K J Somaiya Medical College

About: K J Somaiya Medical College is a education organization based out in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Geology & Medicine. The organization has 172 authors who have published 149 publications receiving 1009 citations.

Alarming India-wide phenomenon of antifungal resistance in dermatophytes: A multicentre study.

Abstract: Background An alarming increase in recalcitrant dermatophytosis has been witnessed in India over the past decade. Drug resistance may play a major role in this scenario. Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of in vitro resistance to terbinafine, itraconazole and voriconazole in dermatophytes, and to identify underlying mutations in the fungal squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene. Patients/methods We analysed skin samples from 402 patients originating from eight locations in India. Fungi were identified by microbiological and molecular methods, tested for antifungal susceptibility (terbinafine, itraconazole, voriconazole), and investigated for missense mutations in SQLE. Results Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes internal transcribed spacer (ITS) Type VIII was found in 314 (78%) samples. Eighteen (5%) samples harboured species identified up to the T interdigitale/mentagrophytes complex, and T rubrum was detected in 19 (5%) samples. 71% of isolates were resistant to terbinafine. The amino acid substitution Phe397Leu in the squalene epoxidase of resistant T mentagrophytes was highly prevalent (91%). Two novel substitutions in resistant Trichophyton strains, Ser395Pro and Ser443Pro, were discovered. The substitution Ala448Thr was found in terbinafine-sensitive and terbinafine-resistant isolates but was associated with increased MICs of itraconazole and voriconazole. Conclusions The high frequencies of terbinafine resistance in dermatophytes are worrisome and demand monitoring and further research. Squalene epoxidase substitutions between Leu393 and Ser443 could serve as markers of resistance in the future.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected adults attending private and public clinics in India.

Abstract: India has approximately 5.2 million persons infected with HIV. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) is being widely introduced in public clinics, many HIV-infected persons still seek care via the private sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2004 at six public and private sites to characterize the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of ART among patients with HIV receiving care in India. Of 1667 persons surveyed, 609 (36%) had heard of ART and 19% of these persons reported that ART could cure HIV. Twenty-four percent reported that they were currently taking ART, with 18% of these patients not actually on ART according to their provider. Major barriers to taking ART were cost (33%), lack of knowledge of ART (41%), and deferral by physician (30%). More than half of all public and private patients had not heard of CD4 (57%) or viral load testing (80%), and even fewer had received these tests (32% and 11%, respectively). Private clinic attendees were almost 4 times more likely to be on ART ...

Missed Monteggia fracture in children: Is annular ligament reconstruction always required?

Abstract: Background: Chronic (neglected) radiocapitellar joint dislocation is one of the feared complications of Monteggia fractures especially when associated with subtle fracture of the ulna bone. Many treatment strategies have been described to manage chronic Monteggia fracture and the need for annular ligament reconstruction is not always clear. The purpose of this study is to highlight the management of missed Monteggia fracture with particular emphasis on utility of annular ligament reconstruction by comparing the two groups of patients. Materials and Methods: In a prospective study 12 patients with mean age of 7.4 years, who presented with neglected Monteggia fractures, were studied. All children underwent open reduction of the radiocapitellar joint. Five children (Group A) were treated with angulation-distraction osteotomy of ulna and annular ligament reconstruction and six cases (Group B) required only angulation-distraction osteotomy of ulna without ligament reconstruction. In one case an open reduction of the radiocapitellar joint was sufficient to reduce the radial head and this was included in Group B. The gap between injury and presentation was from 3 months to 18 months (mean 9 months). Ten patients were classified as Bado I, and one each as Bado II and III respectively. We used the Kim's criteria to score our results. Result: The mean follow-up period was 22 months. All ulna osteotomies healed uneventfully. The mean loss of pronation was 15 degree in Group A and 10 degree in Group B. Elbow flexion improved from the preoperative range and no child complained of pain, deformity and restriction of activity. The elbow score was excellent in 10 cases, and good in two cases. Conclusion: Distraction-angulation osteotomy of the ulna suffices in most cases of missed monteggia fracture and the need for annular ligament reconstruction is based on intraoperative findings of radial head instability.

Impact of physician empathy on migraine disability and migraineur compliance

Abstract: Aims: We aim to establish the role that perceived physician empathy plays in determining migraineurs' outcomes and compliance with migraine management plans. We checked for associations between perceived physician empathy and clinical outcomes as well as compliance with management plans. Materials and Methods: 63 migraineurs were enrolled between July and September 2011. Questionnaire administered at the time of inclusion into the study included self-assessment of disability due to migraine (Migraine Disability Assessment Test) followed by migraineurs' assessment of physician empathy (Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure). Three months later, a telephonic questionnaire ascertained changes in disability due to migraine and compliance with migraine treatment. Statistical Analysis: Data was entered in Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using SPSS 17. Pearson's correlation was employed to analyze the significance of relationship between variables. P-value of less than 0.05 has been considered statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant positive Pearson's correlations are seen between perceived empathy and decrease in migraine disability and symptoms over three months (P < 0.05). Significant positive relationships are also seen between perceived empathy and compliance with diet/meal timings, exercising, de-stressing/sleep pattern modification and medications (P < 0.05). Self-reported compliance is significantly correlated with improved patient outcomes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Substantial positive associations are found between perceived physician empathy and migraineurs' outcomes and compliance with management plans. This emphasizes the importance of empathy in migraineur-physician communication.

Probiotics: current trends in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Abstract: In recent years, research into and public interest in probiotics and probiotic foods have risen. Lactobacilli and bifidobacterium are the most commonly used probiotics while yoghurt and kefir are popular foods containing probiotics. Probiotics have been used to manage diarrhoea. Many things cause diarrhoea, including bacterial, viral and protozoal infections, radiation and antibiotic therapy. Different studies have found that probiotics may also enhance the immune response, reduce serum cholesterol, prevent colonic cancer, prevent dental caries, prevent ulcers due to Helicobacter pylori, maintain urogenital health, and ameliorate hepatic encephalopathy. Further studies are required to establish their role in these conditions.