BackgroundFingerprints studied by dermatoglyphics are unique for a given individual. It depends on the genetic makeup of an individual. Hypertension, a harbinger of many complications, is determined by genetic and environmental factors. In this observational study, we tried to find an association of palmar dermatoglyphic parameters and hypertension.MethodTwo hundred fifty known hypertensives as cases and 250 normotensives as controls were enrolled after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dermatoglyphic patterns on tips of fingers obtained by digital imaging were noted in both the groups, and “atd” angle was calculated using “screen protractor” software. Collected data were statistically analyzed to find any association between dermatoglyphic qualitative and dermatoglyphic quantitative patterns and hypertension.ResultMean “atd” angle was higher in cases than in controls. Comparison of dermatoglyphic patterns in both the groups in various ways—both hands together, the right hand and left hand separately, similar fingers on right and left hand together, and similar fingers separately—was performed which revealed that at every level, whorls were more frequent in cases than in controls and that distribution of dermatoglyphic patterns were statistically significant in cases than in controls.ConclusionFingerprint patterns can be reliably used to identify individuals likely at risk for hypertension, and accordingly, preventive measures can be targeted. This subject area demands a need for further research and analysis with large sample size to allow dermatoglyphics to evolve into a cost-effective and handy tool for identifying individuals at risk of hypertension.
We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a 37-year-old male acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient from south India. The patient presented with high-grade fever, cough, conjunctival nodule and papulonodular hyperpigmented skin lesions. Histology of skin lesions and conjunctival nodule showed numerous intracellular Periodic Acid Schiff-positive rounded yeast cells within macrophages. Bone marrow aspirate confirmed disseminated histoplasmosis. The patient showed dramatic response after starting treatment with Amphotercin B.
Preclinical Task based learning (TskBL) is a simulated learning approach in which focus for students is a real task done by a medical professional. TskBL includes standardized patient encounters and is helpful to provide Early Clinical Exposure. Our study aimed at planning, implementing and assessing TskBL among first year Medical students and comparing it to conventional method of tutorials in Physiology MBBS curriculum.This is a non-equivalent group quasi experimental study approved by Institutional ethics committee. TskBL was conducted for five topics among first year medical students of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore for three academic years. Participants  were divided into a TskBL group and a control group. Both groups attended the theory classes in Physiology, practical sessions and clinical examinations concerning the tasks. Following this, TskBL group underwent TskBL and control group underwent tutorials. Pre and post-test assessments were conducted using the MCQ test and Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE).The mean TskBL scores for MCQ (exception:Hypertension) and OSCE (exception Anemia) were significantly higher than the tutorial group. Pre test and post test scores revealed significantly higher MCQ and OSCE scores for TskBL. Tutorial group did not show a significant improvement in test scores for all the tasks.TskBL strategy could be used for many other topics are likely to be encountered by the students during clinical attachments. Small group teaching can include TskBL over tutorials to provide early clinical exposure in medical schools.
Thyroiditis can be due to infection/autoimmunity with different clinical presentations. Correctly diagnosing and initiating treatment is a challenge to the treating physician. We present two cases of thyroiditis, who approached the physician for different complaints. The first was a female with a change in voice, foreign body sensation in throat, laryngoscopy showing left vocal cord paralysis, reduced thyroid stimulating hormone. An ultrasound neck was suggestive of thyroiditis, and a contrast enhanced computed tomography scan showed a bulky thyroid with enlarged cervical lymphadenopathy. The second patient was a female with high-grade fever, chills and the inability to take fluids-food. Assessment revealed bilateral enlarged, inflamed tonsils-membranous exudate, tender jugulo-digastric lymphadenopathy and a Technetium-99 thyroid scan suggestive of thyroiditis. Patients were admitted, treated with steroids, antipyretics, antibiotics, cured and discharged. At the three-month follow-up, they were asymptomatic, video laryngoscopy showed normal vocal cords with equal mobility in the first patient and the thyroid profile within normal range for both patients. These cases highlight that thyroiditis can co-exist with benign vocal cord palsy or occasionally also with inflammations of local tissues, such as the tonsils.
Background In India, a number of diabetes patients are rising, around 41 million Indians are suffering from diabetes. The depressed mood of an individual restricts the performance of that individual—socially, financially, and health-wise. Purpose Patients with diabetes having depression have shown worst diabetes outcomes in contrast to those suffering from type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) only, perhaps due to neglect at retaining a specific dietary regimen to control blood sugar levels, and/or not complying with regular exercise, consistent lifestyle, and treatment course. Our study aimed to analyze the presence of undiagnosed depression among adult diabetes patients and correlate complications and duration of T2DM with depression. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on diabetes cases visiting Out Patient Department (OPD) at Tertiary Care Hospital in South India. After obtaining ethics committee clearance, known diabetes adult patients on regular treatment fulfilling selection criteria, and willing to join in the study were randomly selected. Participants were interviewed, clinically examined and data pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, clinical parameters etc., were collected. Depression was judged using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) questionnaire. The association of depression with glycemic control, duration, and comorbidities associated with T2DM was studied. Results Of 224 T2DM patients studied, the average age was 58 years, with a Male-to-Female ratio 2:1. In total, 49 (22%) had undiagnosed depression, and 175 (78%) were not having clinically obvious depression. In our study, depression was significantly associated with older age, occurrence of complications like retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and heart disease, and duration of diabetes ( p < .005). Conclusion Almost a fifth of diabetes individuals had undiagnosed depression. Proper diagnosis of depression among T2DM patients and intervention at right time can change the prognosis for patients, preventing further morbidities.
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