Indirect Immunofluorescence-Aided Detection of Antimyelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder/Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Associated Antibody Disorder: A Case Series Involving Five Patients.

Autoantibodies are the cause of the chronic inflammatory diseases known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Serum antibodies (Abs) that specifically target the aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) water channel are the cause of recurrent episodes of optic neuritis, myelitis, and/or brain stem disorders. In contrast to AQP-4 Abs, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) Abs are detected in some patients exhibiting nonmotor cognitive impairment. These days, the term "MOG-encephalomyelitis" (MOG-EM) is frequently used to describe these clinical syndromes. The diagnosis of these cases involves the use of magnetic resonance imaging, optical coherence tomography, antibody detection, and additional laboratory testing. By detecting the patient's Abs in their serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) aids in the proper diagnosis. We highlight five NMOSD cases where serum anti-MOG antibody positivity was found using IIF, but CSF was not. In none of the cases, anti-AQP Abs were found. Effective patient management strategies include the treatment of acute attacks and long-term immunosuppressive drugs such as rituximab, azathioprine, and immunoglobulins. IIF is a quick and easy tool to detect anti-MOG Abs in patients with NMOSD/myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorder. CSF testing for MOG or AQP-4 Abs is not usually advised. It does not offer additional benefits to help with MOG-EM or NMOSD diagnosis.

RésuméLes autoanticorps sont à l'origine de maladies inflammatoires chroniques connues sous le nom de troubles du spectre de la neuromyélite optique (NMOSD). Sérum les anticorps (Abs) qui ciblent spécifiquement le canal hydrique de l'aquaporine-4 (AQP-4) sont à l'origine d'épisodes récurrents de névrite optique, de myélite, et/ou des troubles du tronc cérébral. Contrairement aux Abs AQP-4, les Abs glycoprotéines oligodendrocytes de myéline (MOG) sont détectés chez certains patients présentant déficience cognitive non motrice. De nos jours, le terme « MOG encéphalomyélite ¼ (MOG-EM) est fréquemment utilisé pour décrire ces troubles cliniques syndrome. Le diagnostic de ces cas fait appel à l'imagerie par résonance magnétique, à la tomographie par cohérence optique, à la détection d'anticorps, et des tests de laboratoire supplémentaires. En détectant les Abs du patient dans son sérum ou liquide céphalo-rachidien (LCR), immunofluorescence indirecte (IIF) aide au bon diagnostic. Nous mettons en évidence cinq cas de NMOSD où la positivité des anticorps anti-MOG sériques a été trouvée en utilisant l'IIF, mais le LCRn'était pas. Dans aucun des cas, des Ac anti-AQP n'ont été trouvés. Les stratégies efficaces de prise en charge des patients comprennent le traitement des crises aiguës et médicaments immunosuppresseurs à long terme tels que le rituximab, l'azathioprine et les immunoglobulines. IIF est un outil simple et rapide pour détecter les anti-MOG Abs chez les patients atteints d'un trouble associé aux anticorps anti-glycoprotéine oligodendrocytaire de NMOSD/myéline. Les tests CSF pour MOG ou AQP-4 Abs ne sont pas habituellement conseillé. Il n'offre pas d'avantages supplémentaires pour faciliter le diagnostic MOG-EM ou NMOSD.

Suicide and Suicidal Ideation in Medical Students: A Systematic Review.

The incidence of suicide and its ideation among medical students is increasingly recognized as a significant issue, influenced by the demanding nature of medical education and the various associated psychological stressors. This systematic review aims to elucidate the risk factors and prevalence of suicide and suicidal ideation within this group, with a focus on the implications for mental health interventions. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this review analyzed 11 studies selected from major databases such as Scopus-Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed, and others, focusing on publications between 2015 and 2023. Studies were predominantly observational and cross-sectional, examining suicide rates and suicidal ideation among medical students. The review found that medical students experience higher rates of suicide and suicidal ideation compared to the general population, with significant stressors including academic pressure, personal relationship challenges, and professional expectations. Notably, female respondents displayed a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation than males. Key warning signs identified include changes in mood or behavior and previous attempts of suicide. Despite varying findings regarding the role of medical training duration on suicidal ideation, all studies highlight the critical need for targeted mental health support. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated mental health services and the incorporation of mental health education within the medical curriculum. A multidimensional approach involving enhancements to both curricular and support structures is crucial for mitigating the risk of suicide among medical students. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions to reduce educational stress and promote psychological well-being in medical educational settings.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity pattern by line immunoassay in a hospital from eastern India: Update from a laboratory perspective.

Context: The existence of more than one antibody in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) or connective tissue disease (CTD) along with features of more than one autoimmune disease (AD) in an individual is suggestive of overlap syndrome (OS). Line immunoassay (LIA) can target many autoantibodies in a single approach, thus making the identification of OS feasible. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the pattern of distribution of antinuclear antibodies by LIA prevalent in a hospital population in eastern India and identify common forms of SARD in this belt based on laboratory findings. Material and Methods: A total of 1660 samples received for ANA profile testing by LIA were analysed. Statistical Analysis: Factor analysis was performed with factor loading scores used in the k-means algorithm to identify clustering of various autoantibodies. Results: U1-snRNP positivity was the highest at 16.69%, and the least frequent autoantibody noted was anti-Jo-1 at 0.71% positivity. Based on the outcome of factor analysis, three clusters were determined. Cluster 1 showed a predominance of anti-PM/Scl antibodies, cluster 2 showed a predominance of anti-dsDNA, anti-histone, anti-SmD1, anti-nucleosomes, anti-PCNA, anti-Po, anti-SSA/Ro52, anti-SSA-Ro60, anti-SSB/La, anti-Scl-70, anti-Mi-2, anti-Ku and anti-AMA-M2, and cluster 3 showed a predominance of anti-U1-snRNP. Conclusions: Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and overlap syndrome (OS) are prevalent more than pure form of an AD in our study population. OS may be missed out by monospecific immunoassays and hence adds to diagnostic challenges. LIA may be more useful in identifying specific autoantibodies by a single approach rather than monospecific immunoassays in populations after a positive screen by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF).

The Kaleidoscope of Polyautoimmunity: An Odyssey of Diagnostic Dilemmas.

Diagnostic accuracy is of the utmost importance, both in the clinical setting and for research purposes. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren's syndrome (SS), and overlap syndrome (OS) frequently exhibit symptoms that mimic those of other conditions. Unfortunately, there is no singular definitive test for diagnosing these connective tissue diseases (CTDs), necessitating the reliance on expert opinions. Further complicating the matter, these diseases have overlapping clinical and serological features, and some individuals with one autoimmune disease may develop additional autoimmune disorders, either concurrently or at a later stage of their ailment. Autoimmune diseases (ADs) may manifest as a single AD or, concurrently with other ADs, a condition named polyautoimmunity (polyA). Polyautoimmunity refers to the presence of numerous autoimmune disorders in a single patient. Multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS) is a condition that occurs when three or more autoimmune illnesses coexist. Moreover, the coexistence of two or more ADs with classification criteria is named "overt polyA," whereas the presence of autoantibodies not related to the index AD, without criteria fulfillment, is termed "latent polyA." Furthermore, both conditions can exist simultaneously within an individual patient. This case report's findings underscore that patients exhibiting both latent and overt polyautoimmunity tend to group, exhibiting distinct clinical and immunological characteristics. Additionally, CTDs not only have overlapping features amongst their various subclasses but also tend to mimic other conditions due to an underlying chronic inflammatory state. This case study also attempts to highlight the diagnostic dilemmas faced in such situations.

Hepatogenous Diabetes as Compared to Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-diabetes in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: Magnitude, Characteristics, and Implications.

Aim: Hepatogenous diabetes (HD) is frequently underestimated among cirrhosis patients. The current study assessed the magnitude, clinical characteristics, and implications of HD in cirrhosis patients as compared to the patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-diabetes (ND) cirrhosis. Methods: In a prospective observational study, 338 consecutive eligible cirrhosis patients were screened for diabetes mellitus. A 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to detect HD. The clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes were ascertained and compared amongst HD, T2DM, and ND patients. Results: In the final study cohort of 316 patients, the proportion of HD, T2DM, and ND was 22.5% (n = 71), 26.3% (n = 83), and 51.3% (n = 162), respectively. HD was the predominant form of diabetes (68.9%) in Child-Pugh class-C cirrhosis. The majority (73%) of HD patients had abnormal OGTT without fasting hyperglycaemia. A lower cut-off of 98.5 mg/dl for fasting blood glucose had a modest sensitivity (72%) and specificity (75%) for predicting HD. In comparison to T2DM patients, HD patients were younger, leaner, and had more advanced cirrhosis. In comparison to ND patients, HD patients were leaner but had higher glycemic indices, serum cholesterol, and arterial ammonia levels. During a median follow-up period of 12 (03-21) months, the frequency of hepatic encephalopathy and variceal haemorrhage were higher in HD and T2DM patients compared to that in the ND group. Conclusions: HD is prevalent in about one fifth of cirrhosis patients. It differs from T2DM and ND in a number of ways, and has association with complications of cirrhosis.

Development of Predictive Models Based on Biochemical Parameters to Triage COVID-19 Patients: A Study Conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background The COVID-19 disease continues to cause severe mortality and morbidity. Biochemical parameters are being used to predict the severity of the infection. This study aims to predict disease severity and mortality to help reduce mortality through timely intervention in a cost-effective way. Methods A total of 324 COVID-19 cases admitted at our hospital (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, BR, India) between June 2020 to December 2020 (phase 1: 190 patients) and April 2021 to May 2021 (phase 2: 134 patients) were recruited for this study. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and model prediction using Python (The Python Software Foundation, Wilmington, DE, USA). Results There were significant differences in biochemical parameters at the time of admission among COVID-19 patients between phases 1 and 2, ICU and non-ICU admissions, and expired and discharged patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves predicted mortality solely based on biochemical parameters. Using multiple logistic regression in Python, a total of four models (two each) were developed to predict ICU admission and mortality. A total of 92 out of 96 patients were placed into the correct management category by our model. This model would have allowed us to preserve 17 of the 21 patients we lost. Conclusions We developed predictive models for admission (ICU or non-ICU) and mortality based on biochemical parameters at the time of admission. A predictive model with a significant predictive capability for IL-6 and procalcitonin values using normal biochemical parameters was proposed. Both can be used as machine learning tools to prognosticate the severity of COVID-19 infections. This study is probably the first of its kind to propose triage for admission in the ICU or non-ICU at the medical emergency department during the first presentation for the necessary optimal treatment of COVID-19 based on a predictive model.

From Causatum to Erratum, all in a name.

BACKGROUND: This study highlights how a trivial mistake in collecting timed blood samples of parathyroid hormone (PTH) during parathyroidectomy (PTX) can potentially become a serious error affecting surgical closure. METHODS: For the measurement of serum PTH, the intact PTH (iPTH) test was used to obtain baseline, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative samples of PTH, to guide the surgical team regarding adequacy of PTX. RESULTS: Due to the lack of proper guidelines, all types of samples for PTH are labeled as iPTH by the Laboratory Information Services (LIS) software. Due to a human error in marking the PTH vacutainers generated for different time point samples by LIS, samples were swapped. The values in the lab revealed a spurious rise in PTH post-PTX. The laboratory physician carefully observed the tubes and identified the reason for this mistake. The timely action therefore led to surgical closure, otherwise it could have led to unwarranted extended PTX. CONCLUSIONS: In cases where timed samples are mandatory, having a common code for all requisitions can invariably lead to pre-analytical error, therefore proper discriminative measures need to be introduced to avoid these mistakes.

Pre-analytical errors in coagulation testing: a case series.

OBJECTIVES: Prevention of pre-analytical issues in coagulation testing is of paramount importance for good laboratory performance. In addition to common issues like hemolysed, icteric, or lipemic samples, some specific pre-analytical errors of coagulation testing include clotted specimens, improper blood-to-anticoagulant ratio, contamination with other anticoagulants, etc. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are very commonly affected tests due to pre-analytical variables. The impact these parameters possess on surgical decision-making and various life-saving interventions are substantial therefore we cannot afford laxity and casual mistakes in carrying out these critical investigations at all. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case series, a total of 4 cases of unexpectedly deranged coagulation profiles have been described which were reported incorrectly due to the overall casual approach towards these critical investigations. We have also mentioned how the treating clinician and lab physician retrospectively accessed relevant information in the nick of time to bring back reassurance. CONCLUSIONS: Like every other critical investigation, analytical errors can occur in coagulation parameters due to various avoidable pre-analytical variables. The release of spurious results for coagulation parameters sets alarm bells ringing causing much agony to the treating doctor and patient. Only a disciplined and careful approach taken by hospital and lab staff towards each sample regardless of its criticality can negate these stressful errors to a large extent.

The Role of Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) and Line Immunoassay (LIA) in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases and Their Clinical Correlation: An Observational Study From a Tertiary Care Center in Bihar.

Background and aim The presence of distinct sets of autoantigens and autoantibodies bestow these autoimmune diseases (ADs) with specific immune profiles or fingerprints, which has cleared the diagnostic dilemma associated with these ADs. This study was planned to collate and compare the reporting of indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with line immunoassay (LIA) and their clinical correlations. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the reporting of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) screening by IIF and ANA profile reporting by LIA. Additionally, it aimed to explore the association of ANA pattern detection by IIF with the detection of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens by LIA and the association of autoantibody detection by LIA with clinical diagnosis. Methodology A total of 98 samples from patients suspected of having ADs were subjected to both IIF and LIA, and results were correlated with clinical diagnosis. Results In the homogenous pattern noted by IIF, the clustered antigens identified by LIA included dsDNA, Nucleosome, Histone, and Mi-2. In the speckled pattern, the identified antigens were SS-A/Ro52, P0, SS-A/Ro60, SS-B/La, and U1-snRNP. On the other hand, the nucleolar pattern revealed antigens AMA M2, PCNA, and CENP-B. The centromere pattern was mostly associated with CENP-B. The speckled pattern was found to be most commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The most common autoantibody found in total ANA profile-positive samples was anti-U1-snRNP followed by anti-SS-A/Ro60 and anti-SS-B/La, and all three were found to be associated with SLE. Conclusions SLE was the most common AD identified in our study samples, with the speckled pattern being the most common pattern on IIF and anti-U1-snRNP being the most common ANA identified by LIA. The fluorescence pattern of IIF predicts the presence of specific antibodies. LIA should be reserved for IIF-positive but dubious cases and whose signs and symptoms are nebulous and do not match the disease dictated by IIF.

Association of serum adiponectin levels and ADIPOQ SNP rs2241766 with breast cancer risk in Indian women.

Context: Adiponectin, an adipokine, and its gene polymorphisms have been associated with breast cancer risk in various populations. Subjects and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the association of the circulating levels of adiponectin and adiponectin gene polymorphism SNP rs2241766 with breast cancer and its clinicopathological characteristics in Indian women. A case-control study was carried out with 60 Ductal Infiltrating Breast Carcinoma patients and 60 age-matched healthy controls. Serum adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA. SNP genotyping was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Statistical Analysis: Serum adiponectin levels were compared using the Mann Whitney U test. The frequency of genotypes was compared using the Chi-square test. The odds ratio was calculated using logistic regression. Results: Lower serum adiponectin level was associated with increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women (OR - 7.69; 95% CI - 2.16-27.43, P = 0.002) but not in the reproductive age group women. There was no association between adiponectin levels with the TNM stage of the tumor, histopathological grade, erbB2, and ER/PR status. The SNP rs2241766 polymorphism was not associated with breast cancer risk but the mutant genotypes TG/GG was found to be significantly associated with the lower histopathological grade of the tumor (X2 (2, N = 60) = 8.62, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that low serum adiponectin levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The TG/GG genotypes of SNP rs2241766 polymorphism were associated with a lower histological grade of the tumor.

Interference of anti-nuclear antibodies on determination of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients suspected of vasculitis: a case series.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are mainly associated with medium and small vessel vasculitis. Two main methodologies currently available for detection of these antibodies are indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and monospecific proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) based immunoassays. However, well-defined guidelines regarding mode of testing for ANCA in laboratories still don't exist, leading to problems in diagnosis and further patient management. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies testing by IIF and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) often pose a significant challenge in diseases other than vasculitis and in overlapping autoimmune conditions. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies reporting by IIF can be challenging in certain circumstances. This case series aims to discuss four cases with probable interference of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) during ANCA testing by IIF resulting in ANCA false positivity. All four cases on subsequent reflex testing by line immunoassay (LIA) for PR3, MPO and glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigens proved otherwise. While analysing for the presence of ANCA by IIF, the possible interference of ANA leading to a false positive ANCA result should be kept in mind and alternative methods of testing like ELISA, extended granulocyte based IIF assays with MPO and PR3 coated beads, etc., should also be advised. Probability of atypical ANCA in diseases other than vasculitis should also be considered in case of ambiguous results.

Anti-F-Actin Antibody Positivity on Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay Following Chinese and Alternative Medicine Therapy: A Case Report.

Immunofluorescence on human epithelial type 2 cells is the standard screening assay for the detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Cytoplasmic speckled patterns are a common finding. However, the less commonly reported ones include the cytoplasmic fibrillar patterns on indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIFT). The cytoplasmic fibrillar patterns include the cytoplasmic linear (AC-15), cytoplasmic filamentous (AC-16), and cytoplasmic segmental (AC-17). We report a case of cytoplasmic linear (F-actin) detected through IIFT during ANA screening in a 77-year-old man and later reconfirmed on liver mosaic biochip through IIFT on vascular smooth muscle substrate (VSM-47) without features suggestive of anti-smooth muscle antibody involvement post-complementary and alternative medicine therapy initiation.

Variation in biochemical parameters in COVID-19 patients admitted at a tertiary care dedicated COVID hospital: A prospective study.

Introduction: COVID-19 infection has a myriad of presentation. Rural India and other developing nations are relatively resource poor, not having access to modern specialized investigations. In this study, we tried to evaluate only biochemical parameters in predicting the severity of the infection. The aim of this study was to find a cost-effective means to predict the clinical course at the time of admission and thereby to reduce mortality and, if possible, morbidity by timely intervention. Materials and Methods: All COVID-19-positive cases admitted at our hospital from March 21 to December 31, 2020, were recruited in this study. The same acted as sham control at recovery. Results: We observed a significant difference in biochemical parameters at the time of admission and discharge, between mild/moderate disease and severe disease. We found slightly deranged liver function tests at admission, which becomes normal at the time of discharge. Urea, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin concentrations in severe/critical patients were significantly higher than that in the mild/moderate group. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to predict the severity on the basis of biochemical parameters independently, of the patients based on these values. Conclusion: We proposed cutoff values of certain biochemical parameters, which will help in judging the severity of the infection at admission. We developed a predictive model with a significant predictive capability for CRP and ferritin values, using normal available biochemical parameters, routinely done in resource-poor centers. Clinicians working in resource-poor situations will be benefitted by having an idea of the severity of the disease. Timely intervention will reduce mortality and severe morbidity.

Résumé Introduction: L'infection au COVID19 a une myriade de présentations. L'Inde rurale et d'autres pays en développement sont relativement pauvres en ressources, non avoir accès aux enquêtes spécialisées modernes. Dans cette étude, nous avons essayé d'évaluer uniquement les paramètres biochimiques pour prédire la gravité de l'infection. Le but de cette étude était de trouver un moyen rentable de prédire l'évolution clinique au moment de l'admission et ainsi de réduire la mortalité et, si possible, la morbidité par une intervention rapide. Matériels et méthodes: Tous les cas positifs au COVID19 admis à notre hospitalisés du 21 mars au 31 décembre 2020, ont été recrutés dans cette étude. La même chose a agi comme un contrôle factice lors de la récupération. Résultats: Nous avons observé une différence significative dans les paramètres biochimiques au moment de l'admission et de la sortie, entre une maladie légère/modérée et une maladie grave. Nous avons trouvé des tests de la fonction hépatique légèrement dérangés à l'admission, qui deviennent normaux au moment de la sortie. Urée, protéine Créactive (CRP, les concentrations de procalcitonine, de lactate déshydrogénase et de ferritine chez les patients sévères/critiques étaient significativement plus élevées que chez les patients légers/modérés groupe. Les courbes caractéristiques de fonctionnement du récepteur ont été tracées pour prédire la gravité sur la base de paramètres biochimiques indépendamment, deles patients en fonction de ces valeurs. Conclusion: Nous avons proposé des valeurs seuils de certains paramètres biochimiques, qui permettront de juger de la gravité de l'infection à l'admission. Nous avons développé un modèle prédictif avec une capacité prédictive significative pour les valeurs de CRP et de ferritine, en utilisant les paramètres biochimiques normaux disponibles, systématiquement effectués dans les centres pauvres en ressources. Les cliniciens travaillant dans des situations où les ressources sont limitées bénéficier d'avoir une idée de la gravité de la maladie. Une intervention rapide réduira la mortalité et la morbidité grave. Mots-clés: COVID19, ferritine, lactate déshydrogénase, urée.

Posttreatment Persistence of Monoclonal Protein on Immunofixation Electrophoresis but Absence on Serum Protein Electrophoresis in a Case of Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma.

Laboratory investigations for any suspected case of solitary plasmacytoma of bone include routine biochemical and hematological investigations along with ß2-microglobulin, electrophoresis of serum protein and/or 24-hour urine protein, serum protein immunofixation (IFE), and nephelometric quantification of total immunoglobulin isotype and serum free light chain levels. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy are mandatory to confirm the absence of clonal plasma cells (for solitary plasmacytoma) or the presence of less than 10% clonal cells (solitary plasmacytoma with minimal bone marrow involvement). Imaging studies such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography/CT should be used to complement laboratory tests in diagnosis, staging, and defining the local extent of the plasmacytoma. However, guidelines regarding choice of technique for the detection of M band when monitoring a follow-up case of operated plasmacytoma are still not clear. Through this case study, we try to highlight the role of IFE in a follow-up case of operated solitary plasmacytoma of the bone.

Accuracy of Serum Parathyroid Hormone Measured on the Early Morning of the First Postoperative Day in Predicting Clinically Significant Post-Total Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical hypocalcemia (CH) following total thyroidectomy (TT) is a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated. This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of parathyroid hormone (PTH) measured in the early morning of the first postoperative day (POD-1) in predicting CH, and determining the cutoff values of PTH that can predict the development of CH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing TT between February 2018 and July 2022. Serum PTH, calcium, and albumin levels were measured on morning (6-8 AM) of postoperative day one (POD-1), and serum calcium level was measured from POD-2 onwards. We performed ROC curve analysis to determine the accuracy of PTH in predicting postoperative CH, and cutoff values of PTH to predict CH. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients, 52 (57.1%) with benign and 39 (42.9%) with malignant goiter were included. The incidence of biochemical, and clinical hypocalcemia was 24.2% and 30.8%, respectively. In our study serum, PTH measured in the early morning of first postoperative day following TT was found to have good accuracy (AUC = .88) in predicting CH. A PTH value of ≥27.15 pg/mL was found to have a 96.4% sensitivity in ruling out CH, while a serum PTH value <10.65 pg/mL had a specificity of 95.2% in predicting CH. DISCUSSION: Patients with a serum PTH value of ≥27.15 pg/mL can be discharged without any supplements, those with PTH <10.65 pg/mL should be started on calcium and calcitriol supplements, while patients having PTH values between 10.65 and 27.15 pg/mL should be monitored for the development of signs and/or symptoms of hypocalcemia.

A Search for Uniformity in Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Reporting.

Varying reports across different laboratories or across different analysers in the same lab for the same sample is not an uncommon phenomena. Experts call this a lack of harmonization. A test that is harmonized provides the same results regardless of the manufacturer of reagents used or the laboratory where the test is performed. When laboratory tests are not harmonized, the entire continuum of patient care can be affected in a number of ways. Here, we present a case of varying reports for a single serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) sample on two different immunoassay platforms for a young female presenting with an abdominopelvic mass. The lab reports for serum hCG for this particular patient showed inconsistent results with the same sample within the same lab. The phenomena behind this was lack of harmonization of test results. We introspect many of the factors responsible for lack of uniformity in hCG results amongst the major ones being with use of antibodies directed against different epitopes of hCG (analyte) and the heterogeneity of the hCG molecule itself. Harmonization is a process to ensure that different clinical testing procedures used by different laboratories give equivalent results. Harmonizing test results will enable healthcare providers to use clinical guidelines with greater confidence for diagnosing disease and managing patients.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration of an orbital abscess.

A 10-year-old boy presented with severe proptosis due to a retrobulbar abscess. Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration was performed under intravenous sedation with complete abscess core decompression and resolution of proptosis.

Sero-epidemiological survey of SARS-Cov2 in urban slums of a capital city: A cross- sectional study.

Introduction: Slums are the most vulnerable settlements for COVID-19 infection due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine the level of seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 infection among slum dwellers. Material and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey was conducted at several slums of Patna over four weeks, that is, January 20-February 20, 2021. A total of 650 participants were recruited in the study by applying a two-stage random sampling technique. Results: Seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody was found to be 31.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 27.9-35.1). The seropositivity prevalence was found to be statistically higher among participants belonging to the age group of 18-30 years (41.1%), male gender (67.9%), high-risk occupation (70%), below poverty line (BPL) economic status (62.1%), and residing in a hut (51.2%) and kutcha house (42.4%). Further, 262 participants reported having COVID-like symptoms in the preceding 1 month of the survey, which was found to be significantly associated with the seropositivity status. Conclusion: The finding of the study reflects that a moderate seroprevalence level of COVID-19 infection was acquired in the slum settings of Bihar. Unchecked spread in these informal communities will pose a serious threat to the rest of the bigger sections of urban populations. This indirectly calls for early intervention in the form of preference in the roadmap of COVID-19 vaccination.

An Epidemiological Investigation to evaluate the link between hypovitaminosis D and COVID-19.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global threat, with an inexplicable course of action and suboptimal response to the multitudes of therapies being tried. Vitamin D's pleiotropic effects (immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral) have lately received considerable attention in the scientific community, and it has been shown to be helpful in the defense against viral respiratory infections. Aim: To find out the association between vitamin D and COVID-19. Methods: Overall, 360 (156 COVID-19 +ve and 204 COVID-19 -ve) subjects were investigated in this hospital-based case-control study. The study participants were taken from the COVID-19 wards and Flu clinic of a dedicated COVID hospital between August 1 and September 15, 2020. The demographics and clinical data including alcohol and smoking history along with serum vitamin D levels were recorded. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between age, gender, alcohol intake, smoking history, vitamin D status, and COVID-19. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean vitamin D levels between cases and controls. Bivariate analysis of predictors and COVID-19 revealed that predictors such as advanced age, BMI, alcohol intake, smoking habit, diabetes, hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency were significantly associated with COVID-19. Conclusions: This study showed that serum vitamin D status might be able to reduce the impact of COVID-19, although more studies are required to establish clear causality.

POEMS Syndrome: Clinical and Laboratory Approach Towards Diagnosis.

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystem paraneoplastic disorder. Here we describe a case of a 50 year old post-menopausal female who presented with chief complaints of difficulty in walking, getting up from squatting position and tingling sensation of bilateral lower limbs since 1 month. Additional unusual features in the patient included hepatosplenomegaly, endocrinal involvement in the form of hypothyroidism and elevated estradiol levels for her age. There were skin changes in the form of hyperpigmentation. M protein was not noted on serum electrophoresis but was visible on serum protein immunofixation (IgA lambda). She was investigated as a case of polyneuropathy and later a provisional clinical diagnosis of POEMS was made based on the presence of major and minor criteria. The patient was managed with methyl prednisolone, calcium carbonate and vit D3 and topical antibiotics for local infections.