Browsing by Author "Siriwardana, S."

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Comparison of liver MRI R2(FerriScan®) VS liver MRI T2* as a measure of body iron load in a cohort of Beta Thalassaemia major patients
(BioMed Central, 2020) Padeniya, P.; Siriwardana, S.; Ediriweera, D.; Samarasinghe, N.; Silva, S.; Silva, I.; Ahamed, N.; Niriella, M.A.; Premawardhena, A.
ABSTRACT: To compare the similarity of the non-patented T2* and the high cost patented R2 (Ferriscan®) MRI techniques in the measurement of liver iron concentration (LIC) in heavily transfused patients with thalassaemia major in a real- life Sri Lankan hospital setup. We compared LIC measured by MRI, obtained 2 weeks apart, using both T2* and R2 techniques in 15 patients with beta thalassaemia major. They all had a history of > 100 units of blood transfusions life long and also a history of sub optimal chelation. MRI R2 and MRI T2* scan values showed a negative correlation (co-rrelation coefficient = - 0.63, p = 0.01) This correlation was strong in lower LICs and progressively decreased with upper LIC values. Thus a significant discrepancy was observed between median values of two MRI technologies (p = 0.0005) with T2* tending to underestimate iron overload especially in those with very high LIC identified by R2. The lack of concordance of T2* and R2 especially in those with very high reading on R2 suggest the potential errors in interpretations that can occur in "non-expert centres"; which are likely to lead to errors in clinical judgement on the intensity of chelation therapy needed. KEYWORDS: FerriScan®; Iron overload; Liver iron concentration; MRI; T2* scan.
Delayed anxiety and depressive morbidity among dengue patients in a multi-ethnic urban setting: first report from Sri Lanka
(BioMed Central, 2018) Gunathilaka, N.; Chandradasa, M.; Champika, L.; Siriwardana, S.; Wijesooriya, L.I.
BACKGROUND: Although the physical consequences of dengue are well documented, delayed psychological co-morbidities are not well studied to date. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms among past dengue patients. METHODS: A community-based, case-control study in a multi-ethnic urban setting was conducted in Sri Lanka involving adults who were diagnosed to have dengue fever by a positive dengue IgM antibody response between 6 and 24 months ago. Self-administered Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-20) and a structured clinical interview by a psychiatrist were done in the patients and in an age and gender-matched control group. RESULTS: Fifty-three participants each in the patient (mean age 42.9 years, SD 15.5) and control (mean age 41.6 years, SD 15.3) groups were surveyed. The ages ranged from 18 to 70 years and 64.2% were females. The majority (90.6%; n = 48) of the individuals had been diagnosed with dengue fever followed by dengue haemorrhagic fever (9.4% n = 5). Denguepatients had higher DASS-21 mean depressive scores (means 11.7/9.4, SD 6.4/4.0, t = 2.2, p = .028), anxiety scores (means 10.7/7.2, SD 6.8/1.8, t = 3.6, p = .0005), stress scores (means 12.0/8.8, SD 5.3/3.5, t = 3.6, p = .0004) and CESD-20 scores (means 16.1/11.7, SD 9.4/7.3, t = 2.6, p = .008) than controls. The DSM-5 depressive disorder was clinically detected by the psychiatrist among 15.1 and 7.5% in patient and control groups (OR 2.1; CI .5-7.7; p = .22). Limitations: a limitation is the small sample size. CONCLUSION: Patients with past dengue had significantly higher depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms than the control group according to the DASS-21 and CESD-20 tools. To our knowledge, this is the first report on delayed psychological morbidity related to dengue. This may warrant healthcare professionals to incorporate mental counselling for dengue patients.
Radiological investigations in nephrolithiasis and: a narrative review
(The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2023) Siriwardana, S.; Abeysuriya, V.
Nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis are increasing in incidence and prevalence worldwide, which are significant clinical challenges in management. Radiological assessments are vital in early diagnosis and effective management to decrease morbidity and healthcare costs. This narrative review explores the role of various radiological investigations in nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis, focusing on their clinical implications and limitations. Plain X-ray of the kidney, ureter, and bladder (X-ray KUB) is a widely available, relatively inexpensive modality with limited sensitivity, mainly for smaller stones. However, it is most beneficial when assessing follow-up patients diagnosed with renal or ureteric calculi, but it is less effective in acute ureteric colic. Intravenous Urogram/Intravenous Pyelography (IVU/IVP) is an obsolete investigation and has largely been replaced by newer modalities due to numerous drawbacks. Ultrasonography (USG) is a widely available, relatively lowcost, non-invasive radiological modality without ionising radiation, considered first-line for children and pregnant patients. However, its sensitivity and specificity are traditionally lower than computed tomography and largely depend on the operator and patient factors. Computed tomography kidney, ureter, and bladder (CT-KUB) is the gold standard for diagnosing urolithiasis. It offers high sensitivity, specificity, and the ability to calculate the exact size and stone composition, but it comes with substantial radiation exposure. However, low-dose and ultralow-dose CT (LDCTKUB) protocols reduce radiation to the patient significantly, compromising image clarity. Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU) is a second-line investigation in obstructive uropathy, particularly in pregnancy and children. It provides vital anatomical and functional information without ionising radiation. Urology and radiology professionals should collaborate to identify individualised and optimal radiological investigations, considering the risks and benefits associated with each modality.
Subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens in Sri Lanka: A potential risk of transmitting human dirofilariasis
(SAGE Publications, 2017) Gunathilaka, N.; Siriwardana, S.; Wijesooriya, L.I.; Gunaratna, G.; Perera, N.
OBJECTIVE: Dirofilariasis is a parasitic infection caused by filarial nematodes belonging to the genus Dirofilaria. Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens has been widely reported from European countries. Sri Lanka is the most affected country in Asia with an infection rate of almost 60% in dog population. However, human infection of D. repens remains undiagnosed and many of the cases are not scientifically documented. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to document the presence of dirofilariasis infections in humans. METHOD: A 1 year and 10 months old boy from Ragama, Gampaha District, Western Province of Sri Lanka, was presented to a private hospital with a painless, non-pruritic and ill-defined subcutaneous nodule on his right hypochondrial region of the anterior abdominal wall for 1 week. On examination, there was a non-tender swelling measuring 2 cm × 2 cm in the anterior abdominal wall, with surrounding mild redness. The patient was referred for ultrasound confirmation. RESULTS: The ultrasound scan revealed a hypoechoic nodular lesion measuring 11 mm × 6 mm in the anterior abdominal wall. Parasitological examination on the excised nodule confirmed the presence of D. repens measuring 10.5 cm in length having characteristic cuticle with longitudinal ridges. CONCLUSION: It is essential to record the human infections and increase the awareness about this infection, diagnostic tests and vector controlling measures, in order to reduce the disease prevalence through suppressing vector densities, proper diagnosis and patient care.