1.A review on emerging smart technological innovations in healthcare sector for increasing patient's medication adherence
Pal PANKAJ ; Sambhakar SHARDA ; Dave VIVEK ; Paliwal Kumar SHAILENDRA ; Paliwal SARVESH ; Sharma MONIKA ; Kumar AADESH ; Dhama NIDHI
Global Health Journal 2021;5(4):183-189
In this paper,we reviewed the various advanced technologies and methods that could help patients for measuring adherence of patients.There exist intelligent technologies that are available for measuring medication adherence,including medication event monitoring system (MEMS(R)),smart blister packs,radio frequency identification(RFID) embedded smart drawers,and wisely aware RFID dosage (WARD) system.Utilization of these advanced technologies and systems have aided in enhancing the adherence to a greater extent.For example,MEMS(R) refers to the electronic cap that counts the number of bottles opened,but it can be employed only with bottles.Smart blisters are pharmaceutical packagings that possess the capability of monitoring when a pill or tablet is taken out of its packing.All those intelligent technologies can help in active monitoring of patients regarding adherence and capable of eradicating various medication errors due to which adherence is affected.
2.Sarcopenia is common in ulcerative colitis and correlates with disease activity
Pardhu B NEELAM ; Rimesh PAL ; Pankaj GUPTA ; Anupam K SINGH ; Jimil SHAH ; Harshal S MANDAVDHARE ; Harjeet SINGH ; Aravind SEKAR ; Sanjay K BHADADA ; Usha DUTTA ; Vishal SHARMA
Intestinal Research 2024;22(2):162-171
Background/Aims:
Association of sarcopenia with disease severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) is not clearly defined. We planned to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with UC as per the revised definition and its relation with the disease severity.
Methods:
A cross-sectional assessment of sarcopenia in patients with UC was performed. Disease activity was graded according to complete Mayo score. Hand grip strength was assessed with Jamar hand dynamometer, muscle mass using a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and physical performance with 4-m walk test. Sarcopenia was defined as a reduction of both muscle mass and strength. Severe sarcopenia was defined as reduced gait speed in presence of sarcopenia.
Results:
Of 114 patients (62 males, mean age: 36.49±12.41 years), 32 (28%) were in remission, 46 (40.4%) had mild-moderate activity, and 36 (31.6%) had severe UC. Forty-three patients (37.7%) had probable sarcopenia, 25 (21.9%) had sarcopenia, and 14 (12.2%) had severe sarcopenia. Prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in active disease (2 in remission, 6 in active, and 17 in severe, P<0.001). Of 14 with severe sarcopenia, 13 had severe UC while 1 had moderate UC. On multivariate analysis, lower body mass index and higher Mayo score were associated with sarcopenia. Of 37 patients with acute severe colitis, 16 had sarcopenia. Requirement of second-line therapy was similar between patients with and without sarcopenia. On follow-up (median: 18 months), there was a non-significant higher rate of major adverse events in those with sarcopenia (47.4% vs. 33.8%, P=0.273).
Conclusions
Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia in UC correlate with the disease activity.