Background: In view of growing epidemic of diabetes it is important to assess how it affects various parameters of the disease especially in developing countries. Aim: To compare severity of illness, length of various hos pital stays and mortality in diabetics and non-diabetics. Material and methods: It was hospital record based study carried out at Deena Nath Mangeshkar Hospital and research centre, Pune. Patients admitted to intensive care unit from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2014 through emergency medical services were enrolled. Socio-demographic information, chief complaints, diabetes status, co-morbidities, Glasgow coma scale at initial examination, definitive diagnosis, and length of stay in intensive care unit, wards and total hospital stay and outcome of the patient were recorded from available data. Results: Data 1951 patients were analyzed. 37.6% were females, 62.4% were males. 45.8% were diabetics, out of them 28.81% were new cases. Though, co-morbidities were significantly more among diabetics, they were significantly less to have severe condition according to Glasgow coma scale (p=0.003). Diabetics had significantly less intensive care unit stay than non-diabetics (Mean 5.98 days (±6.579) vs 7.52 (±9.293) respectively, p=0.008). Ward stay and total hospital stay did not differ. Mortality did not differ among diabetics and non-diabetics (23.8% and 23.6% respectively, p=0.947). Conclusion: Though proportion of diabetics was very high among study subjects, diabetes did not contribute to any adverse outcome or length of hospital stay.

Background: The treatment of compression and burst fractures of the thoracolumbar and mid-lumbar spines still remains controversial. Good results are reported by both operative and non-operative treatment. Aim: To assess efficacy of ligamentotaxis of the intact and ruptured posterior longitudinal ligament in dorso-lumbar traumatic spine injuries. Material and Methods: It was a prospective study carried out at Grant Medical College and J J Hospital, Byculla, Mumbai during three consecutive calendar years. Patients with traumatic dorso-lumbar fractures were included. Posterior longitudinal ligament status was noted from MRI scans done within 48 hrs after trauma. Patients were managed by operative and non-operative treatment as per indications and affordability. Operative treatment in the form of ligamentotaxis by posterior approach using pedicle screw or Hartshill rectangular and sublaminar wires or Harrington rods with hooks was done. If ligamentotaxis was not successful, direct posterior decompression or transpedicular route decompression with or without bone grafting was done. All the necessary post-operative care, monitoring, evaluation for improvement by neurological charting was done. Patients were mobilized with support after suture removal depending on stability and neurological status.

Background: Treatment non-adherence is a major challenge before tuberculosis (TB) control activities. Treatment adherence is affected by various factors that can be patient related, provider related or system related. Objective: To study patient provider interaction and its effect on treatment adherence among new sputum smear pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated at Directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) centres run by government. Materials and Methods: New smear positive pulmonary TB patients initiated on category I regimen of DOTS in first two quarters of a calendar year at 24 DOTS centres and completed at least intensive phase (N = 118) in E-ward of Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) were interviewed using pretested semi-structured schedule, which was designed to elicit socio-demographic factors and patient provider interaction. Treatment cards were screened for treatment adherence after any final outcome as per RNTCP guidelines. Results: Treatment adherent patients were 61% (72/118) and 39% (46/118) were treatment non-adherent. Amomg 18.6% (22/118) patients PPI was satisfactory to full extent, while among 28.8% (34/118) PPI was unsatisfactory. Satisfactory PPI was associated with treatment adherence (p