Context:Real-time ultrasound guidance for internal jugular (IJ) vein cannulation enhances safety and success.Aims:This study aims to compare the long- and short-axis (LA and SA) approaches for ultrasound-guided IJ vein cannulation.Subjects and Methods:Patients undergoing surgery and in intensive care unit requiring central venous cannulation were randomized to undergo either LA or SA ultrasound-guided cannulation of the IJ vein by a skilled anesthesiologist. First pass success, the number of needle passes, time required for insertion of guidewire, and complications were documented for each procedure.Results:The IJ vein was successfully cannulated in all patients. There are no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, diameter of IJ vein, margin of safety, and time required for insertion of guidewire. There was also no significant difference between the two groups in terms of side of IJ vein cannulated, patient on mechanical ventilation, number of skin puncture, number of needle redirections, first pass success, and carotid puncture. However, there is a significant relationship between the diameter of IJ vein with first pass (18.18 ± 4.72 vs. 15.21 ± 4.24; P < 0.004) and margin of safety with of incidence of carotid puncture (12.15 ± 4.03 vs. 6.59 ± 3.13; P < 0.016).Conclusions:Both techniques have similar outcomes when used for IJ vein cannulation.

Introduction: The prediction of difficult intubation using simple bedside test is of great importance to prevent mismanagement of airway. This study was conducted to compare Upper Lip Bite Test (ULBT) with Modified Mallampati Test (MMT) and Thyromental Distance (TMD) for the prediction of difficult intubation. Method: This was descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 121 patients of  American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) I and II patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anaesthesia with endotracheal tube. The airway assessment of the patients was done one day prior to the surgery using Upper Lip Bite Test (ULBT), Modified Mallampati Test (MMT) and measurement of Thyromental Distance (TMD) . On the day of surgery during laryngoscopy, Cormack-Lehane (CL) grading was recorded. The CL grading of III and IV was labeled as difficult intubation. The Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), Likelihood Ratio (LR) of ULBT, MMT and TMD were calculated and compared. Results: The total percentage of difficult intubation, defined by Cormack-Lehane (CL) III and IV was 16.52 %. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of Upper Lip Bite Test (ULBT) was 50%, 100%, 100%, 91% and 91.74% respectively. ULBT had a significantly higher sensitivity, specificity and PPV when compared to MMT or  TMD or MMT and TMD when combined together. Conclusions:  Upper Lip Bite Test (ULBT) is better   predictor of difficult intubation  and it should be used along with other test during airway assessment.

This study was conducted with objective to assess serial changes of cervical dimensions during pregnancy from mid second trimester till delivery by transvaginal sonography. It comprises 50 healthy pregnant women who underwent serial transvaginal ultrasound every four week from 20 th week of gestation till delivery. Cervical length and width were measured. The gestational age at delivery was recorded. Cervical changes were analysed using student-t test with three classifying factors; gestational age (<37 & ≥37 weeks), parity (nulliparous & parous) and body mass index (≤23 & >23). Percentile charts were established for cervical length and width from 20 th week of pregnancy till delivery. The associations between cervical dimensions and gestational age, parity and body mass index were calculated by multiple linear regression analysis. Cervical length decreased gradually from 4.05 cm from 20 th week to 3.25 cm at term. The equivalent values were 2.98 cm and 3.86 cm for cervical width measurement showing opposite trend. The rate of cervical length reduction was significantly higher in preterm delivery group compared to term delivery group (0.65 mm vs. 0.37 mm per week of gestation, p < 0.0001). No difference in cervical dimensions with respect to parity was observed. Mean cervical length at any given gestation was longer in patients with BMI > 23; however this was statistically significant only in the beginning (at 20 th and 24 th week of gestation). Cervical length decreases gradually through out the gestation where as cervical width increases and these changes are not affected by parity. The knowledge of pattern of change in cervical length may help in early detection of preterm labour.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a serious global public issue. Unnecessary and inappropriate use of antimicrobials has been identified as a major contributing factor for AMR. Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) is valued as a key strategy to combat AMR. Although ASP is a key intervention to improve appropriate use of antibiotics, there is limited experience and research to describe its implementation in low-income countries such as Nepal. Grande International Hospital (GIH) is the first health organization in Nepal to implement and sustain a multidisciplinary ASP and infection control program. Challenges faced in implementing ASP include lack of acceptance from physicians, lack of knowledge regarding antibiotic prescribing, lack of staff for ASP activities, limitations in diagnostic testing to inform ASP, and limitations in antibiotic choice due to antibiotic unavailability. Our ASP includes the following components: an ASP committee, an antibiotic prescribing reference guide with dosage recommendations, inpatient formulary restriction system, educational outreach and programming for physicians and other stakeholders, and periodic review and revision of the program and reference guide. The ASP provided opportunities to address several knowledge gaps across our healthcare institution including improved knowledge and competency regarding rational use of antibiotics, access to quality medicines and better care to patients. It is our hope that, by describing the challenges and opportunities we experienced while implementing our ASP, we can support and encourage other institutions to adapt and implement ASPs in Nepal and other resource-limited settings.

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