The Indian Practitioner

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Understanding its Basic Pathophysiology to find Holistic Solutions

Dr. Manish R. Pandya — 2024-10-30

PCOS presents commonly in women of reproductive age group. Its pathogenesis has been studied over decades, and the knowledge is still evolving. Insulin resistance and androgen excess, and the resulting hormonal imbalance presenting as ovulation, menstrual irregularities and infertility, influenced by obesity, diet, lifestyle, metabolic factors, stress, and environmental factors suggest a multifactorial process. Understanding the same can enable effective management with lifestyle and diet solutions, and appropriate medicines and supplements.

Medi Matters

The Indian Practitioner — 2024-10-30

Recognizing cardiac risk factors, signs-symptoms of heart disease, and taking timely action - Awareness on World Heart Day

The Indian Practitioner — 2024-10-30

Heart Disease, and Acute Coronary Events are being increasingly heard of in current times, even in young people. On World Heart Day 29th September, an interview with Cardiologist Dr Siddharth Dagli, gives useful insights to physicians and primary care givers on risk factors, preventive care, screening tests, recognizing symptoms, and timely action, diagnosis and intervention for cardiovascular disease.

The Ill Effects on Human Health Due to Heat Wave Conditions - Dr. Jatin Panchal

The Indian Practitioner — 2024-10-30

Heat is an important environmental and occupational health hazard, and ‘heat stress’ is the leading cause of weather related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses and increase in the risk of accidents and transmission of some infectious diseases. (WHO 2024). Heatstroke is a medical emergency with a high-case fatality rate.The number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change in all world regions. Heat-related mortality for people over 65 years of age increased by approximately 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021 (Lancet Countdown: Heat-related Mortality. 2023). In India the heat wave months are generally April early June which is dry heat. However, as the monsoon begins to tail of, another heat wave in September-October often hits many parts of India especially south-central, and coastal regions.

To undertand how high heat affects the human body, The Indian Practitioner interacted with Dr. Jatin Panchal, MD, General Medicine who explains in detail.

Prevalence and factors affecting Lipohypertrophy in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Dr. Anushree Mehta, Dr. Aspi Irani — 2024-10-30

Aim: To study the frequency of lipohypertrophy and to assess factors affecting lipohypertrophy in patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Method: We screened 85 outpatients with type 1 diabetes mellitus at an annual diabetes education camp for presence of lipohypertrophy by inspection and palpation. They were also asked to fill a questionnaire which included information on various factors affecting lipohypertrophy.

Result: Out of the total 85 patients that we screened 55(64.7%) had lipohypertrophy and 30 (35.3%) did not have lipohypertrophy. Mean HbA1c of those with lipohypertrophy was higher (8.32 ± 1.48) compared to those without lipohypertrophy (7.73 ± 0.97). We found a significant correlation between lipohypertrophy and the following factors: 1) Needle length 2) Site rotation 3) Knowledge about lipohypertrophy and why it occurs.

Conclusion: Patients with lipohypertrophy had poorer glycaemic control compared to those without lipohypertrophy. Presence of lipohypertrophy had a significant correlation with the length of the needle, site rotation and knowledge of the patient about lipohypertrophy

Empowering Healthcare Professionals: Key to Effective Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reaction - Reporting in India

2024-10-30

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting is a crucial component of a Pharmacovigilance (PV) system as it helps ensure patient safety and allows for continuous surveillance of pharmaceutical products. However, in India, there is a significant challenge in ADR reporting by healthcare professionals (HCPs). Indisputably, the HCPs are now playing a much wider role in enhancing healthcare. However, under reporting of ADRscontinues to be a problem that poses a significant threat to patient safety and weakens the effectiveness of the national pharmacovigilance program. This ultimately impacts the overall quality of the healthcare system. This article aims to emphasize the importance of ADR reporting and the challenges faced by the HCPs in India. It also discusses the process of reporting ADR in the country and concludes by proposing potential solutions to increase ADR reporting and to strengthen India’s pharmacovigilance framework.

Applicability Of The Disease Model In Psychiatric Practice: A Personal Perspective - Part 2

Dr. Ashoka Jahnavi Prasad — 2024-10-30

How does one understand what is a disease from the mutual perspective and how does this perspective shape psychiatric practice. This is a very complex and difficult to rationalise definition. The reason being the human being and the human mind are in itself marvellously difficult to understand. Though they say it is all about mind over matter, the concept of mind itself is nebulous and therefore characterisation of mental illness and defining it is challenging.

The author in a three part expatiation, attempts to peel off the leaves covering this subject and attempts to reach the kernel. This is the second part of this series. The first part was published in August 2024 and the third and concluding part will be in Oct 24.

Role of Yoga in the Holistic Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - An Overview

Dr. Aashish Phadke — 2024-10-30

Holistic medicine that includes naturopathy, ayurveda and yoga can give several benefits in many chronic lifestyle and metabolic diseases and complement modern medicine. Yoga can have significant benefits in Polycystic Ovary (Ovarian) Syndrome (PCOS), a condition known to have a multi-factorial metabolic and hormonal etiology. Studies and research have shown the effectiveness of yogic practices in improving and managing various parameters of PCOS. More research is encouraged in the field of yoga and other holistic interventions to manage PCOS to reduce the economic burden and side effects of giving allopathic treatment alone.

Nutraceuticals

The Indian Practitioner — 2024-10-30

AYUSH/ Alternative Medicine

The Indian Practitioner — 2024-10-30

Medi Devices / MedTech

The Indian Practitioner — 2024-10-30