A Case Study on the Management of Psoriasis (Kitibha) by Ayurvedic Intervention

Psoriasis (Kitibha) is one of the most common chronic skin disorders, which has psychological and social impact on patient’s life. This disease is not contagious and may affect people of any age, but it commonly begins around 15 to 40 years. Psoriasis is commonly red and white hues of scaly patches appearing on the top of skin. This disease is equated to Kitibha in Ayurveda due to its invariable similarities in signs and symptoms. This case study aims to investigate whether Ayurvedic intervention can manage moderate to severe Psoriasis (Kitibha). A 41‑year old male came to the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Guwahati with clinical features indicative of Psoriasis. This case was diagnosed as Kitibha and was managed by Ayurvedic interventions of Kaishore Guggulu 1gm twice a day, Arogyavardhini vati 500mg twice a day, Panchtiktaguggulu Ghrit 3 gm twice a day and Brihat Marichyadi tail local application twice a day for 3 months at OPD level. The response to the treatment was found to be highly effective. At the end of the treatment period and follow up of 1 month as compared with baseline, highly significant changes were observed. Kaishore Guggulu, Arogyavardhini vati, Panchtiktaguggulu Ghrit and Brihat marichyadi tail in the above‑mentioned doses were found to be very effective and safe in moderate to severe case of Psoriasis (Kitibha).

Clinical, Bacteriological and Radiological Study of Community Acquired Pneumonia - A Hospital based Study

Introduction: Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of deathand morbidity, both in developing and developed countriesand is the commonest cause (10%) of hospitalization. CAPmortality is variable depending on the site of care; it is lessthan 1% in the outpatient setting, around 5% in inpatients notrequiring ICU care, up to 25% in intubated patients, and near50% in ICU patients requiring vasopressors. The aim of thisstudy was to analyse the mode of presentation of pneumonias,its clinical features, bacteriological and radiological featuresfor the early detection of disease, the causative agent and tofind out the complications.Material and methods: This was a prospective study whichincluded total 50 cases. Patient with acute onset of feverassociated chills and rigors and patients with chest pain,breathlessness and cough with expectoration were selected aspneumonia patients. Blood for WBC Count and DifferentialCount were done. Sputum for gram stain, AFB, and Culturewere done. Chest X-ray PA view were performed to know thesite of consolidation. ELISA was also done to rule out HIVinfection.Results: The age group in this study group varied from 18-85years, most of them were between 30- 70 years of which 56.0%were <60 years. The incidence of CAP was most common inmen (74%) compared to female (26%). The associated diseasesin this study were COPD (22.0%). The commonest presentingsymptoms were fever (100%), cough (100%), expectoration(92%); other symptoms include dyspnoea (78%), and chestpain (62%).Conclusion: In our study prognosis was good with mortalityof 8%, about 4 patients died due to respiratory failure. Mostof the patients recovered without any complications, expect inpatients with COPD, symptoms were not completely reducedand were advised for follow-up.

Ocular Manifestations of Venomous Snake Bite over a One-year Period in a Tertiary Care Hospital

PURPOSE: Ocular manifestations in snake-bite injuries are quite rare. However, the unusual presentations, diagnosis and their management can pose challenges when they present to the ophthalmologist. Early detection of these treatable conditions can prevent visual loss in these patients who are systemically unstable and are unaware of their ocular condition. To address this, a study was conducted with the aim of identifying the various ocular manifestations of snake bite in a tertiary care center. METHODS: This is a one-year institute-based prospective study report of 12 snake bite victims admitted to a tertiary hospital with ocular manifestations between June 2013 to June 2014, which provides data about the demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, ocular manifestations, and their outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve cases of snake bite with ocular manifestations were included of which six were viper bites, three were cobra bites and three were unknown bites. Six patients presented with bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma (50%), two patients had anterior uveitis (16.6%) of which one patient had concomitant optic neuritis. One patient had exudative retinal detachment (8.3%), one patient had thrombocytopenia with subconjunctival hemorrhage (8.3%) and two patients had external ophthalmoplegia (16.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral angle closure glaucoma was the most common ocular manifestation followed by anterior uveitis and external ophthalmoplegia. Snake bite can result in significant ocular morbidity in a majority of patients but spontaneous recovery with anti-snake venom, steroids and conservative management results in good visual prognosis.

Formulation of Diclofenac Sodium tablets using Tapioca starch powder- A promising binder.

Formulation research is oriented towards increasing safety and efficacy of existing drug molecule through novel concepts of drug delivery. Diclofenac is a semi-synthetic NSAID used as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. An attempt was made to identify the use of a natural product tapioca starch as binding agent in the formulation of Diclofenac tablets. To establish two other commonly used disintegrating agents potato starch and maize starch were selected and formulated for comparison. Different formulations were prepared by using above three disintegrants in the concentration of 20mg per tablet. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique. All the formulations were subjected to in in-vitro evaluation and the results were compared. The formulation containing tapioca starch powder showed good dissolution characteristics, within the Pharmacopoeial limits and comparative to potato and maize starch.