AHEAD OF PRINT
Cover
Vol No: 5 Issue No: 2 eISSN:
Article Submission Guidelines
Dear Authors,
We invite you to watch this comprehensive video guide on the process of submitting your article online. This video will provide you with step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth and successful submission.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
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 <0.05 considered significant.
Results: A significant correlation was observed between CT severity scores and CRP (P=0.022) and LDH (P =0.001) levels. Elevated CRP and LDH levels were associated with more severe CT scores. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated CRP (AUC=0.73) and LDH (AUC=0.76) as effective predictors of CT severity. No significant correlation was noted with D-dimer, ferritin, or ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) levels.
Conclusion: CT severity scores correlate strongly with serum CRP and LDH levels, underscoring their potential as reliable markers for COVID-19 severity. Integrating imaging and laboratory data can enhance clinical management and prognostic monitoring. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and explore their broader applications.
Role of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Neutralization Test in Screening of Hepatitis B
Kavitha Prabhu1*, Rishma Joyce G2, Thomas S Kuruvilla1, Rekha Boloor1, Meena Dias1
1Department of Microbiology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
2B.Sc MLT Intern, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes Hepatitis B, a major global health concern. It can be transmitted through parenteral, sexual, and vertical routes and may lead to severe liver disease. Screening for Hepatitis B is vital for effective patient management, thereby reducing the burden of the disease and associated mortality.
Aim: To assess the role of HBsAg confirmatory neutralization test in screening Hepatitis B infection and to determine the probable cut-off value of the quantitative HBsAg enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) test for accurate interpretation.
Method: Patient’s blood samples were screened for HBsAg using the VITROS qualitative HBsAg test (ECLIA). All reactive samples were further evaluated using two rapid diagnostic tests: TRUST Line HBsAg rapid lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay and HEPACARD one-step sandwich immunoassay. Reactive samples with cut-off index (COI) between 1 and 199 were subjected to the VITROS confirmatory HBsAg neutralization test.
Results: Out of the 636 blood samples that were reactive by the VITROS qualitative HBsAg (ECLIA), 536 samples were also reactive by the rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Among the 100 discordant results, 61 were confirmed positive by the VITROS HBsAg neutralization test.
Conclusion: Sequential serological testing should be employed for the screening of HBsAg to minimize diagnostic errors. The VITROS qualitative HBsAg (ECLIA) can be used to screen HBsAg; however, for weakly reactive ECLIA samples, a confirmatory neutralization test should be performed to avoid any false-positive results. Reliance solely on RDTs may lead to misclassification of weakly reactive cases as non-reactive.
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
1Srishankar Bairy*, Assistant Professor, Dept. Respiratory Medicine, FMMCH, Mangaluru, Karnataka. Email-srishankarabairy2012@gmail.com
2Eldhos Jacob, Respiratory Therapist, Dept. Respiratory Medicine, FMMCH, Mangaluru, Karnataka.
3Ajither PA, Assistant Professor, Dept.Respiratory Medicine, FMMCH, Mangaluru, Karnataka
4Carishma S, Senior Resident, Dept. Respiratory Medicine, FMMCH, Mangaluru, Karnataka.
5Meghana M, Junior Resident, Dept. Community Medicine, KSHEMA, 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.
Aim: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.
Effectiveness of a Training on Knowledge and Attitude of Total Quality Management in the Laboratory Among the Technicians and Nurses of a Hospital
Chaithanya V1, Shivashankara AR*2
1Department of Biochemistry, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
2Professor of Biochemistry, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Background: Total quality management (TQM) in a laboratory involves all the laboratory staff, administration and other staff of the hospital who contribute to quality improvement. Considering the various phases of testing process, non-laboratory staff of the hospital are involved in preanalytical and postanalytical phases. Hence, a good knowledge and attitude of TQM is required not only for the laboratory staff but also for the nursing staff and doctors.
Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of training on knowledge and attitude of total quality management among laboratory technical and nursing staff.
Methods: Pre-test data was collected using questionnaire on knowledge and attitude, from the hospital nurses (46), technicians (46). After the pre-test, the study participants were given training on “Total quality management”. Post-test to assess improvement in the knowledge and attitude was administered using a questionnaire.
Results: The knowledge of TQM significantly increased post-training both among lab technicians and nurses. Difference in post-test score between technical staff of laboratory (17.95 ± 3.4) and nursing staff (10.73 ± 2.7) was statistically significant (P<.001). In comparison to nursing staff, laboratory staff showed more favorable attitude of TQM than the nursing staff both in pre-test and post-test. Significant shift of responses of nursing staff from “neutral/disagree/strongly disagree” to “agree/strongly agree” happened in post-test.
Conclusion: Training helped in improving the knowledge and attitude of nurses and laboratory staff on total quality management in the laboratory. There is a need for periodic training and assessment of hospital staff including nurses and laboratory staff on quality management.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding the Use of Social Media for Health Care Information: A Cross-Sectional Study in Belagavi, Karnataka
Rutuja Jadhav*, Harpreet Kour, Sanjeev Chougule, Anushri Patil, Sonali Patil
Department of Hospital Administration, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
Background: Social media is increasingly used to access health care information, but its impact on patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) remains underexplored, especially in low-resource settings.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients regarding the use of social media for health care-related information, and to examine associations with key sociodemographic factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 patients attending a tertiary care hospital, urban health centre, and rural health centre in Belagavi, Karnataka, from September 2024 to February 2025. Data were collected using a pre-validated structured questionnaire covering KAP domains. Mean scores were used to classify responses, and statistical associations with socio-demographic variables were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests in SPSS version 29.
Results: The majority of participants were aged 20–29 years (34.5%), male (56%), and residing in urban areas (52%). While 83.5% were aware that social media provides health information, only 15.5% frequently sought such information. Attitudinal trust in social media was limited, with just 7% frequently relying on it. Practices such as fact-checking (41% never did) and discussing health topics online (76.5% never) were low. Significant associations were found between KAP levels and education, residence, and number of platforms used (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Although awareness of health care information on social media is high, active engagement and trust remain limited. Education level, geographic residence, and digital exposure significantly influence KAP. Targeted health communication and digital literacy interventions are needed to enhance the effective and safe use of social media in health care.
Assessment of Online Health Information-Seeking Practices: A Survey Among Residents of Bengaluru City
Tom P Sunny, Supreetha Castelino*
Department of Hospital Administration, St John’s Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Background: With the increasing ease of access to vast amounts of health-related information online, people around the world are turning to the internet to obtain health information. According to previous studies, individuals seek online health information for various reasons, including self-diagnosis, learning about symptoms and treatments, and making informed healthcare decisions. However, the quality and reliability of online health information remain concerns, as individuals may encounter biased or erroneous content that could negatively affect their health.
Objectives: To analyze online health information-seeking behaviour among the public in Bengaluru.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Bengaluru. A total of 385 subjects were selected from a very heterogenous population using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.
Results: Among the respondents, the majority (69.1%) were aged 18 to 28 years, and 59.5% were postgraduates. Most participants were employed (64.2%). About 28.3% of respondents reported using the internet several times a month to find health information, and the majority (90%) used a smartphone for this purpose.
Conclusion: The study revealed that males sought online health information more frequently than females. Respondents with higher educational qualifications used the internet more often to access health-related information. Employed respondents were also more likely to search health information online compared to retired individuals and students.
Service quality among maternity patients: Case study in a tertiary care hospital
Shreya Bhat1, Dr Sucharitha Suresh2, Dr Sweta Dcunha*1
1Department of Hospital Administration, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
2Department of Community, Medicine Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Background: The mere existence of maternity services does not guarantee the quality of care to women. Understanding service quality dimensions regarding maternal health care is important for its utilization, and it could help in planning interventions for its betterment. It also promotes service adherence and aids in raising the standard of maternal health care services offered in medical facilities.
Aim: To assess the perception of maternity patients regarding service quality in a selected hospital.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was adopted in this study, and a structured questionnaire method was used to collect the data from the maternity patients.
Results: The results showed that the perception of maternity patients regarding service quality was moderate. Among the 4 domains, the perception of service quality on the healthcare delivery system and access to service was moderate. Whereas the perception of service quality on health facility and interpersonal aspects of care was high. Overall satisfaction among maternity patients was found to be high. The study also reveals that each component of service quality significantly impacts satisfaction, as p<0.01. Among the 4 domains, interpersonal aspects of care and health facility were the most prominent components of service quality that have an impact on satisfaction.
Conclusion: The assessment of service quality among maternity patients identified areas where patients had a good perception of services, as well as areas where improvements can be made, in order to enhance patient satisfaction.