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Biomedical subjects

M Mohan

Publications and source records attributed to M Mohan.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Mid-arm and chest circumferences at birth as predictors of low birth weight and neonatal mortality in the community.

In developing countries, where about three quarters of births occur at home or in the community, logistic problems prevent the weighing of every newborn child. A study was performed to see whether other simpler measurements could be substituted for weight to identify neonates of low birth weight and those at risk. A study of 520 hospital births showed a strong correlation (p less than 0.001) between other anthropometric variables and birth weight, but the correlation was maximum for chest circumference (r = 0.8696) and mid-arm circumference (r = 0.8110). A mid-arm circumference of less than or equal to 8.7 cm and a chest circumference of less than or equal to 30 cm had the best sensitivity and specificity for identifying neonates with a birth weight of 2500 g or less. Measurements on 501 consecutive live births in the community were recorded and the infants followed up at specified ages. Mid-arm circumference was again significantly correlated to birth weight (r = 0.6918). Neonatal mortality showed an inverse relation but postneonatal mortality an inconsistent relation with mid-arm circumference. A mid-arm circumference of less than or equal to 8.7 cm and a birth weight of less than or equal to 2500 g were equally useful in predicting neonatal outcome. Mid-arm and chest circumferences are simple, practicable, quick, and reliable indicators for predicting low birth weight and neonatal outcome in the community and can be easily measured by paramedical workers in developing nations.

Abdomen

Epidemic dropsy following transcutaneous absorption of Argemone mexicana oil.

Four cases manifesting features characteristic of epidemic dropsy following body massage with contaminated mustard oil are reported. A transcutaneous route of absorption for the toxin (sanguinarine) resulting in epidemic dropsy has not been documented previously in man. Oil used for body massage was found to be adulterated with Argemone mexicana oil, while hydrogenated vegetable fat used for cooking did not reveal any contamination. Diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by establishing the presence of sanguinarine in the urine and serum of all four cases.

Adult

Oral rehydration of neonates and young infants with dehydrating diarrhea: comparison of low and standard sodium content in oral rehydration solutions.

Oral rehydration among infants aged 0-3 months has not been adequately investigated. A controlled, randomized study was thus conducted in 65 young infants hospitalized with acute noncholera dehydrating diarrhea. The study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of the standard WHO oral glucose-electrolyte solution containing 90 mmol of sodium per liter (Group A: 22 infants) with that of an oral glucose-electrolyte solution containing 60 mmol of sodium per liter (Group B: 22 infants) and with standard intravenous therapy (Group C: 21 infants). Among the 44 infants in Groups A and B, none required intravenous therapy. Dehydration, acidosis, and initial hyponatremia or hypokalemia were corrected with equal efficacy in all the three groups. In the critical first 8 h, the mean sodium absorption was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in Group A. This resulted in hypernatremia (50%), periorbital edema (50%), mild pedal edema (27%), excessive irritability, and convulsions (4.5%). The mean serum sodium levels at 8, 24, and even 48 h were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than those in Groups B and C. It is concluded that glucose-electrolyte oral solution containing 60 mmol of sodium per liter is as safe and effective as intravenous rehydration for the treatment of noncholera neonatal and early infantile diarrhea, while the standard WHO solution carries a significant risk of hypernatremia under similar conditions.

Body Weight

Pathogenesis of experimentally produced corneal ulcers in rabbits.

Intracorneal injection of Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus fumigatus, both separately and together, produced corneal ulcer in rabbits without pretreatment of the eyes with steroids or antibiotics. Staphylococcus alone produced self-limiting ulcers. Aspergillus alone produced severe deep ulcers ending in perforations. Bacterial infection followed by introduction of fungus produced less severe ulcers than did fungus alone. Established fungal infection followed by super-imposed bacterial infection was the most severe of all. The organisms were demonstrable both in direct smear and by culture. Histopathology showed cellular infiltration by polymorphs and lymphocytes with the organisms in the corneal tissue. The pH of the eyes during the active ulcerative period remained acidic.

Animals

Corneomalacia perforans in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Bilateral corneomalacia perforans occurred in a young woman who had had rheumatoid arthritis for 7 years. The perforations appeared to be precipitated by systemic corticosteroid therapy. The only symptom was a sudden loss of vision. Conservative treatment - withdrawal of the steroid therapy and application of soft contact lenses for 3 weeks - resulted in complete healing of the perforations and a marked increase in visual acuity.

Adult