Natl Med J India
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Background Treating beta-thalassaemia major may entail high costs with considerable out-of-pocket expenditure. Therefore, determination and valuation of the economic costs of a common haemoglobinopathy such as beta-thalassaemia major in India may provide insights to evolve policies for reduction or elimination of the disease. We estimated economic burden of beta-thalassaemia major in Mumbai in terms of cost to the family and the healthcare system. ⋯ Conclusion The majority (94%) of costs incurred by families for treatment of beta-thalassaemia major are direct costs, especially expenses for chelation and blood investigations. Even at subsidized rates, financial burden to the families from lower socioeconomic strata is likely to be considerable as these are out-of-pocket expenses. In consideration of the economic impact of treating beta-thalassaemia major in individual families, the healthcare system and society, it is prudent to promote and pursue long-term and short-term measures with urgent emphasis on prevention as a public health activity at the national level in India.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can have widespread ocular manifestations, and posterior segment involvement may be associated with poor visual outcome. We report a clinical flare-up of SLE presenting as combined vascular occlusion in one eye and drusen-like deposits, which is a newly described entity in both eyes. As an ophthalmologist, a knowledge of such presentations helps us identify and possibly help the rheumatologist titrate treatment accordingly, to prevent severe life-threatening systemic complications.