The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
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J Assoc Physicians India · May 2012
Case ReportsWernicke's encephalopathy with visual loss in a patient with hyperemesis gravidarum.
We describe a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy associated with visual loss that was caused by hyperemesis gravidarum. ⋯ Wernicke's Encephalopathy can occur in many hitherto under-recognised clinical scenarios associated with inadequate oral intake like hyperemesis gravidarum, after gastric bypass surgeries and those on total parenteral nutrition. Visual loss is increasingly being recognized as the additional, reversible feature of Wernicke's Encephalopathy. The changes that occur on MRI brain, especially on the diffusion weighted images, are characteristic and considered diagnostic of Wernicke's Encephalopathy.
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J Assoc Physicians India · May 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialPentoxifylline in severe alcoholic hepatitis: a prospective, randomised trial.
Role of corticosteroids in treatment of severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is controversial. Pentoxifylline (PTX), an inhibitor of TNF, has also been shown to decrease short term mortality in SAH. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PTX on short term mortality, renal and hepatic functions in patients with SAH. ⋯ In patients with SAH, PTX leads to a significant improvement in renal and hepatic functions, and a trend towards decreased short term mortality.
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J Assoc Physicians India · May 2012
Study of clinical profile in patients with H1N1 influenza in Surat district, June 2009-March 2010.
During spring of 2009, pandemic of Influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged and spread globally. We describe the clinical profile of patients who were found H1N1 Positive in Surat district from 27th June 2009 to march 2010. ⋯ During evaluation period, 2009 H1N1 influenza caused severe illness requiring hospitalization, including pneumonia and respiratory distress and co-morbid condition. Maximum patients were between age group of 14-50 year. Fever and cough were most common presenting symptoms. Nearly 36.36% patients had one or more underlying medical conditions. Mechanical ventilatory support had role in reduction in mortality. Patients seemed to be benefited from antiviral therapy if started within 72 hour of onset of symptom. There were no significant side effects of Oseltamivir observed in this study. Development of ARDS, requirement of Mechanical ventilation and having co-morbid condition were poor prognostic factors. We observed two peaks of H1N1 during this period second peak was less severe than first one. It may be due to development of immunity, Disease awareness, early diagnosis and treatment and health education.