Evaluation of Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Between First Wave and Second Wave: Study From a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre, Delhi, India.

Background and objectives The second wave of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) had several severe consequences in the form of rising cases, deaths, and overwhelming health infrastructure in India. However, the similarities and differences between the characteristics of the first and second waves have yet to be explained. The objectives of the study were to compare the incidence, clinical management, and mortality rates between two waves. Methods The COVID-19 data collated from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi between the first wave (1 April 2020 to 27 February 2021) and second wave (1 March 2021 to 30 June 2021) were evaluated in terms of incidence, the clinical course of the disease, and mortality rates. Results The number of subjects hospitalized in the first and second waves was 289 and 564, respectively. Compared to the first wave, the proportion of patients with severe disease was higher (9.7% vs. 37.8%). Several parameters such as age group, grade of disease, the reason for hospitalization, values of peripheral oxygen saturation, type of respiratory support, response to therapy, vital status, and others show statistically significant differences between the two waves (P<0.001). The mortality rate in the second wave was significantly higher (20.2% vs. 2.4%, P<0.001) than in the first wave. Interpretation and conclusions The clinical course and outcomes of COVID-19 significantly differ between the first and second waves. There is a higher incidence of hospitalized patients (66.1% vs. 33.9%) with drastically increased case fatality rate in the second wave. Disease severity in the first wave is four times lower than in the second wave. The second wave was quite devastating, which led to the shortage of critical care facilities and the loss of a significant number of lives.

Annealing Temperature Dependent Structural and Optical Properties of RF Sputtered ZnO Thin Films.

This work investigates the effect of annealing temperature on structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films grown over Si 100 and glass substrates using RF sputtering technique. Annealing temperature has been varied from 300 °C to 600 °C in steps of 100, and different microstructural parameters such as grain size, dislocation density, lattice constant, stress and strain have been evaluated. The structural and surface morphological characterization has been done using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). XRD analysis reveals that the peak intensity of 002 crystallographic orientation increases with increased annealing temperature. Optical characterization of deposited films have been done using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectrometer. An increase in optical bandgap of deposited ZnO thin films with increasing annealing temperature has been observed. The average optical transmittance was found to be more than 85% for all deposited films. Photoluminiscense spectra (PL) suggest that the crystalline quality of deposited film has increased at higher annealing temperature.

An interesting case of pituitary adenoma presenting as an invasive nasopharyngeal tumor.

Pituitary masses usually present as sellar masses with suprasellar or parasellar extension. However, in unusual cases pituitary tumors especially macroprolactinomas and nonfunctional adenomas can present with intranasal extension which can be misdiagnosed as nasal polyp or a primary invasive nasopharyngeal malignant tumor. The otolaryngologists should be familiar with this rare presentation of pituitary masses. Measurement of prolactin (PRL) is essential in cases of recalcitrant nasal polyps or rhinorrhea as it may change the management in such cases. Here we describe case of a patient with an invasive pituitary adenoma who had presented in the otorhinolaryngology department with a nasal obstruction and epistaxis. We have also reviewed 30 cases of pituitary adenoma with nasopharyngeal invasion published in past.

Parathyroid carcinoma masquerading as morning sickness in pregnancy.

Incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) in pregnancy is 8/100,000 population/year with less than 200 cases reported. Physiological changes associated with pregnancy make a diagnosis of PHP difficult and 80% are asymptomatic. High index of suspicion is required as physiological hypocalcemia related to hemodilution, increased glomerular filtration rate resulting in maternal hypercalciuria and gestational hypoalbuminemia can mask hypercalcemia of PHP. Maternal and fetal complication rates are high. Early recognition followed by appropriate management and treatment significantly reduces complications. Here, we present a rare case of parathyroid carcinoma in pregnancy and highlight the difficulties in diagnosis given the non-specific symptoms related to hypercalcemia. We have also discussed the management of PHP during the pregnancy. PHP is a preventable cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Two unusual cases of severe recalcitrant hypocalcemia due to aminoglycoside-induced hypomagnesemia.

Aminoglycoside (AMG)-induced renal toxicity is well-known and may manifest with non-oliguric renal failure or renal tubular dysfunction like Fanconi-like syndrome, Barter syndrome-like syndrome or distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). These phenomena have been described with Gentamycin and Amikacin though rarely with Kanamycin. We present two cases of pulmonary tuberculosis that were treated with Kanamycin and during the course of treatment, developed severe recalcitrant hypocalcemia along with hypomagnesemia.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in India: A cocktail of contemporary and classical presentations: Lesson from 47 cases.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is now the contemporary form of previously existing classical disease, which is increasingly diagnosed due to hypercalcemia with asymptomatic form predominant in developed countries, whereas symptomatic form predominant in developing countries. So, we highlighted important subtle features of PHPT, problems in diagnosis in day to day practice in patients with PHPT at our center.

A case of androgen-secreting adrenal carcinoma with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Androgen excess is one of the most common and disturbing endocrine disorder of reproductive-aged women, affecting approximately 7% of this population Androgen excess results in the development of androgenic features in the women affected, with the development of hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, ovulatory dysfunction, and, if extreme, even virilization and masculinization. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy accounting for 0.02% of all annual cancers reported. About 60% are functional tumors secreting hormones, with its consequent clinical manifestations, the Cushing's syndrome due to cortisone, virilization due to androgens, feminization due to estrogens, or hypertension due to aldosterone. Adrenal tumors that secrete androgens exclusively are extremely rare. Here, we present a rare case of androgen-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Adrenal incidentaloma: A case of pheochromocytoma with sub-clinical Cushing's syndrome.

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are a cluster of different pathologies, but AIs with dual functional aspects are very rare. We report a case of AI with the evidence of both pheochromocytoma and sub-clinical Cushing's syndrome. A 42-year-old female patient presented with the history of abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed right adrenal mass suggestive of pheochromocytoma. On endocrine evaluation, she admitted history of intermittent headache and palpitations for 4 years and was on treatment for hypertension and diabetes. There were no signs and symptoms suggestive of Cushing's syndrome. The laboratory data demonstrated 10 times raised 24-h urinary fractionated metanephrines with non-suppressible serum cortisol after 2-day low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. She underwent right-sided adrenalectomy with subsequent resolution of both pheochromocytoma and hypercortisolism. Patient was discharged in good clinical condition.

A change for good may not be always good! An interesting case of recurrent hypoglycaemia.

Good control of plasma glucose levels always remains a desired goal for both diabetic patients and their physicians. However, unintended tight glucose control should always be alarming to the treating physician, although, it may seem to be a blessing to the patient. A downward trend in blood glucose profile in an elderly male with long standing diabetes generally points to developing renal insufficiency. Apart from that, other causes responsible for lowering of blood glucose have to be considered at times when clinical scenario is slightly different. Here, we present a case of an elderly man who presented with an unintended tight control of blood glucose over a period of few months, which upon neglecting culminated into recurrent hypoglycaemia. The etiology of recurrent hypoglycaemia in this patient was non-islet cell tumor hypoglycaemia (NICTH). The causes, pathophysiology, and management of NICTH are discussed briefly.

Two cases of fetal goiter.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior fetal neck masses are rarely encountered. Careful routine ultrasound screening can reveal intrauterine fetal goiters (FGs). The incidence of goitrous hypothyroidism is 1 in 30,000-50,000 live births. The consequences of both FG and impaired thyroid function are serious. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To emphasize role of ultrasound in both invasive and non-invasive management of FG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two pregnant patients, during second trimester, underwent routine antenatal ultrasound revealing FG, were investigated and managed. RESULTS: Case 1: Revealed FG with fetal hypothyroidism. Intra-amniotic injection l-thyroxine given. Follow-up ultrasound confirmed the reduction of the goiter size. At birth, thyroid dyshormogenesis was suspected and neonate discharged on 50 mcg levothyroxine/day with normal growth and development so far. Case 2: Hypothyroid mother with twin pregnancy revealed FG, in twin 1, confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 × 1.63 cm). The other twin had no thyroid swelling. Cordocentesis confirmed hypothyroidism in twin 1. Maternal thyroxine dose increased as per biochemical parameters leading to reduction in FG size. Mother delivered preterm and none of the twins had thyroid swelling. Fetal euthyroidism was confirmed on biochemical screening. CONCLUSION: FG during pregnancy should be thoroughly evaluated, diagnosed and immediately treated; although in utero options for fetal hypothyroidism management are available, emphasis should be laid on non-invasive procedures. Newer and better resolution techniques in ultrasonography are more specific and at the same time are less harmful.

Adrenal incidentalomas: A collection of six interesting cases and brief review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are detected in approximately 4-7% of patients in imaging studies. Majority are benign, but careful evaluation is warranted to rule out carcinoma and functional adenomas. AIM: The purpose of presenting these cases is to highlight the approach to management of AI in terms of diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients presenting in the endocrine clinic with AI were evaluated for their presenting clinical features and investigated. RESULTS: Case 1 was a 49-year-old female, with adrenal androgen secreting adrenocortical carcinoma with amenorrhoea which was mistaken as menopause. She had minimal hirsutism, which was mistaken as postmenopausal hirsutism. Case 2 was a 39-year-old male, presenting with hyperglycemia found to have Conns' syndrome with aldosterone producing adenoma on routine ultrasound. Case 3 was a 32-year-old male, presenting with gastritis and bloating, where ultrasound showed bilateral large adrenal masses revealed as diffuse large B cell lymphoma on biopsy. Case 4 was a 21-year-old boy, who had pheochromocytoma misdiagnosed as benign intracranial hypertension (HTN). Case 5 was a 59-year-old hypertensive male, presenting with fever had pheochromocytoma with catecholamine excess, producing fever. Case 6 was isolated adrenal tuberculosis who presented with chronic diarrhea. CONCLUSION: AI are common, though prevalence varies depending on the reason for scanning, the characteristics of the population studied, and the radiological techniques used. Most are non-secreting cortical adenomas. AI should be evaluated both biochemically and radiologically. When a hormonal disorder is suspected clinically, targeted, diagnostic testing for autonomous cortisol secretion, pheochromocytoma, and hyperaldosteronism is indicated.

A challenging case of an ectopic parathyroid adenoma.

UNLABELLED: The occurrence of ectopic parathyroid adenomas is not uncommon (3-4% of all parathyroid adenomas). A 42-year-old female diagnosed as having GH secreting pituitary adenoma presented with an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma located between left (Lt) pulmonary artery and Lt main bronchus. The aim of presenting this case is not to appreciate the rarity of the condition but to rather discuss some of the vital practical problems faced during its management. Patient presenting in endocrine OPD with nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and chronic constipation was investigated biochemically and with various imaging modalities and accordingly managed. Patient was also investigated from the perspective of MEN 1 syndrome. RESULTS: Baseline routine investigations revealed hypercalcemia (corrected S. Ca- 16.9 mg/dl) due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP, PTH-1190 ng/L) with adenoma located between Lt main bronchus and Lt pulmonary artery. Patient was medically managed and after proper preoperative preparation, surgical excision by open thoracotomy was planned but two days before surgery she developed pulmonary embolism and was shifted to ICU where she died after 20 days. An accurate preoperative localization by various imaging procedures plays a decisive role in case of ectopic adenomas in the chest. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas are frequent cause of failed initial surgery. The best surgical approach to these ectopic adenomas is still controversial. Equally effective newer medical treatment modalities are also required in patients who are awaiting or are unfit for surgery. Lastly combination of MEN 1 with ectopic parathyroid adenoma is rare.