docTLDR

A government-supplied cough syrup in Rajasthan has been linked to the deaths of two children and multiple illnesses. A senior doctor collapsed after consuming the syrup to reassure parents. The state has banned 22 batches, recalled over 1.33 lakh bottles, and launched an inquiry. The syrup, supplied by Kayson Pharma, is under urgent investigation, with doctors instructed to halt its use immediately.

A new AI tool, Delphi 2M, can rapidly assess risks and benefits for over 1000 diseases, potentially transforming clinical decision-making. Developed using 2 million patient records, it offers instant, evidence-based predictions to support diagnosis and treatment planning. Experts highlight its potential to improve accuracy and efficiency in healthcare, though caution about integration and validation in real-world settings.

The Tamil Nadu Medical Council has suspended surgeon Dr. Perungo and anaesthesiologist Dr. Nesamani for three months after finding them negligent in the death of a patient following bariatric surgery at BP Jain Hospital. The inquiry revealed lack of senior doctor involvement, inadequate pre-surgical care, and absence of proper counselling for the high-risk, elective procedure. The hospital was deemed unfit for such surgeries.

A new study led by Dr. Paul J. Fadel (University of Texas at Arlington) reveals that symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), previously considered biologically inactive, correlates more strongly than ADMA with impaired blood vessel function in moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevated SDMA levels may help identify CKD patients at higher cardiovascular risk earlier, potentially improving intervention timing before dialysis is required. The findings suggest SDMA could refine cardiovascular ris...

A BMJ Global Health study using machine learning predicts at least 5.1 million Indians are at risk of chikungunya annually, with potential for spread to new regions. Notably, 50% of infected patients may develop chronic disabling pain, impacting workforce and healthcare systems. Clinicians should remain vigilant for atypical and long-term presentations.

With 141 new AI-enabled devices approved in 2025, the FDA is inviting global clinicians—including those in India—to comment on real-world safety monitoring for AI medical devices. The agency seeks strategies to detect and mitigate performance changes, aiming to improve patient safety and confidence. Indian doctors using AI tools should watch for evolving regulatory standards and contribute feedback by December 1.

A new longitudinal study reveals a decline in medical safety messaging in generative AI models, raising concerns for clinicians using AI-powered decision support. Indian doctors should be aware of potential risks in relying on AI for patient care, especially as digital health adoption accelerates in India. The findings urge regular validation of AI tools to ensure safe clinical practice.

A randomized controlled trial demonstrates that systemic enzyme therapy can reduce postoperative inflammation and enhance wound healing after orthopedic surgery. Indian orthopedic surgeons may consider this adjunct to standard care, potentially improving recovery times and patient satisfaction in high-volume surgical settings.

A new study confirms that early medical abortion at home, up to 12 weeks gestation, is as safe and effective as hospital-based care. The findings highlight high rates of complete abortion, minimal side effects, and strong patient satisfaction, supporting home-based protocols as a viable alternative and potentially expanding access to abortion care.

AI-powered medical scribes are helping doctors reclaim up to 2.1 hours daily by automating real-time clinical documentation, reducing after-hours EHR work by 24%, and improving patient engagement. Specialties like family medicine and emergency care report significant drops in burnout, with clinicians experiencing less stress and better work-life balance. HIPAA-compliant AI scribes also enhance legal safety and multilingual support.

A study using AI-driven brain imaging of 147 children with brainstem tumors found that over 95% had cerebellar damage, especially in anterior lobules. Greater cerebellar atrophy strongly correlated with social problems and withdrawal behaviors. The findings highlight the cerebellum's key role in social function and suggest early detection of cerebellar changes could guide interventions for behavioral disorders in pediatric brain tumor patients.

A recent study highlights that timely administration of oxytocin after childbirth significantly lowers the risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal mortality. The findings support immediate oxytocin use as a key intervention to reduce excessive blood loss and related complications, reinforcing current clinical protocols for PPH prevention.

The CDC's 2025 childhood immunization schedule introduces key changes: children aged 6 months and older are now recommended to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting current variants. The flu vaccine shifts from quadrivalent to trivalent formulation, aligning with FDA guidance for optimal strain coverage. For American Indian and Alaska Native infants, Vaxelis and PedvaxHIB are now preferred Hib vaccines due to superior efficacy in these populations. These updates aim to simplify guidan...

Emerging evidence shows that inadequate sleep can significantly hinder weight loss, even in patients adhering to diet and exercise regimens. Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin, leptin), increases cravings for high-calorie foods, and impairs insulin sensitivity, making fat loss more difficult. Clinicians are urged to assess and address sleep quality as a core component of obesity management.

A pooled analysis of randomized trials with 7–12 years of follow-up shows bariatric surgery leads to significantly higher rates of diabetes remission (18.2% vs 6.2% with medical/lifestyle therapy), better glycemic control, and reduced medication use, despite some risks. The benefit persists even as remission rates decline over time, underscoring surgery's role in durable metabolic improvement for obese patients with type 2 diabetes.