Selenium is an essential trace mineral required for normal human health and reproduction. In recent years selenium deficiency in humans has been implicated as a risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss. So far the selenium status in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has been evaluated only in plasma and serum samples showing discrepancies of selenium deficiency as a cause for RPL. The present pilot study from India has evaluated selenium status in red cells (as they are the better indicators of selenium levels) in 20 women with three or more unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses compared to similar number of controls. The mean+/-SD red cell selenium levels in the study group was found to be 119.55+/-32.94 ng/ml (range 55-170 ng/ml), which was significantly lower compared to the control group with a mean+/-SD of 150.85+/-37.63 ng/ml (range 87-225 ng/ml). The difference was statistically significant at the 1% level ( P <0.01). Since selenium supplementation resulted in successful pregnancy outcome in veterinary practice, we conclude that large randomised studies are needed to assess the contribution of selenium in the aetiology of RPL and the potential benefits of its supplementation.

Although associated with a low permanent morbidity, features of postoperative hemorrhages after TLE surgery are characteristically different to complications after surgery for other indications, which has to be kept in mind for patient counseling and obtaining informed consent.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Oral cancer is one of the most common form of malignancies in India. In many cases it develops at the site of premalignant lesion. Of all oral premalignant conditions, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is of greater concern because of its disabling nature and relative greater chances of malignant transformation. Transformation of normal tissue to premalignant lesion and further to oral cancer results in alteration in glycolytic pathway and hence the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The aim of this study was to estimate the LDH levels in serum of subjects with OSMF and to compare them with healthy controls and to correlate the relationship between pathogenesis of OSMF and the LDH enzyme.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> It is a case control study. The study included 40 diagnosed cases of OSMF and 40 matched healthy controls. Venous blood of 3 ml was collected in both cases and controls. Serum was separated by centrifugation and LDH was estimated by using standard kits. Statistical analysis was done using student ‘t’ test. Pearson's correlation was performed to establish the relationship between study variables.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> It was observed that serum LDH levels were significantly increased in cases of OSMF as compared to controls (p &lt;0.005).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Serum LDH was significantly increased in OSMF and can be used as a valuable biochemical marker in prognosis of OSMF.</p>

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<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of this study is to assess the effect of intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective study was conducted on 40 patients refractory to intravenous steroid therapy between May 2012 to March 2014. Intratympanic dexamethasone injection was given every week for 3 consecutive weeks. Hearing was assessed by performing pure tone audiogram before every ITDI and also 1 week after the completion of treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Hearing improvement was seen in 27 out of the 40 cases (68%).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Intratympanic dexamethasone significantly improves the prognosis of ISSNHL and is a safe, inexpensive and effective treatment in ISSNHL.</p>