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Investigation of Clinical Characteristics and Functional Abnormalities of Asthma-COPD Overlap in Patients with Severe Asthma: A Comprehensive Tertiary Care Analysis
No full textBackground: Asthma–COPD overlap (ACO) is an increasingly recognized but underdiagnosed phenotype associated with greater disease severity, accelerated lung function decline, and complex therapeutic requirements compared with asthma or COPD alone.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of ACO among patients with severe asthma, describe demographic and clinical characteristics, evaluate pulmonary function and inflammatory biomarkers, and support improved recognition and individualized management.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study included 122 consecutive patients with severe asthma evaluated at a tertiary respiratory center. ACO was defined using GINA/GOLD syndromic criteria requiring ≥3 features of both asthma and COPD. Assessments included spirometry, HRCT with emphysema quantification, DLCO, FeNO, blood and sputum eosinophils, total IgE, medication history, and symptom severity.
Results: Thirty-five patients (28.7%) fulfilled criteria for ACO. These patients were older, predominantly male, had longer disease duration, and showed markedly higher smoking exposure (91.4% with ≥10 pack-years). ACO patients demonstrated fixed airflow obstruction, lower FEV₁, and significantly higher emphysema burden on HRCT. A mixed inflammatory pattern was observed, characterized by elevated IgE with relatively suppressed eosinophilic markers and FeNO. Chronic oral corticosteroid use was more frequent in ACO than in pure asthma.
Conclusion: ACO is common among severe asthma patients and represents a distinct clinical phenotype requiring early identification and tailored management integrating asthma and COPD treatment principles
Homeopathic Management of Male Pattern Baldness: A Case Report from Dr Batra’s® Homeopathy Clinic
No full textMale Pattern Baldness (MPB) is a chronic, progressive condition with significant psychosocial impact and limited long-term success using conventional modalities. This case report presents a young male with Grade III MPB, progressive hair thinning, and dandruff, unresponsive to prolonged conventional treatment. A detailed classical homeopathic approach was applied, incorporating life-space exploration, totality of symptoms, repertorisation, miasmatic understanding, and individualized remedy selection. Over 18 months of structured homeopathic management, the patient showed marked reduction in hair fall, improvement in hair shaft caliber, stabilization of density, and enhanced quality of life. This case highlights a clear clinical transformation achieved at Dr Batra’s® Homeopathy Clinic
Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet Recovery Time as Prognostic Markers in Paediatric Dengue: A Prospective Observational Study
No full textBackground: Dengue fever remains a significant public health challenge in tropical regions, with paediatric populations being particularly vulnerable to severe manifestations. Early identification of prognostic markers is crucial for timely intervention and improved clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet recovery time as prognostic markers in paediatric dengue patients.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 25 paediatric patients (aged 1-14 years) diagnosed with dengue fever at a tertiary care hospital over six months. Serial measurements of complete blood counts were performed, and NLR was calculated at admission and during the course of illness. Platelet recovery time was documented, and correlations with disease severity were analysed.
Results: The mean age of participants was 8.2 ± 3.4 years, with male predominance (56%). Patients with severe dengue demonstrated significantly higher NLR values (4.82 ± 1.24) compared to non-severe cases (2.14 ± 0.68; p<0.001). The mean platelet recovery time was 5.8 ± 1.9 days overall, with severe cases requiring 7.6 ± 1.4 days compared to 4.8 ± 1.2 days in non-severe cases (p<0.001). NLR at admission showed strong positive correlation with disease severity (r=0.78, p<0.001) and platelet recovery time (r=0.72, p<0.001).
Conclusion: NLR and platelet recovery time serve as valuable prognostic markers in paediatric dengue. Higher NLR values at admission correlate with disease severity and prolonged platelet recovery, enabling early risk stratification and appropriate clinical management
Homeopathic Recovery in a 15-Year Case of Atopic Dermatitis at Dr Batra’s
No full textAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching, dry scaly skin, and eczematous lesions. Patients often present with associated conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or a family history of similar ailments. This case highlights a 57-year-old male, suffering from hard, dry, scaly, itchy eruptions on both feet for the past 15 years. Homeopathic constitutional treatment along with moisturization led to significant improvement over eight months, demonstrating the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic care in chronic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis
From Patchy Loss To Full Regrowth: Homeopathic Intervention In A Child With Alopecia Areata
No full textAlopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss, affecting children and adults worldwide. Conventional treatments often show variable results and can carry side effects. This case study reports a pediatric patient with multiple scalp patches who presented with anxiety and reduced confidence due to hair loss. The patient received individualized homeopathic treatment at Dr. Batra’s, along with supportive scalp care and nutritional guidance. Progressive hair regrowth was observed over several months, leading to complete coverage of all affected patches and improved emotional wellbeing. No new lesions were noted during follow-up, and the patient’s general health remained stable. This case demonstrates that homeopathic therapy, when personalized and closely monitored, can achieve effective and sustained recovery in alopecia areata, improving both physical and psychological outcomes
Maternal and Perinatal Risk Associations of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Obstetric Cases
No full textBackground: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a severe obstetric complication associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Identifying risk factors, clinical feature and laboratory findings are essential for improving management. Objective: To evaluate the risk factors, clinical features, laboratory findings, transfusion requirements, and maternal and perinatal outcomes in obstetric patients with DIC. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 obstetric patients diagnosed with DIC at Dhaka Medical College Hospital between July 2018 and June 2019. Data on demographics, obstetric complications, clinical features, laboratory parameters, blood transfusion, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The majority of patients were aged 26–30 years (44%), resided in rural areas (72%), and belonged to lower-income households (80%). Abruptio placenta (34%), postpartum hemorrhage (27%), and preeclampsia/eclampsia (22%) were the most common triggers. Clinical features included hypertension (72%), antepartum hemorrhage (45%), and postpartum hemorrhage (39%). Laboratory findings revealed thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, elevated FDP and D-dimer, and reduced fibrinogen. All patients required whole blood transfusion, 92% required fresh frozen plasma, and 12% required platelet concentrates. Maternal mortality was 12%, with abruptio placenta (OR 2.91), postpartum hemorrhage (OR 2.16), and amniotic fluid embolism (OR 3.20) significantly associated with death. Overall perinatal mortality was 15%, with abruptio placenta showing the highest risk (OR = 83, 95% CI 10–685, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Obstetric DIC, mainly triggered by abruptio placenta, PPH, and preeclampsia/eclampsia, carries high maternal and perinatal mortality, highlighting the need for early recognition and prompt supportive care
Prevalence and Pattern of Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition at a Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-sectional Study
Full text linkBackground: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major health concern in developing countries like India, significantly contributing to pediatric morbidity and mortality. Children with SAM are particularly vulnerable to infections and anemia due to impaired immune response and nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of anemia in children under 60 months diagnosed with SAM.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 11 months at Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences DU, Loni involving 48 children with SAM. Detailed demographic profiles and medical histories were collected using a predesigned proforma. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations, including hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 levels, were performed. Anemia was classified based on hemoglobin levels into mild, moderate, and severe categories.
Results: Results revealed that 37 (77.1%) children were anemic, with 9 (24.3%) having mild anemia, 25 (67.6%) moderate anemia, and 3 (8.1%) severe anemia. Low serum iron levels were identified in 21 (43.8%) children, with a higher prevalence in females. Abnormal ferritin levels were observed in 24 (50%), folate deficiency in 15 (31.3%), and vitamin B12 deficiency in 29 (60.4%) children.
Conclusion: Addressing anemia in children with SAM requires early interventions, starting with maternal nutrition during pregnancy and promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Continued breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and caregiver education during routine child health visits are essential. Preventing, detecting, and managing anemia in children with SAM can significantly reduce associated morbidity and mortality
Study on various anthropometric parameters in Beta-thalassemia Major Patients in tertiary rural hospital, Loni
Full text linkBMI, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and waist-to-hip ratio were recorded. These parameters were analyzed in relation to clinical variables such as serum ferritin levels, transfusion history, and pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics version 28.0.
Results: The study revealed significant growth retardation with 51.4% of patients showing height-for-age z-scores below -2 SD (mean -2.1 ± 1.3). The mean age of the study population was 8.4 ± 2.1 years, with an average transfusion dependency of 6.6 ± 2.3 years. Weight-for-age and BMI z-scores were also compromised (-1.8 ± 1.1 and -1.2 ± 0.9 respectively). Strong negative correlations were observed between serum ferritin levels and growth parameters (r = -0.45 for height-for-age z-score, p < 0.01). Duration of transfusion therapy showed moderate negative correlation with height-for-age z-scores (r = -0.42, p = 0.012) and weight-for-age z-scores (r = -0.38, p = 0.024).
Conclusion: This study highlights significant anthropometric deficits in young BTM patients from rural settings, with growth retardation evident even in early childhood. The findings suggest that optimization of chelation therapy and nutritional support, along with strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, are crucial for improving growth outcomes in these patients. Regular monitoring of growth parameters and early intervention strategies are essential for managing growth abnormalities in young thalassemic patients
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Infant of Diabetic Mother in Tertiary Care (NICU) in Rural Maharastra.
Full text linkBackground: Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) face unique challenges that require specialized care. The management of these high-risk neonates in rural tertiary care settings presents additional complexities due to resource limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile and outcomes of IDMs in a rural tertiary care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Maharashtra.
Methods: This observational analytical study included 50 infants born to mothers with preexisting or gestational diabetes mellitus admitted to our rural tertiary care NICU. We analyzed maternal characteristics, neonatal complications, and short-term outcomes. The study evaluated various parameters including gestational age, birth weight, metabolic complications, respiratory morbidities, and immediate outcome.
Results: Among the study population, 54% were male infants, with 30% being preterm. Birth weight distribution showed 16% small for gestational age, 62% appropriate for gestational age, and 22% large for gestational age infants. Major complications included hypoglycemia (36%), respiratory problems (38% combined, including 14% requiring surfactant), and hyperbilirubinemia (30%). Congenital anomalies were observed in 12% of cases. The survival rate was 94%, with a median NICU stay of 7 days. Poor maternal glycemic control significantly correlated with adverse neonatal outcomes (adjusted OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4-5.6, p=0.003).
Conclusion: Despite resource limitations, rural tertiary care centers can achieve favorable outcomes in managing IDMs through systematic protocols and vigilant monitoring. The study highlights the importance of maternal glycemic control and early intervention in preventing complications. The findings provide valuable insights for developing standardized protocols tailored to rural healthcare settings, though larger multicenter studies are needed to validate these results
Relationship between Clinical Features and Ultrasonographic Findings in Knee Osteoarthritis
Full text linkIntroduction: One of the leading causes of disability and morbidity is knee Osteoarthritis. Clinical symptoms, careful examination, and radiographic evidence like Magnetic Resonance Imaging diagnose knee OA. MRI is expensive and scarce, but MSK USG is cheaper and more accessible, especially in peripheral locations. Thus, this study examined the link between clinical characteristics and ultrasonographic data in knee OA patients to simplify investigation.
Methods: The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Department of Radiology and Imaging, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka collaborated on this cross-sectional study. The trial lasted a year. This study comprised 90 knee OA patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants gave written informed consent. Every patient had a complete history and clinical evaluation. WOMAC measured pain, stiffness, and physical function. X-rays and MSK US were done on each patient. Data were gathered by questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23.
Results: The mean age of responders was 50.9±7.6 (SD) years, with a 4:6 male-female ratio. The mean WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness, and physical function were 10.7±2.2, 3.7±2.4, and 41.3±5.3, respectively MSK US showed osteophytes in 76.7%, effusion in 51.1%, articular cartilage degeneration in 35.6%, and power dropler change in 37.8%. These features were significantly linked to KLS grading (X-ray) and WOMAC scores (Pain & stiffness) (p<.05).
Conclusion: This study observed significant positive association between MSK US findings and clinical features among patients with knee OA. Sill, further larger study is recommended