Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Adverse effects of chemotherapy affect physiological and psychological aspects of human life. Self-care practice to manage side effects can improve the quality of life. Aims: The study investigates the relationship between knowledge on the adverse effects of chemotherapy and self-care ability to manage chemotherapy survivors' side effects. Subjects and methods: This was a single centre, Cross-sectional, descriptive study. A face-to-face interview guided by a structured questionnaire was conducted among 100 cancer patients admitted at the daycare centre to receive repeated chemotherapy cycles. Information gathered included knowledge on chemotherapy and its adverse effects and self-care ability to manage them. Results: Results indicated 58% had an above-average level of experience on chemotherapy and side effects,16.42 ± 3.56 Vs 8.52 ± 3.37.To overcome hair loss, 77% of patients preferred to use a wig/scarf to cover the head. To reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms, 48% chose to consume less food. Knowledge on side effects of chemotherapy moderate positively related to self-care practices with (r = 0.55,p = 0.001 level), which shows a significant raise on knowledge level will improve their self-care practices. Knowledge of the adverse effects of chemotherapy was not associated with the demographic variables of study participants. Conclusion: Study concluded that it was essential to enhance awareness and overcome adverse chemotherapy effects via counselling services using current modalities for better self-care practices.

Geriatric population is estimated to be 12.4% of population in India by the year 2026. As the population continues to age, the number of surgical interventions in the elderly (≥65yr) also continues to rise.Two important principles that makes the elderly more vulnerable is that first aging is associated with a progressive loss of functional reserve in multiple organ systems and secondly the extent and onset of these changes are highly variable on an individual basis. This article reviews the perianesthetic considerations for geriatric population emphasizing the need for utmost care and concern in the following three categories: preoperative evaluation and considerations, intra-operative management, and postoperative concerns. Due to the increased incidence of adverse events in geriatric population a meticulous risk stratification of these patients undergoing various surgical procedures preoperatively may help guide decisions on adequate perioperative management as well as reduce untoward complications.

Ageing is a natural biological property of all living beings. There is an estimated 120 crore population around the world currently over the age of 65 years, it is also estimated that half of the world's population would be in geriatric group by year 2050. Developed nations have about 30% of their population in geriatric age group. In India 10% of population belong to geriatric age, even though it comparatively low with other nations the numbers are huge due to population size. Special senses such as hearing and smell are impaired along with ageing body. Other otorhinolaryngological problems are also common due to degenerative changes in head and neck region. Cosmetic problems are a concern too due to the ever increasing zeal for youthfulness in modern society. We review some of the common problems faced in the elderly.

Background This phase IV, post–authorisation safety & efficacy study evaluated the safety, immunogenicity and tolerability of prescribed usage of Darbepoetin alfa, (DA-α, manufactured by Hetero Biopharma) for the treatment of symptomatic anemia in Indian patients with chronic renal failure.Methods Adults patients of either gender suffering from anemia associated with chronic renal failure patients were prescribed and treated with DA-α and followed up for 1 year. 503 patients were enrolled into the study, of which 121 patients were evaluated for immunogenicity at the end of treatment phase (up to 24 weeks) and after 1-year (52 weeks after start of treatment) follow up. Safety end points were the incidence of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and immunogenicity as assessed by anti-drug antibody titers using validated enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Efficacy end point included improvement in the hemoglobin, mean change in Hemoglobin (Hb) levels from baseline to end of treatment (up to 24 weeks). Statistical analyses were performed to explore and analyze details of individual case safety reports of adverse events such as incidence, severity, seriousness, outcome, duration, action taken, and causality relationship of individual adverse event (AE) to the prescribed study drug. Results 87 AEs were reported in this study and most of them were mild to moderate in intensity. No deaths or serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in this study. Anti-drug antibodies were not detected in any subject at the end of treatment phase and after 12 months long term follow up period. Baseline mean Hemoglobin value was 8.34 (SD 1.24) g/dL and last visit mean Hemoglobin value was 10.42 (SD 1.28) g/dL. The mean difference between baseline and last visit was 2.10 [2.00, 2.20], statistically significant (p-value <.0001). Clinical Trial Registry Number: CTRI/2017/04/008338 [Registered on CTRI http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php : 12/04/2017]; Trial Registered Retrospectively