Anjali Verma

Differences in levels of disability and quality of life between genders in schizophrenia remission

Background: QOL (Quality of life) and Disability have been considered inevitable components of schizophrenia from the Biopsychosocial point of view. Studies from over the world have reported significantly lower levels of QOL and higher levels of disability in schizophrenia; but there are equivocal results revealing differences in levels of disability and QOL between genders in schizophrenia. Aim: To find out the difference in the levels of QOL and disability in both the genders in schizophrenia remission. Materials and Methods: This is cross-sectional study. Sixty patients who gave consent for their participation in the study and satisfying the criterion of remission of schizophrenia, in the age group of 18-60 years, were selected. A purposive sampling technique was used. There were 34 males and 26 females in the study sample. WHO-QOL-BREF ( World Health Organization, Quality of life BREF) and WHO-DAS (World Health Organization–Disability Assessment Schedule) were administered. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of QOL and disability between the genders. Higher scores of WHO-QOL-BREF were seen in the male group, and higher scores of WHO-DAS were seen in the female group. Conclusion: Male group had better QOL, and the female group had higher disability.

Transmural migration of surgical sponge into the stomach with outlet obstruction: Rare Case

AimTo highlight the unusual postoperative clinical presentation of a retained sponge.BackgroundRecognition of postoperatively retained foreign bodies is essential but often delayed, either because of medicolegal implications or because of a confusing clinical presentation and non-specific imaging features. In contrast to radio-opaque materials which are detected at follow-up imaging, radiolucent objects like sponges create problems in identification.Case ReportA 30-year-old lady presented with intermittent non-bilious vomiting, epigastric pain and fever. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed a heterogeneous mass in the duodenum with multiple air pockets. Surgical exploration revealed a full-size surgical sponge with one end embedded in the gallbladder fossa and the other perforating the antrum of the stomach, thus causing an obstruction. The sponge was retrieved, and distal gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful.ConclusionA high degree of suspicion and awareness of non-specific symptomatology associated with retained sponges after surgery is essential for early diagnosis and correct treatment.