Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης: Marine Medical Society

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Thursday, January 10, 2019

Marine Medical Society

Ethics in medicine and research: Responsibilities of a medical scientist
Sougat Ray, Sheila Samanta Mathai

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):93-95

2 hourly versus 3 hourly feeding schedule in very low birth weight preterm neonates
Neha Anushree, Subhash Chandra Shaw, Vandana Negi

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):96-99

Objective: Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm neonates are fed every 2 hourly (2H) or 3 hourly (3H), but there is not sufficient evidence to determine the best feeding schedule. The study objectives were to compare the effects of 2H or 3H feeding schedule in neonates weighing <1500 g at birth, on the incidence of feed intolerance, apnea, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), hypoglycemia, and time to attain full feeds. Design and Setting: This longitudinal observational study was conducted in a level III neonatal unit of a teaching hospital in North India between October 2012 and March 2014. Materials and Methods: All stable intramural neonates born <1500 g were eligible for the study. Neonates with major malformations, congenital heart diseases, gastrointestinal anomalies, and those contraindicated for enteral feeding as decided by the treating clinicians were excluded. Sixty VLBW preterm neonates were assigned to 2H or 3H feeding groups. The incidence of feed intolerance, apnea, NEC, hypoglycemia, and time to attain full feeds was assessed. Results: There was no difference in incidence of feed intolerance between the two groups (30% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.56). The incidence of apnea, NEC, hypoglycemia, and time to attain full feeds was also similar between the two groups. Conclusion: 3H feeding is possibly as good as 2H feedings for VLBW neonates.

Original report: Transtibial and transportal techniques of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction provide similar functional outcome: A comparative study conducted at an armed forces hospital
Ajaydeep Sud, Munish Sood, Rohit Vikas

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):100-103

Background: The debate about the best arthroscopic technique for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery using semitendinosus (ST) quadruple graft is still unresolved. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery techniques (transtibial [TT] and anteromedial portal [AMP]) using ST quadruple graft in terms of functional outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 male patients with ACL tear were operated using the arthroscopic technique. The patients were divided into two groups (TT group and AMP group) and studied prospectively. The TT group (n = 24) included the patients in which femoral tunnel was prepared using the tibial tunnel. While the AMP group B (n = 26) included the patients in which femoral tunnel was prepared through the anteromedial arthroscopic portal. All these patients were assessed regularly and at follow-up of 1 year functionally using Lysholm Knee Score. Two groups were matched in terms of age, mode of injury, and side involved. Results: The average age of the patients in Group TT and AMP was 31.2 years (range: 22–43 years) and 30.6 years (range: 21–45 years), respectively. The mean Lysholm score improved significantly (P < 0.001) from 55.19 (range: 38–66) preoperatively to 82.65 (range 69–100) at the final follow-up in Group TT and 53.54 (range: 38–66) preoperatively to 82.04 (range: 59–100) at the final follow-up in group AMP. However, there was no significant difference in the mean Lysholm score while comparing the two groups at the final follow-up. Conclusion: ACL reconstruction surgery using ST quadruple graft with TT and transportal techniques provide similar functional outcome at 1-year follow-up.

Medical management of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A study in Indian population
Amit Kumar Shah, Anand Srivastava, SC Karan

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):104-110

Introduction: At present, the geriatric population has formed a large clientele for medical services, with an increased incidence of lifestyle diseases. Approach to lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an upcoming challenge, especially with management showing a paradigm shift toward medical management. This study was basically designed to study the outcome of medical management of BPH on Indian population following the recommendations based on recent guidelines on medical management of BPH. Materials and Methods: With a calculated sample size of 131 based on the prevalence of BPH, a total of 170 patients were enrolled, and their complete profile with clinical examination, imaging and International Prostatic Symptom Score details were taken as per proforma and were followed up while on medical management and assessed on a cross-sectional basis at regular intervals. Results: The mean age in the study group was 64.61 years. We recorded that all patients had some formal education. These patients were prescribed α-1ablockers as monotherapy or combination therapy as per the protocol of the study. They showed improvement while on medical management with significant improvement. Adverse reactions of medical management were not significant enough to warrant discontinuation of therapy. Forty-one patients out of 170 underwent surgery for no response or worsening quality of life. This group was further analyzed which revealed that comorbid condition, prostate size, and body mass index had no association with the outcome. Conclusion: There is sufficient evidence to support the paradigm shift in the management of BPH. The present guideline is to initiate medical management with monotherapy for patients with BPH and prostate size <30 g and combination therapy for larger prostate sized >30 g. Surgery is advised for patients who do not respond to medical therapy and for the subgroup of patients with absolute indication for surgery in BPH.

Frequency and associated factors of instrument-specific dermatoses among musicians in a military band: A cross-sectional study
Jandhyala Sridhar, Rahul Ray

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):111-115

Background and Aim: Continual contact with musical instruments may cause distinctive skin conditions among musicians. The site and degree of contact with the instrument may determine the type of presentation, further influenced by the amount of time spent in training. These conditions may be severe enough to even compromise musicians' careers. Since data on the subject are lacking in India, a study was conducted to assess the frequency and factors associated with the occurrence of instrument-related skin disorders among musicians in a military band. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A universal sample comprising all the members of a military band was included. A total of 162 musicians were evaluated using a questionnaire that included questions related to age, instrument played, current skin disorders, and the impact of skin symptoms on music making. Dermatological examination was done for all the participants. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean, median, and frequencies; Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: Of 162 musicians, 49 (30.2%) had at least one skin disease not correlated with instrument playing. Instrument-specific dermatoses were found in 55 (34%) of the 162 musicians and correlated with years of experience and the time spent in musical activity. Conclusions: Wind instrumentalists had the highest risk of developing skin problems. The occurrence of the tear trough deformity and lip dyschromia correlated significantly with the playing of a wind instrument. The impact of vibratory stress of wind instruments on the facial tissues needs further inquiry. Although not life-threatening, instrument-specific dermatoses may lead to impaired performance, occupational risk, and cosmetic disfigurement.

Role of "bladder care bundle" and "infection control nurse" in reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infection in a peripheral hospital
Parli Raghavan Ravi, MC Joshi

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):116-121

Background: Care bundles are an effective means of reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) when they are implemented with high impact interventions. Care bundle approach only works when every element of the bundle is implemented for every appropriate patient, every time and with high impact. Aim: This study aims to study the efficacy of CAUTI Care Bundle and of infection control nurse (ICN) in reducing the incidence of CAUTI in a zonal hospital. Materials and Methods: The study was with an initial baseline phase (observational) of 8 months followed by an intervention Phase of 21 months. The intervention phase was further divided into intervention Phase I (8 months) and intervention Phase II (13 months). Intervention Phase I included a multidimensional approach of education and training of health-care staff for catheter management and prevention of CAUTI and implementation of catheter care bundle. In intervention Phase II education of health-care workers and implementation of catheter care bundle was done under constant supervision and guidance of ICN. Results: We recorded a total of 834 urinary catheter days: 309 in baseline phase, 314 in intervention Phase I, and 211 in intervention Phase II. It was found that the incidence rate of CAUTI, measured as episodes per 1000 catheter days is 64.72 in baseline phase, 25.47 in intervention Phase I, and 18.95 in intervention Phase II. The catheter care bundle approach along with education of the staff reduced the CAUTI incidence by 60.64 and when the same was applied under the constant supervision of ICN for the CAUTI reduction rate was clinically significant with 70.72. Conclusions: The catheter care bundle approach along with the education of the staff reduced the CAUTI incidence by 60.64 episodes/1000 catheter days and when the same was applied under constant supervision of ICN for the CAUTI reduction rate was clinically significant with 70.72

Prevalence and associated factors of latex-related symptoms and sensitization at a multispecialty hospital: A cross-sectional study
Jandhyala Sridhar, Rahul Ray

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):122-126

Background and Aim: Upsurge in usage of latex gloves over the last few decades, coupled with the proliferation of medical latex products at the workplace, has led to a higher incidence of latex-related symptoms among health-care workers (HCWs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of latex glove-related symptoms and sensitization among HCW at a multispecialty hospital. Materials and Methods: The study included all the paramedical personnel and nurses employed at a multispecialty hospital where powdered latex gloves were in use. Consenting participants were evaluated by a questionnaire for symptoms of latex allergy, followed by a skin prick test (SPT) for evaluating sensitization to latex allergen. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean, standard deviation, and Student's t-test were used for continuous data. Categorical data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Latex glove-related symptoms were present in 25 (10.91%) HCWs. Symptoms suggestive of Type I latex allergy were reported in 11 (4.8%), while those of contact dermatitis were reported in 17 (7.42%) HCWs. Of the 229 HCWs, 37 (16.16%) had a personal history of atopy; 14 (6.11%) were SPT positive to latex allergen. Conclusions: In this study among Indian HCW, there was a significant correlation of latex glove-related symptoms with the duration of glove use, personal atopy, and SPT positivity to latex allergen. Questionnaire-based evaluation of allergic symptoms along with SPT positivity was found to be a useful identifier of true latex allergy.

Postgraduate residents' awareness of organ transplantation protocols – Survey at a teaching hospital
Sujan Pudippedi, Biju K Varghese, CS Naidu

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):127-131

Introduction: Much as the techniques have progressed to make organ transplantations safe and effective, the legal and ethical tangle surrounding the process has necessitated strict regulations and protocols to be followed. This paper studies a cross-sectional survey conducted on 198 postgraduate residents from various specialties with the aim of determining awareness of (a) legal and ethical requirements, (b) organ donation possibilities, and (c) technical details including brain-death criteria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among postgraduate residents of all specialties in a tertiary care teaching institution. The survey instrument was a questionnaire with multiple choice questions aimed at evaluating awareness of the residents in the three knowledge domains. The mean scores of residents from each specialty and groups of specialties with similar work exposure were calculated and compared, with statistical significance tested using the ANOVA. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the year-wise mean scores between residents of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years. No significant difference in scores was obtained between groups of residents from similar specialties. Scores obtained by residents of specialties routinely managing patients in intensive care unit did not show any statistically significant difference with year of training. There was significantly lesser score obtained by anesthesiology residents in the domain concerning the possibility of donation of specific organs compared with surgery residents. There were significantly high mean scores in the knowledge domain related to brain death criteria and transplant techniques for medicine and surgery residents, respectively. Conclusion: The low levels of scientific knowledge regarding organ donation protocols and associated legalities among resident doctors are a matter of concern. These findings may merit consideration to include these protocols as part of teaching curriculum.

Dietary changes adopted by overweight candidates desirous of joining armed forces: A food frequency questionnaire-based study
Shrajana Singh, Anil S Menon, Narendra Kotwal

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):132-134

Background: Young male adults wishing to join armed forces have to comply with age-matched height and weight standards. Aim: This study aimed to examine the dietary changes adopted by young male adults declared overweight at initial medical examination. Settings and Designs: This was a cross-sectional observational study of candidates reporting for Appeal Medical Board (AMB). Materials and Methods: Nutrient information was collected using a 24-h semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire for food intake both before being declared unfit and before appearing for AMB. Calorie intake and macronutrient consumption were calculated using the Indian Council of Medical Research charts. Statistical Analysis: Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to analyze sample frequencies, percentage, mean (± standard deviation), and median (range), and paired t-test was used for comparing pre- and postdata. Results: Twenty-five male candidates participated in this study. They had reduced weight by a mean of 6.5 ± 2.7 kg by reducing caloric intake from 2884 ± 587.8 kcal to 1624.4 ± 327 kcal. The daily intake of carbohydrates was reduced from 510.2 ± 120.7 to 284.2 ± 67.0 g and fats from 60.46 ± 14.06 to 20.3 ± 3.0 g, whereas protein intake was increased from 64.4 ± 10.7 to 74.6 ± 11.8 g. The candidates had switched to a diet containing fruit, vegetable salad, mung dal, and oatmeal. Amount of calories expended by exercise was approximately 350 kcal/day. Majority had sourced the Internet for information. Conclusions: Young male adults being made unfit for overweight during initial medical examination reduce weight by adopting a low-fat diet.

A comparative study of the results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with and without stent placement
Mohan G Raghav, Rahul Naga, Dilip Raghavan

Journal of Marine Medical Society 2018 20(2):135-137

Background: Nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction is a common clinical entity encountered both by ophthalmologists as well as otorhinolaryngologists. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has emerged as a gold standard surgery for treatment of this disorder. Silicone stents are often promoted as agents to maintain patency of surgically created fistula during postoperative period in this surgery. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the outcomes of endoscopic DCR with and without silicone stenting. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted. Totally 50 patients with acquired NLD obstruction were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I underwent the surgery with silicone stent placement while the Group II underwent the surgery without stent placement. The patients were evaluated in terms of relief of symptoms and postoperative complications. Results: The overall success rate for endoscopic DCR in this study was 90% which is comparable with the reports in the literature. Success rate for patients with placement of stent was 92% and without stenting was 88%. However, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Use of silicone stents does not influence results of Endoscopic DCR.