predictive value for establishing an association of extraintestinal pathology and CeD using archived tissues. Follow-up liver biopsies could be obtained in five patients; four of them showed not only resolution of the histological lesions but disappearance of IgA/anti-tTG co-localisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Data of the present study adds to the body of evidence that liver lesions in patients with CeD are disease related and may have been caused by a similar pathogenic mechanism that causes intestinal changes.

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Oro-Maxillofacial Region in the Pediatric Age Group: Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Diagnosis of Two Cases

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is infrequent in children. While head and neck locations, including the orbit and tongue, are described, only six cases of sinonasal ASPS are reported in the literature. We report two cases of pediatric oro-maxillofacial ASPS. The first case presented as a sinonasal mass in a 13-year-old girl, while the second was a tongue lesion in a 4-year-old female. Histologic examination, TFE3 immunopositivity, and ultrastructural findings of rhomboid crystalline inclusions helped confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis of ASPS is challenging in children and in uncommon sites like the head and neck. Patients should be routinely followed up for detection of residual or recurrent disease, particularly in cases with positive resection margins.

Cytology of SMARCA4-Deficient Thoracic Neoplasms: Comparative Analysis of SMARCA4-Deficient Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinomas and SMARCA4-Deficient Thoracic Sarcomas

INTRODUCTION

Inactivating mutations of the SMARCA4 (SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4) gene and/or loss of the BRG1 (brahma-related gene 1) protein defines SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4-dTS), an aggressive neoplasm with a usually fatal outcome. Similar SMARCA4 mutations/BRG1 loss is also seen in a subset of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs; SMARCA4-dNSCLCs) that lack alterations in currently targetable oncogenic drivers, that is, EGFR, ALK, and ROS1. There is limited knowledge on the cytomorphological features of these SMARCA4-deficient thoracic neoplasms.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the cytology of 2 cases each of SMARCA4-dNSCLC and SMARCA4-dTS to understand their cytomorphological overlap, if any, and identify features that would prompt testing for BRG1 loss.

RESULTS

All 4 patients were males presenting with advanced disease, with a mean age of 41.5 years (SMARCA4-dTS) and 58.5 years (SMARCA4-dNSCLC) at presentation. The cytology of the 2 SMARCA4-dTSs was strikingly similar, showing predominantly singly dispersed rhabdoid phenotype tumour cells with perinuclear cytoplasmic condensations in an inflammatory or necrotic background. The cytology raised suspicion for a wide range of differentials, including melanoma, high-grade lymphoma, germ cell tumour, undifferentiated carcinoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma. SMARCA4-dNSCLCs, on the other hand, were recognizable as poorly differentiated (adeno)carcinomas and were easily distinguished from SMARCA4-dTSs, with both cases showing cohesive clusters of frequently large tumour cells with abundant pale cytoplasm.

CONCLUSION

A diagnosis of SMARCA4-dTS is possible on cytology with appropriate ancillary testing and a high index of suspicion. The cytology of SMARCA4-dNSCLCs does not overlap with SMARCA4-dTS; rather, it resembles that of any poorly differentiated (adeno)carcinoma in the limited numbers analysed in this study.

Cytomorphology of primary pulmonary NUT carcinoma in different cytology preparations

BACKGROUND

NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive neoplasm that often presents with alarge tumor burden and metastases; cytology is frequently one of the primary diagnostic modalities. Primary pulmonary NCs are very rare and cytology descriptions are limited. The current study was performed to analyze the cytomorphological features of primary pulmonary NCs in different cytology samples and preparations.

METHODS

A total of 15 cytology specimens from 10 patients with primary pulmonary NCs diagnosed primarily on histology were retrieved and reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifteen cytology samples, including aspirates from primary (5 samples) and metastatic (5 samples) sites, sputum (1 sample), and effusions (4 samples), that were prepared as direct smears, centrifuged smears, and cell blocks were reviewed. Aspirate smears from all cases were cellular and demonstrated fragments and cohesive clusters of primitive tumor cells with scant cytoplasm, ovoid nuclei with coarse granular chromatin, and consistently conspicuous single nucleoli in a frequently neutrophil-rich necrotic background with dispersed bare tumor nuclei. In fluid cytology, tight, 3-dimensional tumor clusters and singly lying tumor cells were observed. Squamous differentiation in the form of sheets and singly lying polygonal tumor cells with abundant dense cytoplasm was noted focally in rare cases. The diagnoses during original sign-outs were poorly differentiated carcinoma, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant small round cell tumor. NUT-1 (NUT family member 1 protein) immunocytochemistry performed on cell blocks demonstrated characteristic speckled nuclear staining in tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary NC presents as a poorly differentiated carcinoma with focal to absent squamous differentiation on cytology. Cellular fragments of primitive tumor cells with conspicuous nucleoli should raise suspicion of NUT carcinoma and prompt ancillary testing.

Granular Cell Astrocytoma: A Diagnostic Conundrum

BACKGROUND

Granular cell astrocytoma (GCA) is an aggressive variant of astrocytoma characterized by predominantly round-to-polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. This tumor usually lack the morphological signatures of conventional astrocytoma and are devoid of typical features which define a malignant neoplasm, leading to potential misdiagnosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report GCA in a 50-year-old man presenting with severe headache along with vertiginous sensation and sensory seizures of left upper limb for past two months. Imaging showed multiple intra-axial, hyperintense space-occupying lesions in bilateral anterior temporal lobe, left parietal lobe, left thalamus and cerebellum, raising possibility of lymphoma/metastases. Histopathologic examination revealed sheets of large polygonal cells with distinct cellular outline, ample amount of eosinophilic PAS-positive granular cytoplasm, eccentrically placed irregular, round-to-ovoid nuclei with occasional prominent nucleoli. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were diffusely immunopositive for Olig2, S100, EMA, lysozyme and CD68, and they were immunonegative for GFAP, LCA, pan-CK, TTF-1, TFE-3, PAX-8, SOX10, MAP2, MBP, NF, H3K27M, H3K27me3, p53, IDH1 (R132H), CD1a, langerin and BRAFV600E. Numerous scattered macrophages were highlighted by CD163. MIB 1-labelling-index was approximately 5%-6%. Overall features were congruous with final diagnosis of GCA.

CONCLUSIONS

GCAs behave in a belligerent manner irrespective of their morphologic grade as they are seen to exhibit genetic alterations similar to glioblastoma. Thereby, they warrant early diagnosis for conducive patient management.

Anastomosing Hemangioma of the Larynx: A Unicorn among Head and Neck Tumors

OBJECTIVE

Anastomosing hemangioma (AH) is a novel tumor of vascular origin. Though well-documented in the kidney and retroperitoneum, only a single case has been documented in the head and neck, and AH in larynx has not been described.

METHODS

A 37-year-old male presented with difficulty in breathing, and hoarseness. Imaging revealed a lesion involving left paraglottic and cricothyroid spaces with destruction of cricoid cartilage, suggestive of a malignant cartilageneous neoplasm. Multiple biopsies were non-diagnostic.

RESULTS

Intraoperative frozen section during transcervical resection showed a vascular tumor devoid of nuclear atypia. Histopathological examination revealed a vasoformative tumor comprised of anastomosing capillary-sized vessels lined by flat and hobnail endothelial cells, consistent with AH. The patient was disease-free at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

AH are rare neoplasms that may mimic a malignancy on imaging, especially in sites where they have not been documented. Due to their vascular nature, biopsies are often non-diagnostic, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Frozen section may assist in decision-making on the extent of resection required.

1147 Sleep Correlates With Improved Functional Outcome In The Intensive Care Unit

Introduction

Disruption of sleep may have significant implications in acute brain injury, functional recovery, and critical illness. Few data exist characterizing sleep architecture in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). We aim to describe sleep and clinical characteristics in patients with acute brain injury and critical illness.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed in ICU patients who underwent continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring from 2018-2019. Sleep was scored based on AASM-defined EEG criteria. Clinical variables, EEG characteristics, and modified Ranking Scale (mRS) were collected. Good outcome was defined as mRS&lt;3. Differences were assessed using chi-square analysis and t-test.

Results

205 patients were reviewed with a mean age of 57 years (range 18-91) and a majority (57%) were male. Patients carried a primary neurologic/neurosurgical (61%) or medical/surgical (39%) diagnosis. Status epilepticus, subdural hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, encephalopathy and cardiac arrest accounted for the majority of diagnoses encountered. Only 58 patients (28%) achieved N1 sleep; of these 76.4% achieved N2, 2.8% N3, and none achieved REM. Of those achieving any sleep, 43% had good outcomes versus only 23% in those who did not (t=-7.45, p&lt;0.001). Neurological patients were more likely to attain sleep compared to those with other primary diagnoses (χ 2 (1)=7.08, p=0.008). Centrally acting anesthetics did not account for sleep differences between neurologic and non-neurologic patients (χ² (1)=2.01, p=0.16). However, those with primary brain injury reached sleep more often in the absence of anesthetic use (χ 2 (1)=4.82, p=0.03). The overall mortality was 32% in this cohort.

Conclusion

Most critically ill patients do not achieve electrophysiologic sleep. Of those who do, N1/N2 stages are seen most often. Neurological patients were more likely to sleep, and achieving any sleep was associated with improved functional outcome. Further studies are needed to determine whether sleep augmentation in the critically ill impacts functional outcome.

Support

N/A.

Case of mucormycosis of mandible after self-extraction of teeth incidentally detected to have chronic granulomatous disease: Case report and literature review

Mucormycosis isolated to the mandible is a rare presentation occurring generally after dental procedures. The case we report presented with discharging sinuses over facial region with radiological appearance of isolated osteomyelitis of the mandible. The patient used to apply an addictive dental powder over his teeth leading to caries. Following this, he pulled out all his teeth, which probably led to his condition. Invasive sampling revealed mucormycosis. An extensive search for an underlying immunodeficiency revealed that the patient had chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Despite a prolonged course of L-Amphotericin B, the patient continued to have intermittent pus discharge and surgical debridement and curettage was eventually required. The patient had a chronic course with minimal soft tissue involvement which initially did not raise the suspicion of mucormycosis. The main learning point is that an unusual invasive fungal infection in an otherwise healthy host can be the first symptom of an underlying primary immunodeficiency, like CGD. Invasive fungal infections in patients with CGD often have an indolent course.

•

Mucormycosis isolated to the mandible is a rare presentation, occurring generally after dental procedures.

•

Self-extraction of teeth as in our patient can result in isolated mucormycosis of the mandible.

•

Isolated mucormycosis of the mandible can be a presenting symptom of chronic granulomatous disease.

•

Combination of medical and surgical treatment is usually needed in mandibular mucormycosis.

Renal Ewing's sarcoma: A single institute experience of seven patients

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Background: Renal Ewing’s sarcoma constitutes a rare subset of extraskeletal ewings with aggressive clinical course and dismal outcomes. The purpose of our study was to review our experience in the management of patients with Renal Ewing’s Sarcoma. Methods: We retrospectively analysed patients with Renal Ewing’s Sarcoma who were registered in Sarcoma Medical Oncology Clinic at AIIMS, New Delhi between September 2016 and January 2019. Results: A total of eight patients were registered in the study period, one of which was diagnosed with wilms tumor post nephrectomy and was excluded from our study. Of seven patients included in analysis, five (71.4%) were males. The commonest symptoms were flank pain (57.1%) and hematuria (57.1%). The median age was 28 years (range, 18 to 50 years). The mean Hemoglobin was 10.4 g/dl (range, 6-14 g/dl). The median tumor size was 13 cm (range, 5-25 cm). Four patients (57.1%) were non-metastatic while three (42.9%) had metastases in bone, lung and liver, and peritoneum respectively. Diagnosis was established by an upfront nephrectomy in four patients (57.1%) and biopsy in three patients (42.9%). Translocation for EWSR1 was done in 5 patients of which four (80%) were positive and one patient (20%) were negative. The test was not carried out in two patients due to inadequate tissue sampling. Three patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with VAC and the rest (four) received it after surgery. Ifosfamide-etoposide (IE) was added to VAC regimen in first two patients, in one being added post nephrectomy. This patient developed Ifosfamide-induced renal failure resulting in death. Radiotherapy was given in two patients, one pre-operative owing to large inoperable mass, and post operative in the other due to positive margins. At last follow up, three patients (42.9%) are alive and are on chemotherapy after radical nephrectomy. Four patients (57.1%) have died, three due to disease (all metastatic) and one due to chemotoxicity. The median survival was 15 months. Conclusions: Unlike extremity, renal ewings sarcoma more commonly presents in higher age and with advanced disease. Translocation studies are a prerequisite in a suspected case of Renal Ewings Sarcoma, especially due to possibility of discrepancies in pre and post-operative diagnoses. Our institutional protocol does not recommend the use of Ifosfamide in the subset of patients with single kidney, post nephrectomy. Caution must be exercised before instituting the drug and should be given only pre-operatively in absence of renal dysfunction.

Systemic therapy in advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Imatinib and beyond

e22523

Background: Imatinib is the standard treatment of advanced Dermatofibrosarcoma (DFSP). However ideal treatment of advanced DFSP patients, who have progressive disease (PD) on imatinib, remains an unanswered question. Methods: We retrospectively analysed consecutive advanced DFSP patients who presented to AIIMS Sarcoma Medical Oncology clinic between January 2016 and January 2019. Results: There were eleven patients, with median age of 35 years, seven (63.6%) of which were males. Fibrosarcomatous transformation was present in six (54.5%) patients. Four (36.4%) had locally advanced disease, while seven (63.6%) had metastatic disease. Primary site was trunk in eight (63.7%) patients. Three (75%) of the four patients who received neoadjuvant imatinib, underwent complete surgical resection. Initial dose of imatinib was 400mg OD in eight (72.7%) patients, 600 mg OD in two (18.2%) and 800 mg OD in one (9.1%) patient. The best response to imatinib was Partial response (PR) in nine (81.8%) patients, stable disease (SD) in one (9.1%) and primary PD in one (9.1%) patient. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 16 months, after a median follow up of 14 months. Five (45.4%) patients had PD on imatinib. As mentioned in table, strategies used in these patients were pazopanib (n = 3), doxorubicin (n = 2), other chemotherapy (n = 2), dose escalation of imatinib (n = 2) and reintroduction of imatinib (n = 1). One patient had prolonged stable disease on pazopanib, while remaining had PD. Conclusions: Imatinib remains prominent first line therapy in advancved DFSP. Though pazopanib has shown some promise, the treatment outcomes in second line therapy and beyond have largely been dismal and need to be studied prospectively.[Table: see text]

Efficacy of low dose pazopanib in advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS): Experience from a dedicated sarcoma medical oncology clinic in India

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Background: The approved dose of pazopanib in advanced STS is 800 mg/day and is not weight based. After initial patients who couldn’t tolerate pazopanib we started pazopanib at lower doses escalating to higher doses. There is already preliminary data about low dose pazopanib in asian patients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the prospectively kept data base of patients with advanced non adipocytic STS who were treated with pazopanib at AIIMS sarcoma medical oncology clinic between September 2015 and February 2019. After start of pazopanib we get CT scan done every 3 monthly as institutional protocol. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 23. Results: There were total of 66 patients with median age 40 yrs (17 – 81)and majority were males who (60). ECOG Performance status (PS) was PS 1 in 63% and PS 2 in 23%. Most common diagnosis was synovial sarcoma (22%), leiomyosarcoma (18 %), angiosarcoma (9%), MPNST(8%) and others (43%). Most of the patients received pazopanib as second line (59%) and third line (31%). 90% of patients received dose of 400 mg and remaining 10% of the patients received 600 mg of dose (in which it could be escalated after 1 month). Median weight was 63kg and median height in our patients was 160cm while the median BSA was 1.6. Dose escalation was attempted, but was not feasible due to toxicities. Out of total 66 patients, 57 were available for response assessment. RECIST responses were complete response (CR) was present in 2.9%, partial response (PR) in 17% , stable disease (SD) in 28%. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 5 months and median overall survival was 18 months after a median duration of follow up of 20 months. Grade 3 and grade 4 toxicities were present in 31% of the patients. Grade 3 hand foot syndrome (HFS) was present in 12% of patients.4.5% had hypertension. Other grade 3 and 4 toxicities were oral mucositis (6%) , transaminitis (4%) Cardiomyopathy (3%) and cholestasis jaundice (1.5%) with bilirubin elevated to the level on 19.1 mg/dl. This resolved after stoppage of Pazopanib. Conclusions: Pazopanib at low doses in our series was as efficacious and with similar toxicity as previous literature The option of lower dose pazopanib needs to be explored in Asian population who have lower body weight.

Cigarette smoke promotes HIV infection of primary bronchial epithelium and additively suppresses CFTR function

Recurrent lung infections are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV and this is exacerbated in smokers even when administered combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The incidence of pneumonia is increased with smoking and treatment interruption and is directly dependent on viral load in patients when adjusted for CD4 counts. CFTR dysfunction plays an important role in aberrant airway innate immunity as it is pivotal in regulating mucociliary clearance (MCC) rates and other antibacterial mechanisms of the airway. In our earlier work, we have demonstrated that bronchial epithelium expresses canonical HIV receptors CD4, CCR5 and CXCR4 and can be infected with HIV. HIV Tat suppresses CFTR mRNA and function via TGF-β signaling. In the present study, we demonstrate that cigarette smoke (CS) potentiates HIV infection of bronchial epithelial cells by upregulating CD4 and CCR5 expression. HIV and CS individually and additively suppress CFTR biogenesis and function, possibly explaining the increased incidence of lung infections in HIV patients and its exacerbation in HIV smokers.

Genetic and other risk factors for suicidal ideation and the relationship with depression

BACKGROUND

There is a genetic contribution to the risk of suicide, but sparse prior research on the genetics of suicidal ideation.

METHODS

Active and passive suicidal ideation were assessed in a Sri Lankan population-based twin registry (n = 3906 twins) and a matched non-twin sample (n = 2016). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations with socio-demographic factors, environmental exposures and psychiatric symptoms. The heritability of suicidal ideation was assessed using structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence of any suicidal ideation was 13.0% (11.7-14.3%) for men; 21.8% (20.3-23.2%) for women, with no significant difference between twins and non-twins. Factors that predicted suicidal ideation included female gender, termination of marital relationship, low education level, urban residence, losing a parent whilst young, low standard of living and stressful life events in the preceding 12 months. Suicidal ideation was strongly associated with depression, but also with abnormal fatigue and alcohol and tobacco use. The best fitting structural equation model indicated a substantial contribution from genetic factors (57%; CI 47-66) and from non-shared environmental factors (43%; CI 34-53) in both men and women. In women this genetic component was largely mediated through depression, but in men there was a significant heritable component to suicidal ideation that was independent of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

These are the first results to show a genetic contribution to suicidal ideation that is independent of depression outside of a high-income country. These phenomena may be generalizable, because previous research highlights similarities between the aetiology of mental disorders in Sri Lanka and higher-income countries.

Massive biventricular rhabdomyoma in a neonate

Rhabdomyoma is a well characterised entity in a neonate. Herein, we report a massive biventricular rhabdomyoma in a neonate presenting with cyanosis and congestive heart failure which was confirmed on autopsy. The report is for documentation of an unusually large tumour.

Contributions of specific causes of death to lost life expectancy in severe mental illness

The life expectancy gap between people with severe mental illness (SMI) and the general population persists and may even be widening. This study aimed to estimate contributions of specific causes of death to the gap. Age of death and primary cause of death were used to estimate life expectancy at birth for people with SMI from a large mental healthcare case register during 2007-2012. Using data for England and Wales in 2010, death rates in the SMI cohort for each primary cause of death category were replaced with gender- and age-specific norms for that cause. Life expectancy in SMI was then re-calculated and, thus, the contribution of that specific cause of death estimated. Natural causes accounted for 79.2% of lost life-years in women with SMI and 78.6% in men. Deaths from circulatory disorders accounted for more life-years lost in women than men (22.0% versus 17.4%, respectively), as did deaths from cancer (8.1% versus 0%), but the contribution from respiratory disorders was lower in women than men (13.7% versus 16.5%). For women, cancer contributed more in those with non-affective than affective disorders, while suicide, respiratory and digestive disorders contributed more in those with affective disorders. In men, respiratory disorders contributed more in non-affective disorders. Other contributions were similar between gender and affective/non-affective groups. Loss of life expectancy in people with SMI is accounted for by a broad range of causes of death, varying by gender and diagnosis. Interventions focused on multiple rather than individual causes of death should be prioritised accordingly.

HIV Infects Bronchial Epithelium and Suppresses Components of the Mucociliary Clearance Apparatus

Recurrent lung infections and pneumonia are emerging as significant comorbidities in the HIV-infected population in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). HIV infection has been reported to suppress nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC). Since the primary components driving nasal MCC and bronchial MCC are identical, it is possible that bronchial MCC is affected as well. Effective MCC requires optimal ciliary beating which depends on the maintenance of the airway surface liquid (ASL), a function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) activity and the integrity of the signaling mechanism that regulates ciliary beating and fluid secretion. Impairment of either component of the MCC apparatus can compromise its efficacy and promote microbial colonization. We demonstrate that primary bronchial epithelium expresses HIV receptor CD4 and co-receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 and can be infected by both R5 and X4 tropic strains of HIV. We show that HIV Tat suppresses CFTR biogenesis and function in primary bronchial epithelial cells by a pathway involving TGF-β signaling. HIV infection also interferes with bronchial epithelial cell differentiation and suppresses ciliogenesis. These findings suggest that HIV infection suppresses tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance and this may predispose HIV-infected patients to recurrent lung infections, pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

Antibiograms in resource limited settings: Are stratified antibiograms better?

Background Antibiograms often act as a reference guide for empirical selection of antibiotics. Hospital-wide antibiograms constructed on the basis of cumulative antimicrobial susceptibility data from diverse patient groups can often be misleading. In order to show the significance of age- and location-stratified antibiograms, this study compared hospital-wide antibiograms with stratified antibiograms for the clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods Stratified antibiograms were created on the basis of patient age (<18 years, 18-50 years, >50 years) and location (inpatient or outpatient) using all 2011, 2012 and 2013 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa isolates. Susceptibility rates were compared among cumulative and stratified antibiograms using non-parametric inferential statistics. Results The hospital-wide antibiogram under-estimated susceptibility rates in adult patients isolates (age group = 18-50 years) and over-estimated susceptibility rates in isolates from the paediatric patients and elderly. Paediatric isolates were found to be less susceptible to amikacin and imipenem, whereas isolates from elderly patients >50 years were less susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Statistically significant difference was seen in the susceptibility rates of OPD and IPD isolates of P. aeruginosa in the case of the paediatric age group. Susceptibility rates for all drugs were lower for isolates from inpatients than from outpatients. Conclusion Age and location associated differences in susceptibility rates have the potential to influence empirical antibiotic selection, which was shown in stratified antibiograms of P. aeruginosa that is obscured by hospital-wide antibiograms.

The prevalence of abnormal ECG in trained sportsmen

BACKGROUND

Competitive sports training causes structural and conductive system changes manifesting by various electrocardiographic alterations. We undertook this study to assess the prevalence of abnormal ECG in trained Indian athletes and correlate it with the nature of sports training, that is endurance or strength training.

METHODS

We evaluated a standard resting, lying 12 lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) in 66 actively training Indian athletes. Standard diagnostic criteria were used to define various morphological ECG abnormalities.

RESULTS

33/66 (50%) of the athletes were undertaking endurance training while the other 33 (50%) were involved in a strength-training regimen. Overall 54/66 (81%) sportsmen had significant ECG changes. 68% of these changes were considered as normal training related features, while the remaining 32% were considered abnormal. There were seven common training related ECG changes-Sinus Bradycardia (21%), Sinus Arrhythmia (16%), 1st degree Atrioventricular Heart Block (6%), Type 1 2nd-degree Atrioventicular Heart Block (3%), Incomplete Right bundle branch block (RBBB) (24%), Early Repolarization (42%), Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) (14%); while three abnormal ECG changes--T-wave inversion (13%), RBBB(4%), Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) with strain (29%) were noted. Early repolarization (commonest change), sinus bradycardia, and incomplete RBBB were the commoner features noticed, with a significantly higher presence in the endurance trained athletes.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of athletes undergoing competitive level sports training are likely to have abnormal ECG recordings. Majority of these are benign, and related to the physiological adaptation to the extreme levels of exertion. These changes are commoner during endurance training (running) than strength training (weightlifting).

Using routine clinical and administrative data to produce a dataset of attendances at Emergency Departments following self-harm

Background

Self-harm is a significant public health concern in the UK. This is reflected in the recent addition to the English Public Health Outcomes Framework of rates of attendance at Emergency Departments (EDs) following self-harm. However there is currently no source of data to measure this outcome. Routinely available data for inpatient admissions following self-harm miss the majority of cases presenting to services.

We aimed to investigate (i) if a dataset of ED presentations could be produced using a combination of routinely collected clinical and administrative data and (ii) to validate this dataset against another one produced using methods similar to those used in previous studies.

Methods

Using the Clinical Record Interactive Search system, the electronic health records (EHRs) used in four EDs were linked to Hospital Episode Statistics to create a dataset of attendances following self-harm. This dataset was compared with an audit dataset of ED attendances created by manual searching of ED records. The proportion of total cases detected by each dataset was compared.

Results

There were 1932 attendances detected by the EHR dataset and 1906 by the audit. The EHR and audit datasets detected 77 % and 76 % of all attendances respectively and both detected 82 % of individual patients. There were no differences in terms of age, sex, ethnicity or marital status between those detected and those missed using the EHR method. Both datasets revealed more than double the number of self-harm incidents than could be identified from inpatient admission records.

Conclusions

It was possible to use routinely collected EHR data to create a dataset of attendances at EDs following self-harm. The dataset detected the same proportion of attendances and individuals as the audit dataset, proved more comprehensive than the use of inpatient admission records, and did not show a systematic bias in those cases it missed.

Isoflavone in Postmenopausal Women - Are They Really Effective? A Prospective Case Control Study

A prospective case control study was conducted at Medical College, Kolkata with the aim of evaluating the role of isoflavone( a class of phytoestrogen –plant compounds having the beneficial effects of estrogen but lesser risks and side effects) in postmenopausal women. 100 postmenopausal women (those who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooopherectomy for different benign indications, aged between 40-50 years and who were menstruating before operation) were alternately distributed into two groups-Group A (n=50, received 60mg of isoflavone and 500mg of calcium per day for 6 months) and Group B (n=50, received 500mg of calcium per day only for 6 months). To evaluate the menopausal symptoms, the menopausal Kupperman index questionnaire was applied. Other outcomes measured were body mass index, blood pressure and lipid profile. Menopausal symptoms in Group A(those using isoflavones) were lower compared to Group B. The present study showed that Kupperman index decreased significantly in Group A (from 28.48 ± 2.03 to 16.32 ± 1.06 i.e. 45% decline) compared to Group B (from 24.56 ± 1.52 to 18.44 ± 1.11 i.e. 25% decline). No differences in blood pressure or body mass index were found during treatment between the two groups. . In our study total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) decreased significantly in Group A compared to Group B. Therefore our clinical study indicates that isoflavone can be an invaluable resource for postmenopausal women for combating menopausal symptoms. Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 7 / No. 1 / Issue 13 / Jan- June, 2012 / 11-14 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v7i1.8826

Unemployment, ethnicity and psychosis

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the incidence of psychosis in unemployed people and determines whether unemployment has a greater impact on the development of psychosis amongst Black minority groups than White groups.

METHOD

Patients with a first diagnosis of Research Diagnostic Criteria psychosis, in a defined area of London from 1998 to 2004, were identified. Crude and standardised incidence rates of psychosis amongst unemployed people for each ethnic group were calculated. Poisson regression modelling tested for interactions between unemployment and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Hundred cases occurred amongst employed people and 78 cases occurred amongst the unemployed people. When standardised to the employed White population of the area, White unemployed people had a standardised incidence ratio (SIR) of 11.7 (95% CI 6.4-19.7), Black Caribbean people had a SIR of 60.1(95% CI 39.3-88) and Black African people had a SIR of 40.7 (95% CI 25.8-61.1). There was no interaction however between ethnicity and unemployment (Likelihood ratio test P = 0.54).

CONCLUSION

Rates of psychosis are high amongst unemployed people in south London and extremely high amongst Black Caribbean and Black African unemployed people. There was no evidence however that the minority groups were particularly sensitive to the stresses, limitations or meaning of unemployment.

Mortality in first-contact psychosis patients in the U.K.: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The excess mortality following first-contact psychosis is well recognized. However, the causes of death in a complete incidence cohort and mortality patterns over time compared with the general population are unknown.

METHOD

All 2723 patients who presented for the first time with psychosis in three defined catchment areas of the U.K. in London (1965-2004, n=2056), Nottingham (1997-1999, n=203) and Dumfries and Galloway (1979-1998, n=464) were traced after a mean of 11.5 years follow-up and death certificates were obtained. Data analysis was by indirect standardization.

RESULTS

The overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for first-contact psychosis was 184 [95% confidence interval (CI) 167-202]. Most deaths (84.2%, 374/444) were from natural causes, although suicide had the highest SMR (1165, 95% CI 873-1524). Diseases of the respiratory system and infectious diseases had the highest SMR of the natural causes of death (232, 95% CI 183-291). The risk of death from diseases of the circulatory system was also elevated compared with the general population (SMR 139, 95% CI 117-164) whereas there was no such difference for neoplasms (SMR 111, 95% CI 86-141). There was strong evidence that the mortality gap compared with the general population for all causes of death (p<0.001) and all natural causes (p=0.01) increased over the four decades of the study. There was weak evidence that cardiovascular deaths may be increasing relative to the general population (p=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

People with first-contact psychosis have an overall mortality risk that is nearly double that of the general population. Most excess deaths are from natural causes. The widening of the mortality gap over the last four decades should be of concern to all clinicians involved in delivering healthcare.

Prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production in gram negative isolates from pyogenic infection in tertiary care hospital of eastern Nepal

Emergence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing isolates has important clinical and therapeutic implications. A high prevalence of ESBL production among multidrug resistant gram negative isolates has been reported in literature from various clinical samples. Since ESBL detection is not done on a routine basis, its prevalence is not known till date. Thus the present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ESBL production in gram negative isolates from pyogenic infection. A total of 300 gram negative bacilli isolated from the pus samples were identified phenotypically and antimicrobial activity was determined. ESBL detection among the isolated organisms was done by Phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion technique recommended by CLSI. Of the 300 isolates, majority were Escherichia coli; (107) followed by Acinetobacter species; (55), Pseudomonas species; (44), Klebsiella pneumoniae; (32), Proteus mirabilis; (26), Enterobacter species; (25), Citrobacter species; (9) and others; (2). The prevalence of ESBL producing organisms was found to be 54 (18%); amongst which Escherichia coli was 29 (53.7%), Klebsiella pneumonia (14.8%), Proteus mirabilis 7 (12.9%) and others 4 (7.4%). Multidrug resistance were found in 92.6% of ESBL producers. Forty two were resistant to all the three third generation cephalosporins. The continuous surveillance of the ESBL producing isolates is necessary to make aware about the correct treatment regimens and good infection control practices.