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Correlating Computed Tomography Severity Scores and Serum Inflammatory Markers In COVID-19 Patients: A Dakshina Kannada Study
Chetana S Sultanpuri1, Soujanya Mynalli2, Anston Vernon Braggs2*
1Department of Radio-Diagnosis, S Nijalingappa Medical College and HSK Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
2Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Father Muller Medical College & Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
Background: COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) presents a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe respiratory distress. Chest High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) serves as a vital tool for assessing lung involvement and disease severity. Laboratory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, and ferritin provide additional insights into disease progression.
Aim: This study investigated the correlation between 25-point CT severity scores and serum inflammatory markers (CRP, LDH, D-dimer, ferritin, and ESR) in COVID-19 patients.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 100 adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at a tertiary care centre. Patients were categorized as Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR) positive or clinically/radiologically diagnosed cases. CT severity was evaluated using a standardized 25-point scoring system, and laboratory markers were obtained from patient records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, with P-values.
PLATELET PARAMETERS IN DIABETIS MELLITUS IN RELATION TO HbA1c LEVELS
JYOTI CHAKRABORTY, Dr. SHRUTHI HP, TEJASHWINI HUCHANNAVAR, Prof. RAJESH SHENOY
PADMASHREE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
Background: Immature platelet fraction (IPF) is a new hematologic parameter that reflects the rate of thrombopoiesis. It has been suggested to be a predictor of platelet recovery in patients with thrombocytopenia as well as platelet activity. IPF is elevated in patients with diabetes and associated with poor glycaemic control and cardiovascular complication. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IPF and platelet count among diabetic mellitus with thrombocytopenia due to diabetic mellitus.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by evaluating the patients diabetic status and the Platelet indices was documented with special reference to Immature platelet fraction.
Results: The obtained results were tabulated and analysed according to SPSS software data analysis. Among 60 patients there were 25 male and 35 were females. Variaton of Platelet parameters accoring to the HbA1c level shows that the platelet count raised as the HbA1c values raised in the pateints , the patients with HbA1c values less than 6 had mean platelet count of 2.83 , Platelet distribution width was 14.35 , plateletcrit was 0.24 , Mean platelet volume was 8.72 and immature platelet fraction was 4.34. The platelet parameters in patients with HbA1c levels between 6-8 had average platelet count of 2.96,Platelet distribution width was 15.92 , plateletcrit was 0.28 , Mean platelet volume was 9.98 and immature platelet fraction was 3.99 . The platelet parameters in patients with HbA1c levels more than 8 had average platelet count of 3.25,Platelet distribution width was 15.94 , plateletcrit was 0.31 , Mean platelet volume was 10.08 and immature platelet fraction was 4.77.
Conclusion: This study showed that there were no significant differences in the platelet parameters according to glycaemic control, although the mean value of IPF was increased above the normal range, while the mean MPV was within the normal range. Keywords: Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF), Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD), Glycated Haemoglobin fraction (Hba1c), Reticulated platelets (RP), Mean platelet volume (MPV).
Bacteriology of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Prajna P Jain, Kuruvilla Thomas S*
Department of Microbiology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a valuable diagnostic tool for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), obtained through a low-risk invasive method. Compared to non-invasive sampling methods, BAL offers superior sensitivity and specificity.
Aim: To determine the bacteriological etiology of suspected LRTIs using BAL samples. Methods: This observational prospective study included 75 BAL samples collected over a period of one year from adult patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital with suspected LRTIs. All suspected isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using Kirby-Bauer Disk diffusion method.
Results: Of the 75 BAL samples analyzed, 33 (44%) demonstrated significant bacterial growth. All isolates were Gram-negative bacteria, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most frequently identified pathogen, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most isolates exhibited high susceptibility to Carbapenems and Tigecycline, while maximum resistance was observed against Amoxicillin/Clavulanate and Cefazolin. A total of four multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were identified, of which three were Acinetobacter baumannii and one was K. pneumoniae.
Conclusion: This study confirmed the presence of pathogenic bacteria in BAL fluid from patients with suspected pulmonary infections, highlighting the value of bronchoscopic sample collection as a key diagnostic tool. The presence of MDR bacteria is a significant concern and underscores the need for stringent infection control measures within healthcare settings to prevent their spread.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Incident Reporting at a Tertiary Care Hospital Laboratory
Hemanth K, Shailaja Katti*
Department of Biochemistry, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Background: Incident reporting is a critical component in a tertiary care hospital laboratory. Incidents that are recognized and appropriately handled are a reliable sign of ongoing quality improvement. The knowledge and attitude of signatory authorities, postgraduates, staff, and clerical staff regarding incident reporting must be verified.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and impact of training on incident reporting among the signatory authorities, postgraduates, technical staff, and clerical staff of a tertiary care hospital laboratory.
Methods: A pre-test questionnaire was administered to collect data from the signatory authorities (3), postgraduates (18), technical staff (59), and clerical staff (6) of a tertiary care hospital. Following pre-test, all study participants underwent training session on the topic of ‘incident reporting’. A post-test was then conducted to evaluate the improvement in knowledge and attitude resulting from the training intervention. Results: Out of 86 participants, 38.37% scored in the ‘excellent’ category and 37.2% scored in the ‘very good’ category in the post-test—an improvement that was not observed in the pre-test. A statistically significant increase in knowledge was observed, with a P value of <0.001. Additionally, 72.42% of participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward an incident reporting in pre-test, which increased to 76.26% in the post-test. About 80.6% of the staff were found to be actively participating in the incident reporting process.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude of participants toward incident reporting following the training intervention. Implementing regular training programs on incident reporting is likely to improve the overall performance of the laboratory.
Comparing Medial Arch Supports with Different Rubber Densities for Adolescents with Flexible Pes Planus
Rahul Kumar Sinha, Oinam Sanjoy Singh, Ritu Ghosh*, Vennila Palanivelu
Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Assistive Technology, Mobility India Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Background: Flexible flatfoot in adolescents, characterized by medial arch collapse, disrupts foot biomechanics and causes discomfort. Medial arch supports, such as those made from microcellular rubber (MCR), offer potential relief, but further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the material and shore hardness.
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to compare the effectiveness of different Shores (15⁰A and 20⁰A) of MCR and to evaluate the change in the height of the medial longitudinal arch.
Methods: A randomized study involving 30 adolescents with flexible pes planus compared the effects of custom medial arch supports with different Shore hardness levels: Control group (Shore 15) and Experimental group (Shore 20), assessing Navicular Drop Test (NDT) scores and plantar pressure measurements, both pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Both control group and experimental group MCR medial arch supports significantly improved NDT scores in both right and left feet (P <0.05), indicating an elevation in medial longitudinal arch height. Plantar pressure static measurements showed significant improvement in both groups (P <0.001), with slight differences favouring the experimental group. Dynamic plantar pressure differences were significantly reduced post-intervention for both groups (P <0.05). No significant differences were noted between the experimental and control groups among individuals with pes planus.
Conclusion: The study suggests that both Shore 15 and Shore 20 MCR medial arch supports effectively correct flexible pes planus in adolescents. While NDT scores were slightly higher in the control group, the experimental group showed a greater impact on static plantar pressure. Orthotists can select between Shore 15 and Shore 20 based on individual patient needs for optimal outcomes.
CLINICO-RADIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF LUNG CANCER: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SOUTHWEST INDIA
Srishankar Bairy*1, Eldhos Jacob2, Ajither PA3, Carishma S4, Meghana M5
Dept. Respiratory Medicine, FMMCH, Mangaluru, Karnataka
Background: Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths in India, often diagnosed late despite awareness. This study explores its clinical, radiological, and histological profiles in southwest India.
Aims and Objectives: To analyze the clinical, radiological, and histological patterns of lung cancer in a tertiary care center in southwest India, and highlight regional epidemiological trends to aid in early diagnosis and management strategies.
Method: This retrospective study reviewed lung cancer patient records from January to December 2024 at a tertiary care hospital. Data on demographics, symptoms, radiological findings, affected lobes, sample collection methods, and histopathology were documented. Disease staging followed the TNM 8 classification, with all findings systematically analysed.
Results: The mean patient age was 63.16 years, with a male predominance (76%, 4:1 ratio). Cough (89%) was the most common symptom. Mass-like lesions (76%) were frequent, mainly in the left (41%) and right (39%) upper lobes. Adenocarcinoma (43%) was the most common type, and 66% presented at stage IV. CT-guided biopsy was the primary diagnostic method.
Conclusion: In patients with persistent, unexplained cough lung cancer remains the important differential diagnosis . Early imaging and biopsy are crucial, especially in tuberculosis-endemic areas. Raising awareness can support early diagnosis and better outcomes.
Encircling Gloom: The Realities of ‘Pharm D’ in India
Aloysius Shibin1, Priyanka Roy Chowdhury2, John Varghese3, Jessie Saldana4
1, 2, 3Department of Hospital Administration, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
4Dept. of Pharmacy, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Background: India's pharmacy education is showing a shift towards clinically oriented education, with the introduction of the Pharm D program. This doctoral-level program focuses on clinical training, pharmacotherapy optimization, patient counseling, and interprofessional collaboration.
Aims/Objectives: The study aimed to identify the present role of Pharm D graduates in Indian healthcare and the prospects, challenges perceived by hospital administrators regarding their employment.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires done on a sample of 100 PharmD graduates and 30 Hospital Administrators.
Result: A survey of 100 Pharm D graduates in India found 84% working as clinical pharmacists, with 60% contributing to pharmacy policy formulation and training healthcare professionals. However, 52% of them agree that public sector is yet to open their arm for this professionals, and pharmaceutical research is hard to reach. Hospital administrators agree on the impact of Pharm D professionals on patient care and medication error reduction and express concern for lack of hospital policies to support the professionals.
Conclusions: Pharm D professionals play crucial roles in private sector healthcare, including Patient Counselling, monitoring pharmacotherapy and reporting Adverse Drug Reactions, Training of other Clinical Staff about medication management, and promoting evidence-based practices. After sixteen years of introduction of the Pharm D course by Government, these issues regarding their employment in public sector are to be urgently resolved for maximizing the role of Pharm Ds in Indian healthcare for improving the quality of healthcare delivery.
Evaluation of Impact of Cataract Surgery on Socioeconomic Indicators in Bilateral Cataract Blindness
Mr. Pradeepa.B. V1*, Priya B Navalagund2, Dr. Deepika Jain2, Dr. R. Krishnaprasad2
Department of Optometry, M.M.Joshi Eye Institute (College of Optometry) Hubli, Karnataka
Background: Cataract is a common problem which impacts vision-related quality of life.
Aims and objectives:
- To evaluate the changes in daily living activities and levels of independence among individuals following cataract surgery.
- To assess the impact of cataract surgery on social participation and overall quality of life.
- To develop and validate a questionnaire designed to collect data from patients with bilateral cataracts.