An Assessment of the Utility of Serum Fructosamine in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Fructosamine (FA) has gained importance as a new biomarker for hyperglycemia in the past decade and may be of indispensable use in certain conditions where hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) falls short of utility such as disorders of red blood cells, patients with rapid glycemic excursions requiring more short-term monitoring, pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, etc. Methods: The present study was a hospital-based observational cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, India. Serum HbA1c, FA, albumin-corrected fructosamine (AlbF), total protein-corrected FA (PrF), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) were estimated in 32 controls (Group I) and 32 cases of diabetes mellitus (DM) (Group II). The clinical data and lab results were presented as mean±SD/±standard error (SE) of the mean. Student's t-test and ANOVA were used to compare various parameters between the groups. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between different diagnostic parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic significance and cut-off value for FA, AlbF, and PrF. RESULTS: The controls and cases were matched for age and gender distribution. Serum HbA1c (p<0.0001), serum FA (p<0.0001), fasting blood sugar (p=0.001), postprandial blood sugar (p<0.0001), random blood sugar (p=0.001), hematocrit (p=0.002), AlbF (p<0.0001), and PrF (p<0.0001) were found to be significantly higher in known diabetic subjects compared to controls. The case group was further subdivided into pre-diabetic and diabetic groups. On correlation analysis of HbA1c with various parameters, a moderate correlation of HbA1c was noted with FA (r=0.522, p<0.0001) and AlbF (r=0.375, p=0.002) in all subjects. Additionally, a moderate correlation of FA (r=0.479, p=0.033), AlbF (r=0.444, p=0.050), and PrF (r=0.441, p=0.065) with HbA1c was also found in subjects with diabetic range glycemia. No such correlation was noted in the pre-diabetic group. No significant correlation was noted between FA and its corrected values in any range of glycemia. None of the parameters assessing glycemia were found to be significantly affected by hemoglobin status. On ROC curve analysis, HbA1c was found to be the best parameter (area under the curve (AUC) =83%, p<0.0001) followed by AlbF (AUC= 80.5%, p<0.0001) and uncorrected FA (AUC=80.5%, p<0.0001) to diagnose DM. CONCLUSION: Serum FA should be considered a valid diagnostic biomarker and of indispensable use in special populations where HbA1c falls short of utility such as patients with red blood cell disorders or those showing rapid glycemic excursions such as those on corticosteroid therapy or insulin therapy, etc. It exhibits additional advantages over HbA1c with respect to lower reagent cost and easy automation on any conventional laboratory instruments based on simple colorimetry.

Evaluating Ischemia-Modified Albumin as an Early Biomarker for Hypertensive Disorders During Pregnancy: A Case-Control Study.

Background Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is looked upon as a newer marker of myocardial ischemia. There is a paucity of literature however with regard to studies correlating levels of IMA in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The present study therefore aimed at estimating the levels of IMA in patients with gestational hypertension and assessing its utility in predicting hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods The present study was a hospital-based case-control study conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur. IMA was estimated in 30 controls (Group I) and 20 cases of gestational hypertension (Group II) using a spectrophotometric assay detecting free unbound Cobalt left behind. The clinical data and lab results were presented as mean ± SD. Student's t-test was applied and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. A value of p < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The ROC (Receiver Operator Characteristic) curve was used to establish the cut-off of serum IMA levels in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Results There was no significant difference in age and period of gestation (POG) at the time of sample collection between the groups. There was a significant difference in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BPs) of both groups. The mean level of serum IMA was significantly higher in cases of gestational hypertension (0.88 ± 0.14 absorbance units {ABSU}) as compared to controls (0.69 ± 0.08 ABSU) (p<0.001). On correlation analysis, the systolic and diastolic BPs were found to be highly positively correlated with serum IMA levels (p<0.001). ROC curve analysis suggested that at a cut-off of 0.73 ABSU, IMA has 85% sensitivity and 80% specificity for predicting gestational hypertension. Conclusion Statistically significant results of serum IMA levels obtained in gestational hypertension which falls on the lesser severe spectrum of the disease imply that serum IMA can be used for early diagnosis of gestational hypertension and impending Pre-eclampsia (PE) and Eclampsia.

The study of serum hsCRP, ferritin, IL-6 and plasma D-dimer in COVID-19: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The cut off values for serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), ferritin, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and plasma D-dimer could be of profound help in detecting COVID-19 patients at risk of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the cut off values of the serum hsCRP, ferritin, IL-6 and plasma D-dimer in predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Four hundred RT-PCR confirmed cases of COVID-19 were sub divided into two groups based on their outcome during hospitalisation. Group I consisted of survivors and Group II consisted of non-survivors. The survivors were further divided into three sub-groups: mild, moderate and severe based on the severity of infection. The laboratory data of serum hsCRP, ferritin, IL-6 and plasma D-dimer for all these patients was retrieved from the Medical Record Section of the Hospital. RESULTS: Mean serum hsCRP, ferritin, IL-6 and plasma D-dimer levels were significantly higher in non-survivors as compared to survivors of COVID-19. The levels of these biomarkers correlated with the severity of COVID-19 illness. ROC curve analysis revealed that plasma D-dimer is having a better predictive value as compared to other parameters in predicting mortality in COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The serum hsCRP, ferritin, IL-6 and plasma D-dimer levels could be used in risk stratification of COVID-19 patients. The optimum cut off given by the current study could be considered in predicting adverse outcome in these patients. Amongst the many studied biomarkers, plasma D-dimer might be the best early biomarker to predict mortality in COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: a review of existing knowledge.

The world has been coping up with the grave pandemic of COVID-19 since its inception into the human race in December, 2019. By entering the host through the spike (S) glycoprotein, it paves way for its own survival and multiplication. Respiratory tract being the point of entry causes pulmonary compromise and leads to development of ARDS. Having non-specific clinical features that resemble flu makes the clinical diagnosis much more difficult. Pregnancy being an immunocompromised and a hypercoagulable state is prone to be a high-risk group for COVID-19. This study is an attempt to understand the maternal and fetal outcomes in COVID-19 and the vertical transmissibility of the virus. Evidence suggests that the contribution of COVID-19 is not very significant in maternal morbidity and mortality. However, due to some factors such as the immunological response in the mother, certain complications may arise in the neonate in the post-natal period. No vertical transmission of the virus has been reported yet. However, the management remains crucial as two lives are at stake. Some of the precautionary measures that can be implemented to prevent COVID-19 can be segregation of medical services from that of the general population in settings of outpatient care, inpatient care and labor room care. Also, triaging the patients into low risk, moderate risk and high risk can aid in faster delivery of health-care facilities to the pregnant and the newborn.

Acute Cholecystitis Leading to Elevated High-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I in a Young Female Without Any Cardiac Ailment: A Rare Case Presentation.

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is regarded as a gold standard investigation for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, cTnI may be elevated in certain non-AMI cardiac conditions and even in certain noncardiac conditions. We report a case of a young female presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute cholecystitis with elevated high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI). The patient developed acute chest pain during the hospital stay. On evaluation, quantitative assay for hs-cTnI was found to be elevated; however, other markers of cardiac damage such as creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB), qualitative cTnI by card test, and even echocardiogram (ECG) were found to be negative. As the patient was a young female with no significant history of coronary diseases, the spurious elevation of hs-TnI due to a noncardiac ailment was suspected. The patient was managed with minimal cardiological management till AMI was excluded. The hs-cTnI levels returned to normal post-cholecystectomy. A patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of cholecystitis and elevated hs-cTnI must be carefully evaluated before resorting to any invasive management for AMI. In most cases, hs-cTnI will return to normal post-cholecystectomy.

COVID-19 and lung pathologies.

COVID-19 is a global emergency with over 10 million cases and over 500, 000 deaths worldwide. The SARS CoV-2 is a RNA virus belonging to the family coronaviridae. It has high infectivity. The manifestations of the disease range from asymptomatic or mild symptoms to severe pneumonia and ARDS. The CT scan of lung shows consolidation and "Ground Glass Opacities". The persons with other comorbidities are considered to be at a higher rate of acquiring the infection. Asthma and other allergies have not been identified as major risk factors for COVID-19 as the number of asthmatic patients having COVID-19 is not high enough for it to be considered so. The occurrence of COVID-19 in COPD patients can be related with smoking. The ACE-2 expression in such patients was considerably high. The relation between COVID-19 and Tuberculosis can also be reflected in terms of the stigma associated with diagnosis and treatment of such diseases in some communities, eventually increasing the chances of people's reluctance to seek medical help. Cancer patients are usually more susceptible to infections. Lung cancer is no different. Additionally, lung cancer also has strong association with smoking further increasing the risk. The risk of getting infection and its severity is high for autoimmune disorders as well as fungal infections. Currently there is no definite treatment of COVID-19. However, some of the currently used modalities are hydroxychloroquine and antiviral drugs.

COVID-19 transmission: a positive perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the dynamics of infectivity of COVID-19 and allay the fear and anxiety associated with it in healthcare workers and the society. CASE PRESENTATION: Three individuals accompanied their pediatric patients in the COVID ward but did not develop infection. Information about their knowledge and perspective about the disease and the protective measures undertaken by them during their stay in the hospital was gathered by administering a questionnaire 14 days after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that use of proper precautionary measures like wearing a mask and regular hand sanitization helped in prevention from COVID-19 infection even after having close contact with confirmed cases. Such facts/observation will help in sensitizing the public about COVID-19 and eliminate panic in the society.

COVID-19 and geriatric population: from pathophysiology to clinical perspectives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to a worldwide socio-economic depression, but has also had the highest health impact on the geriatric population. Elderly population, due to various reasons such as low immunity, pre-existing co-morbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, are obviously predisposed to develop severe infections and exhibit a high mortality rate. This is because of many reasons which include the atypical presentation in the geriatric population which might have led to diagnostic delay. As per the WHO guidelines to perform RT-PCR only on the symptomatic individuals, a very small portion of individuals were tested, leaving a fraction of population undiagnosed. Therefore, there remained a chance that many asymptomatic individuals such caregivers, healthcare professionals, family members were undiagnosed and might have carried this virus to the geriatric patients. Also, many countries were not prepared to handle the burden on their healthcare system which included sudden increased demand of ICU beds, mechanical ventilation etc. As a result, they had to make decision on who to be admitted. Atypical presentation in geriatric population may include afebrile or low-grade fever, absence of cough, malaise, muscle pains, dyspnoea etc. Geriatric population shows a more severe type of pneumonia, significantly higher number of neutrophils and C-reactive protein, less lymphocytes and a higher proportion of multiple lobe involvement. Extreme social suppression during COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of mental and physical adverse effects that has made older adults more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease: a review of current knowledge.

The uncontrolled spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which originated in China created a global turmoil. While the world is still busy figuring out a cure for the deadly disease, scientists worked out on many theories and conducted several studies to establish a relationship between the infection and other known diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the major complications of this infection after the respiratory manifestations. Individuals with cardiovascular complication are said to be more susceptible to acquiring the infection because the novel coronavirus uses the ACE2 receptor for its entry inside the cell and there is a high level of ACE2 expression in individuals with cardiovascular complications because of the enzyme's anti-hypertrophic, anti-fibrotic and anti-hypertensive effects on the heart. Individuals who belong to the older age group are also more susceptible. Knowing the above information, it might seem that using ACE2 inhibitors would help to slow or prevent the entry of the novel coronavirus but it would also at the same time prove to have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system as the protective functions of ACE2 would be lost. While the search for a cure still continues it has been stated many a times that the conditions might worsen with time and the only way to keep ourselves and our family safe would be to follow the appropriate social distancing methods and get a COVID test if we experience any of the major symptoms.

COVID-19 and nutritional deficiency: a review of existing knowledge.

COVID-19 has resulted in an ongoing global pandemic, which spread largely among people who have had close contact with the infected person. The immunopathology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus includes the production of an excess amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines "a cytokine-storm". The respiratory system (main), cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract are the most affected body systems during viral infection. It has been found that most of the patients who require admission to hospital are elderly or have chronic underlying diseases. Higher cases of malnutrition and co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases are reported in elderly patients due to which, the immune system weakens and hence, the response to the virus is diminished in magnitude. A deficiency of micronutrients results in impaired immune responses leading to improper secretion of cytokines, alterations in secretory antibody response and antibody affinity which increases susceptibility to viral infection. The deficiency of various micronutrients in COVID-19 patient can be treated by appropriate nutritional supplements, prescribed after evaluating the patients' nutritional status. Here we aim to highlight the role of a few particular nutrients namely Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc and Magnesium along with the synergistic roles they play in enhancing immunity and thus, maintaining homeostasis.