Browsing by Author "Premaratna, R."

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A 16-year-old boy from Sri Lanka with fever, jaundice and renal failure: Leptospirosis
(Saunders Ltd, 2014) Premaratna, R.
No abstract available
A 45-year-old man from Sri Lanka with fever and right hypochondrial pain: amoebic liver abscess
(Saunders Ltd, 2014) Premaratna, R.
No abstract avaialble
A 58-year-old woman from Sri Lanka with fever, deafness and confusion: scrub typhus
(Saunders Ltd, 2014) Premaratna, R.
No abstract available
Accidental scrotal burns due to paraquat while handling a patient with deliberate self-harm
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2007) Premaratna, R.; Rathnasena, B.G.N.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: The main risk of paraquat poisoning is from deliberate ingestion. Serious accidental or occupational poisoning is comparatively rare. We report two patients who had accidental exposure to paraquat resulting in scrotal burns in both, and systemic poisoning in one, while attending to a patient who had ingested paraquat for deliberate self harm. CASE REPORT: Two days after death of a patient who had ingested paraquat for deliberate self harm, his brother and a friend who had accompanied him to hospital presented with painful swelling of the scrotum. The brother had severe burns in the scrotal skin sparing the penile skin, and the friend had milder burns in the scrotum. The patient had vomited several times onto the laps of these two men while being brought to hospital in a vehicle. The brother developed mild derangements in hepatic and renal functions suggesting significant systemic absorption. His biochemical and clinical parameters returned to normal over the next 2 weeks on conservative management. In both these patients, the scrotal skin healed without scarring over the next 4 weeks after treatment with silver sulphadiazine local application and amoxicillin given orally. CONCLUSIONS: Precautions should be taken by persons attending to those who have ingested poison. This is especially applicable to patients who have ingested corrosive substances
Accidental scrotal burns from paraquat while handling a patient
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008) Premaratna, R.; Rathnasena, B.G.N.; de Silva, H.J.
The main risk of paraquat poisoning is from deliberate ingestion. Serious accidental or occupational poisoning is comparatively rare. We report two patients who had accidental exposure to paraquat, resulting in scrotal burns in both and systemic poisoning in one, while attending to a patient who had ingested paraquat for deliberate self harm
Acute febrile illness: Epidemiology versus clinical judgement
(Elsevier, 2012) Premaratna, R.
Both epidemiology and clinical judgment are teachings by the father of medicine, the Greek physician. Hippocrates The term Epidemiology derives from the Greek: epi “upon/among” demos “people/district”, logos “study/disclosure”, so literally it means “the study of what is upon the people”. Hippocrates coined the terms endemic for diseases usually found in some places but not in others and epidemic for diseases that are seen at some times but not others. Clinical judgment is the application of information based on actual observation of a patient combined with subjective and objective data that lead to a conclusion; process by which the doctor decides on data to be collected, makes an interpretation of the data, arrives at a clinical diagnosis, and identifies appropriate management actions; this involves critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. The knowledge of epidemiology is important to narrow down a differential diagnosis in a given situation. However, it should not result in tunnel vision. Furthermore, today epidemiological data together with the advancement of science seem to have shadowed or replaced the most valued history taking and examination taught by Hippocrates. For example, some infections have been overlooked in the middle of a known disease outbreak leading to extended morbidity by the former illness simply due to poor history taking and or examination. Similarly increasingly introduced epidemiology based sophisticated rapid diagnostic tools such as multi-test strips are likely to be misused, misinterpreted or wasted ignoring the value of systematic clinical approach in arriving at a diagnosis. At the same time, today infectious disease aetiologies are fast changing due to globalization, expansion of human travel, travel of bugs and hosts, expanding animal industry, and re-emergence of old bugs. Therefore in addition to having a good knowledge on local, regional and global epidemiology, an infectious disease physician today, should ensure a good clinical sense, broader thinking and an open mind in order to tackle an individual patient. This is the greatest challenge faced by an infectious disease physician compared to a physician attending to a well streamlined management plan of a non-communicable disease. This talk will be supported by case scenarios. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.
Acute hearing loss due to scrub typhus: a forgotten complication of a reemerging disease
(Oxford University Press, 2006) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Loftis, A.D.; Dasch, G.A.; de Silva, H.J.
We describe 6 patients with scrub typhus who presented with acute hearing loss, a forgotten complication of this reemerging disease. They were admitted with fever of 10-14 days' duration and had clinical evidence of deafness and pneumonitis. Five patients had eschars, which prompted the diagnosis of typhus fever and led to early institution of treatment. Deafness has been described as a clue to the diagnosis of scrub typhus; awareness of this symptom facilitated early diagnosis in 4 of 5 patients who recovered. Acute hearing loss or hearing impairment in a febrile patient should arouse strong suspicion of scrub typhus.
Acute hearing loss in febrile patients: a predictor of scrub typhus
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Loftis, A.; Dasch, G.A.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Rickettsial infections are re-emerging in Sri Lanka. Complications such as pneumonitis, myocarditis and encephalitis can occur late in the disease, and result in a high mortality. Early diagnosis reduces morbidity and mortality, but as laboratory facilities for definitive diagnosis are lacking, early diagnosis depends on clinical suspicion. Acute hearing loss which occurs in about 30% of patients has been recognised as a predictor of scrub typhus. METHODS: Six patients admitted to hospital with high fever and hearing impairment were further investigated. RESULTS: All were females with a mean age of 65 years (SD 2). The mean duration of fever at presentation was 12 days (SD 1), Hearing impairment was observe
Antibiotic sensitivity patterns among ESBL UTIs in Sri Lanka
(Elsevier, 2016) Luke, N.; Wickramasinghe, B.; Sebastiampillai, M.; Miththinda, N.; Fernando, S.; Silva, S.; Premaratna, R.
BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms causing urinary tract infections (UTI) are increasing in incidence and poses a major burden to health care requiring treatment with expensive antimicrobials and prolonged hospital stay. The prevalence of ESBL producing organisms particularly in the Asian region remains unknown. In a study carried out in a tertiary care center in India,70/218(32.1%) clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were confirmed as ESBL. Of them K. pneumonia were the most common ESBL producers(46.4%), followed by E coli (31.7%). Previous studies to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility shows high sensitivity to meropenem (95-100%) with aminoglycoside susceptibility ranging from 45-60%. Objective of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of ESBL UTIs in Sri Lanka. METHODS & MATERIALS: Patients with ESBL-UTI admitted to Professorial Medical Unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama over a period of 6 months from January-July 2015 were recruited to the study. Their Urine culture and ABST reports were analysed after obtaining informed written consent. RESULTS: There were 52 patientswho consented for the study;males30 (57.7%),mean (SD) age 64.11 (12.59)years. The most common organisms causing the ESBL-UTI were E. coli in 44(84.6%),followed by Klebsiella in 8 (15.4%) . The ESBL organisms were mostly sensitive to carbapenems;Meropenem 50 (96.2%) and Imipenem in 38(73.1%). The other sensitivity patterns were Amikacin in 30 (57.7%), Nitrofurantoin in 24 (46.2%) andCeftriaxone in 2 (3.8%). None were sensitive to Ceftazidime. Meropenem resistance was found in 2 (3.8%) and wereE.coli. These two patients had received multiple antibiotics including meropenem in the recent past for recurrant UTI.CONCLUSION: It is evident from the above data that Carbapenems remain as the first line therapy for the majority of UTIs caused by ESBL producing organisms in the local setting. However 3.8% prevalence of meropenem resistance among the study population should draw attention of clinicians and needs implementation of measures to prevent emergence and spread of carbapenum resistant ESBL organisms.
Antibiotic use and antimicrobial activity in urine of febrile patients
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2007) Wijesuriya, M.T.W.; Bailey, M.S.; Premaratna, R.; Wuthiekanun, V.; Peacock, S.J.; Lalloo, D.C.; de Silva, H.J.
OBJECTIVES: Prior antibiotic use may decrease sensitivity of bacterial cultures leading to diagnostic difficulties. Our objectives were to detect antimicrobial activity in urine of patients presenting with fever and to correlate urine antimicrobial activity to blood culture results and antibiotic history. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: This is carried out as part of a fever study during a one-year period. A sample of urine is collected within 24 hours of admission before antibiotics from consenting, febrile (>38°C) patients. Antimicrobial activity in urine is detected by applying urine-soaked discs onto agar plates inoculated with standard bacterial cultures. All patients have extensive microbiological investigations including high-quality blood cultures (with leptospiral cultures), dengue and other viral serology. RESULTS: From 117 patients recruited in 4 months, 76(65%) reported taking medication for their fever, of which 40(53%) said this was an antibiotic. Standard E. coli and S. pyogenes cultures detected antimicrobial activity in 32(27%) and 25(21%) of urines respectively. Using both strains together increased detection to 39%. Only 19(47.5%) reporting prior antibiotic use had urine antimicrobial activity. From 41 denying prior medication, 8(20%) had urine antimicrobial activity. From 43 suspected of having bacterial infection, 46% had urine antimicrobial activity. No patients with positive bacterial cultures had detectable urine antimicrobial activity, whereas 53% of negative bacterial cultures had positive urine antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical history is unreliable in assessing prior antibiotic use. Detectable urine antimicrobial activity may lead to negative blood culture results. Therefore in suspected bacterial infections, an assessment of urine antimicrobial activity along with microbiological cultures will reduce the diagnostic dilemma.
Behaviour of Cytokines IL10, IL6 and IFy during late febrile and immediate defervercent phases of Dengue
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2014) Weerasinghe, O.M.S.; Premaratna, R.; Gomes, L.; Perera, J.; Silva, S.; Abeyratna, C.; Kasturiratne, A.; Malavige, N.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cytokines have been implicated in dengue (DF) pathogenesis. Behaviour of cytokines during the late febrile phase (LFP) and immediate defeversence have not been studied, but may be useful to understand the pathophysiology of disease progression and effect of interventions. METHODS: A preliminary prospective study was performed to investigate 1L-10, IL6 and IFy (pg/ml) responses during the late febrile phase (around fifth day) and immediate defervestence in confirmed (NSlAg positive} dengue patients. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Two samples of 1 m! serum were obtained during the above stages of the illness and stored at -80°C to assess cytokine levels. Cytokine levels were compared between phases (LFP and afebrile) and stages (DF, precritical and critical dengue shock syndrome (DSS)). LFP cytokine levels were compared for disease stages using one-way Anova test. RESULTS: 18 patients (11 males, mean age 26 years (SD 10.6)) were studied. There were 3 DF, 9 precritical and 6 criticaj DSS based on national guidelines. Mean temperature during LFP and defervescent phases were 102.07°F (SD 0.98) and 98.53°F (SD 0.26). Median (interquartile range) of IL10, IL6 and IFy in LFP were 164.3 (90.8 - 259.5), 26 (12.7-54.6), 246.5 (117.5-511.8) and during defervescent phase were 17.4 (6A-112.2), 11.9 (4.9-28.2), 2.58 (0.0-58.4) respectively. LFP IL10 significantly correlated with disease stages (F-3.99, P-0.041), IL6 and IFy had no correlation. CONCLUSIONS: All three cytokines rapidly declined with defervecence. IL10 in febrile phase showed significant correlation with disease severity.
Blood pressure drop in dengue without fluid leakage
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2013) Miththinda, J.K.N.D.; Premaratna, R.; Ragupathy, R.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Plasma leakage is considered the most important reason for reduction in blood pressures (BP) in Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). However other causes such as dehydration, vascular dilatation due metabolic causes such as lactic acidosls or reduced cardiac output due to myocarditis or cardiomyopathy may lead to reduction in BP. We document observations in 7 patients with dengue who had reduced BP with no evidence of fluid leakage. METHODS: We monitored 106 patients with confirmed dengue for fluid leakage with ultrasonography and other clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters. These parameters of the 7 patients (Group A) were compared with an age and sex matched group of patients from the same cohort who did not develop any complications (Group B) in order to investigate the reasons for the BP drop. RESULTS: Comparison between Group A vs Group B; systolic blood pressure drop 21.7mmHg (7.9) vs 5.7mmHg (7.9) p =0.025; diastoiic blood pressure drop 17.1mmHg (7.6) vs 7.1mmHg (7.7) p =0.03; percentage rise in Hb 2.8% (3.9) vs 5.3% (4.4) p =0.3; percentage rise of PCV 3.5% (1.5) vs 6.2% (5) ^=0.06. Five out of 7 in Group A and none in Group B had T wave inversions in the ECG in more than 3 consecutive leads. ECHO and cardiac enzymes were not done. CONCLUSIONS: Except for blood pressure drop and ECG changes, there were no significant differences in clinical, haematological or biochemical parameters between the two groups. Our findings suggest an alternative cause for the drop in blood pressure in dengue patients with no evidence of fluid leakage.
A case series of spotted fever rickettsiosis with neurological manifestations in Sri Lanka
(Elsevier, 2012) Kularatne, S.A.; Weerakoon, K.G.; Rajapakse, R.P.; Madagedara, S.C.; Nanayakkara, D.; Premaratna, R.
BACKGROUND: Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsial infections are increasingly detected in Sri Lanka. We describe 17 patients with SFG who developed neurological manifestations. METHODS: The cases were studied prospectively from 2008 at the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya. An immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) was used to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: All had an IFA IgG titer ranging from 1/64 to 1/4096 and a positive IFA IgM titer against Rickettsia conorii antigen; in 10 (59%) cases the IgG titers were ≥ 1/256 (definitive cases). The median age of the patients was 62 years (range 26-82 years); 10 were male and seven female. The median duration of fever was 12 days (range 4-35 days). Neurological manifestations on admission were drowsiness or confusion in 14 (82%) and a semi-comatose state in three (18%). Rigidity of the limbs occurred in 14 (82%), bradykinesia and resting tremors in 12 (71%), which persisted after defervescence, neck stiffness in seven (42%), weakness of the limbs in five (29%), deafness in two (12%), and stupor in three (18%). Electroencephalograms in three (18%) showed generalized slow waves. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed a cellular reaction, predominantly lymphocytes, in three cases. Two patients died (fatality rate 12%). CONCLUSION: We have documented for the first time the neurological features of SFG rickettsioses in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. These were predominantly extrapyramidal features in patients of older age.
Challenges in learning procedural skills: Student perspectives and lessons learned for curricular design
(Routledge, 2024) Kodikara, K.; Seneviratne, T.; Godamunne, P.; Premaratna, R.
PHENOMENON: Developing foundational clinical procedural skills is essential to becoming a competent physician. Prior work has shown that medical students and interns lack confidence and competence in these skills. Thus, understanding the student's perspective on why these skills are more difficult to acquire is vital for developing and reforming medical curricula. APPROACH: This study explored procedural skills learning experiences of medical students with qualitative methods. Through purposive sampling, 52 medical students from the third, fourth, and final years were selected for inclusion. Data were collected using six audio-recorded, semi-structured focus group discussions. Transcripts were manually coded and analyzed using inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: Students provided rich and insightful perspectives regarding their experiences in learning procedural skills that fell into three broad categories: 1) barriers to procedural learning, 2) reasons for learning, and 3) suggestions for better learning outcomes. Students described a range of barriers that stemmed from both patient and clinician interactions. Students were reluctant to make demands for their own benefit during clerkships. The most commonly expressed reason for wanting to learn procedural skills was the desire to be a competent and independent intern. The motivators suggested that students felt empathetic toward interns and visualized a successful internship as a learning goal. Participants suggested peer learning, improved teaching of procedural skills, assessments, and feedback to improve their learning. INSIGHTS: This study generated valuable information to promote critical reflection on the existing curriculum and pedagogical approaches to procedural skills development. Medical educators need to sensitize the clinical teachers to student perspectives and what students are really learning to make impactful changes to teaching and learning procedural skills. Students' self-advocacy skills and self-directed learning skills need to be developed for them to seek out learning opportunities and to promote life-long learning. Lessons from this study may also apply to curriculum design in general, especially in teaching clinical skills. Empowering the learner and embracing a learner-centered approach to teaching and learning procedural skills will benefit future clinicians and their patients.
Clearance of microfilaraemia and red blood cell glutathione peroxidase(GPX) levels in asymptomatic microfilaraemics after single dose and 14 days’ treatment with diethyl carbamazine citrate(DEC)
(Wiley, 2001) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Abeyewickreme, W.; de Silva, N.R.; Chandrasena, L.G.; de Silva, H.J.
Abstract Available
Clearance of microfilaraemia and red blood cell glutathione peroxidase(GPX) levels in asymptomatic microfilaraemics after single dose and 14 days’ treatment with diethyl carbamazine citrate(DEC)
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Abeyewickreme, W.; de Silva, N.R.; Chandrasena, L.G.; de Silva, H.J.
Abstract Available
Clinical Charasteristics of paediatric rickettsioses
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2013) Premaratna, R.; Karunasekara, K.A.W.; Fernando, M.A.M.; de Silva, L.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Rickettsioses are re-emerging in Sri Lanka. Both children and adults are vulnerable to these infections. Data on paediatric rickettsioses in the country are sparse. Objectives were to study the clinical characteristics of paediatric rickettsioses based on data received by the Rickettsail Disease Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (RDDRL), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, over the last two years. METHODS: All clinical and laboratory data of confirmed rickettsioses were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 46 requests received by the RDDRL, 22 were positive for acute rickettsioses in diagnostic titres IFA-IgD>1:128 (all>256). Of the positives, 16 were positive for spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFG), 5 for scrub thypus (ST) and 1 for both. 4/5 ST had eschars. The mean age was 56.59 months. (43.9); the youngest affected was aged 5 months. Of the sample 12 (54.5%) were male. Fever was present in all; mean duration was 9.81 (4.5) days; fever intensity was 102.80F (1.03); frequency of spikers per day was 2.33 (0.67). clinical features were headache 12 (54.5%), body aches 9 (40.9%), joint pains 6 (27.3%), cough 14 (63.6%), shortness of breath 5 (22.7%), rash 14 (63.6%); macular popular rash 13, diarrhea 4 (18.2%), lymphadenopathy 7 (31.8%), palpable liver 4, palpable spleen 1. Total WBC 11.1x109/L (SD-4.8); neurophils-84.8% (SD-13.8) lymphocytes 40.5% (17.2). ESR 1st Hr 46.3mm (SD-26.7) CRP 42.1mg/dl (40.6) SGOT 51.2iu/L (32.1) SGPT 50.2iu/L (51.4). ECG was normal in all, Chest x-ray showed patchy shadows in 4. CONCLUSIONS: SFG rickettsioses were commoner than ST, among children living in the Gampaha and Kurunegale districts. Clinical features were similar to adults. Diagnostic investigations were requested late in the febrile illness.
Clinical evaluation of rapid diagnostic test kit for scrub typhus with improved performance
(Korean Academy of Medical Science, 2016) Kim, Y.J.; Park, S.; Premaratna, R.; Selvaraj, S.; Park, S.J.; Kim, S.; Kim, D.; Kim, M.S.; Shin, D.H.; Choi, K.C.; Kwon, S.H.; Seo, W.; Lee, N.T.; Kim, S.H.; Kang, H.K.; Kim, Y.W.
Diagnosis of scrub typhus is challenging due to its more than twenty serotypes and the similar clinical symptoms with other acute febrile illnesses including leptospirosis, murine typhus and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Accuracy and rapidity of a diagnostic test to Orientia tsutsugamushi is an important step to diagnose this disease. To discriminate scrub typhus from other diseases, the improved ImmuneMed Scrub Typhus Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) was evaluated in Korea and Sri Lanka. The sensitivity at the base of each IgM and IgG indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) in Korean patients was 98.6% and 97.1%, and the specificity was 98.2% and 97.7% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for retrospective diagnosis at the base of IFA in Sri Lanka was 92.1% and 96.1%. ImmuneMed RDT was not reactive to any serum from seventeen diseases including hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (n = 48), leptospirosis (n = 23), and murine typhus (n = 48). ImmuneMed RDT shows superior sensitivity (98.6% and 97.1%) compared with SD Bioline RDT (84.4% at IgM and 83.3% at IgG) in Korea. The retrospective diagnosis of ImmuneMed RDT exhibits 94.0% identity with enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using South India patient serum samples. These results suggest that this RDT can replace other diagnostic tests and is applicable for global diagnosis of scrub typhus. This rapid and accurate diagnosis will be beneficial for diagnosing and managing scrub typhus
A Clinical guide for dengue detection, appropriate timing of investigations and hospital admissions
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Premaratna, R.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Amarasekera, N.D.D.M.; Motha, M.B.C.; Perera, K.V.H.H.K.; de Silva, H.J.
Abstract Available.
A Clinical guide for early detection of dengue fever and timing of investigations to detect patients likely to develop complications
(Oxford University Press, 2009) Premaratna, R.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Amarasekera, N.D.D.M.; Motha, M.B.C.; Perera, K.V.H.K.K.; de Silva, H.J.
We aimed to identify clinical features that would be useful for case detection and the appropriate timing of investigations and hospital admissions in patients with short-duration fever, suspected to be dengue fever (DF). Of 928 adult patients with short-duration fever admitted to Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka during February-June 2004, one in four were randomly selected for assessment of the severity of six clinical features: headache, body aches, vomiting, retro-orbital pain, generalised weakness (scale 0-9) and skin erythema (grade 1-5). There were 148 DF patients (95 males, mean age+/-SD: 28+/-12 years) and 54 non-DF patients as controls (44 males, mean age+/-SD: 25+/-11 years). All symptoms assessed (cut-off >or=5) and skin erythema (>or=grade 2) had a good positive predictive value for DF. However, erythema had the best negative predictive value, helping to differentiate DF from other short-duration fevers. More than 95% of patients with dengue had a platelet count above 50000/microl until the third day of illness. The platelet counts were significantly reduced when erythema, fever, vomiting and generalised weakness were persistent. In conclusion, erythema elicited by hand impression may help in the prediction of DF, and follow-up blood counts are indicated when symptoms persist.