Journal/Magazine Articles
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This collection contains original research articles, review articles and case reports published in local and international peer reviewed journals by the staff members of the Faculty of Medicine
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Item Diagnostic overlap between adolescent affective instability in borderline personality and juvenile bipolar disorder in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2019) Chandradasa, M.; Fernando, W.K.T.R.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD) could present a diagnostic challenge in the adolescent due to the presence of overlapping symptoms such as impulsivity, affective instability, and sexual arousal. Of these symptoms, affective instability is a central feature of BPD, and there is a rapid shift from the neutral affect to an intense affect, and this is associated with a dysfunctional modulation of emotions. We describe three Sri Lankan adolescents presenting with affective instability, treated with psychopharmacological agents as for BD. While BPD is characterized by transient mood shifts induced by interpersonal stressors, in BD, there are sustained mood changes. A longitudinal assessment of the symptomatic profile and collateral information clarified the diagnosis as being BPD. An examination of the nature of affective instability is vital for a proper diagnosis and provision of evidence-based treatment.Item Examining depression and quality of life in patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2019) Patel, P.; Beamish, P.; da Silva, T.L.; Kaushalya, D.; Premawardhena, A.; Williams, S.; Ravindran, A.V.BACKGROUND: With more effective treatments and improved outcomes in thalassemia, there is increasing focus on its psychological sequelae. Most published data on this topic are from high income countries and much less so from low and middle income countries, where thalassemia is more prevalent. AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the psychiatric morbidity and quality of life in relation to demographic and illness related variables among Sri Lankan patients with thalassemia. METHODS: This cross sectional investigation was conducted at the University of Kelaniya Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Patients with all forms of thalassemia, over 12 years of age, and in stable medical condition (n = 120) were recruited. Assessment tools included a general demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure–Brief. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear regressions, Chi squares, and analyses of variance. RESULTS: Lack of family support, longer duration of inpatient admission, and female gender were associated with higher depression scores and reduced quality of life. Environmental and social quality of life were positively correlated with levels of peer support in males, while increased support from religion correlated with lower depression scores and higher satisfaction with environmental and psychological quality of life in women. There was no association between the type of thalassemia and either depression or quality of life measures. CONCLUSION: Several factors may influence the psychological state and well being of patients with thalassemia in Sri Lanka. Specific service innovations (some gender specific) may help to address these factors to improve treatment outcome and well being.Item Opportunities for pharmacists to optimise quality use of medicines in a Sri Lankan hospital: An observational, prospective, cohort study(Wiley-Blackwell, 2017) Perera, D.M.P.; Coombes, J.A.; Shanika, L.G.T.; Dawson, A.; Lynch, C.; Mohamed, F.; Kalupahana, N.; de Silva, H.A.; Jayamanne, S.F.; Peters, N.B.; Myers, B.; Coombes, I.D.BACKGROUND: Quality use of medicines (QUM) has been identified as a priority in Sri Lanka. Aim: To identify opportunities to optimise QUM, and evaluate medication appropriateness and medication information exchanged with patients and carers on discharge in a Sri Lankan tertiary care hospital. METHODS: An observational, prospective, cohort study of patients systematically sampled from two medical wards. A research pharmacist determined their pre-admission medication regimen via interview at time of discharge. Issues of poor adherence and discrepancies between the pre- and post-admission medication regimens were recorded. Drug-related problems were categorised into opportunities to optimise drug therapy. The appropriateness of discharge medications was evaluated using a validated tool. The patient or carer was interviewed after discharge regarding the quality of medicine information exchanged in hospital. RESULTS: The 578 recruited patients were taking 1756 medications prior to admission, and 657 (37.4%) of these medications were not continued during admission. Opportunities to optimise drug therapy were identified on 1496 occasions during admission (median, 2.0 opportunities/patient), 215 opportunities, (14.4%) were resolved spontaneously by the medical team prior to discharge. The median score for appropriateness of medications on discharge was 1.5 per patient (interquartile range, 0.0–3.5). Of 427 patients surveyed after discharge, 52% recalled being asked about their medications on admission to hospital, 75% about previous adverse medication reactions and 39% recalled being informed about changes to their medications on discharge. CONCLUSION: Significant opportunities exist for pharmacists to enhance quality use of medicines for patients in the current hospitalbased healthcare system in Sri Lanka. © 2017 The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.Item Regulation of the medical profession in Sri Lanka: reform is urgently needed(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2019) de Silva, N.; de Silva, H.No abstract availableItem Evaluation of the undergraduate family medicine programme of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya: quantitative and qualitative student feedback.(BioMed Central, 2019) Perera, D.P.; Withana, S.S.; Mendis, K.; Kasunjith, D.V.T.; Jayathilaka, W.T.S.; Wickramasuriya, S.BACKGROUND:Worldwide there is an increasing emphasis on the importance of primary care. The ministry of health Sri Lanka issued a directive in 2016 that training of doctors in primary care should be strengthened. Medical students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya follow a 1 month long clinical appointment in family medicine in their fourth year of study. METHODS:Feedback is taken from students on completion of the appointment. Half the students from each group complete a pre tested structured feedback questionnaire that consists of answers to questions based on a likert scale with a space for free comments. The other half provide qualitative feedback. In this evaluation data were gathered from 185 (98%) students from all eight clinical groups throughout the year 2016. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data from the Round Robin activity and free comments from the questionnaire. RESULTS:The qualitative feedback provided a richer indepth overview of student ideas on the appointment compared to the quantitative data. In reflection of a desire for learning to be of relevance students wanted clinically oriented teaching focused on management. They preferred active teaching learning methods such as the opportunity to conduct consultations and receive immediate feedback. Students had a high regard for the teaching sessions by general practitioners at their clinics. The appointment had created an interest in the discipline of family medicine which could have an impact on future choice of career. There were indications to suggest that student attitudes towards patients may have evolved to be more patient centred. Students appreciated the inclusive and low stress ambience of the learning environment. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:Regular evaluation of teaching programmes helps maintain accountability of faculty and paves the way for more student centred teaching through the incorporation of students' views in devising teaching methods. This evaluation found that qualitative feedback provided more descriptive material to reflect on and therefore improve teaching on the programme. It is recommended that more use should be made of qualitative methodologies in programme evaluations.Item Availability of facilities and equipment to provide emergency care in ambulances, which transport patients to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka(Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2018) Nandasena, G.; Abeysena, C.ABSTRACT: Objective To describe available facilities and equipment in ambulances, to provide essential emergency care, which transport patients to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka Methods A descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study was carried out at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka from August to October 2008. All ambulances that arrived at the hospital during the study period with an emergency patient were selected as study sample (n=409). A Check list was used to assess in situ facilities and equipment that should be available for basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). Results Most of the ambulances were equipped only with very basic facilities such as wheeled stretcher 95.4% (n=390), ABC fire extinguishers 75.3% (n=308) and warning siren 94.4% (n=386). Among ventilation and air way equipment, ‘oxygen cylinders’ showed highest percentage {68.7%; n=281) of availability in ambulances and oropharyngeal air ways were available only in 4.9% (n=20). Ventilation and air way equipment required for ALS were available only in less than 1% of all ambulances. Among patient assessment equipment, pen lights were available in 19.6% (n=80) and blood pressure apparatus in 2.2% (n=9) of ambulances. Obstetrical supplies, splinting equipment, surgical dressings except bandages, drug delivery devices, intravenous equipment except IV hook were available among < 5% of all ambulances. Most of the ambulances were equipped with safety and accessory equipment, except child safety seat 0.5% (n=2), triage tags 1.7% (n=7) and hack saw 0.7% (n=3), which were available in <2% of all ambulances. Conclusion The facilities and equipment that should be available in both basic and advanced life support ambulances were poor.Item Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and its metabolic associations in an urban setting in Sri Lanka: Data from Colombo Urban study(Endocrine Society of Sri Lanka, 2019) Subasinghe, C. J.; Gunawardana, K.; Ediriweera, D.; Somasundaram, N.P.INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a commonly prevalent, but less attended problem in Asia. Vit D status has many metabolic associations. We designed this community-based study to describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and its metabolic associations in Sri Lankan population. METHODS: A representative sample aged 18 years and above was included. Demographic, anthropometric, and social details were recorded using a standard proforma. Blood analysis was done for vitamin D status, and other metabolic parameters. Prevalence was estimated using weighted age standardized calculations. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study associations to vitamin D status. RESULTS: Cumulative community prevalence of Vit D deficiency and insufficiency was 90.2%. Prevalence was highest among young and females. Obese had significantly lower vitamin D levels. According to the linear regression, Moors showed a significantly lower Vit D levels compared to Sinhalese while Triglyceride levels showed an inverse association with Vit D levels. Dysglycaemia was not associated with Vit D deficiency. DISCUSSION: Very high prevalence of Vit D problem was anticipated on clinical grounds and this is comparable with regional data. High prevalence among young needs early attention to avoid future poor bone health outcomes. Moor ethnicity shows high rates due to many known factors. Obesity is an emerging health problem in the country and co existent Vit D deficiency would increase its burden. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and other metabolic problems are highly prevalent in this population. Causative factors and consequences of this problem should be further researched to plan strategies to replete the Vit D and prevent this problem.Item High prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Sri Lankan urban population – Data from Colombo Urban Study(Endocrine Society of Sri Lanka, 2019) Somasundaram, N.P.; Ranathunga, I.; Gunawardana, K.; Ediriweera, D.S.BACKGROUND: In recent decades, Sri Lanka has experienced rapid urbanization, with approximately 30% of the population currently residing in urban areas. We report the age- and sex-specific prevalence of dysglycaemia in an urban population in Colombo, Sri Lanka. METHODS: Using a stratified random sampling method, 463 subjects (139 men; 324 women) aged 18 years and above were included. Physical activity was quantified using international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Bio impedence was used to estimate body fat. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using the HOMA calculations. Prevalence was estimated using weighted age standardized calculations. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study associations to diabetes and prediabetes. RESULTS: There were 124 adults in the 18-40 age group (70% female), 209 adults in the 41-60 age group (73% female) and 130 adults in the > 60 age group (63% female). The overall prevalence of diabetes was 27.6% (95% CI: 23.7-31.4). The prevalence of diabetes in those aged 18-40 was 12.4% (95% CI: 6.4 -18.4), 36.1% (95% CI: 29.8 – 42.4) in those aged 41 – 60 and 48.3% (95% CI: 40.7 – 55.8) in those aged >60. Pre-diabetes was detected in 30.3% (95% CI 25.9-34.8) of the population (with either an HbA1c of 5.7-6.4%, FPG of 110-125 mg/dl or 2 Hr PPG of 140-199 mg/dl). Cumulative prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the population was 57.9%. CONCLUSIONS: This urban study demonstrates that along with the changes in the socio-demographic status, the metabolic profile of the Sri Lankan adult has transformed, with a high prevalence of dysglycaemia and obesity.Item Incidence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome among urban, adult Sri Lankans: a prospective, 7-year community cohort, follow-up study.(BioMed Central, 2019) de Silva, S.T.; Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Kottahachchi, D.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, A.P.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Kato, N.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND:The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of abdominal obesity, diabetes and prediabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, that confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is limited data on incidence of MetS from South Asia. This study investigated incidence and risk factors for new onset MetS in an urban adult Sri Lankan population.METHODS:Subjects (selected by age-stratified random sampling from the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area) were screened initially in 2007 (35-64 years) and re-evaluated in 2014 (42-71 years). On both occasions they were assessed by structured interview, anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasound, and biochemical/serological tests. MetS was diagnosed on International Diabetes Federation (IDF-2006) criteria. Total body fat (TBF) and visceral fat percentage (VFP) were measured in 2014, using body impedance method. Incidence and factors at baseline, associated with new onset MetS, were investigated among those who presented for re-evaluation.RESULTS:2985 (99.1%) [1636 (54.8%) women (54.8%); median age (IQR) 53 (47-59) years] from the initial cohort in 2007 had complete data. 2148 (71.9%) [1237 (57.6%) women; median age (IQR) 60 (54-66) years] attended follow-up. 949 of them [701 (73.9%) women; median age (IQR) 60 (54-65) years] had MetS (prevalence 47.2%, 95% CI 45.0-49.4%). Of 1246 who did not have MetS in 2007, 265 [178 (67.1%) women, median age (IQR) 57 (51-64) years] had developed MetS after 7 years (annual incidence 3.5% (95% CI 2.4-4.5%). Females (OR = 4.9, 95% CI 3.4-7.4), BMI > 23 kg/m2 in 2007 (OR = 1.6 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.5-1.7), weight gain (by 2-5% OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.5; by > 5% OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.4), and increase in waist circumference (by 2-5% OR = 7.0, 95% CI 4.0-12.2; by > 5% OR = 13.4, 95% CI 8.3-22.4) from baseline and presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 2007 (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.04-2.76) were associated new onset MetS. Those with MetS had abnormal VFP and TBF in 2014 [P < 0.001].CONCLUSION:In this study, annual incidence of MetS was 3.5%. Female gender, BMI > 23 kg/m2 and NAFLD in 2007 and increase in weight and waist circumference from baseline were significantly associated with new onset MetS. Obesity was the best predictor of future MetSItem Prediction of colorectal cancer risk among adults in a lower middle-income country(AME Publishing Company, 2019) Samarakoon, Y.M.; Gunawardena, N.S.; Pathirana, A.; Perera, M.N.; Hewage, S.A.BACKGROUND: Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. Use of a simple, validated risk prediction tool will offer a low-cost mechanism to identify the high-risk individuals for CRC. This will increase efficient use of limited resources and early identification of patients. The aim of our study was to develop and validate a risk prediction model for developing CRC for Sri Lankan adults. METHODS: The risk predictors were based on the risk factors identified through a logistic regression model along with expert opinion. A case control design utilizing 65 CRC new cases and 65 hospital controls aged 30 years or more was used to assess the criterion validity and reliability of the model. The information was obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire based on the risk prediction model. RESULTS: The developed model consisted of eight predictors with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.849 (95% CI: 0.8 to 0.9, P<0.001). It has a sensitivity of 76.9%, specificity of 83.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 82.0%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 79.3%. Positive and negative likelihood ratios are 4.6 and 0.3. Test re-test reliability revealed a Kappa coefficient of 0.88. CONCLUSIONS: The model developed to predict the risk of CRC among adults aged 30 years and above was proven to be valid and reliable and it is an effective tool to be used as the first step to identify the high-risk population who should be referred for colonoscopy examination. © Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. All rights reserved.