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.

Also Read: Operations at Natco Pharma Chennai factory temporarily disrupted due to cyclone

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).

 

 

Also Read: NEET PG Special Stray Vacancy Round Stayed in Tamil Nadu

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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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Pfizer Marstacimab regulatory submissions for treatment of Hemophilia A and B accepted by USFDA, EMA

New York: Pfizer Inc. has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for its anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor (anti-TFPI) candidate marstacimab for individuals living with hemophilia A or hemophilia B without inhibitors to Factor VIII (FVIII) or Factor IX (FIX). The European marketing authorization application (MAA) for marstacimab also passed validation and is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date in the fourth quarter of 2024, and a decision from the European Commission is anticipated by the first quarter of 2025. “If approved in the U.S. and EU, marstacimab is expected to become the first once-weekly subcutaneous treatment for people living with haemophilia B and the first treatment administered as a flat dose for people living with haemophilia A or B,” the Company stated in a release.

“Marstacimab has demonstrated that it may be an efficacious treatment option with once-weekly, subcutaneous flat-dose administration via an auto-injector pen, for appropriate patients, if approved. This is critical as intravenous infusions are typically required for people living with these diseases today,” said James Rusnak, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Research and Development, Pfizer. “We look forward to progressing the review of this novel therapy with the FDA, EMA, and global regulatory authorities to bring this important medicine to patients globally.”

For more than five decades, the most common treatment approach for hemophilia A and B has been factor replacement therapy, which replaces missing clotting factors to facilitate proper blood coagulation. Marstacimab is a novel, investigational treatment for hemophilia that is designed to restore hemostasis by inhibiting TFPI. For appropriate patients living with hemophilia A and B, the goal of this treatment is to prevent potentially life-threatening bleeds with a once-weekly, subcutaneous flat-dose administration.

The submissions for marstacimab are based on efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 BASIS trial (NCT03938792). Key findings were recently presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition on December 9, 2023. The inhibitor cohort of the BASIS trial has completed enrollment and is expected to read out as early as late 2024.

Read also: Pfizer Elrexfio gets European Commission approval for Multiple Myeloma

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Are intracavernosal injections of platelet-rich plasma effective against erectile dysfunction?

Italy: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intracavernosal injections may objectively improve or at least show a tendency for recovery in erectile function in men affected by primary organic erectile dysfunction (ED), a recent meta-analysis has revealed. The findings were published online in the International Journal of Impotence Research on November 22 2023.

“The generalizability of these observations may be limited by the short-term follow-up and patient numbers,” the researchers wrote. “Large-scale, high-quality, and standardized controlled trials would be needed before recommending its definitive use in clinical practice.”

According to the study, plasma-rich intracavernosal injections appeared to offer a small but clinically meaningful improvement in erectile function in patients with mild-to-moderate primary, organic, non-introgenic erectile dysfunction.

Off-label plasma-rich intracavernosal injections are not currently recommended for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as administration technique, dose, and timing are unknown. However, the studies have not shown any significant adverse effects. Therefore, Alessandro Tafuri, Department of Urology, “Vito Fazzi” Hospital, Lecce, Italy, and colleagues aimed to summarize the latest evidence on PRP intracavernosal injections efficacy in men affected by primary organic erectile dysfunction.

For this purpose, the Italian researchers reviewed the literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective and retrospective comparative studies that evaluated PRP alone or in combination for treating ED. A qualitative and quantitative data synthesis was provided after conducting a comprehensive search in online databases.

Seven records were included: three RCTs assessed PRP versus placebo, three studies compared low-intensity shock wave therapy (Li-SWT) or low-intensity pulsed ultrasound alone with their combination with PRP, and one study separately tested PRP and Li-SWT. Of 641 included patients, 320 received PRP.

The study led to the following findings:

· Despite the heterogeneity among inclusion criteria, dose and protocol of PRP administration, and outcomes measured, most studies independently reported better sexual outcomes in patients who received PRP, without significant severe side effects.

· In meta-analysis, where only placebo-controlled studies were included, patients treated with PRP showed higher International Index of Erectile Function (erectile function domain) score compared to patients who received placebo: pooled mean difference of 2.99 after 1 month (209 patients) versus 2.85 after 3 months (204 patients) versus 3.21 after 6 months (199 patients) of follow-up.

· Plasma-rich injections resulted in continued improvements in at least one erectile function/domain score over time (between 1 and 6 months) compared with placebo.

“There would be a need for high-quality, large-scale, and standardized controlled trials before recommending definitive use of platelet-rich plasma intracavernosal injections in clinical practice,” the researchers concluded.

The limitations include a dearth of randomized controlled studies, absence of patient homogeneity, variable ED criteria, and lack of agreement and standardization of intracavernosal injection preparation, dosing, and administration.

Reference:

Panunzio, A., Labate, C., Zacheo, F., Orlando, R., Rizzo, F. L., Porcaro, A. B., Migliorini, F., Pagliarulo, V., & Tafuri, A. (2023). Platelet-rich plasma intracavernosal injections for the treatment of primary organic erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of contemporary controlled studies. International Journal of Impotence Research, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-023-00798-y

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Resin-based composites containing finer fillers best maintain glossiness after routine tooth brushing: Study

USA: A recent study published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry has shed light on the isolated effect of filler particle size on surface properties of experimental resin composites before and after toothbrush abrasion.

The researchers showed a significant reduction in gloss of resin-based composites (RBCs) containing fillers with larger particle sizes. There was an increase in surface roughness after toothbrushing abrasion for all RBCs, except those containing the finest-sized fillers.

“The particle size of the filler is a crucial determinant of the gloss and surface roughness of RBCs, after polishing and toothbrushing,” reported Mikihiro Kobayashi, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA, and colleagues.

The study was conducted to isolate the relationship between filler size and the surface properties of roughness and gloss before and after toothbrush abrasion for experimental resin-based composites containing uniform spherical fillers.

For this purpose, the researchers studied five experimental light-cured RBCs with different spherical filler sizes and three commercial RBCs. Using silicon carbide papers, forty specimens were polished. Gloss measurement was done after 0, 90, 180, and 360 min of simulated toothbrushing, and surface roughness was measured before and after 360 min of toothbrushing. The RBCs were compared using the two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s multiple comparison tests, and the correlation between particle size and surface gloss or roughness was also determined.

The study led to the following findings:

  • After polishing and toothbrushing, RBCs with smaller fillers exhibited significantly lower surface roughness and higher gloss, and RBCs with larger fillers exhibited lower gloss and higher surface roughness.
  • There was a significant correlation between filler particle size and gloss and surface roughness, both before and after toothbrush abrasion.

“The gloss of resin-based composites is reduced by increased surface roughness caused by toothbrush abrasion,” the researchers wrote. “Resin-based composites containing finer fillers best maintain glossiness after routine tooth brushing.”

Reference:

Kobayashi, M., Koi, K., Wiskoski, S., Watanabe, H., Lewis, S., & Ferracane, J. L. (2023). Isolated effect of filler particle size on surface properties of experimental resin composites before and after toothbrush abrasion. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 35(8), 1286-1292. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.13105

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