Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown etiology affecting children below 5 years of age and is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in many developed countries. Incidence of this disease in India is extremely low as evidenced by the meagre case reports. Complications due to this disease in Indian patients are still rarer. Here we report two cases of Kawasaki disease both of whom had a benign course. A comparison of this disease in Indian and Western literature shows that the incidence of cardiac complications in the Indian patients is about 10% while in the west it is reported at around 30%. This paucity of complications in the Indian patients may be the reason of poor reporting of this disease in our country.

Introduction: For the assessment of sexual dimorphism of human skeleton, pelvis has been used with great accuracy by anthropologists and forensic experts. Sacrum, being an integral part of pelvis, has therefore gained importance. Among the various parameters of sacrum, sacral index is the most reliable one, calculated by the formula: Sacral index=max breadth x100/max length of sacrum. This study aimed to determine the significance of sacral index in estimation of sex in north Indian population. Materials and methods: For the present study, 35 dry human sacrum bones were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, KGMU, Lucknow, out of which 32, free of deformity, were used in study. The bones were first separated as male and female on the basis of their gross features. Maximum length and breadth of sacra were measured using digital sliding Vernier calliper and sacral index was calculated. Results: Mean sacral index was significantly higher in females (109.52) as compared to males (92.37). Sex determination done on the basis of gross features were comparable to that done by calculation of sacral index, except in sacrum no. 5,13,14,15 &16. Sacrum no. 5,13,14 &15 were more curved forwards (female feature) while their sacral indices were much lesser (male feature). Sacrum no. 16 had a uniform curvature (male feature) while its sacral index was>105 (female feature). Sacrum no. 16 also had only 3 dorsal and ventral foramina, which was a variation. Conclusions: Sacral index is a reliable criterion for sex determination, useful for anatomical, medicolegal and anthropological purposes.

Background and Aims: Prolapsed intervertebral disc (IVDP) is a major cause of low back pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a viable option for these patients, with fewer adverse effects and long-term sustainability of pain relief. This double-blinded, randomised study aimed to evaluate the effect of autologous PRP on low back pain in patients with IVDP. Methods: A total of 42 patients with IVDP were randomised either to the autologous PRP ( n = 21) group or control (epidural local anaesthetics with steroids; n = 21) group. Change in pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Impact of treatment was assessed using the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) scale. All the patients were followed up for six months. Data was compared using Chi-square, independent sample t , and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: The two groups were similar in their demographic and clinical profile. The baseline mean NRS ± standard deviation (SD) was 6.91 ± 0.94 in the PRP group and 7.38 ± 1.16 in the control group ( P = 0.099). At six months, the mean NRS ± SD was 1.43 ± 0.75 in the PRP group compared to 5.43 ± 0.75 in the control group ( P < 0.001). The GPE score was also found to be significantly higher in the PRP group, compared to the control group in the final assessment ( P < 0.001). During the course of the study, the PRP group showed a consistent decline in NRS, whereas the control group showed an initial decline followed by consistent increase in NRS. Conclusion: PRP provided sustained relief from low back pain due to IVDP and can be recommended as a safe and promising alternative to epidural local anaesthetics and steroids.

Central poststroke pain (CPSP) is a neuropathic pain secondary to cerebrovascular accidents. This is characterized by pain and other sensory abnormalities, which correspond with the area of the injured brain. Despite advancements in therapeutic options, this clinical entity is still challenging to treat. We present 5 patients with CPSP, who were refractory to pharmacotherapy and were successfully managed with stellate ganglion blocks. A significant decrease in pain scores and improvement in functional disabilities were noted in all patients following the intervention.

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