GMC Kanyakumari starts its first breast milk bank

Government Medical College Hospital, located in Kanyakumari, has started its first breast milk bank in the hospital. Kanyakumari Collector said that this facility will be of great help to many neo-natal patients. Doctors at the hospital’s neo-natal department outlined the six stages of the breast milk collection process.

For more details, check out the link given below:

TN: GMC Kanyakumari Kickstarts Its First Breast Milk Bank

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Clofazimine effective alternative to rifampicin for treating Mycobacterium avium lung disease: Study

Netherlands: Findings from a randomized trial showed clofazimine to be a safe and effective alternative to rifampicin for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD).

Retrospective studies have suggested clofazimine as an alternative to rifampicin in MAC-PD treatment. Sanne M.H. Zweijpfenning, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and colleagues sought to determine if a treatment regimen consisting of clofazimine-ethambutol-macrolide non-inferior to the standard treatment regimen (rifampicin-ethambutol-macrolide) in the treatment of M.avium complex pulmonary disease in a single centre non-blinded clinical trial.

The study, published in the CHEST journal, revealed that the clofazimine-ethambutol-macrolide regimen showed similar results to the standard rifampicin-ethambutol-macrolide regimen and should be considered in the MAC-PD treatment. In both the arms, the frequency of adverse events was similar but their nature was different.

Adult patients with MAC-PD were randomly assigned in a ratio of 1:1 to receive clofazimine (n=21) or rifampicin (n=19) as an adjunct to an ethambutol-macrolide backbone. The study’s primary outcome was sputum culture conversion following six months of treatment.

The study led to the following findings:

  • After six months of treatment, both arms showed similar percentages of sputum culture conversion based on intention-to-treat analysis: 58% for rifampicin; and 62% for clofazimine.
  • Study discontinuation, mainly due to adverse events, was equal in both arms (26% versus 33%).
  • Based on an on-treatment analysis sputum culture conversion after 6 months of treatment was 79% in both groups.
  • In the clofazimine arm, diarrhoea was more prevalent (76% versus 37%), while arthralgia was more frequent in the rifampicin arm (37% versus 5%).
  • No difference in the frequency of QTc prolongation was seen between both groups.

“A clofazimine-ethambutol-macrolide regimen is noninferior to the standard rifampicin-ethambutol-macrolide regimen and should be considered in the treatment of M.avium complex pulmonary disease,” the researchers wrote.

“Possible drug-drug interactions and individual patient characteristics should be taken into consideration when choosing an antibiotic regimen for MAC-PD,” they concluded.

Reference:

Zweijpfenning, S. M., Aarnoutse, R., Boeree, M. J., Magis-Escurra, C., Stemkens, R., Geurts, B., Van Ingen, J., & Hoefsloot, W. (2023). Clofazimine is a safe and effective alternative for rifampicin in Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease treatment – outcomes of a randomized trial. CHEST. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2023.11.038

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Young doctor loses life due to cardiac arrest in Delhi metro

While travelling in the Delhi metro, a young doctor lost his life within seconds due to a cardiac arrest in front of a crowd inside the metro train near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station on Saturday.

The student was travelling to ISBT by boarding the Delhi Metro from Ballabhgarh when he suddenly collapsed inside the train and suffered cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, despite being taken out of the metro at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station and rushed to the nearby hospital, he could not be saved.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Shocker: 25 Year Old MBBS Doctor Dies Of Cardiac Arrest While Taking Delhi Metro Ride

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Chennai: 30 year old 1st year Mch Gastroenterology doctor found dead in his apartment

Tamil Nadu: In an unfortunate incident, a 30-year-old doctor was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence in Chulamedu, Chennai. The victim was pursuing his MCh. in Surgical Gastroenterology at Madras Medical College.

The dead body of a doctor named P. Maruthapandian, a resident of the Perambalur district, was found in his flat. He lived with his wife who was pursuing post-graduation in anesthesia at a private medical college near Guduvancheri.

The incident came to light when the victim’s friends and relatives living in Guindy tried to reach out to him several times. However, when he did not answer their calls even once, they became worried and rushed to the victim’s house. After reaching the victim’s house, they tried to open the door but found that it was locked from inside. They then broke the lock and went inside and saw the 30-year-old doctor lying on the floor.

The deceased was taken to Madras Medical College where he was declared dead

The doctor had only enrolled himself in the super specialty course. He was also part of the organ retrieval and liver transplant team the night before the incident.

The Police have recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem after registering a case under section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for unnatural death.

A senior official of the hospital stated The Hindu that “It has been nearly a week since he joined the super speciality course. There were no external injuries on the body. The stomach contents have been sent for forensic analysis. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained. Police are investigating the case”.

One of his colleagues expressed his grief over the death of Dr. Maruthapandian in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

 

 

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TN Hospital, doctor slapped compensation for forcing patient to buy medicine from in-house pharmacy

Holding a Tirunelveli-based hospital and its attending doctor guilty of unfair trade practices and services deficiencies, the Circuit Bench of the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madurai directed them to pay Rs 1 lakh compensation to the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Welfare Fund.

The consumer court gave such an order after noting that the hospital and its doctor forced patients to exclusively buy costly medicines from the pharmacy of the hospital. Further, the complainant was forced to purchase blood even though her sister had the same blood group and they were also charged more than the MRP of the medicines.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Forcing Patient To Buy Medicine From In-House Pharmacy, Charging More Than MRP: TN Hospital, Doctor Slapped Compensation

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Health Bulletin 12/December/2023

Here are the top health stories for the day:

TN Hospital, doctor penalized for forcing patient to buy from overcharging in-house pharmacy

Holding a Tirunelveli-based hospital and its attending doctor guilty of unfair trade practices and services deficiencies, the Circuit Bench of the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madurai directed them to pay Rs 1 lakh compensation to the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Welfare Fund.

The consumer court gave such an order after noting that the hospital and its doctor forced patients to exclusively buy costly medicines from the pharmacy of the hospital. Further, the complainant was forced to purchase blood even though her sister had the same blood group and they were also charged more than the MRP of the medicines.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Forcing Patient To Buy Medicine From In-House Pharmacy, Charging More Than MRP: TN Hospital, Doctor Slapped Compensation

26-year-old doctor collapses, dies in Delhi metro

While travelling in the Delhi metro, a young doctor lost his life within seconds due to a cardiac arrest in front of a crowd inside the metro train near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station on Saturday.

The student was travelling to ISBT by boarding the Delhi Metro from Ballabhgarh when he suddenly collapsed inside the train and suffered cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, despite being taken out of the metro at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station and rushed to the nearby hospital, he could not be saved.

For more details, check out the link given below:

Shocker: 25-Year-Old MBBS Doctor Dies Of Cardiac Arrest While Taking Delhi Metro Ride

TN: GMC Kanyakumari kickstarts its first breast milk bank

Government Medical College Hospital, located in Kanyakumari, has started its first breast milk bank in the hospital. Kanyakumari Collector said that this facility will be of great help to many neo-natal patients. Doctors at the hospital’s neo-natal department outlined the six stages of the breast milk collection process.

For more details, check out the link given below:

TN: GMC Kanyakumari Kickstarts Its First Breast Milk Bank

All FMGs who returned till 31.03.2022 can avail Academic Mobility Programme till March 7, 2024: NMC

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has now set a deadline for Foreign Medical Graduates to avail the benefits of the Academic Mobility Programme.

Issuing a Public Notice on 07.12.2023, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) mentioned that medical students abroad are allowed to migrate to other countries to complete their medical education till 07.03.2024.

For more details, check out the link given below:

All FMGs Who Returned Till 31.03.2022 Can Avail Academic Mobility Programme Till Mach 7, 2024: NMC

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Adjunctive rosiglitazone safe and well-tolerated for pediatric malaria: Study

A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested the efficacy of adjunctive rosiglitazone treatment alongside standard antimalarial care in Mozambican children with severe malaria. The findings were published in International Journal of Infectious Diseases.

The study comprised 180 children and examined if rosiglitazone, a medication commonly used in diabetes management, could impact the levels of circulating angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) and consequently improve the overall prognosis for severe malaria cases.

Children were administered either rosiglitazone or a placebo in addition to standard malaria care over a four-day period. The primary focus was on the rate of decline of Angpt-2 over 96 hours, with secondary outcomes encompassing the dynamics of angiopoietin-1 (Angpt-1), the Angpt-2/Angpt-1 ratio, parasite clearance kinetics, clinical outcomes, and safety measures.

The results revealed that children treated with rosiglitazone exhibited a steeper but non-significant decline in Angpt-2 levels during the initial 96 hours of hospitalization compared to those in the placebo group. A similar non-significant trend was observed for Angpt-1 and the Angpt-2/Angpt-1 ratio. Also, the adjunctive rosiglitazone treatment demonstrated safety and tolerability, with no significant differences in other secondary and safety outcomes between the two groups.

The findings underline the complexities of severe malaria and the need for continued research to explore alternative adjunctive therapies. This trial contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse on innovative approaches to severe malaria management. The exploration of rosiglitazone opens avenues for further investigations by emphasizing the importance of diverse strategies in addressing the complex challenges posed by severe malaria in pediatric populations.

Reference:

Varo, R., Crowley, V. M., Mucasse, H., Sitoe, A., Bramugy, J., Serghides, L., Weckman, A. M., Erice, C., Bila, R., Vitorino, P., Mucasse, C., Valente, M., Ajanovic, S., Balanza, N., Zhong, K., Derpsch, Y., Gladstone, M., Mayor, A., Bassat, Q., & Kain, K. C. (2023). Adjunctive rosiglitazone treatment for severe paediatric malaria: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in Mozambican children. In International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2023.11.031

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Exploring the Truth about Carbohydrates in Diabetes Management with Dr. Rohit Mahajan

The HbA1c test plays a crucial role in diabetes management by measuring average blood sugar levels over several months. It offers valuable insights into how well diabetes is controlled and helps healthcare providers tailor treatment plans effectively. Contrary to a common myth, it’s not necessary to completely avoid all carbohydrates in diabetes management.

Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy and eliminating them isn’t recommended. Instead, focusing on the type and quantity of carbohydrates consumed is essential. Choosing complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which are high in fibre and nutrients, can help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. Portion control and monitoring carbohydrate intake in line with an individual’s specific dietary needs are key.

Understanding the HbA1c test assists in assessing diabetes management progress, but it’s equally important to adopt a balanced approach to diet, including healthy carbohydrates, for effective blood sugar control and overall well-being.

In this video, Dr. Rohit Mahajan, a Diabetologist from Amritsar, Punjab aims to educate viewers about the significance of the HbA1c test in diabetes care while dispelling the myth that all carbohydrates must be avoided in diabetes management. Dr Mahajan emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to carbohydrates, guiding individuals toward healthier choices for better diabetes control and overall health outcomes.

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Myths about the risk associated with Prediabetes and borderline Diabetes explained by Dr. Suman Sarkar

The HbA1c test is a vital tool in diabetes management, measuring average blood sugar levels over several months. Contrary to the common myth that being prediabetic or at the borderline of diabetes is insignificant, it’s crucial to understand the importance of proactive measures even at this stage.

Prediabetes indicates elevated blood sugar levels that haven’t yet reached the diabetic range. However, it significantly escalates the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health complications. Therefore, individuals classified as prediabetic should take it seriously and consider it a warning sign to implement lifestyle changes.

Addressing prediabetes involves adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, managing weight, and regular health check-ups. These proactive steps are critical in preventing or delaying the progression of type 2 diabetes and reducing associated health risks.

Understanding the significance of the HbA1c test helps monitor blood sugar trends, aiding in early intervention to prevent the onset of diabetes and related complications. Therefore, being at the prediabetic stage warrants attention and immediate lifestyle modifications to secure better health outcomes in the long run.

In this video, Dr Suman Sarkar, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, KPC Medical College Hospital, Kolkata aims to educate viewers about the importance of the HbA1c test in prediabetes care while dispelling the myth that being prediabetic isn’t a cause for concern. Dr Sarkar emphasizes the need for proactive lifestyle changes and regular monitoring at the prediabetic stage to prevent the progression to diabetes and ensure better long-term health.

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Oral probiotics have no significant impact on HbA1c levels in children with type 1 diabetes: Study

Iran: A randomized clinical trial published in Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism has shed light on the effect of oral probiotics on glycated haemoglobin levels (HbA1c) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

The study showed no significant effect of consumption of oral probiotics on HbA1c levels in children with type 1 diabetes.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that can have positive effects on the balance of intestinal microflora and the health of the host. Recent studies have shown that probiotics can promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut and improve the diabetes course. The effectiveness of probiotics has been reported in the treatment of some diseases such as insulin resistance, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver.

Proper control of blood glucose in children with type 1 diabetes has a direct effect on their quality of life and metabolism by reducing the risk of complications. Hosein Shabani-Mirzaee, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the effect of oral consumption of probiotics on glycosylated haemoglobin in children with type 1 diabetes.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial comprising 52 children with type 1 diabetes. They were categorized into two groups of 26 individuals each.

The probiotic group received a daily probiotic capsule for 90 days, along with a routine insulin therapy. The control group received only insulin therapy. Blood samples of both groups were taken to measure fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profiles at the trial’s beginning and end.

Key findings of the study:

  • HbA1c was high in both groups, but this increase was lower in the probiotic group (an increase of 0.1%) than in the control group (an increase of more than 0.4%). This decrease in HbA1c rising in the probiotic group was not statistically significant.
  • The mean level of fasting plasma glucose in the probiotic group was significantly reduced compared to the control group.
  • Acute complications of diabetes, like ketoacidosis or considerable hypoglycaemia, did not occur in the studied patients.

“The results suggest that the consumption of oral probiotics has no significant effect on HbA1c levels in children with T1DM,” the researchers wrote. “Another result of this study was a significant reduction in the mean level of fasting plasma glucose in the probiotic group after the intervention.”

“This issue may indicate the potential of future studies on the beneficial effect of probiotics with glycemic status in children with type 1 diabetes,” they concluded.

Reference:

Shabani-Mirzaee H, Haghshenas Z, Malekiantaghi A, Vigeh M, Mahdavi F, Eftekhari K. The effect of oral probiotics on glycated haemoglobin levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus – a randomized clinical trial. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2023;29(3):128-133. doi: 10.5114/pedm.2023.132025. PMID: 38031828; PMCID: PMC10679923.

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