International Journal of Preventive, Curative & Community Medicine (E-ISSN: 2454-325X)

Comparison of Indocyanine Green-Guided Fluorescence with Fluorescein Sodium-Based Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2026-02-02T10:43:26+00:00

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is now the standard for axillary staging in early breast cancer, replacing axillary lymph node dissection due to lower morbidity while preserving diagnostic accuracy. Dual tracer methods using radioisotopes and blue dyes provide high detection rates but are often limited in resource-constrained settings. Indocyanine green (ICG) and fluorescein sodium have emerged as cost-effective alternatives. This study compared the efficacy, operative efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of ICG versus fluorescein sodium as single-dye tracers for SLNB.

Materials and Method

This study was conducted at AIIMS, New Delhi, between April 2020 and November 2021. Twenty female patients with early breast cancer and clinically node-negative axillae were randomized into two groups: Group A (ICG) and Group B (fluorescein sodium). Standard protocols for dye administration, visualization, and sentinel node dissection were followed. Histopathological analysis was performed for all excised nodes. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Result

Sentinel lymph nodes were identified in all patients with ICG (100%) and in 80% with fluorescein (p=0.47). The mean number of nodes retrieved was similar across groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the ICG group (24.2 ± 2.56 min) compared with fluorescein (33 ± 4.93 min; p=0.001). However, the mean procedural cost was higher with ICG (INR 14,684.7) versus fluorescein (INR 908.9).

Conclusion

ICG showed higher identification rates and shorter operative time but at greater cost. With affordable near-infrared systems, ICG could serve as a reliable tracer alternative in resource-limited settings.

Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Association with Oxygen Therapy in Preterm Low Birth Weight Babies

2026-03-24T06:30:13+00:00

Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder of the developing retinal vasculature and remains an important cause of preventable childhood blindness among preterm infants. Prematurity, low birth weight, and exposure to oxygen therapy are recognized as major risk factors for the development of ROP. Early identification of high-risk neonates is essential for timely intervention and prevention of visual impairment.
Objectives:
To evaluate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity and its association with oxygen therapy in preterm low birth weight babies.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 40 preterm low birth weight neonates were included in the study. Data regarding demographic characteristics, birth weight, gestational age, and duration of oxygen therapy were recorded. All neonates underwent ophthalmologic screening for ROP using indirect ophthalmoscopy. The association between oxygen therapy and the occurrence of ROP was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results:
Out of the 40 neonates included in the study, 24 (60%) were males and 16 (40%) were females. Retinopathy of prematurity was detected in 11 neonates (27.5%), while 29 neonates (72.5%) did not develop ROP. A higher incidence of ROP was observed among neonates who received oxygen therapy for longer durations, indicating a significant association between prolonged oxygen exposure and the development of ROP.
Conclusion:
The study highlights that prematurity, low birth weight, and prolonged oxygen therapy are important risk factors for the development of retinopathy of prematurity. Proper monitoring of oxygen therapy and early ophthalmologic screening in high-risk neonates are essential to reduce the incidence and prevent complications of ROP.

DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.24321/2454.325X.202601

How to cite this article: Agrawal S. Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Association with Oxygen Therapy in Preterm Low Birth Weight Babies. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2026;12(1):1-6.

Mitigating Airborne Occupational Hazards in Passaka’s Industries in Bhutan: A Policy Brief on Enhancing Worker Health, Productivity, and Sustainable Economic Development

2026-04-01T04:54:37+00:00

Background: Bhutan's industrial growth, especially in Pasakha, creates significant occupational health and safety (OHS) challenges, particularly from airborne hazards. A lack of localized data hinders effective OHS policy development. This study addresses this gap by assessing airborne hazard exposure in selected Chukha Dzongkhag industries to inform national OHS strategies.

Methodology: Twenty-seven air samples were collected over 30-minute periods from 14 workplaces across seven industrial sectors. Samples were analyzed by an internationally accredited laboratory for 17 parameters including particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), formaldehyde, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, chromium), and silica. Results were compared against Bhutan's 2022 OHS Regulation and international standards (OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH).

Results: Findings show widespread exceedances of permissible exposure limits (PELs). Formaldehyde reached 1.11 ppm in plastics (PEL: 1.0 ppm). PM10 hit 1,165 µg/m³ in metals (PEL: 150 µg/m³). Heavy metal exceedances were significant: lead at 91 µg/m³ (PEL: 50 µg/m³), arsenic at 86 µg/m³ (PEL: 10 µg/m³), and chromium at 81 µg/m³ (PEL: 50 µg/m³). Silica reached 84.7 µg/m³ (PEL: 50 µg/m³).

Conclusion: The study highlights critical occupational health risks from airborne chemical exposure in Bhutanese industries. These widespread PEL exceedances threaten worker health and impede national development. Urgent policy interventions are needed, including immediate action plans, strengthened regulations, robust OHS monitoring, capacity building, promoting engineering controls, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to safeguard Bhutan's workforce and ensure sustainable economic growth.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202601

How to cite this article:
Dendup P, Subba K, Dorji S G, Passaka’s Industries In Bhutan: A Policy Brief On Enhancing Worker Health, Productivity, And Sustainable Economic Development Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2026;12(1):25-33.

A systematic review of evidence on maternal knowledge and associated health care seeking practices regarding neonatal danger signs.

2026-04-03T04:42:34+00:00

Introduction: Many global strategies have been laid by the WHO and UNICEF for midwives' training for their skill enhancement and involvement of mothers along with family for the quality health care to be given to neonates. This study was undertaken to review knowledge and health care-seeking behavior among mothers of neonates, so that measures can be planned to deliver quality care to mothers and neonates in a more efficient and acceptable manner.

Methodology: A systematic review of quantitative studies published between January 2012 and March 2025 was undertaken using the following databases: CINAHL Plus, ERIC, Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, ProQuest, and ProQuest Dissertation. A systematic review of experimental studies (RCT), non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs), controlled before and after the implementation of an intervention, and controlled observational studies. Data were extracted using a narrative synthesis. Out of 1217 studies, only 42 studies were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Result: This review demonstrates that mothers had a lack of knowledge regarding danger signs, and poor health care-seeking behaviour was assessed among mothers. Many barrier factors were identified causing poor health- seeking behaviour, such as financial issues, limited knowledge among mothers, socio-cultural factors, and decision- making power in the family. Review has shown that interventions or programmes are required for the improvement in behaviour and knowledge among mothers, but limited data are available regarding interventional programme implementation.

Conclusion: Overall, the knowledge and health- seeking behaviour among mothers is poor, but if a planned intervention is implemented from the ANC or PNC period, there will be an improvement in knowledge and health-seeking behaviour among mothers, which will directly help in the reduction of neonatal mortality.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202602

How to cite this article:
Sharma P, Pareek S, Laxmi, Maternal Knowledge and Associated Health Care Seeking Practices Regarding Neonatal Danger Signs: A Systematic Review. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med.2026;12(1):34-47.

“Dual Infection of Brucellosis and Abdominal Tuberculosis: An Unusual Cause of Febrile Jaundice

2026-01-21T07:57:05+00:00

Introduction:
Brucellosis and tuberculosis (TB) are important endemic infections in developing countries. Both conditions can present with overlapping systemic and abdominal features, making differentiation challenging. Clinically significant hepatic involvement with jaundice is rare in brucellosis, while abdominal TB often mimics other chronic infections. Co-infection of brucellosis and TB in a single patient is exceedingly rare and may lead to delayed or inappropriate treatment.

Case Presentation:

We report a 22-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with high-grade fever for 15 days, jaundice for 7 days, right upper abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Examination revealed icterus and hepatomegaly with right hypochondrial tenderness. Investigations showed thrombocytopenia (platelets 60,000/µl), elevated bilirubin (5.4 mg/dl), transaminitis (SGOT 383 IU/L, SGPT 266 IU/L), and elevated ALP and GGT. Brucella IgM serology was positive, while viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, and scrub typhus serologies were negative. Imaging demonstrated hepatosplenomegaly, bowel wall thickening, enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, and ascites, highly suggestive of abdominal TB.

Conclusion:
This case emphasizes the diagnostic dilemma posed by overlapping features of brucellosis and TB. In endemic areas, physicians must consider co-infection in atypical presentations such as febrile jaundice. Rational therapy is essential to prevent mismanagement and reduce the risk of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Restructuring of rural healthcare system through NIRHNational Institute of Rural Health

2026-02-02T10:44:51+00:00

India’s rural areas account for over 65% of the population, yet they face severe shortages in medical facilities, specialized care, and health awareness. Several evidence available highlighting high maternal and infant mortality rates, prevalence of communicable diseases, and lack of preventive healthcare measures in rural areas. The reasons for the significant healthcare disparities are limited access to quality medical services, infrastructure, and trained professionals. Hence, to bridge these gaps through research, innovation, training, and policy advocacy a central institute, that is National Institute for Rural Health (NIRH) is envisioned. The institute will serve as a center of excellence, fostering sustainable healthcare solutions tailored to rural communities.