Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences

A Case Report of Eccrine Porocarcinoma on the Scalp

Saima Maahin — 2026-08-19

Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is an exceptionally rare malignant adnexal neoplasm originating from the intraepidermal eccrine sweat duct, constituting < 0.01% of all cutaneous tumors. Its non-specific clinical presentation frequently results in misdiagnosis, and histopathological evaluation remains the diagnostic cornerstone. A 72-year-old female, who presented with a progressively enlarging, ulcerated mass on the left temporal region of the scalp. The lesion was surgically excised. Gross examination revealed a gray-brown nodular ulcerated mass with attached hair, measuring 3.5 × 2.5 × 2 cm, with solid gray-white areas and focal hemorrhage on the cut section. Microscopy demonstrated an intradermal malignant neoplasm maintaining continuity with the overlying epidermis, composed of nests, strands, and lobules of markedly pleomorphic poroid cells. The cells exhibited high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios, hyperchromatic irregular nuclei, prominent nucleoli, focal clear cell change, nuclear grooving, increased mitotic activity (1–2/high-power field) including atypical mitoses, and a surrounding lymphoplasmacytic stromal infiltrate. These findings were diagnostic of EPC. Although the lower extremity is the most common site, EPC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic ulcerated scalp lesions in the elderly. Complete surgical excision with tumor-free margins is essential to mitigate the risk of local recurrence and metastasis.

Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Placenta Accreta Spectrum

Vartika Ahlawat — 2026-08-19

Introduction: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a serious obstetric condition associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings such as India. Early and accurate antenatal diagnosis is crucial for optimal management and significant reduction of obstetric complications. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting PAS using histopathology as the gold standard. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 30 pregnant women with suspected PAS. All patients underwent USG followed by MRI, and findings were correlated with histopathological examination results. Diagnostic performance parameters were calculated. Results: Out of 30 patients, PAS was confirmed in 26 cases. USG demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.08% and specificity of 25%, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 66.67%. MRI showed higher sensitivity (92.31%) and specificity (75%), with superior diagnostic accuracy of 90%. MRI also showed better delineation of placental invasion, particularly in cases with posterior placenta and inconclusive USG findings. Conclusion: MRI demonstrates superior diagnostic performance compared to USG in the evaluation of PAS. While USG remains an effective first-line screening tool in resource limited setting such as India, MRI serves as a valuable adjunct in high-risk or equivocal cases, improving diagnostic confidence and aiding in preoperative planning.

Incidental Stromal Luteoma in a Post-menopausal Female: A Case Report

Vaishali Bhatia — 2026-08-19

Stromal luteomas are rare ovarian tumors occurring mostly in post-menopausal women. They are often associated with endocrine symptoms and signs of virilization. Post-menopausal bleeding related to hyperestrinism is observed frequently with fewer androgenic manifestations. We present a case report of a 68-year-old female who presented with post-menopausal bleeding. The presence of stromal luteoma of the ovary was diagnosed on histopathology.

Association between Skeletal Muscle Mass and Blood Pressure among Healthy Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

T. V. Renuka Devi — 2026-08-19

Background: Skeletal muscle is the largest metabolically active tissue in the human body and plays an important role in cardiovascular and metabolic regulation. Although obesity is a well-established risk factor for hypertension, the relationship between skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and blood pressure in healthy young adults remains inadequately explored. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between SMM and blood pressure among healthy young adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 200 healthy medical students aged 18–25 years. SMM was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Blood pressure was recorded using a standardized automated sphygmomanometer following American Heart Association recommendations. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between SMM and blood pressure parameters. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after adjusting for age, sex, height, and body mass index (BMI). A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean SMM was 28.9 ± 5.8 kg. The mean systolic and DBP were 116.8 ± 10.4 mmHg and 74.2 ± 7.8 mmHg, respectively. SMM showed significant positive correlations with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.32, P < 0.001), DBP (r = 0.28, P < 0.001), and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.30, P < 0.001), while no significant correlation was observed with pulse pressure (r = 0.09, P = 0.198). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that SMM was an independent predictor of SBP (β = 0.23, P = 0.009) and DBP (β = 0.20, P = 0.014) after adjusting for age, sex, height, and BMI. Conclusion: SMM is significantly associated with systolic and DBP among healthy young adults. Assessment of SMM may complement conventional anthropometric measures in evaluating cardiovascular health and blood pressure.

Morphometric Evaluation of the Indian Goat Mandible for Biomechanical and Dental Implant Research

Vishal — 2026-08-19

Background: Biomechanical testing of maxillofacial fracture fixation hardware, as well as the placement of dental implants for practice, requires a suitable bone medium that may mimic human bone. Indian goat may be an appropriate candidate for the same due to its availability. However, clearly, a research gap exists in identifying a suitable region in the goat mandible for biomechanical and dental implants research. This study evaluated the morphometric characteristics of the Indian goat mandible and identified anatomically suitable sites for these experimental studies. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cadaveric cross-sectional study was performed on 30 adult Indian goat mandibles obtained from a slaughterhouse. Various horizontal and vertical morphometric parameters were recorded. Buccolingual thickness of the mandibular body was measured at the anterior, middle, and posterior dentate regions at the alveolar crest and 6 mm and 12 mm below the crest. Results: The mean mandibular length was 147.09 ± 4.74 mm, and the mean maximum mandibular height was 85.90 ± 23.55 mm. Buccolingual thickness progressively increased from the anterior to the posterior mandible. The posterior dentate region demonstrated the greatest bone width, measuring 8.19 mm at the alveolar crest, 12.12 mm at 6 mm, and 14.65 mm at 12 mm below the alveolar crest. Conclusion: Despite morphological differences from the human mandible, the goat mandible can be a suitable anatomical site for tribological studies. The posterior and middle dentate mandible appear most appropriate for biomechanical studies of fixation devices, practicing osteotomies, and implant placements.

Serum Uric Acid/Creatinine Ratio as a Potential Biomarker for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

Vaishali Honnapurmath — 2026-08-19

Background: One of the predominant diseases among patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Finding reliable biomarkers for predicting NAFLD severity is required for early intervention and prevention of further diseases such as fibrosis, hepatocellular cancer, and liver failure among these patients. The objective of our study was to find out that among T2DM patients can serum uric acid/creatinine ratio (SUA/CR ratio) predict NAFLD severity. Materials and Methods: The sample size of this cross-sectional study was 108 T2DM patients (56 males, 52 females). The participants are further divided into two groups NAFLD Grade 1 and NAFLD grade 2(Confirmed by Ultrasonography). We assessed biochemical parameters such as SUA, Creatinine, SUA/CR ratio (calculated), plasma fasting glucose (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density cholesterol (HDL-C), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). SUA/Cr ratio was calculated. Statistical analyses (t-tests, analysis of variance) were performed to identify predictors of NAFLD severity. Results: Grade 1NAFLD patients showed a decreased SUA/CR ratio than Grade 2 NAFLD patients with T2DM. Grade 2 NAFLD group was presented with increased SUA/CR, TGs, TC, and LDL levels and elevated ALT than Grade 1 NAFLD patients, indicating injury to the liver (P = 0.001). FBS, HbA1c, HDL-C cholesterol, and AST are not positively associated with SUA/CR ratio in Grade 1 and Grade 2 NAFLD groups. Conclusion: SUA/CR ratio is a simple and cost-effective marker linked with the severity of NAFLD, dyslipidemia, and elevated ALT among patients suffering with T2DM. SUA/CR might predict the risk of NAFLD and the severity of NAFLD among the T2DM population. In the future, large longitudinal studies should validate these findings.

From Meconium Staining to Respiratory Support: Clinical Spectrum and Early Neonatal Outcomes across Two Referral Centers

Tahir Mohi ud din Dar — 2026-08-19

Background: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is associated with neonatal respiratory morbidity, including meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, spectrum of respiratory support required, and short-term outcomes among neonates born through MSAF in two referral centers. Materials and Methods: This prospective two-center cohort study included 72 neonates born through MSAF. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal characteristics were recorded. Neonates were assessed for respiratory distress, MAS, need for oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mechanical ventilation, complications, and in-hospital outcome. Results: MAS developed in 19/72 neonates (26.4%), while respiratory distress occurred in 26/72 (36.1%). Neonates with MAS had significantly lower Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores at 1 min (5.40 vs. 7.40) and 5 min (7.50 vs. 8.50; both P = 0.001). Among neonates with respiratory distress, 26.9% settled within 2 h, 30.8% received oxygen by hood, 26.9% required CPAP, and 15.4% required mechanical ventilation. Pneumothorax occurred in 4.2%, while persistent pulmonary hypertension, septicemia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and shock each occurred in 2.8%. Two of 19 neonates with MAS died. Conclusion: MAS was common among MSAF-exposed neonates and was associated with lower APGAR scores and substantial respiratory morbidity.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided and Landmark-Guided Central Venous Catheterization Success Rate and Complications

Sujeet — 2026-08-19

Background: Central venous catheterization (CVC) is widely used in perioperative and critical care practice but may be associated with multiple attempts and mechanical complications. Ultrasound guidance may improve procedural success and safety compared with the conventional anatomical landmark technique. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare ultrasound-guided (USG) and landmark-guided (LMG) internal jugular CVC in terms of first-attempt success, overall success, number of attempts, procedural time, and mechanical complications. Materials and Methods: Patients were allocated equally to an USG group (n = 70) and a LMG group (n = 70). The primary outcome was first-attempt catheterization success. Secondary outcomes included overall success within three attempts, number of puncture attempts, access time, total catheterization time, and procedure-related mechanical complications. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: First-attempt success was significantly higher in the USG group than in the LMG group (91.4% vs. 71.4%; P = 0.002). Overall success within three attempts was 98.6% and 91.4%, respectively. Patients in the USG group required fewer puncture attempts (1.11 ± 0.40 vs. 1.43 ± 0.73; P = 0.002). Conclusion: USG internal jugular CVC provides higher first-attempt success, requires fewer attempts, shortens procedural time, and reduces overall mechanical complications compared with the anatomical landmark technique.

Spectrum of Electrolyte Abnormalities and their Association with Mortality and Intensive Care Unit Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Sumita Yeasmin — 2026-08-19

Introduction: Electrolyte disturbances are common in critically ill patients and may adversely affect cardiac conduction, neuromuscular function, and acid–base balance. These abnormalities may reflect disease severity and are associated with poor intensive care unit (ICU) outcome and increased mortality. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of electrolyte imbalances among critically ill patients and assess their association with mortality. Methodology: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, a hospital-based, prospective study was carried out in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital over a period of 3 months, including 123 adult ICU patients. Serum sodium and potassium levels obtained within the first 24 h were measured by the ion-selective electrode method, and clinical outcomes were recorded using a structured case record form. Results: A total of 123 critically ill patients were included. Hyponatremia was the most common electrolyte abnormality (29.3%), followed by hypokalemia (12.2%), hypernatremia (10.6%), and hyperkalemia (9.8%). Overall ICU mortality was 33.3% (41/123) and was higher among patients with electrolyte abnormalities than those with normal electrolyte levels, with the highest mortality observed in hypernatremia (46.2%) and hypokalemia (53.3%). Conclusion: Electrolyte imbalances are common in critically ill ICU patients, and routine monitoring and appropriate management of electrolyte abnormalities are important.