[Year:2023] [Month:October-December] [Volume:6] [Number:4] [Pages:4] [Pages No:69 - 72]
Keywords: Feeding difficulty, Hyperbilirubinemia, Hypoglycemia, Hypothermia, Maternal risk factors, Preterm delivery, Respiratory distress.
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-03199 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Introduction: Late preterm newborns are at a higher risk of morbidity as compared to term infants, and as a result, they require additional attention and care during their early neonatal period in order to prevent probable complications. Late preterm infants are defined as those newborns born between 34 weeks and 36 weeks and six days of gestation. They do not acquire the significant and chronic illnesses that are commonly seen in infants born before 34 weeks of gestation. Late preterm babies are typically recognized and treated as though they are term babies and they develop issues during their initial days of life. Methodology: This is a prospective cohort study conducted among newborns born during the study period of 18 months in a tertiary health center and their outcomes were studied. The newborns were observed and the general condition of the newborns was monitored during the initial 5 days of life in the hospital. Observation of common maternal factors leading to preterm births was also noted. Results: In our study, the mean baby weight was recorded as 2.57 ± 0.55. Among the preterm neonates, only 66% didn't have any complication, and 34% developed complications. In the preterm group, among mothers 16% had diabetes, 13% had hypertension and 5% had primary rupture of members (PROM). We also noticed that birth weight, and baby weight for diabetic mothers was significant in the preterm group, and hypoglycemia, hypothermia, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress, and feeding difficulty were found to be statistically significant and the risk factor and gestational age were statistically significant. (p-value < 0.001). Discussion and conclusion: We conclude that infants who are late preterm are more likely to experience various neonatal complications. The majority of preterm newborns delivered at secondary-care institutions are late preterm neonates. Hospitalizations for birth and morbidity are important risks for them. Regardless of their physical characteristics, late preterm infants should get the same level of medical care as other pre-terms.
Effect of Bhramari Pranayama on Menopausal Women
[Year:2023] [Month:October-December] [Volume:6] [Number:4] [Pages:6] [Pages No:73 - 78]
Keywords: Anxiety, Bhramari pranayama, Blood pressure, Cognitive function, Menopause
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-03202 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Background: Modern-day lifestyles increase stress due to changes at physical, mental, and emotional level. Social, career, and family pressures, coupled with deviations from traditional healthy dietary habits have contributed remarkably in escalating the physical and psychological problems faced by the women passing through the transition phase of menopause. Bhramari pranayama is a yogic breathing practice that helps to improve the physical health and the cognitive functions by reducing anxiety among menopausal women. Aim: To assess the effect of Bhramari pranayama on the physiological, psychological, and cognitive functions in menopausal women. Materials and methods: An experimental study with pre and post-design was conducted on 30 women in the age range of 40–60 years for 10 days, with an intervention of Bhramari pranayama every day for 30 minutes. Physical and psychological parameters were recorded before and after the commencement of the Bhramari practice and values of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), digit letter substitution test (DLST), blood pressure and pulse rate were collected. The subjects were given Bhramari pranayama practice instructions—verbal, in writing, and through demonstration. Results: Anxiety as measured by STAI has reduced significantly after 10 days of Bhramari pranayama (7 %, p < 0.001). Attention and concentration levels as well as eye-hand coordination have improved and are reflected in the Pre and Post-DLST scores. The effect after 10 days of Bhramari practice is 20%, p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure have decreased significantly after 10 days of Bhramari pranayama practice (10%, p < 0.001) and (10%, p < 0.001) respectively. Whereas pulse rate showed significant improvement (9%, p < 0.001) after 10 days. Conclusion: Ten days of Bhramari pranayama showed significant improvement in physical health and cognitive functions by reducing anxiety among menopausal women.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy Not So Uncommon: A Case Report
[Year:2023] [Month:October-December] [Volume:6] [Number:4] [Pages:4] [Pages No:79 - 82]
Keywords: Alcoholism, Case report, Coma, Seizure, Wernicke's encephalopathy
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-03200 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Chronic alcoholic patients present with multiple disorders. Central nervous system involvement is common in patients with chronic alcoholism. Most of them present with hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with alcohol use also have a thiamine deficiency because of chronic malnutrition. A potential life-threatening complication of thiamine deficiency is Wernicke's encephalopathy. Wernicke's encephalopathy is characterized by a triad of symptoms: ophthalmoplegia (eye signs), cerebellar dysfunction, ataxia, and altered mental state (confusion). Most patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy are alcoholics. We presented a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy, who presented with seizures followed by unconsciousness and coma. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is suggestive of cytotoxic injury with diffuse cerebellar edema.
Complete Heart Block due to Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Report
[Year:2023] [Month:October-December] [Volume:6] [Number:4] [Pages:3] [Pages No:83 - 85]
Keywords: Case report, Complete heart block, Chronic kidney disease, Hyperkalemia
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-03201 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Potassium has an important role in the electrophysiological function of the myocardium. Na–K ATPase pumps maintain a resting membrane potential of −90 mV across the myocardial cell membrane. Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte abnormality seen in chronic kidney disease patients. Hyperkalemia is associated with electrocardiographic abnormalities as it decreases the excitability and conduction velocity of pacemaker cells and conducting tissues. Typical electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in hyperkalemia are tall T waves and a short QT interval, which progresses to prolonged PR interval and the latter loss of P waves and widening of the QRS complex. Classical of the “sine wave” pattern, complete atrioventricular (heart block) block is a very rare presentation of hyperkalemia. We are presenting a case of a 65-year-old male who presented to the hospital with a history of hypotension, bradycardia, and syncope. Electrocardiogram (ECG) suggestive of complete heart block, was treated with a temporary pacemaker. After the evaluation, it was found that his serum potassium level (hyperkalemia) was very high and he responded to antihyperkalemic measures.
Framework for Performance Appraisal of Teaching Faculty in Medical Institutions
[Year:2023] [Month:October-December] [Volume:6] [Number:4] [Pages:2] [Pages No:86 - 87]
Keywords: Medical colleges, Performance appraisal, Teaching faculty
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-03198 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Performance appraisal of teaching faculty in medical institutions is an important and indispensable activity. This must be carried out periodically to ascertain the quality of output produced by faculty members under different domains and the kind of help/support which they might need to strengthen the ongoing activities. A number of techniques have been employed in different settings for performance appraisal, depending on the local requirements, available resources, and other logistics support. In conclusion, the task of performance appraisal carries immense significance in medical institutions. However, considering the availability of multiple such frameworks, it is essential that each institution should consider the pros and cons of different frameworks and then take a well-informed decision.