APICON 2024: Medical Experts Delve into Obesity, Pregnancy UTIs, and AI in Patna
On the third day of the prestigious APICON conference in Patna, healthcare professionals engaged in comprehensive discussions on pressing medical issues, with particular emphasis on the detrimental effects of obesity and the evolving landscape of modern therapeutic solutions. The gathering served as a platform for exchanging insights on contemporary health challenges and innovative treatment approaches.
Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy: Risks and Prevention
A specialized session dedicated to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women brought attention to this common yet potentially serious condition. Medical authorities elaborated on how UTIs can adversely affect fetal development and underscored the critical role of hygiene in both prevention and management strategies.
Dr. G. Usha, sharing her clinical expertise, revealed that UTIs occur in approximately 8% to 10% of pregnancies, with about 10% of these cases necessitating hospital admission. She cautioned that severe infections could lead to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, reinforcing the necessity of maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring timely diagnosis through regular medical check-ups.
Modern Weight-Loss Medications: Transforming Metabolic Health
In another significant discussion, endocrinologists Dr. Shashank Joshi and Dr. Rajesh Rajput explored the emergence of advanced weight-loss pharmaceuticals. They emphasized that obesity extends beyond physical appearance, serving as a fundamental contributor to numerous severe health disorders.
The experts highlighted how semaglutide has revolutionized weight management by effectively reducing body mass while providing protective advantages for cardiovascular and renal systems. They further noted that early administration of tirzepatide could substantially enhance the quality of life for diabetes patients, potentially reducing their reliance on insulin therapy.
Artificial Intelligence: A Dual-Edged Tool in Medicine
During a technical presentation, Dr. Anurag Dhingra characterized artificial intelligence as a "double-edged sword" within the medical field. While acknowledging AI's potential in early disease detection, he warned against unregulated implementation, which might pose unforeseen risks. Dr. Dhingra maintained that interpreting patient emotions and nuances would continue to depend on physicians' clinical experience and human judgment.
Additional Health Perspectives Shared
The conference featured approximately 59 scientific sessions on Saturday, with nearly 240 medical practitioners addressing diverse health topics. Dr. Meenakshi Sharda elaborated on the Life's Simple 7 score, a framework for cardiovascular health assessment, while Dr. Aarti Kannan discussed the influence of circadian rhythms on glucose metabolism.
Dr. Mahesh Marda presented insights on promoting active aging beyond 70 years, and Dr. Atanu Chandra emphasized the significance of mental well-being among elderly populations. These discussions collectively highlighted the multifaceted nature of contemporary healthcare challenges and the integrative approaches required to address them effectively.
