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Introduction: Chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis (CKD-5D) are among the worst hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Need to travel for dialysis, comorbidities, and immunosuppressive state put them at risk of severe disease and poor outcomes. We report our experience of COVID-19 in a cohort of CKD-5D from a public sector tertiary-care center from western India. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 58 CKD-5D patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to our COVID-19 hospital. Suspected COVID-19, acute kidney injury (AKI), or AKI on CKD were excluded. We studied the clinical, demographic, radiological, and laboratory profiles; treatment; and outcomes of the patients. We assessed the potential clinical and laboratory parameters to predict mortality. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.7 ± 16.9 years, with 55% males. Comorbidities included hypertension (65%), diabetes (19%), and cardiovascular disease (15.5%). The presenting features included fever (69%), respiratory distress (50%), upper respiratory symptoms (36%), and diarrhea (13%). Five (8.6%) were asymptomatic. Bilateral infiltrates on chest imaging were the commonest radiological pattern. The patients were managed with oxygenation, hydroxychloroquine, steroids, anticoagulation, remdesivir, and favipiravir. Twenty-two (37.9%) patients died, predominantly due to respiratory failure. Disease severity and C-reactive protein (CRP) above 175 mg/L at admission were the only parameters predictive of mortality. Conclusion: CKD-5D patients with COVID-19 were less likely to present with the classical syndrome of fever and respiratory distress compared with reports from the general population and had higher mortality. Only disease severity and high CRP (>175 mg/L) were predictive of mortality in our cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical performance refers to the functional demonstration of task. Little is known about physical performance among Indian kidney-transplant recipients(KTRs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physical performance among Indian KTRs and to find its determinants from transplant, demographic, or behavior components. Methodology: In this single-center, prospective observational study, 149 KTRs with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 ml/min/1.72 m2 and posttransplant duration (PTD) >6 months were enrolled. Physical performance was evaluated by 6 minute walk distance (6MWD), dominant hand grip strength (DHGS), numbers of 1 minute sit to stand (1MSTS), and time taken to perform 5 times sit to stand (5xSTS). Multivariate analysis was performed between transplant-related components(PTD, dialysis vintage, eGFR, and comorbidity); health behavioral components(total physical activity [TPA], sedentary time, fear of activity participation, body mass index, abdominal circumference); demographic components (age and gender); and each of the physical performance measures. Results: The average 6MWD was 392 ± 96.2 meters, the DHGS was 33.1 ± 6.8 kg, the number of 1MSTS repetitions was 24.0 ± 3.7/min, and the time taken to do 5xSTS was 10.6 ± 1.9 s among participants. When adjusted for cofounders with multivariable analyses, the health behavior of habitual physical activity was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) associated with all aspects of physical performance. Conclusion: Relatively low physical performance was seen among KTRs. Behavior of participation in physical activity contributed to the positive change in all aspects of physical performance against transplant and demographic variables, and it is the major determinant of physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tunneled cuffed catheters (TCC) provides a short and intermediate-term access solution for dialysis patients who fail to get an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). They are associated with high morbidity and mortality along with high rates of infectious complications. Methods: We present a single-center prospective cohort of 159 TCCs inserted over one year. Patients were dialyzed in-hospital and in various peripheral dialysis units attached to the institute. The primary endpoint was catheter drop-out. Results: The mean age of patients was 41.8 ± 16.9 years. The right internal jugular vein was the commonest site of TCC insertion (66%). The absence of suitable veins was the predominant reason for TCC insertion. The mean time to catheter drop-out was 134.4 ± 83.3 days (5-399 days). Death with a working catheter was the most common cause of catheter drop-out (22.6%). About 25% of catheters were lost to catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), either alone or as overlap with poor flow. CRBSI rates were 3.74 episodes per 1000 catheter-days. No difference in survival between the staggered tip and split-tip catheters was found. Conclusions: With the advent of the "hub and spoke" model for dialysis in the public sector healthcare, TCCs are suboptimal with regards to patient and catheter survival, with high infection rates. It must be regarded as a temporary solution and AVF creation should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) is widely accepted as most successful treatment option for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) for better survival and quality of life for both children as well as adults. Data scarcity on long term outcome of living donor (LD) versus deceased donor (DD) pediatric KT in developing countries prompted us to review our experience. Aims and Objectives: To determine(1) long term graft, (2)patient survival outcome and (3) rejection episodes in LD versus DD pediatric KT in developing country. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational analysis of 151 LD and 37 DD pediatric renal transplants (age ≤18 years) performed at a tertiary care center between 1998 and 2011. This study was under taken to evaluate long term patient and graft survival, rejection episodes and other complications. Demographic details for all patients was retrieved. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 3.61 years, one-, five- and ten- year death-censored graft survival in LDKT was 87.4%, 72.1%, 72.1% and patient survival was 92.5%, 80.9%, 75.1% respectively; 19.8% (n = 30) patients had biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR) and 17.8% (n = 27) patients died, mainly due to infections (n = 12). In DDKT, over mean follow-up of 3.93 ± 3.5 years, one-, five- and ten-year death-censored graft survival was 90.4%, 86.4% ,73.3% and patient survival was 83.4%, 67.9%, 67.9 %, respectively; 21.6% (n = 8) patients had BPAR and 27% (n =10) patients died, mainly owing to infections (n = 6). Conclusion: LDKT or DDKT in children has acceptable graft function with patient/graft survival over long-term follow-up, encouraging to develop sustained deceased donor program in developing countries. However, infections are major cause of morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There is a paucity of research investigating the association between antenatal care (ANC) attendance and child undernutrition in Madhya Pradesh, India. Aim: To determine whether body weight status in children under the age of 5 years is associated with ANC attendance in Madhya Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using data from India's National Family Health Survey (2005–2006). Bodyweight status (an indicator of undernutrition) was determined using weight-for-age. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to estimate prevalence and obtain adjusted odds ratios (AOR) to investigate associations between ANC indicators and weight-for-age. Results: Majority of children were underweight (55.1%). ANC attendance was inadequate, with only 36.8% of women having four or more visits. None of the ANC indicators were associated with body weight status. Increased child age especially an age of 2 years (AOR 2.29; 1.66–3.15), belonging to a scheduled tribe [ST] (AOR 2.36; CI 1.64–3.39), scheduled caste [SC] (AOR 1.75; CI 1.25–2.45) or other backward caste [OBC] (AOR 1.43; CI 1.08–1.89) were associated with being underweight; a birth weight of ≥2.5 kg was associated with lower relative odds of being underweight (AOR 0.43; CI 0.29–0.64). Mothers who had a normal BMI (AOR 0.66; CI 0.53–0.82) or were overweight (AOR 0.42; CI 0.25–0.69) were less likely to have underweight children. Conclusions: ANC attendance was not associated with body weight status. Increased child age, low birth weight, poor maternal nutrition status and belonging to SCs, STs or OBCs increased the odds of child undernutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study was conducted to look for association of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with renal functions in renal transplant recipients and to examine which clinical measures after renal transplantation are connected to aspects of their HRQoL. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at IKDRC/ITS, Ahmedabad, between 2013 and 2016. Only patients who completed minimum 3 months posttransplant were included in the study. The responses were summarized and transformed to give eight summary scales which were grouped as physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) to give total HRQoL. Results: Out of 54 patients, 74% were males and 26% patients were females. Age distribution was between 18 and 62 years. Most common cause of end-stage renal disease was chronic glomerulonephritis (42.6%). Forty-seven patients underwent live-related kidney transplant while 7 received kidneys from cadaver. Mental health and MCS scores in males were significantly higher (<0.05) than females. With respect to age, the transplant patients were divided into four groups: younger than 30 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-year-old or older. No difference was found in any scale score between the age groups. The scale scores of PCS in patients with serum creatinine level >2 mg/dL were significantly lower (<0.05) than those of patients with serum creatinine <2 mg/dl. When compared in between patients who had rejection to those who did not, there was no significant difference in MCS and PCS. The scores of patients with cadaveric transplantation were similar to those who received a living-related transplantation. Longer time since the transplant operation was significantly associated with lower scores of the vitality scale. Conclusion: SF-36 V2 is a good tool to monitor HRQoL in renal transplant recipients. Episodes of hospitalization and rejection did not affect the present HRQoL in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The best and most cost-effective treatment for end-stage renal disease patients is living donor (LD) renal transplantation. It has survival benefit compared to deceased donor (DD) kidney transplant (DDKT) and long-term dialysis and provides a better quality of life. Efficient and effective kidney allocation methods are increasingly necessary to address the problem of organ scarcity. The use of kidney paired donation transplant has increased access to LD kidney transplantation (LDKT) with outstanding results. ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (KT) and desensitization protocol can expand the donor pool, but as integral to any aggressive immunosuppression protocol, they are associated with increased risk of infection and malignancy. Given the widespread organ shortage, DDKT from donors with sepsis, donors who died from snakebite or acute kidney injury, controlled donation after cardiac death, older donors, can be considered for KT with an acceptable outcome. The acceptable outcome can be achieved with dual KT using kidneys from expanded criteria donors in older population. Dual KT from pediatric donors to adult recipients or from adult marginal DDs is a promising way to expand the donor pool. Carefully selected donor with HIV, HCV, and HBV positivity is not a contraindication for living kidney donation. Careful and meticulous selection of patient and donor is essential for successful outcome. Affordable or free transplantation is other way to increase transplantation rate in developing country. The community support can make transplantation available free to the poor patients under community-government partnership. Various steps should be taken to promote LDKT and DDKT program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia during adolescence affects growth and development of girls and boys increasing their vulnerability to dropping out-of-school. Hence investing in preventing anemia during adolescence is critical for their survival, growth and development. Objective: To find out the burden of anemia on adolescent age group in the tribal area of Jhagadia block and to assess the change in the hemoglobin level through the weekly Iron and Folic Acid IFA (DOTS) directly observed treatment supplementation under Supervision by Peer Educators at Community level among adolescents. Methods: Community based intervention study conducted with adolescents (117 girls and 127 boys) aged 10-19 years, through supplementation of IFA (DOTS) by trained Peer Educators for 52 weeks in 5 tribal villages of Jhagadia. Hemoglobin level was determined by HemoCue method before and after intervention and sickle cell anemia by Electrophoresis method. Primary data on hemoglobin and number of tablets consumed was collected and statistically analyzed in SPSS 16.0 software by applying paired t-test. Results: The overall findings suggest that the prevalence of anemia reduced from 79.5% to 58% among adolescent girls and from 64% to 39% among boys. Mean rise of hemoglobin seen was 1.5 g/dl among adolescent boys and 1.3 g/dl among girls. A significant association was found in change in hemoglobin before and after intervention (P = 0.000) Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia among girls and boys can be reduced in their adolescent phase of life, through weekly supplementation of iron folic acid tablets under direct supervision and Nutrition Education by Peer Educator at community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tinnitus, the perception of the sound in the absence of an external acoustic source, disrupts the daily life 1 out of every 200 adults, yet its physiological basis remains largely a mystery. The generation of tinnitus is commonly linked with the impaired functioning of the outer hair cells (OHC) inside the cochlea. Otoacoustic emissions are the objective test used to assess their activity. Objective: The objective of the investigation was to study the features of Distortion product OtoAcoustic emissions (DPOAE) in a group of tinnitus patients with normal hearing and to ind out whether there is any difference in DPOAE indings in the tinnitus patients with normal hearing and in persons with normal hearing with no complaint of tinnitus. Materials and Methods: The participants consisted of two groups. The subject group consisted of 16 ears of patients, in which 6 subjects were having tinnitus in both ears while 4 subjects were having tinnitus only in one ear. All subjects were aged between 20 to 60 years with complaint of tinnitus with audiometrically normal hearing. Control group was comprised of 16 audiometrically normal hearing ears of persons who were age and gender matched with the subject groups and had no complaint of tinnitus. Both the subject group as well as control group was subjected for DPOAE test. Findings of both the groups were compared using the unpaired t test. Result and conclusion: It was observed that the amplitudes of DPOAE were significantly lower in tinnitus patients than that of persons without complaint of tinnitus, at a frequency of 1281-1560, 5120-6250, 7243-8837 Hz, which imply that decrease of DPOAEs amplitudes may be related to the presence of tinnitus. It can be concluded that there is association between tinnitus and reduced OHC activity which indicate the OHC of cochlea are involved in the generation of tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Tinnitus is widespread amongst clients attending hearing clinics and has been associated with a range of physical and emotional disorders. This study was undertaken with the assumption that tinnitus has a negative impact on psychological well-being as well as on mental concentration of the person. Materials and Methods: Three groups were selected, comprising 10 participants each. Two groups consisted of subjects with tinnitus complaints. The first group had no hearing loss (Tinnitus group (TIG)), the second group had mild hearing loss (PTA >25, <40 dBHL) (Tinnitus group with hearing impairment (TWHIG)), and the third group had no tinnitus or hearing loss (Normal control group (NCG)). After an audiological assessment, the following questionnaires were administered: 1) nature of tinnitus questionnaire, 2) tinnitus reaction questionnaire, 3) the symptom checklist (SCL-90-R), and 4) cognitive failure questionnaire (CFQ). Out of these, four were administered to all tinnitus groups while only the last two were administered on NCG. The results of these tests were compared using a t- test. Results: Participants with tinnitus reported significantly more psychological distress symptoms and everyday cognitive failures than the control group. Conclusion: Our assumption about the potential negative impact of tinnitus on psychological well-being as well as on mental concentration is supported by our study results. Implication: The present study indicates that there is a greater need for providing counseling as well as psychological intervention to reduce stress and assistance in coping with the cognitive failures for persons with tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Paired-kidney exchange (PKE) is used in western countries to increase donor pool. In India, there are not many centers involved in PKE program. We present 10 years of this experience and outcome of the recipients. Materials and Methods: Between year 2000 and 2009, 34 transplants with PKE were performed. All donors were live related, and permission from Authorization committee(s) from one or more states was obtained prior to transplantation. Both donor and recipient surgeries were carried out simultaneously in all cases at a single institution. Last 10 donors were offered laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and all other previous donors were operated by open surgery. Results: Five donor-recipient pairs were from the state of Rajasthan, one from Madhya Pradesh, and all others from Gujarat. ABO incompatibility between donor and recipient was present in 12 pairs and positive lymphocyte cross-match in 5 pairs. Conclusion: Paired-kidney-exchange transplantation expands donor pool and total number of transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral cancer is the leading malignancy in India. Nitric oxide and antioxidant enzymes play an important role in etiology of oral cancer. Therefore, the present study evaluates nitric oxide and antioxidant enzyme levels in healthy individual without tobacco habits (NHT, N=30) and healthy individuals with tobacco habits (WHT, n=90), patients with oral precancers (OPC, n=15) and oral cancer patients (n=126). Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the subjects. NO2+NO3 (nitrite+nitrate), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels were estimated using highly specific spectrophotometeric methods. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS statistical software version 10. Results: Mean plasma NO2+NO3 levels were elevated in patients with OPC and oral cancer patients as compared to the controls. Mean activities of erythrocyte SOD and catalase were higher in WHT than NHT. Erythrocyte SOD and catalase levels were higher in WHT and patients with OPC as compared to NHT. The erythrocyte SOD and catalase activities were lower in oral cancer patients than patients with OPC. The erythrocyte SOD activity was higher in advanced oral cancer than the early disease. Erythrocyte catalase activity was lower in poorly differentiated tumors than well and moderately differentiated tumors. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that alterations in plasma NO2+NO3 levels were negatively associated with changes in erythrocyte SOD activities. Conclusion: The data revealed that the alterations in antioxidant activities were associated with production of nitric oxide in oral cancer, which may have significant role in oral carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: When a desensitization protocol is unsuccessful, a look-back into kidney paired donation (KPD) pool may facilitate transplantation. A 53-year male developed end stage renal disease (ESRD) due to chronic glomerulonephritis. His immunological profile remained unacceptable for transplantation with wife as potential donor even after desensitization protocol. Lymphocytotoxicity crossmatch, flow crossmatch and donor specific antibodies [DSA] were favorable for transplantation with rescue swap donor. Two-way KPD exchange was performed with steroid and rabbit anti-thymoglobulin induction under triple immunosuppressive regimen. Both recipients were discharged with stable allograft function. This case suggests that in case of an unsuccessful attempt at desensitization, rescue KPD can be used for salvaging failed desensitization treatment and increase the transplantation rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case study conducted to examine the effectiveness of the maternity schemes in Gujarat to increase institutional deliveries. It mentions that the study is based on a secondary analysis of community based data collected by village level frontline workers of SEWA‑Rural (SR), a NGO located in Jhagadia block of Gujarat since 1980. It concludes that most of the women who delivered at hospital after initiation of maternity schemes chose hospital for subsequent delivery.

Introduction: The role of sutures in cosmetic cutaneous surgery is to close a wound and promote healthy wound healing with good cosmetic results. The ears are not only one of the most visible parts of the body, but also very fashionable and make a major statement by how they look and what jewelry a person wear. Lobuleplasty is the repair of torn ear lobule. Aim and Objective: To compare long-term results of Plain catgut 5-0 and Vicryl 5-0 suture materials in lobuleplasty of 88 patients from July 2009 to June 2011. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 88 patients who underwent lobuleplasty in Department of ENT, from July 2009 to June 2011, using Plain catgut 5-0 in 66 ears and Vicryl 5-0 suture material in 66 ears under local anesthesia as a day care procedure was performed. Observation and Results: All patients in the catgut group and Vicryl group were followed up on the seventh day and after 3 months for evaluation. No patient had wound infection and dehiscence in either group. Twenty-two ears (33%) were having a complaint of itching in the catgut group, whereas 11 ears (16.5%) in the Vicryl group, which is statistically significant by the χ2-test. The average score for the scar mark at 3-month follow-up for the catgut group was 5 and for the Vicryl group was 8. Conclusion: The modern cosmetic surgeons have significantly increased a number of suture materials to choose from. When making this decision, it is important to consider the risk of infection, cost, cosmetic result, and wound location. From our study, we conclude that the Vicryl group was having less tissue reaction than the catgut group and appearance of the scar mark was better than the catgut group. Therefore, the Vicryl group can be preferred as a suture material for lobuleplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition. Incidence of OSMF in India is 0.5%, mainly found in southern states and also in Saurashtra region. The pathological changes can involve mucosa, submucosa and the underlying muscles. The changes of tubal and paratubal muscles can affect the eustachian tube function. So, this study was carried out with an aim to determine the effect of OSMF on the eustachian tube function. Materials and Methods: 54 ears of 27 patients with OSMF and 50 ears of 25 normal persons were screened by eustachian tube function test (ETFT) after thorough history taking and clinical examination. Results: Out of the 54 ears in the OSMF group, type A curve was obtained in 42 (77.8%) ears, type B curve in none and type C curve was found in 12 (22.2%) ears, as compared to the normal group in which type A curve was obtained in 46 (92%) ears, type B curve in 2 (4%) ears, type C curve was found in 2 (4%) ears. On testing compliance of the middle ear, no change was observed at -200 daPa in 15 (27.8%) ears in the OSMF group and 5 (10%) ears in the normal group. Conclusion: The data observed were statistically analyzed by chi-square test, which suggested significant association between OSMF and eustachian tube function. Therefore, it can be concluded that eustachian tube function may be affected in OSMF and vice versa. So, while treating OSMF, hearing disability due to eustachian dysfunction has to be kept in mind and vice versa because treatment of hearing disability without taking care of OSMF will not be successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Assessment of serum interleukin-8 as a sensitive serological marker in monitoring the therapeutic effect of levamisole in recurrent aphthous ulcers: A randomized control study" by P. Gupta and others in the 2014 issue.

A nevus in the external auditory canal is very rare. So far, fewer than 20 cases of nevus in external auditory cnal have been reported in the literature. In this case the patient presented with complaints of ear discharge, otalgia, and deafness. These symptoms are present in common diseases like polyp with otitis media, unsafe otitis media or keratosis obturans or rarely a malignant lesion. The purpose of this case report is to keep in mind such rare possibility with common symptoms of presentation and relevant management of the disease can be done thus avoiding unnecessary extensive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims of the study: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, the determinants of plasma total homocysteine concentrations, and the relationship of total homocysteine with parameters of nutrition and inflammation. We also studied correlation between homocysteine level and carotid intimal medial thickness (CIIVlT), which is a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis in a sample of patients with CKD and not yet on dialysis. Materials and Methods: The study was done in outpatient from the Nephrology Division of our institute. Thirty-eight patients with CKD (29 males/9 females; age 50±14 years) with moderate to severe renal impairment (CRCl.=26.9±13.7 mL/min, clinically stable, and older than 18 years were included. Fasting blood samples were collected to determine plasma total homocysteine, folate, vitamin B-12, serum albumin, C-reactive protein and creatinine. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The main results showed that the concentration of total homocysteine in the patients was significantly increased (26.8±13 mmol/L). Plasma folate and plasma vitamin B-12 were in the normal range. A high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (> 15 mmol/L) was found in the patients (82%). Plasma total homocysteine inversely correlated with CrCl. (r² = -0.121), folate (r² = -0.251) and Vitamin B12 (r² = -0.341). There was positive association between homocysteine and albumin (r² = 0.152). Significant positive correlation was also found with CIMT (r² =0.273). Homocysteine level was lower in CRP negative group. According to the multiple regression analysis, the determinants of total homocysteine were only plasma folate, plasma vitamin B-12, and albumin. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was found in our sample of nondialyzed patients with CKD. The determinants of total homocysteine levels were plasma folate, plasma vitamin B-12, and albumin. There was strong association between homocysteine and atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]