Browsing by Author "Seneviratne, S.L."

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Anorectal physiology and transit in patients with disorders of thyroid metabolism
(Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1999) Deen, K.I.; Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, H.J.
BACKGROUND: Data on anorectal physiology in patients with disordered thyroid metabolism are lacking. This prospective study was performed to evaluate anorectal physiology in patients with either hyperthyroidism and diarrhoea, or hypothyroidism and constipation in order to assess slow transit in hypothyroid patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with hypothyroidism and constipation (24 females, median age 59 years, range 23-80) and 20 patients with hyperthyroidism and diarrhoea (12 females, median age 46 years, range 36-62) were evaluated by anal manometry, rectal balloon sensation and whole-gut transit markers. Data were compared with anorectal physiology and whole-gut transit in 22 healthy controls (13 females, median age 51 years, range 24-65). RESULTS: In the hypothyroid patients, maximum resting pressure (MRP) and maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) were similar to controls (patients, median MRP 55 mmHg (18-98); controls, median MRP 41 mmHg (20-105) and patients, median MSP 83 mmHg (39-400); controls, median MSP 88 mmHg (30-230); P 0.05 for both resting and squeeze pressures). In hyperthyroid patients, median MRP and MSP were significantly lower than controls (patients, MRP 33 mmHg (8-69); controls MRP 41 mmHg (20-105) P = 0.04 and patients, MSP 60 mmHg (26-104); controls, MSP 88 mmHg (30-230); P = 0.03). Threshold sensation for impending evacuation in hypothyroid patients was significantly higher than controls, while in hyperthyroid patients, threshold sensation was significantly lower compared with controls. Maximum tolerable rectal volumes in hypothyroid patients was significantly lower compared with controls, while no significant difference was found between maximum tolerable rectal volumes in hyperthyroid patients and controls. Prevalence of delayed whole-gut transit in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients was similar to controls. Furthermore, 33 percent of hypothyroid patients and 40 percent of hyperthyroid patients experienced symptoms of bowel dysfunction prior to the onset of their thyroid disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with altered thyroid function and bowel dysfunction demonstrated abnormalities of anal manometry and rectal sensation.
Apical cardiomyopathy : an important differential diagnosis in ischaemic chest pain
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1996) Seneviratne, S.L.; Premawardhena, A.P.; Ranasinghe, G.W.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
Reports the cases of 1) a 54 year old man admitted with angina like pain of 3 hours. ECG showed deep ngative T waves in the anterolateral leads. But no septal Q waves. 2) a seventy year old man admitted with retrosternal chest pain and dyspnoea of 6 hours. ECG was as above. There were further investigations. Both patients had symptoms suggestive of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Atlanto-axial subluxation:importance of early recognition
(The Kandy Society of Medicine, 1996) Gunatilake, S.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Premawardhena, A.P.; de Silva, H.J.
We report three cases which illustrate the importance of the early recognition of atlanto-axial subluxation by being aware of the disorders it is often associated with.
Changing prescribing behaviour: early low dose aspirin in suspected acute myocardial infarction
(Elsevier, 1998) Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Adhikari, A.A.D.N.W.; Gunawardhana, P.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Evidence obtained from large clinical trials would be of limited value, if such evidence does not reach the provider of care, and even when it reaches them, if they do not change their clinical behaviour accordingly. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of intervention, aimed at changing prescribing behaviour of general practitioners (GPs) with regard to early low dose aspirin in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: A total of 96 GPs were sent a questionnaire assessing their knowledge and practices with regard to use of low dose aspirin in acute MI in November 1995 (Q1), June 1996 (Q2) and September 1996 (Q3). An 'intervention' was carried out with a view to changing GP prescribing of low dose aspirin is suspected acute MI after the first two questionnaires were sent. RESULTS: The results of this study seem to show that an intensive 'intervention' achieved success in changing prescribing behaviour of GPs. Although the intervention resulted in a overall significant increase in the prescription of low dose aspirin in suspected acute MI, it was seen that in the GPs who were aged <40 years the success achieved with the 'intervention' was greater when compared with that seen in those older than 40 years. CONCLUSION: Dissemination of information on new practices in medicine are important in the process of continuing medical education for doctors. A 'personal intervention' such as is described in this study seems to have good effect.
Coagulopathy and fibrinoloysis following the bite of a hump-nosed viper (Hypnale hypnale)
(Oxford University Press, 1996) Premawardhena, A.P.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
No Abstract Available
Coagulopathy and fibrinolysis following the bite of a hump-nosed viper (Hypnale hypnale)
(Oxford University Press, 1996) Premawardena, A.P.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Jayanthi, S.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
No abstract available
Combination of cycle threshold time, absolute lymphocyte count and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio is predictive of hypoxia in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
(Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2022) Abeysuriya, V.; Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, A.P.; Mowjood, R.; Mowjood, S.; de Silva, T.; de Mel, P.; de Mel, C.; Chandrasena, L.; Wijesinha, R.S.; Fernando, A.; de Mel, S.
Background: There is currently no clinically validated biomarker to predict respiratory compromise in sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Cycle threshold time (Ct), absolute lymphocyte count (AL) and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been previously evaluated for this purpose. We hypothesized that the combination of these parameters at presentation may be predictive of hypoxia (oxygen saturation <92%). Methods: Data were collected on 118 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection between May 2020 and April 2021. Demographics, clinical parameters and laboratory and radiological investigation results were recorded. Respiratory compromise (RC) was defined based on symptoms and signs, hypoxia and chest X-ray abnormalities. Results: RC occurred in 61 (51.7%) of patients. The Ct, AL and NLR at median day 3 of illness were significantly different between patients with and without RC (Ct, RC vs not: 19.46±2.64 vs 22.62±3.37, p=0.0001; AL, RC vs not: 531.49±289.09 vs 764.69±481.79, p=0.0001; NLR, RC vs not: 3.42±0.75 vs 2.59±0.55, p=0.0001). Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that a Ct <19.9, AL <630.8×103/μL and NLR >3.12 at median day 3 of symptoms was predictive of hypoxia on day 7 of illness (area under the curve 0.805, sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 69.1%). The predictive value for the parameters combined was significantly superior to their individual predictive power. Conclusions: Ct, AL and NLR used in combination on day 3 of symptoms are predictive of hypoxia on day 7 of SARS-CoV-2 illness.
Detection and management of alcohol misuse by General Practitioners
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2003) Gurugama, N.P.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Peiris, D.T.S.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Alcohol misuse and related problems are common in Sri Lanka. The appropriateness of the primary care setting in dealing with alcohol misuse is well recognised, and general practitioners (GPs) constitute an important first contact setting. METHODS: One hundred and fifty randomly selected GPs practising in the Colombo and Gampaha districts were given a questionnaire to assess how they detect and manage alcohol misuse, and their attitudes towards persons who misuse alcohol. RESULTS: Seventy per cent of GPs responded [74 male; mean age 42 years (SD 6.7)]. Our results suggest that although a majority (81%) of GPs were frequently confronted with problems related to alcohol misuse, their efforts to detect the problem and knowledge regarding risk limits of alcohol consumption were poor. Only 25.7% had even heard of CAGE and MAST questionnaires. The majority of GPs felt inadequately trained to deal with alcohol misuse, but only a few made any self-directed efforts to improve their knowledge and skills regarding its management or referred their patients for specialised care. Participation in preventive programmes was minimal, and many GPs expressed negative attitudes towards persons misusing alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of general practitioners to detect and alcohol misuse appears to be inadequate.
Diagnosis of Vespa affinis venom allergy:use of immunochemical methods and a passive basophil activation test
(Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 2019) Gunasekara, P.; Handunnetti, S.M.; Premawansa, S.; Kaluarachchi, P.; Karunatilake, C.; Ratnayake, I.P.; Dias, R. K. S.; Premakumara, G. A. S.; Dasanayake, W. M. D. K.; Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, R.
Background: Allergy to Vespa affinis venom is common in the Asia Pacific region. Venom preparations for diagnosis are not commercially available for this species. Methods: The prominent allergens in V. affinis venom were identifiedusing immunochemical methods. Use of ImmunoCAP of Vespula vulgaris crude venom/its components and a passive basophil activation test (BAT) in the diagnosis of patients who had anaphylaxis to V. affinis venom (n = 30) were also accessed. The IgE double-positivity rates (positive to both hornet and honeybee) in ImmunoCAP and the passive BAT were determined. Results: High IgE reactivity was seen with the five allergens in V. affinis venom; 96% (29/30) for 34 and 24 kDa, 93% (28/30) for 45 kDa and 90% (27/30) reactivity for the 100 and 80 kDa respectively. IgE cross-reactivity was low with ImmunoCAP using V. vulgaris venom (43%; 13/30) and Ves v1 (3%; 1/30), but relatively high with Ves v5 (73%; 22/30). All patients (100%) were positive to V. affinis venom in passive BAT. In ImmunoCAP, a high double-positivity rate (76%; 23/30) was detected while no double-positivity was detected in passive BAT. Conclusions: High IgE reactivity for five allergens of V. affinis points to the potential of using these allergens in component resolved diagnosis (CRD). The passive BAT has shown its importance as a promising diagnostic tool with high accuracy. It would be particularly useful in cases with doubtful double-positive results of other diagnostic tests.
Driving and epilepsy in Sri Lanka
(Elsevier-W.B. Saunders, 1998) Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Adhikari, A.A.D.N.W.; de Silva, H.J.
Regulations regarding driving for patients with epilepsy vary from country to country. They are well implemented in developed countries, but this is not the case in countries such as Sri Lanka. The aims of this study were to study characteristics of a cohort of patients with epilepsy who were driving or riding a vehicle at present, and study the attitudes of a representative sample of doctors, patients with epilepsy and the general population regarding aspects of driving by patients with epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy attending the medical clinics at the Colombo North General Hospital, Ragama, who were driving, were given a questionnaire and interviewed in order to assess their seizure characteristics. Another questionnaire was administered to epileptic patients visiting the clinics, a sample from the general population (relatives visiting in-patients at the University Medical Unit selected randomly), doctors working at the General Hospital in Ragama and the Base Hospital in Negombo, and general practitioners in the Gampaha district, where these two hospitals are situated, which was designed to assess their views regarding driving by persons with epilepsy. Of the patients with epilepsy interviewed 24.8% were presently driving a vehicle, of them 51% were riding a motorcycle. The attitudes of the general public and patients to driving by epileptic patients were at opposite ends of the spectrum; 97% of the general public being opposed to driving by persons with epilepsy, while epileptics themselves being of the view that the rules should be lax. Doctors thought that there should be some regulations against driving by epileptic patients. These facts must be considered when setting implementable regulations regarding driving by epileptics in developing countries.
Envenoming due to snake bite during pregnancy
(Oxford University Press, 2002) Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, C.E.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
No Abstract Available
Excessive fibrinolysis: the coagulopathy following Merrem's hump-nosed viper( Hypnale hypnale) bites
(1998) Premawardhena, A.P.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
In 56 patients with proven hump-nosed viper (Hypnale hypnale) bites, 12 (21.4 percent) developed continued oozing of blood from the site of the bite and a prolonged clotting time. Further investigations showed low fibrinogen levels and increased fibrinogen degradation products in plamsa. The bleeding time, platelet count, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time with kaolin were normal. The bite of this snake can be complicated with a coagulopathy in which excessive fibrinolysis seems to be the main abnormality
Familial thrombocytopaenia in three male siblings
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Amarasena, P.; Premawardhena, A.P.; Herath, H.R.B.M.; Seneviratne, S.L.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Familial thrombocytopaenia is uncommon. Specific molecular defects have been identified in some families. We describe three male siblings with thrombocytopaenia and other immune related findings. The parents are healthy and non-related. METHODS: Clinical and investigative findings were obtained from the brothers and their parents. RESULTS: Case 1: A 15 year old male presented with spontaneous ecchymotic patches and oral mucosal bleeding. Platelet count was 1000/mm3, mild hepatomegaly was present on ultrasonography and IgA was raised. As the response to IV methyl-prednisolone was poor, IVIG, prednisolone and azathioprine were used. He has had recurrent RT infections and as his latest platelet counts are suboptimal, Rituximab is being considered. Case 2: A 19 year old male was found to have thrombocytopaenia whilst being investigated for a large scalp haematoma aged 2 years. He had been treated with oral prednisolone and needed pulse IV dexamethasone. Presently he is off steroids and the platelet count is 54000/mm3. Serum IgM is reduced and IgA is raised. He has chronic bilateral lower limb eczema, an atrio-fascicular accessory pathway and gets recurrent RT infections. Case 3: A 12 year old male had fever, cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly aged 3 years. He then developed AIHA and thrombocytopaenia. The thrombocytopaenia persisted and was treated with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Aged 9 years, he developed SLE and a year later, class IV lupus nephritis was found on renal biopsy. CONCLUSION: An AR or XR genetic cause is likely in this family. The identification of the exact molecular defect may help with selecting appropriate medications to target abnormal immune pathways.
A Family with alkaptonuria showing quasidominant inheritance
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) de Silva, A.P.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Jayasekera, R.; de Silva, H.J.
No Abstract Available
The Impact of empirical hydrocortisone therapy on clinical outcomes in dengue fever: A retrospective chart review
(Oxford University Press, 2020) de Mel, S.; Thilakawardana, B.U.; de Mel, P.; de Silva, A.P.; de Mel, C.; Chandrasena, L.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Abeysuriya, V.
BACKGROUND: The role of steroids in dengue infection (DI) remains uncertain. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients ≥18 y of age diagnosed with DI based on positivity for dengue non-structural antigen 1 or immunoglobulin M between October 2017 and November 2018. RESULTS: Hydrocortisone was administered to 106 of 406 patients. DI with warning signs occurred in nine patients (9.5%) in the steroid cohort and eight patients (2.5%) in the non-steroid group. The incidence of severe DI, bleeding and admission duration were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows no significant benefit of empirical steroids in DI. KEYWORDS: clinical outcomes; corticosteroids; dengue.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy : a study in Sri Lanka
(Elsevier-W.B. Saunders, 2000) Gunatilake, S.B.; Seneviratne, S.L.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) has a distinct clinical profile. Often JME is not recognized, with the result that proper treatment is not instituted, leading to poor control of seizures. This study is an attempt to identify the factors that contribute to the delay in diagnosing this condition. During a period of 3 years 40 patients (21 females) with JME were identified and all were included in a prospective follow-up study. The age range was 12-58 years. Twenty-seven patients (67%) had already seen at least one specialist; however, diagnosis had not been made despite the presence of characteristic features. The duration of delay in diagnosis varied from months to years with a mean of 11 years. Myoclonic jerks were the most characteristic feature, but only six volunteered this information spontaneously. The response to treatment with sodium valproate was excellent, although only three were taking it when first seen. As a result of treatment with other drugs all patients were having recurrent seizures. The main reasons for the delay in diagnosis found in our study were that the physicians were unaware of the condition, the occurrence of myoclonic jerks were overlooked either because the patients were not directly questioned about them or because the patients did not volunteer the information.
Lack of myocardial damage following Sri Lankan Russell's viper and hump-nosed viper bites
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Adhikari, A.A.D.N.W.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Cardiac effects following the bite of Burmese Russell's vipers and European vipers are well known. The question whether envenomation caused by Sri Lankan viper bites results in myocardial damage remains largely unanswered. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether myocardial damage occurs after Sri Lankan viper bites, using a highly specific and sensitive marker, troponin T. METHODS: 45 patients admitted after a definite viper bite [Russell's viper (RV), n = 13, hump-nosed viper (HNV), n = 32] were studied with regard to cardiac symptoms, ECG changes, and troponin T levels. There were no admissions with bites of other types of Sri Lankan vipers during the study period. RESULTS: Cardiac symptoms were present in a number of patients following the bite. Two patients had transient ECG changes. However, troponin T levels were not elevated in any of them. COMMENT: Myocardial damage does not seem to be an important feature of Sri Lankan Russell's and hump-nosed viper bites. This may be because of venom heterogeneity in vipers, that is based on their geographical distribution.
Management of peptic ulcer disease
(State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 1999) Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, H.J.
No abstract available
Management of ulcerative colitis
(State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 1998) de Silva, H.J.; Seneviratne, S.L.
No abstract available
Neuroleptic malignanat syndrome without fever: a report of three cases
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2000) Peiris, D.T.S.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Weerasena, L.P.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Tilakaratne, Y.T.; de Silva, H.J.; Wijesiriwardena, B.
No Abstract Available.