NCCP-ICS joint consensus-based clinical practice guidelines on medical thoracoscopy.

Medical Thoracoscopy (MT) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based information regarding all aspects of MT, both as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic aid for pulmonologists across India. The consensus-based guidelines were formulated based on a multistep process using a set of 31 questions.

Thoracoscopic practices in India-a survey by Indian chest society.

Background: Diagnostic thoracentesis is the initial diagnostic investigation in the workup of an undiagnosed Pleural effusion. However, a significant percentage of pleural effusions remain undiagnosed after this step and after closed pleural biopsy. Medical thoracoscopy (MT) has a high diagnostic yield in these patients.

COPD exacerbation rates are higher in non-smoker patients in India.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common among non-smokers exposed to solid fuel combustion at home. Different clinical characteristics in these patients may have significant therapeutic and prognostic implications. We used medical record review and a questionnaire among COPD patients at 15 centres across India to capture data on demographic details, different types of exposures and clinical characteristics.

Dhandha, dharma and disease: traditional sex work and HIV/AIDS in rural India.

This paper discusses the results of two ethnographic studies with female sex workers in rural areas of Karnataka and Rajasthan, India. In particular, we focus on women whose socio-economic status, and religious and occupational practices, are part of sex work systems that have historical precedents such that they can be termed "traditional" sex workers. The approach taken in the ethnographic work was informed by current critical approaches in medical anthropology and public health.