Asian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy

ASSESSMENT OF PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN TYPE - 2 DIABETES PATIENTS

Rumana Khanam — 2026-02-12

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most serious and disabling complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, leading to prolonged hospitalisation, infection, lower-limb amputation, and increased mortality, especially in rural populations. This hospital-based retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated risk factors, and treatment patterns of diabetic foot ulcers among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted over a period of six months in the Department of General Surgery at SVS Medical College and Hospital, Mahbubnagar, and included 50 patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, risk factors, laboratory parameters including random blood glucose and HbA1c, ulcer severity, and treatment modalities were analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The results indicated that DFUs were most common among patients aged 50–70 years, with a higher prevalence in males. Hypertension was the predominant risk factor among females, while smoking was more common among males. Mild ulcers were observed in 22 patients, moderate ulcers in 12, and severe ulcers in 16 patients. Treatment strategies primarily included antibiotic therapy, insulin administration, wound dressing, debridement, and pain management. The findings emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, effective glycemic control, risk-factor modification, patient education, and multidisciplinary management to reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

COMPARITIVE PHARMACOECONOMIC STUDY OF GENERIC AND BRANDED PRESCRIPTIONS

Durgeswari Matcha — 2026-03-11

The present study emphasizes the pocket impact of branded and generic medicines in selected pharmacies located in Hyderabad, India. The augmented medication expenditure demands the use of cost-effective pharmacotherapy. Generic medicines, which are bioequivalent to branded medicines, offer significant price advantages. Government initiatives like PMBJP play an important role in encouraging the use of quality generic medicines and private models like Generic Aadhaar were also reviewed to understand their role in promoting generic medicine utilization. An observational cross-sectional study across five retail pharmacies was carried out. Data on name of the drug, strength, dosage form, and retail price were collected from prescriptions and analysed. Percentage price variation ranged from 3% to 72% across major therapeutic categories. More savings were seen in the category of antidiabetics, analgesics and antibiotics which are commonly prescribed drugs. The observations made pose a potential impact on patient’s pocket. Increased use of generic medication can improve medication adherence, access to health care ultimately implied by affordability.

A REVIEW OF RECENT ADVANCES IN THE DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Reddy Harshith Annapu — 2026-02-10

A frequent respiratory condition with a high morbidity and mortality rate is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many people do not receive a diagnosis until the disease has progressed clinically, and COPD is underdiagnosed despite its prevalence. Current studies on early COPD modifications aim to identify people for early intervention, enhance diagnostic, and uncover new targets for treatment. Over the past 20 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of COPD therapies available due to this focus, new oral and inhaled drugs, and innovative procedures. The gradual lung dysfunction known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mostly brought on by smoking cigarettes and breathing in harmful particles. the persistent exposure to disastrous chemicals might lead to aberrant inflammatory reactions, permanent damages to the respiratory system, and irreversible pathological alterations. Mitochondrial and epigenetic changes are increasingly recognized as playing a role in (COPD) development, alongside genetics and aging. these alterations include mitochondrial damage, excess production of reactive oxygen species, abnormal the cell's self-cleaning process, and altered and (programmed cell death). Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation, histone.

REVIEW ON HOSPITAL FORMULARY: AN OVERVIEW

Prashanthi Evangelin M — 2026-02-25

A hospital formulary represents a comprehensive and curated list of pharmaceutical preparations that have been specifically approved for administration within a healthcare facility. This systematic compilation functions as an indispensable instrument for maintaining medication safety standards, ensuring clinical efficacy in treatment protocols, and managing pharmaceutical expenditures responsibly. The development and maintenance of formularies falls under the purview of specialized committees-typically the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee-which conducts rigorous evaluation of medicines across multiple parameters: therapeutic effectiveness, adverse effect profiles, manufacturing standards, and fiscal implications. The standardization of therapeutic agents through formulary implementation substantially diminishes the incidence of medication administration errors, promotes evidence-based prescribing methodologies, and ultimately enhances the quality of clinical outcomes for patients. Additionally, formularies serve as authoritative references for clinical decision-making, offering detailed information regarding therapeutic indications, appropriate dosage regimens, contraindications, and suitable pharmacological alternatives. The hospital formulary thus constitutes a cornerstone of institutional pharmaceutical governance, facilitating optimized medication regimens, fiscal prudence in resource allocation, and elevated standards of patient safety protocols.