Latest news with #SGPGIMS
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
PGI researchers give new hope for treatment of severe liver disease
Lucknow: Advanced scientific research conducted by scientists at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) has shown a new way to treat Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) – a severe but common liver disease. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research, led by Rohit A Sinha, a scientist and associate professor in the endocrinology department, along with his team comprising Sana Raza and Pratima Gupta, proved that a naturally occurring hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can help in checking liver damage caused by NASH by removing harmful fat from liver cells, reducing inflammation, and preventing liver damage. A Union health ministry document notes that NASH is the severest form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Terming it as "a silent epidemic", the document noted that NAFLD's community prevalence ranges from 9% to 32%, depending on age, gender, area of residence, and socioeconomic status. This means that up to three people out of 10 could have fatty liver or a related disease. What raises concerns is that 20% of people with NAFLD develop NASH. "DHEA is a parent hormone that acts as a precursor to sex hormones in humans. While scanning several case studies of NASH patients, we noted that the level of DHEA in them was on the lower side. Keeping this as the base, we proposed to study the impact of increasing this hormone in NASH patients with a significant extent of fibrosis – a symptom of NASH," said Sinha, adding that the study was published in the journal 'Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology'. "We began with animal studies. In the mouse model, we fed the experimental group with a NASH-inducing diet. When the condition was confirmed in them, we injected DHEA. The outcome showed that the severity of liver damage in 80% of the sample decreased by about 60%," he said. The results paved the way for a cellular study in which the researchers worked upon lab-grown human liver cells. "Here too, in the experimental group, we loaded the cells with excessive fat to create a NASH-like condition. Thereafter, we introduced DHEA and found that the fat percentage decreased by up to 80%," said Sinha. "The result has been heartening. We now look forward to clinical trials for hormone replacement therapy," he said.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
SGPGI starts 10-bed dedicated stroke unit for timely treatment
Lucknow: Department of neurology of SGPGIMS on Thursday started a dedicated 10-bed stroke unit in the emergency medical response and treatment centre building. "This one-of-its-kind unit has embraced the integrated working of the department of neurology, diagnostic radiology, and interventional radiology departments for the benefit of patients," said SGPGIMS director Prof Radha Krishna Dhiman while inaugurating the unit. Doctors said the unit will primarily cater to ischemic stroke patients. "Such patients develop weakness in half of the body or report any weakness, abnormality in vision, balancing, speech etc., due to blocking of blood vessels that supply the brain. If they arrive within six hours of the onset of symptoms, treatment can prevent the lifelong disability that such patients suffer due to ischemic stroke," said Prof Jayantee Kalita, head of the neurology department. An official spokesperson said the unit would work on the principle of "Time is Brain," and to ensure timely treatment, all stakeholders must always remain on alert mode. "Since the stroke unit is located in the emergency building, no time will be wasted in unnecessary referral to the neurology department that is in the adjacent building. A dedicated CT scan and a Digital Subtraction Angiography suite are also in the vicinity of the stroke unit so that the patient can be subjected to diagnostic imaging and intervention without wasting any time," they said.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
70-yr-old high-risk heart patient gets a new lease of life at SGPGI
Lucknow: A 70-year-old patient with serious heart valve problem was treated at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) with the use of a simple and less risky method called patient also had other health problems like kidney disease and a history of stroke, which made open-heart surgery too dangerous.A team of cardiologists at SGPGI — Prof Roopali Khanna, Prof Satyendra Tewari, Prof Aditya Kapoor, and Dr Harshit Khare — used the MitraClip system, which is performed without cutting open the is a special clip that is put inside the heart using a thin tube. The clip helps fix the mitral valve and reduces the backward flow of blood from one part of the heart to another. "The patient had many health issues, including kidney problems and a past stroke. He had mitral regurgitation , a condition where the heart valve does not close properly, and blood flows backward. If not treated, this can lead to heart failure and poor quality of life. The patient had been admitted to the hospital many times because of heart failure. Due to his age and health problems, he could not go through open-heart surgery," Prof Roopali Khanna said. "This case shows how new treatment methods can help patients who were earlier thought to be too weak for surgery. The MitraClip helped in reducing leakage in the heart and improved the patient's condition with only a short recovery time," Prof Aditya Kapoor Satyendra Tewari said it was first time such a procedure was done in UP. "It may help other patients in future," he said. The anaesthesia team — Dr Prabhat Tiwari, Dr Ashish Kanaujia, and Dr Larib — helped during the procedure was performed on April 22."SGPGIMS continues to treat difficult cases and provide advanced treatments to patients who need special care," said SGPGIMS director Prof RK Dhiman.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PGI meet stresses medical supplies to health centres
Lucknow: Aimed at addressing challenges faced by govt health systems, national seminar on 'Best Procurement Practices in Govt Health Organisations' was held on Sunday at SGPGIMS .The seminar also discussed key initiatives like GeM and UP Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (UPMSCL) to streamline procurement processes .Director of SGPGIMS, Prof R K Dhiman, emphasised strategic role of procurement in public healthcare, highlighting importance of moving beyond logistics to ensure quality, access, efficiency in patient care and how with increasing complexity of health systems, transparent and accountable procurement processes are crucial to meeting the demand for timely medical supplies and safeguarding public funds. Key discussions focused on improving cost-efficiency, legal compliance, and service delivery through better procurement of hospital administration and organiser of the event, Prof R Harshvardhan, presented case studies highlighting systemic issues such as delayed oxygen supplies during second wave of Covid-19 and recurring medication shortages, stressing need for robust and timely procurement methods. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Supermoms who conquered adversities, took challenges head-on with grit & smile
As the world celebrates Mother's Day, Vivek Singh Chauhan traces the stories of three remarkable women from Lucknow who redefined success by making their specially-abled children the center of their lives Congratulations! You have successfully cast your vote Login to view result When you meet Dr Parul Saxena , a physician in the home guards department who lives on the SGPGIMS premises, you see calmness and confidence. But behind her composed demeanour lies a journey of struggle, tough choices, and deep love. Her only son was diagnosed with high-functioning Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) that affects communication and social interaction. 'At first, everything seemed normal. Until the age of one, there were no signs. But then I noticed regression in speech and repetitive behaviour. A team of experts in New Delhi confirmed the diagnosis — a moment that shattered me emotionally, despite my medical training. As a physician, I understood the technicalities. But as a mother, I was devastated. There's no cure — only support, therapy, and patience.' Dr Parul and her husband, a neurosurgeon, were doing well in Delhi but the diagnosis changed everything. They moved closer to family, and she took a year-long career break. 'It wasn't easy. Professionally, I was thriving, but early intervention was critical. My child needed me more than my job did.' They followed a structured therapy plan — speech therapy, occupational therapy, and special education. Regular visits to Delhi every three months helped track his progress. Slowly, signs of improvement began to show. Today, her son studies at a campus school and thrives as a talented tabla player. 'Every small improvement — a new word or a social gesture — is a victory,' she says, eyes glowing with pride. She adds that living on a medical campus helped — there was empathy and understanding. But outside that bubble, awareness remains low. 'People judge or question your parenting. But I've learned to ignore it. No one is at fault. Every child is different, and every journey deserves respect.' Her biggest challenge? Balancing work and caregiving. 'Even now, every day is a juggling act. But the smile on my child's face gives me strength,' she says. Asked about the message she would like to give on Mother's Day, she says: 'Support your child unconditionally, seek help early, and never be ashamed. Our children are not broken, they are different. And with love, they can bloom.' For Tanu Goel Srivastava , a legal professional from Chowk in Lucknow, the journey began with confusion and concern. Her only son showed food texture preferences and mild speech delay around two-and-a-half years of age. 'At first, I thought he was just a picky eater. But soon, we realised it was more than that.' A detailed evaluation confirmed he was neurodivergent and likely on the autism spectrum. Tanu, Section In-Charge in the Legal/HR department of a PSU, faced a tough choice—continue her job or become a full-time caregiver. She chose the latter. 'It was both the hardest and the easiest decision. Hard, because I worked so hard to reach where I was. Easy, because my child needed me,' she recalls. Occupational and behavioural therapies began. But unlike quick results expected in the professional world, progress was slow and unpredictable. 'Some days were tough but I learned to slow down and take each day as it comes.' Tanu, wife of a corporate employee, believes society still struggles to understand the needs of neurodivergent children. 'My child is often left out — no birthday party invites. At school, he tries to participate but often needs handholding. The attitude of other parents matters. Their lack of cooperation hurts.' Despite Indian laws mandating inclusive education, she says the ground reality is different. 'There's a lack of sensitivity. We need awareness — not just among teachers but among parents of neurotypical kids too.' Financially , the family managed; emotionally, they leaned on each other. 'My husband, family, and close friends became my pillars,' she adds. Tanu dreams of a future where her son is independent —understanding money, managing daily tasks, and, most importantly, feeling accepted. Her advice to other mothers is that they should start with their own mental health. 'Read, ask, learn. Stay involved in therapy. Your child will thrive if you are strong. Happy mothers raise joyous children,' she says. Riya (name changed), an assistant manager in a leading firm in Noida, left her job just before the pandemic. Her only son, now 10, was diagnosed with autism after she noticed signs like limited communication, social withdrawal, and a strong aversion to loud sounds. 'He was physically active, but something felt off. At a family wedding, while other kids played, he sat alone with a phone. Then he stopped speaking altogether,' she says. Wife of a businessman, Riya sought assessments, enrolled him in special education, and began therapy. But finding skilled professionals was a hurdle. 'Many centres had untrained staff. That wasted precious time,' she says. With her husband's support, she left her job. 'It was emotionally hard. I studied and worked so much. But no one understood my child the way I did. I had to be there,' she says. Her days revolved around therapy sessions, school prep, and managing behavioural triggers. 'Even now, he struggles to express discomfort. If he's hungry or unwell, he won't say it. That can be scary,' says Riya, who remains optimistic despite challenges. Her son now attends school and is making steady progress. 'He's calmer and learning. But as he grows, expectations — and challenges — keep rising,' she says. 'All expenses were out of my own pocket. I wasn't even aware that any govt programme existed. That's another issue — we don't know where to turn. Society must do more than offer sympathy. Don't pity our children. Talk to them. Include them. Understand them. They are different, not inferior to anyone,' Riya says. 'I've accepted this life. I no longer grieve for my lost career. I celebrate every step my son takes forward,' she says. Her message to mothers: 'You don't need to be perfect — just be present. Be patient, loving, and always believe in your child.'
