ABSTRACT Background Financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) between pharmaceutical companies and clinical practice guideline (CPG) authors can influence guideline recommendations, posing challenges to patient care. Despite global concerns, limited research exists on FCOI awareness among healthcare professionals in lower‐middle‐income countries like Nepal. Methods This cross‐sectional study, conducted between June 2020 and January 2021, aimed to assess FCOI awareness among Nepalese oncologists and identify associated factors. Data were collected through an online survey of 102 oncologists selected from three medical societies. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests were used for analysis. Results Of the participants, 64 (63%) considered FCOIs between pharmaceutical companies and CPG authors when implementing guidelines. Significant associations were found between FCOI consideration and three factors: type of CPGs used, with higher consideration among users of national (80%) and international guidelines (69%) compared with local guidelines (44%) ( p = 0.04); place of medical education, with higher consideration among Nepal‐trained physicians (77%) compared with those trained abroad (61%) or both (44%) ( p = 0.012); and experience in cancer field, with higher consideration among those with less than 10 years of experience (75%) compared with those having 10‐20 years (49%) or more than 20 years (63%) of experience ( p = 0.033). Conclusion While nearly two‐thirds of Nepalese oncologists consider FCOIs when implementing CPGs, enhancing awareness among the remaining one‐third is crucial. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational programs and stronger FCOI disclosure mechanisms, particularly as Nepal develops its own CPGs.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Evidence Statement Time-dependent antibiotics require drug concentrations greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for a certain time period between doses, which usually ranges from 40 to 50% of inter-dose interval for their best action. Continuous infusions are preferred over extended infusions for beta-lactam antibiotics and are associated with clinical benefits like decrease in hospital stay, cost of therapy and mortality. For vancomycin, continuous infusion is associated with reduced toxicity and cost of therapy but no mortality benefit. Newer Diagnostics Including Multiplex PCR Recent times have seen a surge in rapid culture-independent novel assays and molecular diagnostics for common respiratory pathogens, as well as the availability of updated tests for newer strains of pathogens. These include antigen detection assays, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) testing, multiplex PCR panels targeting multiple organisms, plasma cell-free DNA, next-generation sequencing (NGS), etc. on blood, and upper and lower respiratory tract specimens to detect viral, bacterial, fungal, and mycobacterial l infections. Appropriate use of these newer methods leads to reduced antibiotic usage.

Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, exhibiting significant variance in incidence rates across different ethnicities and geographical regions. Notably, there is a rising incidence of CRC among younger adults, particularly evident in advanced stages, with a more pronounced trend observed in developing nations. Epigenetic alterations potentially play a role in the early onset of CRC and could elucidate interpopulation disparities. This study aimed to examine DNA methylation levels in the tumor suppressor genes MLH1 and p16INK4a, comparing Nepalese and Swedish patients with CRC. Methods: Patients who underwent CRC surgery at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal (n=39), and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden (n=39) were included. Demographic and clinicopathological data were analyzed, and pyrosequencing was employed to determine methylation levels in the MLH1 promoter region and the first exon of p16INK4a in tumor tissues and adjacent mucosa located 10 cm from the tumor site. Subsequently, methylation status was compared between Nepalese and Swedish patients and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Results: Nepalese and Swedish patients displayed equal levels of MLH1 and p16INK4a methylation in tumors, but Nepalese patients exhibited a significantly higher level of MLH1 methylation in mucosa compared to Swedish patients (p=0.0008). Moreover, a greater proportion of Nepalese patients showed MLH1 methylation in mucosa compared to Swedish patients (31 vs. 2.6 %). Aberrant methylation of p16INK4a was also observed in the mucosa of Nepalese patients, characterized by high methylation at specific sites rather than uniform methylation across CpG sites. There were no significant differences in methylation levels based on tumor location among Nepalese patients, whereas Swedish patients exhibited higher methylation in right- compared to left-sided colon tumors. Swedish patients showed an increase in p16INK4a methylation in tumors with advancing age. Conclusions: Nepalese and Swedish patients displayed equal levels of MLH1 and p16INK4a methylation in tumors. In contrast, Nepalese patients had a higher level of MLH1 methylation as well as aberrant methylation of p16INK4a in mucosa compared to Swedish patients. These epigenetic differences may be linked to environmental and lifestyle factors. Ongoing research will further explore whether hypermethylation in the mucosa of Nepalese patients is associated with tumorigenesis and its potential utility in screening high-risk patients or predicting recurrence.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary tumor of liver. HCC usually metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and lungs, less commonly to bone and rarely to the skull. Herein we present a case of 73 year old gentleman who presented with an occipital swelling. CT head detected mass suggestive of hemangiopericytoma with a differential of metastasis and MRI showed heterogenous signal intensity mass probably metastasis. Cytological diagnosis revealed cranial metastasis. Subsequent CECT abdomen reported a 12x11x11cm heteregenous enhancing mass suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma. Patient was planned for craniectomy and transarterial chemoembolization to treat primary cancer but he refused further treatment inspite of extensive counseling. Primary presentation with skeletal metastases is rare in HCC and only few cases have been reported so far but it should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with subcutaneous scalp mass.

Introduction: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a second most common cause of portal hypertension which causes upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Primary management of upper GI bleeding is endoscopic therapy. However, surgery is performed as a secondary management of upper GI bleeding and if patients fail to respond endoscopic management or complications of EHPVO develops. The aim of the study was to determine the perioperative outcome of surgery done for EHPVO. Methods: This is retrospective observational study of all the patients of EHPVO, who were undergone surgical management at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in between April 2015 to March 2017. Data were collected from case sheets of the patients. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, and perioperative and short term outcome of the surgical management of EHPVO patients were analysed. Results: Total 34 patients were included in the study including 20 males (58.8%) and 14 (41.2%) females with median age of 17 years (4 to 45 years). Most common presentation of EHPVO were fullness in upper abdomen (34/34) upper GI bleeding (29/34). Most of the patients had anemia (33/34), splenomegaly (34/34) and hypersplenism (28/34).Shunt surgery was performed in 20 patients and modified Hassab’s procedure in 14 patients. There was no post-operative severe complication except one mortality in Hassab’s procedure. The median duration of surgery was higher in shunt surgery group compared to devascularisation group (240 minutes versus 180 minutes). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, total hospital stays and recurrent upper GI bleeding in both surgery groups. Conclusions: Surgical management for EHPVO have good perioperative and short term outcome.

Background The principle of oncoplastic surgery is the removal of tumors with negative margins as well as maintaining the contour of the breast. The goals are to achieve local control and best cosmesis. Objective The objective of this study was to assess patients' satisfaction with different techniques of simple oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (BCS) for early breast cancer. Method This was a retrospective study of early breast cancer cases operated during the period 2009 to 2017. All the patients were under regular follow up for at least five years after surgery. Original Harvard/NSABP/RTOG scale was used to evaluate cosmesis at one year after surgery. Result Median age of the patients was 43 years with median size of tumor being 2.5 cm. All of the patients had good to excellent cosmetic outcome. One patient (4.5%) had margin positivity. All patients were disease free and happy with the cosmesis at five years although one patient did not have whole breast radiotherapy. Conclusion Simple oncoplastic breast conserving surgery techniques in upper part of breast are simple, feasible and improve cosmetic outcome with low margin positivity and good disease-free five-year survival.

Introduction: From both medical and legal points of view, it is vital that computed tomography request forms should be adequately filled up. It is the responsibility of physicians to collect adequate clinical information that justifies the computed tomography examination and the ethical responsibility of radiological technologists and radiologists is to perform only the justified radiological examinations. Thus, a properly filled request form is crucial for understanding the clinical problem, using the proper protocol for avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure and providing concise radiological reports. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of inadequate completion of computed tomography request forms of patients visiting the Department of Radiology of a tertiary care centre. Methods: This descriptive study was performed in the Department of Radiology from 22 April 2021 to 21 April 2022 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Computed tomography request forms from emergency, ward and outpatient Departments were used in the study whereas that from other hospitals and clinics were excluded. A convience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Out of 470 computed tomography examination forms, the prevalence of inadequate computed tomography request forms was 195 (41.49%) (37.03-45.94, 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: The prevalence of the inadequacy of completion of computed tomography examination forms was higher than other similar studies done in similar settings.

Abstract Objectives Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is an uncommon clinical disease and is often missed to diagnose due to vague clinical presentation. Early treatment with drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy is necessary before sepsis sets in and become lethal. We conducted this study to evaluate clinical features, etiology, management strategies, and outcomes in patients with IPA from a University Teaching Hospital in Nepal. Methods A retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive IPA cases managed at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal for the period of January 2019 to February 2022 was carried out. Results The mean age was 42.5 ± 19.1 years (range, 19–75 years) and the male: female ratio was 2.2:1. Two-thirds or more patients presented with fever, limp, fixed flexion deformity and/or low back pain. Ultrasonography (US) was diagnostic in 27 (84.4%) patients. Eighteen (56.3%) patients had primary IPAs, and 14 (43.7%) had secondary IPAs. Thirty (93.7%) patients were managed with US guided percutaneous drainage (PCD) and 2 (6.2%) patients underwent open surgical drainage. Drainage procedures were combined with antibiotics in all patients. Pus culture showed Staphylococcus aureus growing in the majority of cases (10 of 23, 43.5%). The hospital stay was longer in patients treated via surgical drainage compared to those who received PCD: 13 days (range 12–14 days) vs. 6.6 days (range 4–13 days), respectively. Recurrence of abscess was seen in 4 (12.5%) cases and all were successfully managed via a second PCD. There was no mortality. Conclusions Varying clinical presentation of iliopsoas abscess demand a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. Initial imaging modality in suspected case of IPA is US. US-guided PCD along with the appropriate antibiotics is a successful frontline treatment of IPAs with shorter hospital stay.

Introduction:Chilaiditi's sign is a rare radiological sign characterized by interposition of the colon between diaphragm and liver. It is called Chilaiditi's syndrome if the patient presents with associated symptoms. Its diagnosis is incidental and can be confused with other acute conditions.Case presentation:This is a case of 85-year-old gentleman who presented with complaints of epigastric pain and vomiting. The patient had a history of long-term antidepressant medications. X-ray of chest and abdomen revealed presence of bowel loops under the diaphragm. CT scan helped confirm the diagnosis of Chilaiditi's sign.Discussion:Chilaiditi's sign has a low prevalence on chest and abdominal X-rays. Common associated symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. It can be misdiagnosed as bowel perforation and can lead to unnecessary surgical interventions. Symptomatic patients are managed conservatively.Conclusion:Chilaiditi's syndrome is a rare radiological entity and should be diagnosed carefully to avoid unwanted surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE:Oncology clinical practice guidelines (OCPGs) are systematically developed evidence-based recommendations aimed to guide practitioners in decision making during the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer patients under specific circumstances, thereby optimizing clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the implementation of those guidelines in low and middle-income countries including Nepal. This research aimed to identify the type of OCPGs used by Nepalese physicians working in oncology departments and to explore barriers and facilitators affecting their use.METHODS:Using the total population sampling technique, we conducted an online cross-sectional survey from June 2020 to January 2021 among physicians working in the oncology departments of Nepal. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize the research findings.RESULTS:Out of 171 physicians approached for the study, 102 (59.6%) responded to the questionnaire. The sizable proportions of the participants were a senior group of physicians with 27.5% being consultants, 14.7% senior consultants, and 16.7% professors. The most commonly used guideline was the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline of the United States (75.5%) followed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline (44.7%). While only 22.6% of physicians reported using OCPGs every time, more than half (56.9%) highlighted that OCPGs are not feasible to implement in Nepal. Insufficient facilities/equipment, physicians' unwillingness to change their usual practice, inability to discuss research with knowledgeable colleagues, and lack of time were commonly cited barriers.CONCLUSION:Findings of our study highlighted that the OCPGs developed in high-income countries may not be feasible for low resource settings like Nepal. Comprehensive local OCPGs should be developed considering the available resources, feasibility, and financial constraints of patients. Furthermore, a constant sharing and learning environment should be created to enhance the knowledge of practicing physicians and to promote the proper implementation of evidence-based findings.

Introduction Chilaiditi's sign is a rare radiological sign characterized by interposition of the colon between diaphragm and liver. It is called Chilaiditi's syndrome if the patient presents with associated symptoms. Its diagnosis is incidental and can be confused with other acute conditions. Case presentation This is a case of 85-year-old gentleman who presented with complaints of epigastric pain and vomiting. The patient had a history of long-term antidepressant medications. X-ray of chest and abdomen revealed presence of bowel loops under the diaphragm. CT scan helped confirm the diagnosis of Chilaiditi's sign. Discussion Chilaiditi's sign has a low prevalence on chest and abdominal X-rays. Common associated symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. It can be misdiagnosed as bowel perforation and can lead to unnecessary surgical interventions. Symptomatic patients are managed conservatively. Conclusion Chilaiditi's syndrome is a rare radiological entity and should be diagnosed carefully to avoid unwanted surgical procedures.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common disease and fifth most common cancer among male and seventh most common cancer among female in India.It is the most frequent causes of majority of deaths among non-communicable diseases in the world.The incidence of GC is higher in developed Asian countries like Republic of Korea, China, India and Japan.This review summarizes the newer concepts of microbial etiopathogenesis and molecular or recent diagnostic tools of GC and the new important recommendations for the management of patient with GC.The etiological factors and pathogenesis of GC are not yet fully understood but it is affected by several other factors like; strain diversity, genetics, environmental, immunological response of host, exposure to N-nitroso compounds from diet or smoking, alcohol, low socioeconomic status, BMI, age, previous gastric surgery and geographical distribution.To understand the pathogenesis of GC, several researchers mentioned the incidence, etiology, diagnostic tools and the different therapeutic options have also undergone important changes in recent years.Helicobacter pylori is a well recognized risk factor, which can modulate the acidity of the stomach to alter the gastric microbiome, causing H. pylori-associated diseases.Moreover, there is increasing evidence that bacteria other than H. pylori and their metabolites also contribute to gastric carcinogenesis.Therefore, the development and progression of GC can lead to improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.In this review, we discuss the carcinogenic effects of H. pylori and non-H.pylori microorganism in GC, as well as the potential therapeutic role for GC.

Background An introduction of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (WHO SSC) is essential to promote surgical safety. Objective To obtain country-specific information regarding the checklist in a leading medical institution in Nepal. Method The present research was a cross-sectional study with a survey conducted among healthcare professionals working in the operation theatre at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu, Nepal. A questionnaire was distributed to 150 healthcare professionals working in the operating theatre. Responses to the questionnaire were analysed descriptively and regression analyses used to identify factors associated with awareness of the checklist. Result In total, 127 healthcare professionals participated in the study, of whom 118 (92.9%) had been aware of the WHO SSC. A substantial proportion of participants (108, 91.5%) were not satisfied with the prevailing practice whereby the checklist was not routinely used during surgery. Lack of appropriate training was the most prevalent barrier to the checklist use (72, 67.9%), followed by unwillingness of staff to use the checklist (54, 50.9%), and lack of experience (42, 39.7%). The mean score on the survey was 6.0 out of 10. Regarding the results of the regression model on survey scores, surgeons had higher scores compared to nurses (unadjusted coefficient 0.80, 95% CI 0.20-1.40). Conclusion Most of the healthcare professionals were aware of the WHO SSC, however multiple barriers to the checklist use were identified. It is important to establish an effective use of WHO SSC in the operation theatre.

Since August 2020, a growing number of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, after approximately three months, in most of them, again presented a new infection episode, which has been defined as reinfection. So far, no cases have been reported in Nepal, and still there is limited the number of them, especially of those fully confirmed. Here, we report a case and discuss its multiple implications in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Background An introduction of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (WHO SSC) is essential to promote surgical safety. Objective To obtain country-specific information regarding the checklist in a leading medical institution in Nepal. Method The present research was a cross-sectional study with a survey conducted among healthcare professionals working in the operation theatre at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu, Nepal. A questionnaire was distributed to 150 healthcare professionals working in the operating theatre. Responses to the questionnaire were analysed descriptively and regression analyses used to identify factors associated with awareness of the checklist. Result In total, 127 healthcare professionals participated in the study, of whom 118 (92.9%) had been aware of the WHO SSC. A substantial proportion of participants (108, 91.5%) were not satisfied with the prevailing practice whereby the checklist was not routinely used during surgery. Lack of appropriate training was the most prevalent barrier to the checklist use (72, 67.9%), followed by unwillingness of staff to use the checklist (54, 50.9%), and lack of experience (42, 39.7%). The mean score on the survey was 6.0 out of 10. Regarding the results of the regression model on survey scores, surgeons had higher scores compared to nurses (unadjusted coefficient 0.80, 95% CI 0.20-1.40). Conclusion Most of the healthcare professionals were aware of the WHO SSC, however multiple barriers to the checklist use were identified. It is important to establish an effective use of WHO SSC in the operation theatre.

Introduction Morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) still remains high. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common cause of increased morbidity after PD. Assessment of predictability of risk score for severe postoperative complications was the objective of this study. MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study. Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) between January 2017 to December 2017 were included in the study. Variables were recorded from case sheets of the patients. The “Risk Score” was calculated using the pancreatic duct diameter and body mass index (BMI). Association of risk score and severe postoperative complications were analyzed. ResultsA total number of patients were 43, including 23 (53.5%) males and 20 (46.5%) females. The mean age was 57.09 ± 11.85 years ranges from 29 years to 76 years. The POPF and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was 23.3% (10/43); and post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage (PPH) was 11.6% (5/43). Severe postoperative complications were present in 13.9% (6/43) patients. In univariate analysis, pancreatic duct diameter (p=0.045) and Risk Score (p=0.02) were significantly associated with severe postoperative complications after PD. However none of them were significant in multivariate analysis. ConclusionRisk score failed to predict severe postoperative complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global viral respiratory outbreak, known to everyone in society. Nepal is not an exception for this pandemic and we are learning how to live with COVID-19. The pandemic has changed vigorously our daily activities affecting every aspects of the society. In low–middle income countries like ours, we don’t have definite answer to deal with the pandemic, rather we are learning how to live amid COVID-19. We are experiencing something new every day. Despite so many limitations, we need to learn to live with COVID-19.

Background: Brain abscess is defined as a focal intracranial infection that is initiated as an area of cerebritis and evolves into a collection of pus surrounded by a vascularized capsule. These are complications of head trauma, neurosurgical operations, meningitis, and otogenic, mastoid, and paranasal air sinus infections. Management involves both medical and surgical treatment. Surgical management includes either aspiration or excision of lesions larger than 2.5 cm in diameter, depending on brain location. However, literature on surgical treatment is replete with several procedures which, on their own, may not determine outcome. Aim: Aim is to study the epidemiology, management and outcome of various treatment modalities of brain abscess in our institute. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of demographic data as well as indications, treatment modalities, and outcomes of various surgical procedures for evacuation of intracranial abscesses in patients admitted to our Neuro-intensive care unit at R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India from January 2013 to June 2019. Results: We carried out 53 procedures in 43 (30 male and 13 female) patients with various intracranial abscesses. Most abscesses [16, i.e. 37%] occurred in the second decade and second most common in the first decade [15, i.e. 34%]. In infants 4 (9%) cases of intracranial abscesses were present. None of the infants had features of congenital heart disease. The predisposing factors were mostly otolaryngologic (15) or posttraumatic (8). Most commonly abscesses were located in frontal 13 (30%) followed by cerebellar 9 (21%). Burr hole evacuation was done in 74% of cases. 3 patients (7% of cases) died. Prognosis appears to worsen with ventriculitis, multiple abscesses especially in infants, and immunosuppression. Conclusion: In conclusion, brain abscess still continues to be a formidable challenge, with prognosis that dramatically improved over the last decades due to advances in brain imaging, neurosurgical techniques and better use of old and more recent antibacterial agents. Mortality is improved compared with historical series; however, long-term morbidity is significant particularly in the infant population. Further researches must be conducted to clarify specific aspects, such as anticonvulsant prophylaxis/therapy, and also for the improvement of microbiological diagnosis.

Introduction: Fluid therapy in critically ill patients, especially timing and fluid choice, is controversial. Previous randomized trials produced conflicting results. This observational study evaluated the effect of colloid use on 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (RIFLE F) within the Rational Fluid Therapy in Asia (RaFTA) registry in intensive care units. Materials and methods: RaFTA is a prospective, observational study in Asian intensive care unit (ICU) patients focusing on fluid therapy and related outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for increased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI). Results:Twenty-four study centers joined the RaFTA registry and collected 3,187 patient data sets from November 2011 to September 2012. A follow-up was done 90 days after ICU admission. For 90-day mortality, significant risk factors in the overall population were sepsis at admission (OR 2.185 [1.799; 2.654], p < 0.001), cumulative fluid balance (OR 1.032 [1.018; 1.047], p < 0.001), and the use of vasopressors (OR 3.409 [2.694; 4.312], p < 0.001). The use of colloids was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.655 [0.478; 0.900], p = 0.009). The initial colloid dose was not associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 1.094 [0.754; 1.588], p = 0.635). Conclusion: RaFTA adds the important finding that colloid use was not associated with increased 90-day mortality or AKI after adjustment for baseline patient condition. Clinical significance: Early resuscitation with colloids showed potential mortality benefit in the present analysis. Elucidating these findings may be an approach for future research.

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare soft tissue tumor that arises from the Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. It was first postulated by Abrikossoff in 1926 as Myoblastoma. About 5-15% of these tumors occur in the breast and less than 1% has the potential to be malignant. Here we present a case of 41 years old premenopausal woman with Benign GCT of the right breast, having clinically malignant features. The clinical and radiological features of GCT are similar to malignant lump. However, histology showing presence of sheets of polygonal cells with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm with round nuclei and granules with Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) positive, diastase resistant and S-100 antigen positive are confirmatory. Treatment of Granular cell tumor is wide local excision. There is apparently no role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The presence of GCT in the breast is quite rare and clinically as well as radiologically it may mimic malignancy, however with histopathology and appropriate immunohistochemistry, proper diagnosis can be made.