ABSTRACT
Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of alpha-1A receptor subtype specific antagonist-tamsulosin in benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods: An open label, non-randomised, prospective, single centred study who were visiting urology department with confirmed diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were included in the study. Thirty patients with BPH were prescribed tamsulosin and were followed up to three months. The initial or baseline data collected were identification of the patients such as international prostate symptom score (IPSS), prostate specific antigen, urine analysis, and ultrasonography of prostate including post void residual urine. The patients were followed up to 3 months to measure clinical and laboratory outcomes (IPSS score, post void residual urine, uroflow rates etc.).Results: In our study, patients receiving tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily showed a significant improvement in post-void residual urine (PVRU), uroflow rates and IPSS score. The improvements in the above parameters were found to be statistically insignificant at first and third month of follow-up.Conclusions: In our study, tamsulosin an alpha-1A receptor subtype specific antagonist showed significant improvement in BPH symptoms and the drug was well tolerated.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to determine antibacterial effect of leaf and bark extracts of Pimenta dioica (Linn.) Merill (Myrtaceae) and Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) against drug resistant clinical isolates of urinary tract infection viz., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Agar well diffusion method was employed to assess inhibitory activity of leaf and bark extracts. Among extracts, bark extract of P. dioica and leaf extract of A. occidentale exhibited high inhibitory activity. The bark extract of P. dioica showed high inhibition of clinical isolates than other extracts. Among bacteria, E. faecalis and K. pneumoniae were inhibited to high and least extent respectively. The inhibitory potential of extracts could be attributed to the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites. Isolation of inhibitory principles from crude extracts and their inhibitory activity against UTI pathogens are to be carried out.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Undergraduate medical education (MBBS) still involves large classes and most of the curriculum is delivered through traditional lectures. Some students lack opportunities for active and self-directed learning. Hence, it is necessary to initiate Case-Based Learning (CBL) for large group teaching, gather perception of students and compare the effectiveness of the CBL with regular lectures. Methods: Tuberculosis and malaria were chosen for CBL. We formulated 15 case scenarios in tuberculosis and 12 in malaria. CBL was facilitated in a large group of 112 students using buzz groups of about 10 students each. Structured feedback questionnaire was prepared to assess the perception of students about these modules using a five point Likert scale. After one month a test was administered which included questions from CBL and lecture topics. Results: Most students (93% to 96%) either strongly agreed or agreed that the module improved their comprehension, stimulated interest in the subject, improved their ability to correlate pharmacology with medicine, increased understanding of bedside clinics of tuberculosis and malaria, rational drug therapy and adverse drug reactions. The marks scored in CBL topics was significantly high 4.85 ± 1.3 compared to lecture 3.98 ± 1.4 (p<0.0001). There was significant difference (p<0.001) in the marks between high and low achievers in the CBL topics, but performance of high and intermediate achievers was insignificant. Conclusions: The majority of students perceived that CBL improved their ability to integrate the knowledge gained in pharmacology to bedside clinics. CBL significantly improved the performance of students. CBL was more effective than lecture for intermediate achievers.