Vinay V. Rao

Epidemiological trends of trauma in tertiary care centre in dakshina kannada district of karnataka, India.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To study the pattern and burden of trauma cases which presented to a tertiary care centre in an upcoming Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka, India. METHODS This was an epidemiological study. Data was collected by purposive sampling technique. Study period lasted from Jan 2013 to Aug 2013. Collected data was analyzed. RESULTS The annual incidence of trauma at our centre was 15.96% (1140 cases). Most of the injuries were reported in 21-30 years age group. The male to female ratio was approximately 2.3:1. Limb injury (66.92%) constituted the commonest form of injury. Among the various injuries, fall was the commonest cause of injury (60.78%), followed by RTA (16.75%) and assault (11.6%). A majority of the cases were admitted during night time (61.24%). CONCLUSION There has been an alarming increase in the number of trauma cases in the past decade. The target age group being the most productive one; it affects the economy directly . There is a need of urgent protective measures which are required for the benefit of the community.

Comparative Study of thyroidectomy wound closure using tissue glue versus subcuticular suture

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare closure of thyroidectomy incisions using octyl-cyanoacrylate (OCA) and traditional subcuticular suturing in terms of wound morbidity and patient satisfaction outcomes. Study Design: A prospective randomized study was performed on adult patients scheduled for thyroidectomy surgery in a tertiary referral center. Patients were randomized to have closure of thyroidectomy incisions using either OCA or subcuticular sutures. Patients were evaluated for scar appearance and pain at the operated site on 1 st and 3 rd postoperative week. Results: Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, group 1 (N-36): OCA was used and group 2 (N-38): Subcuticular sutures were used. Scar appearance was better and pain was relatively less in group 2 in early postoperative phase. Subjective sensation of pain at the operated site in the first postoperative week was more in patients in group 1, which was the only statistically significant finding (P value 0.010). Conclusion: OCA is as effective as conventional method of wound closure. Early postoperative changes of pain and appearance do not vary much. Cost is the major limiting factor in widespread usage.

High prevalence of coronary risk factors among bank employees in India

Background: Bank employees are considered to have work situation bearing directly on the health status of individual. Materials and Methods: The employees were subjected to a detailed interview, examination and appropriate laboratory investigations. Data analysis was done using the SPSS 11.5. Results: About 50% of the population had presence of more than, one coronary risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of various risk factors for bank employees paralleled the prevalence rates in urban areas as per other studies and hence appropriate counseling and other interventional measures need to be instituted in this vulnerable population, to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors for acute myocardial infarction in coastal region of india: A case-control study

Background: Various studies have shown that people of Indian origin have an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) compared with most other ethnic groups. This increased risk has been attributed to multiple risk factors related to lifestyle. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 cases and 100 age and sex-matched controls were taken into this prospective case-control study from Intensive Coronary Care Unit. Prevalence of the following risk factors for myocardial infarction: Age, sex, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, history of hypertension, history of diabetes mellitus, and lipid profile were studied. Patient data were extracted from the medical records department and by interview. Results: The most important predictor of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was high low-density lipoprotein (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 4.124, confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-11.73, P = 0.008) history of hypertension and of overt diabetes mellitus were also independent risk factors (OR: 2, CI: 1.4-3 and OR: 2.29, CI: 1.5-3.5), respectively. Low high-density lipoprotein was found to have no significant association with AMI. Heavy drinkers were found to have a high-risk (OR: 68), while moderate drinkers were found to have protection (OR: 1). Conclusion: Smoking and heavy drinking cessation, treatment of hypertension and reduction in blood glucose, correction of abnormal lipid profile either through use of statins or by dietary modification may be important in preventing IHD in Asian Indians.