Care Hospital In Central India Research Articles

Comparative Assessment of Effect on Psychomotor Performance Efficacy and Adherence of Levosulpiride and Olanzapine in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Parallel, Open-label, Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Context: Schizophrenia is mostly treated with atypical antipsycotics, which may be required for lifetime. Olanzapine is commonly used in this condition, whereas levosulpiride is approved in India for the same. Knowing the effect of these drugs on psychomotor function helps in choosing a suitable drug to a particular patient based on his daily activities. Aims: The aim is to compare the effect of levosulpiride and olanzapine on psychomotor performance, efficacy, and adherence in patients with schizophrenia. Settings and Design: This was open-label, parallel arm, prospective observational study carried out in a tertiary care hospital of central India from December 2019 to December 2021. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-six patients visiting psychiatry OPD, diagnosed by treating psychiatrist as schizophrenia were assessed by CFFT, hand steadiness test (HST), arithmetic ability test, and reaction time (RT) for psychomotor function, and symptoms were scored on positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and brief negative symptom scale (BNSS) rating scales at the first visit, end of 4 and 8 weeks. Adherence was assessed by the Medication adherence rating scale at 8 weeks. Results: Statistically significant increase in RT was seen in both levosulpiride (P = 0.04) and olanzapine (P = 0.0065) groups, whereas only the olanzapine group had a significant change in CFFT (P = 0.04) and HST (P = 0.01) at 8 weeks. On head-to-head comparison, a statistically significant worsening in HST score (P = 0.01) was seen in olanzapine group. Both the groups had significant decreases in all PANSS (P < 0.001) and BNSS (P < 0.001) scores. When change in PANSS and BNSS scores were compared with each other, the levosulpiride group had a significantly more decrease in scores on PANSS negative scale (P = 0.03). Patients in both groups were adherent to treatment. Conclusions: Our study concluded that levosulpiride is better than olanzapine on its fine motor control. Both the drugs increase RT while only olanzapine worsened fine motor control and CFF. Both the drugs were effective for schizophrenia with 8 weeks treatment, while levosulpiride is superior to olanzapine in improving negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Clinicodermoscopic Study of Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Introduction: Depigmented skin lesions are commonly encountered in day-to-day practice and can cause significant social stigma. They are challenging to diagnose clinically and histopathologically. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH), a pigmentary condition commonly affecting older individuals, can lead to cosmetic deformity and have a significant psychological impact. Dermoscopic evaluation offers a quick and easy way to resolve diagnostic confusion and prevent unnecessary biopsies. Aim: To study the clinical and dermoscopic features of IGH. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Chirayu Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (MP), India from July 2021 to June 2022. A total of 180 patients with IGH lesions underwent a detailed clinical history, dermatological and systemic examinations, followed by dermoscopic examination. The collected data were statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, and the results were tabulated in terms of distribution, frequency, and mean±Standard Deviation (±SD). Results: Among the 180 patients, the most affected age group was 51-60 years. A total of 108 (60%) were females and 72 (40%) were males. The most common site of involvement was the distal part of the lower extremity in 152 (84.4%) cases, followed by the distal part of the upper extremity in 115 (63.8%) cases. A total of 46 (25.5%) patients had a history of excessive sun exposure. Additionally, 21 (11.6%) patients had other associated features of photoaging, such as xerosis, solar lentigo, seborrhoeic keratosis, freckles, and actinic keratosis. The most common dermoscopic pattern observed was amoeboid in 103 (57.2%) patients, followed by feathery in 41 (22.7%), petaloid in 23 (12.7%), nebuloid in 13 (7.2%), and a combination of patterns in six percent of patients. Conclusion: The IGH was more common in females and older age groups, with the distal parts of the lower extremity being the most frequently involved site. Excessive sun exposure was a common risk factor for IGH, and several patients may have associated signs of photoaging. The most common dermoscopic pattern observed was amoeboid. Therefore, clinical dermoscopic examination can be helpful in identifying IGH and differentiating it from other depigmented lesions.

Prospective audit of transfusion utilization trends and transfusion practices at a rural tertiary care hospital in Central India

Prospective audit of transfusion utilization trends and transfusion practices at a rural tertiary care hospital in Central India

A pilot study on hypogonadism in male leprosy patients in rural tertiary care hospital in central India

A pilot study on hypogonadism in male leprosy patients in rural tertiary care hospital in central India

Impact of COVID-19 on mortality trends and patterns in a tertiary care hospital of Central India: A retrospective study

Impact of COVID-19 on mortality trends and patterns in a tertiary care hospital of Central India: A retrospective study

Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in High-Risk Neonates at a Tertiary Care Centre in Central India: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Hearing impairment and deafness are global issues that affect 5% of the world’s population, with nearly 34 million children requiring rehabilitation to address their hearing loss (HL). An approximately 10-20 fold higher incidence of audiological risk factors has been noted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), which translates that 2-5% of all newborns in NICUs may be affected. Early diagnosis of HL and intervention can be advantageous from the timely fitting of hearing aids or cochlear implants. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for HL in NICUs and Special Neonatal Care Units (SNCUs) at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational, single-centre study was conducted from October 2019 to September 2021 in the Department of Paediatrics at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. A total of 319 neonates at high risk for HL, discharged from NICUs and SNCUs, were included in the study. The association between risk factors like prematurity, low birth weight (LBW), Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex (TORCH) infections, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, meningitis, exchange transfusion, assisted ventilation, and HL were studied. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between SNHL and risk factors. Results: The incidence of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) was 3.76%. Neonatal asphyxia (p-value <0.01), exchange transfusion (p-value <0.001), TORCH infections (p-value < 0.001), meningitis (p-value <0.001), and assisted ventilation (p-value <0.001) were found to be significant risk factors associated with SNHL. Conclusion: Based on the assessment of risk factors, it was concluded that neonates should undergo hearing screening tests within the first month of life, and a diagnosis should be made by three months of age. This allows specialists to initiate treatment and intervention by six months of age, helping children with impaired hearing avoid the harmful consequences of semantic deprivation.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Organ Donation among Blood Donors – A Comparative Study with Nonblood Donors at a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Organ Donation among Blood Donors – A Comparative Study with Nonblood Donors at a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Assessment of neurodevelopmental status using Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants in children 6-24 months of age with congenital heart disease

Subjects and Methods: The study included children 6–24 months of age with CHD confirmed by echocardiography. Their mental development quotient (DMeQ) and motor development quotient (DMoQ) was calculated using DASII. Developmental delay is defined as DQ <70% (<2 standard deviation) in either mental or motor domain. Statistical Analysis Used: Data entered in Excel spreadsheets and analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: Motor delay was found in 28% children and 26% children had mental delay (P = 0.0001). Among children with cyanotic CHD, both motor and mental development was seen in 80%, while in children with acyanotic CHD 18.8% children had motor delay and 16.5% children had mental delay (P = 0.0001). The mean DMoQ and mean DMeQ was significantly lower in the cyanotic group than in acyanotic group. The mean DMoQ and mean DMeQ was found to be significantly lower in the children with severe disease as compared to children with mild disease, as well as in the high-risk group as compared to low-risk group (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: We found high rates of motor and mental delay in children with cyanotic CHD, severe cardiac lesions, and high-risk category groups. Still, there is a need to find other associated factors, which can contribute to developmental delay, identified at the time of diagnosis through appropriate screening methods. Routine follow-up of these high-risk children with neurodevelopment assessment using DASII scale and early intervention will allow maximum growth and development of pediatric population with CHD and will have a positive impact on their quality of life. Context: With improved awareness, early screening and diagnosis, and better postoperative care, the survival rate and life expectancy of congenital heart disease (CHD) population is on rise, and hence there is the uttermost need to study morbidities like neurodevelopment delay, which significantly affect quality of life in long term. Aim: Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Status Using Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) in children 6-24 months of age with CHD. Settings and Design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study, conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Central India.

Surveillance of health-care associated infections in an intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital in Central India.

Because the risk of health-care associated infections (HAIs) is high in intensive care units, and HAIs are one of the causes of morbidity and mortality and affects the overall quality of health care, the continuous monitoring of HAIs in intensive care patients is essential. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of five years in a tertiary-care teaching hospital. The aim of the study was to investigate the main and specific types of health-care associated Infections and determine the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility rates of isolates in patients with HAI. : The active surveillance method was used to detect HAIs in patients who spent over 48 hr in a targeted ICU. Patients with blood stream infections (BSI), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and ventilator-associated events (VAE) were included in the study. HAI were diagnosed based on the Centre for Disease Control (CDC)'s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) updated definitions of HAIs. A total of 121,051 patient days, including 7,989 central line days, 64,557 urinary catheter days, and 18,443 ventilator days, were recorded in the study population and 832 HAIs were diagnosed (incidence rate 6.9%). The overall rates of BSI, CLABSI, CAUTI and possible ventilator-associated pneumonia (p-VAP) were 3.7, 10.6, 2.1 and 13.4/1,000 device days, respectively. The most common organism isolated from BSI was Acinetobacter baumanii (n=322, 29%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 225 (n=225, 20.3%). 79.8% of Acinetobacter baumanii strains were resistant to imipenem, 77.1% to ciprofloxacin and 76.4% to ampicillin. The most common organisms isolated from CAUTI were non-albicans Candida species (n=38, 18%), followed by E. coli and Citrobacter spp. (each n=33, each 15.7%). A trend of increasing resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii to carbapenems was observed. Risk factor analysis showed invasive procedures during sepsis and organophosphorous poisoning as significant factors.

A Study on Maternal Near Miss: The Submerged Iceberg, in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Central India

AbstractBackground: Maternal near miss is defined as “a woman who nearly died but survived a complication thatoccurred during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy”. It shows the quality ofobstetric care of any country or society.Objective: To estimate the proportion of severe maternal morbidity /near miss and its maternal characteristic andperinatal outcomes in tertiary care hospital of central India.Methods: The present study was carried out at department of obstetrics and Gynecology at Sultania Zananahospital (SZH) Bhopal for 6 months. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the informationregarding social demographic profile, ANC history and chief complaints was taken from the relatives i.e. eithermother in law or husband. Subsequent information was taken from the mother as she got well and finally gotdischarge.Results: majority of the mothers belonged to the age group 18-25% i.e. 58.73%.Around 55.5% of the near missmothers belonged to rural background. maternal near miss ratio 10.16 / 1000 live birth,the ratio of maternal deathto maternal near miss event was 1: 2.17. Hemorrhage and hypertension are the leading causes with 47.61 % and28.57% respectively. Preterm birth and still birth were more common in maternal near miss cases as compared togeneral obstetric admission.Conclusion: Achieving sustainable development goal for maternal mortality is still a far cry. As there is a huge gapof near miss cases to maternal death ratio of present study and ratios of developed countries.

Analysis of pattern of anti-osteoarthritic drugs in a tertiary care hospital of central India – A drug utilization study

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind of arthritis and symptomatic OA is recognized as a significant cause of disability and participation limitation in middle-aged and older persons. Aims and Objectives: The present study was done to evaluate drug utilization pattern of drugs used in treatment of OA at tertiary care center in central India. Materials and Methods: The present study was observational and prospective research carried out at NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nagpur, a tertiary care hospital. The necessary information was collected from the orthopedics department. The investigation lasted 6 months, from July 2022 to December 2022. The present research included 108 patients diagnosed with OA. Results: The research included a total of 104 patients comprising of 58 females and 44 men. The majority of the patients were found to be 60 years old or older, with OA impacting their knee joint considerably (45%). NSAIDs were the most regularly given class of medicines in OA which was prescribed to 81% of the patients. Combined treatment of NSAIDs, calcium, and Vitamin D3. It was found that 52% of patients were adhering to OA medication. Conclusion: The patient’s uncontrolled pain was brought on by medicines, a low-calcium diet, increased stress, obesity, and advanced age, as well as a lack of knowledge about the challenges associated with OA.

Heteroresistance to rifampicin & isoniazid in clinical samples of patients with presumptive drug-resistant tuberculosis in Central India.

A combination of resistant and susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolated from clinical specimens is referred to as heteroresistance. Heteroresistance leads to difficulties in drug resistance testing and may adversely affect treatment outcomes. The present study estimated the proportion of heteroresistance among MTB in clinical samples of presumptive drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) patients in Central India. A retrospective analysis of data generated from line probe assay (LPA) at a tertiary care hospital in Central India between January 2013 and December 2018 was carried out. A heteroresistant MTB in a sample was indicated by the presence of both wild-type and mutant-type patterns on an LPA strip. Data analysis was carried out on interpretable 11,788 LPA results. Heteroresistance in MTB was detected in 637 (5.4%) samples. Of these, heteroresistance in MTB was detected in 413 (64.8%), 163 (25.5%) and 61 (9.5%) samples with respect to rpoB, katG and inhA genes, respectively. Heteroresistance is considered a preliminary step in the development of drug resistance. Delayed or suboptimal anti-tubercular therapy in patients with heteroresistance of MTB may elicit full clinical resistance and negatively impact the National TB Elimination Programme. Further studies are, however, needed to determine the impact of heteroresistance on treatment outcomes in individual patients.

Experience of the drug utilization pattern of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in outpatient attendees (Patients) having osteoarthritis of a tertiary care hospital in central India

Objective: The prime goal of prescription utilization study aims to facilitate patients’ rational drug use for osteoarthritis (OA). OA being the commonest form of joint disease and the foremost cause of pain in aged people. The aim of this research was to offer feedback on the use of medicines for OA treatment. Methods: A 1-year prospective observational research conducted in collaboration with the orthopaedics department. 280 patients were enrolled satisfying the exclusion and inclusion conditions using the convenience sampling technique. Patients’ data were recorded in the case report form and analysed. Results: Among 280 patients enrolled in the study, OA seemed to be more common in females as 53.5% of patients were females as compared to 45% of male patients. The most impacted age grouping in the study was 46–60 (60.7%) followed by 61–75 (30.7%). Aceclofenac and paracetamol are the most commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in 29.6% of patients followed by a combination of diclofenac + paracetamol in 18.5%, etoricoxib in 16.7% and paracetamol and tramadol in combination in 8.2% of patients. Conclusions: In our study, it was seen that OA affects females more often than males and the knee joint being the commonly affected joint. Aceclofenac and paracetamol combination was the most the most preferred drug. Drug use research’s main goal is to encourage communities to take medications responsibly. Drug prescribing studies seek to inform prescribers about the proper use of medications and to give them feedback for rational use of drugs.

Assessment of Behavioural Preparedness on Recovery Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries

Introduction: Behavioural preparedness is the process of preparing patients for the psychological and emotional challenges that may be encountered during and after surgery. This can include providing education about the surgical procedure and postoperative recovery, as well as training in coping strategies and techniques to manage anxiety, fear, and other negative emotions. Prior sensitisation is a form of behavioural preparedness that involves providing patients with information about the potential outcomes of their surgery in advance, in order to help them better understand and prepare for potential challenges. It has been suggested that providing this type of education and training may reduce patient anxiety, increase co-operation with medical staff, and improve recovery, potentially leading to shorter hospital stays and reduced medication needs. Aim: To assess the effects of behavioural preparedness and prior sensitisation on psychological aspects, recovery outcomes, and user satisfaction in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Materials and Methods: The study will be undertaken on patients in the Inpatient Department (IPD) of Department of Surgery in a rural tertiary care hospital in central India, during a period spanning two months. All adult patients (aged 18-60) undergoing elective abdominal surgical procedures under anaesthesia in the IPD of surgery will be eligible. The patients will be randomly selected and interviewed preoperatively, dividing them into two groups those receiving the intervention and those receiving standard care with no intervention. The investigator will provide an oral presentation to the intervention group regarding their recovery outcomes and expectations. Subjects will be evaluated with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale for pain, RAND Short Form health Survey (SF36) questionnaire for physical mobility, RAND Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire III (PSQ-18) instrument for user satisfaction, length of hospital stay and analgesic switchover time on a survey form and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) forms Y1 and Y2 for comparison of preoperative and postoperative negative affects. Effects of the intervention on recovery outcomes will be compared via the Chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test for comparison of qualitative data between the two groups and the Student’s Unpaired t-test for comparison of quantitative data between the groups. Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test and the Student’s paired t-test will be used for analysing qualitative and quantitative input between preoperative and postoperative states. Conclusion: The study seeks to determine if a significant difference occurs from providing patients withprior knowledge about their outcomes and establishing the benefits of psychological preparedness as a cost-effective method in improving outcomes and postoperative recovery

Sputum Culture Conversion among Patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Study of Various Predictors

Introduction: Conversion of a positive sputum culture to a negative culture is an important parameter in the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), as the failure to convert was related to dismal posttreatment outcomes and elevated mortality rates by almost eight times when compared to victims of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) who did so. In the patients of MDR-TB, it is an important sign of treatment success to have sputum culture converted from positive to negative, and helps in determining the duration of treatment. The goal of this study was to examine and compare the length of time it took to convert an initial sputum culture with predictors of treatment outcomes for patients with MDR-TB, as well as to pinpoint the variables that affected the length of time. Materials and Methods: The mixed method (records review and qualitative approach) was used to understand the patient’s perspective for accepting the Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB (PMDT) services and the provider’s perspective for rendering services in a public-private mix model setup. This study was undertaken as a retrospective analysis and studied the patients drug-resistant TB who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in central India. This study was carried out on the patients of Rifampicin-Resistant TB (RR-TB) and MDR-TB (Resistant to both INH and Rifampicin) with positive baseline culture, pretreatment evaluation, and appropriate anti-MDR-TB treatment. As per the PMDT guidelines, sputum smear and culture reports were collected and analyzed. Results: In this study, the time and predictors to convert an initial positive sputum culture to negative and factors influencing treatment outcome were evaluated, compared, and identified. A total of 163 patients were evaluated and analyzed. Of these, 111 (68.09%) were rifampicin and INH-resistant (MDR-TB), whereas 52 (31.90%) were rifampicin resistant (RR-TB) only. Overall 68 (41.71%) patients with baseline positive culture were converted within 3 months. Conclusions: It was concluded that malnourishment, human immunodeficiency virus positivity, associated extra pulmonary TB, and bilateral cavitation were found to be significant predictors of longer time of sputum culture conversion and thereby treatment outcome.

A study of post COVID-19 psychiatric disorders in a tertiary care hospital of central India

A study of post COVID-19 psychiatric disorders in a tertiary care hospital of central India

Diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion in a tertiary care hospital of central India: The role of xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin.

In India, 15%-20% of tuberculosis (TB) cases are categorized as extra-pulmonary TB, and tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is the second-most common type after tuberculous lymphadenitis. However, the paucibacillary nature of TPE makes its diagnosis challenging. As a result, relying on empirical anti-TB treatment (ATT) based on clinical diagnosis becomes necessary for achieving the best possible diagnostic outcome. The study aims to determine the diagnostic utility of Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin (MTB/RIF) for the detection of TB in TPE in high incidence setting of Central India. The study enrolled 321 patients who had exudative pleural effusion detected through radiological testing and were suspected of having TB. The medical procedure of thoracentesis was conducted to collect the pleural fluid, which was then subjected to both the Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Xpert MTB/RIF test. The patients who showed improvement after receiving anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) were considered the composite reference standard. The sensitivity of smear microscopy was found to be 10.19%, while that of the Xpert MTB/RIF method was 25.93% when compared to the composite reference standard. The accuracy of clinical diagnosis was measured using receiver operating characteristics based on clinical symptoms, and it was found to be 0.858 (area under the curve). The study shows that Xpert MTB/RIF has significant value in diagnosing TPE, despite its low sensitivity of 25.93%. Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms was relatively accurate, but relying on symptoms alone is not enough. Using multiple diagnostic tools, including Xpert MTB/RIF, is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Xpert MTB/RIF has excellent specificity and can detect RIF resistance. Its quick results make it useful in situations where a rapid diagnosis is necessary. While it should not be the only diagnostic tool, it has a valuable role in diagnosing TPE.

Phenotypic Detection of Carbapenem Resistance in Clinical Isolate of Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Tertiary Care Hospital

The emergence and rapid spread of Multidrug resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae causing nosocomial infections, which require the great afford for the treating the patients by the clinician. The emergence of Metallo β-lactamase (MBL) producing isolates poses a challenge to routine microbiology laboratories. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of various phenotypic methods for detecting MBL production among K. pneumoniae isolate. The current study may provide the necessary data to formulate a hospital antibiotic policy and to prevent the spread of multidrug resistance in the community. Total 240 K. pneumoniae isolates were included in our study which was isolated from various clinical samples from patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in central India. A total of 148 (61.7%) of K. pneumoniae were isolated from male patients whereas 92 (38.3%) isolates were from female patients. Out of 240 K. pneumoniae, 102 (42.5%) was detected Imipenem resistance by conventional (Kirby-Bauer) disc diffusion method which was confirmed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test (Epsilometer test). By the MIC Carbapenem resistance K. pneumoniae were confirmed for MBL producer by using phenotypic test. Combined disc synergy test (CDST) (Imipenem 10 mcg and Imipenem 10mcg + 0.5 m EDTA) and Modified Hodge test (MHT).The MHT test found most sensitive approach for detecting MBL in K. pneumoniae. This procedure is simple and clear and it may use in routine clinical labs for detection of MBL because carbapenems are last resort for treating bacterial infections. In recent years, carbapenem resistance has rampantly increased across the globe.

Sentinel Surveillance of HCV at Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver diseases like chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prevalence of HCV infections is not uniform throughout India. Hence, the present study aimed to determine serological surveillance of HCV at tertiary care hospital in central India with a large population. Material and Methods: Between March 2019 and September 2022, the study was conducted on 8832 screening of HCV infection at a tertiary care hospital, Indore Madhya Pradesh. All these underwent diagnosis of HCV by serological ELISA method. Results: Total 126 cases were found positive for HCV infection. The seroprevalence was calculated as 1.4% (126/8832). The maximum (45.2%) positivity was observed in the sexually active group 19-39 years followed (33.3%) by the 40- 59 years age group. Although males were slightly more preponderant than females with HCV infection, statistically non-significant observed among them. Conclusion: The data of the current study will be helpful in taking prevention and control measures against HCV infection. Keywords: HCV, chronic hepatitis, prevalence

Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines against Mortality among COVID-19 Cases of Indore, Central India

Background: Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) virus is being used since January 2021 in India. Current data shows that the vaccines are effective against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related morbidity and mortality. Vaccine efficacy in fully vaccinated may decrease over time. Materials and methods: Retrospective study was done to assess vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 pneumonia related deaths in a tertiary COVID-19 care hospital in Central India. The vaccine efficacy was assessed in the patients with respect to age, gender, and comorbidity and since they received 2nd dose of the vaccine, the study also investigated the waning effectiveness over time leading to mortality. Results: Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 mortality did not peak in the early weeks post receiving the second dose (12.5% mortality in 1st month) but then it increased by the 5th month (7.4% mortality). After the 5th month, vaccine effectiveness decreased (11.9% mortality). Waning of vaccine effectiveness causing mortality was greater in the elderly ≥60 years (18.2%) than in patients <60 years (5.4%). Fully vaccinated males had higher mortality than females. A greater reduction in vaccine efficacy was observed in persons with comorbidities (14.1% mortality) than in noncomorbid (3.4% mortality). On comparing all patients with comorbidity, there was lower mortality in patients who received a full dose of vaccination (14.1%) than those who didn’t (22.7%). Fully vaccinated elderly ≥60 years (18.2%) had lesser mortality than those who were not vaccinated (36.4%). Conclusion: Waning of vaccine effectiveness and related death is seen against COVID-19 after the 5th-month post second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Greater mortality is noted in the elderly, males, and patients with comorbidities. Fully vaccinated elderly and patients with comorbidities had a lower mortality rate than those who were not vaccinated