Journal Issue: Vol. 62 No. 279 (2024) NOVEMBER
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Volume
Number
Issue Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
JNMA Print ISSN: 0028-2715; Online ISSN: 1815-672X
Journal Volume
Articles
Navigating Authorship Ethics in Research: Challenges and Responsibilities
(Nepal Medical Association, 2024) Jha, Jay Bhushan
Common Echocardiographic Diagnoses in Patients at Tertiary Care Center: An Observational Study
(Nepal Medical Association, 2024) Koirala, Prabha Chapagain; Koirala, Richa; Karki, Lochan; Khadka, Milan; Amatya, Prasanna Bahadur; Gautam, Binayak; Poudel, Samir; Sherpa, Kunjang; Ghimere, Saroj; Bhandari, Rajendra; Koirala, Pragya
Abstract
Introduction: Echocardiography is an indispensable tool for the diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. It is important to know the spectrum of cardiac abnormalities detected by echocardiography for the proper management of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the echocardiographic diagnosis of patients at a multispecialty tertiary care hospital and find out the prevalence of various cardiac diseases diagnosed via echocardiography.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross sectional study carried out at the Echocardiography lab of National Academy of Health Sciences. Records of all patients who had done Echocardiography from February 2024 to April 2024 were analyzed. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Committee (Reference Number:1231/2080/81).
Results: Out of 3593 cases, there were 1750 (48.71%) female and 1843 (51.29%) male. Normal echocardiographic study was seen in 1184 (32.95%). Mean age was 56.13±17.38 years. Left ventricle diastolic dysfunction was seen among 1428 (39.74%), followed by tricuspid regurgitation 1026 (28.55%) and pulmonary hypertension 497 (13.83%). Other findings were, left ventricular hypertrophy 204 (5.67%), Left ventricular systolic dysfunction 165 (4.59%), rheumatic heart disease 102 (2.83%) and, congenital heart disease was the lowest documented finding, seen in 30 (0.83%).
Conclusions: Most common diseases diagnosed by echocardiography in our study were, diastolic dysfunction, tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension.
Dural Venous Sinus Variations Observed in Magnetic Resonance Venography at a Tertiary Care Hospital: An Observational Study
(Nepal Medical Association, 2024) Paudel, Sharma; Sah, Ramswarth; Singh, Rakesh Kumar; Kayastha, Prakash; Katwal, Shailendra
Abstract
Introduction: The dural venous system, composed of various sinuses, plays a crucial role in draining deoxygenated blood from the central nervous system. Understanding its anatomical variations is essential to differentiate it from pathological conditions like cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical variations of the dural venous sinuses using Magnetic Resonance Venography.
Methods: An observational, cross-section study was performed in the Department of Radiology from September 2023 to March 2024 after the approval by the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 149/080/081(6-11)E2). Magnetic Resonance Venography of 109 adult patients was performed using a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. Diameters of the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, and transverse sinuses were measured. Variations in transverse sinuses, straight sinus, and confluence were categorized and analyzed.
Results: The study included 52 (47.70%) male and 57 (52.30%) female, with median age of 42 (IQR: 30.5 - 56) years. The superior sagittal sinus had the diameter of 6.4±1 mm. Symmetric transverse sinus variant seen was in 80 (73.39%) patients, and left transverse sinus hypoplasia was seen in 20 (18.35%) patients. Variations in the straight sinus and confluence were also documented with a true confluence (type III) was seen in 71 (65.10%) patients.
Conclusions: Anatomical variations of the dural venous sinuses as observed in 1.5 Tesla MRI was quite common.
Evaluation of Self-vision Assessment Charts in Schools of Eastern Nepal: A Multi Method Study
(Nepal Medical Association, 2024) Shrestha, Archana; Thakur, Sudhir Kumar; Roshan, Abhishek; Singh, Sanjay Kumar; Pokhrel, Archana; Bohara, Apekshya; Poudel, Lisasha; Thakur, Chanda; Adhikari, Asmita; Timsina, Priyanka; Acharya, Yunika; Karn, Rajiv Ranjan
Abstract
Introduction: Globally, over two billion people suffer from vision impairment, almost half preventable. In Nepal, the Eastern Regional Eye Care Program introduced self-vision assessment charts in 137 schools for early eye issue detection. This study assessed the charts' use and perceived impact.
Methods: A multi-method study was conducted to evaluate the use of self-vision assessment charts in schools in Eastern Nepal. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Board (Refrence number: 72-079-040). Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis. Both methods were integrated to enhance understanding of participants' experiences.
Results: In this study, 400 students participated in questionnaire survey, 180 in self vision assessment, and 16 teachers in in-depth interviews. Among the participants, 198 (49.50%) of students used the chart, 125 (65.78%) expressed satisfaction, 241 (60.25%) found it useful, 276 (69%) as beneficial, and 253 (63.25%) stated improved health. There were 93 (23.25%) students who felt knowledgeable about its use, with 18 (10%) using it correctly. In 162 (90%) of schools there were adequate chart placement, 23 (12.77%) provided clear signage for viewing points. Teachers recognized the chart's benefits and encouraged its use, but students lacked awareness. Regular use was viewed as beneficial for early detection of eye issues, though challenges included a need for more awareness among students and teachers and reliance on home remedies.
Conclusions: Most students and teachers acknowledged self-vision assessment charts’ benefits but had low utilization and accuracy rates. Strategic interventions such as regular informational sessions, teacher motivation, and engagement with eye health experts are essential.