Indian Journal Of Clinical Practice

Medicine Update

Dr Veena Aggarwal — 2023-11-14

EDITORIAL

Obesity and the Banyan Tree

Dr Sanjay Kalra — 2023-11-14

Health is a multifaceted construct, with social, religious and spiritual dimensions. In this editorial, we use an important socioreligious icon, the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) as a metaphor for the etiopathogenesis, clinical evaluation and management
of obesity. We utilize this as a motivational tool, to encourage self-discipline and self-care while living with obesity.

Role of Sodium Alginate in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Overview

Dr Jyoti Yadav — 2023-11-14

Sodium alginate helps manage and treat heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This article discusses the
structure, mechanism of action and clinical application. A brief review of the literature is carried out.

The Effect of Phototherapy on Various Biochemical Parameters in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Dr SHASHI KANT MEENA — 2023-11-14

Phototherapy (PT) is the current modality of choice for treatment of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. The effects of PT on
various biochemical parameters including serum calcium, bilirubin profile, serum total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine,
serum electrolytes in neonates are a concern in current times. Like any other treatment, PT also has its own side effects.
This hospital-based, prospective, comparative observational study was conducted with the objective to assess the level of
various biochemical parameters like serum calcium, serum sodium, serum potassium, serum chloride, serum urea and serum
creatinine, serum total protein and serum albumin in addition to serum bilirubin before PT and after completion of 48 hours
of PT in full-term neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia at a tertiary care center. On comparing biochemical
parameters, a statistically significant difference in parameters such as bilirubin, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride,
calcium, total protein and albumin was observed after PT. On the other hand, there was a statistically nonsignificant difference
in corrected calcium (p = 0.945).

An Interesting Case of Pulmonary Tuberculosis with Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Mimicking Interstitial Lung Disease

Dr SHRINATH V — 2023-11-14

Hypoxemic respiratory failure is a rare presentation of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Though tuberculous acute
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is well documented in medical literature, non-ARDS respiratory failure is seldom
reported in active pulmonary TB. We herein report a case, which posed a diagnostic dilemma as it clinically mimicked
interstitial lung disease. Imaging showed unilateral localized smooth interlobular septal thickening along with consolidation
without significant mediastinal lymphadenopathy. To the best of our knowledge, this rare radiological finding has not been
reported in medical literature as being associated with hypoxemic respiratory failure in pulmonary TB patients.

Doctors’ Pride and Ethics: Time to Introspect

Dr ALEYA ANITHA — 2023-11-14

A doctor’s role in society is unique. Over years, medical science has advanced; publics’ expectations have changed; recent
pandemic challenged it. Doctors’ face is blemished by accusations. An online survey was done to analyze the change in the
attitude and respect of the public towards doctors. For this a questionnaire was forwarded through WhatsApp contacts.
Data was extracted to an excel sheet and analyzed. The cohort (n = 328) included both doctors (34.1%) and non-doctors
(65.9%). Non-doctors comprised of the general public (47.3%) and people who worked with doctors (18.6%). Overall, 93.3%
of those surveyed agreed that “doctors deserve respect”. More doctors (89.3%) as compared to non-doctors (39.4%) (p < 0.001)
perceived a reduction in respect towards doctors. On an objective scale (0-10), respect had reduced from an average of
8.55 to 6.76 over 10 years; doctors felt steeper reduction (8.68 to 5.42 [p < 0.05] than non-doctors [8.48 to 7.46 [p < 0.05]).
Among doctors, 64.3% opined that “doctors’ profession should be considered as service”, while 49.1% agreed that “doctors’
profession can be a business model”. A portion of the public, agreed that medications (61.3%) and investigations (56.1%)
were prescribed/advised only when necessary. An important reason for reduction in respect was the perception that the
“medical profession is run as a business model” (16.8%). Respondents other than doctors, when given an opportunity,
wanted to practice ethically (19.4%).

Status of Urinalysis in Nigeria: Way Forward

Dr ADEYEMO AW — 2023-11-14

Urinalysis serves as a diagnostic procedure employed to assess the condition of a patient's urinary system, encompassing
the examination of physical, chemical and microscopic attributes within a urine sample. In Nigeria, urinalysis stands as
a frequently utilized diagnostic modality, widely accessible within health care facilities and is generally cost-effective.
Nevertheless, despite its widespread availability, certain obstacles persist that hinder its effective utilization. Through this
review, we aim to emphasize the significance of urinalysis in the diagnosis of kidney diseases within low-income nations,
while also addressing the impediments that hinder its proper application. We also propose a range of requisite measures
for enhancement.

Not Practising Accepted Protocols While Examining a Patient

IJCP — 2023-11-14

MEDICOLEGAL

HCFI Dr KK Aggarwal Research Fund

IJCP — 2023-11-14

MEDICAL VOICE FOR POLICY CHANGE

CSI NIC Mid Term Meet 2023

IJCP — 2023-11-14

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

News and Views

IJCP — 2023-11-14

AROUND THE GLOBE

Lighter Side of Medicine

IJCP — 2023-11-14

LIGHTER READING

What is the Importance of Life Force?

IJCP — 2023-11-14

SPIRITUAL UPDATE