Longitudinal growth pattern of children during pre-school age and its relationship with different socio-economic classes

Summary This report deals with the study of longitudinal growth of pre-school children from different socio-economic classes in the urban community of Delhi. The role of socio-economic factors which affect the growth standards of weight, height, circumference of head, chest, arm, calf and pelvic width of these children at different ages from birth up to 5 years is discussed. It is observed that in malnutrition resulting from an adverse effect of poor socio-economic status, all measurements of the body are affected, the height and the head being the least and the weight, the circumferences of the chest, arm and calf the most. From the Longitudinal Morbidity and Mortality Survey of Children’s Unit, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.     

Postmenopausal bleeding due to chronic DIC

'Bleeding disorders' are listed as a cause of postmenopausal bleeding even though there appear to be no reported cases. We present a case of postmenopausal bleeding, because of chronic DIC, which resulted from aortic aneurysm and was managed with replacement blood products and tranexamic acid.     

Effectiveness of generic fixed-dose combinations of highly active antiretroviral therapy for treatment of HIV infection in India

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and immunologic effectiveness and acute toxicity to nevirapine (NVP)-based fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) in antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected patients in India. DESIGN: Observational study of patients initiated on NVP-based combination therapy delivered as FDCs. METHODS: Antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected patients initiated on FDCs (zidovudine/lamivudine [3TC]/NVP or stavudine/3TC/NVP) were assessed clinically and with CD4 counts periodically. Adverse events to NVP were assessed clinically and by laboratory markers. Frequency and risk factors for development of adverse events and clinical outcomes were determined. RESULTS: Of the 1291 patients started on therapy, 1253 completed a minimum of 3 months of follow-up. Rash and hepatitis were documented in 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.5-8.3) and 3.2% (95% CI: 2.3-4.8) of patients initiating therapy, respectively. There was significant improvement in CD4 counts over 2 years. Fourty-eight patients died, and 186 clinical events were documented in these patients. Tuberculosis was the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. Self-reported adherence was high. CONCLUSION: Fixed-dose formulations of NVP-based combination therapy are safe and produced durable clinical and immunologic benefit.     

Evaluation of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of valdecoxib gel (1%) in adult patients with painful inflammatory joint disease

Valdecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, has recently been introduced as a gel formulation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of valdecoxib gel in adult patients with painful inflammatory joint conditions. The present study was a 10-day prospective, open, multicentric (6 centres) trial. Patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of painful inflammatory joint conditions were treated with valdecoxib gel (1%). Efficacy was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), patient's and physician's global assessment of pain relief. Grading of associated clinical manifestations such as stiffness, swelling, tenderness and restriction of mobility was done. Tolerability and safety was assessed by physical examination, laboratory parameters and evaluation of adverse events. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean pain visual analogue score (p<0.05). Onset of pain relief was within 15 minutes. There was a reduction of 58.8%, 57.2%, 65.4% and 60.2% in mean scores of stiffness, swelling, tenderness and mobility respectively from the baseline which was statistically significant. The laboratory values were within normal limits. The drug was well tolerated. There was no report of any hypersensitivity reaction. This study confirms that valdecoxib gel (1%) is an effective and safe option for the management of painful inflammatory joint conditions.     

托吡酯对大鼠脑缺血时海马细胞外液兴奋性氨基酸释放的影响

目的　观察托吡酯对大鼠脑缺血时海马细胞外液兴奋性氨基酸释放的影响 ,探讨托吡酯在脑梗死治疗中应用的可能性。方法　建立大鼠脑缺血模型 ,给予托吡酯干预 ,应用微透析方法观察大鼠海马细胞外液中兴奋性氨基酸及抑制性氨基酸的变化。结果　脑缺血后兴奋性氨基酸和抑制性氨基酸的释放均增加 ,而给予托吡酯干预后 ,脑缺血后兴奋性氨基酸的释放明显减少 ,而抑制性氨基酸的释放明显增加。结论　托吡酯能有效地抑制脑缺血中兴奋性氨基酸的释放 ,能减轻兴奋性氨基酸的毒性作用。     

Triple myxoma (right and left atrial,left ventricular)

An 11-year-old boy presented to our hospital with episodes of palpitations of short duration. 2-Dimensional echocardiography revealed tumors originating in left atrium and left ventricle. During surgery one more tumor was detected in right atrium. All three tumors were excised successfully.     

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with intracranial extension

A case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the middle ear presenting with facial paralysis and a polypoidal aural mass who subsequently had convulsions due to intracranial extension is presented for its rarity.