Prevalence of hypertension, screening, awareness, and associated risk factors in teaching institution of Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh: A cross-section study.

Background: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting over one billion people. It is responsible for roughly half of all heart disease and stroke-related deaths globally. Because hypertension does not cause any symptoms on its own, it is commonly referred to as "the silent killer." Objective: This study aimed to determine (1) the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors and (2) the level of awareness of hypertension status among study participants. Material and Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted for 3 months during January-March 2023 at the teaching institution in Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh. It was conducted among 392 study participants who were ≥18 years old. Data were collected through a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, and anthropometric measurement was determined using standard guidelines. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension screening was 69.4% (male: 33.8% and female: 66.2%), respectively. The majority of hypertensives were found in female participants. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, stress and strain, and an unhealthy diet were also associated with hypertension. Among 392 study participants, only 67 (24.6%) were aware of their hypertension status. Conclusion: We conclude that hypertension has been described as an "Iceberg disease" as those who suffer are usually unaware and hence usually seek healthcare services at a very late stage. Preventive measures should be needed to improve hypertension screening, awareness, treatment, and control.

Prevalence of high-risk pregnancy among pregnant women enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan in government health facilities of district Etawah, Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional study.

Background: According to the Sample Registration System report, India has reduced the maternal mortality rate from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-2016 to 113 per 100,000 live births in 2016-2018. The main purpose of antenatal care is to identify "high-risk" cases as early as possible from a large group of antenatal mothers and provide them skilled and appropriate care. Objective: To determine the prevalence of high-risk pregnancy (HRP) in pregnant females availing services under pradhan mantri surakshit matritva abhiyan (PMSMA) and to assess awareness of pregnant mothers about services provided under PMSMA in district Etawah of Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 female beneficiaries who were registered under the PMSMA scheme and delivered their baby at any government health facility during one year of study period. Results: It was observed that from all the antenatal women visiting the community health center for HRP day under the PMSMA scheme, 162 (40.5%) were categorized as HRPs and 238 (59.6%) of them were nonhigh-risk pregnancies. A statistically significant association was observed (P-value = 0.005 at 95% CI) between the difference in the proportion of HRPs and the educational status of the pregnant mothers. Out of 400 beneficiaries, 167 (41.75%) were aware of the PMSMA scheme. Conclusion: Regular antenatal care (ANC) check-ups, early identification of HRP, health education, and timely screening are needed to reduce maternal mortality.

Aspergillus fumigatus cerebral abscess following hemodialysis: A case report.

Background and Purpose: Cerebral aspergillosis is a notorious disease that causes rapid clinical deterioration and carries a poor prognosis. Therefore, it requires timely diagnosis and prompt management. Case Report: This study reports a case of fungal cerebral abscess in a 26years old man following hemodialysis,2 months afterdengue-induced acute kidney disease. Aspergillus fumigatus was recovered from a brain abscess specimen that was subjected to a parietal craniotomy. The patient was successfully treated with oral Voriconazole 400mg BD for 2 days, followed by 200 mg BD for 3months. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients are at high risk offungal infections due to the frequent use of catheters or the insertion of needles to access the bloodstream. Therefore, a high index of suspicion of fungal infection is required in patients with hemodialysis by the clinician for early diagnosis and treatment.

Gla-100 Initiation: The When, Why, and How.

Early insulin initiation benefits people with diabetes by inducing a rapid and sustained glycemic control along with preventing the onset of adverse legacy effects early in the disease course. This has an over-arching effect as it could possibly modify the disease course and prevent the development of vascular complications, as has been attested to in landmark studies like the UKPDS and GRACE. Insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) has been extensively studied under various scenarios as the initial insulin administered early in T2DM disease course, registering significant glycemic and vascular benefits over the standard of care. By virtue of its ease of use and better safety profile, basal insulin like Gla-100 has been recommended by various international and Indian guidelines as the go-to initial insulin in people with diabetes. Further, the ability to personalize the initiating dose basis one's HbA1c and weight is an additional feature that contributes to the scientific merit of initiating with basal insulin like Gla-100. However, early insulin initiation is mostly delayed owing to 'clinical inertia,' thereby causing an evitable glycemic burden. Therefore, physicians managing diabetes must aim to increase acceptance, persistence, and adherence to insulin therapy by focusing on the safety, simplicity, and convenience of therapies.