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Biomedical subjects

B Rai

Publications and source records attributed to B Rai.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Thyroid function in a goitre endemia.

A study was conducted to determine the thyroid function in a goitre endemia. Sadam is small village in the south district of Sikkim. Severe iodine deficiency exist in this village (prevalence of goitre 73.5%, cretinism prevalence 4%; mean urinary iodine exeretion 4.13 ng/dl - SD 3.1). Total of 72 out pf 142 households were randomly selected. All the inmates of the households above 14 years of age were examined for goitre and blood samples were collected from them for estimation of concentration of thyroid stimulating hormones (triiodothyroine T-3, thyroixe T-4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Total of 244 subjects were examined, (137 males and 107 females). Goitre was detected in 149 (61.1%) individuals. The mean T-3, T-4 and TSH concentrations in the non-goitrous groups were (SD in parenthesis) 110.13 ng/dl (26.19), 10.12 ug/dl (2.38) and 1.01 uu/ml (0.52). The corresponding values for the goitrous group were, 132.22 ng/dl (46.25), 9.06 ug/dl (2.04) and 1.33 uu/ml (1.19). The differences in the mean concentrations between the goitrous and non-goitrous groups were statistically significant. An inverse correlation between the goitre size and T-4 on the one hand, and TSH and T-4 on the other hand was noticed. The result of the study show that functional decompensation of the thyroid occur in the majority of goitrous subjects.

Adolescent

Clinical study of endemic cretinism in south Sikkim.

One hundred individuals suffering from Endemic Cretinism were studied. There were 55 males and 45 females. 62% of the cretins had visible goitre. Thirty nine (62.9%) goitrous cretins had grade II goitre. Neurological cretinism was the predominant type encountered (99%) and Myxoedematous cretinism was seen in only one patient. The most salient neurological feature was deaf-mutism seen in 74%. Findings in the motor system were, apart from deaf-mutism, the most characteristic feature of the condition on clinical examination. 58% had exaggerated deep tendon reflexes and 31% had extensor plantar response. Squint was noticed in 29%. Familial aggregation was noticed and was striking. Endemic cretinism is a distinctive and easily identifiable clinical entity and is an important indicator of the severity of iodine deficiency in a community.

Adolescent

Long-bone radiographic abnormalities as a sign of active congenital syphilis in asymptomatic newborns.

Metaphyseal abnormalities are present in greater than 90% of infants with symptomatic congenital syphilis. The incidence of these lesions in asymptomatic newborns in the present epidemic is not known. To determine the incidence of bone lesions at birth in asymptomatic congenital syphilis, long-bone films were obtained for all babies born during a 9-month period with a positive perinatal serology. Of 2544 newborns, 61 had a positive maternal serology and 40 also had a positive cord serology. Two symptomatic babies had abnormal radiographs and 12 of 59 asymptomatic newborns had metaphyseal changes consistent with congenital syphilis. It is concluded that long-bone radiographs are abnormal in approximately 20% of asymptomatic newborns with positive perinatal treponemal serology. With the increasing incidence of congenital syphilis, radiologic studies should be included in the assessment of all newborns with a positive serology. Indeed, those patients with any sign of active disease should be carefully followed because even treated infants remain at some risk for developing the late sequelae of congenital syphilis.

Bone Diseases