Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 Infections Admitted to Intensive Care Units in India (Preg-CoV): A Multicenter Study.

Aim: The aim was to examine the outcomes of pregnant women admitted to intensive care unit with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in India. The primary outcome of the study was maternal mortality at day 30. The secondary outcomes were the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, fetal mortality and preterm delivery. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective multicentric cohort study. Ethical clearance was obtained. All pregnant women of the 15-45-year age admitted to ICUs with SARS-CoV-2 infection during 1st March 2020 to 31st October, 2021 were included. Results: Data were collected from nine centers and for 211 obstetric patients admitted to the ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. They were divided in to two groups as per their SpO2 (saturation of peripheral oxygen) level at admission on room air, that is, normal SpO2 group (SpO2 > 90%) and low SpO2 group (SpO2 < 90%). The mean age was (30.06 ± 4.25) years and the gestational age was 36 ± 8 weeks. The maternal mortality rate was10.53%. The rate of fetal death and preterm delivery was 7.17 and 28.22%, respectively. The average ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) were 6.35 ± 8.56 and 6.78 ± 6.04 days, respectively. The maternal mortality (6.21 vs 43.48%, p < 0.001), preterm delivery (26.55 vs 52.17%, p = 0.011) and fetal death (5.08 vs 26.09%, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the low SpO2 group. Conclusion: The overall maternal mortality among critically ill pregnant women affected with COVID-19 infection was 10.53%. The rate of preterm birth and fetal death were 28.22 and 7.17%, respectively. These adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were significantly higher in those admitted with low SpO2 (<90%) at admission compared with those with normal SpO2. How to cite this article: Sinha S, Paul G, Shah BA, Karmata T, Paliwal N, Dobariya J, et al. Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 Infections Admitted to Intensive Care Units in India (Preg-CoV): A Multicenter Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(3):265-272.

Widening spectrum of neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Case series.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare and rapidly progressive syndrome with mortality rate of 5.6%. The spectrum of onset, progression and outcome is heterogeneous and is associated with number of risk factors. In our case series, we entail the triggers, hospital course and outcome of five interesting in-patient cases that were admitted to our service in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. This case series is to highlight the first ever reported case of NMS triggered by levosulpiride administration, along with one of the few first cases of NMS after programming of DBS, hypothyroid disorders, levodopa readjustment and selective basal ganglia and cerebellar injury following the hyperthermic syndrome. This is also to bring to attention of clinicians worldwide the atypical risk factors of NMS, and stress the importance of staying vigilant for the same by frequent follow-ups and high degree of clinical suspicion. We also aim to generate epidemiological data about these atypical triggers.

Analysis of trimodal pattern of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients- Lessons from tertiary care hospital.

Background and Aims: Many patients with COVID-19 become critically ill and requireICU admission. Risk factors associated with mortality have been studied, but this study provides insight regarding disease progression and hence help to plan rescue strategies to improve patient outcome. Material and Methods: This retrospective, observational study included all patients with diagnosis of COVID-19 from March1 to June30,2021 who died in hospital. Results: During the study period, 1600 patients were admitted, with 1138 (71%) needing ICU care. There were 346 (21.6%) deaths, distributed as 15.8%(n = 55) within 48h of admission, 46.2%(n = 160) in next 10 days, and 37.8%(n = 131) thereafter. This trimodal mortality pattern of distribution was similar to polytrauma patients. Patients were divided into categories according to time duration from admission to death. In our cohort, 235 (14.7%) patients required mechanical ventilation, with a mortality of 85.4%(n = 201). Tachypnea was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with death at all times; however, hypotension was associated with early death and low oxygen saturation with poor outcome upto 10 days (P < 0.001). Refractory hypoxia was cause of death in all three groups, while other causes in group II were AKI (28%), sepsis (18%), and MODS (10%). Group III patients had different causes of mortality, including barotrauma (9%), pulmonary thromboembolism (8%), refractory hypercarbia (12%), MODS (13%), AKI (10%), sepsis (7%), and cardiac events (6%). Conclusion: While physiological dearrangements are associated with rapid progression and early death, complications related to hyper-coagulable state, lung injury, and organ failure lead to death later. Providing quality care to a high volume of patients is a challenge for all, but posthoc analysis such as air crash investigation can help find out potential areas of improvement and contribute to better outcomes and mortality reduction.

Percutaneous Tracheostomy in COVID Era: Time to Adapt and Improvise.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy (PDT) is required in patients with novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with severe respiratory involvement, but the procedure needs modification to minimize the risk of aerosol exposure to caregivers. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To share the experience of apnea approach of PDT in COVID patients. Also, to demonstrate the safety of the technique for healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients with respect to hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters. The incidence of adverse events and difficulties during the procedure were also recorded. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to this modified approach, percutaneous tracheostomy was performed with apnea technique during open tracheal steps (video attached) and the endotracheal tube was withdrawn to the level of cords under video-laryngoscopic guidance. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective data analysis of all the tracheostomy procedures (PDT) performed with the apnea technique during the COVID era (June-September) in non-COVID and COVID patients in intensive care units (ICUs). RESULTS: During these 4 months, 74 PDT procedures were performed in both COVID and non-COVID patients in the ICUs of our hospital. Out of these, PDT with apnea technique was performed in 45 patients (61%). This technique was successful in 44 patients (97.7%) with mean apnea time of 110 + 8.6 seconds. There was no significant (p < 0.05) change in mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation of 15 COVID patients in pre-PDT and immediate post-PDT period. None of the six team members performing PDT had symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19. CONCLUSION: PDT with apnea technique can be performed to minimize the risk of aerosol exposure and does not compromise the quality of care. It is safe both for the patient and HCWs. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Paul G, Gautam PL, Sharma S, Sravani MV, Krishna MR. Percutaneous Tracheostomy in COVID Era: Time to Adapt and Improvise. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(6):642-647.

Systemic manifestations of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused due to a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has swept across the planet and has become a public health emergency of international concern. Like other coronaviruses, it predominantly involves the respiratory system. However, several atypical manifestations of the disease have been reported worldwide in a short span of time. Almost all organ systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, endocrine, and nervous system) have been reported to be involved. This review concisely summarizes the systemic effects of COVID-19, thus emphasizing that the disease can present in various forms and the healthcare workers need to be extra vigilant, approaching all patients with a high index of suspicion.

Assessment of knowledge gaps and perceptions about COVID-19 among health care workers and general public-national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: COVID-19 has impacted everyone's life and livelihood in one way or the other. Individual response to measures taken to control the rapid spread of this disease depend on their knowledge and perceptions. Hence, we proposed to evaluate responses about COVID-19 among the health care workers (HCWs) as well as general public participants (GPPs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational survey conducted during the peak of the pandemic. The 35-items questionnaire was prepared using Google forms and distributed through e-mails and social media. RESULTS: The 1,026 responses comprised of 558 HCWs (54.4%) and 468 GPPs (45.6%). The most reliable source of information was TV news for 43% GPPs, whereas it was HCWs/Local health authorities for 36.8% HCWs. HCWs had sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19, while it was relatively low among GPPs (average correct response 65% and 53%, respectively). Intra-group analysis with respect to age, sex, qualification, and socioeconomic status showed that knowledge about mode of transmission by airborne aerosols was significantly low with respect to qualification among GPPs while younger age group (<40 years) HCWs had significantly more knowledge about mode of transmission and asymptomatic carriers. Paranoia of contracting the infection was significantly higher in GPPs with upper and middle socioeconomic status and younger HCWs. CONCLUSION: HCWs had moderate level of knowledge, whereas GPPs had low to moderate knowledge, with large scope of improvement in both groups. Continued education, both at professional and community level will not only be helpful but also necessary to improve knowledge, avert negative attitudes and control the devastating pandemic.

Retrospective Evaluation of Patients Leaving against Medical Advice in aTertiary Care Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Leaving against medical advice (LAMA) is a worldwide healthcare problem, occurring due to various contributing factors, seen more commonly indeveloping countries like ours. AIM: To retrospectively study the prevalence of LAMA along with its affectingfactors. METHODS: We screened the hospital record of a tertiary care teaching hospital forone year, after obtaining approval from the institutional ethicalcommittee. Patient demography, disease characteristics and status at thetime of LAMA were noted and statistically analysed. RESULTS: During the study period, 4.95% patients took LAMA. The mean age was 47.2±21years (range newborn to 103 years) with 2:1 Male: Female ratio. Forty ninepercent of patients resided in rural areas and around 1/3rd were dependenton others for their living. The mean length of stay in hospital was 6.1±9.3days. Around 60% patients required mechanical ventilation and 51% patientshad been explained guarded prognosis. About 53% of patients taking LAMAwere admitted in medical wards, trauma being the most common diagnosis(17.2%). History of alcohol abuse and poisoning with suicidal intent wasseen in 11.47% and 3.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The number of patients taking LAMA from our country is quite high. This necessitates formulation and implementation of strategies to reduce the prevalence of LAMA discharges like further investigations to look into the causes contributing to patients taking LAMA, attending to substance abuseissues, recognizing psychological factors and strengthening the socialsystems, encouraging insurance cover, helping patients' treatment expensesthrough charity care and optimizing healthcare delivery and patient centredpolicies. KEY MESSAGES: LAMA is a global health issue precipitated by unemployment and alcohol abuse, commonly taken due to financial reasons. This necessitates a strong social system and national health insurance schemes to reduce the cost of treatment. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Mahajan RK, Gautam PL, et al. Retrospective Evaluation of Patients Leaving against Medical Advice in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. IndianJ Crit Care Med 2019;23(3):139-142.

Patients Leaving Against Medical Advice-A National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Leaving against medical advice (LAMA) is a common health concern seen worldwide. It has variable incidence and reasons depending upon disease, geographical region and type of health care system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We approached anesthesiologists and intensivists for their opinion through ISA and ISCCM contact database using Monkey Survey of 22 questions covering geographical area, type of healthcare system, incidence, reasons, type of disease, expected outcome of LAMA patients etc. RESULTS: We received only 1154 responses. Only 584 answered all questions. Out of 1154, only 313 respondents were from government medical colleges or hospitals while remaining responses were from private and corporate sector. Most hospitals had >100 beds. ICUs were semi-closed and supervised by critical-care physicians. LAMA incidence was maximum from ICU (45%) followed by ward (32%) and emergency (25%). Most patients of LAMA had ICU stay for >1 week (60%). Eighty percent of the respondents opined that financial constraints are the most common reason of LAMA. Unsatisfactory care was rarely considered as a factor for LAMA. Approximately 40% patients had advanced malignancy or disease. Nearly 2/3rd strongly believed that insurance cover may reduce the LAMA rate. CONCLUSION: Most patients get LAMA from the ICU after a stay of week. Financial constraints, terminal medical illness, malignancy and sepsis are major causes of LAMA. Remedial methods suggested to decrease the incidence include a good national health policy by the state; improved communication between the patient, caregivers and heathcare team; practice of palliative and end-of-life care support; and lastly, awareness among the people about advance directives. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Paul G, Gautam PL et al. Patients Leaving Against Medical Advice-A National Survey. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(3):143-148.

Unseen face of varicella-zoster infection in adults.

Varicella infection is common in children caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV is known to cause cerebral arterial vasculopathy and antibody-mediated hypercoagulable state leading to thrombotic complications in children. Such complications in adults are very rare. We report three cases that represent the unseen face of primary varicella infection in adults. Simultaneous involvement of cortical venous sinus thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis leading to clot in right atrium and pulmonary embolism in first case; cortical venous sinus thrombosis in second case; and deep vein thrombosis in third case. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent associated morbidity and mortality.

Carisoprodol withdrawal syndrome resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Diagnostic dilemma.

Soma (Carisoprodol) is N-isopropyl-2 methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate; a commonly prescribed, centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of antipsychotic agents. Although diagnostic criteria for NMS have been established, it should be recognized that atypical presentations occur and more flexible diagnostic criteria than currently mandated, may be warranted. We wish to report a postoperative case of bilateral knee replacement who presented with carisoprodol (Soma) withdrawal resembling NMS that was a diagnostic dilemma. Subsequently, it was successfully treated with oral baclofen in absence of sodium dantrolene.

Spectrum of neurological complications in HELLP syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelets (LP), HELLP syndrome is the extended spectrum of severe preeclampsia and is associated with high mortality. A large proportion of mortality can be attributed to catastrophic central nervous system events. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to access the clinical manifestations, radiological abnormalities and outcome in patients of HELLP syndrome with neurological manifestations. SETTING: Obstetric unit and neurology intensive critical unit (ICU) of an academic medical center. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Case records of all obstetrical patients who were admitted between January 2012 and December 2012 were screened and data was collected from those patients who were diagnosed with HELLP syndrome with neurological complications. It was entered into a structured performa and analyzed using percentages . RESULTS: During the study period; 1,166 deliveries were conducted, 108 patients had pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH); and of the 12 patients with HELLP, eight (66%) patients had neurological complications. The presenting neurological features were seizures (four), focal neurological deficits (two), and encephalopathy (two). Of the eight patients, in six patients neuroimaging showed features of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), three of them had associated hemorrhage, and two patients had isolated intracranial hemorrhage. All except two were discharged home. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological complications are not uncommon in patients with HELLP syndrome and a high index of suspicion is essential. Aggressive multidisciplinary approach is the key to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Impulse-Control Disorders and Restless Leg Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease: Association or Coexistence.

Background: Both Impulse-control disorders and related behaviours (ICD-RB) and restless leg syndrome (RLS) are relatively common in patients with Parkinson's disease, but little is known are they related or independent complications of dopaminergic therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between ICD-RBs and RLS and also, to determine the associated significant psycho-behavioural profile of RLS patients in presence of ICD-RBs. Methods: PD who visited neurology OPD were screened for the presence of addictive behaviors, alcohol and substance abuse, ICDs including Impulse control disorders not elsewhere classified with the help of a QUIP questionnaire. RLS was evaluated by diagnostic criteria set by the International RLS study group. To evaluate the association of RLS and ICDs, cohort was divided into groups of patients who had both ICD and RLS, ICD with no RLS, RLS with no ICD and no ICD or RLS. Results: Among 122 PD patients who visited OPD, 95 eligible were included in the study. Out of these 95 patients, 51 (53.6%) had at least one ICD-RB and 18 (18.9%) had RLS. ICD-RB in decreasing order of frequency were compulsive medication (47.4%), compulsive eating (29.4%), compulsive buying (17.6%), gambling (11.7%), hypersexuality (3.9%), and others (29.8%). Among 18 patients with RLS, 12 (66.7%) were associated with at least one ICD-RB. The compulsive behaviours significantly associated with PD-RLS group were gambling (27.8%), followed by compulsive eating (44.2%). While comparing disease characteristics, PD-ICD/RLS patients had statistically significant disease duration (p 0.007) and higher LEDD (p 0.004). Other demographic and socioeconomic features did not reveal any differences between the groups. Conclusion: 11% of PwPD can have co-occurrence of RLS and ICD-RBs. Circadian fluctuation in levels of dopamine release on the background of hyper-dopaminergic state produces waves of crest and trough, which may be possible for this behavioral profile. Long-term dopaminergic treatment or degenerative process itself may be the cause leading to emergence of both RLS and ICD-RBs in PD patients.

Neuropathy in Parkinson's Disease: Risk Determinants and Impact on Quality of Life.

Neuropathy has been described in significantly higher proportion of PD patients than in control subjects. This study ascertains the prevelance of neuropathy and its determinants in PD patients, in particular relation with nutritional status, along with impact of neuropathy on Quality of life. Methods: This was a hospital based observational cross-sectional study of PD patients attending the Neurology OPD of a tertiary care hospital. The prevalence and type of neuropathy was determined using the validated MNSI scale. The nutritional status was assessed using MNA score and PDQ-39 was used for assessing quality of life. Patients with and without neuropathy were compared to ascertain risk factors for neuropathy. Results: Twenty-four out of 93 PD patients (26%) had neuropathy and 12 (50%) out of them had painful neuropathy. Older patents and those who had longer duration of disease had higher prevalence of neuropathy. In addition there was significant correlation with malnutrition and neuropathy. 79% of patients with neuropathy had abnormal nutritional status. On comparison of patients with painful neuropathy as compared to those without pain, Vitamin B 12 levels were found to be low only in the former group. Conclusions: Our study shows that there is significant prevalence of neuropathy in PD patents that affects the quality of life of PD patients. Neuropathy in PD is disease dependent and is precipitated by malnutrition. Hence, neuropathy must be timely diagnosed and effective nutritional management may help to improve the patient's quality of life.

Gender Differences and Impact of Autonomic Disturbance on Fatigue and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Autonomic dysfunction can precede the onset of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and are very disabling, but often overlooked. Objective: This study was done to assess the presence of autonomic symptoms in PD; evaluate any gender differences and association of autonomic dysfunction with fatigue and quality of life. Methods: Demographic profile and disease characteristics of PD patients were assessed. Autonomic symptoms were evaluated by SCOPA-AUT, fatigue by FSS, and QOL with PDQ-39 in patient's vernacular language. Patients with SCOPA-AUT score ≥9 were considered as having autonomic impairment. Gender variation in the involvement of different domains were analyzed along with the risk factors for autonomic dysfunction. Results: Among 94 patients, 59 (63%) had autonomic dysfunction. All SCOPA domains showed significant impairment in PD. Nocturia (69.14%) and constipation (52.12%) constituted most frequent symptoms in our cohort. Mean urinary (7.89 vs. 6.05) and sexual (1.47 vs. 0.42) domain scores were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in males while cardiovascular dysfunction (0.81 vs. 1.64) was predominant in females. Patients with autonomic dysfunction had longer duration of disease (P = 0.033), severe disease (P = 0.0001) with higher UPDRS (P = 0.001). Autonomic symptoms correlated significantly (P < 0.0001) with Fatigue (r = 0.60) also. Patients with autonomic dysfunction had poor QOL (r = 0.67) and mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, stigma, cognition, communication, and bodily-discomfort dimensions were worst affected (P < 0.05). Conclusions: There was a significant variation of autonomic symptoms with gender. Disease severity and duration were significant risk factors for autonomic dysfunction. Also there was a strong co-relation of fatigue and poor QOL with autonomic dysfunction.

Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma: The Mystery of Spastic Legs Unveiled by a Purple Shoulder.

Vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are benign vascular tumors that develop from the endoderm of blood vessels, although their exact pathogenesis is poorly understood. Most hemangiomas are small, about a third are multiple in number, and a very small number of these hemangiomas cause symptoms. Even more rare are aggressive VHs, which comprise a small number of all VHs, and are associated with expansion and extraosseous extension into the paraspinal and epidural spaces. Management of aggressive VHs involve pre-op embolization, spinal surgery, and reconstruction. Pain management, physical rehabilitation, and close neurological follow-up are imperative to near-total recovery. Aggressive VHs are most commonly seen in the thoracic region but may rarely involve a large number of vertebrae. Cutaneous hemangiomas, when seen along with VHs, are often metameric.  We present a rare and challenging case of compressive myelopathy and a large cutaneous hemangioma or a "purple shoulder", found during an exam in a young male. He was found to have an extensive VH extending through 13 vertebral levels (C7 to D12), non-metameric to the cutaneous lesion. A thorough physical examination and evaluation along with prompt surgical treatment were the cornerstone of treatment and prevention of permanent neurological deficits.

Predicting Outcome in Skull Base Osteomyelitis: An Assessment of Demographic, Clinical, and Pathological Attributes.

Objective Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is an enigmatic clinical diagnosis which is difficult to decipher and is associated with poor outcomes. The study aims to examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with SBO and its outcomes. Materials and Methods Medical records of 30 patients with diagnosis of SBO over past 5 years were assessed for demographic and clinical characteristics, type of SBO, radiological parameters, treatment received, procedure performed, microbiological profile, comorbidities, and complications including cranial nerve (CN) palsies. These factors were analyzed for prediction of outcome (death or survival). Statistical Analysis Microsoft Office Excel 2010 SAS 10.0 for Windows was used. Student's t -test for continuous variables (age, duration of symptoms, number of days of hospitalization, and treatment duration) and chi-square test for categorical variables (imaging findings, symptomatology, presence of comorbidities, surgical procedure, complications, and type of antibiotics) were utilized. Results We found SBO was the disease of elderly population (64.07 ± 6.13 years) with male predominance (83.3%) highly associated with uncontrolled diabetes status (93.3%). Headache (100%) and CN palsy (80%) were the most common neurological presenting complaints followed by stroke (17%) and encephalopathy (10%). Pathological and radiological correlation showed that fungal infection ( Aspergillus ) was associated with anterior SBO (10%), while bacteria ( Pseudomonas ) was cultured from posterior SBO (30%). Fifty per cent of patients were alive after 1 year out of which 33% had good functional outcome. The mortality rate was 33.3% in our cohort and multiple lower CN palsies ( p = 0.04), suboptimal duration of medical treatment ( p = 0.03), surgical intervention during clinical course ( p = 0.02), and development of intracranial or extracranial complications ( p = 0.03) were the predictors of mortality. Conclusion Early diagnosis including identification of pathogenic organisms and optimal duration of treatment are crucial factors for improved outcomes in SBO.

Factors Affecting Adherence to Pharmacotherapy in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: The goal of dopaminergic replacement therapy to achieve good clinical outcome in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients largely depends on the pattern of adherence to the pharmacological treatment. This study aims to find the factors affecting medication adherence in patients with PD keeping in mind the cultural, economic, and social diversities so that preventive steps can be taken to fill these gaps. Methods: Demographic data, disease parameters, treatment-related factors, family characteristics, educational, and employment status were assessed for relationship with the medication adherence pattern in a cohort of non-demented PD patients. Medication adherence was measured by MMAS-8; depression, and socioeconomic status were assessed by GDS-SF and Kuppuswamy scales respectively. Results: From 134 PD subjects, high adherence was observed in 43.2%, 18.2% had moderate, and 38.6% reported low adherence level to their pharmacotherapy. The sub-optimal level of adherence was significantly correlated to compliance of follow up with the physician (p 0.03), presence of adverse events related to drugs (p 0.03), and depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001). Also, there was significant negative co-relationship between poor adherence and depression on Spearman's rank coefficient (0.702). There was no effect of demographic factors, living conditions, family type, educational qualification, associated comorbid conditions, and socioeconomic status on adherence to dopaminergic treatment in patients with PD. Conclusion: Poor adherence to prescribed medication is a menace that is more than just oversimplification of forgetfulness which should be evaluated at each visit to improve efficacy of the prescribed regimen to achieve better treatment result and thus quality of life of PD patients.

Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease: Correlation with Depression and Quality of Life.

Introduction Anxiety is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Its prevalence ranges from 20 to 40% but despite that, the high prevalence anxiety in PD is often undiagnosed and untreated. This research was aimed to study the pattern of anxiety with regard to its prevalence and risk factors and to establish the association of anxiety with depression and quality of life (QOL) in patients with PD. Methods A total of 105 patients with PD were prospectively observed. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded and patients were assessed for anxiety (the Parkinson anxiety scale [PAS]), depression (geriatric depression scale [GDS]), and QOL (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 [PDQ-39]). Multiple forward logistic regression analysis was done for parameters showing association with anxiety. Pearson's correlation was used to calculate the strength of association of depression and QOL with anxiety. Results Anxiety was present in 56 PD patients (53.3%). Episodic anxiety was noted in 50%, avoidance behavior in 35%, and persistent anxiety in 15% of these patients. There was significant association of anxiety with duration of disease ( p = 0.001), severity ( p < 0.005), levodopa equivalent dose (LED; p = 0.001), and tremor phenotype of PD ( p = 0.004). Anxiety coexisted with depression in 50 patients (79.4%), which was statistically significant in our cohort ( p = 0.001). There was significant linear relationship between the PAS and PDQ-39. Conclusion Anxiety exerts a negative impact on the QOL as revealed by proportionately worsening PDQ-39 and PAS scores. Screening for anxiety will allow efficient delivery of support and treatment to patients with PD and their families.

Unabridged Histoplasmosis Myositis: Unsolved Dissemination with Diagnostic Challenge.

Histoplasmosis occurs predominantly in immunocompromised hosts and typically presents with mild constitutional symptoms, weight loss, weakness, fatigability, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis is generally delayed and is based upon isolating the organism in blood cultures or by identifying intracellular organisms in tissues. Disseminated Histoplasmosis is well described in HIV patients but Histoplasmosis myositis is a rare manifestation and has not been reported in seronegative patients till date. We here address a case of a pharmacologically immunosuppressed patient with extensive Histoplasmosis myositis invading almost all the skeletal muscles of body (including plantar foot muscles) with no evidence of dissemination to other organ-systems. Clinical examination and investigations co-related with infiltrative muscle disease and skeletal muscle biopsy revealed Histoplasma capsulatum. This patient illustrates a distinctive clinical presentation of fungal infection with subtle constitutional symptoms and isolated muscle weakness which added to the diagnostic challenge. Hence, differential diagnosis of fungal infection must always be considered as a cause of myopathy in any pharmacologically immunosuppressed patient.