Medicine
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/12
This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
Browse
8 results
Search Results
Item Evaluating spatiotemporal dynamics of snakebite in Sri Lanka: Monthly incidence mapping from a national representative survey sample(Public Library of Science, 2021) Ediriweera, D.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Jayamanne, S.F.; Murray, K.; Iwamura, T.; Isbister, G.; Dawson, A.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.; Diggle, P.J.BACKGROUND: Snakebite incidence shows both spatial and temporal variation. However, no study has evaluated spatiotemporal patterns of snakebites across a country or region in detail. We used a nationally representative population sample to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of snakebite in Sri Lanka. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey representing all nine provinces of Sri Lanka. We interviewed 165 665 people (0.8% of the national population), and snakebite events reported by the respondents were recorded. Sri Lanka is an agricultural country; its central, southern and western parts receive rain mainly from Southwest monsoon (May to September) and northern and eastern parts receive rain mainly from Northeast monsoon (November to February). We developed spatiotemporal models using multivariate Poisson process modelling to explain monthly snakebite and envenoming incidences in the country. These models were developed at the provincial level to explain local spatiotemporal patterns. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Snakebites and envenomings showed clear spatiotemporal patterns. Snakebite hotspots were found in North-Central, North-West, South-West and Eastern Sri Lanka. They exhibited biannual seasonal patterns except in South-Western inlands, which showed triannual seasonality. Envenoming hotspots were confined to North-Central, East and South-West parts of the country. Hotspots in North-Central regions showed triannual seasonal patterns and South-West regions had annual patterns. Hotspots remained persistent throughout the year in Eastern regions. The overall monthly snakebite and envenoming incidences in Sri Lanka were 39 (95%CI: 38-40) and 19 (95%CI: 13-30) per 100 000, respectively, translating into 110 000 (95%CI: 107 500-112 500) snakebites and 45 000 (95%CI: 32 000-73 000) envenomings in a calendar year. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides information on community-based monthly incidence of snakebites and envenomings over the whole country. Thus, it provides useful insights into healthcare decision-making, such as, prioritizing locations to establish specialized centres for snakebite management and allocating resources based on risk assessments which take into account both location and season.Item Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its associations among adolescents in an urban, Sri Lankan community(BioMed Central, 2017) Rajindrajith, S.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Jayasinghe, C.; Kottahachchi, D.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, S.T.; Niriella, M.A.; Dassanayake, A.S.; de Silva, A.P.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common problem across the world. We aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and its associations in Sri Lankan adolescents living in an urban Sri Lankan community. METHOD: The study population consisted of the birth cohort of the year 2000, residing in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data [anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and total body fat distribution] of these adolescents were collected by trained data collectors. Fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, fasting serum lipids and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured and an abdominal ultrasound was performed. NAFLD was diagnosed on established ultrasound criteria for fatty liver and absent alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 499 adolescents [263 (51.8%) girls]. Forty two (8.4%) had NAFLD. NAFLD was significantly associated with being breast fed for less than 4 months (33.3% vs. 17.1 in controls, p = 0.02), higher waist circumference (prevalence risk ratio 83.3/20.3, 4.1, p < 0.0001), higher body mass index (prevalence risk ratio 40.5/4.8, 8.4, p < 0/0001),higher HOMA-IR (3.7 vs. 1.9, p < 0.0001) and high triglycerides (prevalence risk ratio 14.3/5.8, 2.5, p = 0.033). Adolescents with NAFLD also had a higher amount of total body fat (p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat (p < 0.001) than those without NAFLD. The number of children with metabolic derangements was higher among adolescents with NAFLD than those without (85.8 vs 26.3 in controls, p < 0.0001), but a family history of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction or dyslipidaemia were not. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of NAFLD was high in Sri Lankan adolescents, and was associated with metabolic derangements, especially obesity, insulin resistance and early cessation of breast feeding.Item Incidence and risk factors for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an urban, adult Sri Lankan population – a community cohort follow-up study(Sage Publishing, 2015) Niriella, M.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, S.; Perera, R.; Subasinghe, C.; Kodisinghe, K.; Priyantha, C.; Rishikeshavan, V.; Dassanayake, A.; de Silva, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Kato, N.; de Silva, H.J.INTRODUCTION: We previously reported a community prevalence of 33% for NAFLD in an urban, adult Sri Lankan population. We also found a significant association between patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene rs738409 polymorphism, and susceptibility to NAFLD in the same population, after testing 10 selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a case control study. AIMS & METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors for NAFLD in this population after seven years of follow-up. The study population consisted of 42-71-year-old adults, originally selected by age stratified random sampling from electoral lists from Ragama, Sri Lanka. The target population was screened initially in 2007 and subsequently invited back for re-evaluation in 2014. On both occasions they were assessed using a structured interview, clinical and anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasound, and biochemical and serological tests. NAFLD was diagnosed on established ultrasound criteria for fatty liver (two out of three criteria: increased echogenecity of the liver compared to kidney and spleen, obliteration of the vascular architecture of the liver and deep attenuation of the ultrasonic signal), safe alcohol consumption (Asian standards: 514 units/week for men, 57 units/week for females) and absence of hepatitis B and C markers. Non-NAFLD controls were defined as subjects who did not have any of the ultrasound criteria for NAFLD. We also performed an updated case-control study to investigate associations of selected genetic variants with incident NAFLD [SNPs: PNPLA3 (rs738409), LYPLAL1 (rs12137855), GCKR (rs780094), PPP1R3B (rs4240624) and NCAN (rs2228603), APOC3 (rs2854117 and rs2854116), ADIPOR2 (rs767870) and STAT3 (rs6503695 and rs9891119)]. RESULTS: Of the 2985 original study participants, 2155 (72.2%) (1244 women and 911 men; mean age 59.2 years [SD, 7.7]) participated in the follow-up assessment. 1322 [mean age 58.9 years (SD, 7.6), 483 (53.0%) men and 839 (67.4%) women] had NAFLD. Out of 795 [466 (58.6%) women] participants who did not have NAFLD in the original study, 365 [226 (61.9%) women, mean age 58.6 years (SD, 7.9)] had developed NAFLD after 7 years, giving an annual incidence rate 6.6%. On multivariate analysis, increased waist circumference [OR 1.96(1.30 – 2.97), p=0.001], BMI4 23 kg/m2 [OR 2.93(1.99 – 4.30), p50.001] and raised plasma triglycerides (TG) [OR 1.49(1.03 – 2.13), p=0.03] were independently predictive of incident NAFLD in this cohort, while raised BP and reduced HDL, were not. In the updated association study involving 1310 cases and 427 controls, we found borderline association with NAFLD at two of the 10 candidate loci: rs4240624 at PPP1R3B and rs738409 at PNPLA3 (one-tailed P=0.044 and 0.033, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this community cohort follow-up study in an urban, adult population in Sri Lanka, the annual incidence of NAFLD was 6.6%. Incident NAFLD was associated with features of the metabolic syndrome, and showed tendency of association at PNPLA3 and PPP1R3B gene polymorphisms. Disclosure of Interest: None declaredItem Influence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the development of diabetes mellitus(Wiley-Blackwell, 2013) Kasturiratne, A.; Weerasinghe, S.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Rajindrajith, S.; de Silva, A.P.; Kato, N.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND AND AIM: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to metabolic syndrome, and is known to be associated with impaired fasting glycemia and diabetes mellitus. This prospective community-based study was conducted to determine the association between NAFLD and incidence of diabetes mellitus in an urban adult population in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Participants of the Ragama Health Study cohort were assessed for NAFLD using established ultrasound criteria in 2007. Those who were free of diabetes at baseline were followed up for 3 years. Incidence rates of diabetes mellitus were compared between subjects with and without NAFLD at baseline. RESULTS: Out of 2984 subjects, 926 had NAFLD and 676 had diabetes in 2007. Of the 2276 subjects who were free of diabetes in 2007, 1914 were re-assessed in 2010. After 3 years, 104 out of 528 subjects with NAFLD and 138 out of 1314 subjects without NAFLD had developed diabetes mellitus de novo. Incidence rates of diabetes were respectively 64.2 and 34 per 1000 person-years of follow up for those with and without NAFLD. NAFLD was an independent predictor of developing diabetes mellitus. Other independent predictors were impaired fasting glycemia and dyslipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with ultrasonically diagnosed NAFLD have an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Intervention for NAFLD through lifestyle modification may prevent progression of the current diabetes epidemic. © 2012 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.Item Prevalence and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among adults in an urban Sri Lankan population(Wiley-Blackwell, 2009) Dassanayake, A.S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Rajindrajith, S.; Kalubowila, U.; Chackrewarthy, S.; de Silva, A.P.; Makaya, M.; Mizoue, T.; Kato, N.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; de Silva, H.J.BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging problem in the Asia-Pacific region. However, its prevalence and risk factors in Asian (especially South Asian) communities is poorly studied. In this study, the aim was to determine the community prevalence and risk factors for NAFLD among adults in an urban Sri Lankan population. METHODS: The study population consisted of 35-64-year-old adults, selected by stratified random sampling. NAFLD was diagnosed on established ultrasound criteria for fatty liver, safe alcohol consumption (< 14 units/week for men, < 7 units/week for females) and absence of hepatitis B and C markers. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements were made, and fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum lipids, fasting serum insulin and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were determined. RESULTS: Of the 2985 study participants, 974 (32.6%) had NAFLD (605 [62.1%] women, mean age 52.8 years [standard deviation, 7.3]). On multivariate analysis, obesity, acanthosis nigricans, insulin resistance, elevated diastolic BP, fasting plasma glucose, plasma triglycerides, and ALT twice the upper limit of the reference range or more were independently associated with NAFLD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NAFLD among adults in this urban Sri Lankan community is high and is strongly associated with constituent features of the metabolic syndrome.Item Identifying the biting species in snakebite by clinical features: an epidemiological tool for community surveys(Oxford University Press, 2006) Pathmeswaran, A.; Kasturiratne, A.; Fonseka, M.; Nandasena, S.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.The outcome of snakebite is related to the biting species but it is often difficult to identify the biting snake, particularly in community settings. We have developed a clinical scoring system suitable for use in epidemiological surveys, with the main aim of identifying the presumed biting species in those with systemic envenoming who require treatment. The score took into account ten features relating to bites of the five medically important snakes in Sri Lanka, and an algorithm was developed applying different weightings for each feature for different species. A systematically developed artificial data set was used to fine tune the score and to develop criteria for definitive identification. The score was prospectively validated using 134 species-confirmed snakebites. It correctly differentiated the bites caused by the three snakes that commonly cause major clinical problems (Russell's viper (RV), kraits and cobra) from other snakes (hump-nosed viper (HNV) and saw-scaled viper (SSV)) with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. For individual species, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively: cobra 76%, 99%; kraits 85%, 99%; and RV 70%, 99%. As anticipated, the score was insensitive in the identification of bites due to HNV and SSVItem Underestimation of snakebite mortality by hospital statistics in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka(Oxford University Press, 2006) Fox, S.; Rathuwithana, A.C.; Kasturiratne, A.; Lalloo, D.G.; de Silva, H.J.Estimates of snakebite mortality are mostly based on hospital data, although these may considerably underestimate the problem. In order to determine the accuracy of hospital-based statistics, data on snakebite mortality in all hospitals in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka were compared to data on snakebite as the certified cause of death for the district, for the 5-year period between 1999 and 2003. Data were cross-checked in a sample of hospitals and divisional secretariats within the district. Hospital statistics did not report 45 (62.5%) of the true number of snakebite deaths in the Monaragala District. Twenty-six (36.1%) of the victims either did not seek, or had no access to, a hospital. Another 19 (26.4%) had arrived at hospital, but had done so too late to receive treatment. Our study confirms the limitations of official hospital-based mortality data on snakebite.Item 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.