Conference Papers
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This collection contains abstracts of conference papers, presented at local and international conferences by the staff of the Faculty of Medicine
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Item Sero-prevalence of rickettsial infections in patients with Parkinson’s disease(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Gunathilake, M.P.M.L.; Luke, N.; Benedict, S.; Wickremasinghe, S.; Ranawaka, U.K.; Premaratna, R.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Role of infections in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis has been proposed. A patient who had features of PD during scrub typhus infection fully recovered following treatment. Two years later, he developed features suggestive of early PD and raised the question, whether rickettsial infections could trigger development of PD. METHODS: In order to study the sero-prevalence of rickettsioses, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with diagnosed PD. Their IFA-IgG titres against O. tsutsugamushi (IFA-IgG-OT) antigens at 1:32 and 1:128 dilutions were compared with the population seroprevalence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients; 20 (57.1%) males [mean age 62 years (SD 8.8)], 15 (42.9%) females [mean age 68.5 years (SD 7.4)]. Mean age at diagnosis of PD; males: 57.2 years (SD 9.7), females: 64.7 years (7.5). 10/35 (29.8%) had IFA-IgG-OT titre 1:32 (p=0.19 compared to population sero-prevalence of 19.8%) and one had a titre 1:128 (2.8% compared to population prevalence of 3.17%). At the time of assessment for sero-prevalence of rickettsioses, the mean (SD) duration of diagnosis of PD between IFA-IgG +ve vs IFA-IgG –ve were 4.3(3.9) vs 4.2(4.4) years. CONCLUSION: Although patients with PD had a higher percentage sero-prevalence compared to the population, it was not significantly different. The drawback of this study was the long duration of PD at the time IFA-IgG levels were done. Following up of patients who present with extrapyramidal features due to acute rickettsioses and assessing whether they later develop PD would help to arrive at conclusions.Item Rickettsial disease IFA-IgG titres in Auto-Immune diseases; what do they imply?(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) Balasooriya, B.L.P.P.; Bandara, N.; Chandrasena, N.; Premaratna, R.INTRODUCTION: Rickettsial infections are known to present mimicking autoimmune disorders. The gold standard diagnostic test for rickettsial diseases is based on the detection of IgM and or IgG antibodies against these infections by immuno-fluorescent technique (IFA). During the IFA test, patient sera containing anti rickettsial antibodies are made to react with rickettsial antigens that are grown in cell culture media. However, presence of nuclear material in these cell cultures may react with anti-nuclear antibodies that are produced in autoimmune disorders and cause a false positive immunofluorescent signal. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reactivity of rickettsial disease among patients with auto immunity diseases. METHOD: In order to evaluate the reactivity of rickettsial disease IFA-IgG test [IFA-IgG-OT (Orientia tsutsugamushi) and IFA-IgG-SFG (spotted fever group)] among patients with autoimmune diseases, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out using sera of 38 patients with confirmed auto-immune diseases. RESULTS: The 38 patients included 15 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 5 autoimmune-thyroiditis, 13 idiopathic-thrombocytopenia (ITP), 4 autoimmune-haemolytic-anaemia (AIHA), 1 polymyositis, 1 polyglandular syndrome and 1 Anti-phospholipid syndrome. The IFA-IgG reactivity of ≥ 1:128 was noted in 14/38 (37%); IFA-IgG-SFG in 7, IFA-IgG-OT in 3 and for both in 4. Of the 14 patients who had shown reactivity to IFA-IgG 2 had a titre of 1:128, four had a titre of 1:256, five had a titre of 1:512, three had >1: 1024 . 57% among the 14 who had shown reactivity were diagnosed as SLE, 21.4 % had ITP, 14.3% had AIHA, and 7.1% had polymyositis. None were diagnosed with thyroiditis. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant reactivity of Rickettsial disease IFA-IgG assay in auto-immune diseases. Further studies are needed in order to ascertain whether this is due to recent rickettsial infections, false positive cross reactivity of autoimmune antibodies with rickettsial antigens or with cell culture nuclear antigens.Item 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.Item Factors associated with Urinary tract infections caused by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms in Sri Lanka(Elsevier, 2016) Fernando, S.; Luke, N.; Wickramasinghe, S.; Sebastiampillai, B.; Gunathilake, M.; Miththinda, N.; Silva, S.; Premaratna, R.BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are a major burden in clinical practice. Hospitalization in the past 3 months, antibiotic treatment in the past 3 months, age over 60 years, diabetes mellitus, Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, previous use of second or third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones or penicillins are known associations and risk factors for ESBL-UTI. METHODS & MATERIALS: A descriptive study was conducted over a period of 6 months from January - July 2015 recruiting patients with UTI caused by ESBL producing organisms, who were admitted to the Professorial Medical unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama Sri Lanka in order to identify risk factors and associations. Data were obtained using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire and from relevant medical records after obtaining informed written consent. RESULTS: 52 patients were recruited; males 30 (57.7%), mean (SD) age 64.1(.12.6)years. Of them, 46 (88.5%) had diabetes mellitus, 32 (61.5%) had hypertension and 10 (19.2%) had chronic liver disease as comorbidities.20 (38.5%) had ultrasonographic evidence of acute pyelonephritis. At presentation16 (30.8%)had biochemical and/or ultrasonographic evidence of chronic or acute on chronic kidney disease. History of constipation was observed in 18 (34.6%), hospitalization during the past 3 months was seen in 24(46.2%)and history of urinary catheterization in 16(30.8%). Features of obstructive uropathy such as hydronephrosis, hydroureter and prostatomegaly were seen in 4 (7.7%) patients each. Antibiotic treatment within the past 3 months was observed in 32(61.5%);penicillins in 18(34.6%), 3rd generation cephalosporins in 16(30.8%),quinolones in 14(26.9%) and 2nd generation cehalosporins in 12 (23.1%). 18 (34.6%) had received more than one antibiotic within the past 3 months. 8(15.4%)patients studied were on prophylactic antibiotics for recurrant UTIs. None of them had recent Klebsiella pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Similar to other studies,diabetes mellitus, recent antibiotic treatment, hospitalization and catheterization were observed in our patients with ESBL-UTI. The fact thatonly 53.8% patients had received antibiotics at community level and 38.5% patients had never received antibiotics prior to developing ESBL-UTIsuggest high prevalence of ESBL producing organisms at community level.Item Lymphoedema management knowledge and practices among patients attending filariasis clinics in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2004) Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Premaratna, R.; de Silva, N.R.INTRODUCTION: Little information is available on methods of treatment practiced by Sri Lankan patients with filarial lymphoedema. The burden of acute dermatolymphagioadenitis (ADLA) attacks in these patients is also unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding lymphoedema management and the burden of ADLA attacks among patients with lymphoedema attending filariasis clinics. METHODS: The survey was carried out in the Gampaha district. Semi structured questionnaires were deployed to assess knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding morbidity alleviation in filarial lymphoedema. The burden of ADLA attacks was estimated using one-year recall data. RESULTS: 66 patients (22 males: 44 females) mean age 51.18 years SD 13.9% were studied. Almost two thirds of the population was aware of the importance of skin and nail hygiene, limb elevation and use of footwear. Washing was practiced"bn a daily and twice daily basis by 40.9% and 48.5% respectively. However limb elevation, exercise and use of footwear were practiced by 21 -42.4% (while seated and lying down), 6% and 34.8% respectively. Regular intake of DEC was considered important by the majority (n=61. 92.4%). Most (65.2%) had received health education from the filariasis clinics. Among patients who sought private care (n~48) the average cost of treatment of an ADLA attack was Rs. 737.91. Only 18.2% had feelings of isolation and reported community reactions ranging from sympathy to fear and ridicule. CONCLUSIONS: Filariasis clinics seem to play an important role in the dissemination of knowledge regarding morbidity control. Referral of lymphoedema patients to morbidity control clinics is recommended.Item The recto-anal inhibitory reflex (rair): abnormal response in diabetics suggests an intrinsic neuro-enteropathy(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1997) Deen, K.I.; Premaratna, R.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: The recto-anal inhihilory reflex (RAIR) is characterized by reflex relaxation of die anal canal in response to electrical stimulation of the rectaJ mucosa, and is mediated by nitrergic neural plexuses within the wall. Im-painnent of this reflex may lead lo incontinence. AIM: To measure anal canal pressures, anal mueosal electrosensation and RAIR in diabetic patients and corre¬late these measurements with incontinence for gas or faeces. METHODS: Anal canal pressure, RAIR and continence was evaluated in 30 diabetic patients [Male : Female = 13:17, median age 57 years (range 37 - 70) ], and these data were compared with similar data obtained from 22 age and sex matched 'healthy' controls [Male:Female = 9:13,age51 years (range 19-65)]. Median duration of diabetes was 8 years(rangc 3-30). 12 (40%) of Uic 30 diabetes had impaired continence for gas (n = 12) and liquid faeces (n =3). None oi'the controls had incontinence. RESULTS : Maximum resting anal canal pressure (MRP) was [median (range)]: Patients 30 mml Ig (20 -75) vs. Controls 40mmHg (20-105). P=0.61. Maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) [median (range)] : Patients 65 mmllg (30-150) vs. Controls 84mmHg (35 -230), P = 0.59. Threshold rectal mueosal elec(rosensation (RMES-T) [median(range)]: Patients 27 mA (5-40) vs. Controls 13mA (5-28), P = 0.03. Maximum tolerable rectal mueosal electrosensation [median(rangc)]: Patients 40mA (20-60) vs. Controls 20mA (10-30), P=0.042 (all comparisons using Wiicoxon rank test). RAIR was present in 8, abnormal in 5 (1 with inconti¬nence), and absent in 17 (11 with incontinence) diabetics while it was present in 18 and abnormal in 4 controls (testof proportion, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: RAIR was impaired in significantly more patients with diabetes than controls implying impairment of intrinsic neuronal function. All diabetic patients with incontinence had impaired or absent RAIR. Impairment of this reflex may be a useful predictor of incontinence in diabetics.Item A study to determine quantitative predictors for development of third space fluid accumulation in adult patients with dengue(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Premaratna, R.; Ragupathy, A.; Miththinda, J.K.N.D.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: Prediction of severe illness remains the most important measure in preventing mortality associated with dengue. Increased vascular permeability leading to reduced intravascular volume is the hallmark of dengue shock syndrome. Third space fluid accumulation (TSFA) reflects severe vascular permeability and therefore, it is important to quantitatively identify parameters which predict the occurrence of TSFA in dengue. METHODS:102 patients with confirmed dengue were prospectively followed up for clinical, haematological, biochemical parameters and for evidence of TSFA by serial utrasonography. These parameters were tested against development of TSFA using Receiver Operating Characteristic [ROC] curves to identify quantitative predictors of development of TSFA. RESULTS: 102 patients (52 males) with mean age 28.3 years (SD 11.8), TSFA was detected in 34/95 [36%) after admission; 21/95 developed ascites at mean 5.7 days of illness (SD 1.3) and 33/95 had pleural effusion at 5.4 days (SD 1.5). Onset of TSFA could be identified using percentage rises of highest PCV (p= 0.002) where 6.5% rise of PCV predicted TSFA(sensitivity 61%, specificity 62%)], highest Hb (p=0.017) where rise of 6.1% in Hb predicted TSFA (sensitivity 55%, specificity 64%), lowest recorded platelet count (p<0.000) where platelet count of 48500/mm3 or less predicted TSFA (sensitivity of 83%, specificity 51) post-admission fluid input-output balance per day (p 0.002) where positive balance more than 777cc/day predicted TSFA (sensitivity 65%, specificity 64%). CONCLUSIONS: Rise of PCV and Hb, platelet count, WBC count and daily fluid balance appear to be useful quantitative predictors of TSFA in dengue.Item Developing a severity index on day 4 to predict severe dengue infection in adults(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Wijewantha, H.S.; Premaratna, R.; Nishad, A.A.N.; Mabharana, I.D.M.; de Silva, A.P.; Waraketiya, P.R.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: Dengue causes high morbidity and mortality among adults in Sri Lanka. Early prediction of severe illness would help to reduce morbidity and mortality. Studies to identify predictors of severe dengue in adults are sparse. AIMS: To identify predictors of severe dengue infection by the fourth day of illness. Methods: Symptoms, signs and investigation results on the 4th day of illness were compared between two groups of patients with serologically confirmed dengue over 6 months from 1st of March 2011; Group A (severe illness: evidence of fluid leakage, compensated shock, profound shock). Group B (non-severe illness). RESULTS: Of 117 adults 9meanage 32 yrs (SD= 13.3) and 95 males) 27 fell into Group A and 90 into group B. On day 4 of illness serum aminotransferases (AST and ALT) were significantly higher in Group A than group B [AST: 260 iu/1 (SD=168.8] vs 145 iu/l(SD 135.11), p=0.005; ALT: 247 iu/1 (SD= 161.5) vs 105 iu/1 (SD= 91.5), p=0.002]. Overall AST (r=0.3, p=0.038) and ALT (r=0.3, p=0.045) had a positive correlation with haematocrit (PCV). An index was developed using stepwi-se multivariate discriminant function analysis to predict severe infection by the 4th day. A severity Index, [(0.082 x PCVD4) + (0.02 x PlateIetD4) + (-0.006 x ASTD4) -3.677] of <-0.258 predicted severe infection with 73.7 % specificity, 73.8% sensitivity, 56% positive predictive value and 86% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: A severity index <-0.258 calculated on the 4th day of illness may predict severe infection among adult dengue patients. This must now be validated prospectively.Item Repeated dengue shock syndrome and "Dengue myocarditis" responding dramatically to a single dose methyl prednisolone(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Premaratna, R.; Rodrigo, K.M.D.; Anuratha, A.; de Alwis, V.K.D.; Perera, U.D.C.A.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: Place of steroids in the management of severe dengue is unclear. A retrospective observational study appeared to show benefit of methylprednisolone (MP) in a highly selected group of patients. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old schoolboy developed "myocarditis" (4th day) and on the fifth day, he collapsed with Dengue shock syndrome DSS needing rapid resuscitation with intravenous fluid boluses and dextran. He continued to have high fever (39-410C), and pulse rate (PR)>110/min and developed two further episodes of DSS and was resuscitated with further boluses of dextran. As there was no response with temperature 40.20C, PR 160/min, mid-arm systolic BP 70 mmHg, confused, restless, respiratory rate 36/min, dropping capillary 02 saturation, moderate pleural effusions and ascites, urine output <0.2ml/kg/Hr, made it extremely difficult to select the amount and type of fluid for resuscitation. Due to rapid deterioration a single dose of methylprednisolone (MP) (SOOmg in 200ml saline iv over 20 minutes) was administered as a rescue medication. He had deferversence within 30 minutes, became conscious and alert in 1 hour, PR reduced to 96/minute, BP remained stable above 100/80mmHg and urine output increased to 0.8-1.4ml/Kg/Hr. His ECG became normal after 3 hours, and the echo cardiogram in 12 hours (EF-55%). CONCLUSIONS: This patient with dengue developed three episodes of severe haemodynamic compromise within 12 hours while having third space fluid accumulation, "myocardits" and altered level of consciousness making it difficult to institute fluid therapy. A single dose of MP given as rescue measure resulted in a dramatic recovery suggesting a beneficial effect of MP in sever dengue.byItem Predictors of duration and degree of third space fluid accumulation in adult patients with dengue(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Premaratna, R.; Ragupathy, A.; Miththinda, J.K.N.D.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: Fluid leakage is the hallmark of dengue shock syndrome. It is important to identify clinical and biochemical parameters which predict duration and degree of fluid leakage in dengue. METHODS: 102 patients with confirmed dengue were prospectively followed up for clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters, and they were correlated with ultrasonographic evidence of third space fluid accumulation (TSFA). RESULTS: Of the 102 patients (52 males; mean age 28.3 years(SD=11.8), TSFA was detected in 34/95(36%) after hospital admission; 33/95 had pleural effusions which included all except one of 21/95 who had ascites. 72.7% pleural effusions lasted 3 or more days and 52.4% ascites lasted less than 3 days. Duration of pleural effusion showed a significant positive correlation with maximum percentage rises of PCV (r=0.526,p=0.001) and Hb(r=0.525, p=0.001) and negatively correlated with WBC count (r=-0.361, p=0.020) and platelet count (r=-0.585, p=0.000). There was no correlation with any of the other parameters. The mean lowest WBC count of 3005/mm3that was recorded for patients who developed bilateral pleural effusions (n=21) was significantly less (p=0.042) than the mean lowest WBC count of 4091/mm3 that was detected for unilateral effusions(n=12). Duration of ascites was significantly positively correlated with highest AST(r=0.598, p=0.002) and highest ALT(n=0.721, p=.001. CONCLUSIONS: Maximum percentage rise of Hb and PCV, lower WBC and platelet counts seem to be associated TSFA. Among these, lower WBC counts appear to be more predictive of the degree of fluid leakage. Higher ALT and AST levels seem to be useful in predicting the duration of ascites.