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Biomedical subjects

R K Garg

Publications and source records attributed to R K Garg.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Neuroimaging abnormalities in Indian patients with uncontrolled partial seizures.

In this series we performed clinical and imaging evaluation of 77 consecutive patients with uncontrolled partial seizures. Single cerebral parenchymal calcification (22 patients) was the most common imaging abnormality. Nine patients had multiple punctate calcifications. Other CT abnormalities included persistence of granulomatous lesion (enhancing) or multiple cystic lesions. In nine patients (of 22 patients with a normal CT scan) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done, and two patients were seen to have circumscribed cystic lesions in the temporal lobes. The causes for uncontrolled seizures in India are totally different and revolve around neurocysticercosis, as the parasite sometimes runs a very long course of evolution in the brain. Sequelae of neurocysticercosis in the form of calcification is often a focus of epileptogenicity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Intramedullary spinal cysticercosis: response to albendazole: case reports and review of literature.

In India cestode infection 'neurocysticercosis' is the commonest parasitic disease of the central nervous system; it may involve the brain parenchyma, the meninges or ventricles and, infrequently it involves the spinal cord. Involvement of spinal cord has variably been reported to be 1-5%. We report two cases of intramedullary spinal neurocysticercosis, which is a rare disease.

Albendazole↗
PubMed1998

Single enhancing CT lesions in Indian patients with seizures: clinical and radiological evaluation and follow-up.

Single enhancing lesions in cranial computed tomography (CT) are the commonest imaging abnormality in Indian patients with seizures. We studied 101 such patients who had single CT lesions at least 6 months prior to enrollment in the study. A repeat CT scan was performed in each case after enrollment in the study. The majority of patients were below 10 years of age. Simple partial tonic/ clonic convulsions were the commonest type of seizure encountered irrespective of location of the CT lesion. The parietal lobe was the commonest site of location. All patients with a parasagittal location of the lesion had Todd's palsy. All patients had an acute seizure episode or a cluster of seizures (multiple within 24 h). Ten patients presented with simple partial status epilepticus as first seizure. The initial non-contrast enhanced CT scan revealed focal hypodensity due to cerebral oedema in 49 patients. In an additional 17 patients we observed complete cysticercal larvae (cyst with scolex). In the rest of the patients, plain CT scans were normal. After contrast administration, the majority revealed a ring/disc enhancing lesion; half of them had an enhancing eccentric dot representing a scolex. Forty-seven patients received definitive treatment in the form of either albendazole or antituberculous drugs along with antiepileptic drugs. The rest of the patients received only antiepileptic monotherapy. The majority of patients, irrespective of type of treatment, showed either regression or disappearance of lesions. Similar incidences of seizure recurrences were noted in patients who themselves discontinued antiepileptic therapy, in comparison to those who continued with antiepileptic drugs. Only nine out of 16 patients with persistent CT lesions experienced recurrence of seizures. In the majority, persisting lesions remained unchanged to a ring form; in the remaining patients ring lesions transformed into disc-enhancing lesions, or became calcified. In conclusion, these CT lesions are benign in nature and tend to disappear or regress spontaneously. The associated seizure disorder is also benign and easily controlled. Probably, a shorter duration of antiepileptic therapy would suffice. Neither albendazole nor antituberculous therapy was helpful in modifying the natural course of the CT lesion or associated seizure disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system. Varied clinical manifestations occur, due to deposition of larvae of the parasite Taenia solium in cerebral parenchyma, meninges, spinal cord, muscles, eyes and skin. The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis can be made with a fairly high degree of accuracy with the help of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Serological tests and histopathological examination of subcutaneous nodules provide additional support in establishing the diagnosis. The anticysticercal drugs albendazole and praziquantel have been extensively used, and found to be effective for all types of neurocysticercosis. However, recently controversy has been raised about their safety, and long-term clinical usefulness. Preventive health measures, such as provision of safe drinking water and excretion disposal, still offer the best ways to manage this disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Health behavior in a Cajun population.

To investigate the health behaviors of a unique population, Cajuns, in a way that their responses could be differentiated from their non-Cajun neighbors and also compared to the nation, select questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey were completed by 2,029 residents of central Louisiana. Of these, 537 self-identified as Cajun. In general, Cajuns behaved and felt less healthy than national respondents. Compared to non-Cajuns, Cajuns received less vaccinations and were more likely to use alcohol and tobacco. Despite their motto of "laissez les bon temps rouler," Cajuns may greatly benefit from social and health education intervention.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

A randomized double-blind controlled study of nimodipine in acute cerebral ischemic stroke.

A randomized placebo controlled double-blind clinical trial of nimodipine was conducted in 31 patients of acute cerebral infarction. Nimodipine was administered in dosage of 120 mg/day for 28 days. Treatment was begun within 48 hours of ischemic stroke. Diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomographic (CT) scan. Similar number of patients (control) received placebo. Neurological assessment was done at the time of entry into the trial, and after 4 weeks, by using Mathew's scale. After four weeks of treatment with nimodipine or placebo, Mathew's scale score improved significantly (< 0.001) in both groups, but difference in mean score between two groups was insignificant (> 0.05). However, significant difference (< 0.05) was noted in relative change in neurological deficit (mean X-value) of two groups. The nimodipine group had higher value in scores on Mathew's scale. No adverse reaction, was observed in either group. The study suggests a beneficial a effect of nimodipine in acute cerebral ischaemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

A comparative evaluation of pharmacokinetics of conventional and slow-release carbamazepine formulation in newly treated patients of epilepsy: a random evaluation.

Study was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of conventional and slow-release carbamazepine formulations in Indian epileptic patients. Twenty consecutive untreated patients of partial seizures were randomly assigned to receive either conventional carbamazepine (200 mg thrice a day) or slow-release carbamazepine formulation (200 mg thrice a day), 10 patients in each group. The serum carbamazepine concentrations were measured on 10th day and 20th day of treatment. The blood samples were collected before the morning dose. In the conventional treatment group five patients experienced side effects as compared to two in the slow-release group. On 10th day mean serum carbamazepine levels were significantly higher in conventional group (8.27 +/- 1.39 micrograms/ml) in comparison to slow release group (4.28 +/- 3.89 micrograms/ml). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). On 20th day carbamazepine levels fell significantly in conventional group only (8.27 +/- 1.39 micrograms/ml to 5.76 +/- 2.32 micrograms/ml, p < 0.05). At this stage the difference in mean carbamazepine levels of two groups became insignificant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, controlled release formulations provide more steady serum concentrations of carbamazepine along with better tolerability.

Adolescent↗