Comparing Simvastatin Monotherapy V/S Simvastatin-Ezetimibe Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Meta-Analysis and Review.

Longstanding hyperlipidemia can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Statins are currently the mainstay of treatment in hyperlipidemia. Combination therapy of statin with ezetimibe is only indicated for severe hypercholesterolemia and very high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) population. There is a paucity of studies comparing statin monotherapy vs combination therapy with ezetimibe. This study aims to perform a meta-analysis of the existing literature and compare the effectiveness of statin monotherapy with statin-ezetimibe combination therapy in the management of hyperlipidemia. A systematic electronic search of the scientific literature was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. Only randomized controlled trials comparing simvastatin monotherapy vs simvastatin-ezetimibe combination therapy between the years 2000 and 2021 and published in English language were included. Fifteen studies were included in the final analysis. The main outcomes that were compared were a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Our study showed that combination therapy led to a higher reduction of LDL-C (Mean difference: -20.22(-26.38, -14.07); P<0.0001) compared to monotherapy with a statin alone. There was no significant difference in the reduction of HDL-C values (Mean difference: -0.07(-0.45,0.32); P-0.04) between the two groups. Our study indicates that the combination therapy of simvastatin and ezetimibe is more effective in reduction of LDL-C levels compared to simvastatin monotherapy alone. Currently, guidelines recommend combination therapy only for severe hypercholesterolemia and high-risk ASCVD patients, more studies are needed to study the effectiveness of simvastatin-ezetimibe combination therapy in low-risk ASCVD population.

Comprehensive league table of cost-utility ratios: A systematic review of cost-effectiveness evidence for health policy decisions in India.

Background and objectives: Although a relatively recent concept for developing countries, the developed world has been using League Tables as a policy guiding tool for a comprehensive assessment of health expenditures; country-specific "League tables" can be a very useful tool for national healthcare planning and budgeting. Presented herewith is a comprehensive league table of cost per Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) or Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) ratios derived from Health Technology Assessment (HTA) or economic evaluation studies reported from India through a systematic review. Methods: Economic evaluations and HTAs published from January 2003 to October 2019 were searched from various databases. We only included the studies reporting common outcomes (QALY/DALY) and methodology to increase the generalizability of league table findings. To opt for a uniform criterion, a reference case approach developed by Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) was used for the reporting of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. However, as, most of the articles expressed the outcome as DALY, both (QALY and DALY) were used as outcome indicators for this review. Results: After the initial screening of 9,823 articles, 79 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the League table preparation. The spectrum of intervention was dominated by innovations for infectious diseases (33%), closely followed by maternal and child health (29%), and non-communicable diseases (20%). The remaining 18% of the interventions were on other groups of health issues, such as injuries, snake bites, and epilepsy. Most of the interventions (70%) reported DALY as an outcome indicator, and the rest (30%) reported QALY. Outcome and cost were discounted at the rate of 3 by 73% of the studies, at 5 by 4% of the studies, whereas 23% of the studies did not discount it. Budget impact and sensitivity analysis were reported by 18 and 73% of the studies, respectively. Interpretation and conclusions: The present review offers a reasonably coherent league table that reflects ICER values of a range of health conditions in India. It presents an update for decision-makers for making decisions about resource allocation.

Neurological Manifestations and Their Effect on Outcome in Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

AIM: There is a need for a better understanding of the relation of various neurological symptoms and complications with manifestations and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hence, we planned this study to get an insight into the relation of neurological manifestations and COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study. All patients ≥18 years in age, admitted with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 were included in the study. Their clinical records were accessed for collecting demographic and laboratory data. The data collected were analyzed for prevalence and pattern of neurological symptoms at admission and neurological complications developed during hospitalization. It was also analyzed to find the relation of neurological manifestations with duration of hospital stay, requirement of bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) or ventilator, severity of disease, development of neurological complications, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 440 patients were included. The mean age was 59.28 ± 13.28 years. The most common neurological symptom at presentation was headache while the most common neurological complications were altered sensorium, cerebrovascular stroke, seizure, and encephalitis. Significantly, more patients with neurological complications than those without had severe disease and needed ventilation. Duration of hospitalization was significantly longer (16.26 ± 5.15 vs 12.73 ± 4.89, p = 0.0173) and mortality was also significantly higher (OR 6.59, 95% CI 2.23-19.43; p = 0.0006) in patients with neurological manifestations. CONCLUSION: The presence of neurological manifestations is associated with greater morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and thus warrants more aggressive treatment. However, a study of association of individual neurological manifestation with severity of COVID-19 will provide a more meaningful insight regarding the approach to the management of such patients.

Cost-Effectiveness of Portable Electrocardiogram for Screening Cardiovascular Diseases at a Primary Health Center in Ahmedabad District, India.

Background: District Health Authority in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has introduced Project Lifeline, 12-lead portable ECG devices across all primary health centers (PHC) in the district to screen cardiac abnormalities among high-risk and symptomatic adults for providing primary management and proper timely referral. The prime purpose of the study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of portable ECG for the screening of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among high-risk and symptomatic adults at the PHC in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Methods: Cost-effective analysis was conducted using a societal perspective. An incremental costing approach was adapted, and cost-effectiveness analysis was done using a decision-analytic model. We surveyed 73 patients who screened positive for cardiac abnormality, documented the type of ECG abnormalities, and diagnosed CVD. The program cost was obtained from the implementers. Transition probabilities were derived from primary data supported by expert opinion for the intervention arm, while a systematic search of the literature was undertaken to derive transition probabilities for the control arm. Results: The ECG screening at PHC saves 2.90 life years at an incremental cost of 89.97 USD (6657.47 INR), yielding a cost-effectiveness ratio of 31.07 USD (2,299.06 INR) per life-year saved, which is below the willingness to pay threshold. The budget impact analysis was also performed. Results are sensitive to the relative risk reduction associated with the non-participation and the cost of initial screening. Conclusion: Cost-effectiveness analysis clearly shows that the facility to screen cardiac abnormality at the PHC level is highly recommended for high-risk adults and symptomatic cases.

Respectful maternity care in public health care facilities in Gujarat: A direct observation study.

INTRODUCTION: Respectful maternity care (RMC) is not only the marker of quality maternity care but also ensures the protection of basic human rights of every child-bearing woman. This paper discusses the assessment of RMC services during the intrapartum period at public health care facilities in Gujarat state. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The data were collected from three different levels of public health facilities such as primary health center (PHC), community health center (CHC), and district hospital (DH) in one of the districts in Gujarat. A standardized tool developed by the United States Agency for International Development based on the RMC charter was used for data collection. A total of 41 pregnant women across three public health facilities were observed during intrapartum care. FINDINGS: Most women experienced disrespectful intrapartum care provided at the public health care facilities; however, at-least two performance standards of the RMC charter were met during intrapartum care at each public health care facility. Comparatively, the PHC demonstrated higher RMC performance compliance than DH and the CHC. Most often violations of RMC standards included beneficiaries were not greeted, privacy not maintained, they were not encouraged to ask questions, and support not provided during labor. CONCLUSION: Respectful maternity care is evidently not practiced in public health care facilities. Designing comprehensive behavioral training on RMC, especially for primary, secondary, and tertiary care physicians and nursing staff can improve the adaption of RMC standards in respective public health care facilities. Positive experiences of intrapartum care can potentially improve the uptake of maternal care facilities. Further research is needed to understand local contextual factors, social norms, and patient-provider interactions.

A holistic care approach to combat the COVID-19 disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-1) 9 pandemic is spreading like a wildfire across the globe. For its containment, measures such as isolation and quarantine are followed. The patients tested positive for COVID-19 disease are kept in isolation with no interaction with the family members leading to negative mental health consequences. To address this, Parul Sevashram Hospital adapted to a more holistic approach to treatment. METHODOLOGY: A process documentation of the best practices was undertaken. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were used to gather responses of the project implementers (n = 2), physiotherapists (n = 2), dietician (n = 1), Ayurveda practitioners (n = 2), and staff nurses (n = 2) who were mainly involved in tailoring the package of services to be offered as well as their implementation. In addition, KIIs were also conducted with the patients (n = 10) their views on the additional package of services offered to them and the overall level of satisfaction with the care. FINDINGS: The holistic care services involved diet therapy, physiotherapy and yoga, AYUSH medicines for boosting immunity, music therapy and books and indoor games. Few implementation challenges include convincing healthcare workers for providing care to COVID patients, availing raw materials for preparing AYUSH medicines during lockdown. Trainings were also provided to HCW on infection control practices, provided monetary incentive and mobilised the existing resources for addressing the challenges. CONCLUSION: The holistic care has potential influence on patient's mental health, recovery rate, and satisfaction of COVID-19 patients. These approaches can be up-scaled with a minimum investment and has a potential to benefit patients both in public and private hospitals.

Psychosocial rehabilitation of people living with mental illness: Lessons learned from community-based psychiatric rehabilitation centres in Gujarat.

INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial rehabilitation is the process that facilitates opportunities for persons with chronic mental illness to reach their optimal level of independent functioning in society and for improving their quality of life. However, such psychosocial rehabilitation centers are limited in India. AIMS: The present study assesses psychosocial rehabilitation centers (of urban day-care and rural residential rehabilitation center) operated by Ashadeep Charitable Foundation, a civil service organization and its effect on health outcomes of patients living with chronic mental illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 170 cases were retrieved for secondary analysis of demographic information, diagnosis, duration of stay, and health outcomes. RESULTS: Rehabilitation activities included yoga, light physical exercises, group discussion, training for daily living skills, social skills, life skills, vocational training, individual, and family counseling. In addition, extensive outreach activities, mental health camps were also integral part of the rehabilitation activities. Patients who have accessed rehabilitation services were diagnosed with schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, and intellectual disability. The average duration of rehabilitation of patients (other than persons with intellectual disability) was ranged from three to four months. Out of those rehabilitated, 69% of them were successfully re-integrated with the family. CONCLUSION: Combination of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions are effective for re-integrate patients with mental illness to the family. This model of community-based rehabilitation has potential for scale-up.

Addressing comprehensive primary healthcare in Gujarat through mHealth intervention: Early implementation experience with TeCHO+ programme.

BACKGROUND: The Health and Family Welfare Department of Gujarat implemented a mHealth Programme called TeCHO+ (Technology for Community Health Operations) in 2018. TeCHO+ is aimed at making progress across all dimensions of the comprehensive primary healthcare services. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to record the document rollout and early implementation experience of TeCHO+ programme in Gujarat. METHODS: The present participatory process documentation exercise was undertaken in Gujarat. The various steps for process documentation were decided after participation in multiple task force meetings and state/district- and taluka-level action seminars and reviewing the TeCHO+ programme data and progress reports. The perceptions of the health officials and field staff were gathered using key informant interviews from five districts of Gujarat: Bharuch, Narmada, Gandhinagar, Mahisagar, and The Dangs. In addition, stakeholders involved with TeCHO+ Programme were interviewed to understand the process of rollout, implementation challenges, and success. RESULTS: In the initial phase, the TeCHO+ application focussed only on updating the Family Health Survey to improve the quality of data captured in the system. FHWs log-in the mobile application daily to access their daily work plan for which SMS alerts were are also generated. Most FHWs were in their 50s and were first-time smartphone users. Although, they were enthusiastic and open to the new technology, initially they faced certain difficulties in operating the application. The programme had a strong troubleshooting mechanism in terms of the use of WhatsApp group, helpline numbers, and voice calls in addition to supportive supervision. DISCUSSION: TeCHO+ showed the potential to enhance the quality of the collected data and also service coverage. However, poor technology literacy of old FHWs, the launch of multiple programme memes at the same time, and target-driven task assignments pose major challenges.