A randomized control trial to assess the effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth was versus 1% povidone-iodine mouthwash on radiation-induced oral mucositis patients with head and neck cancer in tertiary cancer hospital, Belagavi, Karnataka

Background: Mucositis persists throughout radiation therapy. As radiation therapy continues mucositis worsens. It contributes to poor nutrition, low quality of life. Even though on one side radiation helps as a treatment, on the other side it has its complications that are making an issue in the developing countries. The aim of the study to assess the effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as compared to 1% povidone-iodine mouthwash on radiation-induced oral mucositis among patients with head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: Simple random sampling technique through lottery method was used to select the sample for study. The experimental group and control group consisting of 50 subjects were advised to rinse their mouth with 15 ml of 1% povidone-iodine mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash respectively for 30 s, 15 min before radiation therapy, after 15 min and 4 h after radiation therapy. Postintervention assessments were made on day 1, 7, 11, and 15 after intervention with 1% povidone and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash iodine mouthwash in the experimental and control group, respectively. Results : The result showed that in the experimental group the mean oral mucositis grades obtained during I st , II nd , III rd , and IV th interventional assessment (1 st , 7 th , 11 th , and 15 th day) were 0, 0.64, 1.34, and 2.5 whereas in the control group were 0, 0.14, 0.80, and 1.6, respectively. This proved that there is a significant reduction in the oral mucositis in the control group (0.14-0.80) when compared to experimental group (0.64-2.5). Conclusion: Study findings revealed that both mouthwashes were effective in controlling radiation induced oral mucositis however 0.2% chlorhexidine fared bette

A study of dynamic foot pressure measurement in diabetic patients

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer is a major source of morbidity and a leading cause of hospitalization. It is estimated that approximately 20% of hospital admissions among patients with diabetes mellitus are due to diabetic foot ulcer. It can lead to infection, gangrene, amputation, and even death if appropriate care is not provided. Overall, the lower limb amputation in diabetic patients is 15 times higher than in non-diabetics. In the majority of cases, the cause for the foot ulcer is the altered architecture of the foot due to neuropathy resulting in abnormal pressure points on the soles. Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop low cost, lightweight foot pressure scanner and check its reliability and validity which can help to prevent foot ulceration. Design/Methodology/Approach: In the present study, a low cost, lightweight foot pressure scanner is developed, and dynamic plantar pressures in a group of 110 Indian patients with diabetes with or without neuropathy and foot ulcers are measured. Practical Implications: If these pressure points can be detected, ulcers can be prevented by providing offloading footwear. Originality/Value: Differences are found in dynamic foot pressures in different study groups, namely, diabetic patients, patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, patients with foot ulcers, and nondiabetics. The differences are significant (P < 0.01), which showed the validity of the tool. Reliability and consistency of the tool was checked by test–retest method. Paper Type: Original Research work. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it is concluded that the scanner is successfully developed and it can measure foot pressures. It is a novel device to proactively monitor foot health in diabetics in an effort to prevent and reduce diabetic foot complications