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Background: Ageing population has increased the rate of hospitalizations and demand for critical care services. The data on the clinical profile and outcomes of different groups of elderly admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) are however sparse. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical profile and outcomes among different age groups of critically ill elderly patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary level hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective and observational study reviewed all the elderly patients aged 60 years and above, admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital over a period of 1 year. The patients were divided into three groups, 60–69 years, 70–79 years, and 80 years and above. Non-probability sampling was done. Kruskal–Wallis H test was performed to compare the median values of the variables between the three groups. Results: Among 173 patients analyzed, the three groups did not differ in clinical characteristics, requirement of renal replacement therapy and cardiovascular support, length of stay (LOS) in ICU, LOS in mechanical ventilator, and patients who improved and transferred out of ICU. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE) II score was significantly higher in 70–79 years compared to the other two groups (P=0.01) as was the in-hospital mortality (P=0.03). Conclusion: APACHE II score rather than age is a good predictor of adverse outcomes in ICU. Age should not be used to preclude the utilization of resources in ICU.

This is a case of retained bronchial foreign body identified by Computed Tomography (CT) scan after 29 years of initial penetrating chest trauma. The patient had a long-standing history of shortness of breath which was diagnosed and treated as recurrent pulmonary infections. The case report is an attempt towards eliciting the importance of CT scan in identifying such foreign bodies. Interpretation & diagnosis of long standing organic foreign bodies may present with occasional diagnostic dilemma. However, prompt and accurate diagnosis is necessary to prevent complications that can be serious and, as in our case, potentially fatal.

SETTING: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.OBJECTIVES: 1) To report the number and proportion of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas (PABS) species among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sputum culture; and 2) to assess antimicrobial resistance patterns, demographic and clinical characteristics associated with resistance to at least one antibiotic and ICU discharge outcomes among those patients with PABS species admitted to hospital between 14 April 2018 and 13 April 2019.DESIGN: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study using secondary data.RESULTS: Of 166 who underwent sputum culture, 104 (63%) had bacterial growth, of which, 67 (64%) showed PABS species. Of the positive cultures, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia and Stenotrophomonas were present in respectively 32 (30.7%), 31 (29.8%), 1 (1%) and 3 (2.8%). Pseudomonas showed a high level of resistance to levofloxacin (61%), cefepime (50%) and amikacin (50%). Acinetobacter was largely resistant to cefepime (95%), imipenem (92%) and levofloxacin (86%). Of the 67 with PABS infection, 32 (48%) died.CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter and the emergence of Stenotrophomonas in sputum culture samples of ICU patients. This highlights the need for monitoring PABS and associated resistance patterns to reduce mortality in ICU patients.

Introduction: Adjuvants are used in conjunction with local anaesthetics for brachial plexus block to quicken onset, prolong duration and augment the quality of anaesthesia. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the effect of adding ultra-low dose naloxone to bupivacaine on the duration of postoperative analgesia. Methodology: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted including forty American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) I and II patients of either sex between 15 and 65 years of age scheduled for upper limb surgery. They were randomized into two groups. Group BN received a mixture of 0.33% plain bupivacaine with ultra-low dose naloxone (100 ng) and group BS received 0.33% plain bupivacaine with saline. The procedure was standardized in both groups. The onset of sensory and motor block were assessed with pinprick sensation and muscle power respectively. Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was used to assess the pain at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours postoperatively. Result: The patients were comparable with respect to age, sex, ASA PS, baseline hemodynamic and respiratory parameters and duration of surgery. The mean duration of analgesia in group BN was significantly longer (610.7±125.4 mins) as compared to group BS (354.3±59.6 mins) (p

Background: Epidemiological data on critically ill patients is crucial for understanding resource utilisation, gaps in quality of care and for supporting surveillance of endemic or emerging diseases. We report the epidemiology of critically ill patients from 17 intensive care units (ICUs) in Nepal using an established and standardised ICU registry. Methods: The ICU registry data is collected prospectively and includes data on case mix, severity, organ support and outcomes. We conducted a retrospective observational study with all adult (≥18 years) critically ill patients admitted to 17 ICUs in Nepal between September 2019 and September 2022. We report on case mix, treatment received, severity of illness, standardised mortality rates (SMR), discharge outcomes and ICU service activity. Descriptive statistics were used to report the findings. Results: Of the 18603 unique admissions, 14% were operative, with 35% emergency surgeries. Patients’ median age was 57 (IQR 40-71) and 59% were male. Hypertension and diabetes were common comorbidities and pneumonia accounted for 26% of all admissions. During the ICU stay, 39% of patients received mechanical ventilation, 29% received vasoactive medication and 10% received renal replacement therapy. The median predicted risk of death was 0.1 (IQR 0.1-0.3) using APACHE II and 0.2 (IQR 0.1-0.4) using eTropICS. The median SMR was 0.7 (IQR 0.5-0.8) and 0.8 (IQR 0.6-1.4) using eTropICS and APACHE II, respectively. Median length of stay was 4 days (IQR 2-7). Eighteen percent died in the ICU; of those alive at discharge, 12% went home, 84% went to another department and 3% went to another hospital. COVID-19 was the most common notifiable disease reported (12% of all admissions). Median ICU turnover was 9% (IQR 6-14) with bed capacity ranging from 43-278. Conclusions: These findings should guide forecasting and service planning to ensure ICUs can optimally care for critically ill patients in Nepal.

Background: Patients in intensive care unit setting require invasive monitoring and treatments that often lead to anxiety and pain. To reduce anxiety, increase tolerance and improve outcome of such interventions, sedation is common practice. Propofol and Dexmedetomidine both are frequently used for sedation in ICU. Methods: In a randomized, prospective, open label study, seventy critically ill adult patients requiring mechanical ventilation were assigned to receive either propofol infusion with 1.2 mg/ kg/hr or dexmedetomidine infusion with 0.2 mcg/kg/hr starting dose within twelve hours of intubation and titration of study drug to achieve Richmond agitation sedation score (RASS) of -2 to 0 until extubation or for seven days whichever was longer. Primary end point was percentage of time within target sedation range and secondary end points were prevalence of delirium, duration of mechanical ventilation and use of fentanyl and haloperidol. Results: The percentage of time within target sedation range (Richmond agitation sedation score -2 to 0) was similar (p=0.947). Consumption of median dose of fentanyl (p=0.043) and haloperidol (p=0.025) were less in dexmedetomidine group. Ability to communicate pain via visual analogue scale was significantly higher in dexmedetomidine group 28 (80%) as compared to propofol group 14 (40%); p=0.001. Adverse events like hypotension, bradycardia was not significantly different. Conclusions: Sedation with dexmedetomidine was similar as compared to propofol in mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patients. Dexmedetomidine reduced duration of delirium consumption of fentanyl and improved patients’ ability to communicate pain compared to propofol.

Introduction: This is a clinic-epidemiological study of the total cases of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed influenza cases. We aim to characterize the disease, its morbidities and mortality. Materials and Methods: The details of all PCR confirmed influenza (H1N1) cases were obtained from the hospital records and descriptive statistical analysis tools were used to report the findings. Results: A total of 35 cases were confirmed as influenza from January to March 2019. The most common presenting complaints were fever (91%), cough (85%) and shortness of breath (65%). The most frequent diagnosis made was pneumonia (88%). Septic shock was present in 29% while 14% had acute kidney injury (AKI). Oxygen therapy was required in 71% with 17% requiring mechanical ventilation and another 11% requiring non-invasive ventilation. Fourteen percent had developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring proning. A total of 77% patients were successfully discharged home, 8% were transferred to other centers on request for various reasons and 11% were withdrawn from all active treatment leading to death. One patient was taken home against advice whose outcome could not be traced. During treatment, two patients had developed ischemic stroke, two required haemodialysis for acute renal failure and other two had scrub typhus co-infection. Conclusions: A total of 85% of the patient survived while the rest lost their lives. The most important factor recognized was the financial burden associated with the treatment. Diagnostic delays and limited supply of Oseltamivir might be the other barriers in the treatment of the disease.

Purpose Studies have shown that lung-ultrasound may be superior to chest x-ray (CXR) in diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This study investigated whether the use of lung-ultrasound monitoring could detect VAP earlier and improve patient outcome. Methods This was a single-center diagnostic randomized controlled trial. In the control group, VAP was diagnosed using a combination of CXR and clinical findings. In the intervention group, VAP was diagnosed using a combination of lung-ultrasound and clinical findings. The primary outcome measured was ventilator free days (VFD). Secondary outcomes were ICU mortality, length of stay in ICU, change in Sequential Organ Failure Score at day 4 compared to day 0 (delta SOFA), antibiotic duration and ventilator days. Results We randomized intubated patients until 44 VAP diagnosis was made in each group. VFD was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (7.80+/− 9.7 days versus 3.7+/− 6.4 days, p = .044). There were no differences between the groups in terms of ICU mortality (p=.104), ICU length of stay, (p = .058), ventilator days, (p = .081), delta SOFA (p = .10) and antibiotic duration (p = .70). Conclusion The use of lung-ultrasound monitoring for diagnosis of VAP improves patient outcome when compared to the standard diagnostic strategy that relies on CXR.

Background: Regional anaesthesia are widely utilized in surgical gynaecology practice. The Com­bined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia (CSEA) technique and Continuous epidural anaesthesia both have been extensively used in elective gynaecological surgeries. This prospective cross-sectional comparative study was designed to compare the quality of anaesthesia between CSEA and Epi­dural anaesthesia. Methods: Sixty-four patients between age group 15- 65 years of ASA grade I, II were randomly di­vided into 2 groups. Group A patients received CSEA using “double needle double interspace tech­nique” and were given 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal block. Group B patients received epidural block with catheter using 10 ml of 0.5% plain bupivacaine. In all patients, subse­quent dosage of 2 ml per unblocked segment 0.5% plain bupivacaine was administered through the epidural catheter to achieve a block up to T4-5. Mean was calculated using t-test, median with Mann Whitney U test and Chi-square test where appropriate and the Statistical Analysis was done using SPSS program, version 11.0. Results: The surgical anaesthesia and motor blockade occurred significantly early in CSEA group. Duration of analgesia was significantly shorter in CSEA (84.1±40.6 min) as compared to epidural group (138.6±32.9 min). The total amount of bupivacaine required to attain the same target level was two times in epidural group (p

Hepatic encephalopathy describes a spectrum of potentially reversible neuropsychiatric abnormalities seen in a patient with severe liver dysfunction with porto-systemic shunting. Cortical blindness can be a rare presentation of hepatic encephalopathy and can even precede the onset of altered sensorium. We report a case of 57 years female with chronic liver disease who presented with bilateral loss of vision, with no focal neurological deficits. From clinical and laboratory examination, a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy with cortical blindness was proposed. Her visual disturbances gradually improved with the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Keywords: Cortical blindness; end stage liver disease; hepatic encephalopathy; papilledema.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, though rare, should be considered in patients with duodenal obstruction with no other causes. History of recent weight loss and imaging modalities help in the diagnosis. Conservative management can be tried before going for surgery.

Various forms of alternative medicinal practices are gaining popularity. With this, there will be rise in the complications arising from these practices. Acupuncture is also such practice which though safe can rarely cause life‐threatening complications.

Introduction Brachial plexus blocks are frequently practiced and safe mode of anaesthsia. Although minor complications may occur, major complications are a rarity. However, we report a rare case of prolonged supraclavicular brachial plexus block which required almost 4 months to recover without a perceivable cause. Case presentation A 22 -year -old gentleman posted for open reduction and internal fixation of both forearm bones was administered an ultrasound -guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The intra-operative period was uneventful. However, the block persisted for a very prolonged period of time. All perceivable causes were ruled out. A total of 19 weeks was required for the entire block to regress with no residual neurological deficits thereafter. Conclusion Although peripheral neuropathies are known complications of peripheral nerve blocks, such a prolonged brachial plexus block is a rare event. The only plausible cause for the patient's condition could have been the prolonged drug effect; however, it has been rarely documented.

Background: Low back pain is one of the common musculoskeletal health problems that occur most commonly in nurses among all Health workers. Different researches showed that nurses are suffering from low back pain due to many factors. This research was conducted to find the prevalence and contributing factors of low back pain among nurses. Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 110 nurses by using stratified proportionate random sampling method. Semi structured self-administered questionnaire with single and multiple responses was administered among nurses after taking informed consent. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 20 was used for analysis of data. Descriptive statistic (percentage and frequency) and inferential statistic (chi square) was used for the study. Result: Among 110 nurses, 64.5% were affected from low back pain and prevalence of low back pain of one year and one week was 60% and 20% respectively. The present working area was strongly associated with low back pain (p=0.000). Prolong standing (64.54%), bending and twisting (64.54%), heavy workload (62.72%), working in same positions (58.18%) were perceived factors of low back pain but heavy mental workload had no relationship with low back pain. Taking rest (99.1%), physiotherapy (92.7%) and taking medication (82.7%) were the factors that decreased low back pain. There was increased work restriction (46.4) and less productive and creative (42.7) due to low back pain. Conclusion: More than half of nurses were affected from low back pain. Prolonged standing, physical workload, bending and twisting were main contributing factors. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain proper body mechanics, periodic screening and timely rotation of nurses for the prevention of low back pain.

Background and Aims: Use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in acute care setting has rapidly increased and has potentials to guide patient management. This survey study aims to explore the usefulness of a one-day workshop and to elicit the perceived barriers for effective use of POCUS. Methods: A total of 169 doctors who had attended one day Acute Care Ultrasound workshop were approached through email. Online link to access the survey created using Google forms was sent. The survey contained questions related to the details about the participants, feedback about the workshop, whether the workshop has helped to change the practice of the participants, availability of ultrasound machine during the daily practice and the perceived barriers for use of POCUS. Results: A total of 41 responses were obtained. Majority of the participants had anaesthesiology as the base specialty followed by general practice. Most of them had ICU as their predominant working place, followed by emergency room and operating room. The workshop was found to be helpful by most of the participants. Majority of the participants (20 participants; 49%) had ultrasound machine sometimes available during their daily practice. Only 20% (8 participants) had ultrasound machine always available during their clinical practice. Similarly, 46% (19 participants) considered lack of access to ultrasound machine as a barrier for application of POCUS. Significant number of participants considered lack of supervision and guidance (18 participants; 44%) and lack of knowledge and skills (13 participants; 32%) as the barriers. Conclusions: Majority of the participants found the one-day workshop helpful. Doctors from various specialty, working in acute care setting had participated in the survey. Limited access to ultrasound machine, together with lack of adequate knowledge and skills were perceived as major barriers for effective use of point-of-care ultrasound.

Introduction Tracheostomy is one of the frequent surgical procedure carried out in intensive care unit. Percutaneous tracheostomy is becoming increasingly popular compared to conventional open surgical tracheostomy in ICU. Methods A prospective randomized trial with twenty patients in each group was conducted to compare the outcomes of percutaneous and surgical tracheostomy. Percutaneous tracheostomy was performed using Ciaglia Blue Rhino technique and surgical tracheostomy was performed using established technique. The outcomes were compared in relation to randomization to tracheostomy, completion of procedure, intra operative and post-operative complications, hospital length of stay and cost. Results There were no major complications in either group. Most variables studied were not statistically significant. The two groups did not differ in terms of basic demographics or APACHE II score. The only variables to reach statistical significance were time duration from tracheostomy randomization to start of procedure and time taken for completion of procedure. It was mean 31.85±15.35 hours in Percutaneous Tracheostomy group and in Surgical Tracheostomy group it was mean 49.10±23.61 hours respectively (p

Corona virus disease 2019 has become a global health issue. The goal of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with corona virus disease 2019 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and identify factors associated with mortality.Ninety four consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed corona virus disease 2019 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation were included in this retrospective, single-center, observational study. The outcome variable was mortality of patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and factors associated with it during intensive care unit stay.Seventy nine (84%) out of 94 patients with confirmed corona virus disease 2019 who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation didn't survive. Ninety four percent of patients who had Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus did not survive in comparison to 72 percent of patients who didn't have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Similarly, 48 (94.1%) out of 51 patients with a positive C-reactive protein value didn't survive in comparison to 31 (72%) out of 43 patients with a negative C-reactive protein.The presence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and a positive C-reactive protein value were strongly associated with mortality. Patients with a Sequential organ failure assessment score of more than eight at intensive care unit admission and peak D-dimer level of more than or equal to two during intensive care unit stay didn't show significant association with mortality. These findings need further exploration through larger prospective studies.

SETTING: Tribhuvan University Teaching Tertiary Care Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, May–October 2019.OBJECTIVE: 1) To describe the bacteriological profile, 2) to identify the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern, and 3) to find the demographic characteristics associated with the presence of bacterial growth and multidrug resistance (MDR) in adult urine samples undergoing culture and drug susceptibility testing.DESIGN: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study using routine laboratory records.RESULTS: Among 11,776 urine samples, 16% (1,865/11,776) were culture-positive, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (1,159/1,865; 62%). We found a high prevalence of resistance to at least one antibiotic (1,573/1,865; 84%) and MDR (1,000/1,865; 54%). Resistance to commonly used antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as ceftazidime, levofloxacin, cefepime and ampicillin was high. Patients aged 60 years (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.7) were more likely to have culture positivity. Patients with age 45 years (45–59 years: aPR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.7; 60 years: aPR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.6), male sex (aPR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.5) and from inpatient settings (aPR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7) had significantly higher prevalence of MDR.CONCLUSION: Urine samples from a tertiary hospital showed high prevalence of E. coli and MDR to routinely used antibiotics, especially among inpatients. Regular surveillance and application of updated antibiograms are crucial to monitor the AMR situation in Nepal.

Colonoscopy is considered a gold standard tool for the diagnostic evaluation of colorectal diseases. Bowel preparation, a pre-requisite for a colonoscopy, usually involves the ingestion of purgatives for the cleansing of the bowel so that visualization is not obscured during the procedure. Commonly used preparations are sodium phosphate-based solutions, sodium picosulphate, and polyethylene glycol. The use of such preparations is associated with electrolyte disturbances, commonly hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is usually seen with sodium phosphate-based solutions and is rare with polyethylene glycol. Symptomatic hyponatremia, however, is rare following bowel preparation and is attributable to other factors as well, such as the age of the patient, non-osmotic release of anti-diuretic hormone, and the procedure itself. In this report, we discuss a case of severe symptomatic hyponatremia observed in a 71-year-old gentleman who underwent polyethylene glycol-based bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

Peripheral route for administration of vasopressors is often opted due to resource limitations or as a rescue until central venous access is established. This, however, is not devoid of complications, the most common being extravasation and tissue injury. Phentolamine is the only drug approved for management of vasopressor extravasation; however, successful use of other agents has been reported. Here we report a case of peripheral extravasation of vasopressors, successfully managed with topical nitroglycerin in intensive care unit in Kathmandu. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such kind from Nepal.

Background: Hepatobiliary diseases account for significant proportion of admission in our intensive care unit, a semi-closed, 11 bedded mixed medical-surgical unit. This study was conducted to study the profile of patients with various hepatobiliary diseases who required intensive care unit admissions with the aim of identifying the need for a hepatobiliary critical care facility. Methods: A retrospective study was designed and all consecutive patients admitted with hepatobiliary problems from January 2013 till December 2013 were enrolled in the study.Results: Out of 467 patients admitted, there were 61 (13.06%) patients with hepatobiliary diseases. Out of 61 patients, there were 24 (39.3%) patients with medical cause for hepatobiliary disease and 37 (60.7%) patients with a surgical cause. The majority of the patients 52.45% were male. The overall mortality in these patients was 37.70%. The mortality in patients with surgical cause for the hepatobiliary disease was less (27.02%). Encephalopathy was a common condition leading to ICU admission. The common medical conditions were Cirrhosis secondary to Alcoholic Liver disease and Acute Fulminant Hepatic Failure. The commonest surgical conditions were Severe Pancreatitis, Post-Whipple's surgery, postoperative sepsis after Cholecystectomy, Liver Injury secondary to Road Traffic Accidents and Severe Cholangitis. Conclusion: The number of patients presenting to our multidisciplinary unit with hepatobiliary diseases is high and this group of patients have a high mortality. Though the numbers do not suggest an immediate need for a Hepatobiliary intensive care unit, the increasing trend suggests such a facility would be the need of time in near future.

Background: Arterial blood gas is required for extubation decision after spontaneous breathing trial in most of intensive care unit. This study was conducted to assess the influence of arterial blood gas for extubation after successful spontaneous breathing trial in intensive care unit patients planned for extubation.Methods: It was prospective observation study conducted in all patients of age greater than eighteen year admitted in intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital for one year. It was done in 108 patients who were planned for extubation. Patients were assessed by intensivist clinically and decided whether a patient can be extubated on clinical grounds. Spontaneous breathing trial was done for 2 hours by t-piece in patients who met clinical and objective criteria. Arterial blood gas was done in all patients who successfully completed spontaneous breathing trial. Patients with successful spontaneous breathing trial, acceptable arterial blood gas were extubated. Independent Student’s t test and paired t test was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 108 patients who passed the spontaneous breathing trial, 96(88.88%) patients had acceptable arterial blood gas and were extubated and 12(11.11%) patients did not have acceptable arterial blood gas level and were chosen to have other mode of weaning.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that arterial blood gas level has changed decision for extubation after successful spontaneous breathing trial. Further, arterial blood gas might help in identification of patients who can undergo extubation failure when rapid shallow breathing index failed to predict outcome of extubation. Keywords: Arterial blood gas; extubation; spontaneous breathing trial; weaning

s Background Resistance to antimicrobial agents of pathogenic bacteria has become a major problem in routine medical practices. Carbapenem resistance has long been increasing. The production of carbapenem- hydrolysing β-lactamases (carbapenamases), which include NDM, KPC, OXA-48, IMP-1 and VIM is the most common mechanism. Case presentation A 56 years old male presented with fever and mental changes with progressively decreasing sensorium for the last 3 days. He was admitted to Intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis. On day seven, he developed ventilator associated pneumonia due Klebsiella pnemoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. He was on meropenem, but the isolates were susceptible to colistin, tigecyclin and amikacin solely. Hence, amikacin was started with addition of intravenous and nebulized colistin. Subsequently, vital signs improved with resolution of fever. However, on day 18, he developed fever once again with a drop in blood pressure. Inotropic support was maintained, and echinocandins and tigecycline were added to the regimen. Repeat blood and urine culture grew Providencia species, which were resistant to most of the drugs on phenotypic Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and are intrinsically resistant to colistin and tigecycline. Phenotypic detection of ESBL (combined disk method), MBL, KPCs, AmpC and co-producer were tested according to updated CLSI guideline and all were negative. But the Modified Hodges test was found to be positive. Consequenty, OXA-48 drug resistance pattern was brought into action by blank disc method according to A Tsakris et al., which revealed indentation of growth toward both EDTA and EDTA/PBA disk indicating production of OXA-48 carbapenamase. To confirm the resistance pattern we processed the isolated colonies for Xpert Carba-R (Cepheid) assay, which detected blaOXA-48 gene and confirmed the OXA-48 drug resistance pattern. Hence, the infecting organism was not susceptible to any of the antibiotics. The patient was kept under isolation and on 31th day of admission, he died of septic shock. Conclusions Carbapenamase production along with intrinsic colistin resistance in infecting bacterial pathogens can cause fatal outcomes in the resource limited countries like Nepal where new antibiotic combinations ceftazidime+ Avibactam, or aztreonam +avibactam are not available. Drug resistance patterns including OXA 48 producer should be characterized in all cases by standard phenotypic methods or by Xpert Carba-R assay and larger studies are required to know the exact burden of OXA 48 producer in Nepal.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important cause of nosocomial ventriculitis associated with external ventricular device (EVD). It is frequently multidrug resistant (MDR), carries a poor outcome, and is difficult to treat. We report a case of MDR Acinetobacter ventriculitis treated with intravenous and intraventricular colistin together with intravenous tigecycline. The patient developed nephrotoxicity and poor neurological outcome despite microbiological cure. Careful implementation of bundle of measures to minimize EVD-associated ventriculitis is valuable.

Meningitis and encephalitis are the neurological emergencies. As the clinical findings lack specificity, once suspected, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis should be performed and parenteral antimicrobials should be administered without delay. Lumbar puncture can be technically challenging in patients with ankylosing spondylitis due to ossification of ligaments and obliteration of interspinous spaces. Here, we present a case of ankylosing spondylitis where attempts for lumbar puncture by conventional approach failed. CSF sample was successfully obtained by Taylor's approach.

Apnea testing is a key component in the clinical diagnosis of brain death. Patients with poor baseline oxygenation may not tolerate the standard 8-10 min apnea testing with oxygen insufflation through tracheal tube. No studies have assessed the safety and feasibility of other methods of oxygenation during apnea testing in these types of patients. Here, we safely performed apnea testing in a patient with baseline PaO 2 of 99.1 mm Hg at 100% oxygen. We used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) of 10 cm of H 2 O and 100% oxygen at the flow rate of 12 L/min using the circle system of anesthesia machine. After 10 min of apnea testing, PaO 2 decreased to 75.7 mm Hg. There was a significant rise in PaCO 2 and fall in pH, but without hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, or desaturation. Thus, the apnea test was declared positive. CPAP can be a valuable, feasible and safe means of oxygenation during apnea testing in patients with poor baseline oxygenation, thus avoiding the need for ancillary tests.

Patients with hemophilia are prone to develop spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. It carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. In this case series, we report two cases of hemophilia who suffered spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with features of raised intracranial pressure and were successfully managed perioperatively. The patients were managed with early intensive care unit management, measures to reduce intracranial pressure, perioperative clotting factor administration, airway management and surgery to decrease the raised intracranial pressure. Both patients improved following surgery and were discharged home. Perioperative multidisciplinary management of hemophilia is discussed in this series.