Study of inspiratory lung function parameters in Indian children

Background: The inspiratory parameters of pulmonary function test commonly used for various purposes in clinical practice including diagnosing airway obstruction. Expiratory portion of the flow volume loop of the pulmonary function test is studied in detail. The prediction equations for expiratory parameters are available for different population. However, the reference equation for inspiratory parameters is not available in Indian context. The current study derived the prediction equation for inspiratory parameters of pulmonary function test.Methods: The current study was carried out in school going 732 healthy girls and 1377 boys aged 6-15 years in India.  The children who meet the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study after detailed medical examination by registered medical practitioner. The lung function parameters were recorded by spirometry. The multivariate regression analysis was done to develop the prediction model.Results: The prediction equation for predicting inspiratory parameter were developed. This study revealed gender-wise and geographical variation in the inspiratory parameters. Hence this study recommends to derive gender wise prediction equations. The reference equations derived in this study can be used in population with similar background.Conclusions: Use of these equations for population having similar backgrounds will help for early and accurate diagnosis of the airway abnormalities in children. The inspiratory parameter assessment shall be included in the routine assessment of respiratory patient

Tracking lipid profile and atherogenic indices in the prediabetics of Andaman Nicobar Islands: A retrospective hospital-based study

Context: Cardio vascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetes mellitus (DM) contributing to 65% of all deaths with diabetic complications. The most important cause of CVD is atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia acts as a marker of developing atherosclerosis. The derangement of lipid profile and atherogenic indices start in the prediabetic state, much before the development of DM. Detection of the deranged lipid profile and atherogenic indices in the prediabetic state can help devise the aggressive treatment strategy right from this stage, so as to arrest the development of CVD as a complication of diabetes. Aims: To compare the lipid profile and atherogenic indices of prediabetics with controls and diabetics. Settings and Design: The electronic medical records of 239 subjects were reviewed retrospectively. Materials and Methods: About 187 cases consisting of 137 diabetics and 50 prediabetics were evaluated for serum fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc). Atherogenic indices [TC/HDLc, LDLc/HDLc, (TC-HDLc)/HDLc, TG/HDLc] were also evaluated in the two groups. Rest 52 age- and sex-matched subjects were taken as controls. Statistical Analysis Used: The comparisons were evaluated using SPSS statistical package version 20. Results: TC, TG, LDLc, and the atherogenic indices were significantly increased in prediabetics as compared with controls. HDLc was significantly decreased in prediabetics. Conclusions: The altered lipid profile and atherogenic indices in prediabetics signify the increased susceptibility of prediabetics to CVD in the long run. Hence, we recommend screening of prediabetics for dyslipidemia to arrest the development of cardiovascular complications

Population-based repeat cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Area, Maharashtra, India

Context: Population-based seroepidemiological studies are recommended to measure the extent of spread of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection in an area. The present seroprevalence survey was planned with the aim to estimate the cumulative burden of the COVID-19 disease in the Pimpri Chinchwad corporation area. Aims: To estimate the cumulative burden of the COVID-19 disease in the Pimpri Chinchwad corporation area. Settings and Design: The study was carried out in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) city area. It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Materials and Methods: A population-based seroprevalence study for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was carried out among 10082 residents in the age group of 6 years and above selected by cluster random sampling. Thirty-five clusters were in slums, 45 clusters in tenements and 120 clusters from housing societies. The fieldwork for the collection of samples was carried out from 16 June to 17 June 2021. For antibody testing, a kit from Abbott (SARS-CoV-2 IgG) was used which employs chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) technology. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency analysis was done for sociodemographic variables, the cumulative incidence of COVID-19, age-stratified infection rate, risk factors and COVID symptomatic versus asymptomatic cases. Chi-square test of association was applied to test the association between seropositivity and sociodemographic and clinical profile of participants. Results: The overall seropositivity for IgG antibodies was 81.34%. Those living in the Gaothan area (tenements) had a positivity rate of 84.5%. The age group between 45 and 60 years had a seropositivity of 91%. Conclusions: The study indicates that a considerable proportion of the population had encountered the novel coronavirus approaching herd immunity