Biomedical subjects

Saurabh Agarwal

Publications and source records attributed to Saurabh Agarwal.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Can effect of finasteride on prostate-specific antigen be used to decrease repeat prostate biopsy?

OBJECTIVES: Patients often undergo multiple prostate biopsies for persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Finasteride decreases serum PSA by approximately 50%. We performed a pilot study to examine the correlation among finasteride, PSA, and PSA density (PSAD) to identify patients who could be excluded from repeat prostate biopsy. METHODS: We performed a prospective study from 2001 to 2002 on 25 men with elevated PSA levels. These patients had prior negative prostate biopsy findings. At study onset, the patients' PSA level and PSAD were measured. Patients were instructed to take finasteride 5 mg for 6 months. PSA and PSAD determination and prostate biopsies were repeated at 6 months and the findings compared with the initial results. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 67.2 years (median 62). The median PSA level was 8.3 ng/dL at study entry (mean 9.34) and 4.6 ng/dL (mean 5.09) at 6 months. The median PSAD was 0.18 (mean 0.20) at study entry and 0.09 (mean 0.12) at 6 months. Of the 23 patients who completed the study, 6 (26%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer. At study entry, the median PSA level in those with prostate cancer was 9.6 ng/dL and was 5.8 ng/dL at 6 months. Patients without prostate cancer on repeat biopsy had a 44% decrease in PSAD. Patients with prostate cancer had a 5% decrease in PSAD. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have demonstrated that patients without prostate cancer have a greater decrease in PSAD when taking finasteride than those with prostate cancer. This pilot study had a small population with limited power, and a repeat prospective study with a larger population is warranted.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Percutaneous K-wire fixation for femoral shaft fractures in children.

From November 2001 to January 2004, sixty-five children with femoral shaft fractures were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation. The aims of the treatment were early mobilisation, easy nursing care and rapid rehabilitation. Kirschner wires were introduced under image-intensifier control from the distal or proximal metaphyseal region of the femur, avoiding injury to the physeal plate. The average duration of hospital stay was 4 days, including training for non-weight bearing axillary crutch walk. Union was achieved in all cases between 6 and 10 weeks (average, 8 weeks). No significant complications were encountered, except refracture in one case. K-wires were removed after an average of 5 months. This is a simple and easy-to-learn technique with the added advantage of cost effectiveness.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Management of type C intercondylar fractures of lower end humerus in adults: A clinical study.

Thirty-six patients of type C intercondylar fractures of lower end of humerus who visited JN Medical College, Aligarh between January, 2001 and January, 2003 were included in the study. All patients were treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation with 4mm cancellous screws, reconstruction plates, one-third tubular plates. Early physiotherapy was started and the results graded using Krishnamoorthy criteria.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Sequential polymer dosing for effective dewatering of ATAD sludges.

Dewatering problems associated with the sludge from autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) of sludge, result in large chemical conditioning costs for effective dewatering. A variety of chemical conditioners were used to improve dewatering, but none of them were able to dewater the sludge as desired at acceptable conditioning doses. It was found that during the digestion process, chemical precipitation of divalent cations occurred. Some of the ATAD sludge colloids were found to have a positive zeta potential and these were thought to be the precipitated divalent cations. Sequential polymer dosing using either iron or cationic polymer, followed by anionic polymer, was found to improve dewatering. The use of anionic polymer is essential and allows the use of smaller amounts of iron or cationic polymer for effective dewatering. The use of the less expensive anionic polymer along with cationic polymers has the potential to make the use of the ATAD process more economical.

Alum Compounds↗

PubMed2005

Diagnostic clinical features of pentazocine-induced ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Pentazocine was introduced in 1967 as a "non-narcotic, nonaddicting" analgesic. However, the abuse potential of this medication was soon recognized, and cutaneous and muscular complications of pentazocine abuse have been reported. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data on 10 patients with pentazocine-induced ulcers attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India between November 2000 and October 2002 have been compiled. RESULTS: Ten patients with pentazocine-induced ulcers were seen at AIIMS between November 2000 and October 2002, six of whom were female. The average age of these patients was 32 years. The duration of the complaints ranged from 10 days to 7 years (average 17.5 months). Nine of the 10 patients had past history of painful medical conditions for which they had received pentazocine injections. All the patients presented with deep ulcers and sinuses over the accessible sites. The margins of these ulcers were hyperpigmented and indurated. Six patients had scars along the superficial vein access sites. Three patients had puffy-hand syndrome, while two had muscle contractures. No underlying psychiatric disorders were found in any of these patients. Urine screening for pentazocine was positive in two patients. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and antibody against DNA (antidsDNA) tests and screening for infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were negative in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pentazocine abuse can be suspected from cutaneous findings, even when the patient does not volunteer a history of self-medication. Recognition of the condition will prevent misdirected investigations and treatment. The patient should be encouraged to seek treatment for drug dependence.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of the results of sinus track culture and sequestrum culture in chronic osteomyelitis.

A prospective observational study was conducted at J. N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, to compare the bacterial flora obtained from sequestrum culture and sinus track culture and to evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity. A total of 62 patients with chronic osteomyelitis were enrolled (38 males and 24 females). Sinus track cultures were done taking all aseptic precautions and the results were compared. Thirty three patients out of 62 showed a discrepancy between the bacterial flora grown from sinus track and sequestrum cultures.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Results of a simplified technique for buried penis repair.

PURPOSE: The buried penis can cause secondary phimosis, recurrent balanitis and social embarrassment. We report our results using a simplified technique for repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 83 consecutive patients undergoing buried penis repair between March 1995 and March 2001 was performed. Indications for surgery included recurrent balanitis, secondary phimosis, difficulty holding the penis during voiding, spraying of the urinary stream, or parental or patient concern for social embarrassment. The technique involves fixation of the subcutaneous penile skin at the base of the degloved penis to Buck's fascia of the penile shaft at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. RESULTS: For the 79 patients included in the study average followup was 4.4 years. Group 1 consisted of 26 patients who underwent circumcision at the time of buried penis repair. Six patients had hypospadias and 13 had penoscrotal webbing that was repaired simultaneously. Three patients (11.5%) had recurrent buried penis that required a repeat procedure and 1 (3.8%) required revision of the circumcision only. Three patients (11.5%) with penoscrotal webbing had mild recurrence requiring no further treatment. Group 2 consisted of 49 patients who underwent revision of the circumcision at the time of buried penis repair. Seven patients (14.3%) had mild recurrence that did not require further treatment. Group 3 consisted of 4 patients who underwent liposuction at the time of buried penis repair. One patient experienced lymphedema of the ventral distal shaft skin, which required subsequent excision. CONCLUSIONS: The buried penis repair is a simple and effective outpatient procedure with few complications and recurrences. It can be used as a primary or secondary procedure and affords good cosmetic results.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Elongated styloid process (Eagle's syndrome): a clinical study.

PURPOSE: Elongated styloid process can be a source of craniofacial and cervical pain and remains a diagnostic challenge to many. The aim of the study was to determine the symptomatology and various criteria for the diagnosis of an elongated styloid process and its management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our clinical study consisted of 58 patients with elongated styloid process who had symptoms of vague cervicofacial pain and presented to our department during a period of 10 years. Special emphasis is given to palpation of the tonsillar fossa, lidocaine infiltration test, and orthopantomography. RESULTS: Minimal complications and zero incidence of deep neck infection were noted. CONCLUSIONS: All of the patients were managed surgically through the intraoral approach, which was found to be a safe procedure.

Adolescent↗