Prescribing trends of fixed-dose combination of domperidone and proton-pump inhibitor across tertiary care centers in India, is the combination rational?

Background: There have been concerns over the rationality of prescribing practices of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) available in India. The FDC of domperidone and pantoprazole recently emerged as a top-selling product at Janaushadhi Kendras in India.

Methods: This cross-sectional study is a part of the prescription research which was conducted under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Task Force Project on Rational Use of Drugs at 13 tertiary healthcare centers across the countries that were part of the ICMR-Rational Use of Medicine Centres Network.

Adverse Drug Reaction Profile of Capecitabine-based Chemotherapy Regimen and its Predisposing Factors in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Background: Capecitabine, an important drug used for solid tumors involving the gastrointestinal tract, is known to be associated with many Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) leading to dose modification or discontinuation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and pattern of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with capecitabine-based chemotherapy regimens (CBCR).

Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out at a regional cancer center in South India.

Association of Selective VDR Gene Polymorphisms with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) in a South Indian Population.

Background: The prevalence of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) in India ranges from 34% to 60%. The prognosis for DLBCL can vary widely depending on various factors, including vitamin D deficiency. Research suggests that low vitamin D levels may be linked to poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in DLBCL patients.

Assessment of drug inventory using ABC-VED matrix analysis in selected public health facilities of Puducherry, India.

Background: Nearly one-third of the healthcare budget is spent on medicines. A proper drug inventory planning is essential to ensure regular availability of essential medicines, the most efficient use of medicines, and minimize wastage of medicines and medical supplies as well. This study was conducted to assess drug inventory using ABC (Always, Better, Control)-VED (Vital, Essential, Desirable) matrix analysis in selected public health facilities of Puducherry, India.

Influence of PSMB6 and PSMB9 Genetic Polymorphisms on Bortezomib-Based Therapy Response in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma.

Background: Bortezomib (BTZ)-based regimens play a crucial role in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), significantly improving patient outcomes. BTZ, a proteasome inhibitor, interferes with cellular processes essential for cancer cell growth and survival, resulting in high response rates. Its use in initial and recurrent treatment strategies has been associated with extended disease control and improved long-term outcomes, contributing to overall survival.

Perceptions of members of ethics committees of medical institutions in India on controlled human infection studies (CHIS) following a sensitization workshop: a systematic survey.

Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS) involving the deliberate exposure of healthy individuals to infectious agents, are emerging as a valuable tool for medical research. This systematic survey explores the perceptions of ethics committee members from various Indian medical research institutions after participating in a sensitization workshop on CHIS. This cross-sectional study was conducted on the workshop participants through an online survey.

Clinical relevance of thiopurine methyltransferase genotype testing for azathioprine in dermatology.

Background: Polymorphisms in thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) are a predominant cause of azathioprine-induced leucopenia in Western countries. The exact role of these polymorphisms in the Indian population with dermatological disorders is uncertain.

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of genetic polymorphism of TPMT and its impact on the safety of azathioprine in dermatological disorders.

Incremental cost of treating antimicrobial-resistant infections among hospitalised patients in India: a cohort study.

Background: Accurate estimates of incremental cost (IC) attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) provide information of immense public health importance to the policy makers. Here, we present the IC from patient perspective for treating antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in India.

Methods: This cohort study was conducted in eight hospitals including government (GH), private (PH) and trust hospitals (TH), considering their ownership, geographical location and categories of cities.

The Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in the Prediction of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer in the Indian Population.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play an important role in cancer cell proliferation, susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy, and patient survival. Identifying miRNAs that can predict response to chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), the most common variant, can help to choose appropriate drug regimens to suit the epigenetic profile of individual patients.

Objective: To investigate the expression of the differentially expressed miRNAs identified by next-generation sequencing from a pilot study involving cases and controls, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with LABC during the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and determine their role in response to chemotherapy.

Prescription-based cost analysis of medicines for cardiovascular risk factors at Indian Council of Medical Research-Rational Use of Medicine Centre Hospitals of India.

Objectives: India has taken several initiatives to provide health care to its population while keeping the related expenditure minimum. Since cardiovascular diseases are the most prevalent chronic conditions, in the present study, we aimed to analyze the difference in prices of medicines prescribed for three cardiovascular risk factors, based on (a) listed and not listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and (b) generic and branded drugs.

Materials And Methods: Outpatient prescriptions for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were retrospectively analyzed from 12 tertiary centers.

Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms in NF-ĸB2 and TRAF3 Genes on Response to Bortezomib-Based Therapy in Multiple Myeloma Patients.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM), being the second most common hematological malignancy, has garnered significant attention. The ubiquitin proteasomal pathway (UPP), crucial for normal cell function, plays a pivotal role in myeloma pathophysiology, especially with the advent of bortezomib (BTZ). Dysregulation of the UPP has implications ranging from developmental abnormalities to cancer.

A cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and practice of evidence-based medicine among resident doctors of a health-care Institution of National Importance in India.

Background And Objectives: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) promotes the integration of updated- best evidence with patient preferences and medical expertise for clinical decision-making. Despite the availability of high-quality evidence such as systematic review and meta-analysis, some clinicians manage their patients based on past experiences and expert opinion. Thus, this study was proposed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBM among resident doctors at a tertiary care hospital in India.

The Association of Dyslipidemia and Atherogenic Indices With Glycemic Control in Diabetic Dyslipidemia Patients: A Real-World Landscape.

Background: Dyslipidemia is an important comorbid factor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the pattern of dyslipidemia and atherogenic indices and determine its relation with glycemic control.

Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 382 patients with diabetic dyslipidemia.

Usage Pattern of Fixed-dose Combinations at ICMR Network of Rational Use of Medicine Centres across India: Recommendations for Policymakers and Prescribers.

Aim: Irrational use of medicines is a global problem. In India, one contributing factor is the availability of a large number of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). To improve rational use and to strengthen policies, it is important to assess the usage patterns and rationality of FDCs.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α and γ Gene Polymorphisms among South Indian Patients with Diabetic Dyslipidaemia.

Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α and γ genes play an important role in dyslipidaemia of T2DM.

Aims: To estimate the frequency distribution of PPAR α and γ gene polymorphisms in South Indian T2DM patients with dyslipidaemia compared to healthy controls. Normative frequencies of SNPs were established and compared with data for 1000 genome populations.

Perceptions about controlled human infection model (CHIM) studies among members of ethics committees of Indian medical institutions: A qualitative exploration.

Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) studies provide a unique platform for studying the pathophysiology of infectious diseases and accelerated testing of vaccines and drugs in controlled settings. However, ethical issues shroud them as the disease-causing pathogen is intentionally inoculated into healthy consenting volunteers, and effective treatment may or may not be available. We explored the perceptions of the members of institutional ethics committees (IECs) in India about CHIM studies.

An observational multi-centric COVID-19 sequelae study among health care workers.

Background: India has seen more than 43 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of April 2022, with a recovery rate of 98.8%, resulting in a large section of the population including the healthcare workers (HCWs), susceptible to develop post COVID sequelae. This study was carried out to assess the nature and prevalence of medical sequelae following COVID-19 infection, and risk factors, if any.

Phase II study of sodium valproate in combination with oral etoposide in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) have limited therapeutic options and poor survival. There is a need for the development of newer therapies. Sodium valproic acid (VPA) is a short-chain fatty acid histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with antitumor activity in preclinical models of PROC.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Mirna by Next Generation Sequencing in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients of South Indian Origin.

Purpose: miRNAs are known to be aberrantly expressed in the serum, tissue, and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) of cancer patients and could serve as potential noninvasive diagnostic markers for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the differentially expressed miRNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS) from the paired PBMC samples from breast cancer patients and age-matched healthy individuals and explore their functional significance.

Methods: In this study, PBMCs were employed for the detection of miRNAs by NGS in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) women of South Indian origin who were divided into three age groups, (a) 40yrs-50yrs (b) 50yrs-60yrs and (c) 60yrs-70yrs, compared with age-matched control groups.

Wide Cost Variations Observed in Antibiotics and Analgesics Prescribed for Dental Care in India: A Price and Affordability Analysis.

Introduction With high prevalence rates across the population, dental pain is the most common symptom that drives a patient to visit the dentist. Dentists prescribe analgesics and antibiotic prophylaxis apart from routine dental treatments. The increasing costs of medications are a major factor that adds to the financial burden of patients seeking oral care.

Medicine Storage and Dispensing Facilities in Public Healthcare Pharmacies of Puducherry, India.

Background Large amounts of medicines are wasted during procurement, storage, distribution, and utilization. Proper procurement, storage, dispensing, and documentation of medicines are important aspects of pharmacy management. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) have developed guidelines for the storage and dispensing of medicines by pharmacists.

Availability of Key Essential Medicines in Public Health Facilities of South Indian Union Territory: One of the Crucial Components of Universal Health Coverage.

Introduction The supply of essential medicines is one of the vital components of primary health care. One of the important objectives of Indian health policy is to provide all the essential medicines at an affordable cost for the public. The performance of healthcare facilities is directly affected by the supply of essential medicines.

Assessment of medicine use based on WHO drug-use indicators in public health facilities of the South Indian Union Territory.

Objective: To assess medicine use based on World Health Organization (WHO) core drug-use indicators in selected public health facilities of the South Indian Union Territory.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted for period of one year (from March 2019 to February 2020) in 10 selected public health facilities based on the WHO document How to investigate drug use in health facilities. Total 900 prescriptions were analysed to study prescribing, patient care and health facility indicators.

Monitoring Antibiotic Use in Public Health Care Facilities of South Indian Union Territory: A Step to Promote Rational Use of Antibiotics.

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem to solve for the public health authorities at the global level, particularly in developing countries like India. One of the possible reasons for antimicrobial resistance could be the inappropriate or overuse of antibiotics. The Indian government started the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance to promote rational use of antibiotics in our country.