Browsing by Author "Acharya, R"
Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Publication Adrenal Ganglioneuroma(Kathmandu University, 2020) Kayastha, R; Acharya, R; Pradhan, S; Tuladhar, AS; Shrestha, AABSTRACT Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare sympathetic differentiated tumors which originate from neural crest cells. These lesions are usually discovered incidentally on imaging and tend to be hormonally silent. Preoperative diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuroma remains extremely challenging and the gold standard treatment is adrenalectomy. There is good prognosis after surgery without recurrence. We herein report a case of adrenal ganglioneuroma in a 15 year old female who presented with complaint of abdominal discomfort. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography abdomen showed a large septated hypodense right suprarenal mass which was echogenic on Ultrasonography. It showed T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense signal on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of abdomen and pelvis. Excisional biopsy and histological examination of the mass was suggestive of adrenal ganglioneuroma. This report presents the clinical and radiological data for the rare tumor which would share some experience to facililate the diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuroma. KEY WORDS Adrenal mass, Computed tomography, Ganglioneuroma, Magnetic resonance imaging, UltrasonographyPublication Clinical profile of patients with pleural effusion admitted to KMCTH(Kathmandu University, 2009) Dhital, KR; Acharya, R; Bhandari, R; Kharel, P; Giri, KP; Tamrakar, RAbstract Background: pleural effusion is the common findings in patients presenting with cardiopulmonary symptoms but specific studies are lacking in Nepal. Objective: The main objective of this study is to find out the various causes of pleural effusion, their mode of clinical presentation and laboratory analysis of blood and pleural fluid to aid diagnosis of patients with pleural effusion. Materials and methods: Retrospective data from July 2009 to July 2007 from all the cases diagnosed with pleural effusion were taken. Altogether 100 cases diagnosed with pleural effusion by chest X-ray (Posterior- Anterior and Lateral view) and Ultrasonogram of the chest were studied. The following parameters were analysed: Patients demographic profile, causes, location (Unilateral, Bilateral), Blood haemoglobin and count, sputum profile, Monteux test, chest X- ray and USG findings and pleural fluid analysis[Biochemical, Haematological, Microbiological(culture and stain) and cytological]. This study was analysed by using SPSS 16. Results: The mean age of the patient was 44.89 ± 21.59 and must patients with pleural effusion belong to age group 21- 30. Most common cause of pleural effusion was found to be tubercular effusion followed by parapneumonic effusion. Right sided effusion was seen in most cases of tubercular parapneumonic and malignant effusion whereas bilateral effusion was seen in 87.5% of the patient (7 out of 8) having congestive heart failure and all cases of renal disease (4 out of 4). Shortness of breath (83%), cough (67%) and fever (66%) are the most common mode of clinical presentation. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the most common cause of unilateral pleural effusion is tuberculosis followed by parapneumonic effusion and most cases of those belong to younger age group (21 -30yrs) and most common cause of bilateral pleural effusion is congestive cardiac failure. Key words: Pleural effusion, Tuberculosis, pneumonia, malignancy, protein, ADAPublication Clinical profile of Thrombocytopenia in Acute Febrile Illnesses; a hospital-based study(Kathmandu University, 2021) Dhunputh, P; Acharya, R; Umakanth, S; Shetty, SM; Mohammed, AP; Saraswat, PPABSTRACT Background Thrombocytopenia is a common haematological abnormality noted in clinical practice, however, it can be missed in cases where specific investigations are not asked for. Acute Febrile Illness with thrombocytopenia is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, as thrombocytopenia has an inverse relation to mortality and morbidity in various febrile illnesses. Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases (like malaria, dengue, scrub typhus, and leptospirosis), infections and sepsis are some of the common causes of fever with thrombocytopenia. Objective To identify the causes of fever with thrombocytopenia, assess the clinical complications associated with febrile thrombocytopenia, and overall study the clinical profile of thrombocytopenia in a tertiary care hospital Method Medical records of all adult patients, admitted to a tertiary level hospital, with fever and thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 1,00,000 /mm3) were assessed (from October 2009 to March 2011). Detailed case history, general physical examination findings, routine and specific examinations were recorded according to a pre-decided format. Data were analysed using SPSS 16.0 Result Acute febrile illness with thrombocytopenia was most commonly seen in Dengue patients. Headache and arthralgia were more commonly encountered in scrub typhus. Platelet transfusions were necessitated in a large number of patients, especially in scrub typhus. Malaria patients had the highest mortality rate. Conclusion Acute Febrile Illnesses (AFI) are of varied origins, and proper diagnosis is imperative. The degree of thrombocytopenia in infections has a prognostic value. It can also help in differential diagnosis and clear identification of aetiology of acute febrile illnesses. Timely identification and management of thrombocytopenia in acute febrile illness can positively impact the overall patient outcome. KEY WORDS Acute febrile illness, Bleeding tendencies, Fever, Thrombocytopenia, Vector-borne diseasesPublication Development of a Model One Stop Approach to Post-COVID-19 and other Rehabilitation Conditions(Kathmandu University, 2024) Adhikari, P; Tamrakar, D; Thakur, C; Shakya, R; Vaidya, N; Acharya, R; Shrestha, J; Byanju Shrestha, IABSTRACT Background Post-COVID-19 cases can cause severe disabling symptoms and functional disabilities. WHO recognizes the severity of the condition and publishes a standardised Case Report Form to inform clinical management and public health response. Objective To determine the post-COVID-19 case load. A multidisciplinary team including a diverse team were composed and priority intervention areas were identified through a transdisciplinary approach eventually developing a Model One Stop Approach to post-COVID-19 and other Rehabilitation Conditions. Method The COVID-19 cases recorded at Dhulikhel Hospital were monitored through phone calls to post-COVID-19 complications. Patients were then invited for additional clinical assessments. A diverse team conducted these assessments to identify the needs for expanding a post-COVID-19 clinic and devised rehabilitation services based on predefined criteria. Result A total of 550 respondents were included in the study. The proportion of males (51.7%) was slightly higher than females (48.3%) with the majority of them being Brahmin/Chettri. The primary comorbidities identified were diabetes (10.55%) and hypertension (11.4%). Of the participants, about 50.73% experienced persistent symptoms. About 17.8% reported lasting muscle-related problems, 12.1% had persistent joint pain, and 33% faced temporary cardiac issues. Less than 10% experienced enduring health problems related to vision, hearing, and sleep patterns. Conclusion After COVID-19, patients experienced cardiac and muscle-related issues, increasing morbidity, financial burdens, and pressure on healthcare systems. With the need of sustainable rehabilitation training package, Dhulikhel Hospital serves as a model for a One-Stop Approach to post-COVID-19 and other rehabilitation conditions. KEY WORDS Model, Persistent, Post-COVID-19, Rehabilitation, SymptomsPublication Efficacy of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetic Cream and Vibrator Device in Pain Reduction during Peripheral Venous Cannulation in a Tertiary Care Center of Central Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2022) Paudel, B; Acharya, R; KC, N; KC, SABSTRACT Background Venous cannulation is a commonly performed procedure which often leads to patient anxiety. Application of a vibrator device and or prior use of topical anesthetics are proven methods to decrease associated pain. Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of prior use of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetic (EMLA) cream and vibrator device in pain reduction during peripheral venous cannulation. Method A true experimental study was conducted in November 2019 among 78 patients aged 20-60 years receiving peripheral cannulation at operation theatre. They were included using consecutive sampling and sorted to interventional and non- interventional group using simple random sampling lottery method. Participants in the non-interventional group received peripheral cannulation using routine technique whereas participants in the interventional group received topical Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetic cream or vibrator device prior to cannulation. Perceived post cannulation pain intensity was measured using numerical pain rating scale. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for data comparison. Result The mean age of the participants was 40.57 ± 12.5 years. The median pain score of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetic cream, vibrator and no intervention was 3, 3 and 6 respectively. The reduction in median pain intensity was significantly greater with topical anesthetic cream and vibrator device when compared to the non- interventional group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Prior interventions with Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetic or vibrator device are useful in reducing pain intensity during peripheral venous cannulation. Routine use of these in day to day practice could be a part of standard nursing care practice. KEY WORDS Cannulation, Eutectic mixture of local anesthetic cream, Pain, Venous, VibratorPublication Perceptions and Attitudes towards Evidence Based Practice among Nurses and Nursing Students in Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2015) Karki, S; Acharya, R; Budhwani, H; Shrestha, P; Chalise, P; Shrestha, U; Gautam, K; Wilson, LABSTRACT Background As the evidence based practice (EBP) movement expands, there is a need for health leaders and educators in each country to assess the extent to which health professional students and practitioners are prepared to locate, evaluate, and apply evidence to guide their practice. Objective The study objective was to explore nurses’ and nursing students’ perceptions and attitudes towards EBP. Method This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey administered to all 273 nurses and nursing students from Nepal who attended an EBP conference. The survey instrument that was used by Majid in Singapore was adapted for use in this study with permission from the author. Result In total, 121 nurses participated in the study. The majority (93%) of respondents reported that they had no previous training in EBP. The respondents’ perceptions of their EBP knowledge and skills were variable, but most of them demonstrated positive attitudes toward EBP. Respondents identified a number of barriers that limit the implementation of EBP in Nepal. The greatest barriers were lack of time and resources, difficulty understanding research articles and translating the findings to practice, and limited autonomy to change practice based on evidence. Conclusion Although respondents had positive attitudes towards EBP, their knowledge and skills were limited and barriers to implementation existed. Nursing faculty can use the findings to guide implementation of EBP into curricula, and nursing administrators and clinicians can use the findings to guide practice to promote EBP. KEY WORDS Evidence-based nursing, evidence-based practice, nursing researchPublication Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Under Subarachnoid Block: A Randomized Study of Dexamethasone Prophylaxis(Kathmandu University, 2012) Khatiwada, S; Bhattarai, B; Biswas, BK; Pokharel, K; Acharya, R; Singh, SN; Uprety, DABSTRACT Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a common distressing problem in patients undergoing gynaecological surgery under anaesthesia including central neuraxial blockade, which requires frequent medical interventions. Objectives We aimed to find out the antiemetic effect of prophylactic dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under subarachnoid block. Influences of dexamethasone on patient satisfaction and postoperative analgesia were also observed as secondary objectives. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study conducted in BPKIHS, a Tertiary care University based hospital from January 2009 to April 2009, for a period of four months. This study involved 80 American Society of Anaesthesiologist Physical Status I&II patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under subarachnoid block. Patients were divided into two groups of 40 each to receive either 4 mg of dexamethasone (group D) or normal saline (group N) in volume of 2 ml intravenously 1 hourr prior to subarachnoid block. Surgery was allowed to start with block height of at least T8 dermatome. Intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting was observed using nausea and vomiting scale every 4 hour for 24 hours. Results Seven (17.4%) patients in group D and 11 (27.5%) patients in group N had nausea and vomiting in the intraoperative period (P=0.284). Sixteen (40%) patients in group D experienced nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period as compared to 27 (67.5%) in group N (P =0.0136). Accordingly, the mean requirement of rescue antiemetic was less in group D compared to Group N (P=0.042). Further, only 15 (37.5%) patients in group D required postoperative supplemental analgesic as compared to 23 (57.5%) in group N (P=0.058). After 24 hrs of surgery, 26 (65%) patients expressed satisfaction in group D as compared to 16 (40.0%) in group N (P =0.025). Conclusions Use of dexamethasone prior to subarachnoid block in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy significantly reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting and the requirement of antiemetic in the postoperative period, with better patient satisfaction. KEY WORDS Dexamethasone, gynaecological surgery, postoperative nausea and vomiting, subarachnoid blockPublication Preterm Birth, Exasperation to the South Asian Countries(Kathmandu University, 2022) Acharya, R; Panthee, A; Basnet, R; Adhikari, S; Ghimire, NABSTRACT When a child is born before 37 weeks or 259 days of pregnancy, it is termed as pre- term birth. Pre-term birth is prevalent in both developed and developing country. However, difference lies in their survival. In lower and middle income countries, most preterm babies die due to lack of even simple interventions. India ranks top in the world for deaths due to complications of preterm birth. Similarly, other South Asian countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal rank 3rd, 6th, 9th and 20th in the same. The aim of this review paper is to provide a landscape analysis on the burden of pre-term birth and challenges in the context of South Asian region. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched from 2000 to 2020 and 27 articles are included in the study. It was found that pre-term birth causes huge burden in the form of morbidity, mortality as well as socio economic losses. Preterm birth was associated with increased sepsis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, hypothermia, neurological and gastrointestinal complications. South Asian countries have distinct challenges in eliminating or reducing pre- term births which are: poor quality health surveillance data, inadequate trained health workforce, insufficient finance and funding, service delivery and other methodological challenges. Ending pre-term birth is important as it is directly related to Sustainable Development Goal 3. Therefore, there should be increase in priority given to increase financing, quality data gathering, adopting innovative measures as well as joint efforts of all the sectors to control the pre-term birth. KEY WORDS Burden, Challenges, Pre-term birth, South Asian countriesPublication Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cesarean Section in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2022) Acharya, R; Singh, B; Nepal, J; Thapa, P; Pandey, C; Pandey, J; Shrestha, S; Khan, A; Pun, KDABSTRACT Background The Cesarean Section (CS) is a major obstetric life-saving procedure used to avoid pregnancy and childbirth complications. Cesarean sections are becoming more popular across the world, as well as in Nepal. Objective To assess the prevalence of cesarean section and its associated factors among women in Dhulikhel, Nepal. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted where 1246 pregnant women of age 15-45 years, admitted and delivered in hospital, were selected through purposive sampling technique and interviewed using structured questionnaires in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Kavre, Nepal. Result The prevalence of cesarean section among women was 39.7% where the most common indication was previous cesarean section with scar tenderness, 27.9%. Half of the participants, i.e. 50.6%, were primigravida. Majority of women, 97.5% had done their antenatal checkup and among them 74.8% had their checkup in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Most of them, i.e.76.2% had emergency cesarean section and 69.5% had primary cesarean section. Women of the age group 30-45 years (AOR=2.23) and women with higher secondary education level (AOR=2.03) were two times more likely to perform cesarean section. Women involved in service (AOR=1.37) and business (AOR=1.23) had greater odds of performing cesarean section than homemakers. Women giving birth to infants weighing 3.51- 5.00 kg were more likely to perform cesarean section (AOR=1.33). Conclusion The prevalence of cesarean section is noticeably high where the educated, employed and higher aged women are more inclined to cesarean section. More obstetric factors could be explored to determine the rise in cesarean section in Nepal which can help in decision making for clinicians. KEY WORDS Cesarean section, Dhulikhel hospital, Prevalence