Background/Aims: Acute exacerbations of chronic hepatitis B (CHB-AEs) are common in endemic areas and are often presumed to be acute hepatitis B (AHB) due to their similarities in clinical and serological pictures, presenting a major diagnostic dilemma. This study aimed to identify laboratory markers for differentiating between the two groups, and to establish the cut-off value for significant markers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of records was conducted for patients who presented with clinical features of acute hepatitis along with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) positivity from May 2015 to May 2017. A total of 172 patients were enrolled and grouped as AHB (n=89) and CHB-AE (n=83) based on their history of hepatitis B virus infection and duration of HBsAg persistence. Virological and biochemical parameters were analyzed and compared. Cut-off values, sensitivity, and specificity of the variables were calculated. Results: The median value of signal by cut-off (S/Co) ratio for IgM anti-HBc was significantly higher in AHB group (30.44) compared to CHB-AE group (8.63) with a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 84%, respectively, at a cut-off of 20.5 (P<0.01). The mean international normalized ratio (INR) was significantly greater in CHB-AE (1.88±1.24) group compared to AHB group (1.62±0.17) with a sensitivity and specificity of 57.9% and 45.1%, respectively, at a cut-off value of 1.27. Conclusions A value of 20.5 S/Co of IgM anti-HBc and 1.27 INR could be helpful in differentiating between AHB and CHB-AE.

Background: Dynamic parameters used for predicting fluid responsiveness require special equipment and are minimally invasive. Therefore, recent interest in the use of carotid artery ultrasound parameters, such as carotid corrected flow time (FTc) and peak velocity variation (ΔVpeak) has grown. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the ability of carotid FTc and/or ΔVpeak to accurately predict fluid responsiveness. Methods: We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for articles evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of carotid FTc or ΔVpeak for predicting fluid responsiveness. Two independent authors performed the search and selected studies published until May 2022. The studies were assessed for the inclusion and exclusion criteria using Rayyan (Rayyan Systems Inc., 2022). Results: Ten studies (n=438) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. Studies were divided into those assessing carotid FTc and those assessing carotid ΔVpeak. Five studies (six datasets) assessed FTc. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of carotid FTc were 0.76 and 0.88, respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve for carotid FTc had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9092, with a Q value of 0.8412. Seven studies calculated carotid ΔVpeak. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for ΔVpeak were 0.83 and 0.81, respectively. The SROC curve had an AUC of 0.8941 and a Q value of 0.8250. Conclusions Our meta-analysis showed that both carotid FTc and ΔVpeak are useful for predicting fluid responsiveness in anesthesia and critical care settings with good specificity and sensitivity.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, potentially fatal genetic disorder characterized by an unexplained elevation of expired carbon dioxide despite increased minute ventilation, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, tachycardia, acidosis, and hyperkalemia. It can be triggered by many pharmacological agents such as potent inhalation agents (halothane/ isoflurane/ sevoflurane/ desflurane), the depolarizing muscle relaxant (succinylcholine), and extreme physiological conditions such as vigorous exercise and working excessively in a hot and dry environment. Prompt and early recognition of the condition and rapid initiation of treatment measures are necessary to salvage the patient. Since MH is commonly encountered in the operating room or early postoperative period, anesthetists and surgeons need to keep themselves updated regarding the same. This review article aims to summarize our understanding of MH's pathophysiology, current diagnostics, management, and treatment strategies, along with a brief review of literature of published cases in Indian Subcontinent.