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Biomedical subjects

D M Thappa

Publications and source records attributed to D M Thappa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Reactive arthritis, psoriasiform lesions and protein loosing enteropathy secondary to Strongyloidiasis.

Reactive arthritis is associated with demonstrable infection at a distant site without evidence of sepsis at the affected joint(s). We present a rare case reactive arthritis where no bacterial or chlamydial infections could be established, rather larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis could be demonstrated in the stool and duodenal biopsy. Reactive arthritis, psoriasiform lesions and malabsorption with hypoproteinaemia, responded to successful treatment with antihelminthic drugs. Early recognition and adequate treatment for gastrointestinal infections and infestations before complications is important.

Adult↗

Leg ulcers in active lepromatous leprosy associated with cryoglobulinaemia.

A 40-year-old male agricultural labourer presented with active lepromatous leprosy and painful leg ulcers of 2 months' duration. Biopsy from the ulcer showed nonspecific changes. Raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and positive rheumatoid factor made us suspect underlying cryoglobulinaemia. Presence of cryoprecipitate in the serum, demonstration of cryoglobulins by serum electrophoresis and raised cryocrit were compatible with cryoglobulinaemia as the cause of atypical leg ulcers in this case. The ulcers healed with bed rest, aspirin and specific anti-leprosy treatment. Though 95% of lepromatous leprosy patients can have cryoglobulinaemia, the presence of atypical ulcers as seen in our patient has not previously been related to the presence of cryoglobulinaemia.

Adult↗

Sexually transmitted diseases and sexual lifestyles of long-distance truck drivers: a clinico-epidemiologic study in south India.

Our study objective was to determine the prevalence and pattern of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to study sexual lifestyles of long-distance truck drivers and their assistants in south India. For this, a total of 263 truck drivers/assistants were recruited from the highway clinic from October 1999 to March 2001. All of them were sexually active and heterosexual contact was the predominant mode (99.2%). Two-thirds of them had contact with commercial sex workers (CSWs) and roughly 60% admitted alcohol consumption. One hundred and two participants (38.7%) had various STDs. The positivity rates of HIV, VDRL and HBsAg were 15.9%, 13.3% and 21.2% respectively. The higher median age, education less than primary school level, longer duration of occupation, longer duration of each trip and a previous history of genital ulcer disease were significant risk factors for the acquisition of HIV infection.

Adolescent↗

Amyloidosis cutis dyschromica in two siblings.

Amyloidosis cutis dyschromica (ACD), a rare distinct type of primary cutaneous amyloidosis was noted in two siblings: a 25-year-old male and his brother aged 20 years. It was characterized by reticulate hyperpigmentation with hypopigmented spots seen almost all over the body without any papulation. This familial disorder has been reported mostly from Japan. Our report of familial ACD is probably the first from India.

Adult↗