Safety and Efficacy of a Combination of Amino Acids in Insufficient Lactating Mothers

Milk production of the mammary gland is mainly determined by the milk synthesis and proliferation abilities of mammary epithelial cells (MECs). The availability of amino acids is critical for the production of milk. Amino acids enhance milk protein synthesis and mammary gland development through the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Taurine enhances lactation by increasing prolactin secretion. Vitamins such as Thiamine and Pyridoxine are essential for maintaining and growing maternal and child health. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of amino acids and vitamins combination in lactating mothers with insufficient lactation. Hence, a prospective study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel amino acids and vitamins combination. The results showed that with the intervention of this combination, 62% of participants showed onset of lactation within 45 minutes to 2 hours. The study suggests clinicians should consider this novel combination to improve lactation in insufficient lactating mothers

Vacuum Devices for Treating Postpartum Hemorrhage: Indian Innovation, Indian Pride

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. We focus on two innovations by Indian gynecologists, the Panicker’s vacuum suction cannula and the SR suction cannula. These effective devices are economical and easy-to-use, and help prevent and manage PPH. They can also be used to reduce bleeding in non-PPH indications. These Indian innovations are a matter of pride, and need to be studied extensively in diverse settings. This will help ensure that their benefits can be shared across the world

The Spirit and Science: Is the Endocrine System the Essence of Existence?

In this reflective opinion piece, the authors offer a unique insight into the connection between spirituality and science. A reading of the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, through the eyes of an endocrinologist, uncovers unexpected corollaries and correlations between spirituality or religion on one hand, and science or rationale, on the other

Management of dyslipidemia in children

Dyslipidemia is an important etiologic factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a leading cause of death worldwide As CVD begins in childhood, and as dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for CVD, screening and treatment of dyslipidemia in adolescents and children becomes an important health matter. This review deals with issues related to screening, diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents

Meaningful Clinical Conversation: Guidance from the Gita

Chronic disease care is a challenging vocation. One of the reasons for this is the need to inform and share decision making with patients. Communication and conversational skills are the pillars of chronic care delivery. In this editorial, we take guidance from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita in order to improve the quality of clinical conversations, and make them meaningful. The Gita encourages us to be ‘saatvik’ or balanced in thought, words and deeds, to perform ‘penance’ of mind, speech and body, and to accept equanimity. This introspective opinion piece should help us polish our communication skills, and improve interaction with our patients

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GUEST EDITORIA

Addressing Lower Segment Cesarean Section Hesitancy: A Patient-centered, Pragmatic Communication Guide

In women in whom a normal vaginal delivery is not possible or is not indicated, delayed acceptance of lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) or outright LSCS refusal, leads to complications that can easily be avoided. Hence, it makes sense for obstetricians and other health care professionals, to address LSCS hesitancy as an integral part of obstetric care. In this article, we discuss both the communication style and communication content, that is required to manage LSCS hesitancy in women in whom the intervention is indicated. We highlight the need to analyze the reasons for hesitancy, and address them in an appropriate and affable manner, using accurate information to buttress one’s points. We also encourage seeking assistance from colleagues in the health care team, utilizing audio-visual and social media aids, and offering alternatives if the patient so desires

Biliary sludge and recurrent ketoacidosis: a case report

A five year old boy, weighing 14 kg with no family history of diabetes, presented in frank diabetic ketoacidosis. He recovered, but continued to have episodes of ketoacidosis. He was diagnosed to have biliary sludge, which recovered with insulin treatment

Quinary Prevention and Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) is a safe mode of delivery and has definite indications. However, at times, patients do not accept the advice to undergo elective or emergency LSCS, as appropriate. This leads to avoidable complications and cost. This communication discusses the style and salient features of counseling patients to understand and accept LSCS, as part of informed consent-taking. This discussion is geared towards obstetric care providers who encounter LSCS hesitancy in spite of having explained the indication(s) for surgery

Coping with Illness: Insight from the Bhagavad Gita

The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita enlightens everyone on how to cope up with various situations in life. It uses the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna to highlight initial negative coping mechanisms exhibited by the latter. It goes on to showcase positive coping skills suggested by Lord Krishna and implemented by Arjuna. The Bhagavad Gita, through this case-based methodology, teaches us how to cope with a demanding situation. Diabetes is a lifestyle disease, which warrants a thorough change in one\u27s lifestyle, including changes in basic activities such as diet and exercise. This brief communication utilizes the teachings of Bhagavad Gita to help in coping with illness, especially chronic illness such as diabetes. The article cites verses from the Bhagavad Gita to show how one may cope with the stress of illness such as diabetes