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Objectives@#There is limited literature on the prevalence and determinants of sarcopenia in the Indian predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. The current study attempts to characterize sarcopenia in CKD stages 3 & 4 using 3-compartment model dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). @*Methods@#This is secondary data from a randomized trial on bicarbonate supplementation for preserving muscle mass. A 3-compartment DXA was done to assess body composition in 188 subjects aged 18 to 65, with stable kidney function. Sarcopenia was defined by Asian Working Group criteria - appendicular skeletal mass index < 5.4 kg/m2 in women and < 7 kg/m2 in men. @*Results@#Sarcopenia was present in 69.1% (n = 130). There was no difference in the prevalence of sarcopenia in CKD stage 3 (n = 62; 72.1%) vs CKD stage 4 (n = 68, 66.7%); P = 0.434. A lower body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.43, 2.01) and lower bicarbonate levels (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.02, 1.47), and age (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91, 0.98) was independently associated with the muscle mass. A BMI cut-off of 18 failed to identify sarcopenia in 78.4% (n = 102) subjects (Kappa statistic 0.396). The receiver operating characteristic curve for mid-arm muscle circumference for identifying sarcopenia was 0.651 (95% CI 0.561, 0.740). @*Conclusions@#Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in CKD 3 and 4. Sarcopenic individuals are older, with a low BMI and lower bicarbonate levels. The anthropometric parameters and biochemical parameters did not help identify sarcopenia in the predialysis population.
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Abstract Background and objectives: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a state of progressive enlargement of cardiac chambers mainly left ventricle which leads to decreased cardiac output and ultimately cardiac failure. Although it has multifactorial etiology, it is quite common in patients with end stage renal disease who require renal transplant surgery for their cure. Both conditions go side by side and anesthetic management of such cases poses real challenge to anesthesiologist. Strict monitoring and control of cardiac physiology is of utmost importance besides meticulous fluid management, thus preserving renal blood flow on one hand and preventing cardiac failure on other hand. This is the basis of achieving good outcome of the renal transplant surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study done by analysing electronic database of 31 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent renal transplant surgery. Data was studied in terms of demographics, duration of renal disease, comorbidities mainly hypertension, cardiac echo graphic findings including ejection fraction, medications and post-operative outcome. Results: Most common perioperative complication in this patient population was hypotension (51.61%) followed by pulmonary complications postoperative mechanical ventilation (12.9%) and pulmonary edema (6.45%). High incidence of hypotension may be a causative factor to increased rate of delayed graft functioning (12.9%) and acute tubular necrosis (2.23%) in these patients. Conclusion: Strict monitoring and control of hemodynamic parameters as well as meticulous fluid therapy is the cornerstone in improving outcome in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing renal transplant surgery.
Resumo Justificativa e objetivos A cardiomiopatia dilatada é um estado de aumento progressivo das câmaras cardíacas, principalmente do ventrículo esquerdo, que leva à diminuição do débito cardíaco e, por fim, à insuficiência cardíaca. Embora tenha etiologia multifatorial, é bastante comum em pacientes com doença renal terminal que precisam de transplante renal para sua cura. Ambas as condições andam lado a lado e o manejo anestésico de tais casos é um verdadeiro desafio para o anestesiologista. A monitoração e o controle rigoroso da fisiologia cardíaca são de extrema importância, além de um meticuloso manejo dos líquidos, o que por um lado preserva o fluxo sanguíneo renal, por outro previne a insuficiência cardíaca. Essa é a base para alcançar o bom resultado da cirurgia de transplante renal. Métodos Este estudo observacional retrospectivo foi feito mediante a análise de prontuários eletrônicos de 31 pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada submetidos à cirurgia de transplante renal. Os dados foram avaliados em termos demográficos, duração da doença renal, comorbidades (principalmente hipertensão), achados ecocardiográficos (inclusive fração de ejeção), medicamentos e resultados no pós-operatório. Resultados A complicação perioperatória mais comum nessa população de pacientes foi hipotensão (51,61%), seguida de complicações pulmonares, como ventilação mecânica pós-operatória (12,9%) e edema pulmonar (6,45%). A alta incidência de hipotensão pode ser um fator causador do aumento da incidência de atraso no funcionamento do enxerto (12,9%) e necrose tubular aguda (2,23%) nesses pacientes. Conclusão A monitoração rigorosa e o controle dos parâmetros hemodinâmicos, bem como a fluidoterapia criteriosa, são a pedra angular na melhoria dos resultados em pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada submetidos à cirurgia de transplante renal.
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Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Young Adult , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/complications , Kidney Transplantation , Anesthesia , Kidney Failure, Chronic/surgery , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Retrospective Studies , Monitoring, IntraoperativeABSTRACT
Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate analgesic activity of ethanolic extract, methanol and benzene fraction of Myristica fragrans on wistar albino rats.Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of pharmacology JNMC AMU and F.H. Medical College, Agra. The analgesic activity was evaluated by employing the Eddy’s hot plate method and tail flick response method. In both the tests, Rats of either sex weighing 150-200 g were used. The total number of animals n=36 were allocated to six groups. Each group consist of six animals each. The response noted in animals that were tested by hot plate method was reaction time for licking/biting of both the paws before and after administration of control & test drugs. However in Tail flick test, the pain threshold response was recorded before and after administration of control & test drugs. The statistical analysis was done by using one-way ANOVA. The data is expressed as Mean±SEM. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Ethanolic extracts and methanol fraction of M. fragrans showed statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in reaction time for licking/biting in hot plate method. On the contrary a significant increase in pain threshold was also recorded in tail flick response test. It is interesting to note that no significant degree of analgesia related to any dose of benzene fraction was observed.Conclusions: The present study reveals the dose dependent significant analgesic activity of the extracts of M. fragrans i.e. ethanolic extracts and methanol fraction in both the test. However, the degree of analgesia was recorded significantly higher in groups received higher doses of extracts of M. fragrans.
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Background: It is common for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to have vitamin D deficiency. Aim of the study is to determine the metabolic effects of oral vitamin D supplementation in a cohort of T2DM subjects.Methods: Subjects with T2DM were divided into two groups. Group A (Control) included subjects who received the standard treatment (conventional antidiabetic drugs). Group B (Intervention), apart from the standard treatment (conventional antidiabetic drugs), was also supplemented with Vitamin D3. All the patients were followed up at baseline, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months.Results: Vitamin D deficiency was noted down in all the study subjects. Even after 18 months of supplementation, all subjects remained vitamin D deficient. There was a significant improvement in the circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Improvement in the lipid profile of subjects was observed as evidenced by a decrease in total cholesterol (5.0±0.92 mmol/l) as compared to baseline (5.5±1.6 mmol/l). HOMA-IR changed significantly after 18 months of supplementation from baseline (7.0±1.06 vs 10.8±1.96 nmol/l).Conclusions: Supplementation to achieve higher levels of vitamin D remains a promising adjuvant therapy for T2DM patients. Additionally, the intervention brought out a favourable change in HDL/LDL ratio among study subjects.
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Background: Depression is a major public health problem and occurs in persons of all ages, and is associated with increased morbidity, soaring costs for treatment and reduced productivity and quality of life. Vitamin D is involved in numerous brain processes including neuroimmunomodulation, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, regulation of neurotrophic factors, and making it biologically plausible to be associated with depression. Aim of the present study is to compare the therapeutic effects of vitamin D given along with escitalopram versus escitalopram given alone in patients with major depressive disorder. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, interventional clinical study, 60 patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on ICD-10 criteria were randomly assigned into two groups, one group received 60000IU vitamin D3 weekly plus 10 mg escitalopram OD daily while the other group received escitalopram10 mg OD daily alone for 8 weeks. Depression severity was assessed at 2-week intervals using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured in all the patients at baseline and after intervention.Result: Fifty nine patients completed the trial. Depression severity based on HDRS decreased significantly after intervention, with a significant difference between the two groups. The vitamin D3+escitalopram combination was significantly better than escitalopram alone from the fourth week of treatment. Conclusion: Role of vitamin D in mood disorder and its dietary supplementation is effective as an adjuvant treatment along with SSRIs in depressive disorders, especially in vitamin D deficient patients.
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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.
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Aim: The present study is conducted to explore the knowledge, attitude towards impact of periodontal diseases on cardiac health among general practitioners. Material and Methods: The present study is a Cross-sectional questionnaire descriptive study. The present study was conducted in a city in Chhattisgarh state among the general dental and medical practitioners running their private clinic. Dental and medical practitioners present on day of survey in the clinic and given their written informed consent were interviewed by the single investigator. Results: To the questions regarding impact of periodontal diseases on cardiac health, 23 (56%) of dental practitioners agree with this fact while for 21 (55%) of medical practitioners says that there is no impact. Majority of study subjects 71 (90%) agree with the statement that patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease are more likely to have periodontal disease. Forty-two (53%) of study participants agree with the fact that controlling periodontal diseases is important for managing cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: It has been concluded that both dental and medical practitioners had moderate knowledge and fair attitude towards the impact towards impact of periodontal diseases on cardiac health.
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Background: UTI is one of the commonest domiciliary and nosocomial bacterial infection, especially affecting the females. Nowadays antibiotic resistance among uropathogens is an emerging problem in treatment of UTI. Periodic assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility among the microorganisms will be fruitful in treating UTI. Aims: To study and assess the sensitivity/resistance pattern among E.coli and other uropathogens for nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin, Cotrimoxazole & 3rd generation cephalosporins. Methods: An observational, cross sectional study of 6 months duration from March 2016 to August 2016 was conducted on patients suffering from UTI in Department of Pharmacology and Department of Microbiology in FH Medical College & Hospital, Tundla, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 100 urine samples were analysed. Results: E.coli was the predominant (46%) uropathogen followed by Klebsiella (27%), Proteus (12%), Staphylococcus (7%), Pseudomonas (5%) and Enterococcus (3%). UTI was more common among females (61%) and illiterates (62%). Nitrofurantoin was the most sensitive (58%) antimicrobial followed by ofloxacin (35%). Conclusions: 3rd generation Cephalosporins showed higher percentage of resistance (78%).
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Background: Dengue virus serotyping is crucial from clinical management and epidemiological point of view. Aims: To compare efficacy of two molecular detection and typing methods, namely, multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) and real‑time Hybprobe assay using a panel of known dilution of four reference Dengue virus strains and a panel of sera collected from clinically suspected dengue patients. Settings: This study was conducted at a tertiary‑care teaching hospital in Delhi, India. Materials and Methods: Dengue serotype specific virus strains were used as prototypes for serotyping assays. Viral load was quantified by quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR). Acute phase serum samples were collected from 79 patients with clinically suspected Dengue fever on their first day of presentation during September‑October 2012. Viral RNA from serum and cell culture supernatant was extracted. Reverse transcription was carried out. Quantitative detection of DENV RNA from reference strain culture supernatants and each of the 79 patient samples by real‑time PCR was performed using light cycler Taqman master mix kit. Serotyping was done by multiplex RT‑PCR assay and Hybprobe assay. Results: The multiplex RT‑PCR assay, though found to be 100% specific, couldn’t serotype either patient or reference strains with viral load less than 1000 RNA copies/ml. The Hybprobe assay was found to have 100% specificity and had a lower limit of serotype detection of merely 3.54 RNA copies/ml. Conclusions: HybProbe assay has an important role especially in situations where serotyping is to be performed in clinical samples with low viral load.
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Helicobacter pylori (HP) is causally associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma. Determination of the prevalence of HP infection in dyspepsia patients’ in particular geographical area is imperative for the appropriate management of dyspepsia. HP antigen detection in stool is a noninvasive diagnostic test of HP infection. This prospective study was conducted to find out the prevalence of HP infection based on stool antigen testing in dyspeptic patients who had also undergone upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. This study highlights the high prevalence of HP infection in dyspeptic Indian patients, particularly males, and emphasizes the growing importance of the bacterium causing infection among children. We also found HP stool antigen testing to be superior to upper GI endoscopy for detecting HP infection. Hence, we recommend initial testing for HP stool antigen in dyspeptic patients before initiating treatment and before carrying out any invasive procedure such as endoscopy.
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OBJECTIVES: Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting the dengue virus. The mosquito lifecycle is known to be influenced by temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. This retrospective study was planned to investigate whether climatic factors could be used to predict the occurrence of dengue in East Delhi. METHODS: The number of monthly dengue cases reported over 19 years was obtained from the laboratory records of our institution. Monthly data of rainfall, temperature, and humidity collected from a local weather station were correlated with the number of monthly reported dengue cases. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyse whether the climatic parameters differed significantly among seasons. Four models were developed using negative binomial generalized linear model analysis. Monthly rainfall, temperature, humidity, were used as independent variables, and the number of dengue cases reported monthly was used as the dependent variable. The first model considered data from the same month, while the other three models involved incorporating data with a lag phase of 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. RESULTS: The greatest number of cases was reported during the post-monsoon period each year. Temperature, rainfall, and humidity varied significantly across the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon periods. The best correlation between these three climatic factors and dengue occurrence was at a time lag of 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity significantly affected dengue occurrence in East Delhi. This weather-based dengue empirical model can forecast potential outbreaks 2-month in advance, providing an early warning system for intensifying dengue control measures.
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Aedes , Culicidae , Dengue Virus , Dengue , Disease Outbreaks , Humidity , Incidence , Linear Models , Retrospective Studies , Seasons , WeatherABSTRACT
Background: The undergraduate MBBS training in our country is still in the traditional mode. The main part of the curriculum consists of lecture, tutorial, practical and ward teaching classes with a limited number of problem based session. The objective of the study was undertaken to compare PBL with LBL in terms of students’ knowledge retention in the subject of Pharmacology in undergraduate medical training. Methods: The current survey was planned and executed by the Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with Medical Education Unit, MSDS Medical College, Fatehgarh in the batch currently posted in the Department of Pharmacology for practical classes. Fifty MBBS students posted were enrolled for the study and were divided in 2 groups. One of the topics was presented as LBL for the first group and as PBL for the second group. The other topic was presented as PBL for the first group and as LBL for the second group. Intervention and control groups were taken as those used PBL and LBL respectively. T test was used to compare mean scores obtained by students in the intervention and control groups. Results: Mean scores obtained by students in the intervention group (topics learnt with PBL) were higher (3.80 Vs 2.84) than mean scores obtained by students in the control group (topics learnt with LBL). Mean scores obtained by students in the intervention group were higher (3.72 Vs 2.96) than mean scores obtained by students in the control group. Conclusions: The current study indicates usefulness of Problem-based learning (PBL) over Lecture-based Learning (LBL) in terms of retention of knowledge. However further studies involving more number of students are warranted in order to generate stronger evidence on this tool for improving medical education in our setup.
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AIM: The present study is an attempt to evaluate the periodontal characteristics of this Tibetan refugee population and discuss possible oral health promotion activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 124 Tibetan were examined for the periodontal status using CPI and LOA index in Tibetan refugee camps in Jodhpur city, Rajasthan. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of periodontal disease among Tibetan refugees was 69%. Majority of the study participants {253(34%)} had CPI score 2. Periodontal status in Tibetan refugees is significantly (p≤0.05) associated with age group. Majority of study participants 232(32%) had LOA score 0. CONCLUSION: As age increases the periodontal diseases increases among study participants. There is significant association between age groups and periodontal status of Tibetan refugees.
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Enteric fever caused by Salmonella enterica is a systemic infection with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Increasing antibiotic resistance in S. enterica has led to shift in the choice of antibiotics used against this organism from chloramphenicol and ampicillin to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fl uoroquinolones, and extendedspectrum cephalosporins. Resistance to cephalosporins, due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), is the cause of serious concern worldwide. So far, these enzymes have been detected in many species of the family Enterobacteriaceae including different serotypes of S. enterica. To the best of our knowledge, however, ESBL production in Salmonella Paratyphi A has not yet been reported from India. We present here a case of ESBL producing Salmonella Paratyphi A from India. This is a worrisome fi nding with grave clinical implications, since the dissemination of this resistance trait would further limit the therapeutic options available for the treatment of enteric fever.
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Background & objectives: Alcohol misuse has now become a serious public health problem and early intervention is important in minimizing the harm. Biochemical markers of recent and high levels of alcohol consumption can play an important role in providing feedback regarding the health consequences of alcohol misuse. Existing markers are not sensitive to recent consumption and in detecting early relapse. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a phase-II metabolite of ethanol is a promising marker of recent alcohol use and can be detected in body fluids. In this study an analytical technique for quantitation of EtG in body fluids using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometric detection (MS) was developed and validated. Methods: De-proteinization of serum and urine samples was done with perchloric acid and hydrochloric acid, respectively. Serum samples were passed through phospholipids removal cartridges for further clean up. EtG was isolated using amino propyl solid phase extraction columns. Chromatographic separation was achieved by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Results: Limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 50 and 150 ng/ml for urine and 80 and 210 ng/ml for serum, respectively. Signal to noise ratio was 3:1, mean absolute recovery was 80-85 per cent. Significant correlation was obtained between breath alcohol and serum EtG levels (r=0.853) and urine EtG and time since last abuse (r = -0.903) in clinical samples. Interpretation & conclusions: In the absence of other standardized techniques to quantitate EtG in biological samples, this gc -ms method was found to have high throughput and was sensitive and specific.
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Alcohol-Induced Disorders , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Glucuronates/analysis , Glucuronates/blood , Glucuronates/urine , Humans , Solid Phase ExtractionABSTRACT
Middle ear surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation and can be well tolerated by the patient with minimal discomfort. This study was undertaken to compare two techniques of conscious sedation, intravenous midazolam, and propofol infusion for tympanoplasty. Forty patients scheduled for right or left tympanoplasty. American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II in age group 18-75 years were included in the study. The patients were randomly allocated into one of the two groups to receive either propofol [group I] or midazolam [group II]. The mean duration of anesthesia was 116.00 +/- 33.94 min in group I, while 97.50 +/- 30.76 min in group II [P = 0.07]. The modified Ramsay sedation scale was not statistically significant in both the groups. In group I, 70% of the patients and 95% of the patients in group II had amnesia during the surgery [P = 0.091]. The mean visual analog scale [VAS] score for surgeons and patients was not statistically significant in both the groups. In group I there was a positive correlation between the total dose of fentanyl and VAS score for surgeons [P = 0.02]. There was also a positive correlation between the total dose of propofol and VAS score for surgeons [P = 0.034] and patients [P = 0.039] in group I. Though propofol had shown a faster recovery and less nausea vomiting, we need a larger sample size to conclude, which of the technique is better. Both the techniques are safe, simple and versatile and provide excellent sedation with rapid trouble free recovery
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Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents in various ways in terms of symptoms and severity. This study was conducted to assess the severity of GERD patients and to evaluate the effect of itopride and domperidone on symptoms and severity of GERD. Methods: A single-blind study was carried out in 70 patients. Group A (n=35) patients were kept on itopride therapy, 50 mg thrice a day before meal. Group B (n=35) patients were kept on domperidone therapy, 10 mg thrice a day before meal. Patients of both groups were given rabeprazole, 20 mg once a day for hyperacidity. Patients served their own control. Each patient was followed-up at 2 weeks interval up to 8 weeks. Results: The most common symptom was heartburn, present in 95.71% patients. Regurgitation was the next most common symptom (65.71%). The most common lesion seen endoscopically (according to Savary Miller classification) was grade I (38.57%). In 24.29% patient, only symptoms of GERD were present without any endoscopically visible mucosal injury. At the end of 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, relief of symptoms was more with a combination of itopride and rabeprazole in comparison to the combination of domperidane and rabeprazole, but the difference was statistically insignificant. Healing rate at the end of 4th and 8th week was slight better with a combination of itopride and rabeprazole, but the difference again was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Combination of itopride and rabeprazole showed insignificantly better results, both symptomatically and endoscopically in comparison to the combination of domperidone and rabeprazole.
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A new subspecies of Staphylococcus hominis described by Kloos et al. in 1998 and named S. hominis subsp. novobiosepticus (SHN) has been implicated in nosocomial outbreaks. Multidrug resistance, including resistance to novobiocin and oxacillin, is a particularly important feature of SHN. In our institute, we encountered 13 cases of S. hominis subsp. hominis in cancer patients with septicemia, of which seven were methicillin resistant. The isolates were identifi ed by VITEK® 2 compact automated system, using GP REF 21342 identifi cation card and antimicrobial susceptibility testing card P-628. The biochemical reactions and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the seven methicillin-resistant isolates were re-analyzed and patient details were re-checked to fi nally identify them as SHN. The increasing number of cases reporting isolation of SHN from biological specimens point to potential virulence and clinical importance of this bacterium.
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We report a diabetic patient with bilateral Descemet's membrane (DM) detachment after successive phacoemulsification. The DM detachments were diagnosed and documented in early postoperative period using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and managed successfully by descemetopexy using 14% C3F8. This case highlights that some patients may be anatomically predisposed to DM detachment. Careful preoperative examination including specular microscopy should be done preoperatively especially in diabetic patients.
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Aged , Descemet Membrane , Diabetes Mellitus , Humans , Male , Phacoemulsification/adverse effects , Phacoemulsification/methods , Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures , Remission, Spontaneous , Time Factors , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methodsABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Cannabis is one of the most commonly abused drugs worldwide. There is a distinct clinical correlation between cannabis abuse and mental disorders. However, it is essential to establish cannabis intake in the abusers in order to establish causality between cannabis and psychiatric illness. The limitations of current detection methods using commercial cassettes prompted us to standardize the method of extraction and detection of cannabinoids in the urine samples of cannabis abusers attending a de-addiction centre in south India. Methods: In this study, diagnostic tests on 102 male patients suspected with cannabis abuse were done. Liquid-liquid extraction of cannabinoids from urine was done and screened by Duquenois-Levine, fast blue B salt and p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (p-DMAB) tests. All the results were confirmed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Samples were considered positive for cannabis based on the positive indication in colour test and by detection of 11-nor-Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) on HPTLC. Results: Based on the colour tests and HPTLC, cannabis abuse was detected in 64 of 102 patients tested. HPTLC method was found to be sensitive for detection and possible quantitation of THC-COOH. Interpretation & conclusion: We report the standardization and utility of cannabinoid extraction, screening and detection by HPTLC in the urine samples of cannabis abusers. The HPTLC method was found to be high throughput, sensitive, reproducible and cost-effective compared to commercial kits.