Arthritis occurs in close to 40 to 60 per cent of women across the globe and is also one of the primary causes of disability. While the effects of arthritis not only on men but also on women are known, it affects mothers differently. Arthritis is not only a physical disease, says Dr Vaibhav Bagaria, director, Orthopaedics at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon but it's one that tests the core essence of motherhood—a caretaker. Globally and in the country, Dr Ashraf Khan, consultant orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie says statistics show that approximately 1 in every 4 women gets diagnosed with arthritis at some point in their lives, with close to 40% of such people being women under the age of 65—most of whom are mothers and primary caregivers Dr Vaibhav highlights, "Mothers, particularly in Indian families, bear a special emotional and physical burden. From bending down to pick up toddlers to hopping around on errands, their joints are in perpetual motion. When arthritis takes hold—particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—it starts to drain not only mobility, but confidence. A mother who once coordinated a whole household with ease now has trouble opening a jar or going up the stairs." Taking it in their stride, he says, many continue to grit their teeth through pain, often suppressing symptoms, neglecting diagnosis, and putting family ahead of themselves. Why does arthritis affect mothers differently? The Mumbai-based doctor adds, "The pregnancy and postpregnancy hormonal shifts, the loss of calcium stores, and repetitive joint trauma render mothers extremely susceptible. As opposed to those women who perhaps have the option to take time off or change their lifestyles, mothers do not often have this luxury." It is not only the physical but also the emotional cost, he reminds, that make life difficult for them. "A mother who is unable to hold her child or even do daily tasks may experience guilt, frustration, or even depression. Loss of functional independence can have a profound impact on her mental health," he adds. Even as mothers struggle with their daily life while dealing with arthritis, Dr Vaibhav says it is important to get an early diagnosis, proper calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight control, regular physiotherapy, and, when needed, surgery as it can significantly enhance quality of life. "We must design a support network which not only identifies signs of arthritis early on but also familiarises people with seeking help. Get the mothers to heed their body. If they wake up with joint swelling, stiffness, or chronic pain, then it's time to seek a medical opinion—not mere home remedies," he suggests. Why are women more affected by arthritis?Dr Ashraf says there are primarily three major reasons: Hormonal factors: Changes in estrogen levels, particularly at menopause, have been associated with more inflammation and degeneration of the joints. Autoimmune link: Most autoimmune types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus) occur more frequently in women because of immune system differences that are sex-related. Differences in joint structure: Women have relatively more mobile joints and less muscle surrounding the joints, making them more vulnerable to joint wear and tear.
12 May,2025 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWell-being of nurses is necessary to strengthen health systems, and help in the growth of the nation, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda on International Nurses Day on Monday. International Nurses Day is observed every year on May 12 to offer gratitude for their service and to promote their health and well-being. Lauding nurse's efforts, Nadda stressed the need to increase investment in nurses and to protect and empower them. “Today, on International Nurses Day, we pay tribute to the compassion, strength, and commitment of our nurses. We recognise that the well-being of nurses is directly linked to the strength of our health systems and national growth,” Nadda said, in a post on social media platform X. “Investing in nurses means investing in healthier societies, productive communities, and a more resilient future. Today and every day, let us value, protect, and empower those who dedicate their lives to caring for others,” he added. Today, on International Nurses Day, we pay tribute to the compassion, strength, and commitment of our nurses.As we reflect on this year’s theme, “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” we recognize that the well-being of nurses is directly linked to the strength of our… pic.twitter.com/L2DsCapR5K — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) May 12, 2025 This year’s theme, “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies” underscores the critical role nurses play not just in delivering quality healthcare, but also in strengthening health systems and driving economic progress. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel called the nurses’ contribution to society as unique and unforgettable. She also saluted their “tireless efforts and dedication”. “Nurses not only play a vital role in health care but also instill hope and courage in the hearts of patients. We can never forget their unique contribution. As the backbone of our healthcare system, the contribution of nurses is incomparable,” Patel said in a post on social media platform X. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has in a report called out the inequities faced by the nursing workforce, despite an improvement. The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 (SoWN) report, based on data reported by 194 countries through the National Health Workforce Accounts, showed that the wide disparities in the availability of nurses across regions and countries can threaten global health goals. “Inequities in the global nursing workforce leave many of the world’s population without access to essential health services, which could threaten progress towards universal health coverage (UHC), global health security, and the health-related development goals,” the report said. The evidence indicates global progress in reducing the nursing workforce shortage from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, with a projection to decline to 4.1 million by 2030. But, the overall progress still masks deep regional disparities: approximately 78 per cent of the world’s nurses are concentrated in countries representing just 49 per cent of the global population. Low- and middle-income countries are facing challenges in graduating, employing, and retaining nurses in the health system and will need to raise domestic investments to create and sustain jobs. Similarly, high-income countries need to be prepared to manage high levels of retiring nurses and review their reliance on foreign-trained nurses, strengthening bilateral agreements with the countries they recruit from. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 May,2025 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe Ministry of Ayush on Sunday announced the launch of its Weekly Yoga Podcast, a new digital initiative produced by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY). The weekly podcast has been launched by Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush on his social media platforms. This podcast aims to bring the timeless wisdom of yoga to every household, blending ancient practices with modern lifestyles. According to the ministry, the inaugural episode of the podcast, sets the tone for a transformative journey into the world of yoga. The podcast series is designed to engage listeners with insightful discussions, guided practices, and expert interviews, making yoga accessible and relatable to people of all ages and backgrounds. The launch comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address during the 120th episode of his Mann Ki Baat programme on March 30, 2025, where he emphasised the significance of International Yoga Day and its 2025 theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The theme underscores yoga’s role in fostering physical, mental, and environmental well-being, resonating with India’s global vision of unity and sustainability. In the first episode, listeners are welcomed into a vibrant conversation about the essence of yoga and its global impact. The podcast highlights how yoga, once a sacred Indian tradition, has become a worldwide movement for health and harmony. It also explores the philosophical roots of this year’s theme, inspired by India’s G20 presidency and the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family. The episode also throws light on the special nature of this year's Yoga Day. Being the 10th anniversary of International Day of Yoga observance to mark this observation the government has initiated activities along ten signature tracks. All of them together giving a practical interpretation of the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’ To mark a decade of International Yoga Day, the Ministry of AYUSH has also unveiled 10 Signature Events to celebrate and expand the reach of yoga. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 May,2025 10:29 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSGirls given antibiotics during their first year of life, especially in the first three months, are more likely to enter puberty at an earlier age, according to new research. The research, presented at the first Joint Congress between the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), found that the likelihood of early puberty was also higher among those exposed to a greater variety of antibiotic classes. The findings highlight the importance of using these medicines in infants appropriately and how early-life drug exposure could shape future health outcomes. Early puberty, also known as central precocious puberty (CPP), is a condition characterised by the early onset of secondary sexual development in children. In girls this means before age 8 and, in boys, before age 9. Early puberty mostly affects girls and often has no obvious cause, while it is less common in boys. Over the past few decades, early puberty has been on the rise and researchers are continuously investigating the potential contributing factors. In this study, researchers from Hanyang University Guri Hospital and Hanyang University Medical Center analysed data on the antibiotic intake of 322,731 children, aged 0–12 months, in South Korea. They followed these children until the girls turned 9 years old and the boys were 10, and found that girls who were prescribed antibiotics before 3 months of age were 33 per cent more likely to start puberty early. The risk was 40 per cent higher in girls who received antibiotics before 14 days of age, and overall, the earlier the antibiotic exposure, the greater the risk of early puberty. Additionally, girls who used five or more classes of antibiotics had a 22 per cent increased risk of early puberty compared to those who used two or fewer classes. No association was found between antibiotic intake and early puberty in boys. “This population-based study is one of the first to explore this association between early-life antibiotic use, including the timing, frequency and number of classes, and in such a large national cohort of children,” said Dr Yunsoo Choe at Hanyang University Guri Hospital in South Korea, who was involved in the study. The results may encourage doctors and parents to consider the long-term effects of antibiotics when making treatment decisions for young children, added Dr Choe. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 May,2025 03:05 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSA team of researchers has said that lipolysis is more effective in women than in men, which could partly explain why women are less likely to develop metabolic complications than men, despite having more body fat. The research focused on lipolysis, the process through which triglycerides – lipids stored in fat cells – are broken down to produce free fatty acids and glycerol, which can be used as energy, during exercise or between meals. “The breakdown of lipids through lipolysis is essential for energy balance and it is believed that doing it effectively may prevent type 2 diabetes and other metabolic complications of overweight and obesity,” said Professor Peter Arner, of the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. “Indeed, lipolysis is more effective in women than in men, which could be one reason why women are less likely to develop metabolic complications than men, despite having more body fat,” Arner added. Hormones called catecholamines play a key role in activating lipolysis and regulating the various steps in the process and it is known that when levels of these hormones increase, due to psychological stress or during exercise, for example, lipolysis is activated more strongly in women than in men. According to the study, a better understanding of how this occurs could pave the way for drugs and other treatments that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in men with overweight and obesity. To find out more, Professor Arner and Dr Daniel P Andersson of the Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge in Stockholm, measured lipolysis in abdominal subcutaneous fat cells from adult women and men. The cells were incubated alone or with increasing concentrations of several catecholamines that are known to act at different steps in lipolysis. The amount of glycerol released was used to measure the amount of lipolysis. This revealed that the fat cells from the women were less sensitive to the catecholamines than the fat cells from the men, meaning that that higher concentrations were needed to activate and regulate lipolysis. However, when lipolysis was activated, it took place at a faster rate in the cells from the women than in those from the men. “Longer-term, our findings could aid in the development of drugs that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in men,” said Arner. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 May,2025 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIndia is witnessing a steady downward trend in maternal and child mortality towards the achievement of UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 targets, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday. Citing Registrar General of India’s (RGI) recently launched Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, the Ministry stated that there has been a significant reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR). "India's progress in reduction of maternal and child mortality indicators outpaces global averages,” the Ministry said. "These sustained improvements are a result of strategic interventions and the unwavering commitment of the government," it added. While the MMR declined by 37 points from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21, the IMR declined from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021. NMR declined from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021, and U5MR declined from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021. Notably, the sex ratio at birth saw an improvement from 899 in 2014 to 913 in 2021. Total Fertility Rate is consistent at 2.0 in 2021, which is a significant improvement from 2.3 in 2014, according to the SRS report. Further, it showed that eight states have already attained the SDG target of MMR: Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49), Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), Karnataka (63). Twelve states/UT have already attained SDG target of U5MR: Kerala (8), Delhi (14), Tamil Nadu (14), Jammu and Kashmir (16), Maharashtra (16), West Bengal (20), Karnataka (21), Punjab (22), Telangana (22), Himachal Pradesh (23), Andhra Pradesh (24) and Gujarat (24). Six states/ UT have already attained the SDG target of NMR: Kerala (4), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu and Kashmir (12) and Himachal Pradesh (12). The ministry attributed the improvements to "the flagship health schemes which have seamlessly integrated to guarantee dignified, respectful, and high-quality healthcare services -- completely free of cost, with zero tolerance for denial of care". The Ministry said it is also reinforcing health data systems and real-time surveillance for maternal, newborn, and child health through digital platforms, thereby facilitating data-driven, evidence-based policy decisions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 May,2025 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSMedications such as liraglutide or semaglutide taken for weight loss also have the potential to reduce alcohol consumption by almost two-thirds, according to new research. Alcohol use disorder is a relapsing condition that accounts for 2.6 million deaths a year -- 4.7 per cent of all deaths globally. Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), therapies that aim to strengthen motivation to stop or reduce drinking, and medication can be very successful in the short term, however, 70 per cent of patients relapse within the first year. The study showed that Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues -- drugs developed to treat obesity -- likely curb alcohol cravings in the brain. Average alcohol intake decreased from 11.3 units/week to 4.3 units/week after four months of treatment with the GLP-1 analogues a reduction of almost two-thirds. Among the regular alcohol drinkers, intake decreased from 23.2 units/week to 7.8 units/week in four months. This reduction of 68 per cent is comparable to that achieved by nalmefene -- a drug used to treat alcohol use disorder in Europe, said Professor Carel le Roux, of University College Dublin, Ireland. "The exact mechanism of how GLP-1 analogues reduce alcohol intake is still being investigated, but it is thought to involve curbing cravings for alcohol that arise in subcortical areas of the brain that are not under conscious control. Thus, patients report the effects are 'effortless'," Roux said. The study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, was also presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025). GLP-1 analogues have reduced alcohol intake in animal studies, but research on their effect in humans is less. To find out more, the team prospectively collected data on the alcohol intake of patients who were being treated for obesity at a clinic in Dublin. The real-world study involved 262 adults with a BMI more than 27 kilograms per square metre (kg/m2) (79 per cent female, average age 46 years, average weight 98kg) who were prescribed the GLP-1 analogs liraglutide or semaglutide for weight loss. A total of 188 of the 262 patients were followed up for an average of four months. None of them had increased their alcohol intake. "GLP-1 analogues have been shown to treat obesity and reduce the risk of multiple obesity-related complications. Now, the beneficial effects beyond obesity, such as on alcohol intake, are being actively studied, with some promising results," Roux said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 May,2025 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAn international team of researchers found that a cholesterol-lowering drug may offer a more effective and convenient way to protect people at high risk of heart attack and stroke. The study led by researchers at Monash University in Australia tested a once-daily oral medication called Obicetrapib and found it significantly lowered both LDL or bad cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), [Lp(a)] -- two key contributors to cardiovascular disease. The findings marked an important step forward for patients who have struggled to reach their cholesterol targets with current therapies, said study lead professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of Monash University's Victorian Heart Institute. "We know that many people at high risk of heart attack or stroke don't get their cholesterol levels low enough, even on the best available treatments," Nicholls said. "Obicetrapib offers a promising new option-not only did it lower LDL cholesterol by over 30 per cent, but we also saw a reduction in Lp(a), which is much harder to treat and has been linked to increased heart disease risk," he added. LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," builds up in blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a lesser-known but inherited risk factor that can also accelerate artery damage -- and unlike LDL, there are currently no widely approved treatments to lower it. The trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included more than 2,500 participants with established heart disease or genetic high cholesterol who were given either Obicetrapib or a placebo, in addition to their regular cholesterol medications. After 12 weeks, those on Obicetrapib had dropped their LDL cholesterol by 32.6 per cent and Lp(a) by 33.5 per cent on average -- many achieved guideline-recommended targets for the first time. Obicetrapib was also well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to earlier trials. "This could be a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease," Professor Nicholls said. "It's convenient, it's effective, and it may help close the gap for patients who've run out of options." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 May,2025 01:47 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSIndia is witnessing a significant uptick in the adoption of diagnostic radiology devices, with a major rise in accelerated adoption of AI-powered technologies and remote monitoring solutions, according to a report on Friday. The report by 1Lattice, a tech-enabled market intelligence firm, also attributed the growth to rising disease burden, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure. It revealed that India has registered 1.48 lakh radiology devices, with Maharashtra (20,590), Tamil Nadu (15,267), and Uttar Pradesh (12,236) leading the charge. These figures reflect a broader trend toward modernisation and digitisation of diagnostic services, even beyond urban centres. “Radiology is evolving from being a hospital-based specialty to a cornerstone of primary and preventive care. The convergence of AI, portability, and remote monitoring is unlocking access, improving accuracy, and reshaping the delivery of diagnostics across India’s healthcare system,” said Sanjay Sachdeva, Director - Healthcare and Lifesciences, 1Lattice. Radiology's impact is further enhanced by AI-powered Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), enabling real-time tracking and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits through remote health monitoring. Globally, the radiology equipment market is poised for strong growth. The global market is projected to rise from $34 billion in 2025 to $43 billion by 2030, reflecting a 5 per cent CAGR. On the other hand, the Indian radiology equipment market is poised to grow from $7.1 billion in FY2025 to $13.5 billion by FY2030, outpacing global growth with a 10 per cent CAGR, the report said. The growth drivers include technological advancements in digital radiography and ultrasound; a rise in chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions; government schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM). As healthcare delivery in India becomes more decentralised and tech-driven, radiology will be central to driving outcomes through timely and accurate diagnosis. However, the sector still faces challenges, including the high cost of advanced equipment, uneven access between urban and rural areas, and ongoing concerns around radiation exposure, the report said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 May,2025 10:00 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSPregnant women with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have an increased risk of giving birth prematurely and the risk increase cannot be explained by obesity, according to a new study on Friday. It is estimated that as many as three out of ten people globally have MASLD, previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Common risk factors are metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity. The disease has become increasingly common, including among women of reproductive age. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have now investigated the association between maternal MASLD and pregnancy and neonatal birth outcomes. Their findings, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, showed that women with MASLD were more than three times more likely to give birth prematurely. The risk did not increase with MASLD severity and the increase in risk persisted even when compared to overweight or obese women without known MASLD. “This suggests that the association is not only due to a high body mass index (BMI) and that the liver disease itself can have negative effects,” explains lead author Carole A. Marxer, a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet. The study is based on Swedish registry data and includes a total of 240 births among women with MASLD and 1,140 matched births of women from the general population. Women with MASLD also had a 63 per cent higher risk of caesarean section than the control group. However, this seems to be explained by high BMI as no increase in risk was seen compared to overweight or obese women without fatty liver disease. “It is important that pregnant women with MASLD are closely monitored during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications. Consideration should also be given to adding specific recommendations for pregnant women to the clinical guidelines for MASLD,” Marxer said. “It is also worth noting that we did not find any increased risk in women with MASLD of having children with congenital malformations or of having children who died at birth,” added Jonas F. Ludvigsson, paediatrician at Orebro University Hospital and professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet. However, the increased risk may have been influenced by other factors as well, the researchers said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 May,2025 09:49 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSPeople face many health challenges every day and many times they become really severe. While the severity may differ, it is always disheartening to hear. This has changed over the years, owing to medical advances not only around the world but also in India, people are able to get treated successfully in time. These medical cases are inspiring not only for the ones undergoing treatment but also for their families, as they navigate their lives around them. While one highlights a woman's important journey in getting diagnosed with superficial endometriosis and 'kissing ovaries', the other highlights a child, finding a ray of hope, in his thalassemia treatment, and meeting his donor. Here are two cases from this week: Pune woman successfully treated for superficial Endometriosis and 'Kissing Ovaries'Meenal (name changed), an IT professional, began experiencing persistent lower back pain in 2020. Assuming it was due to her desk job and prolonged sitting, she ignored the pain. As the pain worsened, she decided to consult an orthopedic specialist, but no issues were identified. Suspecting kidney stones, she underwent further tests, but those results were clear as well. Despite experiencing severe period pain, she initially relied on painkillers, assuming it was normal. Further investigation by a gynecologist revealed two ovarian cysts, with additional scans raising concerns about a possible tumour. Seeking a second opinion, Meenal consulted Dr. Wing Commander Sushil D. Garud (Retd), consultant - Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Laparoscopic Surgery at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharadi, Pune. Meenal sharing her experience, said, "During my tests for kidney stones, doctors discovered two cysts, but I had very little awareness about what that meant. Further advanced tests suggested the possibility of a tumor, which left me extremely anxious. Seeking a second opinion, I consulted Dr Sushil. He advised a biopsy first, which thankfully ruled out cancer. It was then confirmed that I had a rare condition known as kissing ovaries, and the endometrial tissue had spread to my peritoneal lining and bladder." She adds, "This condition caused severe discomfort, particularly with frequent urination. I would wake up 3-4 times every night to use the washroom, and the constant sensation of needing to urinate left me exhausted. I was barely sleeping 2-3 hours each night. The continuous pain and discomfort made it extremely difficult to focus on my job, and eventually, I had to quit." Dr Sushil then conducted a detailed evaluation. An MRI revealed her condition was more complex — her ovaries were stuck together in a condition known as "kissing ovaries” and were attached to the back of her uterus. Further investigations identified two ovarian cysts — one measuring 5x6 cm on the right ovary and another measuring 3x4 cm on the left ovary. Additionally, parts of her intestine were adhered to the cysts, a condition linked to superficial endometriosis, also known as peritoneal endometriosis, where the endometrial lining extends outside the uterus and implants on the peritoneum — the thin layer of tissue lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. The space behind the uterus, called the Pouch of Douglas (POD), a common site for endometriosis growth, was also blocked. Dr Sushil performed a highly specialised laparoscopic surgery that lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which he successfully removed the ovarian cysts and endometrial implants from her abdomen. Complete removal was essential because simply puncturing cysts or burning plaques wouldn’t stop the pain or prevent further tissue damage. Since the peritoneum is flexible, the affected parts were carefully removed to ensure effective treatment. With proper removal, endometrial plaques can keep accumulating, leading to cysts that grow larger with each menstrual cycle due to trapped blood. Following her surgery, Meenal experienced significant pain relief, marking a positive turning point in her journey. She shares, "Two months ago, I underwent surgery, and felt immense relief afterward. I am now recovering well. I've been advised to take things slow, prioritise rest, maintain a proper diet, and ensure enough sleep." Post-surgery, Meenal was advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid junk food, improve her sleep routine, and continue hormonal therapy if she plans to delay conception. "Endometriosis affects around 10 per cent of women and up to 50 per cent of those struggling with infertility, yet its symptoms are often overlooked," said Dr Sushil. "Surgical intervention requires expertise — simply removing cysts is not enough. To effectively reduce pain and prevent recurrence, excising endometrial implants from all affected areas is crucial. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment play a vital role in improving outcomes for women facing this challenging condition,” he adds. Adding to that, the Pune-based doctor said, "Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain and fertility issues. Women should not ignore persistent symptoms like intense period pain, painful intercourse, or unexplained infertility, as these could be signs of endometriosis. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, and even impact fertility. Alarmingly, even adolescents are increasingly being diagnosed with this condition, making early awareness and timely medical intervention crucial for effective management and improved outcomes." She concludes, "My advice to all women is this: never ignore even the slightest symptoms. Period pain, constant back pain, or unusual discomfort should never be overlooked. It could be a sign of something serious, and seeking timely medical advice can make all the difference. Prioritise your health — don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable." 12-year-old Thalassemia survivor meets his stem cell donor in DelhiIn another heart-warming medical tale, 12-year-old Thalassemia survivor Pratham from Bikaner, for the first time met the man who gave him a second chance at life. The stem cell donor is 35-year-old Rohit from Kanpur. The donor, a pharmaceutical management consultant, was inspired to register with DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, after watching the Bollywood film 'The Sky is Pink', which depicts the struggles of a family with a child with a life-threatening illness. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less haemoglobin than normal. This can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and other serious health problems. A stem cell transplant can offer a potential cure for thalassemia patients, replacing their damaged blood-forming cells with healthy ones from a donor. Dr Esha Kaul, director – Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, BMT, from Max Super Specialty Hospital in Vaishali, Ghaziabad, says, “Thalassemia continues to place an immense physical and emotional burden on children and their families, especially in India, where the incidence remains among the highest globally. While blood transfusions are a temporary solution, stem cell transplantation offers the only curative path forward. For many patients without a matching sibling, a matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant becomes their only lifeline. The challenge, however, lies in finding that one-in-a-million match." Diagnosed at just six months of age, Pratham spent much of his early life undergoing frequent and distressing blood transfusions. For nearly seven years, his family searched tirelessly for a matching stem cell donor, never giving up hope. That hope turned into reality when, on his mother’s birthday, the family received a call, informing them that a perfect match had been found through DKMS Foundation India. That match was 35-year-old Rohit, who had registered as a donor during the Covid-19 pandemic after being inspired by a film which mentions information about DKMS in its credits. He registered online and ordered a home swab kit , and eight months later, was identified as the life-saving match for Pratham.“When Pratham first came to us, he was very young and playful. We gave him all the support and treatment, but a stem cell transplant was his only curative option. Luckily, he found a matched unrelated donor, and we could proceed with the stem cell transplant. His story is a powerful reminder that thalassemia can be effectively managed with early diagnosis and the proper medical interventions,” shared Dr. Vikram Mathews, director, CMC; Professor of Haematology, Department of Haematology Christian Medical College Vellore, who treated him. The meeting between Pratham and Rohit was an emotional and joyous occasion, filled with tears of gratitude and heartfelt appreciation. Pratham and his family expressed their profound thanks to Rohit for giving them a second chance at life. "Seeing Pratham smile in person was overwhelming," said Rohit, who met Pratham in Delhi, for the first time. "I feel proud to have helped in this small but meaningful way." “Thanks to Rohit’s kindness, I no longer need blood transfusions or painful needle pricks. I feel strong and happy,” expressed Pratham, who now attends school regularly, participates in extracurricular activities, and pursues his love for cricket. Rohit's stem cell donation, starting with a simple cheek swab, cured Pratham's thalassemia, and their emotional reunion celebrated this life-changing gift of hope and selflessness. India sees over 10,000 children born with thalassemia each year. Regular transfusions are the norm for many, but a blood stem cell transplant remains the only curative option. However, the availability of matching donors, especially from Indian ethnic backgrounds, is critically low.
09 May,2025 06:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
