Problems and limitations in thrombolysis of acute stroke patients at a tertiary care center

Aim:

(1) To evaluate the number of patients thrombolysed within 1 h of arrival to emergency room (ER) (2) To identify reasons for delay in thrombolysis of acute stroke patients.

Materials and Methods:

All patients admitted to ER with symptoms suggestive of stroke from January 2011 to November 2013 were studied. Retrospective data were collected to evaluate ER to needle (door to needle time [DTNt]) time and reasons for delay in thrombolysis. The parameters studied (1) onset of symptoms to ER time, (2) ER to imaging time (door to imaging time [DTIt]), (4) ER to needle time (door to needle) and (5) contraindications for thrombolysis.

Results:

A total of 695 patients with suspected stroke were admitted during study period. 547 (78%) patients were out of window period. 148 patients (21%, M = 104, F = 44) arrived within window period (<4.5 h.). 104 (70.27%) were contraindicated for thrombolysis. Majority were intracerebral bleeds. 44 (29.7%) were eligible for thrombolysis. 7 (15.9%) were thrombolysed within 1 h. The mean time for arrival of patients from onset of symptoms to hospital (symptom to door) 83 min (median - 47). The mean door to neuro-physician time (DTPt) was 32 min (median - 15 min). The mean DTIt was 58 min (median - 50 min). The mean DTNt 104 (median - 100 min).

Conclusion:

Reasons for delay in thrombolysis are: Absence of stroke education program for common people. Lack of priority for triage and imaging for stroke patients.     

Fungal endophthalmitis in a tertiary care cancer center: a review of 23 cases

Few data exist on the etiology, presentation, prognosis, and management of fungal endophthalmitis (FE) in cancer patients. FE cases were identified by reviewing the ophthalmology reports and microbiology cultures of patients at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and obtained information related to malignancy, fungal infection and its management, visual outcome, and mortality. We compared FE caused by Candida spp. (CE) to FE caused by molds (ME). Of the 102 cancer patients with a fungal infection for whom an ophthalmology consult was requested, 23 met the criteria for definite (N = 6) or probable (N = 17) FE (8 with CE, 15 with ME). All of the patients with ME had hematologic malignancies, whereas half of the patients with CE had solid tumor (P = .008). Only patients with CE had a history of surgery within 30 days of FE diagnosis (38%, P = .03). Fungal pneumonia [17 (74%)] and disseminated infection [14, (61%)] were common. The most common presenting symptoms were decreased vision [16 (70%)] and ocular pain [14 (61%)]. All treated patients received systemic antifungals (combination therapy in 72% of the cases). Seven patients (30%) underwent vitrectomy. Only one patient received intraocular injection of amphotericin B along with systemic antifungals. Four-week mortality was high [13 (57%)], especially in ME (73%, P = .04). Among the eight surviving patients where visual acuity could be assessed, visual outcome improved or remained stable in five (63%). FE in cancer patients occurs in the setting of severe, frequently disseminated opportunistic mycoses, is caused predominantly by hyalohyphomycetes, and is a marker for high 4-week mortality.     

Epidemiology of anaphylaxis at a tertiary care center: A report of 730 cases

Background

Recent data reveal that the rate of anaphylaxis is increasing and suggest that idiopathic anaphylaxis may account for most of these cases.

Lymphoma subtypes in India: a tertiary care center review

Clinical and Experimental Medicine - Lymphomas are a group of neoplasm arising from immune cells with varied clinical presentation, molecular profile, morphology and immunophenotype. The...     

Recurrence of adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: experience at a tertiary care center

Adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) is the most common ovarian sex cord stromal tumor with a favorable prognosis. However, a subset of patients develop recurrence. We retrieved and reviewed 156 cases of AGCT reported between 1992 and 2012. The ages ranged from 20 to 84 years (mean, 48 years). The size of the tumor ranged from 0.8 to 25 cm (mean, 10 cm). Histologically, all tumors were composed of round or polygonal cells with indented or grooved nuclei, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and well defined cell borders. A diffuse pattern was seen in the majority followed by microfollicular, trabecular and macrofollicular. The mitotic figures ranged from 2 to a maximum of 21/10 HPFs. Focal necrosis were seen in 17 cases. Associated simple hyperplasia of endometrium was seen in 9 cases, complex hyperplasia in 2, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium in 3 cases. Recurrence was seen in 8 cases with a follow-up of 2 to 19 years (mean, 6 years). The recurrent tumors were mostly >5 cm and sites included the same adnexal site and contralateral ovary, omentum, mesentery of small bowel, abdominal wall, uterine and fallopian tube serosa, lymph nodes, pelvis, and appendix. Histologically, recurrent tumors exhibited a diffuse histologic pattern and a mitotic count of 6.8 as compared to 3.3 in primary tumors. In conclusion, a tumor size of >5 cm and a diffuse histologic pattern were associated with increased recurrence risk. The recurrent tumors hadz increased mitotic figures compared with primary tumors. Appendix, a very rare site of recurrence was seen in one of our cases.     

Needle biopsy findings in prostatic adenocarcinoma: experience at a tertiary care center in a developing country

The objectives of this study are to report the findings in prostatic needle biopsies positive for cancer seen in our practice with regard to the frequency of cancer detected at various sites, the cancer volume, Gleason grade, presence of perineural invasion, and others; to correlate cancer volume with Gleason grade, perineural invasion, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels; and to correlate Gleason grade with serum PSA levels. The study was conducted at The Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All consecutive needle biopsies received from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, which were positive for prostatic adenocarcinoma, were included in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 19.0 software package (SPSS Hong Kong Headquarters, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong). A total of 97 needle biopsies positive for carcinoma in this period were included. Prostate-specific antigen levels were available in 60.8% cases and ranged from 5.0 to 1747 ng/mL. Tumor was bilaterally present in 54.6% cases. Tumor positivity in right apex, mid, and base was 52.6%, 54.6%, and 51.5%, respectively. Tumor positivity in left apex, mid, and base was 55.7%, 63.9%, and 59.8%, respectively. Average tumor volume in right apex, mid, and base was 51.2%, 50.6%, and 49.9%, respectively. Average tumor volume in left apex, mid, and base was 49.8%, 49.1%, and 51.6%, respectively. Gleason score was 6 in 52.6% cases and 7 in 28.9% cases. Perineural invasion was positive in 46.4% cases. High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was seen in 4 (4.1%) of 97 cases. On statistical analysis, no significant correlation was found between tumor volume and serum PSA levels. However, significant correlation was found between tumor volume and Gleason grade and between tumor volume and presence of perineural invasion. No significant correlation was found between Gleason grade and serum PSA level. To our knowledge, these are the first reported findings in prostatic needle biopsies from Pakistan. Most prostatic carcinomas in our country are still diagnosed on transurethral resection specimens, and needle biopsies are quite uncommon. Findings in needle biopsies will help in predicting adverse prognostic factors on radical prostatectomies and in planning surgery accordingly.     

Evaluation of definitive histopathological results of patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps: a tertiary care center experience

BackgroundAlthough endometrial polyps are generally benign, there are also risks of malignancy.ObjectivesTo determine the premalignancy and malignancy prevalence in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps and to investigate factors affecting premalignancy and malignancy.MethodsIn our retrospective study, patients who were diagnosed with endometrial polyp with endometrial samples and who underwent polypectomy by hysteroscopy or hysterectomy within one year were included.ResultsPremalignant / malignant histopathological results were detected in 7 (2.8%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in histopathological results and endometrial sampling indications between premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Hysterectomy in patients with premalignant/ malignant results and hysteroscopy in patients with benign results were found to be significantly different. There was not a statistically significant difference between patients with benign results and those with premalignant/malignant results in menopausal status, symptoms, status of hormone replacement therapy and endometrial polyp size.ConclusionThe possibility of premalignant/ malignant results in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps should be kept in mind. The menopausal status, symptoms, sizes of endometrial polyps and whether or not the patient is on hormone replacement therapy should be considered while making the management plan. However, these should not be the decisive factors on their own.     

An audit of consent refusals in clinical research at a tertiary care center in India

Background and Rationale:

Ensuring research participants’ autonomy is one of the core ethical obligations of researchers. This fundamental principle confers on every participant the right to refuse to take part in clinical research, and the measure of the number of consent refusals could be an important metric to evaluate the quality of the informed consent process. This audit examined consent refusals among Indian participants in clinical studies done at our center.

Materials and Methods:

The number of consent refusals and their reasons in 10 studies done at our center over a 5-year period were assessed. The studies were classified by the authors according to the type of participant (healthy vs patients), type of sponsor (investigator-initiated vs pharmaceutical industry), type of study (observational vs interventional), level of risk [based on the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) “Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants”], available knowledge of the intervention being studied, and each patient''s disease condition.

Results:

The overall consent refusal rate was 21%. This rate was higher among patient participants [23.8% vs. healthy people (14.9%); P = 0.002], in interventional studies [33.6% vs observational studies (7.5%); P < 0.0001], in pharmaceutical industry-sponsored studies [34.7% vs investigator-initiated studies (7.2%); P < 0.0001], and in studies with greater risk (P < 0.0001). The most common reasons for consent refusals were multiple blood collections (28%), inability to comply with the study protocol (20%), and the risks involved (20%).

Conclusion:

Our audit suggests the adequacy and reasonable quality of the informed consent process using consent refusals as a metric.KEY WORDS: Autonomy, consent, India, reason, refusal, risk     

Serotype distribution of Cryptococcus neoformans in patients in a tertiary care center in India.

The prevalence of specific serotypes of Cryptococcus neoformans in a given area bears on regional epidemiological patterns, the expected spectrum of clinical disease, and predicted response to therapy. In this retrospective study we analyzed the serotypes of 45 degrees C neoformans isolates from 36 North Indian patients with varied clinical presentations. The majority of the isolates were serotype A (87%), and surprisingly, a significant number were serotype B (five isolates, 11%), which caused infection in patients both positive and negative for HIV. One unusual isolate was not typable with factor sera. Study of serotype distribution in patients showed serotypes A and B to be present, respectively, in 92% and 8% of 36 patients. In one apparently immunocompetent patient two serotypes, A and B, were isolated simultaneously from two different sites, lung and scalp abscess. This is the first reported case in which an individual was infected with two serotypes at the same time. In one HIV-infected child serotype A was isolated from blood. Our results suggest that the distribution of serotypes in Indian clinical isolates is different than that found in other regions.     

Central nervous system and muscle involvement in dengue patients: A study from a tertiary care center

BackgroundNeurological involvement in dengue virus (DENV) infection is being increasingly reported. There is paucity of studies evaluating the relative frequency of central nervous system (CNS) and muscle involvement in dengue.ObjectivesTo evaluate the frequency and prognosis of neurological and muscle involvement in dengue, and correlate these with dengue subtypes.Study designConsecutive dengue patients were included, and their clinical features, laboratory investigations and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were recorded. Cranial MRI was done in unconscious patients and electromyography and nerve conduction study in patients with flaccid weakness. Patients were categorized into encephalopathy, encephalitis, immune mediated and dengue associated muscle dysfunction (DAMD). Outcome at 1 month and its predictors were evaluated.Results116 patients aged 5–70 years were included; 82 had dengue fever (DF), 18 had dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and 16 had dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Neurological manifestations were present in 92 (79%); encephalopathy in 17 (15%), encephalitis in 22 (19%), transverse myelitis in 1 (1%) and DAMD in 52 (45%) patients. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement was commoner in DHF/DSS compared to DF (44% vs 26%). 10 patients with CNS involvement died versus 1 with DAMD. The patients in the CNS group had more frequent hypotension, renal dysfunction and respiratory failure compared to the DAMD group, and had worse outcome. DENV2 and DENV3 were the commonest serotypes, but serotypes did not differ between CNS and DAMD groups.ConclusionsDAMD is commoner than CNS involvement in dengue. CNS involvement however, is associated with more serious illness and predicts poorer outcome.     

Brain metastases as site of first and isolated recurrence of breast cancer: the role of systemic therapy after local treatment

The role of systemic treatment was assessed after local therapy for breast cancer patients who developed central nervous system (CNS) metastases as a first and isolated recurrence. Subjects were 128 breast cancer patients with brain metastases as the first and isolated site of recurrence that were selected from 673 consecutive breast cancer patients with brain metastases treated at the same institution. Median survival from brain metastases in patients with and without systemic treatment after local therapy was respectively 15 and 4 months (p < 0.001). In patients with a Karnofsky Performance Status ≥70 and those <70, survival was respectively 16 and 5.5 months (p < 0.001). The median survival from brain metastasis in patients with solitary brain metastasis, with and without systemic treatment after local therapy, was respectively 22 and 7 months (p = 0.003). Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated that good performance status, solitary brain metastasis and systemic therapy undertaken after local treatment were factors which prolonged survival. However patient survival was adversely affected by those having leptomeningeal metastasis associated with brain parenchymal lesions. Systemic therapy, undertaken after local treatment improved survival in those patients with breast cancer and brain metastases as the site of first and isolated recurrence. Further study is required in order to fully establish the role of systemic treatment for this patient group.     

Consecutive medical exome analysis at a tertiary center: Diagnostic and health‐economic outcomes

The utility of whole exome analysis has been extensively demonstrated in research settings, but its clinical utility as a first‐tier genetic test has not been well documented from diagnostic and health economic standpoints in real‐life clinical settings. We performed medical exome analyses focusing on a clinically interpretable portion of the genome (4,813 genes) as a first‐tier genetic test for 360 consecutive patients visiting a genetics clinic at a tertiary children's hospital in Japan, over a 3‐year period. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using standard software. A molecular diagnosis was made in 171 patients involving a total of 107 causative genes. Among these 107 causative genes, 57 genes were classified as genes with potential organ‐specific interventions and management strategies. Clinically relevant results were obtained in 26% of the total cohort and 54% of the patients with a definitive molecular diagnosis. Performing the medical exome analysis at the time of the initial visit to the tertiary center, rather than after visits to pertinent specialists, brain MRI examination, and G‐banded chromosome testing, would have reduced the financial cost by 197 euros according to retrospective calculation under multiple assumption. The present study demonstrated a high diagnostic yield (47.5%) for singleton medical exome analysis as a first‐tier test in a real‐life setting. Medical exome analysis yielded clinically relevant information in a quarter of the total patient cohort. The application of genomic testing during the initial visit to a tertiary medical center could be a rational approach to the diagnosis of patients with suspected genetic disorders.