Search

Abstract Heart failure poses a global health challenge affecting millions of individuals, and access to guideline-directed medical therapy is often limited. This limitation is frequently attributed to factors such as drug availability, slow adoption, clinical inertia, and delayed diagnosis. Despite international recommendations promoting the use of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure management, personalized approaches are essential in settings with resource constraints. In India, crucial treatments like angiotensin II receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitors and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are not fully utilized despite their established safety and efficacy. To address this issue, an expert consensus involving 150 specialists, including cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, was convened. They deliberated on patient profiles, monitoring, and adverse side effects and provided tailored recommendations for guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure management. Stressing the significance of early initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with heart failure, especially with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, the consensus also explored innovative therapies like vericiguat. To improve heart failure outcomes in resource-limited settings, the experts proposed several measures, including enhanced patient education, cardiac rehabilitation, improved drug access, and reforms in healthcare policies.

Abstract Background Multiple clinical studies have described the benefits of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) CNCM I-745 against diarrhoea, but the real-world evidence supporting its use is lacking. Objective To evaluate effectiveness of the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 group in a real-world setting. Methods This was an electronic medical record (EMR)-based, retrospective, multicentre, comparative study in Indian adult patients presenting with diarrhoea managed between January 2020 and January 2022. Data of patients at the baseline visit, with a follow-up visit within 15 days, and who were administered S. boulardii CNCM I-745 (for the test group) or any other treatment modality excluding probiotics (for the control group) were considered. Effectiveness was evaluated on the basis of number of patients who did not complain of diarrhoea at follow-up. Results Of 30,385 adult patients with diarrhoea, 270 patients prescribed S. boulardii CNCM I-745 were included, while the control group comprised 1457 patients. The baseline median age of the test group was 47 years (range 19–86 years), while it was 44 years (range 19–100 years) for the control group. The majority of patients in both study groups were females (56.7% in the test and 51.5% in the control group). Median duration between visits was 5 days (range 1–15 days) in both study groups. In all, 77.8% patients (95% CI 72.34–82.59) in the test group did not complain of diarrhoea at follow-up, while the proportion was 15.8% (95% CI 13.95–17.76) in the control group (p < 0.05). Odds ratio (OR) for absence of diarrhoea in the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 group versus the control group was 18.7 (95% CI 13.6–25.7, p < 0.05). For subgroups on concomitant antibiotics, a significant advantage was noted again for the test versus the control group (76.8% versus 18.4%; p < 0.05; OR: 14.7 with 95% CI 8.8–24.4; p < 0.05). Conclusion The effect of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 probiotic in controlling diarrhoea was better than anti-diarrhoeal and/or oral rehydration therapy in real-world clinical practice. The effect was similar even with concomitant antibiotic usage.

Abstract Background Coexisting hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidemia (triple disease) can lead to greater risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The present study sought to comprehend the prevalence, demographic traits, clinical traits, and treatment patterns in Indian patients with these coexisting conditions. Methods An electronic medical record (EMR)-based, retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected for patients who were diagnosed with coexistent hypertension, T2DM, and dyslipidemia. Baseline patient variables evaluated were the percentage of patients with triple comorbidity, demographic characteristics, diagnostic laboratory parameters, and treatment pattern details. Results Data from 4793 centers (clinics) were included, with a total of 6,722,173 patients. Of these, 427,835 (6.36%) patients were found to have coexistent hypertension, T2DM, and dyslipidemia. Most of the patients belonged to the 40–64 year age group (62.10%) and were males (57.00%), while 27.40% patients had a body mass index (BMI) within normal limits, 43.30% patients were pre-obese, and 20.90% patients were class 1 obese. Further, 3402 patients (0.80%) had a recorded history of smoking. Mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the patients included in the study was 8.35 ± 1.96 g%. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 138.81 ± 19.59 mm Hg, while mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 82.17 ± 10.35 mm Hg; 27.60% cases had SBP

Abstract Background Real-world Indian studies evaluating effectiveness of dapagliflozin as an add-on to other oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are scarce. Methods An electronic medical record (EMR)-based, retrospective, multicentre study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of dapagliflozin as add-on therapy in adult patients with inadequately controlled DM on metformin with or without other OAD. Baseline characteristics (visit 1: metformin or metformin plus OAD treatment for at least 30 days) and treatment-related outcomes (visit 2: follow-up) considered between 60 and 140 days after adding/switching dapagliflozin [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)] were analysed. Results A total of 3616 patients were screened from 478 centres. Most patients had received dapagliflozin (D) + metformin (M) + at least one other OAD [D + M + OAD, n = 2907 (80.4%), 408 followed-up with HbA1c reported], while 709 patients (19.6%, 138 followed-up with HbA1c reported) received dapagliflozin + metformin (D + M). Treatment with dapagliflozin as an add-on therapy resulted in significant change in HbA1c (−1.1 ± 1.44%; p < 0.05 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 7.5%; −1.6 ± 1.41%; p < 0.05 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 8%) at visit 2 compared with visit 1. Significant change in body weight (−1.4 ± 3.31 kg; p < 0.05 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 7.5%; − 1.5 ± 3.22 kg; p < 0.05 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 8%) was observed at visit 2. Similarly, a significant change in BMI was noted for the HbA1c subgroup ≥ 7.5% (−1.0 ± 8.38 kg/m2). However, the change in BMI in the HbA1c subgroup ≥ 8% was noted to be −1.4 ± 10.4 kg/m2, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). In the overall study population, significant change in the SBP (−4.5 ± 14.9 mmHg; p < 0.05 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 7.5%; −4.5 ± 15.1 mmHg; p < 0.0001 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 8%) was observed at visit 2 compared with visit 1. On identical lines, significant change in DBP (−1.5 ± 8.94 mmHg; p < 0.05 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 7.5%; −1.4 ± 8.91 mmHg; p < 0.05 for HbA1c subgroup ≥ 8%) was noted. Conclusions Dapagliflozin showed significant improvement in glycemic parameter, BMI and BP when added to metformin, with or without other OADs in a real-world scenario.

Background: Proton-pump inhibitors, along with a prokinetic agent, are widely used to provide symptomatic relief amongst patients with acid peptic disease (APD). This article evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the omeprazole–domperidone combination amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for the management of APD. Methods: PRIDE-2 (PRoton-pump Inhibitor in patients with type 2 DiabEtes mellitus) is a retrospective study reviewing electronic medical records of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and APD who were receiving the omeprazole–domperidone combination and visiting multiple Indian healthcare settings between March 2018 and April 2021. The effectiveness outcome of the therapy was evaluated in terms of resolution of APD symptoms at visit 5 (120 days after baseline visit) compared with visit 1 (baseline visit). Safety was determined in terms of reported adverse events (AEs) during the treatment period (120 days). Results: A total of 174 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.5±9.6 years, with the majority (59.8%) being men. A significant proportion of patients reported relief from APD symptoms, including abdominal pain (91.6%), epigastric burning (68.7%), nausea (89.5%), flatulence (100.0%), loss of appetite (93.6%), and altered bowel movements (94.7%) (p

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major health problem in India with high morbidity and mortality. The threat posed by this infection is further intensified by the continued emergence of resistance to the currently available antibiotics. With a heritage of more than 24 years in India, amoxicillin+clavulanic acid is one of the most common antibiotics used for CAP. It was developed with an intent to sustain the efficacy of amoxicillin which was challenged due to the emergence of the beta-lactamase producing microorganism. Over a period, it has been included in national and international guidelines for the treatment of CAP. To assure the highest probability of clinical cure and to combat development of resistance: It is imperative for amoxicillin+clavulanic acid to reaffirm itself. Optimization of the PK/PD and higher dose of amoxicllin+clavulanic acid will tackle the burden of the future difficult to manage respiratory infections.

An increase in the daily dose of amoxicillin from 45 mg/kg to 90 mg/kg was introduced in late 2000 to respond to increasing presence of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) in Acute Otitis Media (AOM) and in other respiratory infections. The basis for this recommendation is a well understood mechanism of resistance among PRSP as well as established safety profile of amoxicillin with known tolerance to high doses. The addition of a standard dose of clavulanic acid provides protection against resistance present in other pathogens involved in AOM and other respiratory infections. A formulation of high dose of amoxicillin with standard dose of clavulanic acid has been developed to meet the increasing needs for efficacy against bacteria with growing antibiotic resistance. While, on the one hand, there is continued empirical use of standard/lower dose of amoxicillin (45 mg/kg/day) or a second- or third-generation cephalosporin in AOM, on the other hand, there is evidence of a rise in intractable cases (relapses or first-line therapy failures). In addition to this, an evolving disease bacteriology and regional variation in antibiotic susceptibility are determinants of clinical outcome in AOM. The current paper discusses the unmet areas and explains rationale behind guideline-directed empirical high-dose amoxicillin supported with clavulanic acid in AOM.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important public health concern globally. For India, undoubtedly, AMR has had profound impact on its health & socioeconomic parameters. Several hospital and community-based surveys have indicated alarming rise in incidence of multidrug resistant microbes, especially ‘superbugs’, having direct links with antibiotic use/misuse. Additionally, paucity in data with regards to quantification of AMR crisis & its determinants has been concerning. However, the national commitment to address AMR has steadily increased of late, with an oft-restated realization – it is time to act. Recent initiatives like National Policy for Containment of AMR (2011), Chennai Declaration (2012), Anti-microbial Resistance Surveillance and Research Network (2013), The Red Line Campaign (2016), National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR (2017), ICMR Treatment Guidelines for Antimicrobial Use in Common Syndromes (2019) are promising measures expected to have positive impact on both clinical and economic outcome in India. This paper provides a snapshot of major strategies proposed in recent years, including educational and awareness initiatives, infection control guidelines, audit and feedback, antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance projects etc. It also identifies technical challenges & opportunities for improved AMR mitigation in India.

Abstract Severe asthma can be associated with eosinophilic or allergic phenotypes or both. Eosinophilic inflammation is associated with exacerbations and disease severity due to biological activity of interleukin‐5 (IL‐5). Patients with severe asthma have reported reduced lung function and poor health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and may require systemic corticosteroids for its management. Thus, treatment targeting IL‐5 can help improve quality of life and reduce the use of systemic corticosteroids in severe asthma. Mepolizumab is approved for treating severe eosinophilic asthma as it helps reduce exacerbations, improve lung function and asthma control, and reduce the use of systemic glucocorticoids. This further helps in enhancing HRQoL of these patients. This case series includes four adult patients suffering from severe eosinophilic asthma who were treated with mepolizumab.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) or geohelminths are an important cause of morbidity worldwide. A large proportion of the infection burden occurs in India, including STH infections due to roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichura) and hookworms (Necator americanus or Ancyclostoma duodenale). Apart from direct health impacts, they are also implicated in anaemia, nutritional deficiencies and delayed cognitive development in children. They also have been shown to have detrimental impact on economic development and future income earning potential. The current global strategy on STH control is through increased utilisation of Preventive Chemotherapy (PC) for at-risk population, comprising mainly pre-school and school age children. This is crucial for India, as there can be significant proportion of untreated subjects in the community, who may act as a reservoir of infection for treated subjects to get re-infected. Additionally, inculcating healthy behaviour modifications and adopting WASH interventions meant a major shift in social and cultural norms in many societies. Overall, the multifaceted nature of STH control in India requires concerted efforts and significant mobilisation of human and financial resources. In this regard, several recent initiatives including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Nirmal Gram Puraskar, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, Clean India: Clean schools etc., have brought a positive change, apart from the provision of deworming for morbidity control through National Deworming Day. In this paper, authors have narrated major initiatives in recent years that are expected to bring a lasting solution to the problem of STH infection in India.

Introduction: Dermatophytosis are the most common fungal infections globally. Terbinafine is considered to have good potency against dermatophytes, but resistance to terbinafine is on the rise. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of terbinafine 500 mg given once daily in treatment of patients with superficial dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective questionnaire-based survey. Each doctor was given survey questionnaire booklet containing survey forms. Clinical response was graded according to the improvement in the affected lesion. Mycological cure was defined as negative microscopy under potassium hydroxide examination and a negative culture in Sabouraud's dextrose agar. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the duration of therapy, Group A – terbinafine 500 mg for 2 weeks, Group B – terbinafine 500 mg for 4 weeks, and Group C – terbinafine 500 mg for 6 weeks. Results: Total 50 doctors completed the survey involving 440 patients. In Group A, out of 194 patients, 87% (n = 169) patients showed very good response. In Group B, out of 211 patients, 92% (n = 194) of the patients showed very good response with >75% improvement in their lesion. In Group C, out of 35 patients, 80% (n = 30) patients showed very good response. Adverse drug reactions of mild to moderate intensity related to terbinafine were seen in 57 patients. Conclusion: Our survey indicates that terbinafine in a dose of 500 mg given once daily was efficacious and safe in the treatment of patients with dermatophytosis.

Background: There is presently no data to describe normal distribution of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), an established measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, in Indian subjects. Methods: In this multi-centric study, 1229 subjects with age ≥30 years and no previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) underwent CVD risk factor assessment and CIMT measurement. Mean far wall common carotid artery IMT was measured on both sides and averaged. Results: Mean age of the subjects was 48.0 ± 12.0 years and 54.2% were men. CIMT measurement was feasible in 1157 subjects. Mean, median and 75th percentile values of CIMT for different age-groups were derived for men and women separately. There was a progressive increase in CIMT with increasing age (P

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological, multi-center, study is enrolling T2DM patients of either gender aged 30 years or above. This study aimed to enroll a total of 3000 T2DM patients at 30 participating hospitals/clinics across India and the data from a planned interim analysis of 1500 patients are presented here. The primary endpoint of the study is to estimate proportion of T2DM patients with CKD (glomerular filtration rate [GFR]

Background: There is limited available information for treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with respect to outcomes, therapeutic agents and treatment practices. Our retrospective registry study collected and evaluated varying anti-platelet treatment strategies and outcomes of ACS patients who were admitted to 9 different tertiary care hospitals in India. This study was carried out to provide an insight to anti-platelet treatment patterns and analyze outcomes of ACS patients in India. Methods: All the relevant data, including anti-platelet treatment strategies, outcomes and patient treatment compliance were collected from 500 ACS (defined as STEMI, NSTEMI and unstable angina [UA]) cases from January 2007 to December 2009. These ACS cases were randomly collected from the hospital records and included in the analysis. The patient follow up data was acquired either from the hospital records or via telephonic contact for a period of one year following the event. Results: Out of 500 ACS patients, 59.8% had UA/NSTEMI and 40.2% had STEMI. On hospital admission, aspirin, clopidogrel, statins, beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) were used by 83%, 83%, 68%, 43.2% and 31.6% patients, respectively. On discharge, aspirin, clopidogrel, statins and beta-blockers were used by 90.2%, 88%, 80.6%, and 59% patients, respectively. The average patient compliance to statins, clopidogrel and aspirin was recorded as 74.28%, 69.7% and 68.66%, respectively during discharge and follow-up visits. Greater than 50% of ACS patients after discharge were lost to follow-up and as a result there was significant drop in the number of clinical events reported. Conclusion: This pilot study conducted in tertiary care centers in India showed that patients with ACS were more often diagnosed with UA/NSTEMI as compared to STEMI and reported maximum compliance to statins, clopidogrel and aspirin after discharge over 1 year follow-up. More ACS patients were lost to follow up that resulted in low reporting of clinical outcomes, following discharge upto 1 year.