Tag: Apollo Diagnostics

Prolonged Use Of Steroids Causes Bone Tissue Death In Post-Covid Patients...
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Prolonged Use Of Steroids Causes Bone Tissue Death In Post-Covid Patients…

Jul 13, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Diagnostics, #Apollo Spectra Pune, #Consultant Pathologist, #Dr. Anand Jadhav, #Dr. Keerthi Prakash Kotla, #Orthopedic Specialist

Pune: The Coronavirus disease 2019 is a global epidemic, and steroids have been widely used in the treatment of it. After Mucormycosis, avascular necrosis (AVN), a new health complication that causes the death of bone tissues can be seen in many post-Covid patients owing to the long-term use of corticosteroids (especially at high doses). It is the need of the hour to stop misusing steroids to stay in pink of health.

Covid-19 cases continue to rise in India. When one gets infected with Covid, there is an initial phase where the virus replicates and grows in the body. Then there is inflammation in the second week, and steroids are administered to the patients to lower inflammation. They are not medications that are given without any thought and caution. Excessive and prolonged use of steroids to treat Covid-19 can suppress natural immunity when used for patients with low oxygen levels. Many patients using steroids have encountered problems like Avascular Necrosis (AVN).

“Earlier, mucormycosis or black fungus was seen in post-covid patients. Now, Avascular necrosis (AVN) is also another worrisome problem seen during the first and second wave of Covid owing to the use of steroids. Around 10-15 patients with AVN visit me every month for treatment. Avascular necrosis also called osteonecrosis can be termed as the death of bone tissue owing to the lack of blood supply. It can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone collapses. A broken bone or dislocated joint can interrupt the blood flow to a section of bone,” said Dr. Anand Jadhav, Orthopedic Specialist, Apollo Spectra Pune.

Dr Jadhav added, “In AVN patients, there is increased pressure in the bones inside the sphincter. Its rigid structure causes pain to patients. Core decompression surgery is performed if the AVN is in the first and second stages. This reduces the pressure inside the ball. Joint replacement surgery is the only option to reduce permanent pain in the third and fourth stages of AVN disease. However, surgery is not required if AVN is diagnosed early. Therefore, if the Covid patients on steroids having groin or thigh pain are advised to take an MRI or X-ray to check if they have AVN of the hip. ”

Dr. Keerthi Prakash Kotla, Consultant Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostics, said, “Large-scale use of life-saving corticosteroids in Covid-19 cases causes the resurgence of AVN cases. Pain related to avascular necrosis of the hip might also be felt around the groin, thigh, or buttock. Besides your hip, it may also affect your shoulder, knee, hand, and foot. Hence, on complaints of hip and thigh pain, diagnosis can be done by early X-ray, CT scan, MRI and bone scan of the hips. Limit your alcohol intake, monitor cholesterol levels, do not misuse steroids without a doctor’s knowledge, and avoid smoking to manage AVN.”

Apollo Diagnostics Launched Drive-Through Covid-19 Testing At NSG IT Park, Aundh, Pune
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Apollo Diagnostics Launched Drive-Through Covid-19 Testing At NSG IT Park, Aundh, Pune

May 4, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Diagnostics, #COVID 19 RT PCR (ICMR Approved), #Mr. Vishwajit Reddy Konda - Strategy & New Initiatives, #Operations

Pune: With the sudden surge of COVID cases during the second wave, the infrastructure pertaining to testing has come under heavy pressure. With an objective to reach out to people who are facing difficulty in getting themselves tested for COVID 19 RT PCR (ICMR Approved) due to pandemic, Apollo Diagnostics – Diagnostic vertical of Apollo Health & Lifestyle Private Limited has launched “Drive Through Covid19 testing facilities in Pune. Each facility is fully equipped for the testing, with the capacity to manage up to 250 patients in a day.

The growing numbers of COVID-19 RT PCR tests has resulted in delay in home collections which has prompted us to launch these drive through so testing happens without any delay. Patients can give a Miss call to book an appointment 7292005716.

Mr. Vishwajit Reddy Konda – Strategy & New Initiatives, Operations, Apollo Diagnostics said “For the convenience of people and to increase the testing with safety protocols, we have set up covid-19 test RT- PCR at NSG IT Park. we are planning to have more such set- up at various locations across Pune, to help mitigate the risk of virus and ensure testing with ease.”

Talking about the newly launched set-up at NSG IT Park, Mr. Reddy said “The complete process of registration and payment for testing is totally contactless. The facility is fully equipped for the testing and has the capacity to manage up to 250 patients per day.”

Those desiring to undergo RT PCR test have to follow these easy and safe 5 step procedure:

1) Need to complete the registration process at the entrance by scanning a QR code and will, in turn, receive a token the number on their mobile.

2) They need to make the necessary payment online and proceed for testing.

3) A Phlebotomist will take the sample from the person.

4) A message with details and a digital invoice will be received on the mobile.

5) The reports will be delivered within a time frame of 48-72 hours.

Carrying of the necessary identification documents, as specified by the government (PAN Card or Aadhaar Card), is mandatory.

Regular Health Check-Up Essential For People With Comorbidities: Warn Doctors
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Regular Health Check-Up Essential For People With Comorbidities: Warn Doctors

May 3, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Apollo Diagnostics, #Coronavirus, #Dr Mukesh Budhwani, #Dr Prerna Agarwal, #General Physician Apollo Clinic Pune, #Technical operations

Pune: Doctors are urging patients who fall into the high-risk category irrespective of their age to go for regular health check-ups after every 3 month as they can be prone to Coronavirus and other infections. Not only this, such people should embrace a healthy lifestyle by following a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and stay stress-free.

People with multiple comorbidities that can be present in the form of physical and mental conditions can contract a plethora of allergies and infections. They are often prone to catching diseases faster when compared to healthy people. While the Indian government has taken stringent measures such as nationwide lockdown and Covid protocols like masking, social distancing, and sanitizing the hands to break the transmission of the disease, the virus still continues to haunt us.

“Elderly people and adults with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of contracting Covid infection. Other health issues kidney or lung failure or liver damage may also arise if people with comorbidities neglect their health. They will have to take good care of themselves in order to stay hale and hearty, improve the quality of life, and reduce morbidity and mortality rates. People with comorbidities have low immunity. It is the need of the hour for comorbid patients to go for regular health checks and stay hale and hearty”, says Dr Mukesh Budhwani, General Physician Apollo Clinic Pune.

Ones with comorbidities can opt for blood tests recommended by the doctor. Do fasting blood sugar test, check weight, uric acids levels, hemogram, kidney, liver function test, lipid profile, sonography for fatty liver, obesity and keep a tab on your blood pressure levels. Those suffering from mental conditions should stay in touch with their mental healthcare professionals. Apart from regular health check-ups people having comorbidities should stick to healthy eating. Try to incorporate all the essential nutrients into the diet. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, pulses, whole grains, and beans. Say NO to smoking, drinking, processed, oily, spicy, and junk food. Exercise 5 days a week, do yoga and meditation to de-stress, get a good night’s sleep and don’t skip your medication or self-medicate. Stay in touch with your doctor on a regular basis and don’t hesitate to seek prompt treatment in case your condition worsens amid pandemic,” concluded Dr Prerna Agarwal, Technical operations, Apollo Diagnostics.

This World Cancer Day, experts discuss the urgent need forearly integration of palliative care in cancer care
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Diagnosing Cancer At An Early Stage Saves Lives: Warns Doctor

Feb 5, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #and Zonal Technical Head West India, #Apollo Diagnostics, #Dr. Sanjay Ingle, #Pathologist, #pune

Pune: India is witnessing a surge in cancer cases and the graph is continuously increasing. Before lockdown, the number of people coming for tests to diagnose cancer was high. During the pandemic, the numbers dramatically declined. Now, the focus is again on appealing to everyone to go for regular health checkups like Pap smear, oral checkup, mammography, and other blood tests for prompt diagnosis of cancers. Delayed diagnosis can result in increased morbidity and mortality.

Cancer cases are rising and there is an enormous challenge in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The causes of cancer are multifactorial like food habits, pollution, working in chemical factories, alcohol or tobacco consumption. Since the testing has improved so the diagnosis has also improved now. Timely screening aims to identify ones with abnormalities suggestive of specific cancer or pre-cancer who have not developed any symptoms and refer them promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Sanjay Ingle, Pathologist, and Zonal Technical Head West India, Apollo Diagnostics, Pune, highlighted, “In men, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract cancers are on the rise while in women, breast, cervical and ovarian cancer cases are common. Regular health checkups for detecting cancers are mandatory for everyone above 40 as many follow a sedentary lifestyle. Pap smear test will help diagnose cervical cancer at an early stage. CA 125 test can be taken to detect ovarian carcinoma under doctor supervision. Every woman post 30 should go for it as the causative pathology occurs at a younger age and manifests after a certain period of time. Catching infection at an early stage can prevent cervical and ovarian cancer. Women above 40 should go for regular mammograms, and if one has a history of breast cancer then opt for genetic testing. Men who smoke or consume tobacco right from a younger age should go for oral examination after every 6 months. Men above 40 to take prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test after every one year. without fail.”

Dr. Ingle added, “Before lockdown, around 30% of people would take tests after their experts’ advice (Dec -Jan month). Now, only 8% of people above 40 come for cancer screening (Dec-Jan). Pre-covid, around 10-15 women, would come for Pap smear test. But, due to the fear of contracting Coronavirus, only 1-2 people took tests, till last year. In January 2021, 5-7 patients come on a daily basis for Pap smear tests. Currently, there is a lot of awareness in people regarding the signs and symptoms of cancer. Hence, it is imperative to take charge of the health and keep cancer at bay.”