International Journal of Current Research in Physiology and Pharmacology

Postural changes in blood pressure and heart rate among healthy young adults in a Ghanaian university

Perez Quartey, Ernest Halm, Obed Yeboah-Arhin — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: There are contradictory and inconsistent reports on the effects of different body postures on measured blood pressure and heart rate. This relationship has not been previously tested in the Ghanaian population.

Aim of the study: The overall aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different body positions on blood pressure and heart rate among Ghanaian healthy young adults.

Methods: Blood pressure and heart rate were measured subsequently in eight different positions on the left arm in the following non-randomized order: (i) sitting with arm ﬂexed at the elbow and supported at the heart level on the chair, (ii) sitting with legs crossed, (iii) standing, (iv) supine, (v) right lateral recumbent, (vi) left lateral recumbent, (vii) prone, an (viii) bent with hands holding knees with face pointing to the ground. The repeated measures for ANOVA were used to compare the means in different positions. Statistically significance was pegged at p-value < 0.05.

Results: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were lowest in the right lateral recumbent position as compared to the other positions whiles the bent position recorded both the highest systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate.

Conclusion: The highest mean blood pressure and heart rates are found in the bent position as compared to other body postures. The lowest mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures are found in the right lateral recumbent posture.

Keywords: Posture, blood pressure, heart rate, Ghanaian, Adults

To study different types of epileptic seizures and their treatment in a Superspeciality Hospital Jalandhar, Punjab, India

Mashooq Ahmad Mir, Abrar Bashir Malik, Zulfkar Qadrie, Mohd Altaf Dar — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures, which are abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can vary in intensity and manifestation, causing a range of physical and cognitive effects. Epilepsy affects people of all ages and backgrounds, with over 65 million individuals’ worldwide living with the condition. Seizures in epilepsy can manifest in different ways, from convulsive jerking motions to momentary lapses in awareness. They can be triggered by various factors, including sleep deprivation, stress, flashing lights, or underlying brain conditions. Diagnosing epilepsy involves a comprehensive evaluation of a person's medical history, symptoms, and often electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to monitor brain activity. Treatment options for epilepsy aim to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. This can include medication, which helps stabilize brain activity and prevent excessive electrical discharges. Objective: The objective of this study was to study different types of epileptic seizures and their treatment in a Superspeciality Hospital Jalandhar, Punjab, India. Methodology: This was a prospective, observational study investigating 90 patients with epileptic seizure in NASA AND HUB SUPERSPECIALITY HOSPITAL (NHS) located in Jalandhar Punjab for over a period of 4 months. This study revealed the treatment strategies used by physicians and correlation among treatment, control and complications of Epilepsy within the Indian context. This study eventually helped to develop person-centered care and facilitate public health agencies to invest appropriate resources in the management of Epilepsy in the health care system. Results: While studying about the gender wise distribution of patients, It was found that total number of patients at Nasa And Hub Superspeciality Hospital were 90, in which male patients were 60 accounting for 66.7% of study population, whereas the female patients were 30 accounting for 33.3% of total study population. Conclusion: The aim of the study was carried out to get the better awareness regarding epileptic seizures and to focus on the correct diagnosis for better treatment. The study focus on the most number of patients admitted at hospital with different types of seizures and the antiepileptic drugs to treat seizures. The study was done to differentiate between various groups of patients with epilepsy, of either sex or age.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Phenytoin, valproate.

A need of the hour: pharmacovigilance in healthcare setting – nothing less than safety

Preeti Shanbhag, Satish S , Mr.Ramdas Bhat, A R Shabaraya — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is crucial to identify, managing, and reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the healthcare sector. Young healthcare professionals (HCPs) play an essential role in the PV system. Objective: This study aimed to assess awareness, understand the causes of underreporting, and find solutions to encourage ADR reporting among young HCPs. Methods: This prevalidated, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, perception, and strategies to improve PV reporting among 152 young HCP interns at a teaching hospital in India. The study was conducted in January 2023 and approved by the ethics committee. The responses were analysed using a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Results In a study of 152 interns, 97.3% agreed that pharmacovigilance (PV) may assist patients, but only 56% had experienced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in practise. Only 40.5% chose email reporting, and 65.8% did not have a nearby ADR Monitoring Centre (AMC). More over half (53%) thought ADRs should only be reported to an AMC. Training sessions were underutilised, with only 28.6% attending PVPI training. The difficulty in identifying the causal substance, as well as a lack of incentives, were important reasons for underreporting. Continuing medical education/workshops were mentioned by 96% of young HCPs as a way to encourage reporting. Conclusion: According to the study, while young HCPs are aware of PV, there is a need for more training and incentives to enhance ADR reporting. Encouragement of National Pharmacovigilance Week and the availability of neighbouring AMCs could further aid raise PV awareness.

Keywords: Adverse drug reactions (ADR), PVPI, AMC, CME

Adverse Reactions Caused by Antiepileptic Medications in Real-World Medical Settings

Mashooq Ahmad Mir, Abrar Bashir Malik, Zulfkar Qadrie, Mohd Altaf Dar — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Epilepsy is a relatively common condition characterized by a tendency for recurrent seizures, which is due to the disturbance of spread of electrical discharge of the cortical neurons. Up to 80% of people with epilepsy are able to control their condition with anti epileptic drugs (AEDs). The growing number of newly approved drugs for various illnesses coupled with the complex treatment options have contributed to the increased risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). AEDs have a narrow therapeutic index with wide spectrum of ADRs. 10-30% of epileptic patients discontinue their initially prescribed AEDs due to ADRs. These ADRs can be the cause of non-adherence and subjective distress. The newer generation AEDs have reduced adverse events, fewer drug interactions if any and thus improved safety. Comparison of adverse effects in patients taking AEDs with adverse events in control groups is helpful; however, data from controlled studies are often lacking for most AEDs. Because of these limitations, the clinician must adopt a preventative and early detection approach based on some general principles. This review outlines various adverse reactions related to the use of Anti-epileptic drugs.

Keywords: adverse reactions, antiepileptic drugs, carbamazepine, phenytoin