RESUMO
Objective: To determine adherence to methotrexate [MTX] therapy in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] and to identify factors that promote either adherence or non adherence
Methods: One hundred Rheumatoid Arthritis patients on MTX for at least two months were enrolled. Questionnaire was completed by direct interview. Details recorded were, demographics [age, sex, education, monthly income], disease duration, duration on MTX and current dose. Disease Activity Score on 28 joint counts [DAS 28] at the current visit, concomitant drugs taken and number of doses of MTX missed in the previous 8 weeks were noted. Non adherence was defined as omission of any three or more prescribed doses of MTX in previous 8 week. Patients were asked for the factors that motivated their adherence to MTX as well as factors for non adherence. Presence of side effects due to MTX was also recorded
Result: Non adherence was found among 23% of cases. Patients of low socioeconomic group [p <0.0001] and on MTX for longer duration [p <0.001] had higher non adherence. Non adherent patients had significantly higher disease activity as measured by DAS 28 [p<0.001]. Good counseling and education by the doctor was a strong predictor of adherence [p <0.001]. Lack of affordability [p <0.001]; lack of availability at local pharmacy [p <0.001]; lack of family support [p <0.001] and lack of awareness regarding need and importance of MTX [p < 0.001were found as significant factors for non adherence
Conclusion: MTX non adherence in RA is noted in about one fourth of study group. Various economical and social issues lead to non adherence but good patient education and counseling by doctor could promote adherence in this study group
RESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the reported practice of antibiotics prescribed by Post Graduate trainees, working in the Operative Department of Islamic International Dental Hospital [IIDH], Islamabad. A clinical audit study. The study was conducted in the department of operative dentistry at Islamic International Medical College, Islamabad from April 2014 to July 2014. A clinical audit evaluating the antibiotics prescription practice of Post Graduate trainees at IIDH was performed. All of the eight trainees working in the Operative department were included in the study. The prescribed antibiotic; its dosage, frequency and duration, as well as the clinical conditions and reasons for which the prescription had been given was investigated using questionnaires in eighty patients [ten patients per dentist]. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] software version 17.0, [SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL]. Frequencies and percentages were described for the antibiotic prescriptions. Amoxicillin n=42 [53.5%] and Metronidazole n=37 [46.3%] were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Other prescribed antibiotics included Erythromycin n=l [1.3%], Penicillin n= 1 [1.3%], Clindamycin n=l [1.3%], Cefalexin n=l [1.3%] and others n=2 [2.5%]. Tetracycline was also prescribed n= 14 [17.5%]. This study identified gap between the antibiotics prescription practice of postgraduate trainees and recommended clinical guidelines. The findings suggest need for a re-assessment of the antibiotics prescription practice in accordance with evidence based guidelines
RESUMO
Several plants have been selected based on their use in traditional systems of medicine, and research has identified a number of natural compounds that could act as Nootropicagents. In this study a herbal product Intellan QvXmft% CenteHa asiatica, Bacopa monniera, Coriandum sativum, Amomum subulatum, Emblica officinalis and another product Cytacon [Cyanocobalamine] were selected The study was designed on animal models to explore the effects on different parameters. For this the animals were given chronic dosing for 6-8 weeks during and after which the parameters were observed to determine their effects. The purpose of focusing on such formulations is to do hematological screening in long-term use
The hematological parameter included hemoglobin/HCT, total leucocyte count, platelets. The lymphocytes and the monocytes counts were increased significantly by intellan, while cyanocobalamine increases RBC counts, platelet counts, monocyte counts, hematocrit etc significantly
The SGPT, SGOT were found increased in both of these drugs
RESUMO
Chamomile is considered as one of the oldest and also documented as medicinal plant. It has shown to be an anti-inflammatory, astringent and antioxidant especially in floral part since ancient times. Recent studies reported that chamomile has potential to lower blood sugar levels in hyperglycemia
In the present study we have investigated the pharmacological effects of chamomile tea on fasting and post prandial glucose levels and HbAlC in blood of diabetic rats [alloxan induced] and the results were compared with glibenclamide as standard. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. It has been observed in our study that it has reduced progressively the fasting and post prandial blood sugar levels, significantly in alloxan induced diabetic rats particularly on day 30and 60
It also reduced the level of HbAlC significantly at the end of the study and the effects were similar to that of the standard group
Chamomile tea administration has also controlled the reduction in weight in diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control and the results were not very much different from standard. Results from the present study indicate that chamomile tea have a glucose lowering effect in diabetic rats so its daily consumption can be potentially useful in hyperglycemia and it can be used as a substitute of conventional drug treatment. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact molecular mechanism involved in anti-diabetic action of chamomile