Background COVID-19 Coronavirus 2019 presents a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe respiratory distress. Chest High Resolution Computed Tomography HRCT serves as a vital tool for assessing lung involvement and disease severity. Laboratory markers such as C-reactive protein CRP lactate dehydrogenase LDH D-dimer and ferritin provide additional insights into disease progression.Aim This study investigated the correlation between 25-point CT severity scores and serum inflammatory markers CRP LDH D-dimer ferritin and ESR in COVID-19 patients.Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted on 100 adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at a tertiary care centre. Patients were categorized as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction RT-PCR positive or clinicallyradiologically diagnosed cases. CT severity was evaluated using a standardized 25-point scoring system and laboratory markers were obtained from patient records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0 with P-values lt0.05 considered significant.Results A significant correlation was observed between CT severity scores and CRP P0.022 and LDH P 0.001 levels. Elevated CRP and LDH levels were associated with more severe CT scores. Receiver operating characteristic ROC analysis demonstrated CRP AUC0.73 and LDH AUC0.76 as effective predictors of CT severity. No significant correlation was noted with D-dimer ferritin or ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels.Conclusion CT severity scores correlate strongly with serum CRP and LDH levels underscoring their potential as reliable markers for COVID-19 severity. Integrating imaging and laboratory data can enhance clinical management and prognostic monitoring. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and explore their broader applications.
Background With the increasing ease of access to vast amounts of health-related information online people around the world are turning to the internet to obtain health information. According to previous studies individuals seek online health information for various reasons including self-diagnosis learning about symptoms and treatments and making informed healthcare decisions. However the quality and reliability of online health information remain concerns as individuals may encounter biased or erroneous content that could negatively affect their health.Objectives To analyze online health information-seeking behaviour among the public in Bengaluru.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Bengaluru. A total of 385 subjects were selected from a very heterogenous population using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.Results Among the respondents the majority 69.1 were aged 18 to 28 years and 59.5 were postgraduates. Most participants were employed 64.2. About 28.3 of respondents reported using the internet several times a month to find health information and the majority 90 used a smartphone for this purpose.Conclusion The study revealed that males sought online health information more frequently than females. Respondents with higher educational qualifications used the internet more often to access health-related information. Employed respondents were also more likely to search health information online compared to retired individuals and students.
Background Hepatitis B caused by hepatitis B virus HBV is a major global health concern. It can be transmitted through parenteral sexual and vertical routes and may lead to severe liver disease. Screening for hepatitis B is vital for effective patient management thereby reducing the burden of the disease and associated mortality.Aim To assess the role of HBsAg confirmatory neutralization test in screening hepatitis B infection and to determine the probable cut-off value of the quantitative HBsAg enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay ECLIA test for accurate interpretation.Methods Patientrsquos blood samples were screened for HBsAg using the VITROS qualitative HBsAg test ECLIA. All reactive samples were further evaluated using two rapid diagnostic tests TRUST Line HBsAg rapid lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay and HEPACARD one-step sandwich immunoassay. Reactive samples with cut-off index COI between 1 and 199 were subjected to the VITROS confirmatory HBsAg neutralization test.Results Out of the 636 blood samples that were reactive by the VITROS qualitative HBsAg ECLIA 536 samples were also reactive by the rapid diagnostic tests RDTs. Among the 100 discordant results 61 were confirmed positive by the VITROS HBsAg neutralization test.Conclusion Sequential serological testing should be employed for the screening of HBsAg to minimize diagnostic errors. The VITROS qualitative HBsAg ECLIA can be used to screen HBsAg however for weakly reactive ECLIA samples a confirmatory neutralization test should be performed to avoid any false-positive results. Reliance solely on RDTs may lead to misclassification of weakly reactive cases as non-reactive.
Background Social media is increasingly used to access health care information but its impact on patient knowledge attitudes and practices KAP remains underexplored especially in low-resource settings.Objectives To assess the knowledge attitudes and practices of patients regarding the use of social media for health care-related information and to examine associations with key sociodemographic factors.Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 patients attending a tertiary care hospital urban health centre and rural health centre in Belagavi Karnataka from September 2024 to February 2025. Data were collected using a pre-validated structured questionnaire covering KAP domains. Mean scores were used to classify responses and statistical associations with socio-demographic variables were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisherrsquos exact tests in SPSS version 29.Results The majority of participants were aged 20-29 years 34.5 male 56 and residing in urban areas 52. While 83.5 were aware that social media provides health information only 15.5 frequently sought such information. Attitudinal trust in social media was limited with just 7 frequently relying on it. Practices such as fact-checking 41 never did and discussing health topics online 76.5 never were low. Significant associations were found between KAP levels and education residence and number of platforms used P lt0.05.Conclusion Although awareness of health care information on social media is high active engagement and trust remain limited. Education level geographic residence and digital exposure significantly influence KAP. Targeted health communication and digital literacy interventions are needed to enhance the effective and safe use of social media in health care.
Background Efficient operating theatre OT scheduling is essential for optimal resource utilization and patient outcomes. Delays in transferring patients from wards to the pre-op area significantly disrupt surgical schedules.Aim To identify and address factors causing delays in patient transfers to the pre-op area distinguishing OT-related and ward-related issues.Methods This observational study conducted over a period of 14 days included 30 elective surgical cases. Data on transfer timing delay reasons and scheduling processes were collected and analyzed.Results Of the 30 cases 20 experienced delays-11 due to OT-related factors e.g. extended surgeries and 9 due to ward-related factors e.g. late bookings. Ten cases were shifted earlier than scheduled. Improvements in coordination scheduling accuracy and communication were identified as key interventions to reduce delays.Conclusion Prolonged surgeries and administrative inefficiencies were major contributors to delays. Addressing these factors through better coordination and monitoring can enhance OT utilization and patient care.
Background Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy is a widely used diagnostic procedure for patients presenting with dyspepsia and abdominal pain. Persistent or recurrent symptoms often cause significant discomfort making endoscopy an essential component of patient care. Histopathological evaluation of biopsies helps detect mucosal abnormalities and confirm clinical diagnoses.Objectives To correlate clinical endoscopic and histopathological findings of gastric biopsies received in the Department of Pathology.Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on adequately sampled gastric mucosal biopsies over four years. Clinical endoscopic and histopathological data were compiled and analyzed to establish correlations.Results A total of 821 gastric biopsies were analyzed predominantly from the antrum. Patient age ranged from 12-80 years with a slight male predominance 54. Dyspepsia 26.4 and abdominal discomfort 24.7 were the most common complaints. Endoscopic findings included erythema 52.6 and ulceration 22.8. Chronic gastritis was the predominant histopathological diagnosis 91.9 with Helicobacter pylori detected in 25.7 of cases. Gastric malignancy was identified in 5.1 of biopsies. Correlation between clinical and endoscopic findings as well as between endoscopic and histopathological findings was statistically significant P lt 0.0001.Conclusion The present study demonstrated strong correlations between clinical endoscopic and histopathological findings. Endoscopy combined with biopsy remains vital for accurate diagnosis and effective management of gastrointestinal symptoms. Random biopsies in symptomatic patients even without significant endoscopic changes can yield important diagnostic insights and guide appropriate clinical management.
Background Incident reporting is a critical component in a tertiary care hospital laboratory. Incidents that are recognized and appropriately handled are a reliable sign of ongoing quality improvement. The knowledge and attitude of signatory authorities postgraduates staff and clerical staff regarding incident reporting must be verified.Objective To assess the knowledge attitude practice and impact of training on incident reporting among the signatory authorities postgraduates technical staff and clerical staff of a tertiary care hospital laboratory.Methods A pre-test questionnaire was administered to collect data from the signatory authorities 3 postgraduates 18 technical staff 59 and clerical staff 6 of a tertiary care hospital. Following pre-test all study participants underwent training session on the topic of lsquoincident reportingrsquo. A post-test was then conducted to evaluate the improvement in knowledge and attitude resulting from the training intervention.Results Out of 86 participants 38.37 scored in the lsquoexcellentrsquo category and 37.2 scored in the lsquovery goodrsquo category in the post-test-an improvement that was not observed in the pre-test. A statistically significant increase in knowledge was observed with a P value of lt0.001. Additionally 72.42 of participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward an incident reporting in pre-test which increased to 76.26 in the post-test. About 80.6 of the staff were found to be actively participating in the incident reporting process.Conclusion The study demonstrated a significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude of participants toward incident reporting following the training intervention. Implementing regular training programs on incident reporting is likely to improve the overall performance of the laboratory.nbsp
BackgroundnbspAdaptive e-learning personalizes instruction content and delivery based on the real-time learners data to improve engagement and learning outcomes. While there are many documented studies touting its effectiveness in formal educational settings little is known about whether it can be applied or has been tried in short-term intensive training programs such as online workshopsAimnbspTo evaluate the adaptive e-learning role and effectiveness in improving learning outcomes during the online workshops and to dissect participants experiences and perceptions of adaptive e-learning.MethodsnbspThis study adopted the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This involved 74 participants including faculty members and postgraduate students enrolled in an online workshop. The quantitative phase assessed learning outcomes through pre- and post-tests. All the participants were then randomly assigned into two groups. One received the feedback on the pre-test results while the other group did not no record. In the qualitative aspect we employed in-depth interviews to explore the participants experiences.ResultsnbspBoth groups showed significant post-test improvements. The lsquoRecord grouprsquo performed significantly better than the lsquoNo recordrsquo group P 0.002 suggesting that feedback enhanced learning outcomes. Six qualitative themes emerged personalized learning e-library technology-driven learning self-directed learning reinforcement and overall effectiveness. Participants reported high satisfaction with the adaptive learning experience.ConclusionnbspAdaptive e-learning supports learner engagement and indeed the learning outcome of the learners is very significant when the feedback is involved. Adaptive e-learning should be implemented in short-term professional development workshops.
Background Cataract is a common problem that impacts vision-related quality of life.Aims and Objectives To evaluate the changes in daily living activities and levels of independence among individuals following cataract surgery to assess the impact of cataract surgery on social participation and overall quality of life and to develop and validate a questionnaire designed to collect data from patients with bilateral cataracts.Methods This was a hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study conducted including 160 patients diagnosed with bilateral cataracts who attended community clinics and camps at M.M. Joshi Eye Institute in Hubli Karnataka. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different age groups genders and socioeconomic statuses.Results The present study showed that quality of life significantly improved after surgery in four areas mobility mean change 0.24 t159 -2.43 P0.016 social mean change 0.61 t159 -5.35 P lt0.001 self-care mean change 0.58 t159 5.67 P lt0.001 and functional capacity mean change 0.22 t159 -2.28 P0.024. Interestingly compared to people over 60 those between the ages of 40 and 59 showed more notable gains in mobility social engagement and functional capacity.Conclusion Cataract surgery significantly improved the quality of life and socioeconomic status of individuals with bilateral cataract blindness underscoring the importance of accessible surgical interventions in enhancing patient well-being.nbsp
Background Bronchoalveolar lavage BAL is a valuable diagnostic tool for lower respiratory tract infections LRTIs obtained through a low-risk invasive method. Compared to non-invasive sampling methods BAL offers superior sensitivity and specificity.Aim To determine the bacteriological etiology of suspected LRTIs using BAL samples.Methods This observational prospective study included 75 BAL samples collected over a period of one year from adult patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital with suspected LRTIs. All suspected isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using Kirby-Bauer Disk diffusion method.Results Of the 75 BAL samples analyzed 33 44 demonstrated significant bacterial growth. All isolates were Gram-negative bacteria with Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most frequently identified pathogen followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most isolates exhibited high susceptibility to Carbapenems and Tigecycline while maximum resistance was observed against AmoxicillinClavulanate and Cefazolin. A total of four multidrug-resistant MDR isolates were identified of which three were Acinetobacter baumannii and one was K. pneumoniae.Conclusion This study confirmed the presence of pathogenic bacteria in BAL fluid from patients with suspected pulmonary infections highlighting the value of bronchoscopic sample collection as a key diagnostic tool. The presence of MDR bacteria is a significant concern and underscores the need for stringent infection control measures within healthcare settings to prevent their spread.
Background Immature platelet fraction IPF is a new hematologic parameter that reflects the rate of thrombopoiesis. It has been suggested as a predictor of platelet recovery in patients with thrombocytopenia as well as an indicator of platelet activity. IPF is elevated in patients with diabetes and has been associated with poor glycaemic control and an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IPF and platelet count in patients with diabetes mellitus and thrombocytopenia.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate patients diabetic status with platelet indices documented focusing specifically on the immature platelet fraction.Results The results of this study which was conducted involving 60 patients 25 males 35 females revealed a trend of increasing platelet parameters with rising HbA1c levels. Patients with HbA1c lt6 had a mean platelet count of 2.83 platelet distribution width PDW of 14.35 plateletcrit PCT of 0.24 mean platelet volume MPV of 8.72 and IPF of 4.34. For HbA1c levels between 6-8 values increased to 2.96 platelet count 15.92 PDW 0.28 PCT 9.98 MPV and 3.99 IPF. Patients with HbA1c gt8 showed the highest values with 3.25 platelet count 15.94 PDW 0.31 PCT 10.08 MPV and 4.77 IPF indicating a positive correlation between glycaemic levels and platelet activity.Conclusion This study revealed no significant differences in platelet parameters according to glycaemic control although the mean IPF value was elevated above the normal range while the mean MPV remained within the normal range. nbsp
Background Flexible flatfoot in adolescents characterized by medial arch collapse disrupts foot biomechanics and causes discomfort. Medial arch supports such as those made from microcellular rubber MCR offer potential relief but further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the material and shore hardness.Objectives The objectives of the study were to compare the effectiveness of different Shores 15deg A and 20degA of MCR and to evaluate the change in the height of the medial longitudinal arch.Methods A randomized study involving 30 adolescents with flexible pes planus compared the effects of custom medial arch supports with different Shore hardness levels Control group Shore 15 and Experimental group Shore 20 assessing Navicular Drop Test NDT scores and plantar pressure measurements both pre and post-interventionResults Both control group and experimental group MCR medial arch supports significantly improved NDT scores in both right and left feet P lt0.05 indicating an elevation in medial longitudinal arch height. Plantar pressure static measurements showed significant improvement in both groups P lt0.001 with slight differences favouring the experimental group. Dynamic plantar pressure differences were significantly reduced post-intervention for both groups P lt0.05. No significant differences were noted between the experimental and control groups among individuals with pes planus.Conclusion The study suggests that both Shore 15 and Shore 20 MCR medial arch supports effectively correct flexible pes planus in adolescents. While NDT scores were slightly higher in the control group the experimental group showed a greater impact on static plantar pressure. Orthotists can select between Shore 15 and Shore 20 based on individual patient needs for optimal outcomes.
Background Pharmacy education in India is undergoing a shift towards a more clinically oriented approach with the introduction of the Pharm D program. This doctoral-level program focuses on clinical training pharmacotherapy optimization patient counseling and interprofessional collaboration.Aims Objectives The study aimed to identify the present role of Pharm D graduates in the Indian healthcare system and explore the prospects and challenges perceived by hospital administrators regarding their employment.Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 100 Pharm D graduates and 30 hospital administrators.Results This survey involving 100 Pharm D graduates in India found that 84 are employed as clinical pharmacists with 60 contributing to pharmacy policy formulation and the training of healthcare professionals. However 52 agreed that the public sector has yet to fully open its doors to these professionals and that opportunities in pharmaceutical research remains limited. Hospital administrators acknowledge the positive impact of Pharm D professionals on patient care and the reduction of medication errors but also expressed concerns about the lack of hospital policies to support their integration into the healthcare system.Conclusion Pharm D professionals play a crucial role in the private healthcare sector contributing to patient counselling monitoring pharmacotherapy adverse drug reaction reporting training of clinical staff in medication management and the promotion of evidence-based practices. However sixteen years after the introduction of the Pharm D program by the Government of India challenges regarding their employment in the public sector remain unresolved. Addressing these issues is essential to fully leverage the potential of PharmDs in improving the quality of healthcare delivery. nbsp
Background Christian mission hospitals in India are still grappling with rising service needs rising expenses and inefficiencies in service design including antiquated care models. In this situation the competencies of governing board members the governing boards effectiveness and their profile demands attention.Objectives The objectives were to assess the profile competencies and the effectiveness of governing boards of the selected Christian mission hospitals using the Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire BSAQ.Methods A sample size of 30 Christian mission hospitals in India were selected using the purposive sampling method. The data were collected from the governing board members using the profile details form and the Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire BSAQ. Results The findings of this study revealed that the representation of female governing board members was very high 89.8 and the representation of external members was extremely low 11.4. The representation of younger board members aged below 40 years 12 was also very low. The educational level of the board members was high with the majority 67.1 holding undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in healthcare and other fields. The study revealed that a significant number of board members had management degrees or short-term training providing an added advantage for effectiveness.Conclusion The demographic variables of governing board members like age education and experience in current organization did not have a significant association with their competencies. The study found that the overall effectiveness of the governing boards of 30 hospitals was 0.62 indicating a positive level of effectiveness.
Background Increased stress levels when chronic in nature may lead to diseases like hypertension cancer early ageing and fertility issues along with menstrual irregularities in females and lower sperm count in males as the age increases due to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal HPA axis dysregulation.Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of perceived chronic stress and body mass index BMI in a subset of healthy population of male volunteers aged 18 to 45 years and female volunteers aged 18 to 40 years.Methods The selected male and female population were stratified into age and stress matched groups and one time dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate DHEA-S levels were ascertained to evaluate any changes DHEA-S levels were measured using Chemiluminescence method within six hours of collection of the blood samples randomly collected at different time points in the day and were then statistically evaluated using Mini Tab statistical tool.Results The lower levels of DHEA-S were more pronounced in males than in females in age and stress matched stratified groups. With increasing age the fall in DHEA-S was seen in both the genders but a significant fall in DHEA-S levels was noted after the age of 35 years in males than in age matched females even when BMI was considered as a new variable in the study.Conclusion This study does not demonstrate any significant correlation between DHEA-S levels and increasing levels of perceived chronic stress and BMI in both the genders. The DHEA-S levels showed a decline with age as is a normal trend.
The management of anaesthesia in neonates presents unique challenges particularly in complex surgical cases such as occipital region meningo-myelo-encephalocele. This case report details the anaesthesia management of a 28-day-old male neonate weighing 2.9 kg who was posted for surgical intervention following missed prenatal care leading to this congenital anomaly. The report discusses the difficulties encountered including challenging intubation prone positioning intravenous access and intraoperative hypothermia management. A comprehensive anaesthesia plan was implemented utilizing Sevoflurane for induction and maintenance with careful monitoring throughout the procedure. The extubation process was meticulously planned ensuring the neonate met all criteria for safe extubation. Postoperative care in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit PICU focused on monitoring for complications and ensuring adequate pain management. The neonate was discharged on postoperative day 12 demonstrating the importance of tailored anaesthesia strategies in high-risk neonatal surgeries. This case highlights the critical need for thorough preoperative assessments and the implementation of evidence-based practices to enhance patient outcomes.
This case report describes a 21-year-old female patient presenting with skeletal Class II malocclusion an Anglersquos Class I molar relationship and an end on canine relationship bilaterally. The patient presented with a normodivergent facial pattern protruded upper and lower front teeth a convex profile competent lips a decreased nasolabial angle and posterior facial divergence. The treatment was carried out using the MBT system along with en-masse distalization facilitated by infrazygomatic crest and buccal shelf bone screws. The resulting facial changes were closely linked to the skeletal and dentoalveolar adjustments that were the focus of the treatment. In this case of borderline bimaxillary protrusion with a slightly convex profile en-masse distalization proved more effective than premolar extraction and incisor retraction. This case also serves as a valuable example of managing similar conditions effectively.
