JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Aug 2022
Positive Bacterial Culture among Suspected Orthopedic Infections in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.
A hospital-based investigation of bacteriological isolates helps to identify common causative bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. This helps in formulating presumptive antibiotic therapy and in reducing antibiotic misuse. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of positive bacterial culture isolates among suspected orthopaedic infections in a tertiary care centre. ⋯ culture techniques; infections; microbial sensitivity tests; prevalence.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Aug 2022
Collateral Development in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.
Coronary artery disease is one of the major cardiovascular diseases affecting the global human population. When the primary stenotic or blocked channel fails to deliver enough blood to the myocardium, the coronary collateral circulation serves as a backup source of blood supply. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of collateral development in patients undergoing coronary angiography in a tertiary care centre. ⋯ angiography; artery; blood circulation; prevalence.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Aug 2022
Role of Tocilizumab in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients with Cytokine Storm: A Case Series.
The in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 could be correlated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 induced hyper-inflammation, which is attributed to an unconstrained inflammatory cytokine storm. The pro-inflammatory cytokine, specifically, interleukin-6 plays a prominent role in the cytokine storm and may result in alveolar-capillary blood-gas exchange dysfunction. Therefore, the method to block the signal transduction pathway of interleukin-6 could be a potential treatment for severe COVID-19 patients. In this case series of three patients with severe COVID-19, we focus on the rationale for utilization of tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, which could block the signal transduction pathway of interleukin-6. The observations from this study allowed us to hypothesize that the infusions of tocilizumab may not reduce the elevated level of interleukin-6, and hence may not be a significant therapeutic for reducing in-hospital mortality associated with COVID-19. Additionally, it could also be speculated that interleukin-6 may not be a potentially actionable target cytokine to treat COVID-19-associated cytokine storms. ⋯ COVID-19; cytokines; interleukin-6.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Aug 2022
Case ReportsPlasma Cell Vulvitis Treated with Platelet-rich Plasma: A Case Report.
Plasma cell vulvitis is a rare inflammatory disorder of the vulva with an unknown aetiology, characterised by mucosal inflammation. It commonly manifests as pain, itching, dyspareunia, and dysuria and clinically presents as erythematous plaque and macules on the vulva. This condition is refractory to available treatment modalities in the literature. We present a case of a 70-year-old female with histopathologically proven plasma cell vulvitis treated by platelet-rich plasma therapy after multiple failed treatment attempts with topical steroids and immunomodulators. The patient improved both symptomatically and clinically on follow-up with platelet-rich plasma therapy. Platelet-rich plasma which is a new novel treatment can be a therapeutic option for recalcitrant cases of plasma cell vulvitis. ⋯ case report; immunosuppressant; platelet-rich plasma; vulvitis.
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JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc · Aug 2022
Case ReportsMucinous Cystadenoma of Ovary with Vague Symptoms: A Case Report.
Ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary, common among reproductive women. Mucinous cystadenoma is a common variety of non-functional benign lesions that presents vague symptoms and can mislead the diagnosis. A 26-year-old female presented to the clinic with weakness and lethargy, which lasted for 3 months, along with other symptoms like headache, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation. She was managed with iron deficiency anaemia, however, her symptoms did not improve. Later, an ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst. Laparoscopic left-sided ovarian cystectomy was performed and a biopsy was sent for histopathological examination. The case highlights the various nonspecific symptoms in a case of an ovarian cyst. Gynaecological causes for systemic symptoms should always be considered, along with proper gynaecological history and examination. This helps with the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment options, with minimal costs. ⋯ case report; ovarian cysts; symptoms.