Indian J Med Res
-
Background & objectives Timely detection of population with β-thalassemia trait (BTT) followed by genetic counselling is an advocated method of preventing the birth of a child with β-thalassemia major. In this study we aim to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Gazelle, a point-of-care (POC) testing device, in screening for BTT in hospital laboratory setting. Methods Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) guidelines were followed in developing study design, recruiting study participants and sample size calculation for the current research. ⋯ When analyzed by the serum ferritin level the diagnostic accuracy was found to be 94.7 per cent (91.1% - 97.1%) and 95.7 per cent (91.8% - 98.1%) for participants with serum ferritin level as > 15 ng/ml and < 15 ng/ml, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions This study found Gazelle to be a good screening tool for β-thalassemia trait with high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. However, it is recommended that the final confirmation of the diagnosis done by a diagnostic test like HPLC or Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE).
-
Background & objectives Cancer contributes to decreasing life expectancy, especially in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC) and countries in transition where resources for diagnosis and care are limited. As the world population is ageing, and by 2050, two-thirds of the population in LMIC will be elderly, the greater impact of cancer on the expectation of life in years at a given age of an adult will be seen in these countries. Methods Estimated cancer mortality for older adults (60 yr or above) was estimated using statistics available on Globocan 2020 platform (gco.iarc.fr). ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions The projected mortality increase will challenge existing healthcare systems, especially in lower or lower medium-income countries where resources are limited. Elderly patients are at an elevated risk of adverse outcomes due to the high prevalence of co-morbid conditions. Geriatric oncology will play an important role in the coming years to ensure the overall health and well-being of elderly patients, which needs to be supported by good stratified data on elderly cancer.
-
Investigator-initiated clinical trials - also known as non-regulatory or academic clinical trials, are conducted by investigators from academia or research organizations. They usually aim to address scientific questions with insufficient commercial implications and generate real-world applicable solutions, unlike trials sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry which are primarily focused on marketing approval of products that have a commercial value. For the trial results to be credible, adhering to robust methodology and the highest quality standards is paramount. ⋯ They are guided mainly by the National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical and Health Research Involving Human Participants, 2017 published by Indian Council of Medical Research. They lack an accepted framework for review, conduct, monitoring, reporting of adverse events, and participant compensation. Considering this scenario, we discuss the challenges faced in an investigator initiated clinical trial and explore plausible solutions.
-
Background & objectives Hypertension is a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and premature mortality worldwide, particularly affecting low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). This study focused on evaluating self-care practices among hypertensive affected individuals in urban slum areas of Mysuru city, India, and explore associated factors and their relationship with hypertension control levels. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2022 to August 2023, enrolling 650 hypertensive affected individuals from 63 urban slums of Mysuru city. ⋯ However, no significant association was found between gender and self-care scores. Interpretation & conclusions This study highlights the critical need for comprehensive interventions integrating self-care awareness into existing health programmes to address the growing burden of hypertension, particularly in urban slum populations. By prioritizing self-care education and empowerment, healthcare stakeholders can equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective hypertension management, thus improving health outcomes at individual level and also reducing public health impact of hypertension.