Background and objective: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) encompass a wide spectrum of drug-induced skin and mucosal manifestations, ranging from mild rashes to severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as toxic epidermal necrolysis. Early recognition and prompt withdrawal of the causative drug are vital for better outcomes. CADRs are increasingly common due to polypharmacy, yet regional data on their patterns and causative agents remain limited. This study aims to identify the clinical and epidemiological patterns of CADRs and to assess their impact on quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 84 patients with clinically suspected CADRs from January to December 2024. Data were collected through patient interviews, clinical examinations, and the assessment using the Naranjo causality scale. DLQI was used to evaluate the psychosocial burden associated with CADRs. Results: Fixed drug eruption was the most common presentation (25%), followed by maculopapular eruptions (11.9%) and urticaria (9.5%). SCARs accounted for 17.9% cases. Antimicrobials (57.2%) were the most frequently implicated drugs. Generalized lesions and pruritus were significantly associated with higher DLQI scores. DLQI Score interpretation reveals that 3.6% patients have no effects whereas 46.7% patients are moderately affected. Based on the Naranjo algorithm, causality was classified as probable in 76.2%, possible in 14.3%, and definite in 9.5% of cases. Conclusion: CADRs significantly impact quality of life, especially in severe cases or those with strong drug causality. Antimicrobials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antiepileptics were major causative agents. These findings underscore the importance of early detection, comprehensive drug history-taking, and a patient-centred approach to mitigate both the physical and psychological burdens of CADRs. July 2025; Vol. 19(2):006. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.19.015 *Correspondence: Shivani, Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS), Patna-800014,Bihar, India. Email: drshivani4847@gmail.com. © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License(CC BY 4.0).

Background and objective: Plateletpheresis involves the separation of platelets from healthy donor blood, with the remaining components returned to the donor’s circulation. With the increasing demand for aphaeretic platelets, the transfusion medicine department plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of safe blood products when required. This study aimed to determine the frequency and underlying reasons for donor deferral during plateletpheresis. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Transfusion Medicine Department of BIRDEM General Hospital in Dhaka from January 2021 to December 2022. Apheresis donors of either sex who attended the department were selected and evaluated for deferral by physicians in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlined in the hospital protocol [1]. Data on deferred plateletpheresis donors were recorded manually in a register book and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 318 plateletpheresis donors were screened during this study period, of whom 43 (13.52%) were deferred for various reasons. The majority of the deferrals (93.9%) were temporary. The major causes of donor deferral were poor venous access (27.7%, mostly in females), low platelet count (16.2%), and the use of medications, most commonly analgesics, at 11.4%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that venous access plays a vital role in donor deferral. Additionally, low platelet count and use of antiplatelet drug can significantly impact the apheretic donor eligibility. Revising the selection criteria for plateletpheresis donors could substantially enhance donor participation and reduce deferral rates. Furthermore, continued efforts to provide advanced training for technical personnel and ensure effective supervision by Transfusion Medicine Specialists will contribute to minimizing donor deferrals. July 2025; Vol. 19(2):003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.19.012 *Correspondence: Farida Parvin, Department of Transfusion Medicine & Clinical Haematology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. E-mail: dr.farida1984@gmail.com. © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0).

Background: Hall technique involves cementing preformed metal crowns or stainless steel crowns on the tooth with the use of luting glass ionomer cements, without the use of local anaesthesia, caries removal and tooth preparation of any kind. It can be an intervention to stop the progression of active untreated carious lesion in primary molar teeth among African children. This article reviews the available studies on Hall technique used for the management of carious primary molar teeth among African children. Method: An electronic literature search in Web of science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, African journals online, ResearchGate and Google was conducted in June, 2023 using the Population-Concept-Context framework. Search terms and keywords were combined by Boolean operators. Three independent investigators (research assistants) screened titles, abstracts and full text of publications. The inclusion criteria were original research articles, case report, case series related to Hall technique for the management of carious primary molar teeth studies conducted in African continent, published in English language and in electronic databases. Results: Four articles were included as they were assessed to meet the aim of the review. The study design of the articles was three randomised controlled clinical trial and one case report. One study was identified each from Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Sudan respectively. All the identified studies in African continent were hospital based. Conclusion: Hall technique can be an intervention for management of carious primary molar teeth in resource poor locality in Africa and globally. Studies on Hall technique for the management of carious primary molar teeth identified in Africa were few and restricted to few countries. IMC J Med Sci. 2024; 18(1):003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.003 *Correspondence:Obehi. O Osadolor, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku- ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria. E-mail: osadolorobehi@yahoo.com

Background and objectives: For decades type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR) are increasingly gaining importance as an underlying mechanism for increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). IR is related to various cardiometabolic adverse effects. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique, the gold standard method for measuring IR, is an invasive and complex procedure. Estimation of glucose disposal rate (eGDR) is an easy alternative tool for measuring IR. There is no known study on eGDR level in Bangladeshi native population. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the eGDR values in a healthy working rural Bangladeshi population. Materials and methods: Six villages were selected purposively as the study sites. All healthy working people aged ≥20 years in selected rural community were considered eligible. Those who consented to participate in the study were enrolled. Investigations included a) interviewing for social and clinical history, b) anthropometry and measurement of blood pressure and d) estimation of HbA1c and biochemical indices. The eGDR (mg/kg/min) was calculated using formula: eGDR = 21.158 − (0.09 * WC) − (3.407 * HT) − (0.551 * HbA1c); where WC = waist circumference in cm, HT = hypertension (yes = 1/no = 0), and HbA1c = HbA1c (%). Results: A total of 93 (m/w = 29/64) participants were enrolled in the study. The prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MSyn) were 34%, 31.1% and 16.1%, respectively. The mean eGDR value was 9.9 (±0.149; 95% CI: 9.62–10.2) mg/kg/min. Most of the values of biophysical characteristics were normal. The comparison between participants with and without MSyn showed that the former had significantly lower eGDR (9.05±1.24 vs.10.10±1.37, p<0.01). Inverse correlations of eGDR with the obesity, glycemia and lipidemia (weight, waist, FBG, T-chol, and TG) were significant. Declining eGDR were significant with rising WHR, WHtR, TG/HDLR and T-chol/HDLR (for all, p<0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed the level of eGDR in a healthy working people of a rural community of Bangladesh. Moreover, eGDR was found to decrease significantly with the increasing cardiometabolic risks. The study revealed a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy working people highlighting susceptibility of Bangladeshi natives to non-communicable diseases. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(2):005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.015 *Correspondence: M Abu Sayeed, Department of Community Medicine, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A, Ibrahim Sarani, Segunbagicha, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh. Email: sayeed1950@gmail.com

Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of death and disability world wide. Magnesium acts as a cofactor in glucose metabolism and its decreased level causes insulin resistance and many complications in diabetic patients. The present study evaluated the correlation of serum magnesium with HbA1c in DM patients. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2016 to June 2017. A total number of 100 individuals with and without diabetes mellitus were included in the study. HbA1c was measured by high performance liquid chromatography and estimation of serum magnesium was done by automatic biochemistry analyzer. Results: Out of 100 enrolled participants, 50 were diagnosed patients of DM (Group-A) and 50 were age and sex matched apparently healthy individuals (Group-B). The mean age of Group-A and B individuals was 50.5 ± 6.0 and 50.4 ± 5.1 years respectively. Group-A had significantly (p < 0.001) lower serum magnesium concentration compared to Group-B (1.5 ± 0.6 mg/dl vs 2.3 ± 0.5 mg/dl). Serum magnesium levels showed significant negative correlations with HbA1c (r = -0.511, p < 0.001). Conclusion: DM patients showed significant negative correlation of serum magnesium with HbA1c level. Routine screening for serum magnesium status would be helpful for the better management of diabetic cases. IMC J Med Sci. 2023. 17(1): 005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.005 *Correspondence: Farzana Ahmed, Department of Biochemistry, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A Ibrahim Sarani, Shegunbagicha, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: tanvy1108@gmail.com

Background and objectives: A progressive accumulation of body iron easily occurs as a result of long-term transfusions in patients with anaemia of genetic disorders such as thalassaemia. Iron deposit in liver biopsy sections was studied in beta-thalassaemia major patients to assess the grade of liver siderosis and to correlate the grade with amount of blood transfused. Materials and methods: Beta-thalassaemia major patients having splenomegaly and selected for splenectomy were enrolled. Liver biopsy was taken from every patient during the splenectomy. Liver tissue was sectioned and stained with Perls’ prussian blue method for the presence of iron deposition. The degree of iron deposition was expressed as grades of siderosis from 0 to 4. Results: A total of 30 beta-thalassemia patients were enrolled in the study. Out of 30 patients, 7 were males (23.3%) and 23 females (76.7%). The mean age of patients was 15.2 ± 1.4 years. The mean serum iron and ferritin levels of the study cases were above the normal range. Blood received by all patients was 51.5 ± 11.6 units (range 31 to 88 units). Out of 30 patients, grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 liver siderosis was present in 1, 3, 9 and 17 patients respectively. Serum ferritin level of patients with grade 4 siderosis was significantly higher (p = 0.03) compared to grade 3 cases. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test revealed significant positive correlation between grades of liver siderosis and amount of blood transfusion received (0.626, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Grade of liver siderosis is associated with increased units of blood transfusion and is a good indicator for transfusional iron overload in beta-thalassaemia major patients. IMC J Med Sci. 2023. 17(1): 004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.004 *Correspondence: Dr. Souvik Basak, Department of General Surgery, Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Email: sb009cmc@gmail.com

Background and objectives: For decades the global population has been experiencing diabetic epidemic. The risks related to obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery diseases (CAD) are well known. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its related risks in Bangladeshi diabetics. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), a largest referral center for diabetes in Bangladesh. Socio-demographic and clinical history including biochemical investigation report were collected from the BIRDEM registry. The eligible criteria of study participants were: age 30 – 60 year, having DM, non-smoker, free from retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. The prevalence of CAD, systolic hypertension (SHTN) and diastolic hypertension (DHTN) in the registered diabetic patients were estimated. Additionally, the study addressed the risk and predictors of CAD among those with DM. Investigations included – anthropometry, blood pressure, blood glucose, serum lipids and electrocardiogram (ECG). CAD was diagnosed on: (a) history of angina plus positive ECG - either on rest or on stress, post-myocardial infarction (MI) with Q-wave MI or non-Q-MI or echocardiographic evidences. Lipids namely triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (T-Chol), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were estimated by Hitachi-704 auto-analyzer using enzymatic method. Results: A total of 693 (M /W =295/398) participants volunteered. The prevalence of CAD, SHTN, DHTN and mean arterial hypertension (MAH) were 18.6%, 23.2%, 13.6% and 17.7%, respectively. Their mean (±SD) values of age, body mass index (BMI - kg/m2), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were 47 (8.6) years, 24.6 (3.5), 0.98(0.05), 0.56(0.06) and 101(11.3) mmHg, respectively. The mean (±SD) of FBG (mmol/L), T-Chol, TG and HDL (mg/dl) were 10.2 ± 4.0, 206 ± 44, 218 ± 86 and 47.5 ± 9.3 respectively. The women had significantly higher BMI (p<0.001), WHtR (p<0.001), SBP (<0.001), MAP (p<0.001), T-Chol (p<0.001) and TG (p=0.043) than men. The risk variables were categorized into quartiles and Chi-sq trend determined whether the increasing prevalence of CAD were significant. Higher quartile of age was found consistently significant (p<0.001). Of the obesity indices, only higher quartile of WHtR was significant (p< 0.05). For BP measures, higher MAP quartiles showed the trend significant (p<0.001). Likewise, for lipids, higher quartiles of TG (p<0.001) and lower quartile of HDL (p<0.001) were significant. Finally, logistic regression estimated the risk related to CAD. The highest age-quintile (>55y: 95% CI: 1.09 - 43.7) and highest TG-quintile (281mg/dl: 95% CI: 1.45-59.7) were proved to be significant predictor of CAD and HDL highest quintile (>54mg/dl) was proved to be significant protecting factor for CAD (95% CI: 0.005-0.583). Conclusion: The study observed the importance of MAP, TG, HDL, T-Chol/HDLR (T-Chol -to HDL ratio) and TG/HDLR (triglycerides-to HDL ratio) as risks for CAD among diabetics. Further study with investigations of echocardiogram, ETT, coronary angiogram and coronary calcium scoring would be helpful in confirming these findings related to CAD risks. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(1): 002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.002 *Correspondence: M Abu Sayeed, Department of Community Medicine, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A, Ibrahim Sarani, Segunbagicha, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh. Email: sayeed1950@gmail.com

Background and objectives: Creatine phosphokinase-myocardial band fraction (CPK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are cardiac specific biochemical markers which are raised in myocardial ischemia. The aim of this study was to determine cardiac injury by comparing the levels of cardiac enzymes CPK-MB and cTnI in atrial septal defect (ASD) patients whose operative repair was done under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using beating heart technique with and without the application of aortic cross clamp. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery in a Tertiary Care Hospital over a period of 2 years. A total of 60 atrial septal defect (ASD) patients were operated and repair of the defect was done under the CPB using beating heart technique. Aortic cross clamp was applied in 22 patients (Group-A) while 38 patients were operated without cross clamp (Group-B) during the procedure. Blood samples were collected 24 hours prior and 12 hours post procedure for the estimation of CPK MB and cTnI levels. Results: Mean age of the atrial septal defect patients was 23.83±10.97 years and 60% and 40% of the patients were females and children (age < 18 years) respectively. Serum CPK-MB and cTnI l levels were in the normal range in all the patients before surgery and increased significantly post procedure. Twelve hours after surgery, the mean CPK-MB and cTnI levels were significantly low in Group-B patients compared to Group-A patients (CPK-MB: 56.39±23.55 U/L vs. 34.38±15.97U/L , p= 0.0004; cTnI: 9.37±4.97 ng/ml vs. 5.92±4.17ng/ml, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Post surgery CPK-MB and cTnI levels were significantly higher in ASD patients who underwent CPB surgery with aortic cross clamp compared to those in whom aortic cross clamp was not applied. Therefore, application of aortic cross clamp during the procedure induces greater levels of ischemic injury to the heart. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(1): 001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.001 *Correspondence: Feroze Mohammad Ganai, Department of CVTS, Superspeciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Email address: ferose999@yahoo.com

Background and objective: Nephropathy is the major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Delay in identification and management of nephropathy in T2DM may cause development of ESRD. An increased level of serum ferritin plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in T2DM. Hence, the present study intended to assess the level of serum ferritin in renal dysfunction in patients with T2DM. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study with 81 T2DM patients with and without nephropathy. They were categorized into two groups. Group-1 consisted of 46 T2DM cases without nephropathy and remaining 35 with nephropathy.The clinical and biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, urea, creatinine, iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and haemoglobin were measured by standard methods, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by MDRD formula. Results: Significantly (p<0.05) elevated level of serum ferritin along with urea and creatinine was found in patients with T2DM with nephropathy.A significant positive correlation (r = 0.37) of serum ferritin and negative correlation (r = - 0.852) of eGFR with creatinine were found. It indicated that ferritin could be a good marker to monitor kidney function in T2DM. Conclusion: Apart from eGFR and serum creatinine, raised serum ferritin level was a good indicator of renal dysfunction in T2DM patients and might play an important role in renal dysfunction in early stage diabetic nephropathy. IMC J Med Sci 2022; 16(2): 008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.16.018 *Correspondence: Dr. Siva Prasad Palem., M.Sc., Ph.D., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar-505001, Telangana, India. Affiliated with Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), Warangal, Telangana, India. E-mail: sp.biocom@yahoo.co.in.

Background and objectives: Teaching methods used in medical education should be evaluated from time to time to improve the quality of future doctors. So, this study was conducted to know the preclinical student’s preferences and perception about the current teaching and learning process. Methods: The present study was conducted at Adesh Medical College and Hospital, Shahabad among 150 students of second year MBBS course. A predesigned and prevalidated questionnaire was used to assess students’ preferences and perception of teaching, learning and assessment methods. Students’ opinion about the quality of a good teacher was also sought. Results: Out of 150 students, 54% and 62% chose lecture and chalk and board combined with power point presentation (PPT) respectively as the most preferred teaching method and aid. About half (53%) of the students chose written assessments as the most preferred assessment method. Very few students (6%) expressed that ability to generate curiosity in students as a quality of a good teacher. Conclusion: The present study suggested that lectures by chalk and board supported by PPT and written assessment were the most preferred teaching learning and assessment methods. IMC J Med Sci 2022; 16(1): 010 *Correspondence: Rashmi Chandel, Department of Physiology, Adesh Medical College and Hospital, Shahabad, India. Email: unique_ras@rediffmail.com