PRESCRIPTION PATTERN IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE INFERTILE WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

 Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the treatment options for the management of obese and non-obese infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 75 infertile PCOS women. The demographic details, body mass index, menstrual patterns, and current medication related to infertility were noted. The collected data were statistically represented in terms of range, frequency tables, and standard deviation wherever appropriate.Results: A majority of the infertile PCOS women were aged 24–27 years with a mean age of 25.72±3.53 years, belonging to middle socioeconomic class (44%) and mostly found to be urban residents 68%. Most of the PCOS women were overweight (32%) and obese (21%) with irregular menstrual pattern (90.67%). In combination therapy, clomiphene citrate (CC) pre-treated with oral contraceptives (OC) (37.93%) was mostly given to obese PCOS patients followed by CC with metformin pre-administered with OC (31.03%), whilen on-obese PCOS patients were mostly administered CC with gonadotropins pre-treated with OC(44%). In single therapy, OC was mostly administered to both non-obese (90%) and obese PCOS patients (88.90%).Conclusion: This study concluded that most of the infertile PCOS women were overweight and obese, a major risk actor causing hyperandrogenicity. CC pre-treated with OC and metformin with CC pre-treated with OC were mostly prescribed to obese PCOS patients. Lifestyle modifications along with treatment are strongly recommended, especially in obese PCOS patients

Correlations of adherence to iron supplements and prevalence of anemia in antenatal women

Background: The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women has remained unacceptably high worldwide despite the fact that routine iron supplementation during pregnancy has been almost universally recommended to prevent maternal anemia. The major problem with iron supplementation during pregnancy is compliance. The objective of this study was to correlate iron supplements compliance among pregnant women and incidence of anemia during pregnancy.Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted over a period of nine months from August 2015 to April 2016 in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Bharati Hospital and Research Center, Pune. Pregnant women more than 14 weeks who attended antenatal care unit were enrolled in this study. Data for compliance was collected by two methods - first by personal interview as well as looking for the empty iron tablet strips. Pregnant women were followed till the date of delivery and maternal outcome were noted.Results: Our results show that 64% were strictly compliant, 33% with partially complaint and 3% with non-complaint with iron supplements. The mean Hemoglobin concentration of pregnant women who strictly complies with iron supplements were 11.6 g/dl where the non-compliant and partially complaint to iron supplements were 9.7 g/dl. The prevalence of anemia was found to be more in partial and non-compliant to iron supplements (13% p value <0.001).Conclusions: Anaemia, low haemoglobin levels were found more in non-complaint and partially complaint pregnant women. The findings from our study highlighted that antenatal health and a nutritional intervention program for pregnant women is needful

DIALYSIS PRACTICE PATTERN IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS IN A TERTIARY AND A PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Objective: To evaluate the dialysis practice pattern in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis in a tertiary and a private hospital Methods: A prospective observational study of six months duration was carried out in 158 CKD patients on hemodialysis for a minimum period of one month. Data such as socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and dialysis practice details were captured from the patient’s medical records into the pre-designed Patient Proforma. The collected data were analysed. Results: Majority of respondents were male (67.09%), more than 60 y of age (32.28 %), married (89.24%). Hypertension (26.51%, 17.33%) was found to be the leading cause of CKD in a tertiary and private hospital. In the tertiary hospital, 78.31% of patients were undergoing twice-weekly hemodialysis, whereas in the private hospital thrice weekly (50.67%) hemodialysis was common. About 51.81% of patients in the tertiary and 58.67% in the private hospital was undergoing hemodialysis for 1-5 y with Arterio-Venous Fistula (59.04%, 94.67%) as the permanent vascular access (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that hypertension was the leading cause of CKD in both hospitals. In the tertiary hospital twice weekly hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and Permanent Catheter (IJV), were both preferred as the permanent vascular access. Whereas in the private hospital majority were undergoing thrice weekly hemodialysis and AVF was highly preferred

COST OF THERAPY INCURRED FOR TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS RECEIVING DIRECTLY OBSERVED THERAPY (DOT)

Objective: To estimate the cost of therapy of tuberculosis patients registered under DOTS program in the treatment of tuberculosis.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of nine months in the Pulmonary Department of Bharati hospital and Research centre, Pune. 97 patients registered under RNTCP between August 2014 and April 2015, were interviewed at two time points: one at the time of first hospital visit and second on the completion of treatment. During the interview, information relating to various costs such as direct (out of pocket) and indirect cost was collected.Results: The mean total cost for Pulmonary tuberculosis treatment was found to be/5474.7 ($85.4), Extra pulmonary was/10574.8 ($164.9) and Pulmonary and Extra pulmonary was/14638.5 ($228.3) respectively. Out of total cost the cost incurred by the patients for the hospital stay and diagnosis (i.e. tuberculosis detection) has the maximum expenditure cost which was 90.4 % for pulmonary tuberculosis, 77.2% extra pulmonary and 72.5% pulmonary and extra pulmonary. About 39.2 % of patients and their care takers lost work days. 52.0% pulmonary patients, 68.4% extra-pulmonary and 66.7 % pulmonary and extra-pulmonary patients had decreased earning ability due to illness. Conclusion: The maximum cost is incurred for diagnosis and hospital stay in tuberculosis patients. Though DOTS strategy can help to reduce cost, achieve effective cure and save life of TB patients, still patients need to spend for other investigations and other drugs.Â

Evaluation of usage of immunity boosters among the citizens of Pune district during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Post the coronavirus disease (COVID-19 pandemic), there was a spike in demand for immunity boosters, leading to the irrational use of supplements. To assess the usage of immunity boosters among the citizens of Pune City and correlate the side effects associated with supplements. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to May 2021 in Pune. Data, such as demographic, supplement intake (allopathic, homeopathic, and ayurvedic/home remedies), duration, frequency of supplements, and side effects associated with supplements, were collected through a personal interview and e-form circulation. The correlation of the immunity boosters with the side effects was done using Karl Pearson's Correlation test in SPSS software version 22.0. Results: Out of 1006, the ayurvedic supplements/home remedies were preferred by 906 (98%) allopathic supplements by 599 (65%) and homeopathic supplements by 256 (28%) participants. The commonly reported side effects were acidity (37%), headache (29.6%), nausea (9%), loss of appetite (8.8%), diarrhea (7%), stomach ache (6%), cough (5.6%), and constipation (4.1%). These side effects had a weak positive linear proportionality with ayurvedic supplements such as amla (r = 0.162), Giloy Vati (r = 0.139), turmeric (r = 0.108), and Kadha (r = 0.102); also, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D showed a linear proportionality with loss of appetite (r = 0.15), headache (r = 0.12), and cough (r = 0.12), respectively. A higher incidence of side effects such as nausea (r = 0.267), diarrhea (r = 0.243), headache (r = 0.164), and acidity (r = 0.113) was observed when supplements were taken for 6 months. Conclusion: Most participants were on immunity boosters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concluded that using immunity boosters in excess or for more than 6 months causes side effects, the most recurrent ones being acidity, headache, nausea, and lack of appetite

Correlations of adherence to iron supplements and prevalence of anemia in antenatal women

Background: The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women has remained unacceptably high worldwide despite the fact that routine iron supplementation during pregnancy has been almost universally recommended to prevent maternal anemia. The major problem with iron supplementation during pregnancy is compliance. The objective of this study was to correlate iron supplements compliance among pregnant women and incidence of anemia during pregnancy.Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted over a period of nine months from August 2015 to April 2016 in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Bharati Hospital and Research Center, Pune. Pregnant women more than 14 weeks who attended antenatal care unit were enrolled in this study. Data for compliance was collected by two methods - first by personal interview as well as looking for the empty iron tablet strips. Pregnant women were followed till the date of delivery and maternal outcome were noted.Results: Our results show that 64% were strictly compliant, 33% with partially complaint and 3% with non-complaint with iron supplements. The mean Hemoglobin concentration of pregnant women who strictly complies with iron supplements were 11.6 g/dl where the non-compliant and partially complaint to iron supplements were 9.7 g/dl. The prevalence of anemia was found to be more in partial and non-compliant to iron supplements (13% p value &lt;0.001).Conclusions: Anaemia, low haemoglobin levels were found more in non-complaint and partially complaint pregnant women. The findings from our study highlighted that antenatal health and a nutritional intervention program for pregnant women is needful

Exploring Acceptability Drivers of Oral Antibiotics in Children: Findings from an International Observational Study

Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in children. Adherence to the treatment with these drugs is of the utmost importance to prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria, a global health threat. In children, medicine acceptability is likely to have a significant impact on compliance. Herein we used a multivariate approach, considering simultaneously the many aspects of acceptability to explore the drivers of oral antibiotic acceptability in children under twelve, especially in toddlers and in preschoolers. Based on 628 real-life observer reports of the intake of 133 distinct medicines, the acceptability reference framework highlighted the influence of many factors such as age and sex of patients, previous exposure to treatment, place of administration, administration device, flavor agent in excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredient. These findings from an international observational study emphasize the multidimensional nature of acceptability. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all these different aspects for assessing this multi-faceted concept and designing or prescribing a medicine in order to reach adequate acceptability in the target population