A Case Control Study of Pap smear in Diabetic Patients

ABSTRACT The infections of the genital tract are common in reproductive-age women and the associated cost is significant. Diabetes mellitus is commonly considered a predisposing factor for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Hyperglycemia enhances the ability of C. albicans to bind to vaginal epithelial cells. We analyse the prevalance of correlation of inflammation and Candida in particular in papsmear in women with diabetes mellitus in comparison to normal nondiabetic women. A retrospective study was carried out in Sree Balaji Medical College in which pap smears were reviewed in 100 non pregnant women enrolling for WOMEN CARE CHECK-UP.The study was carried out in 33 diabetic and 67 normal healthy women as controls,all in age range between 28-66 years. Inflammatory changes were seen both in diabetic and non diabetic women .Prevalance of candida was found to be more in diabetic women as compared to non diabetic women which was found to be statistically significant. Diabetes mellitus has been considered as one of the factors causing Candida vaginitis .It is mandatory to do periodic papsmear review for all diabetic females for early diagnosis and effective treatment of candidiasis

Evaluation of Donor Deferral -Lessons Learnt

ABSTRACT Blood donor selection criteria are essential for the safety of donors as well as for the recipients. Blood donors are deferred either temporarily or permanently from donating blood for various causes. Evaluation of these causes reflects the socio-demographic pattern and the common medical ailments in the local community. To evaluate the various causes for pre-donation deferral among voluntary blood donors who attended the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sree Balaji medical college and hospital, Chennai, India. The study was approved by the Institutional Research and Ethical committee of Sree Balaji medical college and hospital, Chennai. A retrospective review of deferred donor records covering the period 2010-2012 was carried out at the Department of Transfusion Medicine. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed. A total of 6,240 Voluntary blood donors were screened of which 5,760 were found to be eligible donors. 93.55% were males and 6.25% were female donors. A total of 480 donors were deferred due to various reasons. Deferral was higher among males (77.5%) than in females (22.5%). The deferral rate was found to be higher in age group of 18-30years (52.5%). Most of the donors were deferred for temporary causes (69.16%) than permanent causes (30.83%). The commonest cause of deferral in our study was anemia (25.0%) followed by hypertension (23.33%).Our study observed a higher deferral rate among younger adults. The predominant cause was anemia which was found to be prevalent in both the sexes, more so with females. In males the commonest cause of deferral was found to be hypertension, followed by alcohol intake and practice of tattooing

The assessment and management of diabetes related lower limb problems in India - an action research approach to integrating best practice

Background: In this article the authors explore the current issues and barriers related to achieving successful outcomes to diabetic foot complications in India. This was achieved by engaging clinicians in taking ownership of the problems and facilitating them in the identification of solutions to action change in clinical practice. Methods: This was accomplished through facilitating participants in this study via a process of problem identification and planning, the first phases of an action research cycle approach. The methods of data collection were focus groups, observations and individual conversations. The data were analysed using a thematic framework. Findings: Based on the practitioner's experiences and opinions, key themes were identified. These themes had the potential to inform the changes needed in clinical practice, to overcome barriers and embed ownership of the solutions. Five themes were identified highlighting: concerns over a fragmented service; local recognition of need; lack of standardised care pathways; lack of structured assessment and an absence of annual foot screening. Combined, the issues identified were thought to be important in preventing timely assessment and management of foot problems. Conclusion: It was unanimously agreed that a formalised process of foot assessment should be developed and implemented as part of the subsequent phases of the action research process, which the authors intended to take forward and report in a further paper. The aim of which is to guide triage, education, care pathways, audit and evaluation of outcomes. Facilitation of the clinicians in developing a program and screening tool to implement and teach these skills to others could be an important step in reducing the number of high-risk cases that are often resulting in the amputation of limbs