BACKGROUND C-reactive protein is an inflammatory marker. The inflammation plays an important role in the atherogenesis. There is an evidence of the prognostic importance of C-reactive protein (CRP) in ischemic stroke. In this study, we assessed the prognostic values of CRP in ischemic stroke and predicting outcomes. Aims and Objectives-To evaluate the role of CRP in acute ischemic stroke. To assess the levels of CRP in acute ischemic stroke and in follow-up and CRP as a risk factor in acute ischemic stroke MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 71 patients admitted in department of general medicine, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli, with either hypertension or diabetes or both or none without thrombolysis. Patients with first ever acute ischemic stroke, were examined considering all inclusion and exclusion criteria. CT scan of brain is done in all patients to confirm ischemic stroke and plasma CRP level was measured in all CT confirmed patients, and patients were followed-up for a period of three months and reassessed by NIHS scale and plasma CRP level. RESULTS In the ischemic stroke, we found that serum CRP level on admission was predictive of stroke severity (positively correlated with NIHSS), CRP was elevated >6 mg/dl in 50 patients out of 71 patients at the time of admission which was statistically significant. High CRP was associated with high NIHSS and high long-term mortality. CONCLUSION The CRP level is significantly higher in ischemic stroke and its elevation between 12-72 hours of symptom onset is a bad prognostic indicator. Elevated CRP level was a risk factor in association with other risk factors like diabetes hypertension.

BACKGROUNDIndia is popularly known as diabetic capital of the world. Every day, hundreds of new diabetics are added to the existent pool of the diabetics. The bulk and prevalence of diabetics is increasing every day at an alarming rate. Unlike many other organs affected like eyes, kidneys and nerves, liver is also one of the major organ affected. The spectrum of disorder ranges from simple abnormal liver enzyme status to frank cirrhosis. Liver has also major role in maintaining body sugar homeostasis as it is the site of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. In this study, we would like to know more about the spectrum of abnormalities associated with hepatic metabolism as very few studies have been done previously.

BACKGROUNDCoronary heart disease has become an epidemic since 20 th century. Deaths due to the same are increasing of around 17.5 million deaths in year 2012. The deaths are increasing more in developing countries and metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders, which are promoting the development of coronary artery diseases. The disorders include central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Increasing prevalence, changing lifestyle and progression of the disease without obvious symptoms had led to increasing morbidity and mortality. The non-infectious epidemic of the century is posing great challenges to healthcare and research in development of more infrastructure and funds to prevent and treat the disease.

BACKGROUNDChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. It encompasses a progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). 1 Globally there has been an increase in the occurrence of chronic kidney disease. India in particular, faces a major burden of managing the end stage renal disease patients. Anaemia is an almost invariable manifestation of chronic kidney disease, often contributing substantially to the morbidity and mortality of the condition. 2 Anaemia is a common finding in CKD patients, this is probably because of inhibition of erythropoiesis by uremic inhibitors. The present study is an attempt at comprehensive review of red blood cell (RBC), leukocyte and platelet profiles to assess their significance in CKD as there are no extensive studies in Indian literature. The objectives of this study were 1. to observe haematological parameters and 2. to assess the clinico-haematological correlation in patients with chronic kidney disease in KIMS, Hubballi. MATERIALS AND METHODS108 patients with chronic kidney disease were selected irrespective of their sex, clinical profile, aetiology and were subjected to a series of biochemical and haematological investigations. RESULTSThe commonest causes of chronic kidney disease in this study were hypertension (50.9%) and diabetes mellitus (45.4%). Most patients presented with features of Anaemia (94.4%). 88% of the patients had normocytic normochromic anaemia. Thrombocytopenia was found in 44.4% of the patients. A raised ESR was found in 70.4% and a decreased PCV was seen in 79.6% of CKD patients. CONCLUSIONAnaemia is the most common haematological abnormality noted. The severity of Anaemia correlates with the degree of azotaemia and stage of CKD. The most common type is normocytic normochromic anaemia.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D has an extensive role in immune function and regulation. Cardiovascular disease, Insulin resistance, cell-mediated immunity, autoimmune disease, infections like tuberculosis Vitamin D has a significant role. In autophagy, active form of vitamin D is found to have a role. Low vitamin D levels among HIV infected patients are associated with an increase in mortality, morbidity with a positive correlation between vitamin D levels and CD4 T cells. We wanted to study vitamin D levels in HIV patients, the correlation between CD4 counts and vitamin D levels, the correlation between vitamin D levels and opportunistic infections and also severity of the disease in HIV patients. METHODS A total of 104 confirmed HIV positive patients in KIMS, Hubballi fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Detailed history, examination and lab studies were conducted. RESULTS Among the 104 HIV positive patients, 54 were male and 50 were female patients. 94 (90.4 %) patients had hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/ml) and 10 (9.6 %) patients had normal vitamin D levels (> 30 ng/ml). Low vitamin D levels were associated with low CD4 counts with a positive correlation and Pearson correlation value of (+0.87). Low vitamin D levels were associated with severe HIV disease (WHO stage 3 and 4) and with opportunistic infections like TB and oral candidiasis. All these above correlations were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in HIV positive patients. Low vitamin D levels are associated with low CD4 counts, more severe disease and opportunistic infections. These suggest the importance of vitamin D in HIV positive patients in slowing disease progression and ultimately improving the quality of life and hence its levels need to be checked regularly. KEY WORDS HIV; TB; CD4 Counts; Vitamin D