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Objective: We undertook a prescription-based study to identify the provider and institution-level factors related to achieving guideline-recommended control of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Kerala, India. Methods: This cross-sectional study in primary and secondary care hospitals in Kerala included both public and private institutions. One practitioner was selected from each institution. Data on institutional and provider factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Prescriptions were photographically captured and data on disease status and drugs prescribed were recorded. Factors associated with disease control were identified using binary logistic regression. Results: Totally 4679 prescriptions were included for analysis. For hypertension-only patients, control levels were 31.5% and was significantly higher in public hospitals (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.96, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.50e2.57). Among patients with diabetes only, diabetes control was seen in 36.6%. When both conditions were present, control was achieved in only 17.0% patients. Being prescribed two or more drugs indicated lower control, whatever the respective condition. Among antihypertensive prescriptions rationality of 26.7% were questioned, such as lack of Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) inhibitor in diabetic hypertensives, dual RAS blockage, and indication for beta-blocker monotherapy. Conclusions: In this prescription-based study in Kerala, India, a majority of hypertensive patients did not have controlled blood pressure levels, particularly if diabetes coexisted. This has serious implications as Kerala is the state with the highest burden of hypertension in India. Several prescription patterns were of questionable rationality. Further research and actions on rationality of anti-hypertensive prescriptions and barriers to treatment intensification is warranted.
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Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the less recognized complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of SHPT in various stages of CKD was evaluated by measuring the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH).Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 100 CKD patients. Serum creatinine, calcium, phosphorous and iPTH levels were measured and statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS software (IBM, NY, USA).Results: Among the 100 participants, the mean age (SD) was 59.3 (7.8) years. In our study population, 52% were men and the rest were females. Hypertension (75%) was the most common chronic morbidity. Prevalence of hyperparathyroidism among chronic kidney disease patients was 22% (95% CI: 14.7-30.9%). The prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism among dialysis and non-dialysis patients were 30% and 14% respectively which was statistically significant.Conclusions: SHPT is an important complication which is often underdiagnosed. Secondary hyperparathyroidism starts to develop when eGFR falls below 60ml/min. PTH levels starts to rise as the disease progress. Hence it is important for the treating physicians to monitor the PTH levels early in the course of CKD to prevent and treat bone mineral disease.
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Aim: To study the determinants of Tuberculosis (TB) in children between the age group of 0-14 years receiving treatment under Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) . Methods: A case (registered under RNTCP) control study was undertaken with 41 cases and 82 controls. Results: Factors found to have significance according to binary logistic regression were low-birth weight (LBW) [Odd’s ratio=3.56],Malnutrition [Odd’s ratio=3.96], Passive smoking [Odd’s ratio=6.28] and exposure to fire-wood smoke [Odd’s ratio=6.91]. Conclusion: LBW, malnutrition, passive smoking and fire-wood smoke are the risk factors to be addressed to prevent pediatric TB.