docTLDR

A sweeping meta-analysis finds that influenza, COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles can significantly increase both short- and long-term risk of heart attack and stroke. The study reviewed 155 studies and urges clinicians to prioritize vaccination and cardiovascular monitoring post-infection, as risks persist for months or years. Preventive strategies are crucial for high-risk patients.

Make-in-India smart rings like aaboRing now offer continuous, medical-grade monitoring of ECG, HRV, SpO2, and sleep disorders. With AI-driven analytics, these wearables enable early detection of arrhythmias and stress, supporting remote cardiac care and proactive interventions. Doctors can leverage these devices for high-risk and post-cardiac patients to reduce hospitalizations.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced that the National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS graduates will not be implemented immediately. Instead, only mock tests will be conducted for the next 3–4 years to assess feasibility and gather feedback. Final implementation will occur only after evaluating these trial runs, following strong opposition from students and medical associations.

While GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are popular for rapid weight loss, experts warn that weight regain is common after discontinuation. Sustainable alternatives include dietary protein, fiber, hydration, stress management, physical activity, and mindful eating, which naturally boost GLP-1 and metabolic health. Recent research highlights green tea extract and berberine as effective natural aids, and a Stanford study identified a peptide molecule that may rival GLP-1 drugs in appetite s...

A 27-year-old nurse at Gajararaja Medical College, Gwalior, has accused two senior doctors of sexual harassment, alleging they demanded sexual favors for job security. CCTV footage reportedly supports her complaint. An FIR has been filed against Dr. Girjashankar Gupta and Dr. Shivam Yadav under multiple sections, including the SC/ST Act. Police investigation is ongoing, highlighting serious workplace safety and legal accountability issues for healthcare professionals.

A large real-world Italian cohort study of over 14,000 adults found that GLP-1 receptor agonists can induce remission in type 2 diabetes, with remission rates varying from 5.8% to 18.3% depending on definition. Remission was more likely in patients with shorter diabetes duration, higher BMI, and fewer complications. Those achieving remission saw significant improvements in weight, HbA1c, blood pressure, and triglycerides, and reduced risk of microangiopathy and cardiovascular events.

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on whether private doctors who kept their clinics open and died of COVID-19 during the pandemic are eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package insurance scheme. The bench emphasized that eligibility should depend on proof of voluntary medical service and COVID-19-related death, not government requisition. The Court criticized the exclusion of private practitioners and directed the Centre to provide data on similar schemes, aiming to establ...

Nail cosmetics including polishes, removers, and artificial nails contain multiple chemical allergens that trigger allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. Tosylamide formaldehyde resin in nail enamels is the seventh most common cosmetic allergen. Reactions extend beyond fingers to eyelids, mouth, and neck. Artificial nails using methacrylates can cause severe complications including onycholysis and permanent nail loss. Patch testing aids diagnosis; avoiding allergen-containing products prov...

A major collaboration between CEPI, University of Oxford, and Serum Institute of India will create a 100,000-dose reserve of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine. This is the world’s largest investigational Nipah vaccine stockpile, supporting Phase II trials and rapid deployment in outbreaks. The move strengthens India’s pandemic preparedness for a virus with up to 75% fatality and no approved countermeasures.

A new Metropolis Healthcare study finds 46% of tested Indians are vitamin D deficient, highlighting a persistent public health concern. The data underscores the need for routine screening and proactive management, especially in high-risk groups, to prevent complications such as bone disorders and immune dysfunction.

A large meta-analysis confirms that use of anticholinergic drugs—especially antidepressants and bladder antimuscarinics—is associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia in older adults. The risk rises with higher cumulative doses and longer duration of use. These findings underscore the need for clinicians to carefully weigh the cognitive risks when prescribing anticholinergics, particularly for elderly patients.

A new WHO review underscores the lack of robust long-term safety data for GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide in adults with obesity. While short-term benefits are established, the agency highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive studies to assess potential long-term risks, especially as global use of these drugs accelerates.

Two Kerala nurses, Abhijith Jees and Ajeesh Nelson, performed life-saving CPR on a 34-year-old passenger who suffered cardiac arrest aboard Air Arabia Flight 3L128 from Kochi to Abu Dhabi. Assisted by a doctor, they stabilized the patient with IV fluids until landing, where he was handed over to airport medical staff and later reported stable. Their swift action was commended by their new employer, Response Plus Medical, highlighting the critical importance of timely CPR in emergencies.

The Materiovigilance Programme of India (MvPI) has reviewed over 47,000 medical device adverse events and forwarded 59 regulatory recommendations to CDSCO. Indian clinicians should stay alert to new device safety advisories and report adverse events to strengthen patient safety.

A phase 3 trial of valiltramiprosate (ALZ-801), the first oral drug for APOE4/4 early Alzheimer's, showed slowed brain atrophy and reduced neurodegeneration in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The drug targets amyloid oligomers earlier than current antibody infusions and appears safer, with fewer serious side effects. APOE4/4 patients, who face the highest genetic risk and fastest progression, may benefit most, though further studies are needed to confirm efficacy.