The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
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Drug abuse and dependence is common in patients with chronic pain. Of concern are the opioid analgesics prescribed commonly, and its availability over the counter. ⋯ With chronic pain being a significant risk factor for drug dependence, increased caution by the prescribing physicians is advisable while treating such patients using opioid analgesics. The dangers of opioid dependence, associated risk factors, and issues regarding the prescription of such medication are discussed to aid prevention of prescription drug abuse seen in general practice.
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J Assoc Physicians India · Feb 2001
Prevalence of rheumatic diseases in a rural population in western India: a WHO-ILAR COPCORD Study.
COPCORD (Community oriented program from control of rheumatic diseases) is a global initiative of the WHO/International League of Associations from Rheumatology (ILAR). The prevalence data from the first Indian COPCORD survey (Stage 1), carried out in village Bhigwan (Dist. Pune), in 1996, is presented. ⋯ The Bhigwan COPCORD survey demonstrates a significant rural spectrum of RMSD. It provides a reasonable speculation about the Indian rheumatological burden. Further, an eight year prospective study is in progress to identify new cases and risk factors, and educate people (Stages 2 and 3).
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A series of eight cases of methyl alcohol poisoning resulting from consumption of adulterated alcohol is presented. Most of the patients had blurring of vision followed by coma, metabolic acidosis and hemodynamic unstability (SBP < 90 mmHg) on admission to medical ICU. Early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment lead to successful recovery in five of these patients. Analysis of correlation between clinical and biochemical indicators of severity and indication for various therapeutic interventions are discussed.