RESUMEN
Objectives: This study aimed to find out the association of CT severity score with demographic and clinical characteristics as well as mortality in the patients who were confirmed to have COVID-19 disease in the second wave. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included collection and assessment of the demographic, clinical, laboratory data, and mortality of the patients, suspected with COVID-19 infection who underwent chest HRCT scan during March to April 2021. The findings of the chest HRCT were retrieved manually from the Medical Records section. Determination of the severity was done by the scoring system that involved the visual evaluation of the affected lobes. Results: CT severity score was mild, moderate, and severe in 21.94%, 41.60%, and 30.48% patients, respectively. Mortality rate was 5.70%. Age of the patients with mild, moderate, and severe CT severity score was significantly more than those with normal severity score (50 vs. 50 vs. 50 vs. 31, P=0.0009). When compared to patients with normal score, those with mild, moderate, and severe CT severity score had significantly higher dyspnoea (10.39% vs. 67.81% vs. 97.20% vs. 0%), significantly more cases with diabetes mellitus (16.88% vs. 25.34% vs. 31.78% vs. 9.52%, P=0.044), hypertension (27.27% vs. 21.23% vs. 32.71% vs. 4.76%, P=0.026), and obesity (6.49% vs. 8.90% vs. 23.36% vs. 0%, P=0.0005). Total leucocyte counts, absolute neutrophil counts, creatinine, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, and D-dimer were deranged in significantly more patients of severe score (53.27%, 62.62%, 60.75%, 85.05%, 90.65%, 97.20%, and 95.35%, respectively). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein were deranged in significantly more patients with moderate disease (98.18% and 98.63%, respectively). Increasing severity scores were associated with increased mortality (mild vs. moderate vs. severe: 1.30% vs. 1.37 vs. 15.89%, P<.0001). Oxygen saturation (SpO2) was significantly lowest in severe score followed by moderate, mild and normal scores (87 vs. 90 vs. 96 vs. 97, P<.0001). Duration of non-rebreather mask (NRBM), noninvasive ventilation (NIV), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), Venture/face mask, and intubation was also associated with increasing severity scores (P<0.0001). Conclusion: CT scans play an important role in guiding physicians with their management plans and can serve as a predictor of disease severity and outcomes.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic caused by a novel genetically-mutated strain of coronavirus has posed a tremendous challenge to healthcare professionals, worldwide. This study aimed to explore the healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to coronavirus disease in Western Uttar Pradesh and provide data to improve awareness about this disease and remove the knowledge gap, if any, by disseminating the updated information to the corona warriors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the form of a structured 28-item online questionnaire using SurveyMonkey software. The qualitative data were coded numerically, and the KAP score was calculated. Pearson Chi-square test was used to study the association, among variables. RESULTS: Of 509 respondents, 296 (58.19%) were males and 213 (41.81%) were females. The median age bracket of the sample was 20-40 years. By profession, 255 (50.10%) were doctors, 167 (32.74%) were medical students, 80 (15.78%) were other healthcare workers, and a minority 7 (1.38%) were the nursing staff. Educational status covered a range from secondary (2.01%) to senior secondary (17.51%) to bachelors and equivalent (29.18%) to masters and equivalent (51.31%). The average KAP scores were 54%, and the score was highest among doctors as compared to other healthcare professionals (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In light of these study findings, we conclude that healthcare professionals are aware of coronavirus disease. However, the overall KAP score regarding its clinical course, preventive strategies, and judicious use of personal protective equipment was less than expected. There is a need to address all misconceptions and empower the corona warriors with the right information through effective mass media communication and reinforcement through seminars and workshops in the medical institutes and hospitals. The healthcare professionals are a cornerstone to prevent the nosocomial and community spread of this pandemic.
