Flupirtine as a Potential Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder characterised by chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction with limited benefit gained with current therapies. The mean global prevalence of 2.7% is estimated for this chronic condition. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches are often required as treatments of the challenges associated with fibromyalgia. Flupirtine, a non-opioid drug, exhibits effective analgesia in a range of acute and persistent pain conditions, and evidence as treatment of fibromyalgia is considered. Activation of Kv7 potassium channels and agonism at gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A leading to indirect N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism is responsible for the analgesic effects of flupirtine and appears to be involved in other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia reported improved control of their symptoms without significant adverse effects in an observational audit in clinical practice. This article presents evidence that flupirtine, or related drugs, is a therapeutic option for the treatment of fibromyalgia. The pharmacology of flupirtine and mechanisms of action involved provide a spectrum of effects that would not only control the chronic pain characteristic of fibromyalgia but many of the other symptoms. Thus, further investigation of the efficacy of flupirtine or related drugs exhibiting a similar pharmacology as a treatment of fibromyalgia would be of interest

Radix Entomolaris in Mandibular First Molars in Indian Population: A Review and Case Reports

Purpose. The aim of this paper is to present cases of mandibular first molars with an additional distolingual root and their management using appropriate instruments and techniques. Basic Procedures and Main Findings. Mandibular molars can sometimes present a variation called radix entomolaris, wherein the tooth has an extra root attached to its lingual aspect. This additional root may complicate the endodontic management of the tooth if it is misdiagnosed or maltreated. This paper reviews the prevalence of such cases in Indian population and reports the management of 6 such teeth. Principal Conclusions. (1) It is crucial to be familiar with variations in tooth/canal anatomy and characteristic features since such knowledge can aid location and negotiation of canals, as well as their subsequent management. (2) Accurate diagnosis and careful application of clinical endodontic skill can favorably alter the prognosis of mandibular molars with this root morphology

Mammographic density as a risk factor for breast cancer in a low risk population

Background: Mammographic density is a function of abundance of epithelial and connective tissue in breast. It has been identified as an independent risk factor for breast cancer in studies in western populations. We conducted a case control study to evaluate the role of mammographic density as risk factor for the development of breast cancer in Indian patients. Methods: One hundred and one cases of breast cancer and 123 healthy controls were included in the study. Mammographic density of the breast tissue of all controls and the contralateral breast of breast cancer patients was measured using a six category scale by a qualified radiologist. Results: A low prevalence of dense mammographic patterns (16.3% in controls and 26.7% in cases) was seen in the study population. Premenopausal women with breast density of 50% or more had 3.8 times risk of developing breast cancer than women with breast density of < 10%. (OR = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.4-10.1) In postmenopausal women with mammographically dense breast, no such increase in risk was noted. Conclusion: High mammographic density patterns are associated with an increased risk for the development of breast cancer in younger women in a low risk population, whereas no such increase in risk is seen in postmenopausal women

Mammographic density as a risk factor for breast cancer in a low risk population

Background: Mammographic density is a function of abundance of epithelial and connective tissue in breast. It has been identified as an independent risk factor for breast cancer in studies in western populations. We conducted a case control study to evaluate the role of mammographic density as risk factor for the development of breast cancer in Indian patients. Methods: One hundred and one cases of breast cancer and 123 healthy controls were included in the study. Mammographic density of the breast tissue of all controls and the contralateral breast of breast cancer patients was measured using a six category scale by a qualified radiologist. Results: A low prevalence of dense mammographic patterns (16.3% in controls and 26.7% in cases) was seen in the study population. Premenopausal women with breast density of 50% or more had 3.8 times risk of developing breast cancer than women with breast density of < 10%. (OR = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.4-10.1) In postmenopausal women with mammographically dense breast, no such increase in risk was noted. Conclusion: High mammographic density patterns are associated with an increased risk for the development of breast cancer in younger women in a low risk population, whereas no such increase in risk is seen in postmenopausal women