Health Bulletin 25/ April/ 2024

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the sale of an antibiotic called pivmecillinam for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. UTIs are increasingly resistant to existing antimicrobial drugs, making pivmecillinam a powerful new tool for healthcare providers. The drug, marketed as Pivya in the US, has been used in Europe for over 40 years and will be available by prescription for women aged 18 and older.

This approval marks the first time in two decades that the FDA has approved a new antibiotic for UTIs, which affect 30 million Americans annually. UTIs are the primary reason for antibiotic use outside hospitals.

Following protests by MBBS students at MGM Medical College in Indore over alleged unfair grading, Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University in Jabalpur has announced plans to re-conduct the practical exam for 94 students. The university's examination board made this decision on Wednesday, scheduling the re-examination to take place within seven days. Internal and external examiners will be present during the re-examination.

While the university has not mandated students to participate in the re-examination, it has instructed the college to ensure proper arrangements for conducting the exam. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ashok Khandelwal emphasized that it is the responsibility of the college to facilitate the re-examination effectively.

This incident is truly horrifying and highlights the importance of trusting qualified professionals with medical procedures. It's alarming that such a routine dental procedure could result in such a traumatic outcome for Mr. Yilmaz. The alleged negligence and disregard for patient safety shown by the dentist in this case are deeply concerning.

Mr. Yilmaz's experience serves as a reminder for individuals to advocate for their own health and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or notice any unusual sensations during medical procedures. It's crucial for healthcare providers to listen to their patients' concerns and take appropriate action to ensure their well-being.

In a peculiar case, an 18-year-old Chinese girl, nicknamed Xiaoyu, was diagnosed with a "love brain" after incessantly calling her boyfriend over 100 times in a single day. Hailing from Sichuan province, her obsession severely impacted her mental health and her boyfriend's well-being. Xiaoyu's dependency on her boyfriend led to constant demands for attention and updates on his whereabouts. The situation escalated when her boyfriend ignored her calls, prompting her to throw household objects and threaten self-harm. Her boyfriend eventually called the police, leading to her admission to the hospital. Doctors identified her condition as a borderline personality disorder, commonly referred to as "love brain," often associated with childhood trauma and unhealthy relationships. While mild cases can improve with self-management, severe symptoms require medical intervention.