Changing Clinical Pattern of Sheri-Amaranthji Yatra Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Centre in North-India

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The sacred cave of Amaranth, located deep in the Himalayas, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindu religion in general and among Shiva followers in particular. Because of high altitude, rough terrain and harsh weather, pilgrims are prone to sicknesses which sometimes may prove fatal.

OBJECTIVES: To study the profile and outcome among Shri-Amarnathji Yatra patients attending a Tertiary Care Centre in North-India, and to examine whether there is any change in the clinical pattern of yatra patients over time

METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study carried out during the yatra period of 2017. Ninety-seven Yatra patients who were on a pilgrimage to Shri-Amarnathji cave and referred to SKIMS between July and August 2017 for various illnesses were studied. All the necessary clinical details were recorded in a pre-designed and pre-tested Proforma prepared for the study; admitted patients were followed from admission till discharge. The profile and outcome of illness of these 2017 Yatra patients were compared with the results of the study conducted in the year 2011.

RESULTS: Out of 97 Yatra patients ( referred to our Centre, 54 (55.7%) patients were managed in the outpatient department (OPD) of the hospital; the majority of these patients (33, 61%) were male and were having minor ailments. Out of these 54 patients managed in OPD, 18 (33%) had respiratory tract infection, while 11 (20%) had Hypertension. Patients who were sick (n=43) were admitted and managed in the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department of the institute. Majority of the admitted patients were males (74%); trauma, particularly road traffic accidents constituted 32.5%, followed by acute myocardial infarction (16.3%). Out of admitted 43 Yatra patients, 36 (84%) patients improved, five patients (12%) expired, one was discharged on request, and one referred to a higher centre for further management.

CONCLUSION: As compared to previous studies, more male patients were admitted this time, most of whom were in the age-group of 21-40 years. The proportion of patients due to injury and road traffic accident has increased, forming a significant proportion of the referred cases.

INTRODUCTION: The sacred cave of Amaranth, located deep in the Himalayas, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindu religion in general and among Shiva followers in particular. Because of high altitude, rough terrain and harsh weather, pilgrims are prone to sicknesses which sometimes may prove fatal.

OBJECTIVES: To study the profile and outcome among Shri-Amarnathji Yatra patients attending a Tertiary Care Centre in North-India, and to examine whether there is any change in the clinical pattern of yatra patients over time

METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study carried out during the yatra period of 2017. Ninety-seven Yatra patients who were on a pilgrimage to Shri-Amarnathji cave and referred to SKIMS between July and August 2017 for various illnesses were studied. All the necessary clinical details were recorded in a pre-designed and pre-tested Proforma prepared for the study; admitted patients were followed from admission till discharge. The profile and outcome of illness of these 2017 Yatra patients were compared with the results of the study conducted in the year 2011.

RESULTS: Out of 97 Yatra patients ( referred to our Centre, 54 (55.7%) patients were managed in the outpatient department (OPD) of the hospital; the majority of these patients (33, 61%) were male and were having minor ailments. Out of these 54 patients managed in OPD, 18 (33%) had respiratory tract infection, while 11 (20%) had Hypertension. Patients who were sick (n=43) were admitted and managed in the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department of the institute. Majority of the admitted patients were males (74%); trauma, particularly road traffic accidents constituted 32.5%, followed by acute myocardial infarction (16.3%). Out of admitted 43 Yatra patients, 36 (84%) patients improved, five patients (12%) expired, one was discharged on request, and one referred to a higher centre for further management.

CONCLUSION: As compared to previous studies, more male patients were admitted this time, most of whom were in the age-group of 21-40 years. The proportion of patients due to injury and road traffic accident has increased, forming a significant proportion of the referred cases.