Netarsudil monotherapy as the initial treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Indian patients: A real-world evaluation of efficacy and safety

Purpose: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting more than 64 million people aged 40–80. The best way to manage primary open?angle glaucoma (POAG) is by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP). Netarsudil is a Rho kinase inhibitor, the only class of antiglaucoma medications that reorganizes the extracellular matrix to improve the aqueous outflow through the trabecular pathway. Methods: An open?label, real?world, multicentric, observation?based 3?month study was performed for assessing the safety and ocular hypotensive efficacy of netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) in patients with elevated IOP. Patients were given netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) as a first?line therapy. Diurnal IOP measurements, best?corrected visual acuity, and adverse event assessments were recorded at each of the five visits (Day?1: screening day and first dosing day; subsequent observations were taken at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). Results: Four hundred and sixty?nine patients from 39 centers throughout India completed the study. The mean IOP at baseline of the affected eyes was 24.84 ± 6.39 mmHg (mean ± standard deviation). After the first dose, the IOP was measured after 2, 4, and 6 weeks, with the final measurement taken at 3 months. The percentage reduction in IOP in glaucoma patients after 3 months of once?daily netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution use was 33.34%. The adverse effects experienced by patients were not severe in the majority of cases. Some adverse effects observed were redness, irritation, itching, and others, but only a small number of patients experienced severe reactions, as reported in a decreasing order: redness > irritation > watering > itching > stinging > blurring. Conclusion: We found that netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution monotherapy when used as the first?line treatment in primary open?angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension was both safe and effective.

Mental Health Programme in India: Has the tide really turned?

Mental disorders in India form a major public health concern and the efforts to tackle these dates back to four decades, by way of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and its operational arm, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). Although the progress of NMHP (and DMHP) was relatively slower till recently, the last 4-5 years have seen rapid strides with several initiatives, including (i) expansion of DMHPs to 90 per cent of the total districts of the country, (ii) the National Mental Health Policy and (iii) strengthening the Mental Health Legislation by way of providing explicit provisions for rights of persons with mental illnesses. Among others, factors responsible for this accelerated growth include the easily accessible digital technology as well as judicial activism. Federal and State cooperation is another notable feature of this expansion. In this review, the authors summarize the available information on the evolution of implementation and research aspects related to India’s NMHP over the years and provide a case for the positive turn of events witnessed in the recent years. However, the authors caution that these are still baby steps and much more remains to be done.

Study of the Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid C-reactive Protein and Adenosine Deaminase to differentiate Various Types of Meningitis

Objective: (1) To study cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adenosine deaminase (ADA) and CSF C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the differentiation of viral, pyogenic, and tuberculous meningitis (TBM). (2) To estimate the borderline levels of CRP in CSF in viral, pyogenic, and TBM. Methods: A prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, SRN Hospital, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, between August 2016 and September 2018. In this study, a total of 100 patients with meningitis were included applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria after proper ethical approval. Results: Out of 100 patients, 61 were TBM, 31 were pyogenic meningitis, and eight were viral meningitis (VM). CSF CRP level was significantly increased in pyogenic meningitis (1.05 ± 0.36 mg/dL) compared to nonpyogenic meningitis [TBM (0.42 ± 0.13 mg/dL) and VM (0.37 ± 0.09 mg/dL)]. At the cut-off level of CRP in CSF > 0.6 mg/dL, its diagnostic sensitivity in pyogenic meningitis was 93.55% and specificity 94.20%. While CSF ADA levels were higher in the TBM group (13.32 ± 3.21 U/L) compared to the other two groups [pyogenic meningitis (6.15 ± 1.27 U/L) and VM (4.86 ± 0.88 U/L)]. At a cut-off, CSF ADA level of >10 U/L, its diagnostic sensitivity for TBM was 91.67% and specificity 90%. Conclusion: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CRP levels were found to be raised in pyogenic meningitis, and CSF ADA was found to be elevated in TBM. While both ADA level and CRP level in CSF are found low in VM.

Review on Applicability of Bioinformatics in Current Research and Database Management

A generation of new science has evolved with the development of bioinformatics and computational biology, which have molecular biology as an integrated part. In the past decade, technological advances have promoted a prominent development in expertise and knowledge in the molecular basis of phenotypes. In Bioinformatics, biological data is evaluated by computational science and processed in a more statistical and meaningful way. It includes the collection classification storage and evaluation of biochemical and organic statistics using computers in particular as implemented in molecular genetics and genomics. Computational Biology and Bioinformatics are emerging branches of science and include the use of techniques and concepts from informatics statistics, mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, physics and linguistics. Therefore, bioinformatics and computational biology have sought to triumph over many challenges of which a few are listed in this overview. This evaluation intends to provide insight into numerous bioinformatics databases and their uses in the analysis of biological records exploring approaches emerging methodologies strategies tools that can provide scientific meaning to the information generated.

Association of Dietary and Physical Activity Patterns and Hypertension in Western Rajasthan, 2022

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and chronic renal failure. HTN affects about 1 billion people globally; by 2025, up to 1.58 billion adults worldwide are likely to suffer from complications of HTN. This study was done to know the diet and physical activity patterns and HTN among the population of three districts of Western Rajasthan. Objectives: To study the dietary and physical activity patterns among the population of Western Rajasthan. and to compare key findings among three districts Pali, Jodhpur and Barmer so that lifestyle changes can be recommended. Methods: A case-control study was done among attendees of NCD clinics of tertiary-level centers in Pali, Barmer and Jodhpur. Hospital Controls were matched to age (± 5 years) and gender Considering the prevalence of HTN to be 20%*, the proportion of exposure in the general population as 0.2, odds ratio to be 2.2, power =80%, alpha=5% sample size is estimated to be 102 cases & 102 controls (from each district). Results: Overall being married (OR= 3.3), having diabetes Cardiac disease (OR= 2.6), excessive salt consumption (OR= 2.7), moderate physical exercise less than 30 minutes (OR=1.9), using oil other than vegetable oil(OR=1.8) , Age >?60 years (OR =1.4) were the key risk factors. It was found that high BMI (BMI>27), consumption of non-vegetable oils (12.7%) was highest in Jodhpur, lack of moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes (81%), lack of sports activity (92%) was highest in Pali, least number of days/week of fruits and vegetables consumption (~1.64 days) was seen in Barmer. Conclusions: Change in quantity of salt consumption and incorporation of moderate physical exercise for >30 minutes was most followed in control of HTN among the attendees of NCD Clinics from the multiple advise given.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effects of Oral Alkali Therapy in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease

Background: To analyze the effects of oral alkali therapy on renal function, nutritional status and bone density in patients of diabetic kidney disease. Material & Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients of age>18 years with diabetic kidney disease who were not on dialysis and had plasma bicarbonate levels between 16 and 20 mmol/l. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Test group (n=30) which received oral alkali therapy as sodium bicarbonate and control group (n=30) who did not receive oral alkali therapy. The patients were followed for 12 months to compare the improvement. Results: In comparison to controls, test group showed a significant improvement in the Hb (0.7 vs. 0.25, P =0.003), significantly less decrease in eGFR (-2.25 vs. -2.9, P=0.049), non-significant less increase in creatinine (-0.26 ± 0.4 vs. -0.43 ± 0.33, P=0.09), significant improvement in bicarbonate levels (7.5 vs. 1, p<0.0001), significant restoration of albumin (0.32 vs. 0.05, P<.0001), significant fall in iPTH levels (50 vs. 25, p=0.007) and ALP levels (32 vs. 12, p=0.015). Bone density (0.28 ± 0.17 vs. 0.01 ± 0.13, P<.0001) and clinical well-being VAS scores improved significantly among the cases (9.83 ± 5.65 vs. -1.67 ± 7.11, P<.0001). Conclusion: In conclusion, oral alkali therapy slows the rate of decline of renal function and the development of end stage renal disease in patients with advanced stages of CKD. This cheap and simple strategy, which is in line with current renal consensus documents, also improves the nutritional status of patients and bone density.

Rituximab, a Safer Option for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison of the Reported Adverse Events of Approved Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have been linked to a variety of adverse events (AEs). The objective of the study was to compare the safety profiles of six FDA approved mAbs (sarilumab, tocilizumab, adalimumab, golimumab, infliximab, and rituximab) marketed for the treatment of RA. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct. The manuscript comprised a total of 23 clinical studies. The percentage of patients who had AEs was calculated and presented using box-whisker and forest plots. Infections and infestations were found to be the most common AEs in RA patients treated with mAbs. Raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), and nasopharyngitis were frequently reported. The most common AEs were reported with adalimumab. The highest percentage of patients reporting AEs was associated with golimumab (52%), while rituximab had the fewest AEs (4.9%). In conclusion, rituximab appears to be a safer treatment option for RA as it is found to be associated with a lower risk of AEs, particularly respiratory infections.

SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection in deceased bodies: implications for infection prevention

Background & objectives: High transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 has significant implications on healthcare workers’ safety, preservation, handling, transportation and disposal of the deceased bodies. The objective of this study was to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigen in nasopharyngeal samples and its implications in handling and care of COVID-19 deceased bodies. Methods: A study was conducted at a dedicated COVID-19 centre on deceased individuals from April to December 2020. Rapid antigen test (RAT) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was compared on all the SARS-CoV-2 positive cadavers recruited in the study. Results: A total of 115 deceased individuals were included in the study. Of these, 79 (68.7%) were male and 36 (31.3%) were female and majority were in the age group of 51-60 yr [31 (27%)]. SARS-CoV-2 antigen test was positive in 32 (27.8%) and negative in 83 (72.1%) individuals. The mean time interval between deaths to the sample collection was 13.2 h with interquartile range of eight to 20 h. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used as the reference test and 24 (20.9%) cases were true positive; 93.6 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI) 88.8-98.4%] sensitivity, 45.2 per cent (95% CI 35.5-55%) specificity, 60.2 per cent (95% CI 50.6-69.8%) positive predictive value and 88.8 per cent (95% CI 82.7-95%) negative predictive value of antigen test was computed. Interpretation & conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 antigen test was positive beyond 19 h in COVID-19 deceased individuals. Antigen test was found to be highly sensitive in the deceased. Patients, suspected of having died due to COVID-19, can be screened by this method. As infectiousness of the virus in the deceased bodies cannot be directly concluded from either the antigen or RT-PCR test, yet possible transmission cannot be completely ruled out. Strict infection control measures need to be followed during the handling and clearance of COVID-19 cadavers.

Effectiveness of thaumaturgic distraction in alleviation of anxiety in 4–6-year-old children during inferior alveolar nerve block administration: a randomized controlled trial

Background@#Dental anxiety is a matter of serious concern to pediatric dentists as it may impede the efficient delivery of dental care. If not adequately resolved, a persistent negative response pattern may emerge. Thaumaturgy, commonly known as magic trick, has become popular recently. It is a tool that distracts and relaxes the child by using magic trick while the dentist performs necessary treatment. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Thaumaturgic aid in alleviation of anxiety in 4–6 – year-old children during administration of local anesthesia using the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique. @*Methods@#Thirty children aged between 4–6 years with dental anxiety requiring IANB were included in this study. Patients were divided equally into two groups: Group I, thaumaturgic aid group and Group II, conventional non-pharmacological group using randomization. Anxiety was measured before and after using the intervention with Raghavendra Madhuri Sujata-Pictorial scale (RMS-PS), Venham’s anxiety rating scale, and pulse rate. All the data were tabulated and compared using statistical analysis. @*Results@#Children in thaumaturgy group (Group- I) exhibited significantly lower anxiety during IANB in comparison with children in the conventional group (Group- II) and the difference was statistically significant. @*Conclusion@#Magic tricks are effective in reducing anxiety among young children during IANB; Moreover, it expands the arsenal of behavior guidance techniques for treatment of children with anxiety and plays an important role in shaping the behavior of a child in pediatric dentistry.

The Functional, Psychological and Economic Impacts 6 Months Post Major Trauma

Purpose@#The consequences of severe traumatic injury extend beyond hospital admission and have the potential for long-term functional, psychological, and economic sequalae. This study investigated patient outcomes 6 months following major trauma. @*Methods@#Using the National Trauma Registry, database of patients who were admitted between 2016-18 in a tertiary trauma hospital for major trauma [Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16] a review was performed on 6-month outcomes [including functional outcomes, self-reported state of health and outcome scores (EuroQol-5 Dimension score and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended)].Result: There were 637 patients who were treated for major trauma (ISS ≥ 16); the median age was 64 years (range 16-100) and 435 (68.3%) patients were male. The most common injury mechanisms included falling from height (56.5%) and motor vehicle accident (27.0%). The median ISS was 24 (range 16-75). After 6 months, 87.6% of responders were living at home, 25.0% were back to work, and 55.1% were ambulating independently. The median self-rated state of health was 73 at baseline and 64 at 6 months. Age and length of stay were independent predictors of return to ambulation using multivariate analysis. Age, Abbreviated Injury Scale external, Glasgow Coma Scale on Emergency Department arrival, heart rate, and need for transfusion were independent predictors of failure to return to work at 6 months using multivariate analysis. Charlson Comorbidity Index, Glasgow Coma Scale on arrival, temperature, pain and need for inpatient rehabilitation were independent predictors of mortality at 6 months. @*Conclusion@#Recovery from major trauma is multi-faceted and requires a team-based approach well beyond discharge.

Rare case of hereditary spherocytosis with rheumatic mitral stenosis

A rare case of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and rheumatic mitral stenosis coexisting in a patient having severe stenosis, atrial fibrillation, and symptoms of the left ventricular dysfunction, along with hemolytic anemia attributed to HS. We present the case of a 58-year-old lady who presented to the emergency department with complaints of increasing shortness of breath for the past week. She was examined to have atrial fibrillation with a fast ventricular rate. On investigations, she was found to have severe rheumatic mitral stenosis with evidence of hemolytic anemia. Further, evaluation of the cause of her anemia revealed HS.This case highlights the importance of the evaluation of anemia in patients with valvular heart diseases. If a treatable cause is found, anemia can be treated to reduce the cardiac burden

Infectious mononucleosis with follicular tonsillitis and urinary tract infection

Despite the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, new reports of weird and atypical manifestations of the infection continue to emerge, raising the question of how well we know this pathogen. The clinical appearance of patients who become infected throughout their youth or early adulthood is changing as the infection age rises in developed countries. Other physical symptoms are less noticeable and liver involvement is more noticeable throughout these stages. To inform health-care professionals of this change, an update on infectious mononucleosis variable manifestation is necessary. This case presented a 28-year-old female presented with a history of fever, nausea, and vomiting with odynophagia and cervical lymphadenopathy. Complete blood count and peripheral blood film examination revealed lymphocytic leukocytosis with many reactive lymphocytes. Her monospot test for EBV was positive along with a urine culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus.

Coagulation profile of covid patients : A single tertiary teaching hospital in Rajasthan

Background: The COVID-19 has taken the world by storm. It primarily affects the lungs causing respiratory distress and leading to ARDS. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the coagulation dysfunction in patients which predisposes the patients to venous and arterial thromboembolism due to excessive inflammation, hypoxia, immobilisation and diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC). Material & Methods: We assessed 2281 COVID RT PCR positive patients who were admitted with moderate to severe disease in wards and ICU respectively. The coagulation profile was done for each of these patients and the tests included Prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) and D-Dimer. The PT and APTT were estimated on ACL elite pro (Fully automated coagulation analyser) which is based on nephelometry. D- Dimer was measured using ACL elite pro and latex agglutination (semi quantitative method). Results: Out of 2281 COVID RT PCR positive patients 1655 (72.5%) were males and 626 (27.5%) were females. It was observed that percentage of patients admitted in ICU had increased D dimer values and it was statistically significant. Our study showed that larger number of patients admitted in ICU had PT value more than 12.5 seconds and APTT more than 35.5 seconds, however it was not statistically significant. Our study also demonstrated that patients having higher D dimer required longer hospitalization with significant p value. Conclusion: We concluded that assessment of coagulation profile is necessary for patients infected with this virus so as to prevent any thrombotic complications and therefore preventing morbidity and mortality.

Incidence of vitreous loss and visual outcome following cataract surgery by surgeons with various levels of experience at a tertiary eye care center in North India

Purpose: To determine the incidence of vitreous loss and visual outcome after a vitreous loss during cataract surgery performed by surgeons with various levels of experience in adults >40 years of age at a tertiary eye care center in North India. Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center in North India. This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients who underwent cataract surgery from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2014. All adult cataract cases who were operated on from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2014 and who experienced vitreous loss during their surgery were included in the study. The visual outcomes of these patients who experienced vitreous loss during cataract surgery in uncomplicated cataract and were managed using standard automated vitrectomy techniques were assessed for different cataract surgical techniques (extracapsular, small-incision, and phacoemulsification) as well as at different levels of skill of the operative surgeon (consultant, short term fellow, and long-term fellow). Details of the postoperative period and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were collected from patient records by the principal investigator on day 1, 1 week, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post cataract surgery. Results: Vitreous loss occurred in 374 out of 18,430 patients who underwent cataract surgery from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2014. The overall incidence of vitreous loss in our study was found to be 2.03% with consultants having a rate of 1.66%, short-term fellows at 5.19%, and long-term fellows at 2.02%. Two hundred eighty-eight patients of the 374 cases followed up for 3 months at the hospital and 75.69% of these patients had a final visual acuity of ?6/18. Conclusion: In an institute with a structured training program for residents/trainees, the vitreous loss rate is low during cataract surgery. Early intervention and proper management with the standard microsurgical technique by experienced hands can improve the final visual outcome in eyes with vitreous loss. Cystoid macular edema and corneal edema were the most common causes of poor postoperative vision

Comparison of surgically induced astigmatism in chevron, straight, and frown incisions in manual small-incision cataract surgery

Purpose: The study was conducted to calculate and compare the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in chevron, frown, and straight incisions in manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Methods: A prospective, hospital-based study was conducted on 90 patients aged 50 years and above with nuclear sclerosis of grade 4 or more. Each group had 30 patients, divided into Group V (chevron incision), Group S (straight incision), and Group F (frown incision). Patients who had with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism were operated on through a chevron or straight incision superiorly, while patients who had against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism underwent MSICS through a temporal frown incision. The patients were followed up post-operatively on days 1, 7, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, and at each visit, the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and SIA were calculated and compared. Results: The mean age of all the patients was 66.22 � 8.05 years. BCVA of at least 6/18 or better at 12 weeks post?operatively was achieved in 29 patients (97%) in Group V, 28 patients (93%) in Group F, and 29 patients (97%) in Group S. The mean SIA in Group V was 0.34D � 0.22D, in Group S was 0.97D � 0.29D, and in Group F was 0.575D � 0.25D. Conclusion: SIA by chevron incision is the least followed by the frown incision and straight incision. The superiorly placed chevron incision in WTR astigmatism provided optimal results for the best UCVA and minimal SIA. The temporal frown incision in ATR astigmatism also had good results.

Cancer incidence estimates for 2022 & projection for 2025: Result from National Cancer Registry Programme, India

Background & objectives: Information on recent cancer statistics is important for planning, monitoring and evaluating cancer control activities. This article aims to provide an update on the cancer incidence estimates in India by sex, age groups and anatomical sites for the year 2022. Methods: The National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020, reported the cancer incidence from 28 Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) for the years 2012-2016. This was used as the basis to calculate cancer estimates in India. Information pertaining to the population at risk was extracted from the Census of India (2001 and 2011) for the estimation of age–sex stratified population. PBCRs were categorised into the respective State and regions of the country to understand the epidemiology of cancer. The age-specific incidence rate for each specific anatomical site of cancer was applied to the estimated population to derive the number of cancer cases in India for 2022. Results: The estimated number of incident cases of cancer in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427 (crude rate:100.4 per 100,000). In India, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Lung and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. Among the childhood (0-14 yr) cancers, lymphoid leukaemia (boys: 29.2% and girls: 24.2%) was the leading site. The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020. Interpretation & conclusions: The cancer incidence is continuing to increase in India. The new estimates will be helpful in planning cancer prevention and control activities through the intervention of early detection, risk reduction and management.

Bacterial Profile Of Blood Culture And Their Anti-Microbial Susceptibility Pattern In Pediatric Patients Of A Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Blood stream infection are very common in the pediatric age group and these are one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in children. In developing countries ,the rate of blood stream infection in children is about 20-50%.The present study was undertaken to determine the etiological agents causing blood stream infection and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in pediatric patients. Patients with bacteremia may have either a transient bacteremia or persistent bacteremia which can be self-limited without development of focal infection or sequelae or may progress to a more serious fatal infection or toxic effects. The present study in a hospital basedMethodology: single centred, Observational study, of 3 years. Blood sample were collected in BacTec bottle and standard microbiological protocol were applied for the isolation identification of bacteria strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by the Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion Method as per CLSI 2019 guidelines. Out of total 350 bloodResults: samples received for culture,87(23.14%)were culture positive, out of which 42/87(48.27%) were Gram positive organisms and 39/87(44.82%) were Gram-negative organisms and 6 /87(6.89%) were candida spp. The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus(31.03%) the predominant organism followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae(21.83%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.19%), Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae each (5.74%). All Gram positive bacteria were susceptibile to vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid. 11/27(40.74% )of Staphylococcus aureus were Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. All Gram negative bacteria were susceptibility to amikacin, Colistin,Tigecycline. Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause ofConclusion: childhood septicemia in this locale, has been decline in susceptibility of the pathogens to common antibiotics which ultimately stresses on the need for continuous screening and surveillance for antibiotic resistance in the pediatric ward and calls for increased efforts to ensure more rational use of these drugs.

Recent Cyclones Causing an Increased Incidence of Intracranial Haemorrhage in India — A Cross-sectional Study

Background : Seasonal variations in the incidence of Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) have been extensively evaluated in the studies conducted in various parts of the world. The prevalence per 100,000 person-years of spontaneous cerebral haemorrhage is regularly highest in the winter and lowest in the summer. However, these seasonal variations of ICH in India have not been comprehensively described in any published literature. Methodology : In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data of 15000 patients were collected from various State Government-owned Hospitals of India of the months April, May and June. The present study examined the association between temperature variations and spontaneous ICH incidence during recent severe Cyclonic Storms ‘Yaas’, and ‘Tauktae’ in India with the brain’s Computed Tomography (CT) scans. A CT brain persists in being the investigation of choice in the initial diagnosis of ICH, as it is readily available, accessible and fast. Results : During these Cyclones, there was a significant temperature drop associated with an increased incidence of ICH in the specified time. Conclusion : Sudden temperature drop during a Cyclone can cause spontaneous Hypertension, which causes rupture of arteries in the brain and results in Stroke. The Government, Physicians and the general public need to be made aware of such associations

Chronic musculoskeletal pain in older people

Musculoskeletal pain is a common and debilitating symptom in older adults. However, its importance is often underestimated. In this review article, we discuss its proper evaluation and management. Pain evaluation includes detailed history taking, physical examination, imaging, and laboratory investigations. Management of musculoskeletal pain requires a multidomain approach including nonpharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical modalities. A step-wise approach recommended by the World Health Organization can be used for pain management. Common musculoskeletal conditions causing pain are osteoarthritis, low?back pain, gout, pseudogout, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and fibromyalgia.