TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF GUDUCHYADI YOGA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RAKTACHAPADHIKYATA OR ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION-A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Hypertension is the most pressing public health challenges. It is estimated that approximately 1 billion people are suffering from high blood pressure and the numbers are to increase to 2.5 billion by 2025. Raktachaapadhikya is the coined term for increased blood pressure given by recent authors where it can be understood as the pathology of Vyanvayu. The usage of Guduchyadi Yoga has been highlighted in the classics of Ayurveda for targeting the Hridaya sthitha vayu, which has not been evaluated yet. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Navahridaya Kalpa (standard drug) and Guduchyadi Yoga (trial drug) for management of essential hypertension. Materials and Methods: A simple randomized controlled clinical study where 40 patients were equally divided as group A: Navahridaya kalpa (standard drug) and Group B: Guduchyadi yoga (trial drug) for a period of one month. Observations and results: The study result revealed that both the groups were beneficial in reducing high blood pressure however with no statistically significant difference found between the groups with p value being 0.339 for standard drug and 0.363 for trial drug. The group B was also found to be effective in reducing systolic blood pressure of stage I hypertension with p value .044 on comparing between the groups. Conclusion: The Guduchyadi yoga acts as Rasayana with the property of rejuvenation and antihypertensive which will check the high blood pressure at a very minimum cost without having any major adverse effects in the patients and hence can be advocated for use on a daily a basis

Prevalent infant feeding practices among the mothers presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Garhwal Himalayan region, Uttarakhand, India

Introduction: There is paucity of studies on infant feeding practices from the rural areas of garhwal Himalayas of the state of uttarakhand. The present study was designed to assess the infant feeding practices in Garhwal region. Infant feeding practices have significant implications on a child's health. Early nutritional status especially during the first year of life has been shown to have a significant effect on child health and development. Optimal infant feeding practices are crucial for nutritional status, growth, development, health, and ultimately the survival of infants and young children. The study of infant feeding practices is essential before formulation of any interventional programme. Settings and Design: A study was conducted in HNB Base Hospital and Teaching Institute with the aim to assess the infant feeding practices and the prevalence of malnutrition in the study population reporting at the hospital in garhwal region of uttarakhand. Methods and Material: This is an observational cross sectional study. 275 infants were included in the study. After taking informed consent, case study forms were filled by interviewing the infants' mothers. Weight, length and head circumference of each infant was also measured. The information thus obtained was compiled, tabulated and analysed statistically. Results: The study findings revealed that 46.4% infants in the age group 0-5 months were breastfed within 1 hour of birth. 52.8% infants aged 0-5 months of were exclusively breastfed. 33.6% infants in age group 0-5 months received prelacteal feeds. 53.12% infants in age group 6-8 months received solid, semi-solid or soft food, in addition to breast milk. 53.33% infants were partially or fully bottle fed. Age appropriate feeding was found in 56% infants. The percentage of wasting, stunting and underweight in 0-5 months was 33.6%,30.4% and 36.8% respectively . The percentage of wasting, stunting and underweight in 6-11 months was 28%, 26.5% and 30.7% respectively. There appeared to be an association between longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding and lower prevalence of stunting and underweight at 6 months of age. Conclusions: This study shows that undesirable infant feeding practices are still prevalent in the community. Lower prevalence of stunting and underweight was observed in infants with longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding. A comprehensive plan to address the problems in infant feeding should be formulated. Antenatal counselling of mothers should be done. Revitalization of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative(BHFI) in health facilities is recommended

A COMMON PATHOLOGY, A RARE CAUSE – A CASE REPORT OF CANDIDIAL GASTRIC PERFORATION

Peritonitis due to peptic ulcer perforation is a frequently encountered surgical emergency. Intake of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Helicobacter pylori infection and neoplastic etiology are the common causes documented. Uncommonly peptic perforation can be due to fungal infection. If it occurs; it is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. This case report emphasize on considering fungal infection as etiology of gastric perforation, even when other common causes like NSAIDs intake are present. An early diagnosis can prevent fatal complications like shock, fever, wound complications and multiorgan failure. Knowledge of such case reports can help a surgeon in dealing with common pathology but rare etiology