Journal Issue: Volume: 12, No 4, Issue 48, OCT-DEC, 2014
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Volume
Number
Issue Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1812-2027
Journal Volume
Articles
Assessment of Post Graduate Medical Students in Nepal: Is it time to introspect?
(Kathmandu University, 2014) Shrestha, D; Shrestha, R
NA
Analysis of the Influence of Lunar Cycle on the Frequency of Spontaneous Deliveries: A Single-centre Retrospective Study
(Kathmandu University, 2014) Laganà, AS; Burgio, MA; Retto, G; Pizzo, A; Sturlese, E; Granese, R; Chiofalo, B; Ciacimino, L; Triolo, O
ABSTRACT
Background
Man, since ancient times, has been convinced of, and has researched scientific
evidence that the barometric and gravitational forces play an important role in
structural and biological variation of the planets, influencing the various forms of
life. In particular, the synergistic relationships between variations in atmospheric
pressure and gravitational forces on human gestation period have been the subject
of rigorous observations and statistical calculations, which have not led to a
universal conclusion in literature.
Objectives
The aim of our work was to check whether there is a higher incidence of spontaneous
deliveries, during the periods of full Moon than during the other phases of the
Moon.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of 327 non-induced vaginal deliveries in a
year, divided by month. We subsequently analyzed the incidence of these deliveries
during periods of full Moon Vs other lunar phases.
Results
We evidenced a statistically significant difference between the annual total
spontaneous deliveries happened in full Moon periods Vs all other Moon phases
(T= 2,3946; p=0,0256). However, we reported a discordant trend of deliveries in full
Moon period, depending on each considered month.
Conclusion
Since these differences were found both in increase and decrease, it is unacceptable
the assumption of a linear correlation between periods of full Moon and increased
frequency of spontaneous deliveries. For this reason, our data allow us to conclude
that there is no need to increase the number of doctors and midwives in obstetric
units during these periods.
KEY WORDS
Biological clock, delivery, lunar cycle, pregnancy
Clinicohistological Profile of Cutaneous Tuberculosis in Central Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2014) Mathur, M; Pandey, S N
ABSTRACT
Background
There are few studies on cutaneous tuberculosis in Nepal.
Objective
To analyse the epidemiological, clinical and histological patterns of cutaneous TB
over the past 5 years.
Method
Patients with cutaneous tuberculosis diagnosed from January 2010 to December
2014 at College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan, Nepal were included in the study.
Chest radiography, routine investigations and screening for HIV was performed in
all cases.
Result
A total of 47 clinical cases of cutaneous tuberculosis were diagnosed. The most
commonly affected age group was 41-50 years. Male to female ratio was 1.5:1.
Duration of cutaneous tuberculosis ranged from 1 month to 33 years. Lupus vulgaris
was the most common clinical type (64%), followed by tuberculosis verrucosa cutis
(19%). Two cases (4%) were diagnosed as papulonecrotic tuberculid. Overall, the
most common site of involvement was extremities (55%) followed by head and neck,
trunk, and perianal region. Histopathologic features of epitheloid cell granuloma with
Langhans type giant cells were seen in 89% of cases, and in remaining 11% cases,
chronic inflammatory dermatitis and nonspecific chronic dermatitis were observed.
Conclusion
M Tuberculosis is endemic in Nepal and the incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis
at our centre was 0.1%. Lupus vulgaris was the most common type followed by
tuberculosis verrucosa cutis in our study. Cutaneous tuberculosis can be accompanied
by tuberculosis in internal organs and hence should be looked for. Clinicopathologic
correlation is necessary to make a proper diagnosis.
KEY WORDS
Cutaneous tuberculosis, lupus vulgaris, Nepal
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Male Police Personnel in Urban Puducherry, India
(Kathmandu University, 2014) Ganesh, KS; Naresh, AGV; Bammigatti, C
ABSTRACT
Background
Hypertension is an important health issue among high risk occupation groups like
police personnel.
Objective
To assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among male police
personnel.
Method
This cross sectional study was conducted among male police personnel residing
in urban Puducherry, India. Data on blood pressure (BP), anthropometric
measurements, demographic factors, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity,
stress level, obesity and dietary factors were collected by interview technique using
a standard questionnaire.
Result
About 296 police personnel were participated. Most of them belonged to the age
group of 25-39 years (68%). The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension
was 37.8% and 34.5% respectively. Among those with hypertension, 56.86%
(58/102) were known hypertensives and 43.13% (44/102) were newly diagnosed.
Age group of 50-59 years (AOR=8.472) and 40-49 years (AOR=8.15), currently using
alcohol (AOR=1.797), less than 7 servings of fruits in a week (AOR=3.228), moderate
stress level (AOR=2.374) and waist circumference more than 90 cm (AOR=4.937)
were associated with higher prevalence of hypertension among police personnel.
Conclusion
Hypertension among Police personnel is comparatively higher than general
population in this area. Reduction in alcohol use, increase in fruit servings along
with other lifestyle modification measures may help in prevention and control of
hypertension.
KEY WORDS
Hypertension, police personnel, risk factors, urban India
Risk Factors for Pneumonia in Children under 5 Years in a Teaching Hospital in Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2014) Karki, S; Fitzpatrick, AL; Shrestha, S
ABSTRACT
Background
Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality among children under-five years of age
globally. The WHO (2014) has reported that indoor air pollution caused by cooking
and heating with biomass fuel, living in crowed homes and parenting smoking are
risk factors of pneumonia.
Objectives
The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors for pneumonia among
children under-5 years of age.
Methods
A case control study was carried out among the mothers having under-5 years
children who were admitted in the paediatric ward of Dhulikhel Hospital in 2012/13.
A convenience sampling technique was used to select 50 children with pneumonia
and 150 children with non-pneumonia diseases matched on age, sex and setting.
A semi-structured interview consisting of questions related to risk factors for
pneumonia was used to collect data from mothers of both cases and controls.
Results
Sex of the child did not differ by case/control group whereas the children with
pneumonia were slightly older with 26% cases and 15% controls older than 3 years
of age. Mother’s education was similar in both groups as was family income. Living
in a household with a chulo with smoke increased the odds of having pneumonia
significantly, with the risk almost 4 times greater if the chulo was located within the
same building (OR: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.20-11.82, p=0.02). Children who had diarrhea
in the past 3 months were protected from pneumonia (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18-
0.82, p=0.01). An increasing trend of pneumonia was observed among children of
tobacco smoking parents with greater risk if both parents smoked; it was, however,
not statically significant (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 0.56-8.82, p=0.26).
Conclusion
The present study suggests that two factors related to smoke, presence of a smoky
chulo in a household and both parents smoking, are modifiable risk factors related
to pneumonia in young children. Reliable longitudinal studies, interventions, and
programs to educate parents in prevention are important for reducing mortality
and morbidities related to acute respiratory illnesses in Nepal.
KEY WORDS
Mothers, pneumonia, risk factors, under 5 children