Browsing by Author "Joshi, A"
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Publication Clinical Profile and Electroencephalogram Findings in Children with Seizure Presenting to Dhulikhel Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2016) Poudyal, P; Shrestha, RPB; Shrestha, PS; Dangol, S; Shrestha, NC; Joshi, A; Shrestha, AABSTRACT Background Seizure disorder is the most common childhood neurologic condition and a major public health concern. Identification of the underlying seizure etiology helps to identify appropriate treatment options and the prognosis for the child. Objective This study was conducted to investigate the clinical profile, causes and electroencephalogram findings in children with seizure presenting to a tertiary center in Kavre district. Method This was a hospital based prospective study carried out in the Department of Pediatrics, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre from 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2016. Variables collected were demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory tests, brain imaging studies, electroencephalography, diagnosis and outcome. Result Study included 120 (age 1 month to 16 years) children attending Dhulikhel Hospital. Majority of the patients were male (60.84%). Age at first seizure was less than 5 years in 75.83% of children. Seizure was generalized in 62.50%, focal in 31.67% and unclassified in 5.83%. Common causes of seizure were – Primary generalized epilepsy (26.66%), neurocysticercosis (10%) and hypoxic injury (6.6%) which was diagnosed in the perinatal period. Febrile seizure (26.66%) was the most common cause of seizure in children between 6 months to 5 years of age. Neurological examination, electroencephalography and Computed Tomography were abnormal in 71.66%, 68.92% and 58.14% cases respectively. Seizure was controlled by monotherapy in 69.16% cases and was resistant in 7.50% of the cases. Conclusion Primary generalized epilepsy and febrile seizure were the most common causes of seizures in children attending Dhulikhel Hospital. Electroencephalogram findings help to know the pattern of neuronal activity. Response to monotherapy was good and valproic acid was the most commonly used drug. KEY WORDS Children, electroencephalogram, seizurePublication Common pathogens isolated in diabetic foot infection in Bir Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2006) Sharma, VK; Khadka, PB; Joshi, A; Sharma, RAim: Foot ulcers are a frequent complication of patients suffering with diabetes mellitus, accounting for up to 20% of diabetes-related hospital admission6. Secondary infection of these ulcers is by far the leading cause of amputation of feet and legs and the polymicrobial nature of diabetic foot infection has been well documented in the literature. The present study sought to reveal the bacterial etiology of diabetic foot ulcer in patients presenting to Bir Hospital. Method: A 1 year retrospective study was carried out to analyse the bacterial isolates of all patients admitted with diabetic foot infection presented with Wagner grade 2 -5 ulcers. Bacteriological diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity profiles were carried out and analysed using standard procedures. Results: Diabetic polyneuropathy was found to be common in (51.1%) and gram positive bacteria were isolated more often than gram-negative ones in the patients screened. The most frequent bacterial isolate were Staphylococcus aureus (38.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.5%), and Proteus (14%). Imipenem was the most effective agent against gram-negative organisms. Vancomycine was found to be most effective against gram- positive organisms. 13 Conclusion: Staph aureus and Pseodomonas aeruginosa were the most common causes of diabetic foot infections in Bir Hospital. Theses wounds require use of combined antimicrobial therapy for initial management, repeated dressing and wound debridements were done.Publication Hemiconvulsion-Hemiplegia-Epilepsy Syndrome in a Girl Presented with Complex Partial Seizures(Kathmandu University, 2017) Joshi, A; Shrestha, PS; Dangol, S; Shrestha, NC; Poudyal, P; Shrestha, AABSTRACT The mechanisms underlying the Hemiconvulsion-Hemiplegia-Epilepsy syndrome remains unclear. The current proposed pathogenic mechanism is a neuronal injury induced by venous thrombosis and/or hypoxia. Children develop hemispheric brain atrophy with contralateral hemiplegia, epilepsy, and a variable degree of cognitive deficit. We report a 33 months old female child a case of hemiconvulsion- hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome with right hemisphere unilateral brain edema and left sided hemiplegia and aphasia who presented with left upper extremities complex partial seizures with generalization to tonic clonic seizures and developed status epilepticus that posed diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Progressive atrophy of the right cerebral hemisphere was noted after 3 months of follow up. Hemiconvulsion-Hemiplegia-Epilepsy syndrome should be suspected in a child with unilateral cerebral hemisphere brain edema and hemiplegia with cognitive deficit following status epilepticus to provide patients and families with an accurate prognosis regarding the subsequent development of epilepsy. KEY WORDS Hemiconvulsion-Hemiplegia-Epilepsy syndrome, Hemispheric brain atrophy, Status epilepticus, Unilateral brain edemaPublication Indications of Fetal Echocardiography and Detection of Congenital Heart Disease Prenatally in Tertiary Care Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2019) Joshi, A; Shrestha, RPB; Shrestha, PSABSTRACT Background Congenital Heart Diseases are common childhood congenital anomalies encountered in developed and developing countries. Due to the improved prenatal diagnostic modalities, the diagnosis of cardiac disease is increasing in newborns. Fetal echocardiography is considered a good and accurate diagnostic method for congenital heart disease. Objective To study the common indications of fetal echocardiography and the detection of congenital heart disease in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Method In this hospital-based, retrospective study, we reviewed medical records of 324 fetuses who were indicated for fetal echocardiography at Dhulikhel Hospital over 24 months period of time (September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2019). Result The mean age of pregnant women at presentation for fetal echocardiography was 30.7 ± 4.7 years. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 28.9 ± 4.9 weeks. Among all the pregnant women, 208 (65%) presented during the second trimester and 112 (35%) presented during the third trimester. Maternal indications for fetal echocardiography were seen in48.12% cases, whereas fetal indications were seen in 42.81% cases. The most common indication was for maternal gestational diabetes (30.31%). Among the 324fetal echocardiography results, 65.43% cases had normal findings, echogenic intra-cardiac foci were seen in 18.82% and significant abnormal findings were seen in 15.74% of cases. Among all women having maternal indication for echocardiography, 34 (22.07%) fetus had some form of abnormal findings, whereas only 17 (12.40%) fetus with fetal indication showed abnormal findings (p < 0.05). Conclusion Indication of fetal echocardiography is increasing and can be a good diagnostic tool to improve prognosis and outcome of a newborn. It has become widely used in pediatric cardiology. Raising awareness is necessary regarding the importance of fetal echocardiography in the management and outcome of a newborn with cardiac anomalies. KEY WORDS Congenital heart disease, Fetal echocardiography, NewbornPublication Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation: an analysis of patients presenting at a tertiary referral centre(Kathmandu University, 2023) Joshi, A; Gurung, S; Basukala, B; Rijal, N; Sharma, R; Bista, R; Singh, N; Pradhan, IABSTRACT Background Early diagnosis and treatment of recurrent shoulder dislocation are crucial to avoid complications associated with multiple dislocations. Little is known about knowledge, attitude, and practice of recurrent shoulder dislocation among patients. Objective To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among patients regarding recurrent shoulder dislocation. Method A retrospective study of prospectively collected data from December 2019 to November 2022 among patients seeking treatment for recurrent shoulder dislocation at a tertiary care centre was conducted. A 16-item questionnaire, including 5 items regarding patients’ knowledge, 2 items regarding attitude, and 2 items regarding practice on recurrent shoulder dislocation, was devised and responses were recorded. Continuous data were reported as mean ± standard deviation and categorical data were reported as number (percentage). Comparative analysis was done using student t-test. Result A total of 220 patients completed the questionnaire. Out of 220, 159 (72.27%) were not informed about recurrence after first dislocation, 146 (66.36%) felt that they were not properly counselled regarding treatment, and 172 (78.18%) responded that they did not know that recurrent shoulder dislocation can be treated. Among 220 patients, 171 (77.73%) responded that their quality of life was affected by recurrent shoulder dislocation, and first dislocation was relocated by doctors in 116 (52.73%), self in 78 (35.45%), and relatives in 26 (11.82%). The number of dislocations was significantly higher among patients who did not visit the hospital after their first dislocation. Conclusion Majority of the patients have positive attitude, but poor knowledge and practice regarding recurrent shoulder dislocation. The findings would be useful for planning strategies to improve patients counselling regarding recurrent shoulder dislocation. KEY WORDS Knowledge gap, Practice gap, Recurrent shoulder dislocationPublication Neonatal Arrhythmia(Kathmandu University, 2020) Joshi, A; Humagain, SABSTRACT Arrhythmias are seldom observed in the newborn period and rarely lead to serious consequences. Because they may be a continuation of fetal arrhythmias, newborn arrhythmias are different from those occurring at later ages. Here we describe a case of a newborn presented with tachycardia at birth. A female baby of 1950 grams born by emergency cesarean section for fetal distress at 36 weeks of gestation. Fetal tachycardia of 251 bpm was detected prenatally. Electrocardiography showed supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Hematological and biochemical tests done were within normal limits. Echocardiography revealed normal anatomy with severe tachycardia, dilated chambers with moderate to severe TR with moderately reduced ventricle function. For persisting SVT intravenous adenosine was administered with no significant decrease in heart rate, then continuous intravenous amiodarone infusion was started resulting in a transient decrease in heart rate, however again increased, hence baby was started on intravenous digoxin which responded well. Repeated echocardiography showed normal cardiac chambers and function. Baby was discharged on maintenance oral digoxin and was gradually weaned and stopped after 12 months of age. Neonatal arrhythmias is not an uncommon condition in newborns, however it should be early recognized and evaluated for a better outcome of the baby. Although the frequency of arrhythmias in the newborn period is not high, SVT are the most frequently observed arrhythmias in this period. KEY WORDS Fetal tachycardia, Neonatal arrhythmias, Supraventricular tachycardiaPublication Online Learning in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessment of Students’ Satisfaction at Chitwan Medical College of Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2020) Sharma, K; Deo, G; Timalsina, S; Joshi, A; Shrestha, N; Neupane, HCABSTRACT Background Online learning can play a vital role in the process of teaching and learning during Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, learners’ satisfaction is extremely important in effective implementation of the online learning, especially at institutions where it is newly adopted. Objective To assess satisfaction towards online learning and its predictors among students at Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur. Method A web-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 434 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various academic programs who had participated in the online classes started during this COVID-19 pandemic. A structured questionnaire consisting of 31 items (5-point Likert scale) covering four major student satisfaction domains (learners’ dimensions, technological characteristics, instructors’ characteristics and course management and coordination) was distributed to the students using Google Form. Result More than half (53.5%) of the students were satisfied with the online learning, while 29.7% gave neutral views. Bivariate analyses found that all four domains scores were positively correlated with each other as well as with the students’ overall satisfaction towards learning. In multivariate analysis, female gender [aOR: 2.72, p = 0.013], WiFi as internet modality for learning [aOR: 3.36, p = 0.001) and learners’ dimension score [aOR: 1.27, p<0.001] were the significant predictors of students’ satisfaction. Conclusion Although recently adopted, the satisfaction of the students towards online classes appears good, and prioritizing the identified predictors and working on the weak links could assist in enhancing students’ satisfaction and better outcomes. KEY WORDS COVID-19 pandemic, Learners’ satisfaction, Online learningPublication Pattern of Cardiac Diseases in Children Attended at Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2016) Joshi, A; Shrestha, RPB; Shrestha, PS; Dangol, S; Shrestha, NC; Poudyal, P; Shrestha, AABSTRACT Background Congenital Heart Disease and Rheumatic Heart Disease are the most common childhood cardiac disease encountered in developing countries. Objective To study the pattern and the prevalence of cardiac diseases, its age wise distribution and to determine their risk factors for mortality in children presented to Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Method A study of cardiac diseases in children, since birth to 16 years of age attending the department of pediatrics in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital was done over a period of 30 months (Jan 2014 to June 2016). The pattern of disease was studied. Detailed clinical examination of all cases was done followed by the necessary relevant investigations including electrocardiography, chest x-ray, echocardiography and supportive laboratory investigations. Result In this study period, 218 pediatric cardiac cases were encountered, among which 144 cases (66.05%) were Congenital Heart Disease, 57 cases (26.14%) were Rheumatic Heart Disease, 14 cases (6.42%) were Pericardial Disease and 3 cases (1.37%) were classified as Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Majority of Congenital Heart Disease were of isolated Ventricular Septal Defect (25%) and isolated Atrial Septal Defect (20.13%) followed by Patent Ductus Arteriosus (9.02%), Tetralogy of Fallot (6.94%) and Complex Congenital Heart Disease (6.25%). All of the Rheumatic Heart Disease primarily involved the Mitral Valve; however combined Aortic Valve involvement was seen in 26.31% of cases. All the 14 cases of pericardial disease presented with pericardial effusion and two cases presented with constrictive pericarditis. All the cases of pericardial disease were investigated to be of tubercular in origin. Conclusion Septal defects are the most common Congenital Heart Disease encountered in children. Although the prevalence of Rheumatic Heart Disease is decreasing worldwide, it is still a big burden in our community. Tubercular pericardial effusion is still not uncommon and should be suspected with a child presenting with pericardial effusion. Increased level of cardiac care and corrective surgeries are needed for children with cardiac disease in Dhulikhel Hospital,Kathmandu University Hospital. KEY WORDS Children, congenital heart disease, pericardial effusion, rheumatic heart diseasePublication Retinal Haemorrhage in Newborns in Tertiary Care Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2022) Makaju Shrestha, R; Shrestha, S; Sharma, S; Joshi, A; Shrestha, P; Shrestha, JKABSTRACT Background Retinal haemorrhage in new-born is a clinically common neonatal fundus condition. Although, it usually does not affect the development of visual function, entities like macular haemorrhages may lead to amblyopia causing deterioration of visual function. Such scenario leads to downgrade in quality of life of the affected child. Objective To explore the underlying clinical factors associated with retinal haemorrhage in term new-borns. Method A cross sectional study was conducted involving 136 term neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit of Dhulikhel Hospital. Fundus examination was performed within 2 weeks of delivery. Retinal haemorrhage was graded according to their location in three retinal zones. Result Out of 136 cases examined, 44 (32.35%) of the cases had one of the eyes with retinal haemorrhage. Where grade 1 retinal haemorrhage was accounted in majority of the cases. Birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery, poor Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) Score in 1 and 5 minutes, birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis and heavy work in antenatal period had statistically significant correlation with occurrence of retinal haemorrhage. Conclusion Our results suggest that spontaneous vaginal delivery, larger birth weight, higher gestational age, birth asphyxia, low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration score, are risk factors for occurrence of neonatal retinal haemorrhage. It is recommended that in neonates with above high-risk factors should undergo targeted fundus screening for early identification and needful interventions. KEY WORDS Asphyxia, New-born, Retinal haemorrhagePublication Risk Factors and Clinical Profile of Preterm Deliveries at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2018) Poudyal, P; Joshi, A; Bastakoti, R; KC, D; Shrestha, RPB; Shrestha, PSABSTRACT Background Preterm delivery is one of the major determinants of neonatal morbidity and mortality and has long term adverse health outcomes. Objective To study the risk factors of preterm deliveries and the clinical profile of preterm births presenting to a tertiary center in Kavre district. Method A hospital based prospective study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre from 1st April 2016 to 31st October 2017. Result Study included 152 babies born premature and attending Dhulikhel Hospital. There were 5.26% babies less than 1000 grams and the least weight being 700 grams. Majority of the premature babies were male (57.24%). Most of the babies were in the gestational age of 28 to 32 weeks (60%). Steroids were given to 42.10% of the cases. Mode of delivery was vaginal route (60.53%) followed by cesearean section in 37.50%. Hyperbilirubinemia (53.29%), neonatal sepsis (46.05%) and respiratory distress syndrome (43.42%) were the commonest morbid conditions. Among the 152 cases, mortality was seen in 13.82%. The minimum weight to have survived was 900 grams. The most common modifiable risk factors responsible for preterm birth in mother were inadequate antenatal visits (29.60%), history of premature rupture of membranes (28.29%), history of urinary tract infection (21.05%) and weight less than 45 kg (14.47%). The non modifiable risk factors were mothers with blood group A (33.55%) and height of less than 145 cm (20.40%). Conclusion The modifiable risk factors such as inadequate antenatal visits, history of premature rupture of the membranes and urinary tract infection and under weighing mothers can be corrected by early interventions and preventive measures which will help in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality. KEY WORDS Morbidity, Preterm, Prevention, Risk factorsPublication Risk Factors Associated with Ninety Day Readmission in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A retrospective cohort study(Kathmandu University, 2020) Pant, P; Joshi, AABSTRACT Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation is a leading cause of frequent hospital admission. Globally, several studies have reported potential risk factors associated with COPD exacerbations which are largely unknown in Nepalese health care setting. Objective To identify the risk factors associated with hospital readmission within ninety days of discharge in acute COPD exacerbation. Method This is a hospital based retrospective cohort study conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. COPD patients admitted in respiratory ward from August 2019 to November 2019 were followed up till 90 days after discharge. Logistic regression analysis was performed at 95% Confidence Interval (CI) to identify risk factors for readmission in COPD exacerbation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. Result Of total 86 patients hospitalized for COPD, 42 (48.8%) had at least one subsequent readmission during post-discharge follow-up period of 90 days. Mean age of patients was 70.55±10.98 years. There were 45 (52.3%) males. Logistic regression analysis revealed preadmission domiciliary oxygen use (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.93; 95% CI 1.195- 7.202; p=0.019), admission in intensive care unit (ICU) (OR 3.060; 95% CI 1.145- 8.179; p=0.026), previous hospital admission for COPD exacerbation (OR 3.230; 95% CI 1.219-8.556; p=0.018), age (OR 0.946; 95% CI 0.905-0.988; p=0.012) and duration of hospital stay (OR 0.901; 95% CI 0.819-0.992; p=0.034) were independently associated with ninety day readmission in COPD patients. Conclusion Five clinical factors were found to be independently associated with COPD readmission in this study. Large multi-centre study at various health care levels is recommended to validate the potential risk factors in different populations and health care settings in Nepal. KEY WORDS COPD, Readmission, Risk factorsPublication Risk of Diabetic Foot in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease(Kathmandu University, 2020) Joshi, AABSTRACT Background The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease is higher in diabetic patients. And 11.6% of the patients with diabetic foot ulcer have associated peripheral arterial disease. Objective The main objective of the study is to assess the risk of diabetic foot in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease. Method This was a case control study conducted in Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS). The sample size was 173 out of which cases (diabetic foot) and unmatched controls (diabetics without diabetic foot) were divided in the ratio of 1:2. The Odds Ratio (OR) of peripheral arterial disease in diabetic foot was calculated. The study was conducted after taking ethical clearance from Institutional Review Board of National Academy of Medical Sciences. Result There were 173 participants enrolled in the study. Four were excluded, 55 participants were cases of diabetic foot (cases) and 114 participants were diabetics without diabetic foot (controls). The odds of diabetic foot in patients with peripheral arterial disease was 4.12, p < 0.001. Conclusion The risk of diabetic foot in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease was higher as compared to diabetic patients without peripheral arterial disease. KEY WORDS Diabetes, Diabetic foot, Peripheral arterial diseasePublication Stress Induced Gastric Ulcers: Presenting as Massive Rectal Bleeding in a Newborn(Kathmandu University, 2016) Joshi, A; Shrestha, PS; Dangol, S; Shrestha, NC; Poudyal, P; Shrestha, AABSTRACT Severe gastrointestinal bleeding in newborn period is a serious but uncommon phenomenon that has a broad differential diagnosis. Primary duodenal ulcers are rare in children but stress induced ulceration in stomach occurs more often in neonatal period due to birth asphyxia, prolonged labour, cesarean deliveries, instrumentations, respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. These present as acute onset of gastrointestinal bleeding commonly as altered gastric aspirate, hematemesis or malena. We report a case of a neonate with stress induced gastric bleeding following birth asphyxia who presented with massive gastrointestinal bleed manifesting as hematemesis and massive rectal bleeding. Resuscitation with multiple blood transfusion and parenteral use of ranitidine controlled the bleeding. Stress induced gastric ulcers should be suspected in a neonate presenting with massive gastrointestinal bleeding after difficult delivery and birth asphyxia. KEY WORDS Birth asphyxia, massive rectal bleeding, newborns, stress ulcersPublication Sydenham’s Chorea as Presentation of Rheumatic Heart Disease(Kathmandu University, 2015) Joshi, A; Shrestha, RPB; Shrestha, PS; Dangol, S; Shrestha, NC; Poudyal, P; Shrestha, AABSTRACT Sydenham’s chorea is the most common type of acquired chorea in childhood which is a major neurological manifestation of rheumatic fever. We describe a 13 years old girl who presented with weakness and purposeless involuntary movements of upper and lower limbs. The symptoms slightly affected the child’s daily activities and had an unstable gait on walking which was aggravated during stress. Grade II ejection systolic murmur was noticed on cardiovascular examination. Echocardiography evaluation showed thickened aortic and mitral valve leaflets with mild to moderate degree of mitral regurgitation. Anti-streptolysin O titer was positive (≥200 IU/ml). CT scan of brain was normal. Subsequently child was diagnosed as Rheumatic heart disease with Sydenham’s chorea and kept on regular Benzathine penicillin prophylaxis. Symptoms subsided spontaneously after 3 months without any further complications. Although decreasing, early diagnosis and management of Sydenham’s chorea and Rheumatic heart disease are very crucial and should be considered with such presentation. KEYWORDS Carditis, penicillin prophylaxis, rheumatic fever, sydenham’s chorea.