Natl Med J India
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Reliable estimates of heart failure are lacking in India because of the absence of a surveillance programme to track incidence, prevalence, outcomes and key causes of heart failure. Nevertheless, we propose that the incidence and prevalence rates of heart failure are rising due to population, epidemiological and health transitions. Based on disease-specific estimates of prevalence and incidence rates of heart failure, we conservatively estimate the prevalence of heart failure in India due to coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and rheumatic heart disease to range from 1.3 to 4.6 million, with an annual incidence of 491 600-1.8 million. ⋯ Staging of heart failure, introduced in 2005, provides a framework to target preventive strategies in patients at risk for heart failure (stage A), with structural disease alone (B), with heart failure symptoms (C) and with end-stage disease (D). Policy-level interventions, such as regulations to limit salt and tobacco consumption, are effective for primordial prevention and would have a wider impact on prevention of heart failure. Clinical preventive interventions and clinical quality improvement interventions, such as treatment of hypertension, atherosclerotic disease, diabetes and acute decompensated heart failure are effective for primary, secondary and even tertiary prevention.
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Multiple myeloma is a disease of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Interaction of malignant plasma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The Introduction of two new classes of molecules, namely immunomodulators (e.g. thalidomide, lenalidomide), and proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib) has led to improvement in the management of myeloma. ⋯ Further consolidation with intensive chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplant in young, eligible patients results in complete response in 50%-70% of patients with improved survival. Simplified criteria for staging, uniform response criteria, more sensitive methods for detection of residual disease (immunofixation and free light chain assay), and recognition of potential adverse cytogenetic and genomic abnormalities have further refined the management of patients with myeloma. Along with earlier diagnosis, improved treatment and better management of complications have resulted in longer disease control and survival with a better quality of life.
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Violence against women, especially by their husbands, is a serious public health issue that is associated with physical, reproductive and mental health consequences. The association between physical violence and unintended pregnancies has not been explored in India. ⋯ Preventing physical violence against women by their husbands could reduce unintended pregnancies.