Paternal Mental Distress Linked to Poorer Child Development, Finds Meta-Analysis

Australia: A large-scale meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics has highlighted a significant link between paternal mental distress during the perinatal period and adverse developmental outcomes in children from birth through adolescence. Led by Dr. Genevieve Le Bas from Deakin University’s SEED Lifespan Strategic Research Centre in Australia, the study highlights the crucial role of fathers’ mental well-being in shaping their children’s developmental trajectory.

Recent findings identify paternal mental distress as a key modifiable factor affecting child development. “Depression, anxiety, or stress in fathers was associated with poorer social-emotional (r = 0.09), cognitive (r = −0.07), language (r = −0.15), and physical (r = 0.04) outcomes in children from birth to adolescence,” the researchers noted. The associations were notably stronger for postnatal distress than prenatal symptoms.

The research team systematically reviewed and analyzed data from 48 cohort studies encompassing 674 effect sizes and spanning more than 9,500 studies identified through global databases. The comprehensive synthesis revealed that symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in fathers during the perinatal period — defined as both pre- and post-birth — were associated with negative effects on various dimensions of offspring development.

The study led to the following findings:

  • Paternal mental distress was significantly linked to poorer global development in children.
  • Adverse effects were observed in social-emotional development (r = 0.09).
  • Cognitive function in children showed a negative association with paternal distress (r = −0.07).
  • Language development was notably affected, with a correlation of (r = −0.15).
  • Physical development also showed a weaker but significant association (r = 0.04).
  • There were no significant associations between paternal mental distress and adaptive or motor development outcomes.
  • The impact of paternal mental distress was stronger during the postnatal period compared to the antenatal phase.
  • These findings highlight the need for ongoing mental health support for fathers beyond pregnancy and into early parenthood.

The authors emphasized the need to broaden the scope of perinatal mental health care to include fathers, who are often overlooked in routine screenings and interventions. While maternal mental health has long been a focus of research and clinical attention, this study calls for integrating paternal mental health assessments into family-centered care models.

Importantly, the study advocates for targeted preventive strategies to reduce perinatal distress among fathers, positioning it as a modifiable risk factor for poor developmental outcomes in the next generation. By identifying paternal mental distress as an actionable area, the findings open pathways for early intervention programs aimed at improving not only the psychological health of fathers but also the long-term well-being of their children.

The authors concluded, “Overall, this landmark meta-analysis contributes robust evidence to the growing body of research on the intergenerational effects of mental health, reinforcing the call for inclusive perinatal mental health policies and practices that prioritize the entire family unit.”

Reference:

Le Bas G, Aarsman SR, Rogers A, et al. Paternal Perinatal Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and Child Development: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. Published online June 16, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0880

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Inflammatory Blood Markers May Signal Severity of BPH Symptoms, New Study Finds

China: A recent study conducted by researchers at Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China, has uncovered a significant association between blood-based immune-inflammatory markers and the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The findings, published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, highlight the potential of simple blood indices such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) as non-invasive tools for evaluating disease severity.

LUTS linked with BPH are frequently observed in aging men and, if left unchecked, can lead to serious health complications. While early detection and timely intervention are key to managing BPH effectively, there remains a lack of reliable and accessible indicators to assess symptom severity. The present study, led by Yifan Wu and colleagues from the Department of Urology, aimed to bridge this gap by investigating the predictive value of immune-inflammatory indices derived from routine blood tests.

The cross-sectional analysis included 698 male patients diagnosed with BPH/LUTS at a tertiary care hospital. Participants were categorized into two groups—mild and moderate-to-severe—based on their International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Researchers then evaluated the association between symptom severity and levels of NLR, SIRI, and SII through binary logistic regression analysis.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • A strong positive correlation was observed between elevated immune-inflammatory indices and increased severity of LUTS.
  • After adjusting for potential confounding factors, patients in the highest quartile of NLR had 6.20 times higher odds of experiencing moderate-to-severe symptoms compared to those in the lowest quartile.
  • For SIRI, the odds ratio for symptom severity in the highest quartile was 7.49.
  • For SII, patients in the highest quartile had an odds ratio of 7.85 for developing more severe LUTS.
  • Subgroup analyses based on age, diet, physical activity, existing health conditions, and lifestyle habits supported the consistency of these findings.
  • All three markers—NLR, SIRI, and SII—remained significantly associated with symptom severity across most subgroups.
  • Among smokers, SIRI demonstrated a particularly strong association with worsening LUTS.

The authors emphasized that the use of immune-inflammatory biomarkers is a practical and cost-effective approach for clinicians to monitor disease progression and tailor interventions in patients with BPH. They also explored potential mechanisms linking systemic inflammation to prostatic enlargement and urinary symptoms, adding a theoretical dimension to their clinical findings.

However, the study’s limitations warrant cautious interpretation. Due to its single-center and cross-sectional design, it restricts the ability to draw causal inferences. Additionally, certain variables, such as socioeconomic status and prostate volume, were not adjusted for, and multiple comparisons were not corrected, which may introduce bias or false-positive results.

Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable insights and lays the groundwork for future research. The authors advocate for large-scale, multicenter prospective studies to validate their findings and further investigate the clinical utility of these markers in diverse populations.

The authors concluded, “Elevated levels of NLR, SIRI, and SII appear to be strongly associated with the severity of LUTS in men with BPH. These readily accessible markers may serve as useful tools in identifying high-risk patients and enhancing early intervention strategies in urological practice.”

Reference:

Wu Y, Sheng J, Liu X, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Feng N. The Relationship Between Immune-Inflammatory Indexes and the Severity of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in China. J Inflamm Res. 2025;18:8509-8523https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S523193

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Cholesterol-lowering drugs have no antidepressive effect: Study

Lipid-lowering medicines, known as statins, are prescribed in cases of high cholesterol levels, to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. The results of some small studies suggest that statins could also have an antidepressive effect. Researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have now conducted an extensive study to investigate this claim. However, they could not verify that statins cause any antidepressive additional effects. As a result, the researchers suggest following the general guidelines and prescribing statins to help lower cholesterol, but not to manage depression. The study has now been published in the JAMA Psychiatry journal.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs are the most commonly prescribed medicines globally. They have anti-inflammatory effects and lower the production of cholesterol in the liver, which in turn reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In the past, numerous small studies have suggested that statins may also have antidepressive effects, alongside these more common properties. “If statins really did have this antidepressive effect, we could kill two birds with one stone,” says Prof. Christian Otte, Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences on the Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, and leader of the study. “Depression and adiposity, or obesity, are among the most common medical conditions globally. And they actually often appear together: Those who are obese are at a higher risk of depression. In turn, those with depression are at a higher risk of obesity.” Obese patients often have higher cholesterol levels, so statins are administered to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. But could they also alleviate depression?

An extensive, controlled study

Led by Christian Otte, the research team conducted a comprehensive study to investigate the potential antidepressive effects of statins that have been suggested. A total of 161 patients took part in the study, all of whom suffered from both depression and obesity. During the 12-week study, all participants were treated with a standard antidepressant (Escitalopram). Half of the participants also received a cholesterol-lowering drug (Simvastatin), while the other half were given a placebo. It was decided at random who would receive statins and who would be given the placebo – the recipients of each were unknown to both the medical team and the participants. This ensured a randomized and double-blind study that would produce reliable results. “This method should show us whether we can observe a stronger antidepressive effect among participants treated with statins, compared to those in the placebo group,” explains co-lead author Dr. Woo Ri Chae, Charité BIH Clinician Scientist at the Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences.

The researchers used established clinical interviews and self-completed questionnaires to record the severity of depression in the patients at the beginning and end of the study. Blood samples were taken from the participants to determine their blood lipid levels and level of the C-reactive protein (CRP), which are known indicators of inflammatory processes in the body. “People with obesity and/or depression commonly exhibit slightly raised inflammatory markers in the blood. For some of those affected, this can actually be the cause of depression,” explains Christian Otte. “And this is precisely where we began with our hypothesis on the potential antidepressive effect of statins: If administering statins leads to an improvement in inflammatory markers, could this also possibly be accompanied by an antidepressive effect for some of the study participants?”

Traditional antidepressants remain the gold standard

At the beginning of the study, the participants ranged from moderately to severely depressed. Over the course of the 12-week study, the depression symptoms in all patients showed clear improvement – there was, however, no difference between those who received statins and those in the placebo group. “Administering the cholesterol-lowering drug improved blood lipid levels, as expected, and the inflammatory marker CRP also displayed a marked reduction,” says Woo Ri Chae. “So, unfortunately, this does not point to an additional antidepressive effect.” Christian Otte adds: “When it comes to treating depression, statins therefore have no additional benefit. To our present knowledge, traditional antidepressants remain the gold standard.” According to current guidelines, statins should be prescribed to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers recommend that the same should naturally also apply for patients suffering from depression.

In further studies, Christian Otte’s team will conduct a more thorough analysis of the blood samples taken as part of this research on a cellular and molecular level, to reveal potential differences and correlations. The researchers are also continuing to work at full speed on improved strategies for treating patients with depression who also suffer from other conditions.

Reference:

Otte C, Chae WR, Dogan DY, et al. Simvastatin as Add-On Treatment to Escitalopram in Patients With Major Depression and Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online June 04, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.0801

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Hearing Devices Significantly Improve Social Lives of Those with Hearing Loss: Study

 Hearing loss doesn’t just affect how people hear the world-it can also change how they connect with it.

A new study from the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, part of Keck Medicine of USC, published today in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, is the first to link hearing aids and cochlear implants, surgically implanted devices that help those with profound hearing loss perceive sound, to improved social lives among adults with hearing loss.

“We found that adults with hearing loss who used hearing aids or cochlear implants were more socially engaged and felt less isolated compared to those who didn’t use them,” said Janet Choi, MD, MPH, an otolaryngologist with Keck Medicine and lead researcher of the study. “This suggests that hearing devices may help prevent the social disconnection and broader health consequences that can follow untreated hearing loss.”

Hearing loss affects an estimated 40 million American adults, yet many go untreated. When left unaddressed, hearing loss can make communication difficult, leading people to withdraw from conversations and social activities, according to Choi.

Previous research has shown that over time, social withdrawal can reduce mental stimulation and increase the risk of loneliness, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline and dementia. It has also linked chronic social isolation to biological and neurological changes, including increased brain inflammation and alterations in brain structure.

“Understanding the link between hearing loss, hearing device use and social isolation is crucial,” said Choi. “Until this study, it has been unclear whether hearing devices could help reverse the isolation.”

Choi and her fellow researchers conducted a comprehensive, systematic review and meta-analysis of 65 previously published studies, encompassing over five thousand participants, on how hearing aids and cochlear implants affect three key measures: social quality of life, perceived social handicap, which refers to the limitations and frustrations hearing loss can create in social situations, and loneliness.

The researchers found that adults using hearing devices feel more socially connected and less limited in social situations. They are better able to engage in group conversations and feel more at ease in noisy or challenging listening environments. Participants also reported feeling less socially handicapped by their hearing loss, with fewer barriers and frustrations during interactions and an improved ability to stay engaged without feeling excluded. This increased confidence can help users connect more easily with family, friends and colleagues, leading to stronger feelings of belonging and reduced social anxiety. The study also suggested hearing devices may reduce loneliness, although further research is needed in this area, according to Choi.

Those with cochlear implants reported the most improvement in their social quality of life. This is likely because cochlear implants offer greater hearing restoration than hearing aids, especially for individuals with more severe hearing loss. As a result, they may experience more noticeable improvements in social engagement once their hearing is restored.

While it was outside the scope of the study to measure how better social lives relate to improved cognitive outcomes, Choi believes there may be a connection, as previous research has found managing hearing loss may be key to reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. “While our study didn’t directly measure cognitive outcomes, the improvements we saw in communication and social engagement suggest that by restoring clearer communication, hearing devices may help preserve cognitive health by keeping the brain more actively involved and people more connected,” Choi said.

This research follows a January 2024 study by Choi showing that adults with hearing loss who use hearing aids have an almost 25% lower risk of mortality, suggesting that treating hearing loss can improve lifespan as well as social quality of life.

“These new findings add to a growing body of research showing that hearing health is deeply connected to overall well-being,” said Choi. “We hope this encourages more people to seek treatment and helps clinicians start conversations with patients about how hearing devices can improve their quality of life.” 

Reference:

Hori K, Shah R, Paladugu A, et al. Social Outcomes Among Adults With Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online July 03, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2025.1777

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Danegaptide Advances to Phase 2 for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Breye Therapeutics has announced that danegaptide, a potential oral treatment for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, has progressed to a phase 2 trial. This advancement follows a phase 1b trial in which the drug demonstrated a favorable safety profile.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss globally, affecting millions of people with diabetes. While there has been successful development of intravitreally administered products, injected directly into the eye, for patients with late-stage disease, treatment options are currently limited for patients in the earlier or moderate stages. The intravitreal treatments are burdensome, often poorly tolerated and associated with low compliance, highlighting the critical need for effective and non-invasive alternatives.

Danegaptide is a first-in-class oral small molecule with a novel mode of action, that stabilizes the vasculature and protects from cell-cell uncoupling, retinal capillary breakdown and vascular leakage caused by hyperglycemia.

The orally administered treatment was well tolerated across all dose levels in the 24 patients enrolled, with no dose-limiting toxicities reported. Pharmacokinetic (PK) data confirmed that targeted exposures of danegaptide were reached as guided by preclinical data. Early signs of clinical activity were observed, as measured by retinal imaging outcomes, representing reductions in retinal vascular leakage and improvements in anatomical parameters.

Ulrik Mouritzen, Chief Executive Officer of Breye Therapeutics, said: “These results continue to support danegaptide’s potential as an oral, non-invasive therapeutic solution for patients in the earlier stages of diabetic retinopathy. As we now prepare to advance into Phase 2 clinical evaluation, our focus is on validating these findings using regulatory-accepted clinical outcomes to progress our mission of developing safe and effective treatment options for these patients to preserve their vision before the onset of irreversible damage. Additionally, we believe this treatment solution may also support the maintenance of treatment response after induction therapy with intravitreally administered products.”

Prof. Carl Regillo, MD, Director of Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Member of the Breye Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board, commented: “An oral approach like danegaptide has the potential to fundamentally shift how we treat moderate to severe-stages of diabetic eye disease, offering patients a much-needed and non-invasive treatment solution for the large group of patients with NPDR.”

The Phase 1b trial was a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation study assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and early signs of biological activity of danegaptide in patients with NPDR and associated diabetic macular edema (DME), a complication of NPDR. Conducted across 11 clinical sites in the UK, Germany and the US, the study confirmed a favourable safety profile, plasma levels within the targeted therapeutic range and early signs of clinical activity.

A subsequent Phase 2 trial is planned to evaluate danegaptide in a targeted NPDR patient population using the regulatory endpoint of ≥2-step improvement on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS). Breye is actively fundraising to support this next phase of development.

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Intra-articular corticosteroid injection bests hydrostatic shoulder distention for short-term pain relief in idiopathic frozen shoulder: study

Idiopathic frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a common and debilitating condition, characterized by progressive restriction of shoulder movement. Non-randomized interventional treatments, such as intraarticular corticosteroid injections and hydrostatic (hydrodilatation) distention, are commonly employed when conservative therapy fails.

Muhammad Anas Ghazi et al conducted a study to compare the short-term effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid injection versus hydrostatic distention, in terms of pain relief and functional improvement in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder.

A total of 108 patients, aged 35-70 years, with frozen-phase idiopathic frozen shoulder (>3 months’ duration), were assigned to two treatment groups using non-random, consecutive allocation: Group A (n = 54) received an intra-articular corticosteroid injection, and Group B (n = 54) underwent hydrostatic shoulder distention. Patients were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for function.

Key findings of the study were:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in pain and function over time (p < 0.001).

• Group A demonstrated superior outcomes at 12 weeks in VAS (2.1 ± 0.9 vs. 2.6 ± 1.0; p = 0.027) and SPADI (28.6 ± 6.3 vs. 32.9 ± 6.5; p = 0.006).

• “Very satisfied” patients were more frequent in Group A (28 patients; 64.81%) than in Group B (35 patients; 51.85%).

The authors concluded – “In summary, this research shows that, for individuals with idiopathic frozen shoulder, intra-articular corticosteroid injections are superior to hydrostatic shoulder distention in terms of reducing pain and enhancing shoulder function. The data show that the corticosteroid injection group experienced better levels of pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction. In the short term, corticosteroid injections appear to provide more rapid and longer-lasting effects, even though both therapies are effective. Further evaluation of the long-term safety and effectiveness of these therapies in a broader and more diverse population will require additional studies with multicenter data and longer follow-up.”

Further reading:

Short-Term Comparative Effectiveness of Intraarticular Corticosteroid Injection Versus Hydrostatic Distention in Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder: A Prospective Interventional Study

Muhammad Anas Ghazi et al

Cureus 17(6): e86639. DOI 10.7759/cureus.86639

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Higher Dental Radiation Doses Tied to Increased Risk of Cavities in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Study Finds

Ireland: A recent clinical investigation published in the Journal of Dentistry has revealed a significant link between dental radiation exposure and the development of tooth decay in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HANC). The study highlights the importance of dental care and dietary compliance before and after radiotherapy in reducing the risk of radiation-related oral complications.

The study emphasized that patients who did not adhere to oral hygiene and dietary recommendations were more likely to experience increased severity of tooth decay following treatment.

Conducted as a prospective cohort study, Ciaran Moore, Department of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Lincoln Place, Dublin, Ireland, and colleagues followed 151 patients who were deemed dentally fit before the start of their radiotherapy treatment. These individuals were monitored for 6 to 12 months post-treatment, during which their oral health was assessed using clinical evaluations and standardized questionnaires. Particular attention was given to the condition of teeth, the presence of xerostomia (dry mouth), and patients’ oral health-related quality of life.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • There was a clear linear relationship between dental radiation dose and the development of cavities.
  • Around 49% of patients developed new carious lesions during the follow-up period.
  • Affected individuals had an average of 3.7 decayed teeth each.
  • Every 10 Gray (Gy) increase in mean or maximum dental radiation dose raised the risk of developing post-radiotherapy caries by 26–32%, even after accounting for other variables.
  • Radiation to the parotid glands showed no impact on the incidence or severity of dental caries.
  • The localized effect of radiation appears to target the teeth directly rather than acting through reduced saliva production.
  • Higher caries risk was associated with the presence of pre-existing dental decay.
  • Continued intake of high-sugar dietary supplements contributed to an increased risk of caries.
  • Regular consumption of sugary beverages, such as tea or coffee with added sugar, also elevates the likelihood of dental decay.

The authors stress the clinical importance of these findings, noting that targeted radiation planning and strict oral care protocols could play a pivotal role in reducing dental complications for HANC patients. While radiation therapy is an essential component in treating head and neck cancers, its impact on dental health should not be overlooked.

The study provides crucial evidence supporting the need for multidisciplinary management of cancer patients, where dental professionals work closely with oncologists to mitigate preventable side effects of radiation therapy. Future research is encouraged to further explore protective interventions and refine radiotherapy techniques to minimize damage to dental structures.

Reference:

Moore, C., Markey, N., Donnelly, M., O’Neill, C., Cardwell, C., & McKenna, G. (2025). A prospective clinical study of the influence of dental and salivary gland radiation dose on dental caries development in patients with head and neck cancer. Journal of Dentistry, 105817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105817

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H. pylori Infection linked to Colorectal Cancer, suggests Lancet study

A new study published in the journal of Lancet eClinical Medicine showed that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection might be a major risk factor for colorectal cancer development.

Recent studies points to a potential connection between colorectal cancer risk and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Therefore, this investigation was carried to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection, anti-H. pylori medication, and colorectal cancer and its precursor, adenoma.

A total of 3,475 individuals underwent colonoscopies and H. pylori testing as part of a screening program in Zhejiang Province, China, between March 8 and December 29, 2023, as part of the observational study portion. The relationships between H. pylori infection and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma were examined using logistic regression models.

The relationships between H. pylori infection, anti-H. pylori therapy, and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma were also the subject of a meta-analysis. From the beginning until April 9, 2025, 3 databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for pertinent research. 

The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies, as well as the guidelines provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for cross-sectional studies, were used to assess the quality of the research. I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity, and subgroup analyses were carried out to find possible causes.

This study evaluated publication bias using funnel plots and corrected for potential bias using Duval and Tweedie’s “trim-and-fill” methodology. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to gauge the degree of certainty in the evidence.

In comparison to normal or non-adenomatous lesions (n = 2199), this study discovered a statistically significant correlation between H. pylori infection and the risk of colorectal cancer (n = 31, OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.26–5.39) and adenoma (n = 1245, OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.19–1.59), particularly for advanced adenoma (n = 486, OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.59–2.38).

H. pylori infection had a positive correlation with colorectal cancer (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.39–1.82, I2 = 89%) and adenoma (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.36–1.59, I2 = 88%), particularly with advanced adenoma (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.56–2.00, I2 = 65%), according to a meta-analysis of this and 54 other studies, which included 48,945,236 participants.

The overall odds ratio (OR) for colorectal neoplasia (adenoma or colon cancer) was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.39–1.60, I2 = 91%). Overall, this study found a considerably increased incidence of colorectal cancer and adenoma in people who had H. pylori infection, indicating that H. pylori infection might be a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer development.

Source:

Li, X., Tao, H.-Q., Zhao, J.-E., Zhu, J., Du, L.-B., Gerhard, M., & Li, W.-Q. (2025). Helicobacter pylori infection, anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment and risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma: an observational study and a meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine, 84(103299), 103299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103299

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AIIMS Patna Gynaecology medico suicide: Doctors blame Excessive Workload, demand enforcement of duty hour regulations

New Delhi: Following the tragic death of a first-year postgraduate medico in AIIMS Patna’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, the doctors have demanded urgent action against the institute’s management for its failure to implement work hour regulations and called for an independent investigation into the doctor’s death.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, the United Doctors Front (UDF) association highlighted that the doctor was made to work a 36-hour shift, which allegedly went unchecked by the institute’s HOD and Dean. As a result, he was overburdened, faced extreme toxicity, and endured excessive duty hours, ultimately pushing him to take the extreme step. 

The association held the management responsible for failing to implement work regulations or prevent bullying, calling it a gross dereliction of duty. “This preventable tragedy, driven by a toxic work culture, unchecked harassment, and excessive duty hours. Mental and physical harassment and unregulated workloads enabled a culture that destroyed Dr. ***,” the letter reads. 

Also read- AIIMS Patna MD Gynaecology medico found dead, doctors demand inquiry

It further raised concerns about the severe burnout crisis among India’s medical professionals, exacerbated by long working hours and inadequate mental health support. They alleged that resident doctors are working 70-100 hours per week, which is a clear violation of the AIIMS 48-hour limit. 

UDF also criticised the institute’s handling of the situation following the doctor’s death. The association alleged that the management showed neither sympathy nor regret towards the grieving parents. The deceased doctor’s parents, who travelled from Odisha to Patna, were reportedly denied a meeting with officials and had to move his body to PMCH Patna for post-mortem due to a lack of trust in the AIIMS administration. The association called this behaviour an example of the toxic culture fostered by the institute’s leadership.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that a junior resident doctor and a first-year postgraduate student in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, allegedly committed suicide in his hostel room. Doctors at the institute reported that the medico injected a high dose of anaesthetic drug. Resident doctors and students of AIIMS alleged that the administration attempted to suppress the incident. They claimed that the authorities threatened the residents into silence and failed to properly attend to the deceased’s family, who were reportedly mistreated upon their arrival. 

The UDF has now demanded a transparent, external probe into the toxic culture, targeting the negligence in addressing harassment, bullying, and workload imbalances, with a public report within 60 days. They also demanded strict adherence to the 48-hour weekly work limit across AIIMS institutions, with monthly audits, automated scheduling systems, and penalties for violations to end exploitative hours.

Further, they called for the establishment of mandatory grievance redressal cells with anonymous reporting, regular mental health screenings, and compulsory counselling services across AIIMS campuses to combat bullying and support the mental well-being of resident doctors.

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Yagika Pareek, National Spokesperson, UDF said in a press release, “The loss of Dr. *** is a tragic wake-up call to enforce AIIMS’s own work hour policies. We urge immediate action to create sustainable, supportive work environments for India’s healthcare workforce.”

Also read- Patna NEET aspirant ends life, suicide note cites forced marriage

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Morepen Labs incorporates new step-down subsidiary in mainland Dubai

Gurugram: Morepen Laboratories Limited has announced the incorporation of a new step-down subsidiary, Morepen Medical Equipment Trading L.L.C, in mainland Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The newly incorporated entity is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morepen Medipath Limited (formerly Morepen Medtech Limited) and aims to focus on the sales and marketing of medical devices’ products in the international market including Dubai, U.A.E., and others.

Morepen Labs indirectly holds a 60% of the shares in the Dubai-based company through Morepen Medipath.

Morepen Medipath Limited has subscribed
100 shares, of AED 1000 each, for an aggregate
amount of AED 100000.
The denomination of share has been changed from
AED 10 each to AED 1000
each, however, the
total capital, being AED 100000 remain unchanged.

Read also: CDSCO panel grants clearance to Morepen Labs to conduct BE studies for fatty liver disease drug Resmetirom

The new subsidiary, incorporated on July 22, 2025, will operate in the medical devices segment.

In June, Medical Dialogues reported the incorporation of MOREPEN LABS – FZCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of Morepen Labs in Dubai.

Read also: Morepen Labs incorporates wholly owned subsidiary in Dubai

In April, the company also announced an expansion of its salesforce, with plans to onboard over 1,000 professionals over the next three years. Of these, 200 new team members are expected to join in FY26. The recruitment drive is part of Morepen’s strategy to strengthen engagement with doctors, pharmacies, patients, and healthcare professionals across India.

Morepen Laboratories Ltd. is an Indian pharmaceutical company with a global footprint across 82 countries. All APIs are manufactured in-house at USFDA-approved facilities.

Read also: Morepen Labs plans to employ over 1000 professionals

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