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Publication Batwing Technique in Large Volume Excision of Breast Lesions: Case Report(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Khanal, Suman; Singh, Yogendra P; Sharma, RashmiABSTRACT Oncoplastic surgical techniques are seeing widespread use for excision of large volume breast lesions. Batwing technique is one of the volume displacement techniques that can be used to manage lesions in central quadrant of the breast. Such techniques are still underused in Nepal. Here we present three cases with large volume benign breast lesions managed with simple, easy-to-learn technique of Batwing oncoplasty. Keywords: Batwing, fibroadenoma, oncoplasty, phyllodesPublication Elderly Great Grand Multipara with Gestational Hypertension and Anemia Managed in a Rural Tertiary Hospital: A Case Report(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Shrestha, UmaABSTRACT Introduction Parity more than five is grand multiparity and more than 10 is great grand multiparity. Women with high birth order are at increased risk for adverse obstetric outcomes. The risk is even higher for great grand multiparous women than grand multiparous women. Grand and Great grand multiparity predispose for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes such as malpresentation, labor dystocia, caesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal anemia, congenital malformations and perinatal mortality. Grand and Great grand multiparty is also independent risk factor for labor dystocia and perinatal mortality. However, most of the adverse outcomes that have been associated with grand multiparity may actually be confounded by advanced age, less antenatal care and low socioeconomic level. Although pregnancy hypertension is more commonly seen among young primigravidas, hypertension is equally common in elderly women. This is a unique case of elderly great grand multiparous women with moderate anemia who developed gestational hypertension and underwent emergency cesarean section resulting into normal maternal and fetal outcome. Keywords: Elderly, gestational hypertension, great grand multiparity, pregnancy outcomePublication Thyroglossal Duct Fistula with an Unusual Presentation: A Case Report(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Gyawali, Bigyan R; Dutta, Heempali; Tripathi, PrashantABSTRACT Thyroglossal duct anomaly is one of the commonest congenital anomalies with midline neck manifestation. Though commonest location mentioned in the literature is thyrohyoid, several rare presentations have also been described. Here, we present a very rare case of thyroglossal fistula manifesting in submental region. Keywords:Fistula, submental, thyroglossal ductPublication Anorectal Autoeroticism: A Case Report(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Tulachan, Pratikchya; Shrestha, Kenison; Chapagai, Manisha; Dhungana, Saraswati; Pant, Sagun B; Lama, Pratik; Bhandari, Ramesh SABSTRACT Introduction Anorectal autoeroticism is one kind of paraphilia where individual attains sexual pleasure through self inserting objects into ones rectum. We present here a case of 40 years old man presented in Surgery department with retention of steel glass into his rectum which he had inserted himself to achieve sexual satisfaction. Keywords: Anorectal autoeroticism, biopsychosocial factors, paraphiliaPublication Nephron Sparing Surgery for Small Renal Mass at a University Teaching Hospital: A Six Years Retrospective Review(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Rai, Bipendra DK; Poudyal, Sujeet; Dhital, Pawan; Pradhan, Manish; Chapagain, Suman; Luitel, Bhoj R; Chalise, Pawan R; Sharma, Uttam K; Gyawali, Prem RABSTRACT Introduction Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is the standard of care for clinical T1 (cT1), renal mass less than 7 cm, whenever intervention is indicated. It has oncological outcome equivalent to radical nephrectomy in small renal masses and it also minimizes the progression to chronic kidney disease. However, there is paucity of data on outcomes of NSS in Nepalese population. Methods A six years retrospective review of medical records of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy from Jan 2012 to Dec 2017 in Department of Urology and Kidney Transplant Surgery at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital was done to determine its demographics and outcomes. Results Twenty eight patients underwent nephron sparing surgery for clinical T1 renal masses in the past six years. Complications occurred in three cases. Five of the lesions were benign and 23 malignant on final histology. Clear cell carcinoma was the commonest variant of renal cell cancer. Margin was positive in two cases and both were kept in close surveillance. There was no local recurrence and renal impairment during five to 60 months follow-up. Conclusion Nephron sparing surgery is a safe procedure with good oncological outcome for clinical T1 renal mass. It prevents unnecessary nephrectomy in benign lesions as well as chronic renal impairment at the same time. Keywords: Nephron sparing surgery, small renal massPublication Donor Factors Affecting Short Term Graft Outcome in Live Donor Kidney Transplantation(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Nepali, Rabin; Shah, Dibya S; Gyawali, Prem R; Sharma, Uttam; Chalise, Pawan RABSTRACT Introduction Since the beginning of renal transplant, the objective has been to increase the patient and graft survival, both short term and long term. Data relating to donor factors affecting short term survival at 6 months in live donor kidney transplantation has been scarce. This single center study tries to examine the predictors of short term graft outcome at six months in recipients of live donor kidney transplants and explore which donor characteristics are the most useful in predicting the post-transplant graft function in Nepalese population. Methods All patients who underwent kidney transplantation between May 2015 to July 2016 were included in the study. The patients who expired during follow were excluded. The clinical and laboratory parameters of the donors were recorded. The recipients were followed up for six months post transplantation. The eGFR of the recipients and the occurrence of rejection were recorded at the end of six months post transplantation. Results A total of 82 donor-recipient pairs underwent living donor renal transplantation at our hospital during the study period. One recipient who expired during follow up was excluded. The mean age of donor was 45.20 ± 11.226 years of which 55 (67.9%) were female and 26 (32.1 %) were male. The mean eGFR of the donor calculated from Cockcroft Gault equation was 81.98 ± 18.11. The eGFR of the recipient at the end of six months post transplantation calculated form the MDRD equation was 67.76 ± 20.94. A total of 7 patients (8.6%) had rejection that were biopsy proven. Only donor eGFR was found to be significantly associated with eGFR of the recipient at six months post transplantation (p=0.034). Body mass index of the donor was significantly associated with rejection in the recipient at six months post transplantation (p=0.011). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the donor eGFR and body mass index are independent and important factors affecting the short term graft outcome at six months post transplantation. Keywords: Body mass index, donor eGFR, graft outcome, renal transplantationPublication Retrospective Review of Adrenalectomy in a Tertiary Center in Nepal(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Dhital, Pawan; Rai, Bipendra DK; Pradhan, Manish; Poudyal, Sujeet; Chapagain, Suman; Luitel, Bhoj R; Chalise, Pawan R; Sharma, Uttam K; Gyawali, Prem RABSTRACT Introduction Adrenal gland surgery is a challenging art as it encompasses diverse physiological derangements which are even life-threatening. Also, it remains a medical finesse to rightly identify the correct patient who will benefit from surgery which include strong biochemical and radiological resource. Soundly performed surgery will lead to oncologic and homeostatic correction leading to near normal course. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of adrenalectomy cohort over three years in a tertiary center in Nepal identifying diagnosis, perioperative management and postoperative course. The objective of this study is to review the presentation, histopathology and clinical outcomes of patients operated for adrenal mass in our center. Results There were 42 surgeries performed via open approach. The number of adenoma, phaeochromocytoma, carcinoma and non-functioning tumor were 13, 16, 12 and one respectively. In most of the hypertensive patients, control was achieved with minimal drug and recurrences were observed in 25% of carcinoma in postoperative follow up. Conclusion A large proportion of operative adrenal mass are observed clinically in our setup. The surgical outcome is satisfactory but judicious perioperative management is essential. Keywords: Adrenalectomy, adrenocortical carcinoma, phaeochromocytomaPublication Hemodialysis Catheter-Related Infection in a Teaching Hospital of Central Nepal(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Sedhain, Arun; Sapkota, Abja; Mahotra, Narayan BABSTRACT Introduction Infection of the central venous catheter (CVC) is a major complication seen among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Identifying CVC related infection (CRI) and its risk factors and causative organisms is important for better implementation of preventive strategies. Methods A prospective study was conducted at Chitwan Medical College for a duration of 2 years from January 2017 to December 2018 among the patients undergoing hemodialysis via CVC. The data collected were related to patients’ demographics, site of catheter insertion, and duration, microbiological data including cultures from catheter sites, blood, and catheters’ tips and antibiotic sensitivity. Catheter related infection was divided into catheter related local infection (CRLI) and catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI). Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0. Results A total of 41 cases of CVC related infection (CRI) were documented with an incidence rate of 6.94 episodes per 1000 catheter days at risk. Out of the total CRI, 39.02% were CRLI and 60.98% were CRBSI. Fever with chills and rigor were the most common clinical presentation. Risk factors for the development of CRI were duration of catheter in situ, repeated change of CVC and the use of CVC for indications other than hemodialysis (HD). Staphylococci and Klebsiella were the most common organisms isolated in culture. Conclusion The rate of CRI among Nepalese patients undergoing hemodialysis is high. Prolonged duration of CVC usage, recent change of catheter and the use of the HD catheter for the purpose of institution of intravenous medication have been found as the risk factors for CRI. Keywords: Catheter related infection, central venous catheter, hemodialysisPublication Mortality in Emergency Services in a University Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Study(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Shrestha, Tirtha M; Aacharya, Ramesh P; Neupane, Ram P; Prajapati, BigyanABSTRACT Introduction Emergency services are the gateway between the community and hospital that provides 24-hour access for most needy patients in critical and emergency conditions. Mortality rate varies in emergency department across the world and even in different emergency units of the same hospital. This retrospective study was done in adult emergency services of a tertiary hospital to determine mortality rate and analyze causes of death. Methods A retrospective observational study of mortality cases to analyze mortality rate and causes of death of patients for a period of 6 months between October 2017 to March 2018 was carried out in the adult emergency services of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. Data required were collected from copies of death certificates. Results During the study period, a total of 128 patients died in emergency, accounting 0.5% of total patient. Male deaths (52.3%) were slightly higher compared to female deaths (47.7%). Age group 66-75 years had the highest (24.2%) of total mortalities in the emergency. The most common immediate cause of death was sepsis/septic shock (21.9%) followed by cardiopulmonary arrest, aspiration, respiratory failure, other causes of shock and poisoning. The commonest antecedent cause of death was attributed to respiratory causes. Similarly, the most common contributory cause of death was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusion Older age group are prone to the mortality risk. Sepsis/septic shock was the most common immediate cause of death. Pneumonia was the most common antecedent causes of death. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the commonest contributory cause. Keywords: Emergency Department, mortality, Nepal, sepsisPublication Nutritional Assessment of Patients with Liver Cirrhosis by Nutrition Screening Tool and Anthropometry at a Tertiary Care Center(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Sherpa, Tshering W; Pathak, Rahul; Khadga, Prem K; Sharma, Sashi; Hamal, Rabin; Jha, AnuragABSTRACT Introduction Malnutrition is one of the most common complications of liver cirrhosis. Yet, little attention is paid in evaluating nutrition in this group of patients. This study aims to assess malnutrition among cirrhotic patients using a nutrition screening tool and anthropometry. Methods This was a prospective, observational study of admitted patients with liver cirrhosis. In the study duration of 3 months, 50 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included. Nutritional assessment was performed using the Royal Free Hospital Nutritional Prioritizing Tool (RFH-NPT), BMI and standard anthropometry including TSF, MUAC and MAMC. Results The mean age was 51.56 ± 11.50 with a Male to Female ratio of 3:2. Chronic alcohol consumption (72%) was the most common etiology while management of tense ascites (40%) was the most common reason for hospital admission. 58% had Child Pugh Class C cirrhosis while the remaining 42% were Class B. The average MELD Na score was 19.64 ± 6. Significant differences in anthropometric measurements including BMI, MUAC, TSF and MAMC were found between Child B and C cirrhosis. Similarly, those patients who had low, moderate and high risk of malnutrition by the RFH-NPT had significant differences in anthropometric measurements between them. Conclusion A significant number of patients had moderate to severe risk of malnutrition that correlated well with anthropometric measurements. The degree of malnutrition is parallel with the severity of liver disease among these patients. Both the RFH-NPT and anthropometry are relatively easy to perform and effective. Hence, they can be used as a practical means for identifying malnutrition among cirrhotic patients in routine clinical practice. Keywords: Anthropometry, liver cirrhosis, malnutritionPublication Risk Factors for Gall Stone Diseases in Patients Presenting to General Practice Out Patient Department in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Neupane, Ram P; Shrestha, Tirtha M; Raut, Shankar; Aacharya, Ramesh PABSTRACT Introduction Gallstone disease (GSD) is a major public health problem that is associated with a number of risk factors. This study aims to analyze the risk factors of GSD in patients visiting General Practice Outpatient Department of Tribhuvan Universtiy Teaching Hospital. Methods A case-control study of 174 participants comprising 85 cases with GSD and 89 controls without GSD, as confirmed by ultrasonography of abdomen was conducted as hospital based in outpatient department of General practice, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu from 1st February 2018 to 31st January, 2019. The participants were asked questions regarding putative risk factors for development of GSD and underwent physical and ultrasonographic examination. Risk factors included were age, sex, BMI, occupation, co-morbidities e.g. diabetes mellitus, hemolytic diseases, family history of GSD, smoking status, alcohol consumption, parity if applicable and dietary history. Data analysis was done by univariate method. Results The mean age of the case group was 47.82 years whereas mean age for the control was 46.51 years (p=0.355). 22% of cases were male and 78% were female where as in control group 29% were male (p=0.3030). Majority of the participants in both group were housewife by occupation and Hindu by religion.Mean BMI of the cases and control were 24.05 kg/m2 and 21.13kg/m2 respectively. BMI was found significant for the gall stone diseases ( p=<0.001). Similarly, Diabetes mellitus was found significant for GSD (p=0.001). 98% cases and 61% in control group were Non-vegetarians with significant p value of 0.021. Smoking (p=0.005), Non-vegetarian diet (p=0.021), family history of gall stone disease (p<0.001) and parity (p<0.001) were also found significant for the gall stone disease. Conclusion High BMI, non-vegetarian diet, family history of gall stone disease, diabetes mellitus, smoking and increased parity were associated with gall stone diseases. Keywords: Gall stone diseases, parity, risk factors, smoking, tertiary centetPublication Outcome Analysis of Lipomeningomyelocele Repair in Children in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Koirala, Puspa R; Pradhanang, Amit B; Sedain, Gopal; Sharma, Mohan RABSTRACT Introduction Lipomeningomyelocele (LMM) is a common neural tube defect especially prevalent in low income countries. When they get appropriate care, long term result is generally good provided the patient receives good neurosurgical, paediatric and rehabilitation care. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Our aim was to analyze immediate and long-term results of lipomeningomyelocele repair in symptomatic patients presenting to TU Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods Thirteen patients admitted to Department of Neurosurgery from January 2017 to December 2018 were evaluated. All patients underwent MRI of whole spine before surgery. Surgical procedures involved total excision of lipoma and repair in 10 patients and subtotal excision and repair in 3 patients. Division of filum terminale could be done in 8 patients. Follow up varied from 6 months to 2 years. Results This study included 8(61.5 %) patients of lumbosacral LMM, 3(23%) patients of sacral LMM and 2( 15.38%) patients of thoracolumbar LMM . About 2 (15.38%) were operated before 3 months of age, 2 (15.38%) were operated between 3-6 months of age, 5 (38.46%) were operated between 6-12 months of age and 4 (30.7%) were operated after 1 year. All children except one presented with lump on back since birth and four presented with urinary incontinence, one presented with bilateral club foot. Four (30.7%) patients had weakness of one or both lower limbs. Two (15.38%) patients had improvement in urinary incontinence, two unchanged and one had developed urinary incontinence postoperatively. Four children with had weakness of lower limbs; one patient improved whereas three patients did not improve postoperatively. There was no development of postoperative hydrocephalus after LMM repair. Three (23%) patients developed wound infection who responded well with regular dressings and antibiotics. Conclusion Lipomeningomyelocele repair can be done with satisfactory outcome with total excision of lipoma and division of filum terminale. Patients with residual lipoma and undivided filum terminale should be observed closely for the development of progressive neurological deterioration. Keywords: Lipoma, lipomeningomyelocele, neurosurgery, outcomePublication Diagnostic Accuracy of Peritoneoscopy to Determine the Cause of Low Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Parajuli, Pawan; Bhandari, Ramesh S; Pathak, Rahul; Sharma, Shashi; Khadga, Prem K; Jha, Anurag; Hamal, Rabin; Kafle, BrindeswariABSTRACT Introduction Ascites, a common entity in practice of gastroenterology is pathophysiologically divided into high SAAG and low SAAG category, to rapidly classify, formulate a workup plan and expedite the diagnosis. The cause of low SAAG ascites is often due to local peritoneal cause e.g peritoneal tuberculosis, peritoneal carcinomatosis etc, mandating the need of peritoneoscopy for definitive diagnosis. This study aims to present the peritoneoscopy and peritoneal biopsy result of patients with low SAAG ascites of uncertain etiology. Methods Peritoneoscopy was prospectively performed in 12 patients with low SAAG ascites of unclear etiology. Patients with low SAAG ascites and willing to give consent for peritoneoscopy were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent laparoscopic peritoneoscopy under general anesthesia and appropriate biopsies were taken during the procedure for histopathological analysis. Results Of the twelve patients with low SAAG enrolled in the study, 3 (25%) were male and 75% (9) were female. The success rate of the procedure was 100% and there was no procedure related complications. Specific findings were seen in all patients undergoing peritoneoscopy. Of the twelve patients, 9 (75%) patients has metastatic deposits in the peritoneum, 3 (25%) had benign etiology, 2/3rd (2) of whom had granulomatous deposits suggestive of tuberculosis and 1/3rd (1) had extensive dense adhesions and peritoneal fibrosis. Primary focus was revealed (ovary) in only 1 patient undergoing peritoneoscopy. Conclusion Peritoneoscopy with simultaneous biopsy is safe, efficient and accurate diagnostic method due to its high diagnostic capacity and low complication rate in selected patients who have low SAAG ascites of uncertain etiology. Keywords: Ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis, peritoneoscopyPublication Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Neurosurgical Patients: A Tertiary Care Center Study(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Shrestha, Dipendra K; Rajbhandari, Binod; Pradhanang, Amit; Sedain, Gopal; Shilpakar, Sushil K; Pradhan, SauravABSTRACT Introduction Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a well recognized complication in patients who are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A number of factors have been suspected or identified to increase the risk of VAP in Neurosurgical patients. Early and rapid diagnosis and initiation of the appropriate antibiotic treatment reduce mortality and decrease the development of MDR organisms. The aim of our study is to determine the incidence of VAP in the neurosurgical patients and also to assess the probable contributing neurosurgical risk factors and find out the causative bacterial pathogens and the resistant pattern of these bacteria in neurosurgical patient in ICU of our institute Methods A retrospective observational study of 106 neurosurgical patients who were on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours was done. Results Out of 106 patients, 35 patients fulfilled the clinical and microbiological criteria for the diagnosis of VAP. The commonest age group involved was between 15-25 years of age with male preponderance. Head injury was the commonest etiology. There was a linear correlation between the number of days in ICU and the development of VAP. The majority of the pathogen isolated were gram-negative bacteria and all were sensitive to Colistin. Conclusion Head injury is a significant risk factor for VAP. Prolonged mechanical ventilation is an important risk factor for VAP. Keywords: Intensive care unit, neurosurgical patient, ventilator-associated pneumoniaPublication Comparison of Sevoflurane and Isoflurane for Myocardial Protection During Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Bastola, Priska; Bishwas Pradhan,; Basnet, MadindraABSTRACT Introduction Myocardial protection during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) has always been an area of concern so we aimed to evaluate the level of release of Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK-MB) and Troponin I (cTnI) at various time intervals in the first 24 hours after on pump CABG in patients receiving either Sevoflurane or Isoflurane. Furthermore clinically relevant patient outcomes were also evaluated in patients undergoing on pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods This was a prospective randomized trial in patients undergoing on pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery, which was conducted from January 2016 till June 2017. A total of 105 patients were enrolled out of which there were 53 in Isoflurane and 52 in Sevoflurane group who received the respective volatile anesthetic agents throughout the surgery except during bypass at 1-1.5 MAC. The primary outcome was comparison of the CPK MB and cTnI levels at 0 hr, 6 hr, 12 hr and 24 hr after surgery from baseline, whereas the secondary outcomes were duration of intensive care unit stay, usage of vasopressors and inotropes, renal dysfunction, stroke. Results No significant difference in CPK MB and cTnI levels at all time intervals in both the groups, the other secondary outcome parameters were comparable. Conclusion The study found no difference in the cardiac markers between the two anesthetics. Based on the data, Sevoflurane and Isoflurane might be used equivalently in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with extracorporeal circulation without any difference in their myocardial protection function. Keywords: Coronary artery bypass graft, isoflurane, myocardial injury, myocardial protection, sevofluranePublication Knowledge and Practice on Prevention of Complications of Diabetes Mellitus among Patients with Diabetes in a Tertiary Hospital(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Acharya, Om K; KC, Takma; Shrestha, Krishna DABSTRACT Introduction Diabetes is a major contributing factor for overall health status, morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Adequate knowledge and sufficient practice can prevent many possible diabetic complications. Hence, the objective of this study was to find out the knowledge and practice regarding prevention of complications of diabetes among diabetic patients. Methods A descriptive, cross sectional design was carried out in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Kathmandu (TUTH). A total 124 diabetic patients who came for follow-up in endocrine Out Patient Department were selected through purposive sampling technique by using pre-tested structured interview schedule during four weeks. Data was analyzed by using the descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 16. Results The study findings showed that 24.2% respondents had adequate knowledge about complications . More than half of the respondents had sufficient practice (52.4%) regarding prevention of diabetic complications. Association between knowledge and selected variables showed that sex and education level tends to be significantly associated and regarding practice, area of residence and duration of illness were significantly associated (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant (p<0.001) and average positive relationship (r=0.605) was found between knowledge and practice. Conclusion The study concluded that though only few respondents had adequate knowledge, more than half of the respondents had sufficient practice regarding preventing complications. This finding suggests awareness program regarding prevention of compilcations of diabetes mellitus should be launched periodically to increase knowledge and sufficient practice on prevention of diabetic complications. Keywords:Diabetic complications, diabetes mellitus, knowledge, practicePublication Serum Vitamin D Level in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and its Relation with Severity: A Single Centre Study(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Pant, Pankaj; Thapa, Shovit; Das, Santa K; Bam, NirajABSTRACT Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a public health problem of epidemic proportion. Several studies have shown low serum vitamin D levels in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to compare serum vitamin D level in patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases (GOLD) COPD stage II, III and IV with controls and correlate serum vitamin D level with severity of COPD. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from June 2014 to November 2015 at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). A total of 154 subjects were enrolled for study that consisted of 77 cases of COPD and 77 controls for comparison. Participants were taken from medical wards and outpatient department. COPD staging was done as per GOLD guidelines and stage II, III and IV were labeled as advanced COPD cases. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were performed in SPSS version 20. ResultsStage II, III and IV COPD were 30%, 36% and 34% respectively. Mean serum vitamin D level was 15.16±7.19 ng/ml in COPD cases and 33.99±12.37 ng/ml in healthy controls showing statistically significant relation of low serum vitamin D in patients with advanced COPD (p <0.0001). Serum vitamin D was found to be in decreasing trend with increasing severity of COPD. Conclusion Patients with advanced COPD (GOLD stage II, III and IV) had low serum vitamin D levels compared to normal population and serum vitamin D level correlated with GOLD severity in Nepalese patients with COPD. Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; global initiative for chronic obstructive lung diseases; vitamin DPublication Challenges of Sustaining Elimination Status of Leprosy in Nepal(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Parajuli, Sudip; Pokhrel, Dinesh B; Baskota, Rabindra; Poudyal, Amod; Paudel, UpamaABSTRACT Introduction The number of leprosy patients is increasing in Nepal even after declaration of elimination in 2010. The objective of this study was to review the status of leprosy after declaration of elimination in Nepal and to identify challenges to sustain elimination. Methods This was retrospective study conducted by reviewing the annual data published by Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Government of Nepal from 2010 through 2018. In addition, one year hospital based data (2017/18) was retrieved from records of Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Results The prevalence of leprosy was found to be 0.77/10,000 population in 2010 and 0.99/10,000 in 2018. The numbers of multibacillary (MB) cases (remained more than 50%) outnumbered paucibacillary (PB) cases throughout eight years. Conclusion The prevalence of leprosy is gradually increasing in Nepal with more number of multibacillary cases detected in post-elimination era. Keywords: Leprosy, multibacillary, paucibacillaryPublication Diagnostic Accuracy of Peritoneoscopy to Determine the Cause of Low Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient(Institute of Medicine, 2019) Parajuli, Pawan; Bhandari, Ramesh S; Pathak, Rahul; Sharma, Shashi; Khadga, Prem K; Jha, Anurag; Hamal, Rabin; Kafle, BrindeswariABSTRACT Introduction Ascites, a common entity in practice of gastroenterology is pathophysiologically divided into high SAAG and low SAAG category, to rapidly classify, formulate a workup plan and expedite the diagnosis. The cause of low SAAG ascites is often due to local peritoneal cause e.g peritoneal tuberculosis, peritoneal carcinomatosis etc, mandating the need of peritoneoscopy for definitive diagnosis. This study aims to present the peritoneoscopy and peritoneal biopsy result of patients with low SAAG ascites of uncertain etiology. Methods Peritoneoscopy was prospectively performed in 12 patients with low SAAG ascites of unclear etiology. Patients with low SAAG ascites and willing to give consent for peritoneoscopy were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent laparoscopic peritoneoscopy under general anesthesia and appropriate biopsies were taken during the procedure for histopathological analysis. Results Of the twelve patients with low SAAG enrolled in the study, 3 (25%) were male and 75% (9) were female. The success rate of the procedure was 100% and there was no procedure related complications. Specific findings were seen in all patients undergoing peritoneoscopy. Of the twelve patients, 9 (75%) patients has metastatic deposits in the peritoneum, 3 (25%) had benign etiology, 2/3rd (2) of whom had granulomatous deposits suggestive of tuberculosis and 1/3rd (1) had extensive dense adhesions and peritoneal fibrosis. Primary focus was revealed (ovary) in only 1 patient undergoing peritoneoscopy. Conclusion Peritoneoscopy with simultaneous biopsy is safe, efficient and accurate diagnostic method due to its high diagnostic capacity and low complication rate in selected patients who have low SAAG ascites of uncertain etiology. Keywords: Ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis, peritoneoscopyPublication