National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Permanent URI for this collection

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/149612

Editor: Dr. Jay Charan

ISSN: 2320–4672 (Print)

Frequency: 2 issues a year

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.njppp.com/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 1174

A comparative study of knowledge, attitude, and practice of drug-drug interactions among interns and nurses in a tertiary care hospital
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) S, P; K, V; K, G.
Background: Increasing use of drugs has led to drug-drug interactions (DDIs) which necessitate their awareness among the health-care providers to reduce the hospital admissions due to their adverse drug reactions. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of DDIs among interns and nurses and to evaluate the impact of an educational program with a pre-and post-test questionnaire. Materials and Methods: An educational program about DDIs was conducted for the interns and nurses to evaluate their KAP by a pre-test and post-test pre-verified 20-point questionnaire about DDI. Results: There was a statistical significant difference (P < 0.05) in gender (females: Males = 77:16) among the interns and nurses and their mean age was 23 ± 0.87 years and 21.3 ± 0.83 years, respectively. Both the groups fared well in post-test compared to pre-test in the knowledge (questions=7), attitude (questions=5), and practice (questions=8) domain which was statistically significant. On comparing the post-test scores, both the groups showed no difference statistically (P > 0.05) in the knowledge and attitude domain, while the nurses group showed more improved mean score than interns in terms of practice of DDI. Conclusion: The educational program about DDIs was effective among the interns and nurses with regard to their KAP assessment and they equally performed well. This implies that the awareness program about DDIs was successful among the interns and nurses who form the lower strata in delivering the health-care needs to the society.
Is objective structured practical examination a cutting-edge assessment tool over traditional practical examination to prepare future “Indian Medical Graduate?” A study from Department of Pathology at a Government Medical College in West Bengal
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Mukhopadhyay, D; Jana, S; Koley, S; De, A; Sengupta, S; Pathak, S.
Background: With the continuous evolution of medical education, an appropriate assessment method is the need of the hour. Most unavoidable drawback of traditional practical examination (TPE) is its subjectivity, which can be overcome by newer methods such as objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE). Hence, many studies have been conducted to reevaluate the efficiency of TPE and nowadays assessment of undergraduate students who are going to be Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) always remains the topic of debate. Aim and Objectives: The aim of our study is to compare OSPE and TPE by obtaining the feedback of examiner and examinee and also by the marks obtained by students. Materials and Methods: It was an analytical study with longitudinal design. The study was conducted after receiving approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Total 140 students were included in the study. In 2nd professional MBBS at third semester, two internal examinations were held in 2019, first one was TPE and the second one was based on OSPE. After the completion of OSPE, students’ and teachers’ opinion were collected by given pre-validated questionnaire. Results: There were significant (P =< 0.05) difference between mean score in OSPE (17.1) and TPE (14.26) among students. According to students, OSPE reduces examiner’s bias (84.2%), was less stressful than TPE (78.5%) and also fair and objective as compared to TPE (85%). According to teacher’s opinion, OSPE requires more time, demands critical thinking of students (77.7%), more objective and eliminates bias (94.4%), ensures uniformity (64.4%), but they opined that depth of knowledge cannot be assessed by OSPE (83.3%). Most of the students (93.5%) and teachers (77.7%) said that OSPE should be included in Pathology practical examination. Conclusion: In our study, both teachers and students have given feedback in favor of OSPE as an assessment tool in practical examination of undergraduate medical students. In our opinion, OSPE should be included as an assessment tool in 2nd year undergraduate pathology practical examination to prepare future IMG.
Correlation of Body mass index with premenstrual syndrome and age at menarche in medical students
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Kharb, A; Dey, R; Singh, VK.
Background: The female reproductive cycle encompasses various physiological phenomenon and menstruation being one such is associated with various problems affecting the quality of life. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of them. Body mass index (BMI) is considered a modifiable risk factor for PMS and is also related to the age at menarche. Aim and Objectives: To determine the correlation of BMI with PMS and the age of onset of menarche among medical students. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at a Medical College at Gangtok, among 100 consenting participants after obtaining due permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Apart from demographic details, height and weight were recorded along with age of onset of menarche. The presence or absence of PMS was evaluated using Calendar of Premenstrual experiences, a self-reported dairy measure of PMS developed by Mortola et al. Results: Mean age of participants was 20.7 years and at mean age of 12.5 years they attained menarche. Girls who had either low or high BMI attained menarche at a higher age, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.142). Association between PMS and BMI was poor (0.027, P = 0.869). The correlation analysis found a poor negative correlation (?0.052, P = 0.606) between BMI and age at menarche. The correlation between age at menarche and the presence of PMS was positive (0.182, P = 0.07). Conclusion: PMS was seen in 53% of the study population, but only 24% had a high BMI. Deviated BMI from normal had menarche at a higher age and there was a poor correlation between the BMI and PMS.
A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of metformin monotherapy on glycemic markers in normal weight, over weight, and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) C, KA; K, M; S, P; Kamath, L. A
Background: Metformin has been recommended as pharmacological therapy of first choice in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but there remains a gap in the present literature regarding relative efficacy and choice of metformin as monotherapy in patients who are non-obese when compared to obese. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Metformin as monotherapy on glycemic markers in normal weight, over weight, and obese T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: After obtaining permission from institutional ethics committee, 90 treatment naïve patients with T2DM who met inclusion criteria were included in this study. They were categorized into normal weight, over weight, and obese based on BMI. Efficacy was measured by reduction in glycemic parameters at end of weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 from baseline. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events. Data analyzed using analysis of variance, Student t-test for continuous data and Chi-square test for categorical data. Results: There was a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar, and postprandial blood sugar levels from baseline to end of 16 weeks in all three groups (P < 0.001) but the difference was not statistically significant between the three groups (P > 0.05). A significant decrease in body weight was observed in overweight and obese group whereas the reduction (0.3 Kg) is not significant in normal weight group. The treatment was well tolerated in all three groups. Conclusion: Metformin in normal weight group was found to be as efficacious as that of overweight and obese group for treating newly detected T2DM. Furthermore, the weight loss in normal weight group is negligible compared to overweight and obese group patients.
Altered circulating adipokines and heart rate variability: A biomarker for autonomic imbalance in obese individuals
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Katuri, RB; Gaur, GS; Sahoo, JP; Bobby, Z; Shanmugavel, K.
Background: Evidences indicate altered circulating adipokine levels in obesity could increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hence, it is crucial to determine cardiovascular health by assessing heart rate variability (HRV) and its association with circulating adipokines. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the adipokines level and its association with HRV in obese population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 45 obese (body mass index [BMI] > 25–29.9 kg/m2) and 45 non-obese (BMI: 18.5–22.9 kg/m2) age-gender-matched participants. Lead-II electrocardiogram was recorded and HRV parameters were obtained. Biochemical parameters, that is, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, leptin, and adiponectin levels were estimated. Group comparisons were done by independent student’s t-test, whereas the association between the parameters was done by Pearson’s correlation using SPSS 20v. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a significant increase in low frequency: high frequency (LF: HF) ratio (<0.001), fasting insulin (<0.001), HOMA-IR (<0.001), leptin (<0.001), Leptin-Adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio) (<0.001), total cholesterol (<0.001), triglycerides (<0.001), and low-density lipoproteins (<0.001), whereas significant decrease in total power (TP) of HRV (TP) (<0.001), adiponectin (<0.001), and high-density lipoproteins. A significant positive correlation between leptin, L/A ratio with LF: HF ratio (r = 0.793, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation with TP (–0.463, P < 0.001) was observed. Conclusion: Altered adipokines and its association with HRV in obese individuals could be an indicator of CVD. Hence, the current study suggests that the L/A ratio might be considered as a biomarker for cardiovascular health in obese individuals.
An annual retrospective analysis of adverse drug reactions reported at adverse drug reaction monitoring center, Nalgonda
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Patil, SB; Gade, R; B, R; Y, V; V, Y.
Background: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring is important for risk benefit analysis and for patient’s safety. ADR monitoring helps in maintaining the database which is specific to Indian population. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to analyze the pattern of ADRs, drug implicated, organ system affected, severity of ADRs, and their causality assessment. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective analysis of all the ADRs reported to ADR monitoring center, Nalgonda, from January 2019 to December 2019. Prior ethics committee approval was obtained. ADRs were collected using suspected ADR forms provided by National Coordination Center-Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (NCC PVPI). All the ADRs were reported to NCC PVPI through VigiFlow software. Results: A total of 273 ADRs were reported of which 59% were female and 41% were male. According to the age group, 30–39 years were the most common age group affected about 26%. The most common drug class implicated for ADRs was antimicrobials. Skin was the most common system affected. Most of the ADRs belonged to probable category according to the WHO causality assessment scale. Only 9 (3%) ADRs were of serious nature. Conclusion: Pharmacovigilance is important for identification of ADRs due to drugs. Still, lot of awareness about pharmacovigilance needs to be created among health-care professionals to improve the reporting of ADRs. This, in turn, will improve the drug safety among patients
A study of teaching module on intramuscular drug administration and communication skills in pharmacology according to CBME curriculum
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Shetti, SA; Limaye, RP.
Background: Theory classes in pharmacology are taking care of teaching of various oral and parenteral routes of drug administration, mainly focusing on knowledge domain but soft and psychomotor skills are under taught or deficient in undergraduate students. Demonstrating correct method of intramuscular route of drug administration and communication skills as introduced by competency based medical education (CBME) competency-based curriculum, will help in early acquisition of the skills and minimize the errors in administration. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to teach the IM drug administration and communication skills to undergraduate students in pharmacology and to evaluate the perception of students and teachers toward new CBME curriculum. Materials and Methods: Correct technique of intramuscular drug administration was demonstrated on mannequins after going through the videos of IM. Students were told to perform it independently on mannequins. Perception of students and staff members were collected with pre-validated questionnaire provided after the practical teaching hour. Results: In our study, the majority of students (96%) felt that learning IM route of drug administration correctly will help in managing the patients in their near future days. They were well advanced in communicating with patients regarding usage of medications and were (86%) also in favor of introduction of this experiment in UG curriculum. Conclusions: Our study concluded that IM teaching technique introduced by CBME curriculum in practical classes was well accepted by students and were more confident in soft skills and psychomotor skills at the end of the study.
Relationship between awareness and fear about coronavirus disease infection among M.B.B.S. students studying at dedicated coronavirus disease hospital – A cross-sectional web-based survey
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Bhangale, C; Ramanand, J; Teli, SESI; Mahajan, H.
Background: News of havoc created by novel corona virus in infected regions of the world gave rise to fear and panic about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection among the people. Various news agencies, bringing mixed and variable information helped the spread of fear among the masses. Aims and Objectives: On literature search, few studies can be found analyzing fear and anxiety about COVID-19 infection among medical students, medical professionals, as well as general public. The present study is an attempt to fulfill these lacunae. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out at tertiary care hospital and medical college. Design of the study was a cross-sectional, observational study and data collection was carried out using online means. Results: Mean score of All responses was 7.37 and with standard deviation of 1.36. Among individual questions, perfect score was achieved for question regarding common symptoms for COVID-19 infection while the lowest score was obtained for minimum hand washing time mentioned as per the WHO guidelines with only 15.6% of responders giving correct answer. Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrated the level of fear and level of awareness and knowledge among the M.B.B.S. students. There was moderate amount of fear among the minds of students and their awareness and knowledge about COVID-19 infection was high. Although, difference in awareness score was statistically significant but no significant difference was obtained for fear levels among different batches of medical students.
Comparison of high-resolution manometry parameters among type II diabetes patients and normal volunteers
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Yogisparan, PV; Ramanathan, R; Jayabal, M; Selvaraj, V; Shanmugam, J.
Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) autonomic neuropathy and reflux esophagitis are common in chronic diabetics. To gauge the adequacy of peristalsis, high-resolution esophageal manometry is considered as a reliable test. Aim and Objective: To compare the GI symptoms and high-resolution manometry parameters between type II diabetes patients and normal volunteers. Materials and Methods: This comparative study was conducted on 35 known type II diabetes mellitus patients (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] levels ?6.5%) and 35 normal volunteers between the age group of 35 and 70 years. Sociodemographic details, drug history, disease duration, and GI symptoms were elicited among the study participants. HbA1c and High-resolution manometry were measured for all the participants. Results: The frequency of epigastric pain (31.48%), heartburn (34.28%), pharyngeal irritation (31.43%), and loose stools (37.14%) were significantly higher in the diabetics. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in mean basal expiratory pressure (MBEP) and mean basal inspiratory pressure (MBIP) values between diabetics and controls. There was a positive significant correlation between esophagogastric junction contractile integral and MBIP (r = 0.557), MBEP (r = 0.583), Median Integrated Relaxation pressure (r = 0.410). Conclusion: Hyperglycaemia seems to be an independent risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Obesity significantly increments the occurrence of GERD in diabetics. Strict adherence to preventive measures such as weight reduction, diet management, glycaemic control will have a great impact on the occurrence of GERD in diabetics.
Coagulation profile and D-dimer level in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Talukdar, M; Samaddar, A; Bhattacharya, S.
Background: Most of the patients of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) presented with mild symptoms and recovered, but a considerable number of cases deteriorated and succumbed to death. They often present with hemostatic abnormalities mimicking disseminated intravascular coagulation with increased risk of thrombosis rather than bleeding. Hence, early prediction of disease severity by some easily available hematological parameters might be helpful to reduce mortality in COVID-19 cases. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether values of Prothrombin Time (PT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) and D-Dimer (DD) correlate with disease severity in COVID-19 and also to find out cutoff value of these parameters to predict disease severity. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was done on total 400 hospitalized COVID-19 adult patients where patients were categorized into moderate and severe cases as per guideline of Government of India. Patients with pre-existing coagulation disorder or receiving anticoagulant drugs were excluded from the study. PT, INR, APTT, and DD values of these two groups were evaluated and compared statistically to determine their significance and the cut-off value to predict severity. Results: Among the measured blood parameters means of PT (P < 0.001), INR (P < 0.001) and DD (P < 0.001) found to be significantly higher in the severe group of patients compared to moderate ones and DD value ?1.365 mg/L indicates severe disease. APTT showed no statistically significant association with severity. Conclusion: PT and INR can be used as severity marker in COVID-19 patients; however, DD is the most reliable marker correlating with disease severity.
A study on use of over-the-counter drugs among 2nd year medical students – A cross-sectional study
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Masare, P; Hiremath, S; Omkar, P; Hiremath, G. A
Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drug is a medicine that is available without a prescription, and hence also referred to as “nonprescription drug.” The sale of OTC medicines from pharmacies can help individual’s self-manage symptoms. However, some OTC medicines may be abused, with addiction and harms being increasingly recognized and found to be more common in undergraduate medical students. Aim and Objective: Objective of this study to analyze the use of OTC drugs among 2nd year medical students. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, and questionnaire based study was conducted among 2nd year medical students of Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences Belagavi. Details and purpose of the study were explained to students and informed consent was taken. Questionnaires consist of 25 questions related to use of OTC drugs, their knowledge and attitude toward OTC drugs. Questionnaires are then collected back from students on the spot after 15 min. All the data pooled and results are analyzed in descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 88 respondents were analyzed, 87.5% participants knew the definition of OTC and 69.5% use medication without prescription. All the students practiced self-medication however only 37.5% students agree with practice. Fever, cold, and headache are the most common condition for using OTC drugs. Analgesic, antipyretics, and antihistamines are the highest among OTC stocked at home. About 61.3% students have knowledge of Adverse Drug Reactions associated with OTC drugs. Conclusion: Use of OTC drugs is common form of health care having potential benefits and health hazards. Awareness should be created among students to restrict the use of self-medication and pharmacists toward sale of drugs without prescription.
Cost analysis of drugs used for respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases – A pharmacoeconomic study
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Marupaka, J; Akarapu, S; Tamma, NK; Karedla, S.
Background: Economic evaluation of pharmaceutical products is a must in developing countries like India as it helps in decision-making process and manufacture of cost-effective medicine. Pharmacoeconomic studies especially help lower socioeconomic for effective planning of their health budget. Very few studies comparing the cost-effectiveness of respiratory and gastrointestinal in our country; hence, this study was taken up to provide useful data. Aim and Objective: This study aims to evaluate existing price variations of different single used drugs under various brand names manufactured by different pharmaceutical industries in respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted for a period of 1 year by reviewing the cost of maximum and minimum price of a particular brand, % variation in maximum and minimum price of drugs, and Jan Aushadhi for generic drugs. Results were calculated by proper statistical analysis. Results: Brand price variations were found significantly. Three drugs showed price variation of <100%, 15 drugs had price ranging from 100 to 1000%, and six drugs had price variation greater than 1000% when compared with generic brands. Conclusion: Regular checks by government authorities can ensure all brand prices within the range of patients financial resources. Commonly used drugs from essential drug list, pricing policy should be implemented by drug price control organization.
A prospective observational study on management and outcome of different poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) B, V; Aramalla, NP; D, S.
Background: Acute poisoning is a worldwide health problem hastened around million deaths yearly. It was estimated that two lakhs of these deaths are mainly due to Organophosphorus compounds (OPC) poisoning. The management of these emergencies poisoning cases is very difficult and requires intensive care as well as monitoring. Despite the large number, evidence on pattern prevalence, management and outcome in India is little. Aim and Objective: The purpose of our study was to assess the socio-demographic pattern of various poisonings, pharmacotherapy and factors associated with outcome in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective observational study was done from January 2014 to December 2014 at Casualty in government teaching medical college hospital. Results: 253 patients were identified to have suffered of poisoning, 47.0% (119) of these patients were poisoned by OPC followed by other poison such as pyrethroids, Organocabamates. From all assessed cases male over female dominance was observed. More poisoning cases were observed between the age group 21 and 30 years. Intentional poisoning was more common (87.74%). The time taken between the poison ingestion and treatment was found that 83.8% of patients introduced to hospital before 12 h of the incident, whereas 28.7% introduced before 3 h. The death rate was 1.97 % with male dominance. Conclusion: This study comes to a conclusion that there is load of poisoning for which some proper safety measures such as limitation of easy availability and securing the poisonous chemicals which reduce the incidence of different poisoning in susceptible patients.
Comparative assessment of brainstem auditory evoked potentials in apparently healthy medical students with a family history of diabetes mellitus type 2
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Samaddar, D; Sinha, S; Shekhar, R; Singh, SK; Gupta, A; Singh, TB
Background: Neuronal studies on diabetes mellitus (DM) were previously based on peripheral and autonomic nerves. With the advent of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEPs), studies on sensory pathways in the central nervous system become easier and more productive. BAEPs is a non-invasive electrophysiological tool to detect retro-cochlear lesion. Hence, it is helpful to detect early Impairment of the auditory nerve and brainstem function. Aim and Objective: DM Type 2 (T2DM) is a known cause of neuropathy and in earlier course, it involves sensory nerves. T2DM runs in families and it has a genetic predisposition. BAEP is one of the methods to find out problems related to hearing by analyzing latencies of waveforms and inter-peak latencies. Hence, BAEPs in apparently healthy subjects with and without family history of T2DM is assessed. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional, casecontrol study. We have taken 110 volunteers from MBBS students of IMS, BHU of 17–23 years of age. Those with co-morbid conditions (eg. diabetes and hypertension), neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathy, schizophrenia, and those on ototoxic and neurotoxic drugs are excluded from the study. After taking consent and conducting a preliminary physical examination, BAEPs are recorded using a proper BAEP recording device. Statistical analysis is done using SPSS 2016 software trial version with Chi-square test. Results: The subjects with positive family history of T2DM in paternal grandfather showed deviation in latencies of BAEPs wave I (P < 0.001), wave III (P = 0.019), wave V (P = 0.033), and inter-peak latency between wave I and wave V (P = 0.019) from the normal values in the left ear. The subjects with positive family history of T2DM in paternal grandmother showed deviation from the normal in case of V/I % in the right ear (P = 0.016). Conclusion: The presence of T2DM in families can affect the wave latencies and inter-peak latencies of BAEPs.
Analysis of all the adverse events following immunization by CovishieldTM vaccine among healthcare workers at Government Medical College, Jalgaon
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Teli, SESI; Ramanand, J; Bhangale, CS; Mahajan, HM; Mandhare, R.
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID 19) is a global pandemic since December 2019. The subject expert committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization made recommendations for Restricted Emergency Approval of COVID-19 virus vaccine of M/s Serum Institute of India ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) COVISHIELD™ which was developed at Oxford University. In India, this vaccine was launched on January 16, 2021, and healthcare workers were included first in this vaccination program. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to record and analyzes all the adverse events following the immunization (AEFI) in healthcare workers for monitoring the safety and find the correlation if any. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. After obtaining Institutional Ethics committee approval, we collected the data by phone call to the participants within 3 days after the first and second dose of the vaccine. We collected the data from 100 healthcare workers randomly with their consent. Results: The most common adverse effect found was myalgia followed by local pain at the injection site after the first dose. About 92% of participants did not react to the second dose of the vaccine. Conclusion: There were no serious adverse events after the first as well as the second dose of vaccination. More studies and monitoring are needed to find out any unexpected reactions following COVID-19 vaccination.
A prospective observational open-label study to evaluate the effect of telmisartan on glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels in hypertensive patients with impaired fasting glycaemia
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) H, V; S, N; Yeli, VS.
Background: In hypertensive patients with impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG), the incidence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is 20%, which further worsens the situation. Currently, no approved drug is available for the treatment of IFG. Telmisartan has partial agonistic activity at the PPAR? receptor, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Hence, this study was undertaken. Aim and Objectives: Primary objective: To evaluate the effect of telmisartan on glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. Secondary objective: To evaluate the effect of telmisartan on Body Mass Index (BMI). Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 100 newly diagnosed cases of hypertension with IFG were included. Before the treatment with telmisartan, baseline parameters such as Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), FPG, BMI, and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Then, follow-up was done at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. BP and FPG were repeated at 4 and 8 weeks, whereas at 12 weeks all the four parameters were repeated. All the study endpoints were analyzed using paired t-test. Results: In this study, telmisartan reduced mean HbA1c from 5.87 ± 0.09 to 5.66 ± 0.17%, FPG levels from 111.49 ± 3.82 to 104.28 ± 4.60 mg/dl, BMI from 24.20 ± 1.84 to 23.80 ± 1.75 kg/m2 and SBP from 148.44 ± 3.64 to 133.43 ± 3.00, DBP from 91.90 ± 2.37 to 82.08 ± 2.45 mm of Hg at the end of 12 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). There were no serious adverse effects observed during the study period. Conclusion: In this study, telmisartan reduced HbA1c, FPG, BMI, and BP values significantly. Hence, telmisartan is safe and has a significant effect on the reduction of both BP and insulin resistance.
Effects of age, gender, and anthropometric measurements on simple visual and auditory reaction time in healthy Indian adults
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) K, R; Ghosh, S; C, N.
Background: Reaction time (RT) is the time interval between the application of a stimulus and voluntary motor response. Both visual and auditory RT reflect the cognitive function of an individual specially in spatial skills. Aims and Objective: This study aims to find the correlation between age, gender, and anthropometric measurements on simple visual and auditory RT. Material and Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers of both the genders (males 52 and females 48) aged between 18 and 50 years were recruited. RT is the elapsed time between the presentation of a stimulus and the subsequent behavioral response to occur. Subjects were presented with red light and 1000 Hz tone sound stimuli for both the genders. In RT there is coordination between the sensory and motor system occurs. The height, weight, waist circumference, and waist–hip ratio (WHR) were measured to observe the effects of these measurements on visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART). Results: Statistical analysis of the data by one-way ANOVA with post hoc by Turkey HSD test was found significant with age, gender, and other anthropometric measurements WHR, BSA, and waist circumference) with P-value of 0.027, 0.067; 0.001, 0.125 and BMI 0.135 and 0.200; WHR 0.086 and 0.043; 0.050 and 0.064, respectively. Conclusion: As hypothesis suggests when BMI is increased, there is a significant increase in RT. The VRT and ART both are increased in female than male. RT increases as the age increases especially after 40 years. Objective: The objective of the study was to find the correlation between age, gender, and anthropometric measurements on simple visual and auditory RT.
Analysis of drug use in patients of analgesic nephropathy
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Grover, IS; DLC; Prasad, RV; Satyagama, S.
Background: The global incidence and prevalence of analgesic nephropathy is 28% in 1981 and 12% in 1990. Intake of 6–8 tablets per day for 6–8 years attributes to development of analgesic nephropathy. This article serves caution and reminder about unnoticed renal threat posed by long-term use of analgesics. Aim and Objectives: The study objective is to assess the drug utilization pattern in patients of analgesic nephropathy. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional observational study, carried out across multicenter under the tertiary care hospital, after obtaining permission from respective institutes. Data were collected on demographic features such as age, gender, duration, and type of analgesics used by patients from various monitoring centers through CDSCO forms. To analyze the drug utilization pattern, the World Health Organization prescribing indicator scales were applied. Results: A total of 32 patient case sheets were analyzed, showing more of females (65.6%) being affected compared to men. Involving more patients aged above 31–50 years (50%). 51–70 years (37.5%) being affected with cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors along with nonselective COX inhibitors. The most common prescribed are COX-2 inhibitors such as Diclofenac and Aceclofenac along with combination of Paracetamol. 40.4% patients were affected with fixed drug combinations and usage of drugs between 2 and 6 months were 34.4%. 56% landed with acute renal failure and 44% were progressed to end stage renal disease. Conclusions: Usage and prescribing of analgesics were more of irrational combinations and patients taking self-medication for long duration were against the WHO standards.
A comparative study of effects of surgical and natural menopause on menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal complaints in menopausal women
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Kaur, H; Kaur, S; Gupta, N; Garg, S; Sharda, K. A
Background: To decrease morbidity in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign lesions, oophorectomy should not be done. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of surgical and natural menopause on menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal complaints in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in gynecology outpatient department from June 2019 to June 2020. A total of 200 postmenopausal women were selected between the age group of 40 and 55 years and then divided into two main groups – Group A (100), that is, natural menopause and Group B (100), that is, surgical menopause. Interviews were conducted about menopausal symptoms, using a standard questionnaire and were modified for yes or no response. The women were asked about symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, dryness of skin, decreased libido, poor memory, depression, and musculoskeletal pain. Results: The study showed that menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal pain were more common in women with surgical menopause as compared to women with natural menopause. The rate of hot flashes and sweating was more in surgical menopause group, that is, 81% and 82%, respectively, as compared to 52% and 50%, respectively, in natural menopause group. The musculoskeletal pain was more significant in Group B as compared to Group A, especially low back and upper back which were present in 55% and 42%, respectively, in Group B as compared to 43% and 41%, respectively, in Group A. Conclusion: As the menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal pain are more common in patients with surgical menopause thereby increasing the morbidity, so oophorectomy should not be done in patients who are undergoing hysterectomy for benign lesions. Therefore, treatment of osteoporosis and hormone replacement therapy is recommended after surgery to decrease the menopausal and musculoskeletal symptoms within the 1st year of menopause.
A study of perceived stress level and sleep quality among physicians in a hospital of West Bengal, during the second wave of the present coronavirus disease-19 pandemic
(Mrs Dipika Charan of MedScience (India) Publications, 2022-01) Chaudhuri, A; Sood, RS; Paul, S; Saha, E. A
Background: Stressful life events may lead to insomnia, a very common sleep disorder. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the correlation of perceived stress levels and sleep quality among physicians during the coronavirus disease-19 Pandemic. Materials and Methods: Physicians working in Burdwan Medical College were selected as a study group and age, sex-matched controls were selected from other non-medical workers. This online survey was conducted using Google Forms. The form was shared with participants using emails and WhatsApp. In the first section of the form the importance of the study was explained and informed consent was taken from the participants. In the second part of the form, subjects were asked to fill up demographic details and relevant history; in the third part, participants were asked to fill up two scales: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: 128 doctors and 114 other staff participated in the present study. Doctors had significantly higher PSS and PSQI levels as compared to the other group. Doctors’ PSQI: Mean ± SD = 7.59 ± 4.37 and other staff PSQI: Mean ± SD = 5.77 ± 2.75; P: 0.00013**. Doctors’ PSS: 18.43 ± 4.04 and other staff PSS: 15.14 ± 1.7; P < 0.0001**. PSS and PSQI levels were positively correlated in both groups with r values of 0.975 for Doctors and 0.544 for other staff, respectively. Conclusions: Doctors were found to have higher PSS and PSQI levels as compared to the control group. PSS levels were found to be positively correlated with PSQI levels and more so among doctors.

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