Browsing by Author "Fonseka, M.M.D."

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Anti-venom for snake bite in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2002) de Silva, H.J.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Sellahewa, K.H.; Kularatne, S.A.M.
No Abstract Available
Association between the intima media thickness of lumbar arteries and the cell density of lumbar intervertebral discs: a postmortem study among Sri Lankan adults
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Karunanayake, A.L.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Wijayaratne, L.S.
BACKGROUND: Disc degeneration is an important cause of low backache. Cartilage cells help to maintain the structure of the disc. The lumbar arteries provide blood supply to the lumbar discs. The tunica media affects the mechanical properties of the vessel wall and thereby control the blood supply to the tissues. OBJECTIVES: To describe the association between the intima media thickness (expressed as a percentage of total thickness) of 4th lumbar artery and the mean cell density of the 4th lumbar disc. METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study was done on 4th lumbar discs and 4th lumbar arteries of postmortem specimens. H&E sections were prepared on the annulus fibrosus of lumbar discs and lumbar arteries. By using a graticule number of cells per 4mm2 were counted in each disc specimen in ten low power fields and the mean cell density was calculated. With a graticule measurement of intima media thickness (IMT) and total thickness of lumbar arteries were taken on each artery specimen in ten low power fields. Mean of IMT expressed as a percentage of TT was calculated. Correlation coefficient was calculated to find out the association between the IMT and the mean cell density. RESULTS: Postmortem specimens of 31 subjects aged between 21-96 years (mean age 46 years. SD 19 years) were examined. 24 were males. There was a significant association between the IMT and the cell density (r = 0-37, P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IMT of lumbar arteries had a significant positive association with the cell density.
Effect of atherosclerosis on lumbar intervertebral disc cells in a sample of Sri Lankan population: a postmortem study
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2004) Karunanayake, A.L.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Wijayaratne, L.S.; Fonseka, M.M.D.
BACKGROUND: Disc degeneration is an important cause of low backache. The cartilage cells of the disc are important to maintain the structure and function of intervertebral discs. Lumbar arteries provide blood supply to lumbar discs. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between cell density of fourth lumbar intervertebral disc and atherosclerotic changes of fourth lumbar artery openings. METHODS: Descriptive study was done on 4th lumbar intervertebral disc and 4lh lumbar arteries of postmortem specimens. H&E sections were prepared on the annulus fibrosus of lumbar discs. Atherosclerotic changes of lumbar artery openings were studied. By using a graticule number of cells per 4mm" were counted in each disc specimen in ten low power fields and mean cell density was calculated. Cell density of less than three was categorized as low cell density. Atherosclerotic changes of lumbar arteries were graded into three groups according to severity. Grade 1 was the least severe and grade 3 was the most severe. The chi-square for trend was used to find the association between the atherosclerotic changes of lumbar arteries and the cell density. RESULTS: 31 postmortem specimens. Age range 21 - 96 years. Median age 43 years. There was a significant association (P = 0.005) between atherosclerotic changes of lumbar arteries and low cell density. OR for gradcl, grade 2 and grade 3 was I, 4.5 and 18 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Atherosclerotic changes of lumbar arteries had a significant negative association with the cell density.
Efficacy of Liv 52 in alcoholic liver disease
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) de Silva, H.A.; Thabrew, M.I.; Saparamadu, P.A.M.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; de Silva, H.J.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Liv 52 in patients with alcoholic liver disease. METHOD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Teaching Hospital. Ragama. 80 patients with alcoholic liver disease who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomly assigned Liv 52 (cases; n=40) or placebo (controls) three capsules twice daily for six months. All subjects underwent clinical examination, and laboratory investigations for routine blood chemistry, serum cholesterol and liver function before commencement of therapy (baseline). Thereafter, clinical assessments were done monthly, while laboratory investigations were done after 1 month and 6 months of therapy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the age composition, alcohol intake and baseline liver function between the two groups. The two sample t-test was used to analyze data obtained after 2,3.4,5 and 6 months of therapy against baseline values. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome and liver chemistry between the two groups at any time point. No adverse effect attributable to the drug was reported. CONCLUSION: Liv 52 does not seem to be useful in the management of patients with alcohol induced liver disease.
Envenoming due to snake bite during pregnancy
(Oxford University Press, 2002) Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, C.E.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
No Abstract Available
Estimates of disease burden due to land-snake bite in Sri Lankan hospitals
(SEAMEO Regional Tropical Medicine and Public Health Project, 2005) Kasturiratne, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Lalloo, D.G.; Brooker, S.; de Silva, H.J.
Snake bite is a common cause of hospital admission in Sri Lanka. Despite this, there have been no countrywide studies or national estimates of disease burden due to snake bites in Sri Lankan hospitals. We assessed the disease burden due to snake bite in our hospitals and estimated the frequency of admissions due to bites by different snake species. Sri Lanka was divided into four zones based on climate and topography. Hospital morbidity and mortality data, which are available on an administrative district basis, were collated for the four zones. A survey of opinion among specialist physicians (the Delphi technique) was used to estimate the proportion of bites by different species, and requirements for anti-venom (AV) and intensive care facilities for management of snake bites in hospitals in each of the four zones. A study of hospital admissions due to snake bites in seven selected hospitals was also performed to validate the opinion survey. There was a clear difference in the incidence of hospital admissions due to snake bites in the different zones. Estimates of hospital admissions due to bites by different species also varied considerably between zones. These trends corresponded to estimates of requirements of AV and other supportive health care. Health care planning using data based on environmental information, rather than merely on political boundaries, could lead to targeted distribution of AV and intensive care requirements to manage snake bites.
Estimates of disease burden due to snakebite in Sri Lankan hospitals
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2003) Kasturiratne, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Lalloo, D.G.; Brooker, S.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: There have been no country-wide studies or estimates of disease burden due to snakebite in Sri Lankan hospitals. OBJECTIVES: To assess disease burden due to snakebite and estimate relative frequency of the biting species in hospitals situated in different parts of the country. METHODS: Hospital morbidity and mortality data on snakebite was obtained for each administrative district. Sri Lanka was divided into 5 zones based on climate and available data on snake habitat (Zone 1-wet zone altitude <900m; Z2-intermediate zone; Z3-dry zone, Z4-wet zone altitude >900m; Z5-northern and north-western dry zone). Administrative districts were allocated to zones based on their geographical location and population using geographical information systems technology. Hospital morbidity and mortality data were collated for the 5 zones. A survey among physicians (37 physicians in 42 hospitals covering the 5 zones) was used (Delphi technique) to estimate the proportion of snakebites by different species and requirement of hospital resources, in each zone. Results: There was a clear difference in incidence of hospital admissions due to snakebite in the different zones (Z3-3.5 and Z4-0.4 per 1000 population). The distribution of bites by individual species also varied between zones (deadly venomous species Z3-85%, Z2-45%), moderately venomous and mildly-venomous species Z4-100%, Zl-70%). These trends corresponded to estimates of requirements for AVS and other hospital facilities (in 2000, Z3-86100 vials of AVS, 7380 Intensive care unit patient-days; Zl-26400 vials of AVS, 2640ICU patient-days). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of hospital admissions due to snakebite and estimates of relative medical importance of different snake species show geographic variation within the country. This is reflected in estimates of requirements for facilities. Zoning based on environmental information rather than on political boundaries could lead to better distribution of health care resources for management of snakebite in hospitals situated in different parts of the country.
A Family with alkaptonuria showing quasidominant inheritance
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) de Silva, A.P.; Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Jayasekera, R.; de Silva, H.J.
No Abstract Available
Heat stroke in young adults
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) Fonseka, M.M.D.
Identifying the offending species in snakebite: a clinical score for use in community based epidemiological surveys
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2004) Pathmeswaran, A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Kasturiratne, A.; Nandasena, S.; Gnanatilaka, G.K.; Gunaratne, L.; de Silva, A.P.; Lalloo, D.C.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Hospital data on snakebite fails to account for victims who do not reach hospital or who seek alternative treatment. In community surveys, identification of biting species is very difficult because the offending snake may sometimes not even be seen, is infrequently captured or killed, and antigen detection cannot be used in this setting. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a clinical score to identify biting species. METHODS: We identified 10 features relating to bites of the 6 venomous snakes in Sri Lanka (3 relating to circumstances of a bite and 7 clinical features of envenoming). Based on these, we developed a score applying different weightings to individual features depending on the species of snake. We then constructed 60 artificiaLdata sets containing different clinical scenarios, typical and atypical, for bites of a particular species. They were used to make adjustments to the score and determine cut-off values for identification (total ≥60/100 + difference of ≥5/100 from second highest score). The score was prospectively validated on 134 cases of snakebite with definite species identification, six months after the incident. RESULTS: Data were available from 25 cobra bites, 32 hump-nosed viper bites, 27 krait bites, 30 Russel's viper bites and 20 saw-scaled viper bites. Sensitivity/specificity of the score were: cobra 76/99, kraits 85/99, RV 70/99, HNV 97/83, SSV 100/83. 114 (85%) cases were correctly identified. 17 (12.7%) were misidentified, and 3 (2.3%) could not be identified. Conclusions: This score identifies the offending snake species with reasonable accuracy, and may be suitable for use in epidemiologicai surveys.
Lack of myocardial damage following Sri Lankan Russell's viper and hump-nosed viper bites
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) Seneviratne, S.L.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Adhikari, A.A.D.N.W.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Cardiac effects following the bite of Burmese Russell's vipers and European vipers are well known. The question whether envenomation caused by Sri Lankan viper bites results in myocardial damage remains largely unanswered. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether myocardial damage occurs after Sri Lankan viper bites, using a highly specific and sensitive marker, troponin T. METHODS: 45 patients admitted after a definite viper bite [Russell's viper (RV), n = 13, hump-nosed viper (HNV), n = 32] were studied with regard to cardiac symptoms, ECG changes, and troponin T levels. There were no admissions with bites of other types of Sri Lankan vipers during the study period. RESULTS: Cardiac symptoms were present in a number of patients following the bite. Two patients had transient ECG changes. However, troponin T levels were not elevated in any of them. COMMENT: Myocardial damage does not seem to be an important feature of Sri Lankan Russell's and hump-nosed viper bites. This may be because of venom heterogeneity in vipers, that is based on their geographical distribution.
Liv. 52 in alcoholic liver disease: a prospective controlled trial
(Elsevier, 2003) de Silva, H.A.; Saparamadu, P.A.M.; Thabrew, M.I.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; de Silva, H.J.
Liv.52, a hepatoprotective agent of herbal origin, is used empirically for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease in Sri Lanka. We conducted acontrolled trial to assess the efficacy of Liv.52 in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Patients with evidence of alcoholic liver disease attending outpatient clinics were included in a prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. During the trial period, 80 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomly assigned Liv.52 (cases; n = 40) or placebo (controls) the recommended dose of three capsules twice daily for 6 months. All patients underwent clinical examination (for which a clinical score was computed), and laboratory investigations for routine blood chemistry and liver function before commencement of therapy (baseline). Thereafter, clinical assessments were done monthly for 6 months, while laboratory investigations were done after 1 and 6 months of therapy. There was no significant difference in the age composition, alcohol intake and baseline liver function between the two groups. The two-sample t-test was used to analyze data obtained after 1 and 6 months of therapy against baseline values. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome and liver chemistry between the two groups at any time point. There were no reports of adverse effects attributable to the drug. Our results suggest that Liv.52 may not be useful in the management of patients with alcohol induced liver disease.
Low dose subcutaneous adrenaline to prevent acute adverse reactions to antivenom serum in people bitten by snakes: randomised, placebo controlled trial
(British Medical Association, 1999) Premawardhena, A.P.; de Silva, C.E.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of low dose adrenaline injected subcutaneously to prevent acute adverse reactions to polyspecific antivenom serum in patients admitted to hospital after snake bite. DESIGN: Prospective, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. SETTING: District general hospital in Sri Lanka. SUBJECTS: 105 patients with signs of envenomation after snake bite, randomised to receive either adrenaline (cases) or placebo (controls) immediately before infusion of antivenom serum. INTERVENTIONS: Adrenaline 0.25 ml (1:1000). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of acute adverse reactions to serum and side effects attributable to adrenaline. RESULTS: 56 patients (cases) received adrenaline and 49 (controls) received placebo as pretreatment. Six (11percent) adrenaline patients and 21 (43 percent) control patients developed acute adverse reactions to antivenom serum (P=0.0002). Significant reductions in acute adverse reactions to serum were also seen in the adrenaline patients for each category of mild, moderate, and severe reactions. There were no significant adverse effects attributable to adrenaline. CONCLUSIONS: Use of 0.25 ml of 1:1000 adrenaline given subcutaneously immediately before administration of antivenom serum to patients with envenomation after snake bite reduces the incidence of acute adverse reactions to serum.
Low dose subcutaneous adrenaline to prevent acute adverse reactions to antivenom serum in snake bite patients
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) Premawardhena, A.P.; de Silva, C.E.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; de Silva, H.J.
OBJECTIVE: To test efficacy and safety of low dose adrenaline as pretreatment for prevention of such reactions to AVS in patients with snake bite envenoming. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo .controlled trial was conducted at Base Hospital, Polonnaruwa. Patients with snake bite envenoming, who were recruited for the study, received 0.25ml of 1:1000 adrenaline (cases) or placebo (controls) subcutaneously as the only pretreatment immediately prior to full dose (10 vials) AVS infusion. Results: Of 196 patients admitted to hospital with snake bite envenoming who required AVS, 105 were recruited for the study. The other 91 had one or more exclusion criteria: treatment started in peripheral hosp'ital-72; age <12 or >70years-G; history of atopy-2, wheezing-3, hypertension -3, IHD-2; too ill to get consent-3.56 cases received adrenaline and 49 controls received placebo. The two groups were similar for age, gender, species of offending snake, degree of envenomation, proportion receiving first aid, and delay in hospital admission. Six (10.7%) cases and 21 (42.8%) controls developed acute adverse reactions to AVS, RR 0.25, Cl 0.11 - 0-57, p=0.0002. Significant reductions in acute adverse reactions to AVS were also found after grading them as mild, moderate and severe. There were no adverse effects attributable to adrenaline. CONCLUSIONS: 0.25ml of 1:1000 adrenaline injected subcutaneojjsly immediately prior to AVS infusions in patients with envenomation following snake bite significantly reduces the rate of acute adverse reactions to antivenom. The use of adrenaline in this manner is safe.
Management of yellow oleander poisoning (YOP) with multiple-dose activated charcoal: a randomized placebo controlled trial
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2003) de Silva, H.A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Alahakone, D.G.S.; Ratnatilake, G.A.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Ranasinha, C.D.; Lalloo, D.G.; Aronson, J.K.; de Silva, H.J.
Abstract Available
Medical students and pre-intern doctors views on clinical training methods
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Fonseka, M.M.D.; Arthanayake, A.; Gun at Hake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
Abstract Available
Methyldopa use should be restricted
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) de Silva, H.A.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Wijesiriwardena, B.; Fonseka, M.M.D.
No Abstract Available
Multiple-dose activated charcoal for treatment of yellow oleander poisoning : a single-blind randomized placebo controlled trial
(Lancet Publishing Group, 2003) de Silva, H.A.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Alahakoon, D.G.S.; Ratnatilaka, G.A.; Gunatilake, S.B.; Ranasinha, C.D.; Lalloo, D.G.; Aronson, J.K.; de Silva, H.J.
BACKGROUND: Deliberate self-poisoning with yellow oleander seeds is common in Sri Lanka and is associated with severe cardiac toxicity and a mortality rate of about 10%. Specialised treatment with antidigoxin Fab fragments and temporary cardiac pacing is expensive and not widely available. Multiple-dose activated charcoal binds cardiac glycosides in the gut lumen and promotes their elimination. We aimed to assess the efficacy of multiple-dose activated charcoal in the treatment of patients with yellow-oleander poisoning. METHODS: On admission, participants received one dose of activated charcoal and were then randomly assigned either 50 g of activated charcoal every 6 h for 3 days or sterile water as placebo. A standard treatment protocol was used in all patients. We monitored cardiac rhythm and did 12-lead electocardiographs as needed. Death was the primary endpoint, and secondary endpoints were life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, dose of atropine used, need for cardiac pacing, admission to intensive care, and number of days in hospital. Analysis was by intention to treat. FINDINGS: 201 patients received multiple-dose activated charcoal and 200 placebo. There were fewer deaths in the treatment group (five [2.5%] vs 16 [8%]; percentage difference 5.5%; 95% CI 0.6-10.3; p=0.025), and we noted difference in favour of the treatment group for all secondary endpoints, apart from number of days in hospital. The drug was safe and well tolerated. INTERPRETATION: Multiple-dose activated charcoal is effective in reducing deaths and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias after yellow oleander poisoning and should be considered in all patients. Use of activated charcoal could reduce the cost of treatment.
Outcome of envenomation due to snake bite during pregnancy
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, C.E.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
Abstract available
Outcome of management of yellow oleander poisoning in a Base Hospital setting
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, C.E.; Fonseka, M.M.D.; Gunatilake, S.B.; de Silva, H.J.
Abstract Available