Effect of pharmacovigilance training programme on quantitative and qualitative adverse drug reaction reporting

Background: Adverse Drug Reactions(ADRs) are required to monitored in post marketing phase for unstudied ADR or beneficial effect which were not evident in controlled study design, but ADRs are usually under reported due to misbelieves or ignorance of health care worker. There is increasing numbers of adverse drug reaction monitoring centers in India affiliated to governing council but are in primitive phase. Also, there is lack of knowledge and attitude towards necessity for proper reporting of ADR, understanding of terminologies. Hence present study was undertaken to assess out of educational intervention in the form of simulated ADR workshop.Methods: Hundred nursing staff of JNMC were trained through Simulation Workshop i.e. initial knowledge as assessed before intervention, followed by explanations of every terminology essential for quality reporting of ADR. Ideal ADR reports were provided for study and ADR scenario was given for reporting of ADR. Deficiencies in reported ADR explained to participants. Post intervention knowledge and reporting was assessed. Deficiencies in actual ADR were pursued for three months.Results: There was statistically significant improvement observed in knowledge (p <0.01) and corresponding, proportionate quality parameters of ADRs as suggested by Z test.Conclusions: Educational intervention through simulated ADR and understanding about significance of ADR reporting’s and related terminologies improves quality as well as numbers of ADR reporting

Correlation between Maternal Mid Upper Arm Circumference and Neonatal Birth Weight: A Case-control Study

Introduction: Birth weight is the best marker of optimal foetal growth and development. Apart from being an important determinant of newborn survival, Low Birth Weight (LBW) also indicates nutritional deprivation and poor health of the mother during and before pregnancy. On the other hand, Maternal nutrition and anthropometry also affect infant’s birth weight. Aim: To find out the correlation of maternal Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and neonatal birth weight. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Datta Meghe Medical College and Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Centre (tertiary care hospital), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, from September 2021 to February 2022. Convenient sampling method was used to select cases and control. All the mothers who had delivered full term live singleton new born with birth weight <2.5 kg were selected as a case and mothers who had delivered singleton new born babies ≥2.5 kg were selected as a control. There was a total of 100 mother-infant dyads with 50 pairs having infant with LBW (cases) and the rest 50 with infants having normal birth weight (controls). Data was collected on the socio-demographic status of the mothers using a predesigned questionnaire along with their weight (from record), maternal MUAC measurement, and birth weight of their babies. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: Mean age of cases was 24.48±2.757 years and that of controls was 24.52±2.255 years. Mean birth weight was 2206±200.9 gm for cases and 2934±305.79 gm for the control group. Maternal MUAC was ≤23 cm in 52% of cases and only 16% in controls (OR- 5.69, CI: 2.23-13.74, p-value=0.001). A linear correlation was found between maternal MUAC and birth weight (r-value=0.3376, p-value=0.001). Conclusion: As there was a positive correlation between maternal MUAC ≤23 cm and LBW babies, maternal MUAC can be used as a predictor of LBW, and hence, measurement of maternal MUAC should be included during antenatal check-ups

Corona virus crisis: Ground reality during the lockdown

The Corona virus pandemic has caused devastating effects across the world. With loss of tens and millions of lives and economic shutdown, the pandemic has caused a catastrophic effect which is to be felt by generations to come. This piece reflects on the social, emotional and economical consequences of the ongoing crisis as well as the extreme lockdown that has had overwhelming effect on millions of people across the globe. The Covid 19 pandemic has claimed many lives around the world and poses an unparalleled danger to public health, the food supply, and the workplace. During the lockdown, mental health problems and suicides are at an all-time high. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress are common during the lockdown.Women and infants, who are the most disadvantaged members of society, are more vulnerable to mental health problems and domestic abuse

Tachycardia and fever after packed red cell (PRC) infusion: A case report

A 56-year-old female patient with a body weight of 60 kg was brought to the hospital with hematemesis and received one unit of packed red cells (PRCs) for this condition. After 30 min, the patient experienced tachycardia of 120 beats/min and an increased body temperature of 102°F. The patient had no relevant medical history of allergy or similar episodes in the past. The patient was not suffering from any coagulopathies or sickle cell anaemia, which is a prevalent condition in the region. The patient was receiving the PRC for the first time. After this event, the infusion was stopped and immediately injection meropenem, pantoprazole and ondansetron IV were administered. The patient's condition normalised after 6 h. No re-challenge was given after the recovery of the patient. Suspected ADR was analysed according to the World Health organization (WHO) causality assessment scale and the causality was “Possible”. Meticulous monitoring and prompt therapy were provided. The patient was discharged after observing for 24 h. The adverse drug reaction was possibly caused due to the PRCs