Medicine
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This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
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Item Prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment among patients with schizophrenia attending psychiatry outpatient clinics at Teaching hospital – Karapitiya(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2021) Goonathilake, Y.L.A.; Ruben, R.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Isuru, L.L.A.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment is considered a core feature of schizophrenia. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment among patients with schizophrenia, to assess the degree of impairment in individual cognitive domains and to identify its sociodemographic and clinical correlates in a Sri Lankan setting. METHODS: A sample of 140 diagnosed patients with schizophrenia was selected from the psychiatry outpatient clinics at Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya. Their cognitive functions were assessed using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination – III Sinhala version (ACE-III-S). Participants who scored below 85.5 in ACE-III-S were categorized as having significant cognitive impairment. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess correlates with level of significance measured at p = 0.05. RESULTS: In this sample, 89.3% of the participants scored below ACE-III-S cut-off (95% CI [84.09,94.47]). Statistical comparison of proportions of the sample which had impairment in each cognitive domain (attention 60%, memory 65.7%, fluency 55%, language 61.4%, and visuospatial skills 63.6%) did not show a significant difference. The final model of regression analysis showed that patients with shorter duration of formal education (p = <0.001), longer duration of illness (p = <0.001) and higher dose of antipsychotics (p = 0.034) had higher cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Nearly nine out of ten people with schizophrenia suffer from significant cognitive dysfunction. The evaluated cognitive domains have been affected equally. The results of this study emphasize the importance of introducing routine cognitive assessment protocols, improving facilities available for cognitive rehabilitation and more frequent review of antipsychotic medications.Item The clinical utility of accurate NAFLD ultrasound grading: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study(Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd, 2021) Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Gunasekara, D.; de Silva, S.T.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; Kato, N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; de Silva, H.J.OBJECTIVES: Despite its widespread use there is no consensus on ultrasound criteria to diagnose fatty liver. METHOD: In an ongoing, cohort-study, participants were initially screened in 2007 and reassessed in 2014 by interview, anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasonography, and blood tests. We evaluated utility of increased hepatic echogenicity alone (intermediate) compared to using additional criteria which included signal attenuation and/or vascular blunting along with increase of hepatic echogenicity (moderate-severe), to diagnose fatty liver in NAFLD. We made a comparison of the two radiologically defined groups, in order to choose a classification method for NAFLD, which may better predict baseline adverse metabolic traits (MT), and adverse metabolic and cardiovascular events (CVE) after 7-year of follow-up. RESULTS: Of 2985 recruited in 2007, 940 (31.5 %) had moderate-severe NAFLD, 595 (19.9 %) intermediate NAFLD, and 957 (32.1 %) were controls (no fatty liver). 2148 (71.9 %) attended follow-up in 2014; they included 708 who had moderate-severe NAFLD, 446 intermediate NAFLD and 674 controls, at baseline (in 2007). At baseline, adverse anthropometric indices and MTs were significantly higher in both moderate-severe NAFLD and intermediate NAFLD compared to controls, except for low HDL. They were commoner in moderate-severe NAFLD than in intermediate NAFLD. After seven years, the odds of developing new-onset metabolic traits and CVEs were significantly higher compared to controls only in moderate-severe NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Only moderate-severe NAFLD predicted risk of incident adverse MTs and CVEs. However, both moderate-severe and intermediate NAFLD were associated with higher prevalence of adverse anthropometric and metabolic traits, thereby identifying individuals who need medical intervention even among those with milder degrees of fatty liver. We therefore recommend using increased hepatic echogenicity, and not only the more stringent criteria (which include signal attenuation and/or vascular blunting), for the diagnosis of fatty liver in individuals with NAFLD. KEYWORDS: Cardiovascular events; Fatty liver; NAFLD; Outcomes; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound criteria.Item Low-dose melatonin for sleep disturbances in early-stage cirrhosis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial(John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd, 2020) de Silva, A.P.; Niriella, M.A.; Ediriweera, D.S.; de Alwis, J.P.N.; Liyanage, I.K.; Ettickan, U.; Liyanapathirana, K.V.; Undugodage, C.; de Silva, H.A.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND AND AIM: Melatonin is used to treat sleep disturbances (SDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of low-dose melatonin for SDs in early-stage cirrhosis. METHODS: In a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial, patients with early-stage (Child-Turcotte-Pugh [CTP] class A or B) cirrhosis with SDs, without hepatic encephalopathy, were randomized to placebo or 3 mg of melatonin for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the patients were given a washout period of 1 week and crossed over to melatonin or placebo for a further 2 weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were used to measure sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, respectively. Analysis of results was based on intention to treat, and linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the effect of melatonin. Analysis was conducted using R-programming language 3.5.1. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were recruited (mean age: 61.9 ± 8.7 years, males: 46 [64.8%], and CTP Class A = 52 [73.2%] and Class B = 19 [26.8%]). Sixty patients completed the study (mean age: 61.7 ± 8.8 years, males: 40 [66.6%], and CTP Class A = 45 [75.0%] and Class-B = 15 [25.0%]). Two patients dropped out due to adverse events. Nine patients were lost to follow up. Patients given melatonin had a significantly lower PSQI and ESS compared to both pretreatment (P < 0.001) and postplacebo scores (P < 0.001). Incidence of adverse events was similar (two each of abdominal pain, one each of headache, one each of dizziness) in both groups. CONCLUSION: Melatonin seems safe and effective for use in patients with SDs in early-stage cirrhosis in the short term. However, larger and longer-term studies to assess efficacy and safety are required before its clinical use can be recommended. KEYWORDS: cirrhosis; clinical trial; melatonin; sleep disturbances; treatment.Item Computed tomography-based evaluation of segmental variation of liver density and Its implications.(Indian Society of Gastroenterology, 2020) Siriwardana, R.C.; Sivasundaram, T.; Paranaheva, L.; Ediriweera, D.S.BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major health concern. Focal fat deposition frequently seems to involve segment IV b. This indicates a consistent pattern of fat deposition in the liver. The present study evaluates the pattern of fat distribution in the liver using computed tomogram (CT) attenuation index. METHODS: Two radiologists evaluated 517 non-contrast CT scan images of the abdomen and pelvis. Two 40-mm2 regions of interest (ROIs) were selected from each segment. The hepatic segmental densities (HSDs) were obtained by calculating the mean densities of areas of corresponding liver segments. The mean hepatic attenuation (MHA) was quantified by obtaining the mean segmental densities. Densities were compared between the segments and with the MHA. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) of the patients was 55.5 year (15.6), and 276 (53.4%) were males. The overall mean hepatic density was 53.05 (95% CI, 52.95-53.15) Hounsfield units (HU). The lowest mean HSD was observed in segment IV b and the highest mean HSD was observed in segment V. Segments I, IV a and IV b showed significantly lower mean HSDs and segments V, VI and VIII showed significantly higher mean HSDs compared with the overall mean MHA/mean hepatic density (MHD), whereas mean HSDs of segments II, III and VII were not significantly different from the overall mean MHA/MHD. CONCLUSIONS: Segment IV b seems to be the most vulnerable site for fat deposition; focal lesions here should be carefully evaluated. Segments II, III and VII seem to closely represent MHD. KEYWORDS: Cirrhosis; Diagnostic imaging; Fatty liver; Non-alcholic fatty liver disease.Item A multicentre study on pattern of fetal anomalies detected in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 2017) Padeniya, A.G.P. M.; Dias, T.D.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Mendis, B.M.I.U.OBJECTIVE: Prenatal diagnosis is a rapidly evolving specialty in modern medicine. The mid-trimester scan has been an important practice in safe antenatal care which predicts birth defects of the developing fetus. This scan performed during 18-23 weeks of pregnancy detects both internal and external abnormalities of the fetus. The objective of this study was to present the pattern of fetal anomalies detected in Sri Lankan pregnant women who were referred for the anomaly scan.METHODS: A multi centre retrospective study was carried out in all the fetal medicine referral centers conducted in the Island including Colombo, Ragama, Galle and Kurunegala between July 2013 and March 2017. Patient information and the ultrasound scan findings were obtained from the purpose built database maintained by the authors. RESULTS: A total of 7370 referrals were reviewed and 6704 singleton pregnancies were selected. The mean maternal age and the mean gestational age at which the anomaly scan was performed were 31 years (SD=4.9) and 23 weeks (SD= 4.5) respectively. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) was the commonest abnormality detected in the study group 149 (2.2%). Thirty-one (0.5%) fetuses had Atrioventricular Septal Defect which predicts Down syndrome at the mid-trimester scan. Majority (8.3%) of the CHD were referred from the Uva province. Of the 7370 referrals 63 (0.9%) and 27 (0.4%) had Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and cleft lip/palate respectively. Highest percentage (4.4%) of NTDs were referred from the North Central province and cleft lip/palate referrals were commonest in Sabaragamuwa (0.9%) province. Abdominal wall defects and cystic renal disease were detected in 33 (0.5%) and 38 (0.6%) fetuses correspondingly. Referrals received from the Uva (1.9%) province reached the highest number of abdominal wall defects and cystic renal disease referrals were peaked in the Uva (7.4%) province. Forty-eight (0.7%) referrals had Congenital Talipes Equino Varus deformity and highest number of referrals was from the Eastern (2.4%) province. CONCLUSION: Referrals received from the Uva province had highest number of fetal anomalies (20%) either as a major or minor birth defect. Of the total referrals congenital heart defect was the commonest congenital abnormality detected in the study group.Item Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associations among hypertensive patients in North Western Sri Lanka: A cross sectional study(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2018) Luke,W.A.N.V; Ediriweera, D.S.; de Silva, C.K.; Perera, K.M.N.; Ranasinha, C.D.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, H.A.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease is a major non communicable disease in Sri Lanka with a rising prevalence. We studied the prevalence and associations of chronic kidney disease among patients with hypertension in a rural Sri Lankan population. METHODS: A community-based study was conducted in selected Grama Niladhari divisions in ten Medical Officer of Health areas in the Puttalam district. Adults with hypertension were investigated with serum creatinine, urine albumin creatinine ratio and eGFR. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data was obtained as well. RESULTS: Total of798 hypertensive patients (546 females and 252 males) were included in the study. 383 (48.7%, 95% CI: 45.2% - 54.0%) had proteinuria .486 (61.I %, 95% CI: 57.7% - 64.5%) of them had stage III or advanced CKD among which 241 had proteinuria. 618 (78.7%, 95% CI: 75.9% - 81.6%) showed either eGFR<60ml/min/l.73m2 or proteinuria. Advancing age (p<0.01), female gender (p<0.01) and raised LDL levels (p=0.01) were significantly associated with CKD.CONCLUSION: Prevalence of CKD is high in this rural hypertensive adult cohort. A significant proportion had non protienuric CKD. It may be justifiable to assess renal functions of all patients with hypertension to establish an early diagnosis of CKD to prevent complications. Considering the very high prevalence, community screening for CKD can be recommended in this populationItem Evaluating temporal patterns of snakebite in Sri Lanka: The potential for higher snakebite burdens with climate change(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2018) Ediriweera, D.S.; Diggle, P.J.; Kasturiratne, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Jayamanne, S.F.; Isbister, J.K.; Dawson, A.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that has been overlooked by healthcare decision makers in many countries. Previous studies have reported seasonal variation in hospital admission rates due to snakebites in endemic countries including Sri Lanka, but seasonal patterns have not been investigated in detail. METHODS: A national community-based survey was conducted during the period of August 2012 to June 2013. The survey used a multistage cluster design, sampled 165,665 individuals living in 44,136 households and recorded all recalled snakebite events that had occurred during the preceding year Log-linear models were fitted to describe the expected number of snakebites occurring in each month taking into account seasonal trends and weather conditions, and addressing the effects of variation in survey effort during the study and due to recall bias amongst survey respondents RESULTS: Snakebite events showed a clear seasonal variation. Typically, snakebite incidence was highest during November to December followed by March to May and August, but this varied between years due to variations in relative humidity, which is also a risk-factor. Low relative humidity levels was associated with high snakebite incidence. If current climate change projections are correct, this could lead to an increase in the annual snakebite of burden of 35,086 (95% CI: 4 202 a€" 69,232) during the next 25 to 50 years. CONCLUSION: Snakebite in Sri Lanka shows seasonal variation Additionally, more snakebites can be expected during periods of lower than expected humidity. Global climate change is likely to increase the incidence of snakebite in Sri Lanka.Item A multicentre study on pattern of fetal anomalies detected in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 2017) Padeniya, A.G.P.M.; Dias, T.D.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Mendis, B.M.I.U.OBJECTIVE: Prenatal diagnosis is a rapidly evolving specialty in modern medicine. The mid-trimester scan has been an important practice in safe antenatal care which predicts birth defects of the developing fetus. This scan performed during 18-23 weeks of pregnancy detects both internal and external abnormalities of the fetus. The objective of this study was to present the pattern of fetal anomalies detected in Sri Lankan pregnant women who were referred for the anomaly scan. METHOD: A multi centre retrospective study was carried out in all the fetal medicine referral centers conducted in the Island including Colombo, Ragama, Galle and Kurunegala between July 2013 and March 2017. Patient information and the ultrasound scan findings were obtained from the purpose built database maintained by the authors. RESULTS: A total of 7370 referrals were reviewed and 6704 singleton pregnancies were selected. The mean maternal age and the mean gestational age at which the anomaly scan was performed were 31 years (SD=4.9) and 23 weeks (SD= 4.5) respectively. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) was the commonest abnormality detected in the study group 149 (2.2%). Thirty-one (0.5%) fetuses had Atrioventricular Septal Defect which predicts Down syndrome at the mid-trimester scan. Majority (8.3%) of the CHD were referred from the Uva province. Of the 7370 referrals 63 (0.9%) and 27 (0.4%) had Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and cleft lip/palate respectively. Highest percentage (4.4%) of NTDs were referred from the North Central province and cleft lip/palate referrals were commonest in Sabaragamuwa (0.9%) province. Abdominal wall defects and cystic renal disease were detected in 33 (0.5%) and 38 (0.6%) fetuses correspondingly. Referrals received from the Uva (1.9%) province reached the highest number of abdominal wall defects and cystic renal disease referrals were peaked in the Uva (7.4%) province. Forty-eight (0.7%) referrals had Congenital Talipes Equino Varus deformity and highest number of referrals was from the Eastern (2.4%) province. CONCLUSION: Referrals received from the Uva province had highest number of fetal anomalies (20%) either as a major or minor birth defect. Of the total referrals congenital heart defect was the commonest congenital abnormality detected in the study group.Item Prevalence of hypertension in a rural district of Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Luke, W.A.N.V.; Ediriweera, D.S.; de Silva, K.C.; Balasooriya, E.R.; Perera, K.M.N.; Ranasinha, C.D.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, H.A.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Data on prevalence of hypertension in rural settings of Sri Lanka is limited. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence of hypertension among adults over 40 years of age in the Puttalam district.METHODS: A community-based prevalence study was conducted in selected Grama Niladhari divisions in ten Medical Officer of Health areas in the Puttalam district. Adults over 40 years of age living in consecutive households were screened by trained research assistants using digital blood pressure (BP) meters. Basic demographic data were obtained using an intervieweradministered questionnaire. Previously undiagnosed adults with persistent elevation of BP (SBP > 140 and /or DBP > 90 mmHg on two readings) and those already on treatment for hypertension were identified. RESULTS: A total of 2289 were screened. The mean (SD) of SBP and DBP were 134.5(21.3) and 82.1 (13.5) mmHg respectively. The overall hypertension prevalence was 458.5 (95% CI 438.1– 478.8) per 1000 population. 16.3% were newly diagnosed. Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among those on treatment was 516.2 (95% CI 479.4–552.9) per 1000. 98.7 (95% CI 86.6–110.9) per 1000 had blood pressure >160/110 mmHg. There was an increasing trend in blood pressure with increasing age (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.06–1.08, p<0.01) but not with the male sex. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of hypertension is high in this rural adult cohort. Previously undetected hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension among those already on treatment are common. Community-based approaches targeting screening and BP control are essential to reduce adverse outcomes of hypertension.Item Profile of spinal cord injuries among inward patients at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Dilina, A.K.N.; Ediriweera, D.S.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: The global spinal cord injury (SCI) incidence is 40 to 80 per million. Data on SCI in Sri Lanka is sparse. This study describes the socio-demographic characteristics of SCI patients at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama (RRH). METHODS: All SCI patients admitted to the RRH during September to November 2015 were studied. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Kelaniya. ISCO-08 classification was used to classify the occupation category. RESULTS: There were 138 SCI patients. 124 (90%) of them were males, median age was 39 (IQR: 27 to 57) years and 11 (8%) were below 18 years. There were 50 (36%) elementary workers, 28 (20%) service and sales related workers, 10 (7%) machine operators and 26 (18%) were unemployed. Causes of spinal injury were as follows; 62 (45%) fall from a height, 35 (25%) road traffic accidents (RTA), 20 (14%) disease related, 5 (3.6%) each from assault, blunt trauma and spinal tumors. There were 63 (45.6%) thoracic, 57 (41.3%) cervical, 18 (13%) lumbar spinal injuries respectively. 90 (65%) were paraplegic and 48 (34%) were quadriplegic. 29% were bed bound, 58% could move in a wheelchair with support, 10% could move in a wheelchair without support and 2% could walk alone. CONCLUSION: SCI is common in young and middle aged adult male elementary workers. Common cause of injury was fall from a height followed by RTAs. Thoracic and cervical injuries were common and the majority were paraplegic patients. Health education programmes on safety measures to minimize SCI due to falls and RTAs in risk groups would be important in preventing the majority of SCI.
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