Materiovigilance Program Of India (MVPI): Current Need And Status In Country

Background:The term “medical device” includes a broad classification of production ranging from therapeutic medicinal devices withlocal uses tohighlyadvanced electronic medicalequipmentandindicativemedicaldevices. These devices vary widely in their production, type and are highly essential for patients’ care. Thus, their manufacturing, distribution, and sales must be managed to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy. They play a major role in to detection, assessment and management and treatment of many different diseases. That being said, the quality of devices can very different and even the perfectly articulated products can fail in clinical practice. Post-market surveillance istherefore essential to ensure the quality and evaluate the safety and performance of medical devices. Despite the importance placed on surveillance of drug safety, the need for better monitoring of medical device-associated adverse events receives less attention. A well-structured vigilance system is the backbone of a robust regulatory framework to ensure the quality and promote the safe use of medical devices. The regulation of medical devices, however, is a complex and constantly evolving area that is often complicated by legal technicalities. Although the regulations may differ from one country to another.

Cosmetovigilance: Current Status And Need In India

Background:Usage of cosmetic products has been increased significantly in last few decades. Their usage has increased beyond the purpose of beautification. The definition of cosmetic product varies widely amidst different countries. Increased concern of physical appearance in population throughout the globe has been taken as an advantage by the cosmetic industries. Increased usage of different personal care products for prolonged period of time leads to exposure of the human body to wide variety of chemicals which maylead to adverse effects. Heavy metals have been found in certain cosmetic products which not only lead to dermatological but systemic adverse effects too. Further to this, pharmacologically active agents have been found in anti aging products. These cosmeceutical agents may possess chemical agents which are toxic to human body. Western countries have laid certain regulatory guidelines for manufacturing, labelling and marketing of cosmetic products. Cosmetovigilance ensures appropriate and safe use of cosmetic products. In India, Drugs and Cosmetic Act governs the regulations for the cosmetic products. Need of formal adverse event reporting system as well as strict regulatory guidelines for cosmetic products are required to curtail the adverse health outcomes due to cosmetic products.

Meconium stained liquor in labour and mode of delivery: a time for reappraisal

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the significance of meconium staining of the amniotic fluid and find out an appropriate mode of delivery in women with MSL.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, a tertiary government hospital, New Delhi over a time period of 1 year between 2009 to 2010 on 1425 consecutive women of which 142 women were diagnosed as having meconium staining of the amniotic fluid during labour.  All cases were critically analysed and maternal and fetal outcomes were studied in these women.Results: The incidence of MSL was 10% (142/1425), 45% had thin MSL and 55% had thick MSL. In women with thick MSL, 85% had early thick MSL and 15% had late thick MSL. In women who had early thick MSL (n=66), 55 (83.3%) delivered by LSCS and 11 (16.7%) delivered vaginally. On correlating the perinatal outcome with mode of delivery irrespective of fetal heart rate abnormality in early thick MSL, it was seen that the perinatal outcome was significantly affected by mode of delivery. The rates of respiratory distress and MAS was significantly higher in babies who delivered vaginally compared to those by LSCS (18% & 100% vs 9% & 40%, p=0.012, RR- 5.2 [95% CI: 1.8-3.42]. There were no perinatal mortality in early thick MSL.Conclusions: In distinguishing between thick and thin meconium, it was noted that finding of thick meconium in the latent phase of labour (i.e. early thick MSL) is ominous and demands an urgent caesarean delivery.

Amelioration potential of Withania sonmifera root extract on hexavalent chromium induced micronucleus in Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Aim: This study aimed to infer the ameliorative potential of Withania somnifera (‘Ashwagandha’) against hexavalent chromium induced micronuclei in Channa punctatus.Methodology: After laboratory acclimatization of 15 days, C. punctatus (12.20 cm, 42 g) were maintained in six groups. Group I, served as control. Fishes of groups II and III were separately exposed to root extract of W. somnifera (3 mg l-1) and 96 hr-LC50/10 of Cr (VI), 7.89 mg l-1, respectively, for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr. Contrarily, the fish of groups IV, V and VI were exposed to 7.89 mg l-1 of Cr (VI) along with increasing concentrations of root extract of W. somnifera (1, 2, 3 mg l-1), respectively. Induction of micronuclei was assessed in fishes of all the six groups after stipulated exposure periods. Results: A significant induction (p<0.05) in micronuclei frequency was observed in Group-III as compared to the control. On contrary, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in frequency of micronuclei induction with increasing concentrations of root extract of W. somnifera, as compared to Group-III, after stipulated exposure periods in a dose and time-dependent manner. Interpretation: Preliminary investigations evinced that the root extract of W. somnifera has enough ameliorative potential against short term sub-lethal exposure to Cr (VI) induced genomic instability, i.e., micronuclei induction in C. punctatus.

Effects of antenatal corticosteroids administration on fetoplacental circulation in preterm pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction and its correlation with perinatal outcome

Background: Antenatal corticosteroid administration in preterm pregnancies is recommended to promote fetal lung maturation. Studies have reported temporary reduction in fetal heart rate, breathing and movements following maternal corticosteroid administration. Authors studied effect of maternal corticosteroid administration on fetoplacental circulation in preterm pregnancies with IUGR and its correlation with perinatal outcome.Methods: Observational study included 77 preterm singleton pregnant women with IUGR. Color doppler day 0 (before betamethasone) of umbilical artery of 77 cases done. All received two doses of 12 mg of betamethasone intramuscularly 24 hours apart. Umbilical artery doppler on day 2 (24 to 48 hours of 1st dose of betamethasone) and day 4 (72 to 96 hours of 1st dose of betamethasone) done. Pulsatility index (PI) of umbilical artery on doppler and Neonatal details of all women noted.Results: On day 2 doppler, 56 (73%) women (Group A) showed decrease in umbilical artery PI while 21 (27%) women (Group B) did not show decrease in umbilical artery PI. Mean umbilical artery PI of 77 cases on day 0 and day 2 were 1.73±0.73 and 1.54±0.76 respectively (p<0.001). Mean Umbilical artery PI values of undelivered 60 cases on day 0, day 2 and day 4 were 1.55±0.61, 1.33±0.55 and 1.47±0.63 respectively (p<0.001). Group B neonates had poorer Apgar scores, higher neonatal complication, longer hospital stay, lesser umbilical pH at birth and higher perinatal mortality rate than Group A neonates.Conclusions: Significant reduction in mean umbilical artery PI observed on day 2 following betamethasone administration (p<0.001), which was maintained till 4th day after 1st dose of betamethasone (p<0.05). Women who showed improvement in umbilical artery pulsatility index following betamethasone administration had a better perinatal outcome as compared to women who did not.

Atypical cause of fever in advanced pregnancy

Although miliary tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon in pregnancy, it is difficult to diagnose when present and is often associated with a maternal history of intravenous drug abuse, malignancy, alcoholism, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. TB in pregnancy can present with non-pulmonary symptoms, making the diagnosis and treatment challenging. We report a case of military TB in a lady with advanced pregnancy who presented with fever and cough without any history of exposure to TB patient. There was no history of alcoholism, intravenous drug abuse, or any other risk factors. Sputum for acid-fast bacilli stains and HIV screening were negative. The patient was started on anti-TB treatment after blood investigations ruled out other causes of fever and chest radiograph was suggestive of miliary TB. Confirming the diagnosis of miliary TB is an arduous process requiring a high index of suspicion. During pregnancy, histopathologic examination of tissue biopsy and GeneXpert may facilitate making an early diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB.

Investigations on remedial role of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against carbofuran formulation induced genotoxicity in Channa punctatus

Aim: To investigate the remedial potential of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against genotoxic alterations induced by exposure of carbofuran formulation in freshwater teleost, Channa punctatus. Methodology: Ten days acclimatized fish were categorized in three groups, Group 1 (control), Group 2 (0.09 mg l-1 carbofuran formulation) and group 3 (0.09 mg l-1 carbofuran formulation +10 ppm ethanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina). Genotoxic alterations were recorded in terms of single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and micronucleus (MN) assay in blood cells. The variation in comet tail length and micronuclei frequencies were compared among Group 1, 2 and 3 after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr. Results: A significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in comet tail length and micronuclei induction in carbofuran formulation exposed group. The longest comet length and peak of micronuclei frequencies were observed after 96 hr of carbofuran formulation exposure. However, an appreciable and gradual decline in both frequencies of micronuclei and comet tail length were observed in group 3 (combined Carbofuran formulation and Rauwolfia serpentina root extract) in comparison to group 2 (Carbofuran formulation). Interpretation: The study, thus, demonstrates ameliorative potential of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against carbofuran formulation induced genotoxicity in fish.

Bilateral medial rectus palsy due to midbrain infarction following concussion head injury

Here, we report a rare case of bilateral medial rectus palsy following closed head injury. An adult male had an accidental fall which rendered him unconscious. This was followed by diplopia and restricted ocular motility. He received supportive medical therapy. He was examined for systemic medical and ophthalmic findings. Routine laboratory tests and imaging techniques were employed as per the symptoms. Diffusion-weighted imaging on magnetic resonance imaging proved it to be a rare presentation of small bilateral midbrain infarct. He recovered fully after 8 months.

Optimizing multimodality treatment for head and neck cancer in rural India.

Background: Multimodality treatment of head and neck cancer in rural India is not always feasible due to lack of infrastructure and logistics. Aim: To demonstrate the feasibility of multimodality treatment for head and neck cancer in a community setting in rural India. Setting and Design: Community cancer center, retrospective review. Materials and Methods: This article focuses on practice environment in a cancer clinic in rural India. We evaluated patient profile, treatment protocols, infrastructure availability, factors impacting treatment decisions, cost estimations, completion of treatment, and major treatment-related complications for the patient population treated in our clinic for a 2-year period. Results: A total of 230 head and neck cancer patients were treated with curative intent. Infrastructure support included basic operating room facility (cautery machine, suction, drill system, microscope, and anesthesia machine without ventilator support), blood bank, histopathology laboratory, and computerized tomography machine. Radiation therapy (RT) facility was available in a nearby city, about 75 km away. One hundred and fifty-four (67%) patients presented at an advanced stage, with 138 (60%) receiving multimodality treatment. One hundred and eighty-four (80%) patients underwent primary surgery and 167 (73%) received radiotherapy. Two hundred and twelve (92%) patients completed the treatment, 60 (26%) were lost to follow-up at 18-month median follow-up (range 12-26 months), with 112 patients (66%) being alive, disease free. Totally 142 were major head neck surgeries with 25 free flap reconstructions and 41 regional flaps. There were 15 (6%) major post-op complications and two perioperative mortalities. Average cost of treatment for single modality treatment was approximately 40,000 INR and for multimodality treatment was 80,000 INR. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that it is feasible to provide basic multimodality treatment to head and neck cancer patients in the community.

Normal and variant anatomy of renal hilar structures and its clinical significance / Anatomía normal y variante de las estructuras hiliares renales y su significancia clínica

Advanced imaging techniques have resulted in increasing use of minimally invasive approaches for nephron sparing surgeries of kidney. Need for precise knowledge of normal and variant anatomy of vascular pedicle of kidney is thus justified. Ample literature is available on the variations in the intrarenal vascular pattern of the kidney, which are seen frequently. But the variation in arrangement of structures at the renal hilum has not gained much interest up till now. One hundred (51 right and 49 left) embalmed kidneys were utilized for the present study. Careful dissection of renal hilar structures was carried out to observe antero-posterior relationship of structures at the hilum of the kidney. In majority (73 percent), the arrangement was not according to the normal textbook description i.e. renal vein, renal artery and pelvis arranged antero-posteriorly. In 31 percent anterior division of renal artery was seen in front of renal vein at the hilum, whereas, in 50 percent cases the pelvis was not the posterior most relation. The variable patterns observed were classified into five types. In cases of renal hilar tumors laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is being done with a limited field of vision. Knowledge of these variations is useful for operating surgeons to identify and individually clamp the hilar structures, which is advantageous over en-bloc clamping.

Las técnicas avanzadas de imagen han permitido aumentar el uso de abordajes mínimamente invasivos para la cirugía conservadora del nefrón. Por esto, se justifica la necesidad de un conocimiento preciso de la anatomía normal y las variaciones anatómicas del pedículo vascular del riñón. Es amplia la literatura disponible sobre variaciones en el patrón vascular intrarrenal, lo que se observa con frecuencia. Sin embargo, hasta ahora, la variación en la disposición de las estructuras en el hilio renal no ha generado mucho interés. Se utilizaron 100 riñones fijados (51 derechos y 49 izquierdos) para el estudio. Una cuidadosa disección de las estructuras hiliares renales se llevó a cabo para observar la relación antero-posterior de las estructuras en el hilio del riñón. En la mayoría de los casos (73 por ciento), las características no estaba de acuerdo con la descripción normal de la vena renal, es decir, con la arteria renal y la pelvis renal dispuestos en sentido anteroposterior. Los patrones de las variables observadas fueron clasificadas en cinco tipos. En el 31 por ciento de los casos la división anterior de la arteria renal estaba anterior a la vena renal en el hilio, mientras que, en el 50 por ciento de los casos, la pelvis no estaba posterior. En los casos de tumores renales hiliares la nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica se realiza con un limitado campo de visión. El conocimiento de estas variaciones es útil para un adecuado desempeño de los cirujanos al identificar y separar individualmente las estructuras hiliares, que es una ventaja sobre la separación en bloque.

Persistent inflammation on Pap smear: Does it warrant evaluation.

Objective: Due to the low sensitivity of Pap smear, premalignant lesions of the cervix can be missed in women with inflammatory Pap smears. However, it is not practically possible to subject all women with inflammatory Pap smear to colposcopy. This study was carried out with the aim to evaluate whether women with persistent inflammation on Pap smear need further evaluation with colposcopy. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and twenty women were screened at a tertiary level hospital with Pap smear. Women with inflammation on Pap smear were given treatment as per WHO guidelines and Pap smear was repeated at an interval of 6-12 weeks. Women with persistent inflammation on Pap smear were then subjected to colposcopy and directed biopsy if required. Results: Of the 420 women screened, 102 (24.3%) women had a Pap smear showing inflammation. Thirty six women (8.6%) had persistent inflammatory Pap smear. Thirty women were subjected to colposcopy and 16 (53.3%) had abnormal findings on colposcopy. Five out of these 30 women (16.67%) had Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on biopsy. Conclusions: Nearly 16.67% women with persistent inflammation on Pap smear had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Hence, a large number of women with CIN would be missed if persistent inflammation on Pap smear is not evaluated further.

Surveillance of device-associated infections at a teaching hospital in rural Gujarat - India.

Purpose: Surveillance of hospital-acquired infection (HAI), particularly device-associated infection (DAI), helps in determining the infection rates, risk factors, and in planning the preventive strategies to ensure a quality healthcare in any hospital. The present study was carried out to know the prevalence of DAI in a tertiary care teaching hospital of rural Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A prospective, site-specific surveillance of three common DAIs that is catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI), IV-catheter-related bloodstream infection (IV-CRBSI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was carried out between July 2007 and April 2008, in different wards/ICUs. A surveillance plan, with guidelines and responsibilities of nurses, clinicians and microbiologist was prepared. Infection surveillance form for each patient suspected to have DAI was filled. The most representative clinical sample, depending on the type of suspected DAI, was collected using standard aseptic techniques and processed for aerobes and facultative anaerobes. All the isolates were identified and antimicrobial sensitivity testing performed as per CLSI guidelines. An accurate record of total device days for each of the indwelling devices under surveillance was also maintained. Data, collected in the prescribed formats, were analysed on monthly basis; and then, compiled at the end of the study. Descriptive analysis of the data was done and DAI rate was expressed as number of DAI per 1000 device days. Results: The overall infection rate for CA-UTI, IV-CRBSI, and VAP were found to be 0.6, 0.48, and 21.92 per 1000 device days, respectively. The organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, CONS, Enterococci, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Conclusions: Duration of indwelling devices was found to be the major risk-factor for acquiring DAIs. Low DAI rate might have been due to use of antibiotics, often prophylactic. Active surveillance is quite a tedious and time-consuming process; however the outcome is useful in prevention and control of DAIs.

Bilateral breast abscess: a rare complication of enteric fever.

Breast abscess is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus in pregnant or lactating females. Salmonella spp. is occasionally associated with abscess formation in various organs, but breast abscess is a very rare complication. In enteric fever dissemination to multiple organ systems following bacteraemia can lead to localized abscess. We report a case of bilateral breast abscess due to Salmonella Typhi in an unmarried 35-year-old female without any predisposing conditions. She presented with fever and painful swelling of both the breasts. S. typhi was isolated from both breasts. Such rare cause must be suspected in females without any evident predisposing factors for effective management.

Impact of copper on haematological profile of freshwater fish, Channa punctatus.

The present study was to evaluate heavy metal toxicity stress symptoms in fish blood during long-term exposure of sublethal concentration of copper sulphate (CuSO4). The effects of copper on various heamatological parameters were evaluated exposing Indian fresh water fish, Channa punctatus to a sub-lethal concentration of copper sulphate (0.36 mg l(-1)) for different periods. Exposure of fish to copper showed a significant decrease in the haemoglobin (Hb) content from 10.73 to 6.60%, red blood cells (RBC) from 2.86 to 1.84 x 10(6)/mm3 and packed cell volume (PCV) from 31.00 to 23.33% at the end of 45th day as compared to control. Whereas the white blood cells (WBC) increased from 60.00 to 92.48 x10(3)/mm3, clotting time (CT) from 27.66 to 43.00 second, erythrocyte sedimentation rate from 5.0 to 13.66 mm/hr and mean corpuscular volume from 108.11 to 126.85 cmu, significantly, with increase in exposure periods. Although mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values showed significant increase during 15 and 30 days exposures, both the values were found significantly increased at the end of the experimental period. The differential leucocytes count (DLC) showed a significant increase in the populations of lymphocytes and eosinophils, whereas neutrophils, monocytes and basophiles were found decreased after exposure to copper.

Enoxaparin experience in percutaneous coronary intervention.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin in 135 consecutive patients who were undergoing emergency/non-emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a prospective, observational study of procedural anticoagulation was carried out with enoxaparin in elective, primary PCI. Documentation of the in-hospital clinical and angiographic outcomes was performed in eligible patients undergoing elective or primary PCI. This data helped to capture how patients while on anticoagulation with enoxaparin were being managed. As this was a prospective observational registry and not a randomised controlled trial, there was no single hypothesis from which to calculate the minimum sample size required. We recorded outcomes with 135 consecutive patients undergoing PCI who were enrolled in the study. While analysing the results the points taken into consideration were: Patient demography, PCI, methods of haemostasis and timing of sheath removal, dose and timing of enoxaparin and clinical and angiographic outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical analysis system (SAS) software. Enoxaparin when used in PCI, can be a safe alternative to unfractionated heparin (UFH).

Methods of intervention in reducing the psychosocial impact while dealing with cancer as a disease: a clinician's point of view.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: We searched for the clinically relevant suggestions, recommendations and findings amongst the papers on psycho oncology. The term clinically relevant for us meant 'practical and implemental modes of intervention that contribute but would not affect or interfere with the normal functioning of the present system and treatment modality of the patients.' Our intention was to use the available information for the benefit of our patients. We also searched for the data that would prove the significance of these methods. In most parts of the world it is not possible to involve a psychologist at every level of cancer care. Based on the findings, we intend to carry out our own project for the psychosocial intervention in cancer patients and make suggestions that could be adopted even by those who have little or no experience in psychology. CONCLUSION: The field of psycho oncology is a relatively new and evolving subspecialty of oncology and psychology at the same time. Current data and papers, which would make simple and implemental modes of intervention at psychosocial level, are limited. There is a dire necessity of solid data and list of suggestion to the specialists, non-specialists and those who take care of the cancer patients, to enhance the care they provide to the cancer patients.

Histopathological changes in testis of the freshwater fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) exposed to linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS).

The objective of this study was to use the freshwater food fish, Heteropneustes fossilis, as a model to evaluate the concentration-dependent effects of LAS on the testicular structure through short-term static bioassays. Concentration mediated histopathological leisions were observed in testis of H. fossilis, treated with four different concentrations of LAS for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr Inference drawn from the study is that the cytotoxic damage is more pronounced in fish exposed to higher concentrations of LAS for shorter durations than lower concentrations of LAS for longer durations. Gross damage of germinal epithelium, inflammatory response, intertubular vacuolations and contraction and condensation in the cells of tubules under all sets of intoxication and exposures are quite suggestive of reproductive impairment leading to delayed gonadal maturity.

Methods of intervention in reducing the psychosocial impact while dealing with cancer as a disease: a clinician's point of view.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: We searched for the clinically relevant suggestions, recommendations and findings amongst the papers on Psycho-oncology. The term clinically relevant for us meant 'practical and implemental modes of intervention that contribute but would not affect or interfere with the normal functioning of the present system and treatment modality of the patients.' Our intention was to use the available information for the benefit of our patients. We also searched for the data that would prove the significance of these methods. In most parts of the world it is not possible to involve a psychologist at every level of cancer care. Based on the findings, we intend to carry out our own project for the psychosocial intervention in cancer patients and make suggestions that could be adopted even by those who have little or no experience in psychology. CONCLUSION: The field of psycho oncology is a relatively new and evolving subspecialty of oncology and psychology at the same time. Current data and papers, which would make simple and implemental modes of intervention at psychosocial level, are limited. There is a dire necessity of solid data and list of suggestions to the specialists, non-specialists and to those who take care of the cancer patients, to enhance the care they provide to the cancer patients.

Dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in long anterior urethral stricture

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success of buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty by the dorsal onlay technique in long anterior urethral stricture (> 2 cm long) through the midline perineal incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2003, 43 patients with long anterior urethral strictures were managed by dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty. After voiding trial, they were followed up at 3 months with uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and American Urological Association symptoms score (AUA symptoms scores). Successful outcome was defined as normal voiding with a maximum one attempt of VIU after catheter removal. Patients were further followed-up with uroflowmetry at 3 months interval and RGU every 6 months interval. RESULTS: Mean stricture length was 4.8 cm (range 3 to 9 cm) and mean follow up was 48 months (range 12 to 84 months). Only five patients were found to develop stricture at anastomotic site, during follow-up. Two of them voided normally after single attempt of VIU. Other three patients (6.9 percent) required further open surgery or repeat VIU during follow up and were considered as failure. CONCLUSION: Dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty is a simple technique with good surgical outcome.

Evaluation of genotoxic potential of chromium (VI) in Channa punctata fish in terms of chromosomal aberrations.

Chromium, a widely recognized carcinogenic, mutagenic and redox active metal, is released into aquatic environments by electroplating, tannery and textile industries. Elevated concentrations in sediments and interstitial waters are well documented. Fishes dwelling in chromium waste infested waters are presumed to be affected by its deposits. To evaluate the genotoxic potential of chromium [Cr(VI)] on aquatic bio-system, bottom feeding fishes, Channa punctata, as model fish, were exposed to [Cr(VI)]. The chromosomal aberration test (CAT) was used as biomarker of [Cr(VI)] induced toxicity. The fish were divided into three groups:Group I non-treated controls; group II positive controls, treated with an intra-muscular injection of mitomycin-C at 1 mg/kg body wt; group III exposed to a sublethal concentration (7.689 mg/l) of [Cr(VI)], dissolved in the water. For CAT estimation, short term static bioassays were conducted and samples were collected from the kidneys of fish after 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 hrs of exposure. The remarkable chromosomal aberrations recorded in the present investigation included chromatid breaks, chromosome breaks, chromatid deletions, fragments, acentric fragments, and ring and di-centric chromosomes, along with chromatid and chromosome gaps. A significant increase in chromosomal aberrations was observed after 72 hrs of [Cr(VI)] exposure. The present study, thus reveals that even for acute exposure, [Cr(VI)] is a genotoxic agent for C. punctata.