Browsing by Author "Adhikari, S"
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Publication Anticoagulant Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia: A Case Report(Institute of Medicine, 2017) Aryal, B; Adhikari, S; Aryal, N; Pant, VAbstract Pseudothrombocytopenia is a laboratory finding caused by in vitro autoaggregation of platelets (an irreversible change) resulting due to the presence of EDTA in containers. In contrast to serious and potential life-threatening causes of thrombocytopenia, EDTA-pseudothrombocytopenia (EDTA-PTCP) is solely an in vitro effect without any clinical relevance.We report a 24 year old patient from MCTVC hospitalwho presented with common flu. On blood examination there was low platelets count in EDTA anticoagulated sample but he was clinically otherwise normal and there were no symptoms of thrombocytopenia. On smear preparation, in EDTA and Trisodium citrate sample his all blood countparameters were within normal range. This case highlights the importance of slide preparation.Publication Anxiety, Depression and Functional Impairment among Health Care Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross- sectional Online Survey(Kathmandu University, 2021) Shrestha, R; Khatri, B; Adhikari, S; Poudyal, PABSTRACT Background COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The number of cases and dramatic loss of human life worldwide created psychological problems among general public, including health care workers. Objective To determine the burden of anxiety, depression, and functional impairment among health care workers in the early days of lockdown during the first wave of COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal. Method A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among all the employees of Hospital for Children Eye ENT and Rehabilitation Services, Bhaktapur during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown from April 3, 2020 to May 2, 2020 using an online questionnaire. The tools used were adopted from Nepali version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and Nepali version of WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). Result The mean age (SD) of the participants (n=86) was 32.53 (7.92) years. Male and female participants were equal in number. The point prevalence of anxiety and depression was 25.6% and 14.0%, respectively. Females had a higher prevalence of both anxiety (39.5% vs 11.6%, p < 0.01) and depression (18.6% vs 9.3%, p=0.351). Clinical and non- clinical staff both had a higher prevalence of both anxiety (31.0% and 20.5%, p=0.265) and depression (16.7% and 11.4%, p=0.478). The mean functional impairment score (WHODAS 2.0) among all participants and participants with anxiety and depression was 19.47 (95% CI: 18.13-20.80), 21.27 (95% CI: 18.08-24.46), and 19.92 (95% CI: 15.28- 24.56), respectively. Conclusion Anxiety and depression during the first lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic were highly prevalent in clinical and non-clinical employees. Besides controlling the outbreak, special consideration should be given to mental health. KEY WORDS Anxiety, COVID-19, Depression, Functional impairment, Health care workers, Online surveyPublication Assessment of Periodontal Status of the People in Chepang Hill Tract of Nepal: A Cross Sectional Study(Kathmandu University, 2018) Humagain, M; Adhikari, SABSTRACT Background Periodontal disease is one of the common oral and dental disease globally. The main etiology of periodontal disease is microbial plaque. However, it shares many common etiological factors with other chronic diseases. The Chepang are an indigenous Tibeto- Burman people group numbering around fifty-two thousand mainly inhabiting the rugged ridges of the Mahabharat mountain range of central Nepal. They are the tribes with different food habit, religion and culture. Till date no studies has been conducted about the periodontal and oral health status of the Chepang people. Objective To determine the prevalence of periodontitis in adult Chepang population so that knowing about its prevalence and distribution, besides serving as a demographic tool, will also help in having overview about the need for providing proper oral health care and awareness programs and initiatives aimed at reducing the disease prevalence in this indigenous group. Method The study was conducted among the adult (21 to 70 years) Chepang of Chitwan district. It was the cross sectional study with the random sampling technique. Modified Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and loss of attachment were used to record the periodontal status of all 308 sampled population. Result Out of 308 sampled participants 179 were male and 129 were female. The highest number of participants were from 41 to 50 years old (38.31%). 57.14% adult Chepang brushes their teeth once daily and 31.49% brushes twice daily and 1.30% of them had never brushes their teeth. 36.36% had loss of attachment of 4-5 mm without any significant gender difference. 6.17% of the study population had severe form of periodontitis with ≥ 12 mm of attachment loss. Calculus deposit was abundant in 57.79% of the study sample, and 25.64% shows pocket depth of 4 to 5 mm. Loss of attachment and CPI score is found to be increased with increasing age. Conclusion Result of this study reveals the presence of periodontal problems in adult Chepang population. Higher calculus with attachment loss and pocket depth were the major problems seen in this community. This highlights the necessity of implementation of more preventive program in this specific targeted population. KEY WORDS Chepang, Community, Periodontal, PrevalencePublication Awareness and Knowledge of Glaucoma and their Associated Factors among People Visiting a Tertiary Level Hospital in Central Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2022) Shrestha, A; Shrestha, P; Shrestha, T; Shrestha, RM; Sujakhu, D; Dhakal, K; Thapa, G; Adhikari, S; Karki, S; Adhikari, BABSTRACT Background Glaucoma is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness globally. Almost 60 million people globally are affected by glaucoma making it the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Diagnosis of glaucoma early on is vital for timely management and prevention of blindness. However, it is challenging to diagnose it early because it is asymptomatic in the initial stage, and there is also the dearth of appropriate screening tools. Awareness, knowledge, and beliefs are believed to influence the treatment-seeking behavior of people as well as their uptake of services. Objective To assess the awareness and knowledge about glaucoma among general patients and patient attendants visiting Dhulikhel Hospital. Method We conducted a cross sectional quantitative study among general patients visiting Dhulikhel Hospital. We collected data using face-to-face interviews with semi- structured questionnaires. We analyzed data in R version 4.0.3 (2020-10-10). We presented numerical variables as mean and standard deviation whereas categorical variables as frequency and percentage. We determined factors associated with awareness and knowledge of glaucoma using logistic regression analysis and estimated adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval. Result Of 379 participants, a total of 214 (56.5%) participants had heard about glaucoma. Out of the participants who heard about glaucoma, the mean knowledge score was 48.3±21.7 and 53.3% had good knowledge on glaucoma. The odds of having heard about glaucoma were two percent lower (AOR=0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99; p-value 0.036) in the older participants compared to one year younger participant, 1.98 (95%CI:1.01-3.86; p-value 0.046) times higher among literates and 2.79 (95%CI: 1.76- 4.41; p-value < 0.001) times among participants with previous ocular examination. The odds of having good knowledge was 1.94 (95%CI: 1.10-3.42; p value 0.021) times among participants with previous ocular examinations. Conclusion The knowledge and awareness regarding glaucoma in a hospital-visiting population in central Nepal was low. Half of the participants were unaware of the disease glaucoma and half of the participants who heard of the glaucoma had poor knowledge on glaucoma. KEY WORDS Awareness, Glaucoma, KnowledgePublication Awareness and Knowledge of Glaucoma and their Associated Factors among Staffs in a Tertiary-level Hospital in Central Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2022) Shrestha, A; Shrestha, P; Shrestha, T; Shrestha, RM; Sujakhu, D; Dhakal, K; Thapa, G; Adhikari, S; Karki, S; Poudel, LABSTRACT Background Since glaucoma-related blindness may only be prevented with early identification and treatment, finding asymptomatic individuals in the target population is critical. It is thus important to determine the awareness and knowledge on glaucoma. Objective To determine the knowledge and awareness on glaucoma among the staff of a tertiary level hospital in central Nepal. Method This was a cross sectional study among the staffs of Dhulikhel Hospital who participated voluntarily in the study. The data was collected through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires. R version 4.0.3 (2020-10-10) was used for the data analysis. Categorical variables are presented as frequency (percentages) and the numerical ones are presented as mean (standard deviation). Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval were estimated through logistic regression analysis for determining factors associated with awareness and knowledge of glaucoma. Result A total of 107 (89.2%) participants had heard about glaucoma of which 93 (86.9%) had good knowledge and 14(13.1%) had poor knowledge on glaucoma. The mean score of knowledge was 64.1±16.9. Only 47.7% of the participants said that glaucoma also has an asymptomatic course. We could not find an association of awareness and knowledge of glaucoma with any of the selected sociodemographic variables. Conclusion Although there was a fairly good glaucoma related awareness and knowledge among hospital staff, we found lack of understanding on some critical issues on glaucoma, mainly related to its asymptomatic nature. There is thus room for improvement in educating about glaucoma even in healthcare settings. Given the necessity of expanding glaucoma awareness in the public, hospital staff might potentially serve as messengers to the communities KEY WORDS Awareness, Glaucoma, Hospital Staffs, Knowledge, PracticePublication Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Anemia in Critically Ill Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study from a Tertiary Intensive Care Unit in Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2025) Simkhada, N; Pathak, S; Thapa, N; Poudel, P; Dhakal, B; Upadhyay, G; Thapa, J; Regmi, A; Ojha, S; Adhikari, SABSTRACT Background Anemia is a common clinical problem among critically ill patients; however, its prognostic significance remains debatable. In low-resource settings, such as Nepal, data are limited. This study evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and outcome profiles of anemia in a tertiary Intensive Care Unit. Objective To assess the clinical characteristics, laboratory features, and outcomes of anemia in critically ill patients admitted to a tertiary Intensive Care Unit in Nepal. Method This retrospective observational study included 113 adult Intensive Care Unit patients with anemia admitted to Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal, from October 2024 to March 2025 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (IRC, KUSMS-156/25). Demographic data, anemia severity, laboratory markers, including peripheral blood smear (PBS), and outcomes, such as mortality and Intensive Care Unit stay, were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. Categorical variables were compared with Chi-square tests, continuous variables with independent t-test or Mann- Whitney U test, and correlations were assessed with Spearman’s rank method. Result The median hemoglobin level was 97 g/L (78-112g/L), and mild anemia was the most common (49.5%). Mortality correlated strongly with abnormal peripheral blood smear (p < 0.001, r = 0.52) and moderately with older age (p = 0.012, r = 0.35). Although anemia severity was not statistically significant (p = 0.423), its weak positive correlation (r = 0.15) indicates a potential trend. Conclusion Peripheral blood smear abnormalities and advanced age strongly predict mortality in critically ill patients, while anemia severity alone does not. Routine smear use in resource-limited ICUs may aid early risk stratification and improve care. KEY WORDS Anemia, Critical Illness, Intensive care unit, NepalPublication Combination treatment with carbamazepine and clonidine in a case of epilepsy with ADHD(Institute of Medicine, 2017) Adhikari, S; Upadhyaya, S; Pant, SB; Dhungana, S; Tulachan, P; Chapagai, M; Ojha, SPAbstract In a child with epilepsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is found to be more prevalent in comparison to general population. In western literature for the management of ADHD, stimulants like Methylphenidate and non-stimulant like Atomoxetine are considered the first line drugs. Although no any robust findings are found that support the use of such drugs in cases of epilepsy with ADHD, still they recommend using these drugs in such cases. In our scenario availability of such drugs is a major hindrance for which second line drugs like alpha agonists are the only options available to us. Here in this case report we have used Clonidine along with Carbamazepine in the management of a 12 years child presented in our centre with episodes of seizure and ADHD and had shown significant improvement with these medications. Keywords: ADHD, Carbamazepine, Clonidine, EpilepsyPublication Comparative study of esmolol and labetalol to attenuate haemodynamic responses after electroconvulsive therapy(Kathmandu University, 2007) Shrestha, S; Shrestha, BR; Thapa, C; Pradhan, SN; Thapa, R; Adhikari, SObjective: The study was designed to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of Esmolol and labetalol in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy treatment were studied according to randomized, double blind placebo controlled protocol. Ninety patients were divided into three groups with thirty patients in each group. Patients received either Esmolol (1mg/kg), Labetalol (0.25mg/kg) or Normal Saline (placebo) intravenously just after induction with propofol. The baseline heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Hemodynamic parameters before and after drug therapy and after the ECT current application, were recorded at different time intervals. Results: It was found that Esmolol significantly attenuated the degree of tachycardia and hypertension after ECT in comparison with placebo in the first three minutes (p<0.05), whereas the rise in HR and blood pressure was significantly blunted in the labetalol group in comparison to placebo, from three minutes onward till ten minutes. (pPublication Comparison of Initial Response of Nebulized Salbutamol and Adrenaline in Infants and young Children Admitted with Acute Bronchiolitis(Kathmandu University, 2016) Adhikari, S; Thapa, P; Rao, KS; BK, GABSTRACT Background Acute bronchiolitis is common cause of hospitalization in infants and young children. There are widespread variations in the diagnosis and management. Despite the use of bronchodilators for decades, there is lack of consensus for the benefit of one above another. Objective To compare initial response of nebulized adrenaline and salbutamol. Method Children aged two months to two years admitted with acute bronchiolitis in the department of Paediatrics of Manipal teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal, from 1st March 2014 to 28th February 2015 were enrolled. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria received either adrenaline or salbutamol nebulization. Data were collected in a predesigned proforma. Respiratory distress assessment instrument (RDAI) scores were considered primary outcome measure and respiratory rate at 48 hours, duration of hospital stay, requirement of supplemental oxygen and intravenous fluid were considered secondary outcome measure. Result A total of 40 patients were enrolled in each study group. Mean RDAI scores at admission was in 9.75 with (CI- 9.01, 10.49) in adrenaline and 9.77 (CI- 9.05, 10.50) in salbutamol group. There was gradual decline in mean RDAI scores in both the groups over 48 hours to 4.15 (CI- 3.57,4.73) and 4.13 (CI- 3.69,4.56) in adrenaline and salbutamol group respectively. Hospital stay was 5.32 days in adrenaline and 5.68 days in salbutamol group. Patients nebulized with adrenaline required oxygen for 33.30 hours compared with 36.45 hours in salbutamol. Intravenous fluid duration was also less in adrenaline group compared to salbutamol group (33.15 vs 37.80 hours). Conclusion Patients of acute bronchiolitis nebulized with either salbutamol or adrenaline experienced similar decline in RDAI scores in the first 48 hours. Duration of supplementary oxygen and intravenous fluid was less in adrenaline group compared with salbutamol group. KEY WORDS Acute bronchiolitis, adrenaline nebulization, salbutamol nebulizationPublication Epidermoid Cyst of the Ear Lobule in Adult(Kathmandu University, 2021) Karmacharya, S; Sah, SK; Adhikari, SABSTRACT An epidermoid cyst is one of the most common benign cysts of the skin. The cyst is filled with keratin flakes and its wall is composed of keratinized, stratified, squamous epithelium. Epidermoid cysts can occur anywhere on the body, usually along the lines of embryonic fusion and mostly on the face, scalp, neck, chest, and upper back. Around 80% of the epidermoid cysts are seen in ovaries and testicles whereas, in the head and neck, they account for only about 7% and 1.6% of epidermoid cysts are reported in the oral cavity. The condition can be congenital or acquired. Congenital causes are rare and may be caused by the entrapment of ectodermal elements intradermally or subcutaneously during embryogenesis. Acquired causes of an epidermoid cyst may result from traumatic or iatrogenic implantation of epithelial cells into the dermal layer or from obstruction of a pilosebaceous unit in the hair follicle. Surgical excision completes the treatment. KEY WORDS Auricle, Epidermoid cyst, KeratinPublication First Successful Independent Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for Achalasia Cardia: A Milestone Case Report from Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2025) Purbey, BK; Karki, S; Khanal, A; Khadka, D; Singla, V; Adhikari, SABSTRACT Achalasia cardia is an uncommon esophageal motility disorder characterized by failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and loss of peristalsis in the lower part of the esophagus. Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a minimally invasive intervention equivalent to Heller myotomy and an effective treatment modality. We present the first successful solo peroral endoscopic myotomy procedure performed in Nepal by an interventional gastroenterologist, who has managed a 45-year-old patient with long-standing dysphagia and a history of failed pneumatic dilatation with success. The procedure was uneventful. The patient showed symptomatic improvement postoperatively with minimal reflux. This case highlights the feasibility and safety of independently performed peroral endoscopic myotomy in a resource-limited setting. It shows the diaspora of interventional gastroenterology in Nepal and begins a new era for the same. KEY WORDS Achalasia cardia, Dysphagia, Eckardt score, Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)Publication Fulminant Hepatic Failure Due to Dengue(Kathmandu University, 2011) Sedhain, A; Adhikari, S; Regmi, S; Chaudhari, SK; Shah, M; Shrestha, BABSTRACT: Dengue Fever (DF) is only rarely considered as a cause of acute liver failure even globally and only a few case reports of acute hepatic failure and encephalopathy occurring in DF in adults are available. We report a case of Acute Liver Failure due to Dengue during a major outbreak in 2010 in Chitwan. A 20 year old previously healthy female presented to the emergency department of Chitwan Medical College with fever, jaundice and altered sensorium. She was tested positive for Dengue IgM. Her biochemical and clinical parameters were suggestive of acute liver failure with total billirubin of 10.1 mg/dL, direct billirubin of 5.2 mg/ dL, ALT 5760 IU, AST 14100 IU, alkaline phosphatase of 1250 IU, PT INR of 1.76 and platelet count of 30,000 /mm3. Other causes for acute hepatic failure like acute viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, malaria, Reye’s syndrome were ruled out. The patient was admitted and managed in the ICU with supportive care and platelet transfusion. With treatment she made a significant clinical and biochemical improvement with AST of 105 IU, ALT of 120 IU and platelet count of 150,000/mm3. She was discharged after 11 days of hospital stay. KEY WORDS Dengue, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Fuminant Hepatic failurePublication Incidence and Pattern of Patient-Perceived Oral Medicine Emergencies during Lockdown: Experience of Tertiary Health Care Centre of Eastern Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2022) Regmee, P; Adhikari, S; Sulu, S; Rimal, J; Maharjan, IKABSTRACT Background There has been a significant drop in the number of patients seeking oral medicine care during the lockdown period. Objective To find the incidence and pattern of patient perceived oral medicine emergencies in the tertiary healthcare centre of eastern Nepal, during the lockdown period. Method The clinical profile of patients seeking oral medicine care between 30th April 2021 to 25th June 2021 (period of strict lockdown in Sunsari district) was recorded. Data were recorded in an excel sheet and transferred to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 11.5. Frequency and proportion were calculated. Result During the lockdown, 300 patients had visited the hospital with different oral diseases seeking the care of an oral physician. The average number of patients seeking oral medicine care per day was approximately six. Of the total patients, 110 patients had pain as their chief complaint, 48 had wound and 34 had a burning sensation in the mouth. Among them 82% perceived their complaint as an emergency. The provisional diagnosis was temporomandibular disorders in 40 patients, trigeminal neuralgia in 38 patients and 34 had carcinoma. Conclusion Patients seeking oral medicine care during the lockdown period had decreased by about one-third. Pertaining to oral medicine, pain in any orofacial area was the most common patient perceived emergency condition followed by wound and burning sensation. Maximum number of patients visiting the department perceived their complain as an emergency. KEY WORDS COVID-19, Emergency, Lockdown, Nepal, Oral medicinePublication Knowledge and Practices of Child Protection among the School Health Nurses of Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2021) Chapgain, RH; Adhikari, S; Pandey, A; Sharma, S; Pokhrel, S; Devkota, N; Shrestha, NJ; Upadhaya, D; Acharay, J; Dharel, MABSTRACT Background Child protection is burning issues in developing countries including Nepal. Child protection is one of the key works of the school health nurses. Objective To find out about the existing knowledge and practices of child protection among the school health nurses. Method This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 school health nurses working in different schools throughout Nepal. The participants were selected using purposive sampling technique and were invited to participate via various online networks. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Duration of data collection was 20 December 2020 to 10 February 2021. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze and interpret the data. Result Among the 130 Participants, 88.5% belonged to less than 29 years age group and 67.7% had Proficiency Certificate Level in Nursing education. None of them has received training related to child protection recognition and response and 90.8% had work experience of less than 5 years. Eighty percent and 96.9% participants had knowledge regarding the meaning of child right and child abuse respectively. But 45.4% had knowledge on meaning of child neglect; 53.1% and 72.3% had the knowledge of physical abuse and noncontact sexual abuse respectively. Majority (86.9%) of the participants reported as relatives were the abuser and 63.8% replied as home is the common place for abuse. Similarly, 85.4% had received the information regarding child protection via television radio and newspaper. Only 36.1% has already been involved in child protection. The participants who went to local government (Palika), police and Non-government Organizations for coordination for child right issues were 9(19.1%), 7(14.8%) and 8(17.0%) respectively. Conclusion Most of the school health nurses are young without having experience of childhood abuse and received any child protection training before joining the job. They have good knowledge of child right, physical, sexual abuse except child neglect and existing legal arrangements. There is gap in knowledge and practice. KEY WORDS Child abuse, Knowledge, Practice, School health nursesPublication Multi-drug Resistant and Extended Spectrum β-lactamase Producing Salmonella Species Isolated from Fresh Chicken Liver Samples(Kathmandu University, 2020) Adhikari, S; Khadka, S; Sapkota, S; Sharma, BR; Ghimire, A; Chalise, M; Gurung, D; Kunwar, SABSTRACT Background Emergence of antibiotic resistance among microbes contaminating the fresh meat products is a global public health concern as they can be easily transmitted to humans through their consumption and contact. Objective The current study was conducted to determine the distribution of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella species isolated from fresh chicken liver samples with special emphasis on extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Method A total of 200 fresh chicken liver samples were cultivated for the isolation of Salmonella and further subcultivated to detect extended spectrum beta-lactamase production among them. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was done by disk diffusion method using a panel of 7 antimicrobials. Result Out of 200 samples analyzed, 61 (30.5%) samples harbored Salmonella species out of which 15 (7.5%) samples showed the presence of Salmonella Typhi. A significant association was noted in the incidence of Salmonella with various factors pertaining to the butchers, such as age, sex, literacy rate, practices of washing knives and chopping board, wearing aprons and gloves and type of water used (p < 0.05). Salmonella isolates were highly sensitive to amikacin (82.0%) and least sensitive to tetracycline (3.3%). All the isolates were resistant to colistin. Sixty (98.4%) isolates were identified as multi-drug resistant (MDR). The total number of extended spectrum beta- lactamase producers reported among Salmonella isolates was 29 (47.5%). Conclusion The results indicate that the fresh chicken liver samples sold in Bharatpur Metropolis are reservoirs of multi-drug resistant Salmonella, including extended spectrum beta- lactamase producers, that could potentially be transmitted to the humans by direct contact or through inadequate cooking. KEY WORDS Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Extended spectrum beta-lactamase, Fresh chicken liver samples, Multi-drug resistant, SalmonellaPublication Patients’ Perceptions and Experience towards Root Canal Treatment: A Prospective Analytical Study(Kathmandu University, 2025) Pradhan, SP; Nepal, M; Chakradhar, A; Mahanta. SK; Adhikari, SABSTRACT Background Although Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is considered to be a painful procedure, it actually alleviates the pain of endodontic origin. Patient may avoid root canal treatment mainly due to anxiety and fear of pain, resulting in treatment avoidance and eventual tooth loss through extraction. Objective To overview the patients’ perceptions towards Root Canal Treatments and compare those perceptions to their post treatment actual experiences. Method A prospective analytical study was conducted at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), Dhulikhel. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients before starting of the root canal treatment and immediately after placement of the root canal filling materials. Multiple-choice questions were used to assess patient concerns, levels of nervousness, and perceptions of anticipated versus experienced pain. Result Before initiation of treatment 38 patients (16.7%) anticipated root canal treatment to be painless, while 171 (75.3%) and 18 (7.9%) expected it to be painful and extremely painful respectively. Following treatment 123 patients (54.2%) reported no pain, whereas 98 (43.2%) and 6 (2.6%) experienced it as painful and extremely. While pain associated with the treatment was the highest pretreatment concern 60 (26.4%), the post treatment concern was time 38 (16.7%). Conclusion The study provided insights into patient’s perceptions regarding root canal treatment. Pain experienced during endodontic treatment was frequently less than anticipated pain. There was a 100% satisfaction rate with root canal treatment, and most patients expressed willingness to undergo the treatment again if needed. KEY WORDS Anticipated pain, Experienced pain, Pain perception, Root canal treatmentPublication Postoperative Analgesic Effect of Morphine Added to Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Appendectomy(Kathmandu University, 2017) Ghimire, A; Bhattarai, B; Prasad, JN; Subedi, A; Thapa, P; Limbu, PM; Adhikari, SABSTRACT Background Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with local anaesthetics produces effective pain relief following lower abdominal surgeries. Although opioids have been found to have effects through peripheral receptors also, reports on their effect when used as additive to local anaesthetics for TAP block are lacking. Objective To assess the analgesic effect of peripherally administered morphine with bupivacaine for ipsilateral TAP block in patients undergoing emergency appendectomy under general anaesthesia. Method Sixty patients undergoing appendectomy were randomized to undergo ipsilateral TAP with 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2 ml of NS (total 22 ml) and 2 ml of intravenous (IV) saline (Group TB) or with 20ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2 mg (2 ml) of morphine (total 22 ml) and 2 ml of NS IV (Group TBM) or with 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2 ml of NS (total 22 ml) and 2 mg (2 ml) IV morphine (Group TB-IVM). Pain severity was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively (Baseline) and at 30 min, 6h, 12 h and 24 h postoperatively. Inj. tramadol 50 mg IV was used as rescue analgesic when postoperative VAS was 4 or more. The duration of analgesia (time to first analgesic) and the postoperative 24 h tramadol requirement was recorded. Result The mean duration of analgesia in Group TBM was significantly longer (801.50 ± 74.92 min, p=0.002) than in Group TB (720.00 ± 42.17 min) and Group TB-IVM (712.70 ± 40.94 min). The mean postoperative 24 h tramadol requirement was also less in Group TBM (69.23 ± 25.31mg) than in Groups TB (100.00 ± 38.34 mg) and TB-IVM (95.00 ± 39.40 mg) but did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.057). Significantly less ondansetron was required in Group TBM (3.80 ± 2.04 mg) than in Group TB (6.80 ± 2.93 mg) and TB-IVM (6.00 ± 2.75 mg) (p=0.002). Conclusion Morphine added to bupivacaine effectively prolongs the analgesic duration of TAP block in appendectomy. KEY WORDS Morphine, postoperative analgesia, transversus abdominis plane block, USG guidedPublication 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 Study of Two Different Volumes of 0.75% Ropivacaine for Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block on Successful Blockade and Diaphragmatic Motility(Kathmandu University, 2022) Prasad, JN; Adhikari, S; Singh, SN; Subedi, A; Thapa, P; Guddy, KM; Sarraf, DPABSTRACT Background Use of ultrasound guidance during supraclavicular brachial plexus block allows the usage of a lower anesthetics dose and minimizing unwanted effects of the anesthesia. Objective To compare the success of sensory blockade and the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic dysfunction in patients receiving two different volume of 0.75% Ropivacaine for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Method A prospective randomized double-blinded comparative study was conducted. Group A patients (n=30) received 20 ml and Group B (n=30) received 25 ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Hemodynamic parameters, oxygen saturation, diaphragmatic excursion, onset of sensory blockade and time for completion of blockade were measured. Independent t-test, Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data at p value of less than 0.05 using Statistical Package for Social sciences (version 11.5). Result At 30 minutes, 29 (96.67%) patients in group B and 27 (90.0%) patients in group A had no sensation in median, radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous and medial cutaneous nerves teritories; however, it was not significant statistically (p value > 0.05). At 30 minutes in Group A, 25 (83.33%) patients had no diaphragmatic hemiparesis and five (16.67%) patients had partial diaphragmatic hemiparesis. However, three (10%) patients had no diaphragmatic hemiparesis in Group B, 25 (83.33%) patients had partial and two (6.67%) patients had complete diaphragmatic hemiparesis and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Age and sex had no effect on diaphragmatic hemiparesis in both groups (p value > 0.05). Conclusion The patients receiving lower volume of Ropivacaine had less incidence of hemidiaphragmatic dysfunction with similar sensory blockade as compared to the patients receiving higher volume of Ropivacaine. KEY WORDS Brachial plexus block, Diaphragmatic motility, RopivacainePublication Urinary Tract Infection in Asymptomatic Newborns with Prolonged Unconjugated Hyperbilirubunemia: A Hospital based Observational study from Western Region of Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2016) Malla, T; Sathian, B; Malla, KK; Adhikari, SABSTRACT Background Urine culture is usually not a part of work-up for neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia; hence its prevalence remains unknown. Objective This study was done to determine the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in asymptomatic newborns with prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and to evaluate which other laboratory parameters are associated with UTIs. Method A prospective observational study where jaundiced newborns otherwise clinically well, were evaluated for UTI. The study was carried out in neonatal intensive care unit of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara from June 2012 -April 2013. The babies were divided in two groups group I- late prolonged jaundice and Group II - early physiological jaundice. Serum bilirubin, Septic screening and suprapubic urine sample analysis was performed for all subjects. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result Of the 85 neonates, 33(38.8%) were females and 52(61.2%) males; 68(80%) were of term gestation and 17(20%) were preterms. The age at onset of jaundice for group I (n=53) was 13.6±4.88 days and for Group II (n= 32) was 5.0± 1.04 days. 11 /85 (12.9%) were diagnosed to have UTI [10 (90.9%) in group I and 1 in group II (9.01%] (p=0.04). UTI was more prevalent in group I [OR 7.20, 95% CI (0.87, 59.27)], more prevalent in male [OR 8.40, 95% CI (0.59, 74.13) and term babies of group I [OR 4.39, 95% CI (0.48, 39.82) when compared to Group II. Among other lab parameters only total WBC count was statistically significant (p=0.03). Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (45.45%) isolated. The sensitive antibiotics were aminoglycosides, fluroquinolones, nitrofurantoin and vancomycin and resistant antibiotics were most cephalosporins and penicillins for the isolated organisms. Conclusion The present study highlights significant association between late prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and UTI. It is suggested that evaluation for UTI may be considered as a screening test for such cases. KEY WORDS Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, newborn, septic screening, urinary tract infection