ABSTRACT
Background: Goiter is one of the most visible manifestations of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) that is caused due to overstimulation of thyroid as an adaptation to Iodine deficiency. IDD is among the major public health threats and important micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 6-12 years school children in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh from February to June 2019. The sample size of 336 was calculated and a total of 504 children from government schools were enrolled in the study. The assessment of goitre was done clinically by inspection and palpation of thyroid gland.Results: In this study, 504 school aged children of 6-12 yrs from district Chamba with mean age of 9±1.86 years were included. The prevalence of total goitre rate was 16% with mean age of 8.75±1.37 years. The highest prevalence (%) was observed in age of 10 years (28.4%) followed by 8 years and 9 years (25.9 % and 23.5% respectively).Conclusions: This study showed mild goitre prevalence in school aged children of 6-12 years in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. There is dire need of periodic survey to assess the magnitude of IDD in future.
ABSTRACT
Background: Low back pain is one of the most common health problems in society which leads to considerable disability, loss of work days, and puts a huge burden on socioeconomic and healthcare system. It is often associated with musculoskeletal spasm. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of tolperisone and thiocolchicoside in combination with etodolac in patients of acute low back pain associated with musculoskeletal spasm.Methods: it was a prospective, randomized, open label study which included patients of either sex between age 18-50 years of acute low back pain with musculoskeletal spasm. Patients were allocated in two groups. Patients in 慓roup A� were given tolperisone 150 mg + etodolac 400 mg twice a day and patients in 慓roup B� were given thiocolchicoside 4 mg + etodolac 400 mg twice a day. Efficacy of two drugs was assessed by decrease in finger to floor distance (FFD), decrease in pain as per visual analog scale (VAS) and global assessment of efficacy of treatment by physician. Follow-up of the patients was done on day 3 and 7 of treatment. Various side effects reported by patients in both the groups were also recorded and compared.Results: Both tolperisone and thiocolchicoside caused significant decrease in FFD, reduced pain score thus indicating decrease in pain and spasm. Side effects reported in both groups were mild and did not result in discontinuation of therapy.Conclusions: Tolperisone was found to have efficacy similar to that of thiocolchicoside though number of side effects reported was more with tolperisone.
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Background: Spinal block is the most commonly performedmethod for surgical treatments. Sensory block till the level ofT10 is considered promising to remove the unease formed bybladder distension. The aim of the present study was toevaluate the complications and hemodynamic stability with theusage of dexmedetomidine with bupivacaine.Materials and Methods: Patients with surgeries of spine, backinfections, neurological problems or hepatic disorders were notincluded in the study. On reaching the Operating Theatre themonitors were integrated for observing non-invasive bloodpressure, oxygen saturation and electrocardiography. Thebaseline recordings of BP, heart rate and partial pressure ofoxygen were noted. Spinal puncture was achieved at level ofL3 –L4 or L4 –L5 with 25-gauge needle at the sitting posture.All the data thus obtained was arranged in a tabulated formand analyzed using SPSS software.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 38.25+/-4.77years. Table 1 illustrates the hemodynamic parametersamongst both the groups. The preoperative pulse in Group Iwas 82.34+/- 3.54 and in group II was 83.90+/-2.65. There was1 subject each in Group I and II with nausea. There was 1subject in group II with hypotension.
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Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease process mostly reported in preterm neonates with a wide spectrum, ranging from mild, transient changes in the retina with regression to severe progressive vasoproliferation, scarring, detachment of retina and blindness. India shares 20% of the world childhood blindness. Besides congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma and ocular injuries, ROP is emerging as one of the important causes of childhood blindness in India.Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken among all neonates born between 28-34 weeks of gestation admitted in NICU, who are under oxygen, screened for ROP. Babies with ocular disorder which interfere with fundus examination, babies who did not complete follow up till complete vascularisation of retina and babies with congenital retinal abnormalities were excluded from the study.Results: About 13.3% of male children and 18.0% of the female children had retinopathy of prematurity. Among the infants born before 30 weeks, 46.7% had retinopathy of prematurity. In the children with gestational age between 30- 32 weeks, 15.4%, 8.5% in the 32-35 weeks and none among those born between more than 35 weeks. About 27.9% of the newborns with birth weight of less than 1.5kgs and 5.8% of those who had birth weight of 1.5-2.5kgs had retinopathy of prematurity.Conclusions: This study had shown a significant association of retinopathy of prematurity with the low gestational age, birth weight and oxygen therapy. Reducing subsequent post-natal risk factors depends on optimal perinatal and postnatal care, as well as adhering to strict ROP screening guidelines. Recognizing and treating ROP in a timely fashion is critical for achieving the best visual outcome.
ABSTRACT
Background: Counterfeit drugs are a global problem and suffered almost all developing and developed countries worldwide. In India, it is a major problem which results life threatening issues as well as financial loss on health system. So, we conducted a cross sectional questionnaire-based study on knowledge and exposure to counterfeit drugs of doctors at SHKM Govt. Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, India.Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 100 registered doctors. The questionnaire was based on knowledge, attitude and its consequence on the heath system by the practices of counterfeit medication.Results: There were Twenty questionnaires excluded from the study due to incomplete information. Only 57.77% (46/80) subjects having the knowledge of questionnaire correct meaning of counterfeit drug. However, almost 90% (72/80) subjects were aware about its dangerous effects. More than 50% of the subjects have suggested that modern technology is capable to control counterfeiting of the medicine.Conclusions: Counterfeit drugs create a people health hazard and waste to consumer income. The proper knowledge, awareness and modern technological approaches are the devices may helpful in diminution of counterfeit medication practices.