Background: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, yet its control remains a global challenge. Effective management, through adherence to antihypertensive medications and lifestyle modifications, can significantly reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore factors influencing treatment compliance among hypertensive patients using the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework. Objective: The study sought to assess treatment compliance among hypertensive patients and identify the influence of sociodemographic factors and HBM variables on adherence to antihypertensive therapy. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January to July 2014, involving 200 hypertensive patients. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. Bivariate analyses (Chi-square and Pearson correlation) and multivariate linear regression were performed, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 56.3 (±13.1) years, with 56% showing treatment compliance. Among the participants, 56.5% were female, and 43.5% were male. Most had at least primary education, and 33% had no formal education. Regarding employment, 55.5% were unemployed. The bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between treatment compliance and HBM variables: perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action. However, perceived severity did not show a significant association. Multivariate analysis indicated that perceived barriers were the strongest predictor of treatment compliance. Conclusion: The study found suboptimal treatment compliance among hypertensive patients, with perceived barriers being the most significant factor influencing adherence. Healthcare providers should emphasize health education on the lifelong need for antihypertensive treatment, and policies promoting free or subsidized medication could help improve compliance.

Background: Dengue fever, a major public health challenge in tropical regions, shows increasing incidence and severity worldwide, with frequent outbreaks in Bangladesh. Vitamin D, known for its immune-modulating properties, has been suggested to influence outcomes in viral infections, including dengue. This study aimed to evaluate the vitamin D status among dengue patients and examine its association with disease severity and recovery outcomes. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022 in the Dengue cell of Bangabandhu Shekh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Vitamin D was measured in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 130 dengue patients, aged 18 to 60, were enrolled. Serum vitamin D levels were measured and analyzed alongside demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters to assess the correlation between vitamin D status and dengue severity. Results: The mean age of patients was 35.6 years, with a predominance of males (57.7%). Vitamin D deficiency (levels <20 ng/mL) was observed in 69.2% of patients, with mean levels significantly decreasing with increased dengue severity (18.5 ng/mL in mild cases vs. 9.8 ng/mL in severe cases, p < 0.01). Patients with lower vitamin D levels had prolonged hospital stays and recovery times. A significant decrease in vitamin D levels from pre- to post-diagnosis (20.0 ng/mL to 15.2 ng/mL) was also noted, underscoring the potential impact of dengue infection on vitamin D status. Conclusions: This study highlights a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among dengue patients, with lower levels associated with increased disease severity and slower recovery. Targeted interventions, including vitamin D supplementation, may improve patient outcomes and warrant further investigation.

Background: Acne Conglobata (AC) is a rare and severe form of nodulocystic acne, primarily affecting adolescents and young adults. Characterized by deep nodules, abscesses, and interconnected sinus tracts, AC often leads to significant scarring and psychological distress. Despite its rarity, it presents a unique challenge in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh, where awareness and specialized dermatological care are insufficient. The multifactorial etiology includes hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. Objective: This study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the clinical characteristics, risk factors, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes of Acne Conglobata in Bangladesh, with a focus on emerging therapeutic modalities. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December 2024. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with Acne Conglobata were included, with data collected through clinical evaluations, patient interviews, and medical records. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze demographic variables, risk factors, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes. Results: The majority of patients were aged 17-30 years, with a higher prevalence in males (70%). Hormonal imbalances (especially during puberty) and a family history of acne were the most common risk factors. Comorbidities such as depression/anxiety (40%), obesity (30%), and insulin resistance (20%) were prevalent. Treatment regimens primarily involved oral isotretinoin (80%), oral antibiotics (60%), and steroids (50%). Scar revision procedures were used in 30% of cases. Conclusion: Acne Conglobata significantly impacts young adults in Bangladesh, with genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors playing key roles in its pathogenesis. Depression, obesity, and insulin resistance were common comorbidities. Oral isotretinoin remains the most effective treatment, but a multimodal approach, including psychological support and scar revision, is essential. This study highlights the need for increased awareness and access to advanced therapies, especially in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh.

Background: Conventional public health statistics, which concentrate on mortality rather than morbidity or dysfunction, severely underrepresent the massive burden of sickness caused by behavioral and psychiatric illnesses. Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the patterns of psychotropic drug prescriptions. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Hospital during July’ 2022 to December’ 2022. A total of 765 prescriptions were selected. All patients attending the psychiatry OPD during the period of the study were included and analyzed as per the WHO drug indicators. Results: Clonazepam constitutes 119 (51.74%), Lorazepam 74 (32.17%), and Others 37 (16.09%) of the 230 anxiolytics listed in the table. In 195 antidepressant drugs, 76 (38.97%) were escitalopram, 33 (16.92%) were amitriptyline, 47 (24.10%) were imipramine, and 39 (20%) were other antidepressants. Antipsychotics were detected in 194 patients (21% of the cohort population). This includes Olanzapine (88.36%), Haloperidol (34.54%), Risperidone (14.22%), and Other Antipsychotics (12.89%). Trihexyphenidyl was prescribed to 75 of the 88 study participants, accounting for 85.23% of the total. Prescribing Indicators and it was observed that an average number of drugs per prescription were 2.59±1.37. Average number of Antipsychotics prescribed per prescription was 2.73±1.46. The number of antipsychotic drugs prescribed by generic name was 52.94%. Percentage of injectable drugs prescribed 2.48%, Percentage of the prescriptions containing psychotropic FDC 20.78%, Percentage of psychotropic drugs prescribed from essential drug list 42.75%, Percentage of psychotropic drugs prescribed from hospital pharmacy 62.22%. Conclusion: The most frequently prescribed antidepressant, antipsychotic, and BZD medications were escitalopram, olanzapine, and clonazepam, in that order. Carbamazepine was preferred over lithium as a mood stabilizer.

Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) is a comprehensive study examining the marketing, distribution, prescription, and use of medications within a society. This evaluation encompasses a range of medical, social, and economic factors related to drug use, with the primary goal of ensuring that drug therapy adheres to current standards of care. This prospective observational study conducted at Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (NMCH & RC) from 15th February to 15th August 2024 aimed to evaluate prescription patterns for gastrointestinal disorders, focusing on drug utilization from the Essential Drug List (EDL) and adherence to WHO core prescribing indicators.150 prescriptions were analyzed, revealing that 64.66% of patients were male, with the majority aged 20-39 years. Acute gastroenteritis was the most common diagnosis (34%), and common symptoms included abdominal pain, loose stools, and vomiting. Antibiotics, particularly metronidazole, were the most prescribed drug class (25.35%). Of the prescribed drugs, 75.95% were from the EDL, but only 8.91% were prescribed by generic name, and 64.82% involved injections. The average number of drugs per prescription was 6.65, indicating polypharmacy and drug interactions were prevalent. The study highlighted concerns about moderate antibiotic use, high injection rates, low generic drug prescriptions, and polypharmacy, underscoring the need for improved rational prescribing practices to enhance patient safety and cost efficiency.

Clopidogrel is an inhibitor of platelet activation and aggregation through the irreversible binding of its active metabolite to the P2Y12 class of Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) receptors on platelets. This study compared the pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of a new generic formulation of clopidogrel tablets with those of the branded reference formulation in healthy subjects under fasting conditions. The bioequivalence study was conducted as an open-label, randomized, two-treatment, three sequence, three period, single dose, crossover, semi-replicate, bioequivalence study of Clopidogrel Coated Tablets, 75 mg of Caplin Point Laboratories Ltd., India and PLAVIX (Clopidogrel) Coated Tablets, 75 mg of Sanofi-Aventis de Chile S.A. in healthy, adult, human subjects under fasting conditions. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography method with mass spectrometric detection for the determination of Clopidogrel in K2EDTA human plasma was developed and validated. The 90% confidence intervals for Ln-transformed pharmacokinetic parameters - Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were 90.09 - 125.12%, 85.23 - 111.62% and 82.93 - 104.30% respectively for Clopidogrel, where Cmax is within the acceptable limit of widen range 73.18 – 136.65% as per the obtained Intrasubject Coefficient of Variation (ISCV) of reference formulation and AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ are within the acceptance limit of 80.00 - 125.00%. Hence, based on the ln-transformed results of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞, it is concluded that the test product (Clopidogrel Tablets USP 75 mg of Caplin Point Laboratories Ltd., India) is bioequivalent to reference (PLAVIX [Clopidogrel Tablets 75 mg] of Sanofi-Aventis de Chile S.A.) in healthy, adult, subjects under fasting conditions.

Background: Childhood illnesses, including fever, acute respiratory infections (ARI), and diarrhea, remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. These conditions are influenced by socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their prevalence and determinants to inform public health strategies. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors for fever, ARIs, and diarrhea among children under five in Bangladesh, thereby providing insights for targeted interventions. Methodology: Utilizing data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18, this cross-sectional study examined a weighted sample of 8,421 children under five. Variables including demographics, socioeconomic status, and health-related factors were analyzed. Prevalence of fever, ARI, and diarrhea was recorded, with logistic regression models estimating odds ratios to identify associations between childhood illnesses and selected predictors. Results: Among children aged 0–59 months, boys exhibited a higher prevalence of fever and ARI compared to girls. Children younger than 12 months showed the highest rates of all three illnesses, particularly ARI. Breastfeeding status, maternal age, and socioeconomic factors (e.g., parental education, wealth index) significantly influenced illness prevalence. Additionally, safe water access and sanitation were linked to lower fever and ARI prevalence. Vaccination status was also associated with illness patterns, highlighting complex health disparities. Conclusion: The study identifies critical factors affecting the prevalence of fever, ARI, and diarrhea in children, emphasizing the need for interventions addressing environmental and socioeconomic risks. Improved water, sanitation, vaccination coverage, and healthcare access are recommended to reduce disease burden among children in Bangladesh.

Hydatidosis can affect up to 5% of the population in areas of high endemicity. Its preferred location is the liver. It is a disease considered benign but can become serious due to its complications. The fistulization of a hydatid cyst (HC) into the abdominal wall is a rare complication. We report the case of a hydatid cyst of the liver fistulized into the abdominal wall.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, driven by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and dietary habits. Poor glycemic control contributes to complications and imposes a financial burden on the healthcare system. Understanding the clinical factors influencing glycemic control is essential for developing targeted interventions. Objective: To assess the clinical status of T2DM patients with a focus on glycemic control and its association with demographic and clinical variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from March 2022 to February 2023. Eighty T2DM patients were recruited based on ADA diagnostic criteria. Glycemic control was classified using HbA1c levels (<7% for adequately controlled, ≥7% for inadequately controlled). Data collection included anthropometric measurements, saliva and blood sampling, and laboratory analyses for HbA1c and salivary A2MG. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.1 ± 9.97 years, with no significant age-related difference in glycemic control (p=0.513). Gender (p=0.194), residence (p=0.900), and family history of diabetes (p=0.637) showed no significant association with glycemic control. However, BMI was significantly higher in the inadequately controlled group (27.6 ± 3.44 kg/m²) compared to the adequately controlled group (25.2 ± 2.76 kg/m²) (p=0.002), highlighting the influence of obesity on glycemic outcomes. Conclusion: Glycemic control in T2DM patients in Bangladesh is influenced more by clinical factors like BMI than demographic variables. Targeted interventions focusing on weight management and lifestyle modifications are critical for improving glycemic outcomes and reducing diabetes-related complications.

Background: Lumbosacral radicular pain, commonly known as sciatica, is a prevalent and challenging condition arising from nerve root compression in the lumbar spine due to various underlying pathologies. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are often employed for symptomatic relief when conservative treatments fail. While ESIs are minimally invasive and provide localized pain relief, their safety, especially concerning neurological complications, remains a critical concern. Objective: This article reviews the neurological complications associated with ESIs and compares the safety and effectiveness of various corticosteroid formulations administered via transforaminal, interlaminar, or caudal injection techniques. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on studies published within the last ten years. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies addressing lumbosacral radicular pain, the safety and efficacy of ESIs with different corticosteroid formulations, and comparative effectiveness analyses of injection routes. Data on corticosteroid types, formulation characteristics, adverse effects, efficacy measures, and patient demographics were extracted and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: Findings indicate significant variation in safety profiles and effectiveness among different corticosteroid formulations used in ESIs. Dexamethasone, often favored for its efficacy, has been linked to potential neurological complications, particularly concerning preservatives like benzyl alcohol. Comparative studies suggest that while dexamethasone may provide adequate pain relief, it may lead to higher rates of repeat injections compared to particulate steroids like triamcinolone. Conclusion: The review underscores the need for a personalized approach to ESI administration, balancing the benefits of pain relief against potential long-term complications. The data highlights a pressing need for ongoing research into optimizing corticosteroid use and ensuring patient safety in the management of lumbosacral radicular pain.

Most nanoparticles have diameters that lie within 1 to 100 nm. A variety of metal oxide nanoparticles can be synthesised chemically as well as biologically. NiO nanoparticles, which are synthesised chemically, tend to be highly toxic in their effects. In contrast, synthesis by the route of biogenesis or biomimetics is much more favourable than chemical synthesis. The pre-existing properties of purple cabbage are remarkably enhanced by NiO nanoparticles. Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were synthesised from the leaves of Brassica oleracea var. capitata. f. rubra (purple cabbage) by reducing Nickel nitrate hexahydrate solution for the formation of NiO nanoparticles. The analysis done using a Particle size analyser reveals the spherical morphology and the size of the NiO nanoparticles. The size and shape were studied under a Scanning Electron Microscope, which shows that the nanoparticle ranges from 34.5 nm to 89.6 nm. The formation of NiO nanoparticles was confirmed by the peaks obtained in Raman spectroscopy and UV-DRS analyser. The peaks that ensure the formation of NiO nanoparticles in Raman spectroscopy are 568.40 cm-1, 1129.46 cm-1 and 1379.07 cm-1 and UV-DRS are 265.60 nm and 339.69 nm. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of purple cabbage leaves shows that there is an abundance of phytochemical content present in purple cabbage. From the preliminary phytochemical analysis of purple cabbage, it was observed that the aqueous purple cabbage leaf extract contains alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, coumarin, tannins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, saponins, quinones, and carbohydrates.

Background: Malnutrition is a major public health concern among children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to high morbidity and mortality. Despite progress, malnutrition remains a significant issue in Bangladesh and is influenced by socioeconomic disparities and maternal education. Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) is a practical tool for assessing nutritional status in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the nutritional status of children aged 6–59 months in the outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Department of Pediatrics, MR Khan Shishu Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Dhaka, from January 2010 to January 2011. Data from 200 children aged 6–59 months were analyzed. Nutritional status was classified as normal, moderate or severe based on MUAC values. Associations among demographic factors, maternal education, and malnutrition were also explored. Results: Among the 200 children, 24.5% were malnourished, including 10.5% with severe malnutrition and 14% with moderate malnutrition. Children aged 36–59 months had the highest malnutrition prevalence (29%). Females (21%) were more likely to be malnourished than males (16.5%). Maternal education strongly affected outcomes, with malnutrition being the highest among children of illiterate mothers (47.5%). Conclusion: Gender and maternal education influence the nutritional status of children in Bangladesh. For nutritional assessment, the MUAC is an effective tool that underscores the need for interventions that target these disparities.

Pure anterior dislocation of the hip in its obturator variety is extremely rare. It typically results from high-energy trauma and can jeopardize the functional prognosis of the hip if reduction is not performed urgently. We report the case of a motorcyclist who sustained an isolated anteroinferior (obturator) hip dislocation. The patient underwent reduction 4 hours after the trauma, with good clinical and radiological outcomes observed at an 18-month follow-up.