Differentiation between glomerular and non-glomerular haematuria by observation of the changes in red cell morphology using phase-contrast microscopy is a well established technique. However, the method is not widely accepted in clinical practice because of controversy regarding the minimum percentage of dysmorphic red cells required to diagnose glomerular aetiology, as well as the need for specialized microscopes. Recently, a glomerular-specific morphological alteration of red cells has been described, which has the form of a doughnut shape with one or more blebs and which is termed the "G1" cell. In the present double-blind prospective study 250 urine samples were examined without any knowledge of diagnosis. Haematuria was detected in 122 cases. The type of haematuria was characterized by counting dysmorphic cells and G1 cells separately, in each case using a phase-contrast microscope as well as an ordinary bright-field microscope with and without staining of urinary sediments. The results were later correlated with the confirmed diagnosis. The study showed that the G1 cell is more specific than the dysmorphic cell for the diagnosis of glomerular haematuria. Evaluation of both dysmorphic red cells and G1 cells can be done using bright-field microscopy with 100% specificity and sensitivities of 82 and 100%, respectively. It has been concluded that the ordinary bright-field microscope can be used for the diagnosis of glomerular haematuria with an efficiency similar to that of a phase-contrast microscope.

Summary:Primary pelvic hydatid cyst is a rare entity. Pelvic hydatid cysts usually present with pressure symptoms involving adjacent organs (bladder and rectum usually). A case of primary pelvic hydatid cyst presenting with obstructive uropathy leading to chronic renal failure is presented. A combination of preoperative albendazole therapy of 1.2 g/day for 8-12 weeks and surgical excision were effective in alleviating the symptoms and improving the renal function.

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Background:Paucity of systematic studies in elderly mental health in an aging population is an urgent need, which is required to address services and planning issues for health.Aim:The present study aims to investigate the distribution of physical, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive disorders of a community sample of elderlies with certain socioeconomic data.Materials and Methods:A door-to-door household survey was conducted to identify houses with elderlies (≥55 years) in two urban localities of Lucknow. Mini mental state examination (MMSE), Survey Psychiatric Assessment Schedule (SPAS)/Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and physical and neurological examination were used for screening all consenting elderlies. MMSE positive participants were assessed on Cambridge Mental Disorders of the Elderly Examination-Revised for diagnosis of cognitive disorders; SPAS/MDQ positives were assessed on Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry based clinical interview for diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders other than cognitive disorders (using ICD-10 criteria). Routine and indicated laboratory/radiological investigations on all and on MMSE/SPAS (organic section) positive/physically ill participants respectively were done to confirm organic and/or physical illness. Only percentages were calculated to find the distribution of morbidity.Results:The sample had proportionate age structure as that of the surveyed population and had balanced gender representation in each age deciles. Prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders (with/without comorbidities) was 11.8% in the elderlies (60 years and above) highest being in the 60-69 years age group. Being women and of lower socioeconomic status was more commonly associated with a neuropsychiatric diagnosis. 7.6% of the elderlies had cognitive impairment. Overall findings suggest a prevalence rate of 17.34% of total psychiatric morbidity among elderlies. A significant number had comorbid physical illness diagnoses.Conclusion:More than half the elderlies had some diagnosable physical or mental ailment. The study familiarizes us to the significant amount of physical and psychiatric comorbidity in the particular age group. About one-fifth was found to suffer from psychiatric morbidity, which any health services for the elderly should be oriented towards.