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Biomedical subjects

M Bhalla

Publications and source records attributed to M Bhalla.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease: CT evidence of microvascular occlusion.

Patients with sickle cell disease often develop acute chest syndrome (ACS). Signs of ACS include chest pain, fever, prostration, and pulmonary opacities. Pneumonia and infarction have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Infarction as a result of microvascular occlusion and pneumonia are not easily differentiated with chest radiography or ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy. The authors evaluated the ability of thin section (3-mm) chest computed tomography (CT) to help diagnose microvascular occlusion in ACS and thus help differentiate two of its most likely causes. CT scans of the chest of 10 patients with moderate to severe ACS were retrospectively reviewed by two observers, who listed the number of bronchopulmonary segments showing consolidation; areas of ground-glass attenuation due to early hemorrhagic edema; and paucity or absence of small vessels, arterioles, and venules. In all patients, the degree of hypoxia was out of proportion to the extent of consolidation evident at chest radiography. The CT scans showed microvascular occlusion and areas of ground-glass attenuation in nine patients. Infection was ruled out in eight patients. High-resolution CT may play an important role in the initial evaluation and timely selection of an appropriate treatment regimen aimed at improving tissue perfusion, thus forestalling irreversible organ damage and chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with sickle cell disease.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1993

Chest CT in patients with scleroderma: prevalence of asymptomatic esophageal dilatation and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The high-resolution CT findings of chronic diffuse interstitial lung disease associated with scleroderma have been reported previously. This study determined the prevalence of esophageal dilatation and mediastinal adenopathy on high-resolution CT scans in patients with this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the high-resolution CT scans of 25 patients with scleroderma who had diffuse interstitial lung disease. Esophageal dilatation was diagnosed if the esophagus below the aortic arch had a single, large, nonloculated collection of intraluminal air on four or more consecutive axial images and if the luminal diameter of such an air-filled esophagus exceeded 10 mm in the coronal plane. The presence of fluid or an air-fluid level was also considered abnormal. For mediastinal adenopathy, we used the American Thoracic Society lymph node mapping scheme and the size criteria described previously. RESULTS: Asymptomatic esophageal dilatation was detected in 20 patients (80%) and mediastinal adenopathy was present in 15 (60%). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CT is useful in the detection of mediastinal adenopathy and asymptomatic esophageal involvement in patients with scleroderma. These findings can be used to narrow the differential diagnosis in patients in whom CT shows diffuse interstitial lung disease. Furthermore, the early detection of esophageal involvement in these patients shows the need for treatment to forestall the complications of esophageal dysmotility and accompanying chronic gastroesophageal reflux.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis: radiologic findings.

OBJECTIVE: Acquired nonneoplastic laryngotracheal stenosis can be either focal or diffuse. Diffuse tracheal stenosis is caused by sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, relapsing polychondritis, tracheopathia osteoplastica, and Wegener's granulomatosis. Focal tracheal stenosis, on the other hand, usually results from placement of an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube or from previous neck trauma. At our institution, since 1971, we have seen 49 cases of focal laryngotracheal stenosis that could not be attributed clinically or histologically to any one of the aforementioned causes. The purpose of this study was to study the radiologic features of these idiopathic laryngotracheal stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of records showed that radiologic studies were still available in only 15 of the 49 patients with idiopathic laryngotracheal stenoses. All 15 patients had radiographs and plain tomograms, and one patient had a CT scan of the neck. Three radiologists reviewed all the images. RESULTS: The radiologic appearance was variable: the stenoses were from 2 to 4 cm long with a lumen between 3 and 5 mm in diameter at the narrowest portion. The narrowing was concentric and shaped like an hourglass in eight patients (53%) and was eccentric in the other seven (47%). The margins of the stenosis were smooth in nine patients (60%) and irregular and lobulated in six patients (40%). A dominant mass measuring approximately 1 cm in diameter was present in two patients (13%). No evidence of calcification or ossification was seen. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis produces focal stenosis of the cervical part of the trachea, 2 to 4 cm long. The lumen is severely compromised, measuring no more than 5 mm in diameter at its narrowest portion. The stenosis can be concentric or eccentric and can have either smooth or lobulated margins. Special attention should be paid to the airways when chest radiographs of patients with a history of prolonged dyspnea and wheezing are reviewed. The prevalence of focal stenosis of the larynx and the upper part of the trachea due to tracheal intubation has declined since the introduction of low-pressure, high-volume retention cuffs. Therefore, idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with focal narrowing of the airway.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Breastfeeding in babies delivered by cesarean section.

One hundred mothers undergoing cesarean section and their infants were studied regarding various factors affecting the establishment of breastfeeding during their stay in hospital (mean = 11 +/- 3.6 days). Nearly two-thirds (65.7%) of mothers who underwent elective cesarean section, and 62.8% of mothers who received spinal anesthesia were breastfeeding exclusively; while only 53.8% mothers who had undergone an emergency cesarean section and 28.6% who received general anesthesia were exclusively breastfeeding their neonates. All 9 mothers who initiated breastfeeding within 12 h of the surgery were practicing total breastfeeding. In contrast only 5.8% of mothers who initiated breastfeeding after 96 hours, were exclusively breastfeeding their neonates. Total breastfeeding was more frequent (86.8%) in newborn infants who received prelacteal feeds by spoon as compared to those who received by feeding bottle (33.3%). Babies separated from the mothers in hospital were less likely (35.5%) to be on total breastfeeding as compared to those (68.1%) who were not separated from their mothers. This study suggests that for proper establishment of breastfeeding in mothers undergoing cesarean section an elective procedure under spinal anesthesia promotes, early initiation of breastfeeding. Early initiation of breastfeeding has highly significant correlation with establishment of breastfeeding while separation of babies from mothers discourages breastfeeding.

Anesthesia, Obstetrical↗
PubMed1993

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of indolyl quinazolones and their congeners.

6,8-Disubstituted-2-methyl-3-[2-substituted-indol-3-yl-methyl(ene)imino] -quinazoline-4(3H)-ones (III), 6,8-disbustituted-2-methyl-3-[2-substituted-indol-3-yl methyl amino]-quinazoline-4(3H)-ones (IV), 6,8-disubstituted-2-methyl-2-[5-(2-substituted-indol-3-yl)-thiazolidine- 3- one]quinazoline-4(3H)-ones (V), propionic acid derivative of 6,8-disubstituted-2-methyl-3-[5-(2-substituted indol-3-yl)-thiazolidine-3-one]-quinazoline-4(3H)-ones (VI), 6,8-disubstituted-2-methyl-3-[5-(2-substituted-indol-3-yl)-2-substituted benzylidine-thiazolidine-3-one]-quinazoline 4(3H)-ones (VII), 6,8-disubstituted-2-methyl-3-[2-substituted-indol-3-yl-4- chloroazetidine-1-one]-quinazoline-4-(3H)-ones (VIII), and 6,8-disubstituted-2-methyl-3-[2-substituted-indol-3- yl-alpha-arylazo methylimino]-quinazoline-4(3H)-ones (IX) were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenin induced paw oedema. The compounds found potent were further tested for their anti-writhmogenic activity in albino mice. The compounds exhibiting significant anti-inflammatory activity also showed marked protection against aconitine induced writhing response. The low toxicity of the potent compounds was also reflected by their high approximate LD50 values.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Lactation failure.

Seventy five mothers with lactation failure were studied, whose less than 4-month-old babies were admitted to the hospital. Partial lactational failure (94.7%) was noted more often than complete lactational failure (5.3%). Initiation of breastfeeding was delayed for 2 to 5 days usually for traditional reasons (77.3%) and because the mothers felt that the milk output was inadequate (92%). The various causes of lactation failure were determined and the relationship to various factors was analyzed. The commonest cause of lactation failure was insufficient milk or no milk (80%). The age, parity, education, socio-economic status, religion, family structure and urban vs rural status of mother--all had a bearing on the occurrence of lactation failure. An attempt was made to relactate all these mothers. The outcome was successful in 69.3 cases and failed in only 4% cases. In 26.7% cases, we cannot predict the outcome as the mothers hospital stay was very brief with no follow up.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

A phase I study of a combination of allopurinol, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin followed by hydroxyurea in patients with advanced gastrointestinal and breast cancer.

Twenty patients with advanced carcinomas of the colorectum, pancreas, stomach, and breast were enrolled in a Phase I study of a sequential administration of 5-fluorouracil-leucovorin (FU-LV) combination followed by hydroxyurea (HU) with allopurinol protection (HALF regimen). As a weekly regimen for 6 weeks, followed by a rest period of 2 weeks, FU was administered intravenously (i.v.) during infusion of a 2-hour i.v. infusion of LV at a dose of 500 mg/m2. Six hours following the FU-LV combination, HU (1 gm/m2) was administered orally. Allopurinol (300 mg every 8 hours, orally) was given the day before and on the day of the administration of the FU-LV combination. The starting dose of FU was 300 mg/m2, with escalations to 900 mg/m2. Mucositis, diarrhea, and hematologic toxicities were mild and sporadic with FU doses up to 750 mg/m2 and occurred in patients who had received prior treatment with FU and/or radiotherapy. Dose-limiting neurocerebellar toxicity was observed in 2 out of 6 patients who received a FU dose of 900 mg/m2. Three additional patients experienced moderate neuromotor toxicity at this dose level. Among 17 patients evaluable for response, partial responses were seen in 3 of the 9 patients with colorectal cancer, 1 of the 3 patients each with carcinoma of breast and pancreas. Three of the 5 responses occurred in patients who had received prior treatment with FU and/or radiation therapy. An FU dose of 750 mg/m2 is recommended for a Phase II trial of the HALF regimen.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Cystic fibrosis: scoring system with thin-section CT.

The progression of lung disease in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) was evaluated with chest radiography. The severity and extent of the various radiographic changes were scored with the Chrispin or the Birmingham method, which involves the use of imprecise and subjective terms, such as line shadows, large pulmonary shadows, and nodular cystic lesions. Although computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be helpful in the evaluation of lung disease in CF, no scoring system or other objective criteria have been developed for the evaluation of the wide range of pulmonary changes in these patients. A CT scoring system was devised that incorporates all of the changes seen in the lungs of patients with CF. Such a scoring system may facilitate objective evaluation of existing and newly developed therapeutic regimens and may be a valuable tool in the preoperative evaluation of patients being considered for lobectomy or bullectomy and in the selection of patients for lung transplantation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Poliomyelitis with special reference to immunization status.

One hundred ninety one children below 5 years of age suffering from poliomyelitis were analyzed to find out the immunization status and its correlation with the incidence of poliomyelitis. Effects of age, sex, immunization status and seasonal variation on the morbidity and mortality status were studied. The maximum number of cases were admitted during the months of July (23.6%) and August (23.1%). Of 191 cases, 143 (74.9%) had no immunization and 48 (25.1%) were partially immunized. A total of 155 (81.2%) cases had spinal polio, 23 (12.01%) bulbo-spinal polio, and 13 had (6.8%) bulbar polio. Serious illness (bulbospinal and bulbar type) was more in partially immunized children (25%) as compared to unimmunized children (16.8%). The mortality rate was more than two times higher in the partially immunized (29.6%) as compared to unimmunized children (11.2%). The possible explanation for high mortality in partially immunized children could be due to the adverse effect of OPV which has not been studied so far.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

High resolution computed tomography in early scleroderma lung disease.

Seventeen patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc) underwent high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest to evaluate dyspnea and/or abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFT). All patients were assigned a dyspnea score and each had routine chest radiography (CXR). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on 10 patients. HRCT was abnormal in 15 patients (88%), while CXR was abnormal in only 10 patients (59%). Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was detected in 7 patients (41%). Disease duration, dyspnea score, and forced vital capacity (FVC) did not correlate with HRCT score. However, trends toward higher total BAL cell counts and higher BAL neutrophil counts were noted in patients with ground glass opacities on HRCT, and BAL lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in such cases. HRCT is superior to CXR for detecting early interstitial lung disease in SSc, but patient history and FVC correlate poorly with HRCT findings. Ground glass opacities on HRCT may reflect active alveolitis, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy associated with SSc lung disease may be a consequence of pulmonary inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Hepatitis B virus infection and its transmission in preschool children.

In the present study, 2.5% of 367 preschool children has HBsAg positivity. Of 11 mothers who were HBsAg positive during the third trimester of pregnancy, 4 had babies (36.4%) who developed HBsAg positivity by 2.5-3 months of age (vertical transmission). Two babies born of HBsAg negative mothers, with history of jaundice during first trimester, were HBsAg negative. All the relatives of HBsAg positive cases screened were negative for HBsAg.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1990

Lung hernia: radiographic features.

Lung hernia is an abnormal protrusion of the lung beyond the confines of the thoracic cage. Hernias are classified as cervical, intercostal, or diaphragmatic. Each of these types can be either congenital or acquired. Acquired hernias can be spontaneous, posttraumatic, or pathologic as a result of a neoplastic or inflammatory process. This report describes five cases of lung hernias. Two were congenital cervical hernias, detected as incidental findings on chest radiographs of infants. One was a posttraumatic intercostal hernia detected on a chest radiograph and confirmed with CT. The remaining two were acquired intercostal hernias at the site of prior chest-tube drainage of tuberculous empyemas. Although both of these were clearly shown on CT scans, only one was visible on chest radiographs.

Aged↗