Indian J Med Res
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Medical certification of the cause of death provides epidemiological information for developing cause-specific mortality and disease trends, guiding the monitoring of health programmes and allocating health resources. Therefore, providing correct information on the cause of death is essential. This study describes the errors in medical certification of the cause of death in India. ⋯ Absence of time intervals was the most common type of certification error (62.3-99.5%). Training of doctors to accurately certify the medical cause of death and its addition to medical education is urgently needed to ensure accurate information for mortality-related statistics. A uniform methodology for auditing and reporting errors in medical certification of cause of death should be adopted.
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Background & objectives Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) envisages a unique digital health ID for all citizens of India, to create electronic health records (EHR) of individuals. The present study assessed the uptake of Digital Health IDs by the patient and general population, their attitude toward EHR, and explored the barriers to digital ID and utilizing electronic health records services. Methods A concurrent explanatory mixed methods study was undertaken in Chandigarh, India, with an analytical cross-sectional design as a quantitative part and a qualitative descriptive study. ⋯ Among the study participants, those who were aware of EHR, those who wanted a national EHR system, those who were confident with the government on EHR security, and those who were willing to make national EHR accessible for research showed significantly higher digital health ID uptake than their counterparts. The themes identified under barriers of uptake from the qualitative interviews were lack of awareness, technology-related (including digital literacy) and utility-related. Interpretation & conclusions Increasing EHR awareness, digital health literacy, and enacting data protection laws may improve the acceptance of the digital health ecosystem in India.
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Background & objectives Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with a higher risk of malignancy, which is attributed to disease behaviour and the usage of immunosuppressants. The burden of malignancy in CD is scarcely reported from Asia. We report real-world data on CD-related malignancy from a northern Indian cohort. ⋯ No cases of lymphoma or skin malignancy were reported. Interpretation & conclusions At 30 yr, the cumulative risk of malignancy among Indian CD-affected individuals was 13.4 per cent, with a SIR of 10.45 (95% CI: 4.98- 17.96). The risk increased with increasing age at disease onset and duration.
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Background & objectives The co-presence of non-emphysematous airflow obstruction in interstitial Lung disease (ILD) is not elaborated. The present study aims the job with spirometry. Methods ILD affected individuals with or without airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC<0.7 or >0.7) on spirometry were compared in terms of FEV1 and FEF25-75 derived variables [FEF25-75 (%-predicted), FEV1-FEF25-75 distance, reversibility of FEV1 and FEF25-75 to salbutamol and change in FEV1 and FEF25-75 in %-predicted values]. ⋯ The 'unmixed' group showed higher frequency and degree of FEV1 reversibility. Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the airflow obstruction in ILD involves both the intrathoracic large and small airways. Although seemingly parallel, their relative status (qualitative and quantitative) needs research especially in light of the a etio pathology and the extent of involvement of ILD.
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Background & objectives Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) manifests as a hereditary condition characterized by repeated bouts of fever, abdominal, chest, and joint discomfort, and swelling. Colchicine is the most common form of treatment, but it does not eliminate the disease. The underlying causes of the inflammatory mechanism are still not fully known. ⋯ In addition, when the gene expressions were compared between the healthy controls and FMF group, no significant difference was found for ITGA9, ITGB1, TNC, and SPP1 genes. Interpretation & conclusions The function of α9β1 and its ligands in FMF disease was investigated for the first time in this study as per our knowledge. Serum levels of these biomarkers may help identify potential new targets for FMF disease diagnosis and treatment approaches.