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INTRODUCTION: Prenatal screening tests are essential for preventing common genetic disorders, yet their acceptability among pregnant women in India remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the acceptability of prenatal screening tests and their correlation with demographic characteristics among pregnant women in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care, public hospital, involving 200 pregnant women. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic information and the acceptability of prenatal screening tests. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: Most participants demonstrated adequate acceptability toward prenatal screening tests, with 73% scoring above the threshold. Factors associated with higher acceptability included younger maternal age, second-trimester gestational age, higher education, salaried employment, and urban residence. However, factors such as parity, consanguinity, mode of conception, and family history of genetic disease showed no significant associations. CONCLUSION: The study highlights positive attitudes toward prenatal screening tests among pregnant women in India, particularly among younger, more educated, and urban populations. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance awareness and accessibility of prenatal screening, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the genetic disorder burden in India.
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Introduction Genetic disorders pose a significant health challenge in India, with chromosomal abnormalities ranking second only to congenital anomalies in terms of disease burden. Prenatal testing offers a crucial strategy for identifying and managing these disorders. However, the awareness and understanding of prenatal screening tests among pregnant women in India remain understudied. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the awareness quotient of prenatal screening tests for genetic disorders among pregnant women in India. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Genetics Unit, Department of Anatomy, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri. Ethical clearance was obtained, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and awareness assessment. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Results Among the 200 pregnant women surveyed, the majority demonstrated inadequate awareness of prenatal screening tests for genetic disorders, with only 36.5% possessing adequate knowledge. Significant associations were found between awareness levels and factors such as age, trimester of pregnancy, and education level. Notably, awareness about non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) was notably low at 7%, indicating a need for targeted educational interventions. Comparison with international studies revealed varying levels of awareness across different populations, highlighting the influence of socio-cultural factors and healthcare systems. Conclusion This study underscores the need for improved awareness of prenatal screening tests among pregnant women in India. Addressing disparities in awareness, particularly among younger age groups and those with lower education levels, is crucial for informed decision-making in prenatal care. Targeted educational interventions can empower pregnant women to make informed choices, ultimately contributing to better maternal and child health outcomes. Further research should explore the effectiveness of such interventions in diverse settings to enhance prenatal care delivery.
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INTRODUCTION: Varicose veins (VV) are one of the most common pathologies associated with the venous system of the lower limb. In the Indian population, its incidence is higher, and it is one of the most commonly encountered cases in the hospital. The study aimed to note the widely affected anatomical structure in male and female varicose patients using Doppler ultrasound (DU) examination findings. METHODS: A total of 200 Doppler ultrasound reports of varicose patients were retrospectively analyzed and categorized based on the affected structure. The demographic data of all cases, such as age, sex, brief history, signs, symptoms, and affected side of the lower limb, was noted. Anatomical structures causing venous refluxes in the saphenous systems, junctions, and perforating venous systems were noted. Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to find out its association. RESULTS: Out of 200 Doppler reports studied, 133 (67%) were male and 67 (33%) were female patients. The majority, 180 (90%) cases, belonged to C1-C3 stages according to the Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathological (CEAP) classification, while 20 (10%) were in C4-C5 stages. Male patients aged between 31 and 40 years were predominantly affected, with their left side being affected most commonly. In female patients, the older age group of 50-60 years was predominantly affected. Great saphenous reflux in the groin due to incompetent terminal valve was noted in 126 (63%) cases. In the perforator venous (PV) system, defects in the medial leg perforator (189 (95%)), posterior leg (92 (46%)), and thigh perforator (20 (10%)) were noted. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the occurrence of varicose veins is due to the involvement of superficial, deep, and perforator veins with varying percentages. Among the structures, the medial leg perforator was predominantly involved, followed by other perforators. Since most patients were in C1-C3 stages, the involvement of deep veins was noted minimally.
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Introduction Clinicians agree with the fact that the impact of genetics in the field of medicine is humongous. They have to cope with the rapid advances in the field of clinical genetics and offer the best treatment to the patients at the right time. Disease with an underlying genetic cause not only involves the patient but also the family and the community. In the process of genetic counseling, the patient and the family are educated about the genetic basis of the disorder. This helps the patient and the family to make a well-informed decision. It also helps to reduce the genetic burden of the disease in the community over a period of time. In this regard, knowledge, attitude, and practice about the process of genetic counseling among clinicians is imperative. Methods A structured pre-validated questionnaire was distributed amongst 60 clinicians from different departments. Their responses were assessed based on the Likert scale. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed in percentages. Results In the present study, nearly 90% of the clinicians felt that it was important to gather a multi-generational family history of the patient and advise them about inheritance patterns, recurrence risk, and genetic tests for a disorder with an underlying genetic cause. The need to educate the family members regarding the importance of genetic tests and referral to appropriate support groups if they test positive for a genetic disorder receive a positive response. Mostly the participants agreed that parents of children and couples at risk of having a child affected by a genetic disease should undergo genetic counseling. Conclusion Clinicians may not always be aware of the underlying genetic cause and genetic tests available or may face a paucity of time to counsel the patient and the family. Genetic counseling needs to be done at length in multiple sessions, and it is essential to reduce the burden of genetic disorders in society.
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Introduction: Medical institutions around the world are exploring various newer modes of teaching and assessment methods to incorporate into the teaching curriculum. In this changing situation, e-learning methods are being widely used. For determining the effectiveness of a new learning method, assessment should be done since learning and assessment are intricately associated. One such newer method of testing practical anatomy knowledge is online spotter examination. The present study was conducted to correlate the students' performance between traditional and online spotter exam and analyse the students' perception about both exam patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 120 first year medical students after obtaining ethical approval from the Institute Research and Ethics committee. Students were selected using simple random sampling method. Two modes of practical examination, traditional and online spotter, were conducted. After the examination, mean scores of OSE and TSE were compared using independent sample t-test. A questionnaire was given to collect data on their perception about the exam pattern, and the responses were scored using Likert scale. Results: The performance mean score in online spotter exam was higher compared to traditional spotter exam. Analysis of the students' perception about the exam pattern revealed that they preferred the online examination. This could be attributed to advantages of online teaching and learning using audio-visual aids with good quality images (84=70%), easy to answer in multiple choice question (78=65%), quick results (108=90%), absence of bias in evaluation (108=90%), easy for future online postgraduate entrance exams (114=95%), and overall time limit and its advantages (84=70%);the only drawback was anxiety about internet connectivity (96=80%). Conclusion: Online spotter exam can be conducted for routine formative assessment under controlled conditions to improve the students' knowledge and enhance their confidence and adaptability for future online exams.
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Introduction The internal carotid artery is the chief source of blood supply to the brain. Variations of the internal carotid artery, such as curved, kinking, and coiling, might result in significant neurovascular problems due to alterations in the dynamics of blood flow. The elongated and tortuous course of the internal carotid artery in the cervical region has a high chance of being damaged during head and neck surgeries. Method The study aims to observe the course and variations of the internal carotid artery in 50 cadaveric hemi-neck specimens of both sexes. The internal carotid artery was traced from its origin until its termination in the base of the skull. Variations in the course, position, and the level of the carotid bifurcation were observed and analysed. Result Out of the 50 specimens, a higher carotid bifurcation was observed in 40% of the specimens and 28% showed variations in the course, such as curved (18%), kinking (8%), and coiling (2%). The position of the internal carotid artery was reversed in 16% of the specimens. Conclusion Curved, kinking, and coiling types of carotid artery variations observed in the present study had right-sided and female predominance. Knowledge about such variations is essential for the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders and in head and neck surgeries.
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Introduction Congenital ureter anomalies such as double ureters are uncommon developmental anomalies of the renal system. An abnormal branching pattern of ureteric bud results in the formation of double ureter. This study examined the incidence of double ureter in cadavers of a South Indian population. Methods A total of 50 kidney and ureter specimens were carefully dissected out of the posterior abdominal wall and examined for the presence and subtype of double ureter. Results Of 50 kidneys, three (6%) specimens showed an incomplete double ureter, two on the right kidney and one on the left. In all three specimens, the double ureter fused at different levels to form a single ureter opening into the bladder. Conclusions The prevalence of incomplete double ureter is higher in this study compared with that in previous cadaveric studies. Ureteral injuries are a frequent complication of abdominal and pelvic surgeries. Hence, awareness about the types and varieties of double ureter will aid radiologists and surgeons in interpreting and diagnosing urological images and preventing accidental injury while performing surgery.
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OBJECTIVES: Anatomical knowledge regarding the external morphology of the spleen is essential for surgical intervention and radiological diagnosis. A characteristic feature of the spleen is the presence of splenic notches at the superior border; however, such notches rarely extend deep enough to be considered fissures or to separate the spleen into multiple lobes. To date, there are very few cadaveric reports of splenic fissures. This study aimed to examine the anatomy and morphological structure of spleens collected from cadavers in order to identify the prevalence and clinical significance of splenic notches, fissures and lobation. METHODS: This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 50 spleens were collected from cadavers over a period of seven years from 2012-2019 and examined to determine the presence of splenic notches or fissures. RESULTS: Of the 50 spleens, 40% had notches at the superior border, 10% had notches at the inferior border and 50% had no notches at either border. Fissures were present in five spleens (10%); of these, three showed incomplete fissures and the remaining two had complete fissures that divided the spleen into two lobes. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide valuable information regarding the anatomy and prevalence of splenic fissures and bilobed spleens. A bilobed spleen is a rare congenital malformation which should be considered distinct from other known splenic anomalies. The presence of splenic fissures in bilobed spleens can serve as a guide for surgeons during conservatory splenectomy procedures.