Estimating Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: From Questionnaires to Spirometry
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:4] [Pages No:155 - 158]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-155 | Open Access | How to cite |
Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: New Challenges
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:2] [Pages No:159 - 160]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-159 | Open Access | How to cite |
Treatment Practices in Pulmonary Tuberculosis by Private Sector Physicians of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:3] [Pages No:161 - 163]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-161 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Background. Majority of the qualified medical practitioners in the country are in the private sector and more than half of patients with tuberculosis (TB) seek treatment from them. The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing the treatment modalities in pulmonary tuberculosis by the private physicians in Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out covering all the private physicians (graduates and postgraduates in Medicine and Chest Diseases) registered under the Indian Medical Association, Meerut Branch (n=154). The physicians were interviewed by a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire about the treatment modalities practiced by them. Results. Only 43.5% private physicians had attended any Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) training in the past five years. Only 33.1% of them were aware of the International Standards of Tuberculosis Care (ISTC). Fifty-three different regimens were used to treat the patients. Majority of physicians (76%) prescribed daily regimens while 24% administered both daily and intermittent treatment. None of the private physicians prescribed exclusive intermittent regimen. Eighty-seven different treatment regimens were used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) with none of them prescribing standard treatment under RNTCP. Conclusion. As majority of private practitioners do not follow RNTCP guidelines for treating TB, there is an urgent need for their continued education in this area.
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:4] [Pages No:165 - 168]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-165 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Background. Central airway obstruction (CAO) due to malignant and benign conditions is common. Tumour ablation by various techniques helps effective palliation of symptoms in such patients. Tumour ablation using endobronchial electrocautery (EBEC) with flexible bronchoscope (FB) is an established procedure. However, there is paucity of data from India on this topic. Methods. EBEC was performed in seven patients with CAO; six of these patients had malignant (non-small cell carcinoma) and one had benign aetiology (tracheal fibro-epithelial polyp) as the cause of CAO. Pre- and post-procedure assessment was done with the help of Speiser's symptomatic scoring. Results. Mean age of the patients was 52.9±7.0 years; there were five males. All the patients had symptomatic relief after the procedure; in five of them the improvement in symptom scores was significant. No major complication was encountered in any patient. Conclusions. EBEC can be a safe, effective and cost-effective tool for palliation in patients with benign or malignant CAO. It is especially beneficial for centres where cost of bronchoscopic laser and cryotherapy is prohibitive.
Cervical Mediastinoscopy: Re-evaluation of an Old Technique in Era of New Imaging Technology
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:5] [Pages No:169 - 173]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-169 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Context. With the advent of modern anatomical and functional imaging technologies, application of cervical mediastinoscopy has decreased in diagnosis and staging of mediastinal diseases. Aim. To evaluate the usefulness of cervical mediastinoscopy in assessing the mediastinal disease when imaging modalities are non-diagnostic. Settings and Design. Retrospective analysis of records of a tertiary care hospital. Patients and Methods. Thirty-nine patients with mediastinal pathology of varied aetiologies underwent cervical mediastinoscopy. Pre- and post-operative diagnosis was compared. Results. In 34 out of 39 cases (87.5%), cervical mediastinoscopy provided a confirmatory final diagnosis. One case had a major complication in the form of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Conclusion. Cervical mediastinoscopy is useful, minimally invasive modality in a scenario where anatomical and functional imaging tools are non-diagnostic.
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:8] [Pages No:175 - 182]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-175 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
The scope and spectrum of medical research, including that in clinical sciences has tremendously expanded. It now extends from simple clinical observations to gathering of epidemiological data to the study of molecular mechanisms of diseases to evaluation of effects of therapeutic interventions. It is more meaningful to engage in multi-disciplinary and collaborative arrangements for the better achievements in health research. Translational approach involves the direct application of results of laboratory experiments to clinical use for benefit of patients. Besides clinical and experimental research, it is equally important to strengthen operational research for efficient implementation of health programmes and policies in the hospitals as well as in the community. There are several difficulties and constraints related to ethical principles, patient's safety, confidentiality and costs. It is critically important to adhere to ethical principles and guidelines to maintain the moral and social perspectives. It is equally important to follow the scientific research methodology for the maximum gains from research experiments and projects. Interpretation of results of clinical experiments are hardly ever unequivocal, hence, there is a need for repetitive studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses to reach definitive conclusions. It is important for busy physicians to adopt a scientific temper of logic and engage themselves in searching for answers to different research questions. It is always gainful to spare some time and resources for research out of a busy clinical practice. It is also worthwhile to go through a formal training programme in research methodology to improve capacity and competence to conduct meaningful research.
Right Diaphragmatic Hernia in an Elderly Man
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:2] [Pages No:183 - 184]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-183 | Open Access | How to cite |
Doughnut Sign on FDG-PET Scan in a Ruptured Lung Hydatid Cyst
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:3] [Pages No:185 - 187]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-185 | Open Access | How to cite |
Pulmonary Blastoma in a Young Adult
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:4] [Pages No:189 - 192]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-189 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Pulmonary blastoma is a rare but aggressive malignancy of the lung comprising epithelial and mesenchymal elements that resemble fetal lung tissue. This report described a case of an 18-year-old male who presented with cough and weight loss for a month. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax revealed a large mass with mixed solid and cystic lesions on the right side of chest along with pleural effusion and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Massive debulking was performed followed by chemotherapy. A biphasic pulmonary blastoma was diagnosed on histopathology.
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:3] [Pages No:193 - 195]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-193 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Simultaneous occurrence of traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) and traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is uncommon. Our report documents the rare delayed presentation of simultaneous occurrence of TAWH and TDH in a patient who sustained a bicycle handlebar injury as a consequence of the bicycle he was riding colliding with a motorbike in a road-traffic accident. Excellent outcome could be achieved in this patient with surgical repair without requiring the use of a mesh.
Severe Lipoid Pneumonia Following Aspiration of Machine Oil: Successful Treatment with Steroids
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:3] [Pages No:197 - 199]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-197 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Lipoid pneumonia in children follows mineral oil aspiration and may result in acute respiratory failure. Majority of the patients recover without long-term morbidity, though a few may be left with residual damage to the lungs. We report a case of a two-and-a-half-year-old child with persistent lipoid pneumonia following accidental inhalation of machine oil, who was successfully treated with steroids.
Calcified Left Atrial Myxoma with Osseous Metaplasia
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:3] [Pages No:201 - 203]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-201 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
An intracardiac myxoma is the most common tumour of the heart with an estimated incidence of 0.5 per million population per year. Extensive calcification is rare in these tumours.1 We describe a rare case of a large left atrial myxoma, visible on the chest radiograph, with extensive calcification and osseous metaplasia.
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:2] [Pages No:207 - 208]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-207 | Open Access | How to cite |
[Year:2012] [Month:July-September] [Volume:54] [Number:3] [Pages:6] [Pages No:209 - 214]
DOI: 10.5005/ijcdas-54-3-209 | Open Access | How to cite |