Study reveals link between osteosarcopenia and mortality in older adults undergoing TAVR

Canada: A recent study investigating the association between osteosarcopenia and mortality among older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has unveiled concerning findings, highlighting the importance of addressing musculoskeletal health in cardiovascular interventions. The study, conducted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, offers valuable insights into the impact of osteoporosis and sarcopenia on clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population.

The cohort study of 605 older patients undergoing TAVR, published in JAMA Cardiology, showed that osteosarcopenia detected using clinical CT scans could be used to identify frail patients with a 3-fold increase in 1-year mortality after TAVR.

The study stated that the opportunistic method for osteosarcopenia assessment could be used to support decision-making, improve risk prediction, and trigger rehabilitation interventions in older adults.

“The findings showed that osteosarcopenia was coprevalent with geriatric syndromes, such as frailty, and was tied to a 2-fold increase in incident disability and a 3-fold increase in 1-year mortality,” the researchers reported. Isolated findings of low bone density or low muscle mass were not associated with mortality or incident disability.

TAVR has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option for severe aortic stenosis in older adults deemed high risk for traditional surgical procedures. While TAVR has revolutionized the management of aortic valve disease, the potential influence of musculoskeletal health on post-procedural outcomes has garnered increasing attention among clinicians and researchers.

Osteosarcopenia is a condition characterized by the coexistence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Osteoporosis involves the weakening of bones, while sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength, which are common age-related conditions associated with frailty and increased mortality risk.

Despite the established relevance of sarcopenia and frailty among older adults undergoing TAVR, osteosarcopenia has yet to be investigated in this setting. Therefore, Pablo Solla-Suarez, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada, and colleagues aimed to determine the association between osteosarcopenia and adverse outcomes following TAVR.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a post hoc analysis of the FRAILTY-AVR prospective multicenter cohort study and McGill extension that enrolled patients aged 70 years or older undergoing TAVR from 2012 through 2022. The trial was conducted at 14 centers in France, the US, and Canada between 2012 and 2016, and patients at McGill University were enrolled on an ongoing basis up to 2022.

Clinically indicated CT scans acquired before TAVR were analyzed to quantify vertebral bone density (VBD) and psoas muscle area (PMA). Osteosarcopenia was defined as a combination of low VBD and low PMA according to published cutoffs.

The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, 30-day mortality, disposition, and worsening disability.

The researchers reported the following findings:

  • Of the 605 patients (45% female), 72% were octogenarian; the mean age was 82.6 years. The mean PMA was 22.1 cm2 in men and 15.4 cm2 in women. Mean VBD was 104.8 Hounsfield units (HU) in men and 98.8 HU in women.
  • 15% of the patients met the criteria for osteosarcopenia and had higher rates of frailty, fractures, and malnutrition at baseline.
  • One-year mortality was highest in patients with osteosarcopenia (32% patients), followed by those with low PMA alone (14% patients), low VBD alone (11% patients), and normal bone and muscle status (9% patients).
  • Osteosarcopenia, but not low VBD or PMA alone, was independently associated with 1-year mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.18) and 1-year worsening disability (OR, 2.11).
  • The association persisted in sensitivity analyses adjusting for the Essential Frailty Toolset, Clinical Frailty Scale, and geriatric conditions such as malnutrition and disability.

“Osteosarcopenia, as assessed by CT, is a novel geriatric risk factor that can be measured opportunistically before TAVR to inform decision-making and identify patients who may benefit from rehabilitation interventions,” the researchers wrote.

Reference:

Solla-Suarez P, Arif SG, Ahmad F, et al. Osteosarcopenia and Mortality in Older Adults Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. JAMA Cardiol. Published online May 15, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2024.0911

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Maternal progesterone therapy may benefit neurodevelopment among fetuses with CHD, reveals JAMA study

USA: In a groundbreaking development, a randomized clinical trial has unveiled promising results regarding progesterone use to enhance neurodevelopment in fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart defects (CHD). The study, published in JAMA Network Open, sheds light on a potential breakthrough in prenatal care, offering new hope for families facing the challenges of CHD.

In the randomized clinical trial (RCT) of maternal progesterone therapy, the overall effect was not statistically different from 0. Subgroup analyses indicate heterogeneity of the response to progesterone among congenital heart defect diagnosis and fetal sex.

Congenital heart defects, affecting approximately 1% of newborns globally, pose significant medical challenges, often requiring complex interventions and lifelong management. Beyond the cardiac implications, these defects have been associated with neurodevelopmental delays and disorders, raising concerns about cognitive and behavioral outcomes in affected children.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with CHD have improved minimally over the past 20 years. J. William Gaynor, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and colleagues aimed to assess the tolerability and feasibility of maternal progesterone therapy and the magnitude of the effect on neurodevelopment for fetuses with CHD.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a double-blinded individually randomized parallel-group clinical trial of vaginal natural progesterone therapy vs placebo in participants carrying fetuses with CHD between 2014 and 2021 at a quaternary care children’s hospital.

Participants included maternal-fetal dyads with CHD identification before the fetus’ 28 weeks of gestational age and were likely to require surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in the neonatal period. Exclusion criteria included an extracardiac anomaly or major genetic than 22q11 deletion syndrome and known contraindication to progesterone.

Participants were block-randomized in a 1:1 ratio to vaginal progesterone or placebo by diagnosis: transposition of the great arteries (TGA), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), and other CHD diagnoses. Twice daily treatment was administered between 28 and up to 39 weeks gestational age.

The primary outcome was the motor score of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III; secondary outcomes were language and cognitive scales. Exploratory prespecified subgroups included fetal sex, cardiac diagnosis, maternal-fetal environment, and genetic profile.

The study led to the following findings:

  • The 102 enrolled fetuses primarily had HLHS (50.9%) and TGA (37.3%), were more frequently male (65.7%), and without genetic anomalies (59.8%).
  • The mean motor score differed by 2.5 units for progesterone compared with placebo, a value not statistically different from 0.
  • Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested treatment heterogeneity for the motor score for cardiac diagnosis and fetal sex but not genetic profile or maternal-fetal environment.

“We recommend continued study into possible benefits of progesterone for a targeted subset of patients with congenital heart defects,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Gaynor JW, Moldenhauer JS, Zullo EE, et al. Progesterone for Neurodevelopment in Fetuses With Congenital Heart Defects: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2412291. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12291

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Study Reveals Association of Muscle Disorders in Late Postmenopausal Women Linked to Menopause Type

Chile: As women transition through menopause, they often face many physiological changes, including alterations in muscle health. A new study published in the journal Menopause has shed light on the association between muscle disorders and the type of menopause experienced by late postmenopausal women. The findings underscore the importance of understanding menopause’s impact on muscle health to better manage postmenopausal symptoms. 

The study revealed that women with premature surgical menopause (PM) reported more musculoskeletal discomfort and sarcopenia than those with normal age of menopause (NAM). Physical activity and hormone therapy reduced sarcopenia risk.

Surgical menopause, often induced by bilateral oophorectomy, leads to an abrupt decline in estrogen levels, which plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass and strength. This hormonal imbalance can accelerate muscle loss and increase the risk of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass, strength, and function.

Juan E. Blümel, Universidad de Chile, Orquídeas, Santiago de Chile, Chile, and colleagues aimed to compare muscle disorders among women according to the type of experienced menopause: premature (PM) or normal age of menopause (NAM).

For this purpose, they conducted a cross-sectional study in nine Latin American countries in which late postmenopausal women (55 to 70 years) were surveyed with a general questionnaire, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS: item #4 exploring musculoskeletal discomfort), and the strength, rising from a chair, assistance with walking, climbing stairs, and falling questionnaire (risk of sarcopenia).

644 women were included: 468 had NAM, and 176 had PM (116 spontaneous and 60 surgical). The overall mean age of the participants was 60.9 ± 4.2 years.

The study led to the following findings:

  • Women who had PM experienced more musculoskeletal discomfort (33.5% vs 20.9%, P < 0.001) and a higher likelihood of sarcopenia (35.2% vs 19.9%, P < 0.001) than women who had a NAM.
  • Women who had surgical PM exhibited a higher prevalence of severe musculoskeletal discomfort (46.7% vs 29.3%) and a higher likelihood of sarcopenia (45.0% vs 27.6%) than women who had a NAM.
  • After adjusting for covariates (age, body mass index, physical activity, menopausal hormone therapy use, education, use of antidepressants, cigarette consumption, comorbidities, sexual activity, and having a partner), the logistic regression model determined that spontaneous PM was not associated with higher odds of musculoskeletal discomfort and higher odds of sarcopenia.
  • Women who had surgical PM were more likely to experience musculoskeletal discomforts (odds ratio: 2.26) and higher odds for sarcopenia (odds ratio: 2.05) as compared to women who experienced a NAM.

In conclusion, the study showed a higher likelihood of muscle disorders in women experiencing surgical PM. The findings underscore the potential significance of hormonal levels in impacting musculoskeletal health during postmenopause.

Reference:

Vallejo, María S. MD1; Blümel, Juan E. MD, PhD2; Chedraui, Peter MD, PhD3,4; Tserotas, Konstantinos MD5; Salinas, Carlos MD6; Rodrigues, Marcio A. MD7; Rodríguez, Doris A. MD8; Rey, Claudia MD9; Ojeda, Eliana MD10; Ñañez, Mónica MD11; Monterrosa-Castro, Álvaro MD12; Gómez-Tabares, Gustavo MD13; Espinoza, María T. MD14; Escalante, Carlos MD15; Elizalde, Alejandra MD16; Dextre, Maribel MD17; Calle, Andrés MD18; Aedo, Sócrates MSc19. Association of muscle disorders in late postmenopausal women according to the type of experienced menopause. Menopause ():10.1097/GME.0000000000002367, April 30, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002367

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Does material of endocrowns matter for successful restoration of endodontically treated teeth? Study draws comparison

Iran: In a groundbreaking study, researchers have delved into the effectiveness of CAD/CAM endocrowns crafted from different materials over two years. The study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, has shed light on the performance and durability of endocrowns made from three distinct materials: feldspathic, zirconia lithium silicate, and lithium disilicate.

The latest study stated, “With endocrowns made of the mentioned ceramics showing a high durability and success rate in the short term, they can be considered a safe choice for endodontically restoring treated teeth.” The researchers noted that caries were the most common reason for the failure of the restorations, and type of restoration or tooth type had no role to play in restoration failure. 89.36% of restorations were identified as clinically excellent or good.

Endocrowns are an essential restorative option for extensively damaged teeth, offering functional and aesthetic benefits. However, the choice of material for these restorations can significantly impact their clinical performance and longevity. Faezeh Atri, associate professor, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and colleagues aimed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of endocrowns made of zirconia lithium silicate, feldspathic, and lithium disilicate ceramics using a chairside CAD/CAM system.

For this purpose, the researchers compared the clinical outcomes of 141 endocrown restorations in the posterior teeth of 85 patients in a two-year follow-up. Restorations’ efficacy was evaluated in three aspects: biological response, esthetics, and function, with the aid of the FDI guideline, and presented as descriptive analyses.

Based on the study, the researchers reported the following findings:

  • The type of restorations (zirconia lithium silicate, feldspathic, and lithium disilicate) and underlying teeth (molars and premolars) play no part in restorations’ failure.
  • Recurrence of caries is primarily responsible for the failure of the endocrowns.
  • Secondary caries and radiolucency were observed in four teeth (2.83%).
  • The clinical efficacy of 89.36% of restorations fell into the category of “clinically excellent” and “clinically good.”
  • 7.09% of restorations were classified as “clinically sufficient/satisfactory,” and only 3.54% of restorations needed replacement due to having “clinically unsatisfactory” and “clinically poor” quality.

“Endocrowns made of several ceramics have been proven reliable restorations for endodontically treated premolars and molars,” the researchers wrote.

With further research and advancements in material science, restorative dentistry continues to evolve, offering patients increasingly sophisticated treatment options tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

The study represents a significant contribution to the dental community, providing valuable insights that will inform clinical decision-making and enhance the quality of patient care in the realm of endocrown restorations.

Reference:

Jalali, S., Asgari, N., Pirooz, P., Younespour, S., & Atri, F. (2024). Comparison of Clinical Efficacy of CAD/CAM Endocrowns Made of Feldspathic, Zirconia Lithium Silicate, and Lithium Disilicate: A Two-year Mixed Cohort Study. Journal of Dentistry, 105019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105019

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PROMOTE Study Reveals Potential of Polypill Intervention in Stroke and Cognitive Impairment Prevention

The PROMOTE study, sponsored by the Program of Support for Institutional Development for the Unified Health System (PROADI-SUS) of the Hospital Moinhos de Vento in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Brazil, was conducted by a collaborative team of researchers from different Institutions, led by Professor Sheila Cristina Ouriques Martins.

The study was designed to prove the World Stroke Organisation’s concept of a comprehensive intervention approach in primary prevention to “Cut Stroke in Half”, conceived by former World Stroke Organisation President Michael Brainin from Austria, and Professor Valery Feigin from New Zealand. The intervention is based on lifestyle modification utilising the Stroke Riskometer and a polypill containing anti-hypertensive and statin for patients at low to moderate risk of stroke, a population that currently has no recommendation for medication use. The main study will explore the efficacy of intervention in reducing the incidence of stroke and cognitive impairment in this population. The polypill regimen comprised valsartan 80mg, amlodipine 5mg, and rosuvastatin 10mg.

PROMOTE is a Phase III, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial recruiting participants aged 50-75 years without a history of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, or cardiovascular disease, yet presenting systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels between 120- 139mmHg and at least one lifestyle risk factor (including an unhealthy diet, sedentarism, obesity or smoking). This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of this strategy implementation, the tolerability of this new polypill, and the potential impact of this integrated intervention, including as the main outcome a target reduction in 2.5mmHg in SBP and improvement in 0.4 points in the Life’s Simple 7 score over a 9-month period. Participants underwent a 28-day run-in phase to evaluate adherence and tolerance to the polypill regimen. Primary Health Care Units in southern Brazil were randomised into clusters to implement Stroke Riskometer-guided lifestyle modification or provide standard care, while individual participants were allocated to the polypill or placebo.

The pilot study enrolled 371 patients, with a mean age of 59 years, 64% were women and 87% white. The mean estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk was 4-5%. The polypill regimen was very well-tolerated, with only 4% of participants excluded after the run-in period because of mild adverse events. In total, serious adverse events occurred only in 1.4% of patients and were not related to the polypill.

Participants receiving the polypill experienced a significant 13 mmHg reduction in SBP throughout the study duration compared to 4 mmHg in the placebo group. Notably, participants in the Polypill+Riskometer group exhibited the most pronounced reduction in SBP. Participants taking the polypill also showed a reduction of 38 mg/dl in LDL cholesterol, with no difference observed in the placebo group. The riskometer did not add benefit in reducing cholesterol but, encouragingly, 71% of participants utilising the Stroke Riskometer reported its efficacy in facilitating lifestyle modifications.

The PROMOTE pilot study demonstrated that the new polypill can already be used for hypertensive population and it is effective and well tolerated in patients with lower blood pressure but still with an increased risk for stroke. The riskometer is a free app, easy to use, and can assist in lifestyle modification. The findings from the PROMOTE pilot may represent a paradigm shift in preventive healthcare based on combined therapies targeting vascular risk factors to reduce the incidence of stroke and cognitive impairment.

The results of the expansion for a large clinical trial with 8,250 participants is now starting across the entire country. This may demonstrate the impact in stroke and cognitive decline in this new target population with low and middle risk of stroke, with the expectation of cutting stroke rates.

Reference:

POLYPILL AND RISKOMETER TO PREVENT STROKE AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE – FINAL RESULTS OF THE PROMOTE PILOT STUDY. Presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference; 15 May 2024; Basel, Switzerland.

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Prenatal exposure to air pollution associated with increased mental health risks: JAMA

A baby’s exposure to air pollution while in the womb is associated with the development of certain mental health problems once the infant reaches adolescence, new research has found. The University of Bristol-led study, published in JAMA Network Open, examined the long-term mental health impact of early-life exposure to air and noise pollution.

Growing evidence suggests air pollution, which comprises toxic gases and particulate matter, might contribute to the onset of mental health problems. It is thought that pollution could negatively affect mental health via numerous pathways, including by compromising the blood-brain barrier, promoting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and directly entering the brain and damaging tissue.

Despite youth being a key period for the onset of these problems, until now, relatively few studies have investigated the associations of air and noise exposure during early life with mental health.

In this new study, researchers sought to examine the long-term impact of air and noise pollution exposure during pregnancy, early childhood and adolescence on three common mental health problems: psychotic experiences (including hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that others cannot, and delusions, such as having very paranoid thoughts), depression and anxiety.

To investigate this, the team used data from over 9,000 participants from Bristol’s Children of the 90s birth cohort study (also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children), which recruited over 14,000 pregnant women from the Bristol area between 1991 and 1992, and has followed the lives of the women, the children and their partners ever since.

By linking participants’ early childhood data with their mental health reports at the ages of 13, 18 and 24 years, researchers were able to use this to map against outdoor air and noise pollution in South West England at different time points.

Researchers found that relatively small increases in fine particulate matter during pregnancy and childhood were associated with more psychotic experiences and depression symptoms many years later in teenage years and early-adulthood. These associations persisted after considering many related risk factors, such as family psychiatric history, socioeconomic status, and other area-level factors such as population density, deprivation, greenspace and social fragmentation.

The team found that every 0.72 micrograms per cubic meter increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy and childhood was associated with an 11 per cent increased odds and 9 per cent increased odds for psychotic experiences, respectively; while exposure in pregnancy was associated with a 10 per cent increased odds for depression. In contrast, higher noise pollution exposure in childhood and teenage years was subsequently associated with more anxiety symptoms.

Dr Joanne Newbury, Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the University’s Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS) and the study’s lead author, said: “Childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood are critical periods for the development of psychiatric disorders: worldwide, nearly two-thirds of those affected become unwell by the age of 25. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence – from different populations, locations, and using different study designs – suggesting a detrimental impact of air pollution (and potentially noise pollution) on mental health.

“This is a major concern, because air pollution is now such a common exposure, and rates of mental health problems are increasing globally. Given that pollution is also a preventable exposure, interventions to reduce exposure, such as low emissions zones, could potentially improve mental health. Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups including pregnant women and children could also provide an opportunity for more rapid reductions in exposure.

“It is important to emphasise that these findings, by themselves, do not prove a causal association. However, other recent studies have shown that low emissions zones appear to have a positive impact on mental health.”

Reference:

Newbury JB, Heron J, Kirkbride JB, et al. Air and Noise Pollution Exposure in Early Life and Mental Health From Adolescence to Young Adulthood. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2412169. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12169.

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Incorporate sample size proportionate with each indication: CDSCO Panel Tells Sun Pharma on Ranibizumab study

New Delhi: Reviewing the proposal for conducting the Phase IV study of Ranibizumab Solution for Injection 10 mg/mL, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has opined the drug major Sun Pharma to incorporate the sample size proportionate with each indication in the study.

This came after the drug major Sun Pharma presented the proposal for permission to conduct a Phase IV study titled “A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, Phase IV study to assess the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of Ranibizumab solution for injection 10 mg/mL (rDNA Origin) vide protocol No. ICR/23/004, version No. 2.0 dated 05.04.2024.

Ranibizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody and VEGF-A antagonist used for the management of macular edema after retinal vein occlusion, age-related macular degeneration (wet), and diabetic macular edema.

Ranibizumab is a recombinant humanized IgG1 kappa isotype monoclonal antibody fragment directed against human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), which is a glycoprotein implicated in the pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration.

Ranibizumab binds to VEGF-A with high affinity as well as its biologically active forms, such as VEGF165, VEGF121, and VEGF110. Notably, VEGF165 is the most predominant isoform in the human eye that promotes ocular neovascularization. VEGF165 enhances vascular permeability, inhibits apoptosis, and causes endothelial-cell mobilization from the bone marrow and differentiation for angiogenesis. Ranibizumab binds to the receptor-binding site of VEGF-A, preventing it from binding to its receptors – VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 – that are expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. Ranibizumab thereby attenuates endothelial cell proliferation, vascular leakage, and new blood vessel formation.

At the recent SEC meeting for Ophthalmology held on 22nd May 2024, the expert panel reviewed the proposal for permission to conduct a Phase IV study titled “A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, Phase IV study to assess the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of Ranibizumab solution for injection 10 mg/mL (rDNA Origin) vide protocol No. ICR/23/004, version No. 2.0 dated 05.04.2024.”

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended incorporating the sample size proportionate with each indication in the study.

Accordingly, the expert panel suggested that the firm should submit the revised protocol to CDSCO for further deliberation by the committee.

Also Read: CDSCO Drug alert: 50 medicine batches flagged

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Punjab and Haryana HC denies anticipatory bail to PNDT clerk accused in bribery case

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rejected an
anticipatory bail application filed by a clerk involved in a bribery case under
the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act of 1994. The
clerk is accused of soliciting a bribe from a doctor to resolve a notice issued
under the PNDT Act.    

The case has highlighted serious allegations of
corruption and complicity in promoting gender bias. The clerk’s actions are
being scrutinized as they undermine the efforts to prevent gender-based
discrimination and ensure the effective implementation of the PNDT Act, which
aims to curb sex-selective practices and uphold gender equality.  

The case revolves around allegations that a clerk
demanded a bribe from a doctor to settle a notice related to the PNDT Act. A
doctor who was running an Imaging and Diagnostic Centre at
Barsat Road, Panipat complained that in the year 2023, a Nodal Officer PNDT and a
dealing clerk of the Civil Hospital, Panipat had checked F-Forms (patient forms) in
their centre and they issued him notice by deliberately creating errors with
the intention for taking bribe.

When the complainant met the doctor and the clerk, they
demanded Rs. 3,00,000/- bribe money and threatened the complainant that if the bribe amount was not paid, then they would falsely implicate him (complainant) in
PC & PNDT cases. However, the complainant approached the police and set a
trap to catch the offenders who agreed to settle the matter with Rs 2,00,00 red-handed. The prosecution presented substantial evidence,
including recorded conversations, that implicated the clerk in the bribery scheme.
Additionally, the recovery of the bribe money further corroborated the charges
against him.

Upon reviewing the evidence and the serious nature
of the allegations, the Court concluded that the clerk’s involvement in the
bribery scandal justified the denial of anticipatory bail. The Bench emphasized
his extensive communication with Dr Kumar and the recovery of the bribe
as strong evidence supporting the accusations. The court also stated
that the
petitioner’s job was to keep an eye on the clinics that had licenses to conduct
ultrasound, and such machines were under the provisions of the PNDT Act.

While denying bail to the complainant, the bench
comprising Justice Anoop Chitkara stated, “Those who, for
their small monetary gains misuse such sensitive positions, not only betray the
trust the system has reposed in them, being on such responsible and powerful
positions but also fail the society, making their conduct highly unethical,
immoral and reducing them to the status of lowest kinds of human beings.

Furthermore, the Court underscored the broader
societal impact of gender bias, highlighting statistics on the
declining female-to-male ratio in India and Haryana. The Bench noted the
prevalence of son preference and its harmful effects on gender equality, urging
vigorous efforts to combat gender bias and promote social justice.

“The Nodal Agencies under
the PNDT are supposed to work with the highest standards of morality, with a
strong and unshakeable sense of responsibility, and have to be bold enough to
work towards curbing female foeticide, which has led to falling female-gender
ratio in the North Indian population. When officials at such responsible,
sensitive, powerful positions, instead of proudly shouldering their
responsibilities, pawn off their morals, their honour, their duties; for
illegal financial gains, the society needs to get alarmed. Protecting the life
of our future generation is not only one of the most fundamental duties of the
legal system but also of the world at large and such a pivotal constitutional
duty cannot be callously brushed away, as it is our dignity itself, which is at
stake,” stated the order. 

The court has expressed genuine concern over such incidences where offenders blackmail these unethical
people and doctors and further extract and extort massive amounts of money. Instead of
checking and putting an end to such practices and unethical practitioners
and such gangs, who are extorting money from those doctors who agree to disclose
gender and pregnancy status under pressure or because of the greed for money,
certain corrupt employees at such highly sensitive and noble posts, very
lightly, shrug off their principal duties.

To view the order, click the link below:

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Delay in diagnosing complications after bariatric surgery results in patient death: NCDRC directs Kolkata hospital, doctors to pay Rs 75 lakh

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) recently directed a Kolkata-based hospital and its two doctors to pay Rs 75 lakh compensation and Rs 2 lakh litigation cost to the family of a man, who died due to complications after undergoing sleeve gastronomy, in the form of bariatric surgery.
After the patient’s condition worsened a week after the surgery, he was taken to the hospital again. However, the doctors at the hospital, a doctor of General Medicine and an Anesthetist delayed conducting a CT scan to diagnose the problem. Due to this delay, gangrene developed in the patient’s intestine, opined the NCDRC bench.
For more information click on the link below:

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Banas Medical College MBBS interns demand stipend increase, on strike

Around 100 MBBS interns at Banas Medical College, Palanpur have called a strike demanding a stipend of Rs. 18,200 as opposed to Rs 12000 that they are receiving currently. The Interns are also demanding proper accommodation arrangements.
The interns of the medical college have stated that they are being paid Rs. 12,000 per month which is significantly less than the minimum stipend mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.
For more information click on the link below:

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