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Background: The term seizure is used to describe abnormal, uncontrolled paroxysmal electrical activity of brain, literature suggests that about 8 -10% of population may experience at least one episode of seizure. Neuroimaging studies like CT scan brain is recommended in adult patients with new onset seizures to determine the underlying cause, structural abnormality, and the possibility of recurrence. Because of its capacity to quickly rule out an intracranial haemorrhage or a tumour requiring immediate neurosurgical intervention, CT scan remains the first -line imaging technology in most acute care settings. Aims and Objectives: To Evaluate the CT scan study in new onset seizure and to identify a lesion in CT scan that can explain the seizure. Materials and methods: Eighty-five patients (age 18 and above) were studied in the outpatient and inpatient department of medicine of a tertiary care centre of central India from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2021. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were subjected to detailed clinical history, examination including neurological examination, and aetiology and characteristics of seizure were co related with CT scan findings. Results: The majority of patients were presented with focal seizures 55 (55%) and with generalised seizures 45(45%). Seizures are more prevalent in age 18 to 40. the prevalence of seizures was higher in males 60% than in females 40%. The abnormal CT scan findings were found in 50.6% cases where seizure were secondary to CVA infarct in 16.5%cases, whereas CVA IP bleed was noted in 10.6% ICSOL was noted in 16.6% cases, with tuberculoma and neurocysticercosis in 5.9% and 4.7% cases respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The information-seeking behavior of the radiology residents on call has undergone modernization in the recent times given the advent of easy to access, reliable online resources, and robust artificial intelligence chatbots such as Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT). Purpose The aim of this study was to conduct a baseline analysis among the residents to understand the best way to meet information needs in the future, spread awareness about the existing resources, and narrow down to the most preferred online resource. Methods and Materials A prospective, descriptive study was performed using an online survey instrument and was conducted among radiology residents in India. They were questioned on their demographics, frequency of on call, fatigue experienced on call, and preferred information resources and reasons for choosing them. Results A total of 286 residents participated in the survey. All residents had used the Internet radiology resources during on-call duties. The most preferred resource material was Radiopaedia followed by Radiology Assistant. IMAIOS e-Anatomy was the most preferred anatomy resource. There was significant (p < 0.05) difference in relation to the use of closed edit peer-reviewed literature among the two batches with it being used almost exclusively by third year residents. In the artificial intelligence-aided ChatGPT section, 61.8% had used the software at least once while being on call, of them 57.6% responded that the information was inaccurate, 67.2% responded that the information was insufficient to aid in diagnosis, 100% felt that the lack of images in the software made it an unlikely resource that would be used by them in the future, and 85.8% agreed that they would use it for providing reporting templates in the future. In the suggestions for upcoming versions, 100% responded that images should be included in the description provide by the chatbot, and 74.5% felt that references for the information being provided should be included as it reaffirms the reliability of the information. Conclusions Presently, we find that Radiopaedia met most of the requirements as an ideal online radiology resource according to the residents. In the present-day scenario, ChatGPT is not considered as an important on-call radiology education resource first because it lacks images which is quintessential for a budding radiologist, and second, it does not have any reference or proof for the information that it is providing. However, it may be of help to nonmedical professionals who need to understand radiology in layman's terms and to radiologists for patient report preparation and research writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been proposed that, thrombocytopenia is the most common haematological abnormality in pregnancy after anaemia. The incidence of severe immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in pregnancy has been difficult to report because of the rarity of the disease. Aims and objectives: Objectives were to determine the prevalence, pregnancy outcomes, treatment modalities of ITP mothers in a tertiary health care hospital in West Bengal, India. Methods: Our study was a retrospective record study. Records of the in-patient medical record department (MRD) folders of patients with ITP who delivered at Dept of G&O, N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from November 2018 to November 2022. Statistical data were analysed by using SPSS V.20 software. Results: Most common age group of the mother found to 19-25 years 10 (43.5%). Gravida 1 was 11 (47.8%), followed by gravida 2 was 8 (34.83%). IUFD was 1 (4.3%), preterm was 7 (30.4%), SA was 2 (8.7%), term was 12 (52.2%) and neonatal death was 2 (8.7%). Associated Haematological Disorder of B Thal Trait and HbE Carrier was 3 (10.3%) each. Platelet Count during AN Period as <49000 was 13 (56.5%) and 50000-99,999 was 10 (43.5%). Myasthenia gravis during pregnancy was 7 (30.4%), Methylprednisolone was 3 (13.0%), thyroid disorder was among 5 (21.7%). Conclusion: Chronic ITP in pregnancy poses more risks to mother and foetus as seen with the higher chance of PPH etc. Mothers with ITP should be screened antenatally as the chances of anomalies are high in foetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To study the respiratory variation of right atrial (RA) pressures at baseline and during atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). Methods: Of the 23 patients screened, 16 participants with typical AVNRT were included in the study. After ensuring adequate hydration, baseline RA pressures were measured as the height of 'a' and 'v' waves. The patients were asked to take deep breaths, and the measurements were taken in both inspiration and expiration. Results: Of the 16 participants, 14(87.5%) showed a normal fall in the height of 'a' and 'v' waves with inspiration, 1(6.25%) showed no change and 1(6.25%) showed a rise in height at baseline, p <0.01. During induced AVNRT, the 'a' and 'v' wave heights increased in 8(50%), remained same in 6(37.5%) and showed a normal fall in 2(12.5%), p = 0.07 for 'a' waves and p = 0.09 for 'v' waves. When the magnitude and direction of change in 'a' and 'v' wave height at baseline was compared with AVNRT, it showed a significant difference with 13(81.25%) participants demonstrating positive Pseudo-Kussmaul's sign, p <0.01. Mean age was numerically higher in those with a more considerable inspiratory rise in RA pressures but was not statistically significant, χ2(2) = 3.1, p = 0.21. Conclusions: Pseudo-Kussmaul's sign does occur in a substantial number of patients during AVNRT. Clinical appreciation of this phenomenon is possible in half to three-fourth of patients, provided the mean RA pressures are low enough for the variation to be visible in the neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) as an additive in peribulbar injections in glaucoma surgeries.Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel assignment interventional study was conducted for patients undergoing glaucoma surgeries at a tertiary eye care hospital in North India. Patients were randomized to two groups, Dexmed group and Placebo group. In the Dexmed group, dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg/kg body weight) was given as an additive along with peribulbar block. The primary outcome was change in IOP pre- and postperibulbar injections (IOP before the block, and after 5 and 15 min of the block). Secondary outcome measures were onset of block, adverse effects (bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, and level 4 sedation), and surgeon satisfaction.Results: A total of 104 patients were randomized, 52 each in the Dexmed group and Placebo group. The percentage decrease in IOP was significantly more in the Dexmed group than in the Placebo group both at 5 and 15 min' post block (P < 0.05). At 5 min, the mean percent decrease in IOP in Dexmed group was -10.48, whereas it was 2.85 in the Placebo group. At 15 min, the mean percent decrease in IOP was -22.59 and -9.42 in the Dexmed and Placebo group, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the onset of block and adverse effects. Surgeon satisfaction was significantly greater in the Dexmed group than the Placebo group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine lowers IOP significantly in patients undergoing glaucoma surgeries with safe hemodynamic changes and sedative effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  This study aimed to compare the preductal oxygen saturation (SpO 2) and heart rate (HR) in newborns during the initial 5 minutes after birth with delayed cord clamping (DCC) and early cord clamping (ECC) practices at sea level. Study Design  This prospective observational study included newborns born at >34 weeks vaginally (Dharampur, Gujarat) or through caesarean section (CS) (Kolkata, West Bengal). In Dharampur, the newborns received ECC practice (8 weeks) followed by DCC practice (10 weeks). In Kolkata, the newborns received ECC practice only (8 weeks). Results  The newborns with DCC (n  = 170) had significantly higher SpO 2 (3–8%) throughout than those with ECC born either vaginally (n  = 178) or through CS (n  = 101). The newborns with DCC had slower rise in HR during the first 2 minutes than those with ECC. The 5th and 10th percentile values of SpO 2 for newborns with DCC practice were higher than those with ECC practice. Conclusion  The trends of SpO 2 and HR during the first 5 minutes after birth indicate a relatively smoother cardiopulmonary transition by delaying cord clamping till placental delivery compared with early clamping. The reference ranges can be used for Indian newborns born by uncomplicated vaginal delivery with DCC during the first 5 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the role of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in screening of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to compare its efficacy with 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (World Health Organization [WHO]) screening criteria. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on a total of 260 women attending antenatal outpatient department of our hospital at 24–28 weeks of gestation. All women underwent 75‐g OGTT testing, and WHO 1999 criteria was used for diagnosis of GDM. Also, a HbA1c test was performed for the same women. Results: Prevalence of GDM was found to be 19.6% by OGTT. Mean HbA1c values in GDM was significantly higher than non‐GDM. HbA1c correlated well with both fasting and 2 h postprandial levels but there was better correlation with 2‐h postprandial level. Conclusion: The incidence of gestational diabetes is rising in South‐East Asian countries, especially in India. HBA1c could be a potential screening test for GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify quality indicators of the eye bank and validate their effectivity.Methods: Adverse reaction rate, discard rate, protocol deviation rate, and compliance rate were defined as Quality Indicators of the eye bank. These were identified based on definition of quality that captures two dimensions - "result quality" and "process quality." The indicators were measured and tracked as part of quality assurance (QA) program of the eye bank. Regular audits were performed to validate alignment of standard operating procedures (SOP) with regulatory and surgeon acceptance standards and alignment of activities performed in the eye bank with the SOP. Prospective study of the indicators was performed by comparing their observed values over the period 2011-2016.Results: Adverse reaction rate decreased more than 8-fold (from 0.61% to 0.07%), discard rate decreased and stabilized at 30%, protocol deviation rate decreased from 1.05% to 0.08%, and compliance rate reported by annual quality audits improved from 59% to 96% at the same time. In effect, adverse reaction rate, discard rate, and protocol deviation rate were leading indicators, and compliance rate was the trailing indicator.Conclusion: These indicators fulfill an important gap in available literature on QA in eye banking. There are two ways in which these findings can be meaningful. First, eye banks which are new to quality measurement can adopt these indicators. Second, eye banks which are already deeply engaged in quality improvement can test these indicators in their eye bank, thereby incorporating them widely and improving them over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ocular trauma constitutes an important cause of preventable visual morbidity worldwide. This study was done to study the incidence, sociodemographic pattern, and clinical profile of ocular trauma in pediatric age group. Also to evaluate the factors influencing final visual outcome in these patients.Methods: This was a prospective interventional study concerning ocular trauma in pediatric patients up to 16 years of age of either sex. Various variables having an impact on final visual outcome were studied, and results were analyzed using statistical indices - relative risk, Chi-square test, P value, and linear regression analysis.Results: A total of 220 cases of trauma were evaluated with the mean age being 8.74 ± 3.93 years, males were predominantly affected and open globe injuries outnumbered blunt injuries. Penetrating injuries accounted for 67.79% cases of open globe injury, rupture being the least (2.54%). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis executed, showed the best predictors in the descending order for final visual outcome were presenting visual acuity, size of corneal tear, type of injury, zone of injury, time period between injury and treatment with a variance of 35.9%, 6.3%, 5.3%, 3.7%, and 2.7%, respectively. All above variables were also found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) on Chi-square test.Conclusion: We report the first study on the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of pediatric ocular trauma in central India. Poor initial Visual Acuity and posterior segment involvement adversely affect the visual outcome. Early medical treatment and globe-salvaging repair should be done in all eyes suffering from trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of ocular injuries resulting from the use of firecrackers during the Diwali festival in all age groups.Materials and Methods: A single-center, retrospective, hospital-based case series presenting with ocular trauma consequent to fireworks usage in a tertiary eye care center in North India during the 5 days of Diwali festival from 2011 to 2015 was conducted.Results: A total of 53 eyes of 45 patients were included in the study, out of which the vast majority (39/87%) were males. The mean age was 20.55 years. Almost an equal number of bystanders (25/55.5%) were affected as compared to people handling the fireworks (20/44.44%). Five (9.43%) eyes had open-globe injury, whereas 48 (90.56%) eyes had closed-globe injury. Eighteen (33.96%) eyes underwent surgical intervention. Thirty-three (62.26%) eyes had final vision >20/200 with eight (15.09%) eyes being vision <3/60 in the affected eye.Conclusion: Firework-related ocular trauma can lead to serious visual impairment. Mandatory legislative laws pertaining to the manufacture, sale, and use of fireworks and creating public awareness can reduce the incidence of this preventable cause of blindness in the society. Initiating new policies for retailers involved in sale of these firecrackers can also bring in decrease of such morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Of the Study: Preterm infants are managed with antibiotics for sepsis, including suspected or probable sepsis. This leads to a delayed and abnormal colonization of the gut with potentially pathogenic organisms and a microbiome, which lacks biodiversity and increases the risk for late-onset sepsis (LOS). Probiotics have been proven to reduce the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis, but evidence for prevention of LOS is inconclusive. Probiotic effect depends also on the strain used, dose and indication for use. This study evaluated Bacillus clausii probiotic administered prophylactically to preterm neonates for prevention of LOS.Objectives: To study B.clausii given prophylactically to preterm neonates for prevention of LOS.Design: Double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.Settings: Tertiary care neonatal unit in India.Participants: Consecutive preterm neonates <34 weeks, admitted from 1 March 2012 to 28 February 2014 were stratified as extreme preterm and very preterm.Intervention: Randomized to receive either probiotic or placebo for 6 weeks, discharge from hospital, death or occurrence of sepsis, whichever was earlier.Primary Outcome: Incidence of definite and probable LOS in probiotic group compared with placebo.Results: Of 326 eligible preterm infants, 244 were enrolled and 82 were excluded. Of these, 120 were stratified as extreme preterm and randomized to receive placebo (n = 59) and probiotic (n = 61). Of 124 babies stratified as very preterm, an equal number was randomized to receive placebo (n = 62) and probiotic (n = 62). There was no significant difference in the incidence of LOS between the two arms in the extreme preterm group [29% vs. 23%; relative risk (RR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-1.66; p = 0.36] and the very preterm group (13% vs. 10%; RR 1.33; 95% CI 0.96-1.70; p = 0.32). Full feeds were achieved significantly faster in the probiotic group in both the extreme preterm (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.74-0.88) and the very preterm (RR 0.67; 95% 0.32-0.77).Conclusions: Prophylactic administration of B.clausii to preterm neonates did not result in a significant difference in the incidence of LOS as compared with placebo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on duration and patterns of breast feeding based on recall may lead to a bias about the exact feeding status. The present study was designed to overcome this bias using the 'current status analysis method'. Mothers of 650 infants from 0 to 12 months of age attending a Health Centre were interviewed about the current feeding patterns of the infants and other socioeconomic variables. Month-wise prevalence of feeding patterns was determined. It was observed that breast feeding was maintained at a high level (more than 90%) throughout infancy while exclusive breast feeding showed a rapid decline. At 1 month, 74% and at 4 months, 46% of infants were exclusively breast-fed. The median duration of exclusive breast feeding was 3.83 months. Mothers with lesser education and lower family income were more likely to exclusively breast feed (p < 0.05). The time interval between birth and first breast feed was 24-48 hours in most (48.9%) of the infants. Majority (76.9%) of the infants received pre-lacteal feeds. Hospital-born infants received their first feed earlier and were less likely to receive pre-lacteal feeds as compared to those born at home (p < 0.001). Thus, the practice of exclusive breast feeding has to be promoted amongst pregnant and lactating mothers by health personnel. Also knowledge regarding infant feeding has to be imparted in schools and colleges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is being performed at many centers, there are reservations on the routine use of laparoscopy for harvesting the right kidney due to a perception of technical complexity and increased incidence of allograft failure, renal vein thrombosis and the need for more back-table reconstruction along with increased operative time. Meterials and Methods: We performed a prospective non-randomized comparison of transperitoneal laparoscopic left donor nephrectomy (LLDN) with laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy (RLDN) from August 2008 to May 2013. The operative time, warm ischemia time, intraoperative events, blood loss and post-operative parameters were recorded. The renal recipient parameters, including post-operative creatinine, episodes of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and delayed graft function were also recorded. Results: A total of 188 LDN were performed between August 2008 and May 2013, including 164 LLDN and 24 RLDN. The demographic characteristics between the two groups were comparable. The operative duration was in favor of the right donor group, while warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss and mean length of hospital stay were similar between the two groups. Overall renal functional outcomes were comparable between the two donor groups, while the recipient outcomes including creatinine at discharge were also comparable. Conclusions: RLDN has a safety profile comparable with LLDN, even in those with complex vascular anatomy, and can be successfully performed by the transperitoneal route with no added morbidity. RLDN requires lesser operative time with comparable morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to identify causes of maternal mortality at the facility and to assess the standard of care, deficiencies in health services and preventability of these deaths using facility-based maternal death reviews. Material and Methods This was a prospective study at a tertiary care hospital that included all women who died during pregnancy or within 42 days of being pregnant during 2005-2010. Results A review of 296 maternal deaths revealed that 59% of these occurred in medical wards. Indirect maternal deaths (54%) outnumbered the direct deaths (46%). Main causes were hepatitis (18%), hemorrhage (10%) and puerperal sepsis (10%). Only 5% of the women had received antenatal care at the facility. One-third (34%) were referred from other centers. The majority (74%) were critically sick at admission. Most of the women (62%) died postpartum. Substandard care and deficient health services were identified in 8% and 20% of the cases, respectively. Sixteen (5%) maternal deaths were deemed preventable and another 36 (12%) possibly preventable. Since most of the preventable deaths (12/16) were due to hemorrhage, measures to control postpartum hemorrhage were promoted at the facility. Findings of the maternal death reviews were regularly conveyed to the State Health Department for prioritization and resource allocation to prevent maternal mortality. Conclusion More maternal deaths occurred in the medical than in the obstetrics wards at the facility. The leading causes were hepatitis, hemorrhage and puerperal sepsis. Most of the deaths were non-preventable as the women were critically sick at admission; however, substandard care and health service deficiency were contributory in some of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We studied the epidemiology of paediatric firework-related injury in the urban population of Delhi during the festival of lights ( Diwali). Methods In this prospective observational study, data were collected on the day of Diwali for two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011. All children with firework injuries coming to the emergency room were included in the study. Data were recorded in a predesigned proforma. Results Of the 65 cases, 75% were males and 25% were females; most children were more than 10 years of age and majority (90%) of them were unsupervised. Half (49%) of the cases were due to misuse of the fireworks or erratic behaviour, among which the most common observed mode was igniting cracker while holding it (18 cases; 24% of total injuries), which led to injuries to the hand and palm. Device failure was the next common cause for firework injuries, including unexpected blast of the crackers and string bomb as the most common. Overall, the most commonly injured body sites were hands (62%), face (32%) and eyes (10%). Crackers and string bomb mainly caused injuries to hands; fountains and gunpowder caused injuries to the face. Sixty (94%) children were managed conservatively and 5 (6%) required skin grafting and tendon repair. Conclusion We recommend parental supervision especially for males, wearing non-synthetic and non-flowing clothes, promoting branded crackers and educational campaigns in schools to curtail the rising trend in firework-related injuries in the paediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the efficacy and complications of uterine tamponade using condom catheter balloon in non-traumatic postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in India. Eighteen patients with non-traumatic PPH not responding to medical management were included in the study. Uterine tamponade was achieved by a condom catheter balloon filled with saline and kept in situ for 8-48 h. The main outcome measures were success rate in controlling hemorrhage, time required to stop bleeding, subsequent morbidity and technical difficulties. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: The success rate of condom catheter balloon in controlling hemorrhage was 94%. The mean amount of fluid filled in the condom catheter balloon was 409 mL. The average time taken to control bleeding was 6.2 min. The mean duration for which condom catheter balloon was left in situ was 27.5 h. The average amount of blood loss was 1330 mL. Five patients (28%) had infective morbidity. Conclusion: Condom catheter balloon is effective in controlling non-traumatic PPH in 94% cases. It is effective, simple to use, easily available and is a cheap modality to manage non-traumatic postpartum hemorrhage, especially in limited resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers the authors views on preparation methods and techniques for percutaneous renal biopsy in Indian children. They mention the lack of practice standards and rates of complications for the examination. An overview of the British Association of Pediatric Nephrology's (BAPN) criteria for the diagnostic test is also presented.

Background and Aims: Post-stroke complications can lead to frequent and major causes of death in the early phases after an acute stroke. Aims of the present study were to determine the association of several risk factors with the occurrence of poststroke complications, the predictors for the development of complications, and to evaluate how these complications affected the overall prognosis among subjects with the first ever acute stroke. This study is the pioneer study of this kind from Eastern India. Previous national and international studies on this lack uniformity in their results probably because of the following reasons: no standard definitions for complications following the stroke, varied follow-up periods ranging from 1 week to 30 months, type and severity of stroke affecting the incidence, and finally, the demographic variables. Methods: This was an observational, prospective study, in which a total of 521 adult male and female patients who had a first-ever acute stroke, aged between 12 years to 75 years were enrolled over a period of 2 years (September 2016 to September 2018), admitted in Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, India. Patients with first ever acute stroke were studied for post-stroke complications (predefined with standard criteria) during the hospital stay at Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, India, and their association with risk factors, severity of stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score, NIHSS), length of hospital stay (in days) and outcome (Modified Rankin Scale, MRS) were assessed. Results: A total of screened 498 patients who were admitted at Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, India, with first ever acute stroke were recruited. The mean age was 61.02 years (range 23-75 years), the majority being male (n = 307; 61.6%). Post-stroke complication during hospital stay was documented in 270 patients (54.2%) (males and females combined). In logistic regression analysis, multiple risk factors (OR, 1.571; 95% CI, 1.084-2.278; P-0.017), severity of stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score, NIHSS) (OR, 1.425; 95% CI, 1.027-1.976; P-0.034) and length of hospital stay (in days) (OR, 3.565; 95% CI, 2.029-6.264; P < 0.0001) were the most robust predictors of occurrence of complications. The independent predictors of poor outcome in subjects with complications were: chest infection (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.006-4.26; P = 0.048), bedsores (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.03-4.94; P-0.042), and seizures (OR, 5.072; 95% CI, 1.08-23.79; P-0.039). Conclusion: In our study, the most independent predictors of complications were severity of stroke and length of hospital stay. This observation might help clinicians in taking appropriate measures towards preventing post-stroke complications and thereby improving outcome following a stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]