Indian J Med Res
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Malaria in pregnancy is an important cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and is a potentially life-threatening infection. With ever-growing global exchanges, imported malaria in pregnancy is becoming an issue of concern in non-endemic countries where women, because of low immunity, have higher risk of severe diseases and death. Malaria in pregnancy is a dangerous condition which can be associated with important consequences for both mother and child such as stillbirth, low birth weight, maternal anaemia. ⋯ In cases of confirmed infection, specific treatment regimens vary according to gestational age and the presence of complications. Malaria should be considered a global health problem, increasingly involving western countries. Clinicians all over the world need to be prepared for this emerging disease both in terms of prevention and therapy.
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Biosimilars or similar biotherapeutic products are the biological products approved by regulatory agencies based on the demonstration of similarity in quality, safety and efficacy with reference biologics (or original biologics). Though biosimilars could be considered as interchangeable therapeutic alternatives over original biologics, there are concerns regarding their similarity in effectiveness and safety with reference product along with the level of evidence of similarity required for approval. The biosimilars, particularly, monoclonal antibodies that are developed based on the complex manufacturing processes, require stringent comparative evaluations. ⋯ The 2016 guidelines, an update to previous guidelines, were released with the intent to provide a well-defined pathway at par with international regulations for the approval of similar biologics in India. This article highlights the key attributes of the 2016 Regulatory Guidelines and also describes the aspects such as interchangeability, nomenclature and labelling of similar biologics in India. Rigorous consideration is imperative for highly complex similar biologics of monoclonal antibodies on a case-to-case basis.
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Improved dengue cost estimates offer the potential to provide a baseline measure to determine the cost-effectiveness of interventions. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost of dengue prevention, treatment and fatalities in Kerala, India, over a period of one year. ⋯ Although deaths due to dengue were few, the cost of fatalities was 12 times more than the cost of treatment and three times the cost of prevention. Focusing on mortality reduction and disease prevention in elderly would be beneficial.