Yoga Intervention Improves the Metabolic Parameters and Quality of Life among Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Indian Population

Background

The heterogenic manifestations of polycystic ovarian syndrome have led to various treatment approaches that include improving hormonal imbalance, weight management, and improving quality of life (QoL). Yoga therapy being a versatile treatment approach benefits physical and mental well-being and can be recommended to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objective

The objective of this study was to study the effect of structured yoga intervention on anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal, biochemical, ovarian morphology, and infertility-related QoL parameters among infertile women with PCOS.

Settings and Design

A prospective, controlled before and after study was conducted at a Multidisciplinary PCOS Clinic in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Methodology

Infertile women with PCOS (26 participants in each group which includes intervention and control arm) seeking treatment for infertility at the Multidisciplinary PCOS Clinic at National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health. The intervention group received 90 min of structured yoga intervention for 3 months.

Statistical Analysis

The median change in parameters between baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention was analyzed using IBM SPSS software, version 26 to perform descriptive analyses and Wilcoxon test to analyze pre- and postintervention parameters in the intervention and control group.

Results

There was a significant difference in the weight, basal metabolic rate, postglucose insulin, anti-Müllerian hormone, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, ultrasound parameters such as stromal thickness, follicle number per ovary, and QoL in infertility domain in the intervention group compared to the control group. Within 1 year of initiation of the study, 13 participants became pregnant in the yoga intervention group as compared to 7 participants in the control group.

Conclusion

The metabolic comorbidities of PCOS have adverse effects on the QoL and pregnancy outcome among infertile women with PCOS. This pilot study demonstrated that a 12-week yoga intervention brought overall improvement in anthropometric, hormonal, biochemical, ovarian morphology, and infertility-related QoL parameters compared to the control group. Integration of yoga in infertility management will help to improve the QoL and to optimize prepregnancy metabolic parameters among infertile women with PCOS.

Incidence & management practices of snakebite: A retrospective study at Sub-District Hospital, Dahanu, Maharashtra, India

This study was undertaken to know the incidence and management practices of snakebite envenomation at the First Referral Unit - Sub-District Hospital, Dahanu, Maharashtra, India. Retrospective analysis of snakebite case records (n=145) was carried out for one-year period (January to December 2014). The annual incidence of snakebite was 36 per 100,000 population with case fatality rate of 4.5 per cent. Venomous snakebites were 76 per cent and non-venomous snakebites were 24 per cent. Overall, snakebites were more common in males (52.4%) than females (47.6%). Majority of the snakebites (66%) were in the age group of 18-45 yr. Seasonal variation was observed with highest snakebites in monsoon (58%). Lower extremities were the most common site of bites (63%). Neurotoxic and vasculotoxic envenomation were reported in 19 and 27 per cent snakebite cases, respectively. Anti-snake venom (ASV) was administered at an average dose of 7.5±0.63 vials (range 2-40, median 6). There was no uniform protocol followed for ASV administration as per the National Snakebite Management Protocol of Government of India (2009).

Malsoor virus, a novel bat phlebovirus, is closely related to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus and heartland virus

During a survey in the year 2010, a novel phlebovirus was isolated from the Rousettus leschenaultii species of bats in western India. The virus was identified by electron microscopy from infected Vero E6 cells. Phylogenic analysis of the complete genome showed its close relation to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and Heartland viruses, which makes it imperative to further study its natural ecology and potential as a novel emerging zoonotic virus.