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.

A multicentre point prevalence survey (PPS) of antimicrobial use amongst admitted patients in tertiary care centres in India.

Objectives: Data from point prevalence surveys (PPSs) in India are scarce. Conducting PPSs is especially challenging in the absence of electronic medical records, a lack of dedicated resources and a high patient load in resource-poor settings. This multicentre survey was conducted to provide background data for planning and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programmes across the country.

Safety of hydroxychloroquine in healthcare workers for COVID-19 prophylaxis.

Background & Objectives: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), reported to inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication in in vitro studies, has been recommended for prophylaxis of COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs). The objective of this study was to assess short-term adverse events (AEs) of HCQ in HCWs.

Methods: This cross-sectional study among consenting HCWs taking prophylaxis and working in hospitals with COVID-19 patients used online forms to collect details of HCWs, comorbidities, prophylactic drugs used and AEs after the first dose of HCQ.

A multicentric knowledge-attitude-practice survey in the community about antimicrobial use and resistance in India.

Background: To address the reasons for inappropriate use of antimicrobials, it is important to understand the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of all pertinent stakeholders. This multicentric survey is aimed at understanding the KAP quotients of the community regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as such information is lacking in India.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by face-to-face interviews across five centers in India using a validated, field-tested questionnaire incorporating KAP domain questions.

Interaction of iron deficiency anemia and hemoglobinopathies among college students and pregnant women: a multi center evaluation in India.

Although iron deficiency anemia is very common in India, systematic large studies on the prevalence and hematological consequences of iron deficiency among carriers of β-thalassemia (β-thal) and other hemoglobinopathies are lacking. A multi center project was undertaken to screen college/university students and pregnant women for iron deficiency anemia and various hemoglobinopathies. Fifty-six thousand, seven hundred and seventy-two subjects from six states, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam and Punjab, were studied.

Spectrum of hemoglobinopathies among the primitive tribes: a multicentric study in India.

We evaluated the spectrum of hemoglobinopathies among the primitive tribal groups from 4 states in India. A total of 15,200 individuals from 14 primitive tribal groups were studied by automated high-performance liquid chromatography. The hemoglobin S (HbS) allele frequency varied from 0.

Inbreeding as a cause for deafness: Dadhkai study.

Background: We report on the higher prevalence of deaf-mutes from a village in Jammu and Kashmir State of India.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study among 79 deaf mutes using pedigree analysis, audiometry, imaging and molecular analysis.

Results: A high rate of hereditary deafness with 79 individuals diagnosed to be suffering from non-syndrome deafness in a total population of 2452 individuals residing in the village.