Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Research

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine-Dexmedetomidine (Ketodex) Versus Ketamine-Propofol (Ketofol) for Procedural Sedation in Pediatric Patients

2026-06-18T08:21:05+00:00

Background: Pediatric procedural sedation requires safe, effective agents to ensure patient comfort while maintaining physiological stability. Combinations such as ketamine-dexmedetomidine (Ketodex) and ketamine-propofol (Ketofol) are increasingly utilized to balance the desirable effects of each component while mitigating their respective side effects.
Objective: This review aims to compare the safety and efficacy of Ketodex and Ketofol for procedural sedation in children aged 0–12 years.
Methods: A narrative synthesis of available clinical evidence, including meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, was conducted to evaluate respiratory safety, hemodynamic stability, and recovery profiles.
Results: Comparative analysis demonstrates that Ketodex is associated with a significantly lower risk of respiratory depression, making it a safer option for patients with anticipated airway challenges. Conversely, Ketofol is consistently associated with a shorter recovery and discharge time, providing an advantage in fast-track surgical or procedural settings. Both combinations demonstrate similar hemodynamic stability, clinician satisfaction, and incidence of common adverse events such as nausea or vomiting.
Conclusion: The choice between Ketodex and Ketofol should be personalized based on the clinical priority, with Ketodex favored when respiratory safety is paramount and Ketofol preferred when rapid recovery and discharge are the primary objectives.

A Hospital-Based Study to Estimate the Prevalence of Dry Eye and Factors Attributed to IT

2026-06-20T09:47:22+00:00

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder affecting the ocular surface and tear film, leading to discomfort, visual disturbance, and reduced quality of life.
Aim: To estimate the prevalence of dry eye and identify associated risk factors among patients attending a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Pali, over one year (2025). A total of 300 patients aged ≥18 years were included. Dry eye was diagnosed using a combination of McMonnies and HO dry eye questionnaire, Schirmer’s test, and Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT). Statistical analysis included chi-square test and logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of dry eye was 16.3% (49/300). Females had higher prevalence (22.5%) compared to males (11.1%) (p=0.018). Increasing age, outdoor occupation, and environmental exposure were significantly associated (p<0.05). Mean Schirmer’s value in dry eye patients was 7.2 ± 2.1 mm, and mean TBUT was 7.8 ± 1.9 seconds.
Conclusion: Dry eye is a common yet under-recognized condition. Early detection and modification of risk factors can reduce disease burden.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Augmentation in Arthroscopic Knee Meniscal Repair

2026-06-20T09:55:22+00:00

Background: Meniscal injuries are among the most common orthopaedic issues, especially in young, physically active people. The meniscus is essential for load transfer, stress absorption, joint stability, and knee joint lubrication. However, its inherent healing capacity is limited, particularly in the inner avascular zones, resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes after restoration. In recent years, biological augmentation treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have gained popularity due to their capacity to improve tissue recovery. PRP includes a high concentration of growth factors that increase cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix synthesis, which may improve meniscus repair outcomes.
Objective: To determine the efficacy of PRP augmentation in improving healing rates, lowering discomfort, and improving functional results in patients following arthroscopic meniscal repair.
Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken over 11 months, with 50 patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscal repair. Patients were separated into two groups: the PRP group (n=25), who got PRP augmentation during surgery, and the control group (n=25), who had routine repair without PRP. Meniscal healing was clinically and radiologically evaluated, pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and functional ability was assessed using the Lysholm knee score method. Statistical analysis was conducted using suitable comparative tests, with a p-value <0.05 indicating statistical significance.
Results: The PRP group showed considerably greater healing rates than the control group (82% vs 62%, p<0.05). Furthermore, patients who received PRP reported reduced postoperative pain levels and improved functional results, as evidenced by higher Lysholm scores. These findings imply that PRP promotes biological healing and improves clinical recovery.
Conclusion: PRP augmentation in arthroscopic meniscal repair increases healing rates, decreases postoperative pain, and improves functional outcomes. It is a promising supplementary therapy in meniscus preservation techniques, with the potential to improve patient recovery and long-term joint health.

Clinical Profile and Hormonal Patterns in Women with Newly Diagnosed PCOD Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital

2026-06-20T09:59:19+00:00

Background: Polycystic ovarian disease is an endocrine condition of hormonal imbalance, irregular menstrual periods, and high androgen levels and is the most common endocrine disease in women of reproductive age. It commonly presents with metabolic derangements such as insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidaemia, which may cause infertility and raise the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the long run.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical profile and hormonal patterns in newly diagnosed PCOD patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at PMCH, Patna, from September 2025 to February 2026, including 200 women diagnosed with PCOD. Clinical features, BMI, and hormonal parameters (LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin) were assessed. Statistical analysis included chi-square test and t-test, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: The majority of patients were either overweight or obese (70%). The most prevalent symptom was irregular menstruation (70%). Increased LH levels were detected in 65% of patients and increased testosterone levels in 55% of individuals. BMI was significantly associated with hormonal imbalance (P<0.05).
Conclusion: PCOD is strongly associated with obesity and hormonal disturbances. Early diagnosis and lifestyle modification are crucial for management.

Morphological Variation in Lumbricals of Hand

2026-06-20T12:02:45+00:00

Background: The lumbrical muscles of the hand are unique intrinsic muscles responsible for coordinated finger movements and fine motor functions. Variations in their morphology, origin, insertion, and innervation may influence hand biomechanics and surgical outcomes.
Aim: To analyze the morphological variations of lumbrical muscles of the hand in terms of number, origin, insertion, and morphometry.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional cadaveric observational study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Bhagalpur, from 2023–2026. Forty hands obtained from 20 formalin-fixed adult cadavers were dissected. Morphological parameters including number of lumbricals, origin, insertion, muscle belly length, tendon length, and variations were documented. Measurements were taken using digital Vernier calipers. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistics.
Results: All four lumbricals were present in 80% of hands, while 12.5% showed only three lumbricals and 7.5% demonstrated supernumerary lumbricals. The first and second lumbricals were predominantly unipennate, whereas the third and fourth lumbricals were mainly bipennate. Accessory insertions and bifid insertions were observed in a few specimens. The mean muscle belly lengths of the first, second, third, and fourth lumbricals were 3.5 ± 0.5 cm, 3.3 ± 0.6 cm, 3.0 ± 0.5 cm, and 2.8 ± 0.5 cm respectively.
Conclusion: Considerable morphological variations exist in the lumbrical muscles of the hand. Awareness of these variations is important for anatomists, hand surgeons, and clinicians during surgical procedures, diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies, and rehabilitation.

Exploring the Link Between Hematological Disorders and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

2026-06-20T13:12:27+00:00

Background: Autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITDs), which include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are frequently accompanied with hematological abnormalities like anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Understanding this link is critical for early diagnosis and management.
Methods: This retrospective analysis comprised 100 patients diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease over the course of a year. Hematological markers were examined and linked with thyroid function. The Student’s t-test and the Chi-square test were used in the statistical analysis.
Results: Hematological abnormalities were seen in 62% of individuals. The most prevalent observation was anemia (40%), followed by leukopenia (15%), and thrombocytopenia (7%). A strong link was discovered between hypothyroidism and anemia (p=0.01). Patients with hematological disorders had considerably different thyroid profiles.
Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroid illnesses are strongly associated with hematological problems, particularly anemia. Routine hematological examination is advised in patients with thyroid dysfunction for early diagnosis and therapy.

Histopathological Spectrum of Prostatic Lesions and Correlation with Total Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen: A Prospective Observational Study

2026-06-20T13:17:00+00:00

Background: Prostatic lesions range from benign hyperplasia to malignant lesions, with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serving as an important biomarker for screening and disease monitoring. However, PSA levels often overlap between benign and malignant conditions, making histopathological confirmation essential.
Objective: To evaluate the histopathological spectrum of prostatic lesions and correlate findings with serum PSA levels.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at DMCH from February 2025 to October 2025, including 90 patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Serum PSA levels were measured, and histopathological examination was performed on biopsy or resection specimens. Statistical correlation between PSA levels and histological diagnoses were analyzed.
Results: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was the most common lesion (62.2%), followed by prostatitis (15.6%), carcinoma (16.7%), and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) (5.5%). Mean PSA levels were significantly higher in malignant lesions (36.8 ± 12.4 ng/mL) compared to benign conditions (6.2 ± 3.1 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between elevated PSA levels and malignancy.
Conclusion: PSA is a useful screening tool but lacks specificity. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Combined evaluation improves diagnostic accuracy.