Clinical profile of trichotillomania.

Twenty-four cases of trichotillomania attending psychiatry outpatient department and child guidance clinic at Kalawati Saran Children's and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospitals over a period of 2 years from July, 1985 to November 1987 were studied. Females (66.7%) outnumbered the males (33.3%). Majority of cases belonged to age group 6-10 years (54.2%) and nuclear family (68.5%). Nail-biting (25.0%) was the commonest associated neurotic trait, followed by enuresis (20.9%), temper-tantrum (12.5%), etc. A past history of hysterical fits and neurotic depression was found in 3 cases (12.5%) and 2 cases (8.3%) respectively. Family history of neurosis was seen in mothers and fathers of 20.9% and 12.5% cases respectively. Trichobezoars and trichophytobezoars were found in 6 cases (25.0%) and 3 cases (12.5%) respectively. Majority of patients of trichobezoars presented with vague complaints like heaviness in the stomach (55.6%), inability to gain weight (44.4%), etc, while 22.2% cases were asymptomatic and detected only on screening.     

Acoustic biast trauma

A 50-year old male presented with swollen right eyelids, bleeding per nostrils and a vague left post-auricular swelling for 4 months. Posterior rhinoscopy revealed one pinkish polypoidal mass in the posterior nare and roof of nasopharynx. FNAC from the post-auricular swelling suggested metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma. Incisional biopsy was done form the nasopharynx and histopathological examination proved it to be a malignant paraganglioma. The case is reported for its rarity.     

Combination of ABO blood group incompatibility and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: effect on hemolysis and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

The incidence (%) of hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin ≥257 μmol/l) was similar in neonates with a combination of ABO incompatibility and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (45%), with ABO incompatibility (54%) or G-6-PD deficiency (37%), alone (ns). Carboxyhemoglobin values, corrected for inspired CO, were similarly elevated in all three groups (0.87 ± 0.32%, 0.82 ± 0.29%, 0.76 ± 0.18%, respectively, ns), but correlated with bilirubin only in those with ABO incompatibility alone. ABO-incompatible/G-6-PD-deficient neonates, compared with those with either condition alone, are not at increased risk for hemolysis or hyperbilirubinemia.     

Distribution of HLA antigens in a sample of the North Indian Hindu population

The Indian population can be divided broadly into Dravidians and the Aryans. In this report, we have attempted to analyze the HLA genetic profile of 400 native North Indian Hindus of Aryan descent. The gene frequencies of a majority of class I and II antigens show similarity to the Caucasoid population. An interesting finding was a complete lack of antigen B14 while B16 and B41 occurred with the least frequency. Haplotype A10, B8 with significant positive linkage disequilibrium as well as showing the highest incidence is characteristic of North Indians.