Kathmandu University medical journal (KUMJ)
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Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) · Jul 2018
Chest Trauma Requiring Admission: Differences in Earthquake Victims and other Modes of Injury.
Background The April 25, 2015 Nepal earthquake (7.8 Richter scale) followed by May 12, 2015 major aftershock (7.3 Richter scale) killed more than 9,000 people and injured more than 23,000 people. Dhulikhel Hospital situated at Kavre district of Nepal encountered major bulk of Earthquake victims residing at Sindhuplanchowk, Kavre and Dolakha districts during subsequent earthquake events. Objective To distinguish any significant differences in hospital admitted Earthquake and nonEarthquake chest trauma cases. ⋯ Conclusion There was preponderance of female gender in earthquake related cases compared to non earthquake cases. Incidence of rib fracture was higher in earthquake victims. In earthquake victims, higher proportion of patient required chest tube drainage compared to non earthquake cases.
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Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) · Jan 2018
Patient's Mode of Transportation Presented in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Centre, Kavre, Nepal.
Background In many developing countries, emergency medical services, especially pre-hospital emergency care, has long been neglected. It is the major obstacle for provision of timely care. Patients are regularly brought to emergency department by the relatives in taxis, bus or other readily available mode of transportation that lacks emergency medical services. ⋯ Developing three-digit phone number for ambulance service at the local level will make people easier to remember and contact. Similarly, education and training must be developed to improve emergency medical services. These strategies along with team management of patients could significantly improve patient care in Nepal.
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Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) · Oct 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of Posture on Post Lumbar Puncture Headache after Spinal Anesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Study.
Background Headache after lumbar puncture has long been attributed to early mobilization, and hence prophylactic bed rest had been standard protocol to prevent spinal headache after lumbar puncture. However, trend has been changing towards early mobilization to no need of bed rest at all after lumbar puncture. Objective To study the influence of posture in the incidence of post lumbar puncture headache in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. ⋯ Similarly, there was no significant difference of headache score, and the incidence of other complications like backache, nausea, vomiting and urinary retention between two groups. Conclusion There is no significant influence in the incidence of post lumbar puncture headache by early mobilization after spinal anesthesia. Hence, prophylactic bed rest following spinal anesthesia is of no benefit.
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Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) · Jan 2017
Pattern of Self-medication in Undergraduate Students at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.
Background Self-medication is a growing health problem. It may lead to wastage of resources, emergence of antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions and prolonged suffering. Little has been reported on the extent of self-medication practiced in medical students in Nepal. ⋯ Nearly one third of the students also prescribe medicines to others. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly used medicine as self-medication. The students need to be educated regarding appropriate safe-medication.
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Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) · Jan 2017
Outcome of Patients with Meningitis and Encephalitis at Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Nepal.
Background There are several etiologies of meningitis and encephalitis which must be considered in any patient presenting with fever, headache, neck stiffness and vomiting. Bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis are medical emergencies and need urgent attention and treatment. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment has been shown to increase morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Conclusion Meningitis and encephalitis are neurological emergency. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed to improve survival. Neurological sequel is common after those infections which require long term rehabilitation.