Sumathi Publications (E-Journals)
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A need of the hour: pharmacovigilance in healthcare setting – nothing less than safety
Full text linkIntroduction: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is crucial to identify, managing, and reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the healthcare sector. Young healthcare professionals (HCPs) play an essential role in the PV system. Objective: This study aimed to assess awareness, understand the causes of underreporting, and find solutions to encourage ADR reporting among young HCPs. Methods: This prevalidated, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, perception, and strategies to improve PV reporting among 152 young HCP interns at a teaching hospital in India. The study was conducted in January 2023 and approved by the ethics committee. The responses were analysed using a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Results In a study of 152 interns, 97.3% agreed that pharmacovigilance (PV) may assist patients, but only 56% had experienced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in practise. Only 40.5% chose email reporting, and 65.8% did not have a nearby ADR Monitoring Centre (AMC). More over half (53%) thought ADRs should only be reported to an AMC. Training sessions were underutilised, with only 28.6% attending PVPI training. The difficulty in identifying the causal substance, as well as a lack of incentives, were important reasons for underreporting. Continuing medical education/workshops were mentioned by 96% of young HCPs as a way to encourage reporting. Conclusion: According to the study, while young HCPs are aware of PV, there is a need for more training and incentives to enhance ADR reporting. Encouragement of National Pharmacovigilance Week and the availability of neighbouring AMCs could further aid raise PV awareness.
Keywords: Adverse drug reactions (ADR), PVPI, AMC, CM
Overview of substance use disorder and available treatments
Full text linkSubstance use disorders are a major health problem worldwide. Substance use is a chronic disorder associated with significant mortality and morbidity. These diseases also cause significant healthcare utilization and medical costs. Substance use disorders occur when the use of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs causes problems in his life and daily activities. Substance use disorders encompass a variety of behaviors, including but not limited to addiction, overuse, and behaviors caused by dangerous substances. Diagnosis is based on behavioral criteria, which include the inability to control substance use, dysfunction at school, home, or work, interpersonal problems caused or worsened by substance use, and risky or hazardous use of the substances. The first step in treating substance use disorders is to stop using the substance. In extreme cases of physical dependence, detoxification is necessary to help with withdrawal symptoms. Creating a supportive environment and eliminating triggers for substance abuse are essential to overcoming a substance abuse disorder. Treatment in management can be outpatient or inpatient, depending on the severity of the problem. Depending on the person\u27s condition, a doctor may suggest individual counseling from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or addiction counselor. Family counseling is often important. A doctor may also recommend specific rehabilitation and/or treatment programs; Self-help groups for children and families with addiction problems are often very helpful. In this article, we would like to briefly review substance use disorders and treatment modalities that are available to treat them.
Keywords: Substance use disorder, Alcohol, Cannabis
The Role of Sympathetic Skin Response in Assessing Autonomic Function in Normal Adults
Full text linkBackground: Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) is a simple, non-invasive and reproducible test to assess the impairment of the sympathetic fibers of the peripheral nerves. It measures the change in electrical skin potential to a variety of stimuli. The objective of this study was to assess SSR in a sample of normal healthy adults. Method: 25 normal healthy adults who volunteered to participate were assessed for SSR in their foot and hand. SSR was assessed using Neurowerk EMG/NCV equipment capable of assessing SSR. Electrical current was used on the median nerve at the wrist to elicit SSR. Results: SSR was elicited in all 25 participants. The mean SSR latency and SSR Amplitude for the hand were 1.2 (+/- 0.42) secs and 2503 (+/- 1424) micro Volt respectively. The mean SSR Latency and SSR Amplitude for the foot were 1.8 (+/- 0.44) secs and 1749 (+/- 1252) micro Volts respectively. It was observed that there was no significant difference in the SSR values when compared between male and female participants, so gender had no effect on SSR values. There was no association of SSR values with the BMI of the participants. Characteristics of the SSR curves were discussed. Conclusion: Mean values of SSR latency measured at hand and foot are 1.2 (+/- 0.42) secs and 1.8 (+/- 0.44) secs respectively. Mean values of SSR amplitude measured at hand and foot are 2503 (+/- 1424) micro Volts and 1749 (+/- 1252) micro Volts respectively. Gender had no effect on SSR values in this study.
Keywords: Sympathetic Skin Response, Autonomic Function, Healthy Adults, Electrical Curren
Cyberchondria: Physiology of Anxiety Due to Health-Related Information From the Internet
Full text linkCyberchondria in other sense is also known as “compuchondria” is a groundless upsurge of wordiness about common symptoms based on analysis of search results and medical literature online. It also includes the features of OCD and anxiety. The internet as an informational medium may exert unique effective pressure on those with health anxiety. Information from the web is often of unregulated accuracy, where benign symptom inquiry into a search engine may show as malignancy. People aged between 30-40 years are the most active health information seekers on the net. There are many psychological theories of seeking behaviour from the internet. Hesitant people, white coat anxiety people, physically challenged people and people who exhibit socio phobic nature or extreme introverts, show a defensive nature for reaching out to health centres. There are limitations of Google doctor’s search clinic. It may escalate one’s apprehensive feelings toward health. It may lead to delays in seeking health professional services. It may misdirect and it may speed up or worsen the existing health condition. Past history of the individual’s health will be unknown to Google Dr.15
KEYWORDS: Cyberchondria, Anxiety, Internet, Google, Docto
Navigating the Heart\u27s Highway: Effective Management of Coronary Artery Disease
Full text linkABSTRACT
Coronary artery disease (CAD) management involves a multifaceted approach aimed at reducing risk factors, improving symptoms, and preventing disease progression. Lifestyle modifications form the foundation of CAD management, emphasizing a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, weight management, and stress reduction. Adopting these changes can effectively control blood pressure, lipid levels, and overall cardiovascular health. Medical therapies play a vital role in CAD management. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin reduce the risk of blood clot formation, while lipid-lowering agents, particularly statins, help lower cholesterol levels and slow atherosclerosis development. Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/ARBs are commonly prescribed to control heart rate, blood pressure, and improve heart function. In cases of severe CAD, interventional procedures may be necessary. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) involves inserting a stent into the narrowed artery to restore blood flow, while coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) creates new pathways to bypass blocked arteries. Secondary prevention is essential for patients with a history of CAD. Regular follow-ups, adherence to prescribed medications, and participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs can significantly reduce the risk of future cardiac events. Efforts to manage CAD extend beyond the individual level. Public health initiatives and community awareness campaigns promote healthy lifestyle choices to prevent CAD on a broader scale. In conclusion, the management of coronary artery disease demands a comprehensive approach, incorporating lifestyle changes, medical therapies, interventional procedures, and secondary prevention strategies. By addressing CAD from multiple angles, healthcare professionals can effectively reduce its impact, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall cardiovascular health of affected individuals.
Keywords: Heart, Coronary artery, Lifestyle, medications
Menstruation hygiene and related issues in adolescent girls: A brief commentary
Full text linkBetween childhood and adulthood, adolescence is a phase of physiological, psychological, and social transformation. Menstrual difficulties are a common symptom and one of the primary causes of adolescent doctor visits. Therefore, adolescent girls\u27 knowledge of reproductive health, including menstruation, may be incomplete and impacted by sociocultural obstacles. The majority of teenage females in India know nothing about menstruation, reproduction, and sexuality. As menstruation remains a taboo, the culture adheres to numerous myths and prohibitions. During menstruation, poor personal cleanliness and dangerous sanitary circumstances heighten the risk of reproductive tract infections and gynecological issues. In resource-poor environments, where women lack access to basic facilities such as water, bathrooms, and privacy, it is extremely difficult to maintain a high level of hygiene. There is a need to enhance housing conditions in terms of fundamental amenities. Every girl may only be encouraged to use sanitary pads if they are offered at cheap costs. It is urgent that separate teenage gynecological clinics be established. Sensitization and counseling in schools, together with a complete school education program on menarche and menstruation difficulties, may assist girls in coping better and seeking appropriate medical support.
Keywords: Menstrual disorders, Adolescence, Sanitary Pads, Reproductive Health
A cross-sectional study on public knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in Mangalore, India
Full text linkBackground: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health issue that requires immediate attention. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotics and AMR among the general population in Mangalore, India. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 participants, out of which 220 were used for reporting results, and 30 were excluded due to incompleteness. Result: The results showed that many participants had limited knowledge regarding the proper use of antibiotics, and a significant number tended to misuse them. 74.3% of participants did not complete the full course of antibiotics, and 51.82% used leftover antibiotics for the same cases. On the other hand, the majority of participants recognized the importance of checking the expiry date of antibiotics 80.91% said yes and 66.36% agreed that unnecessary use of antibiotics causes bacterial resistance. Conclusion: This study highlights the gaps in public knowledge and practices related to antibiotics and AMR in Mangalore, India. It underscores the need for more public education and awareness campaigns to prevent the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, and to prevent the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. A multi-faceted approach that involves healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public is necessary to tackle this global public health challenge.
 
The Impact of Hormones and Migraine Headache in Women\u27s Life – A short communication
Full text linkMigraine headaches occur more frequently in women than in men. Women are more likely to get migraines for longer periods of time than males. It is a chronic neurological condition that affects between 10% and 12% of the population. Women experienced headaches more frequently, for a longer duration, and with greater severity than males. The hypothalamic hypophyseal-ovarian axis regulates women\u27s reproductive cycles through the production of oestrogen and progesterone. Variations in these hormone levels regulate and control every aspect of life, from menstruation to pregnancy, puerperium, and menopause. The luteal or ovulatory phase is divided into the follicular or proliferative phase and the luteal or ovulatory phase. Migraine is classified into two basic types: migraine without aura and migraine with aura. Menstruation is the second most common migraine trigger after stress. During perimenopause, between 8% and 13% of migraine sufferers reported a new beginning of symptoms. Migraine can be treated successfully at any age, whether acute or preventative. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), antiepileptic drugs topiramate and valproate, beta-blockers such as propranolol, and tricyclic antidepressants amitriptyline and nortriptyline are the most frequently suggested treatments. Migraine is a frequent occurrence in women\u27s life. The primary cause of migraine in women is the variation of sex hormone levels during menstruation. Migraines are caused by a woman\u27s hormone levels fluctuating throughout time.
Keywords: Migraine, hormones, Estrogen, central nervous system, menopaus
High Sugar Foods Addiction is Like a Slow Poison
Full text linkSugar is an ingredient that almost everyone craves. The reason behind it is that it is sweet in nature and ultimately makes things taste better. Nowadays, people try to reduce sugar in their diets to lead healthy and disease-free life. But unfortunately, due to their current lifestyle, everyone is not able to follow it. At times, cutting down sugar drastically can have major side effects, so it needs to be done slowly by diet.
Keywords: sugar, fructose, calories
