Satwika Sinha

Status of zinc and magnesium levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with glycemic status

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with alterations in the metabolism of zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg). The aim of the present study was to estimate the serum levels of these trace elements in patients with type 2 diabetes in relation to their glycemic status. Eighty seven type 2 diabetics & 30 apparently healthy sex and age matched control subjects were selected for the study. S-Zn and S-Mg levels were significantly low in type 2 diabetes patients. The serum levels of glucose were negatively correlated with serum levels of Zn and Mg of diabetic subjects. The low serum levels of Zn and Mg in diabetics compared to control subjects may be due to the poor glycemic control. Our study shows S-Zn & S-Mg levels are inversely related to glycemic status (HbA1C) of type 2 diabetics.

Study of prevalence and outcome of standardized treatment on category I pulmonary tuberculosis cases in North India: A single center experience

Background and Objective: The emergence of resistance to drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB), and particularly multidrug-resistant TB, has become a significant public health problem globally. In spite newer modalities for diagnosis and treatment of TB, unfortunately, millions of people are still suffering and dying from the disease. The present study was aimed to study the prevalence of initial drug resistance and the treatment outcome at the end of 6 months in TB patients attending a dedicated TB outpatient department (OPD) in North India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on 100 patients of newly diagnosed pulmonary TB with or without glandular involvement attending TB OPD of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months. Results: Culture positivity was encountered in 82% of the cases, while 14% were smear positive though culture negative. Out of all culture positive patients, 56.1% were susceptible to all antitubercular drugs, while 43.9% were resistant to one or other antitubercular drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin or ethambutol). Of the 46 drug-susceptible cases, 93.48% got cured, while 2.2% defaulted and 2.2% had treatment failure. About 86.1% of the 36 initial drug resistant were cured with 2RHZE/4RH, while 5.6% (n = 2) defaulted treatment and 8.3% were treatment failures. Conclusion: Treatment outcomes of this small group of drug-resistant pulmonary TB patients treated with the standardized regimen was encouraging in this setting. Close attention needs to be paid to ensure early identification of drug-resistant cases; good laboratory methodology and quality control measures; regular supply of quality antitubercular drugs; adherence to the prescribed regimen; effective patient education and counseling; and to the timely recognition and treatment of adverse drug reactions for better treatment outcome.