Multiple myeloma: Unveiling the survival data with different lines of treatments.

Purpose: The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) is rising and there are fewer Indian studies; a comprehensive research of MM patients' survival data in a real-world population is needed. This study aims to analyze the survival status of MM patients with different treatment regimens along with its correlation to other parameters such as treatment-free interval (TFI) and time-to-next treatment (TTNT).

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, done in the department of oncology, at a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, from August 2019 to July 2020, to analyze the survival data in patients diagnosed with MM from 2015 to 2019.

Dabigatran: Clinical correlation of drug and its dose with risk of stroke and bleeding.

Background: Dabigatran is the first oral direct thrombin inhibitor which is endorsed by Food and Drug Administration in the prevention of embolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Suitable dose of the drug for the patient is selected based on CHA2DS2-VASc score and HAS-BLED score.

Aim: To determine and compare the risk of occurrence of stroke and bleeding after the initiation of dabigatran therapy in patients prescribed with this drug.

Clinical outcomes of levosimendan versus dobutamine in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and impaired renal function.

To assess the clinical outcomes of levosimendan and dobutamine in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and impaired renal function in Indian scenario. Cardiac, renal, electrolytes and hepatic parameters as well as the clinical outcomes were assessed. Levosimendan and dobutamine improved ejection fraction significantly.

Guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure patients: impact of focused care provided by a heart failure clinic in comparison to general cardiology out-patient department.

Background: The usage of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in the treatment of heart failure (HF) has shown to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, majority of the HF patients do not receive GDMT or do not achieve the target dose. Literature has shown that the patients who are managed in HF clinics receive GDMT and target doses of disease-modifying drugs (DMD) when compared to those treated in other general cardiology outpatient departments (OPD's).

Myths and Facts about Vitiligo: An Epidemiological Study.

Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder associated with many disease conditions that necessitates multiple drug regimens, which make the treatment complicated. This stigmatic disease forces the patient to approach all system of medicines as well as alternative medicines of non proven value, which further worsens the situation. At the same time the nonadherence to the treatment reflects poor prognosis, which is misunderstood for lack of response resulting in poor faith to the medications.

Clinical pharmacists: Bridging the gap between patients and physicians.

The clinical pharmacy has spread out drastically in terms of its professional services throughout the past few years. The clinical pharmacist become a crucial element of healthcare team and promotes patient care by interacting with physician and patient. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of clinical pharmacists in various departments.

Innovations in epilepsy management - an overview.

In the past twenty years, thirteen new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been introduced, each differing in their efficacy spectrum, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability profiles. These newer AEDs symbolize a welcoming future in the management of epilepsy because they are able to produce a remarkable reduction in seizure frequency in up to 40% to 50% of the patients who had been refractory to old generation drugs. Despite the current availability of these new drugs, only a few patients with truly refractory seizures can be made seizure free.

Assessment of quality of life in patients on hemodialysis and the impact of counseling.

Chronic renal failure is an irreversible progressive condition responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Because it requires life-long treatment in the form of renal replacement therapy, the quality of life (QOL) of patients may significantly impair. Studies have revealed that patient education can play a significant role in improving the QOL in these patients.

Cellular telephones and electronic communication patterns among families in metropolitan New York.

Objective: The authors gathered survey data regarding the use of cellular telephones among families who reside in the New York metropolitan area and whose children receive medical care in a hospital-affiliated general pediatrics clinic.

Methods: Two investigators distributed a 34-question, self-administered survey in pencil-and-paper format to pediatric patients and the adults who accompanied them in the waiting room of a hospital-affiliated, outpatient pediatric practice in Mineola, New York.

Results: Completed surveys were obtained from 35 families.