Faculty Publications

Efficacy of pre-operative salbutamol nebulization in improving patient comfort and surgical outcomes during cataract surgery in copd and asthma patients

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Efficacy of pre-operative salbutamol nebulization in improving patient comfort and surgical outcomes during cataract surgery in copd and asthma patients Suman Devarmani , Ann Cheruvillil Joy, Shreeshail Anjutagi,Keerti Wali increased risk of perioperative respiratory discomfort even during minor procedures such as cataract surgery performed under local anesthesia. Intraoperative coughing, dyspnea, and poor cooperation may adversely affect surgical outcomes. Preoperative bronchodilation with salbutamol may improve respiratory stability and patient comfort; however, evidence in ophthalmic surgeries is limited. Aim: To compare the efficacy of preoperative salbutamol nebulization in improving patient comfort and surgical outcomes during cataract surgery in patients with COPD and/or asthma, and to propose a standard preoperative protocol. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted over one year in a tertiary care center. Thirty adult patients with bronchial asthma and/or COPD undergoing cataract surgery were randomly allocated into two groups: salbutamol group (n=15), receiving preoperative nebulization with salbutamol (2.5 mg), and control group (n=15), receiving standard care without nebulization. Patient comfort (better/uneventful vs breathlessness) and intraoperative surgical conditions (uneventful vs disrupted) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was comparable between the salbutamol (65.4 ± 7.3 years) and control groups (69.9 ± 7.8 years). Good patient comfort was observed in 86.7% of patients in the salbutamol group compared to 40.0% in the control group (χ²=7.03, p=0.008). Breathlessness was significantly lower in the intervention group (13.3% vs 60.0%). Uneventful surgical conditions were achieved in 86.7% of patients receiving salbutamol compared to 40.0% in controls (χ²=7.03, p=0.008). Conclusion: Preoperative salbutamol nebulization significantly improves intraoperative patient comfort and surgical conditions in patients with COPD and asthma undergoing cataract surgery. Incorporating this simple and cost-effective intervention into routine preoperative protocols may enhance surgical outcomes and patient experience.

A study on the role of videostroboscopy in the early detection of laryngeal changes in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A study on the role of videostroboscopy in the early detection of laryngeal changes in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease Kothapalli Neelima , Pratibha S.D , Sharanabassu M Andeli, Karadi RN Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is a common cause of chronic throat and voice symptoms and often produces subtle mucosal and vibratory abnormalities that may not be detected on routine laryngoscopy. Videostroboscopy provides dynamic assessment of vocal fold function and may improve early diagnosis and severity stratification. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of videostroboscopy in detecting structural and functional laryngeal abnormalities and to determine its association with symptom severity and treatment outcomes in patients with suspected LPRD. Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, BLDEU’s Shri B.M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, over the defined study period, including 136 patients with symptoms suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Results: Females constituted 62.5% of participants. The mean RSI score was 21.05. Moderate LPR was most common (42.65%), followed by mild (27.21%), no/borderline (15.44%), and severe disease (14.71%). ENT examination revealed inflammatory changes in 86.76% of patients, with cobblestoning (25%) and erythema (20.59%) being frequent findings. Videostroboscopy demonstrated reduced vibratory amplitude and mucosal wave in 57.35% of patients, while abnormalities in symmetry, periodicity, and glottic closure were observed in all cases (100%). Reduced amplitude was present exclusively in moderate and severe disease, showing a strong association with severity (χ² = 272.00, p < 0.0001). At one-month follow up, 75% of patients improved clinically. Conclusion: Videostroboscopy detects early and widespread functional vocal fold abnormalities and correlates strongly with disease severity, making it a valuable adjunct to routine ENT examination for accurate diagnosis, grading, and follow-up of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

A study of microalbuminuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A study of microalbuminuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Bheeman Gouda, Rajesh M Honnutagi, Prakash M Patil Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with potential systemic complications including renal involvement. Microalbuminuria represents early endothelial dysfunction and may indicate disease severity and cardiovascular risk in RA patients. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to examine its correlation with disease activity markers including rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods: The study included 40 patients with established rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed according to the 2020 American College of Rheumatology-European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (ACR EULAR) classification criteria. Patients underwent comprehensive clinical assessment including detailed history, physical examination with tender and swollen joint counts, and laboratory investigations. Microalbuminuria was assessed using spot morning urine samples with albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) method, defining microalbuminuria as ACR more than or equal to 30 mg/g. Disease activity markers including ESR, CRP, and RF were measured using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests, with p value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Microalbuminuria was present in 8 out of 40 patients (20%). Patients with microalbuminuria demonstrated significantly elevated inflammatory markers compared to those without microalbuminuria. Mean ESR was 48.8±13.7 mm/hr in the microalbuminuria-positive group versus 31.6±12.2 mm/hr in the microalbuminuria- negative group (p=0.001). Mean CRP levels were 29.2±8.4 mg/L in microalbuminuria-positive patients compared to 20.06±12.1 mg/L in microalbuminuria negative patients (p=0.05). Rheumatoid factor showed a strong association with microalbuminuria, with 100% (8/8) of microalbuminuria-positive patients being RF positive compared to 62.5% (20/32) of microalbuminuria-negative patients (p=0.038). Conclusion: Microalbuminuria was present in 20% of rheumatoid arthritis patients and showed significant correlations with disease activity markers including ESR, CRP, and RF. These findings establish microalbuminuria as a valuable biomarker of disease severity and systemic inflammation in RA. Routine microalbuminuria screening should be considered in RA patients, especially those with high disease activity or elevated inflammatory markers.

A cross-sectional study of correlation of climatic droplet keratopathy with serum proteins, serum calcium and lipid profile

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A cross-sectional study of correlation of climatic droplet keratopathy with serum proteins, serum calcium and lipid profile K Vallabha, Vivea Naresh Nagdev, Keerti Gururaj Wali Background: Climatic Droplet Keratopathy (CDK) is a progressive corneal degeneration linked to environmental exposure and possibly systemic factors. This study investigates associations between CDK and serum protein levels, calcium levels, and lipid profiles in a semi-arid Indian population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 64 subjects (32 CDK patients and 32 controls) was conducted using detailed ophthalmic evaluations and serum biochemical testing. CDK grading was performed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Statistical analyses employed Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: CDK patients were predominantly male (71.9%, p=0.006), with a high proportion engaged in farming (59.4%). Serum calcium levels negatively correlated with CDK severity (p=0.015). HDL levels were significantly reduced in cases (p<0.001), while VLDL showed significant variation across CDK grades (p=0.011). Total protein, albumin, and A/G ratio did not differ significantly. Conclusion: CDK shows strong associations with hypocalcemia, and low HDL cholesterol. These findings support a multifactorial pathogenesis involving environmental stress and systemic metabolic factors. Early screening and public health interventions in vulnerable regions may reduce disease burden.