Age and gender based prevalence of obesity in residents of Punjab, India

Background: Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease, associated with a variety of metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological complications. Prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, more so in the developing countries. It is affecting both sexes and all age groups. Body mass index BMI along with presence and severity of obesity associated complications are used to identify, successively increasing stages of obesity. The present study aims to study prevalence of overweight, obesity (stage 0,1,2) and morbid obesity in adult residents of Punjab state in an effort to determine burden of this lifestyle disorder in different age groups and sexes, so that a comprehensive action plan can be designed to target appropriate group with specific preventive measures .Methods: 1000 subjects were surveyed and labelled as non-obese, overweight, obese or morbid obese based on their BMI, presence and severity of obesity related complications. Point prevalence amongst different age groups of both sexes were determined and compared.Results: In study population 41.5% subjects were non-obese, 15.9% were overweight, 29.4% were obese and 13.2% were morbidly obese. The prevalence of all the 3 conditions (overweight, obesity and morbid obesity) increased with increasing age in both sexes. The prevalence was more among females of all age groups than males for ‘overweight’ and ‘obesity’. But gender based difference narrowed down with increasing severity of disease, such that female to male ratio reversed (<1) for morbid obesity. Moreover, peak prevalence of overweight and obesity were attained little later in females as compared to males. However, for morbid obesity peak prevalence is seen in same age group (40-49 years) in both sexes.Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are more prevalent among females of all age groups than males with peak prevalence achieved little later in females as compared to males. However, gender based differences in prevalence decreased as severity increased and morbid obesity was more prevalent among males than females.

Evaluate use of over the counter drugs among medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: In our country there is easy availability of drugs over the counter leading to their unintentional misuse and abuse. Over the counter availability of drugs does offer the benefit of easy access to medicines and allows individuals to become in charge of their own health. It is important to understand that medical education can impact the OTC drug use amongst medical students. In order to observe the pattern of OTC drug use among the first and second professional MBBS students we planned this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate use of over the counter (OTC) drugs among medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: Our study was a cross sectional study conducted on first and second professional MBBS students. Authors administered a self structured, prevalidated questionnaire to the students. The data obtained was tabulated, analyzed and the results calculated in percentages.Results: The use of OTC drugs is common amongst undergraduate students. All (100%) the students who participated in the study had used OTC drugs at some point in their life. The common conditions prompting use of OTC drugs include head ache, body aches (74%), fever (72%), respiratory conditions such as: cold (60%), cough (28.5%), abdominal symptoms such as: abdominal pain (14%), gastritis (7.5%), diarrhea (6%), vomiting (5%) and allergies (10%). Very few students reported adverse drug reactions with these drugs.Conclusions: From our study we have concluded that OTC drugs are commonly used amongst medical students. So, periodic training and talks on self medication are necessary for them. Student knowledge in this aspect will help them in future counseling of their patients.

Spontaneous adverse drug reaction monitoring in oncology: Our experience.

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring is slowly developing as an important aspect of healthcare. The aim of the study was to study the pattern of adverse drug reactions in the Oncology department of a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted in the Oncology department of a tertiary care hospital in which ADRs were reported spontaneously. The ADRs were noted from 1st January, 2007 to 30th June, 2011. Following were noted: demographics, premedication (if any), diagnosis, chemotherapy (regimen, cycles), medication history, and alteration in the treatment or co morbidities, ADRs (severity and management). Adverse drug reactions were noted by patient interview, collaborating with information on file, recording changes in the prescribing chart and investigations, consulting the doctor on duty. RESULTS: During this study period, there were total of 14,475 visits of patients from which 2500 ADRs were recorded. Maximum number of ADRs were noted with platinum compounds (25.52%) followed by pyrimidine antagonists (19.88%). The most common malignancy reported in our hospital was Carcinoma breast (20%) followed by leukemia (12%) and Ca ovary (12%). Alopecia (27.76%) was the most common ADR followed by anemia (7.48%), thrombocytopenia (6.96%) and constipation (6.16%). CONCLUSION: Alopecia is the most common ADR and platinum compounds were responsible for the maximum number of ADRs. The most common carcinoma reported during this period was carcinoma breast.

Ageusia associated to treatment with amitriptyline and terbinafine.

Ageusia is a rare condition characterized by loss of taste functions of the tongue. A large number of conditions may be responsible for causing ageusia. Adverse effects of drug therapy are the most common cause for the loss of taste. Ageusia can have a significant effect on the quality of life of patients and can lead to loss of appetite, weight, and may require discontinuation of drug administration in already compromised patients. We present two cases of ageusia one associated with amitriptyline in a patient with endogenous depression and the other with terbinafine in patient with tinea unguium.