SARS-CoV-19-associated Rhino-orbital and cerebral mucormycosis: clinical and radiological presentations.

We describe presenting clinical and imaging manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated Rhino-oculo-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in a hospital setting during the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in India. Data on the presenting manifestations were collected from 1 March to 31 May 2021. Associations between clinical and imaging findings were explored, specifically: (1) the presence or absence of orbital pain and infiltration of a superior orbital fissure on imaging; (2) the presence of unilateral facial nerve palsy and pterygopalatine fossa infiltration and geniculate ganglion signal on contrast magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) vision loss and optic nerve findings on imaging. Orbital pain was reported by 6/36 subjects. A fixed, frozen eye with proptosis and congestion was documented in 26 (72%), complete vision loss in 23 (64%), and a unilateral lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy in 18 (50%). No association was found between the presence of orbital pain and superior orbital fissure infiltration on imaging. The ipsilateral geniculate ganglion was found to enhance more profoundly in 7/11 subjects with facial palsy and available magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and the ipsilateral pterygopalatine fossa was found infiltrated in 14. Among 23 subjects with complete loss of vision, 9 (39%) demonstrated long-segment bright signal in the posterior optic nerve on diffusion MR images. We conclude that orbital pain might be absent in SARS-CoV-2-associated ROCM. Facial nerve palsy is more common than previously appreciated and ischemic lesions of the posterior portion of the optic nerve underlie complete vision loss.

Unique clinical and radiological manifestations identified in the outbreak of Rhino-oculo-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) during the second epidemic wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection included the common occurrence of facial paralysis, frequent absence of ocular pain, and long segments of optic nerve damage.

A rational approach to manage surgical procedures in COVID Era - A perspective based on experience in a private referral hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: COVID-19 disease has imposed challenges in caring for non-Covid elective surgical patients. As elective surgeries become essential, we propose to evaluate our approach and outcomes of surgical procedures performed during the initial period of COVID-19 pandemic so as to provide a road-map for safer approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated outcomes in patients who underwent essential elective and emergency surgeries during the 5-week period between April 18, 2020 and May 28, 2020. All patients were screened at the front desk on their arrival to identify possible exposure to SARS- CoV-2. Nasopharyngeal swab of patients requiring hospital admission was tested for COVID-19 by quantitative RT-PCR. Patients needing essential elective surgery were taken up for surgery if they tested negative for COVID-19. Emergency procedures were undertaken in a demarcated theatre for COVID after taking level-3 protection without delay. The clinical data was reviewed and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 764 surgical procedures were conducted, of which 70.7% were elective essential surgeries, with 95.4% of these patients being discharged in stable healthy condition. Approximately 23% of the elective and 26% of the emergency surgeries was categorised in the surgical difficulty category III and majority of these were performed under general anesthesia. Postoperative mortality was 1.04%, but the overall mortality rate was approximately 2.5%. Only two patients (0.3%) tested positive for COVID-19 in our series. CONCLUSION: A robust preoperative screening and testing can enable safe scheduling of essential elective surgeries.

A comparison between ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and Air-Q Blocker in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is an established device for airway management, while Air-Q Blocker (AQB) is a relatively new supraglottic device. The aim of this study is to compare AQB against PLMA in adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-eight adult patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. A drain tube (gastric tube for PLMA and blocker tube for AQB) was inserted through the drain channel of the respective device. PLMA was inserted in Group P (n = 44) and AQB was inserted in Group A (n = 44) to secure the airway. The primary endpoint was airway seal pressure. Secondarily, we sought to compare overall insertion success, ease of insertion, hemodynamic effects after initial placement, ease of drain tube placement, and perioperative oropharyngolaryngeal morbidity between the devices. RESULTS: Oropharyngeal seal pressures for AQB and PLMA were 31.5 ± 2.41 and 29.41 ± 2.14 cm H2O, respectively (P = 0.01). Insertion time was longer with AQB than PLMA, 25.59 ± 5.71 and 18.66 ± 3.15 seconds, respectively (P = 0.001). Ease and success rate of insertion was better with PLMA compared to AQB. Failure of device insertion was seen in 2 cases of Group A. Gastric distension was seen in 4 patients in Group A, requiring replacement with endotracheal tube in two patients. Ventilation was successful in all 44 patients with PLMA. Both the devices were comparable in providing a patent airway and adequate oxygenation during controlled ventilation. There was an increased trend of airway trauma and complications in the AQB group. CONCLUSION: Both PLMA and AQB show similar efficacy in maintaining ventilation and oxygenation, during laparoscopic surgery. However, proper positioning and functioning of the blocker tube of AQB is a limiting factor, and needs further evaluation.

Comparison of IV granisetron and IV palonosetron on hemodynamics and sensory and motor block after spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The present study evaluated the effects of two 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonists; granisetron and palonosetron on hemodynamics, sensory, and motor blockade induced by intrathecal bupivacaine in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 126 female patients (ASA I and II physical status) undergoing abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia with intrathecal bupivacaine were randomly divided into three groups out of which 40 patients in each group were evaluated for final outcome. Group G received intravenous 1 mg granisetron, group P received intravenous palonosetron 0.075 mg, and group C received intravenous normal saline. Study drug was given 5 min before the spinal anesthesia. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, sensory and motor blockade were assessed. RESULTS: The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate showed no significant differences among the three groups. Time to reach peak sensory block and modified Bromage 3 motor block, time to two segmental regression of sensory block, and motor regression to modified Bromage score of 0 were not statistically different among the three groups. Although statistically significant early regression of sensory block to segment S1 was seen in group G as compared to group P and group C, it was of no clinical significance. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in group G and P. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of granisetron and palonosetron before intrathecal bupivacaine does not attenuate the hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Further, both 5-HT3 receptors antagonists do not have clinically significant effects on the spinal blockade produced by hyperbaric bupivacaine.

Kikuchi's disease--a rare cause of lymphadenopathy and fever.

Kikuchi's disease is a rare, benign, self-limited disorder, characterised clinically by fever and tender regional lymphadenopathy. It has been reported worldwide and is particularly common in people of Asian descent. The cause of Kikuchi's disease is unknown. It predominantly affects young females and can closely mimic several infectious and immunological conditions. Histopathologic features of lymph nodes in Kikuchi's disease are characteristic and permit differentiation of this benign condition from lymphomas, systemic lupus erythematosus and infectious lymphadenopathies. We report a female patient presenting with fever and tender cervical lymphadenopathy. She was being treated for tubercular lymphadenitis and was referred after she developed a transient hepatitis and a skin rash following treatment with anti-tubercular drugs. An excisional biopsy of the lymph node revealed histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis, consistent with Kikuchi's disease. A brief review of the pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of Kikuchi's disease is presented.

Ultrasound-Guided Zygomaticotemporal Nerve Block for Refractory Temporal Headaches: A Case Series.

Landmark-guided zygomaticotemporal nerve blocks are a well-described modality to manage headaches in the temporal region. We report 3 cases in which ultrasound-guided zygomaticotemporal nerve blocks were performed for severe unilateral temporal headaches that failed to respond to standard treatment in the outpatient pain clinic. All the patients reported substantial and durable pain relief with no complications.

Psychological Resilience, Coping, and Distress in Admitted Patients With COVID-19 Infection.

Objective: To assess psychological resilience, coping, and related psychological distress in admitted COVID-19 patients. Predictors of subsequent development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and disability were also studied.Methods: Stable inpatients with COVID-19 (aged > 18 years with mild symptoms) admitted to a tertiary care hospital from April 2020 to December 2020 were recruited for the study. During admission, the patients were assessed for resilience, coping, and psychological distress using the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced), and 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4). Similarly, they were assessed at 4 weeks after discharge using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule.Results: A total of 176 patients were recruited for the study and assessed during their admission, and 102 were reassessed during follow-up. Of the patients, 17.6% during admission and 58.8% at follow-up had significant psychological distress (PHQ-4 score > 2). The mean ± SD CD-RISC-10 score was 27.94 ± 5.82. The most used coping strategies were emotional support, religion, and acceptance. Increased resilience was associated with better education (rs[100] = 0.265, P = .007), less psychological distress (r[100] = -0.596, P = .001), and healthy coping strategies. PHQ-4, PCL-5, and disability scores at follow-up were positively correlated (Pearson correlation). The multiple regression model statistically significantly predicted PTSS (F7, 94 = 2.660, P < .015, adjusted R2 = 0.103).Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with better resilience are associated with reduced psychological distress. Better resilient traits and reduced psychological distress may prevent ensuing PTSS and disability.

Clinical Profile of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Comparing the First and Second Waves: A Single-Center Study from North India.

Background and Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), led to a devastating pandemic that hit majority of the countries globally in a wave-like pattern. The characteristics of the disease varied in different geographical areas and different populations. This study highlights the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 during two major waves in North India. Materials and Methods: Clinical characteristics and outcomes of all COVID-19-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-positive patients, admitted from March 2020 to June 2021, to a tertiary care center in North India, were studied retrospectively. Results: During this period, total of 5652 patients were diagnosed having COVID. Patients who were incidentally diagnosed as COVID-positive (n=667) with other unrelated comorbid conditions and patients admitted under level 1 facility (n=1655; 1219 from first and 436 from second wave) were excluded from final analysis. Males were most commonly affected in both waves, with male to female ratio 4:1 in first and 3:1 in second wave. First wave had significantly more people with co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension (P=0.001), whereas younger age group (age <40 years) were significantly more affected in second wave (P= 0.000). Fever was the most common presenting complaint in both waves, followed by cough and breathlessness. Patients during first wave had more severe disease at presentation and high mortality compared to the second wave. Conclusion: Majority of the patients with COVID-19 infection presenting to our hospital were young during the second wave. Fever was noted as presenting manifestation. Mortality was low during the second wave as compared to the first wave, likely to be due to proper protocol-based treatment resulting in better outcomes.

Endocrine and Metabolic Manifestations of COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit.

CONTEXT: The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the endocrine system remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to explore the possible effects of COVID-19 on endocrine organs and to determine the impact of glycemic status, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, calcium levels, and thyroid dysfunction on the final outcome of patients with COVID-19. DESIGN AND METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study evaluated endocrine function abnormalities in 102 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS:  Of 102 patients admitted to ICU, 42 (41.2%) succumbed to illness. The most frequently observed abnormality in thyroid function tests was low free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels (56%). A thyroid profile indicating thyrotoxicosis was detected in five (4.9%) patients, and overt hypothyroidism was identified in two (1.9%) patients. New-onset diabetes was detected in five (4.9%) patients whereas diabetic ketoacidosis at presentation was found in six (5.9%) cases. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was detected in one patient with diabetes during treatment of COVID-19 while three (2.9%) patients were diagnosed with pulmonary mucormycosis after recovery from COVID-19. Hypocalcemia was observed in 52 (51 %) patients. Out of 42 patients who died, 32 patients had low FT3, 26 patients had high glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and 33 patients had low 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, low FT3 and higher HbA1c levels were significantly associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION:  New-onset thyrotoxicosis in COVID-19 patients is mostly due to subacute thyroiditis. Hypocalcemia is also frequently encountered in patients with moderate disease and those with critical COVID-19. A high index of suspicion is required to timely diagnose mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients with diabetes.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection Presenting with Renal Infarction: A Rare Case Report.

After its discovery in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now become a pandemic in a short period. The kidney involvement is frequently reported, especially in critically ill hospitalized patients. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed for this damage range from direct invasion, cytokine storm, and hemodynamic derangements. Although COVID-19 has been described to have association with hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic events in major blood vessels, renal infarction due to COVID-19 infection is a rare occurrence. We here report a rare case of renal infarction due to COVID-19 infection. This patient initially presented with COVID pneumonia with acute kidney injury. Later on during evaluation of his gastrointestinal complaints, he was detected to have renal infarction by computed tomography angiography.

Anemia and Nutritional Status in Tuberculosis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is a common complication of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Nutritional deficiency and malabsorption syndrome can deepen the severity of anemia. The aim of the present study was to study anemia and nutritional status in patients with TB at a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients diagnosed with TB (pulmonary and extrapulmonary), registered withRevised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), taking DOTS regimen, attending the outpatient department as well as those admitted in the medicine and chest units of a tertiary care hospital, were enrolled in the present study. RESULTS: Anemia was more common between the age groups of 51 and 60 years, with distribution of males (87 [58%]), patients with diabetes (49 [32%]), and hypertensive patients (29 [19.3%]). In our study, 48 (85.7%) out of 56 patients diagnosed with extrapulmonary TB were found to have anemia; similarly, 77 (88.5%) out of 87 patients diagnosed to have pulmonary TB were anemic. Anemia of chronic disease (128 [97.17%]) was higher when compared to that of those with iron-deficiency anemia (3 [2.29%]). According to body mass index (BMI), 135 (90%) patients were underweight; according to mid-arm circumference (MAC), 131 (87.3%) patients had severe malnutrition; and according to waist-hip ratio [WHR], 96 (64%) patients were underweight. CONCLUSION: Anemia was common in males and alcoholics, and there was a high prevalence of anemia of chronic disease. In addition, anemia was associated with high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. High proportions of TB patients (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) were classified as underweight and malnourished on the basis of different parameters (BMI, MAC, and WHR); in addition, the degree of malnutrition was higher in patients with anemia than in those without.

Comparison of Tocilizumab and High-dose Methylprednisolone Pulse on Outcomes in Severe Corona Virus Disease-2019: TAME-COVID, a Retrospective Multicentric Study.

BACKGROUND: India recently encountered fierce second wave of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and scarcity of novel medications added to the management challenges. Various studies have highlighted the effectiveness of tocilizumab and high-dose steroids in severe COVIDs, but none has compared their efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multi-centric analysis compares intravenous tocilizumab (8 mg/kg/day, maximum dose-800 mg), and intravenous Methylprednisolone Pulse (MPS-1 g/day for 3 days) in severe COVID-19. Both the groups had additionally received the standard of care COVID treatment as per protocol. Outcomes were assessed at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 336 patients, with 249 receiving MPS and 87 receiving tocilizumab were compared. Majority of these were males (72.9%) with a mean age of 57.4 ± 13.6 years. Diabetes was the most common comorbidity. Patients in both groups had comparable age distribution, comorbidities, presenting mean-arterial pressures, d-Dimer levels, serum ferritin, serum leukocyte-dehydrogenase, and procalcitonin. However, the tocilizumab group had more number of males, higher incidence of coronary artery disease, more tachypnea and leukocytosis, more number of patients with severe acute respiratory disease syndrome (PaO2/FiO2 ratio <100), and higher C-reactive protein levels at presentation. Both groups had comparable adverse events' profile. Tocilizumab group had lesser requirement of invasive ventilation than MPS group (17% vs. 29%, P = 0.038), however mortality at the end of 30 days follow-up was similar (36% vs. 34% respectively; P = 0.678). CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab decreased the need for invasive ventilation in severe COVID-19; however, it did not translate to improved survival. A planned prospective randomized study is recommended in this respect to compare their efficacy.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Donning and Doffing of Personal Protective Equipment: An Institutional Survey of Health-Care Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect the health-care professional from bacterial, viral, or other hazards during this COVID-19 pandemic, and they should be made aware of proper usage of this equipment. AIMS: The aim was to evaluate how adequate knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of health-care worker toward the appropriate use of PPE, which can prevent them and the community from virus contamination. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in a span of approximately 50 days. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was done in 155 health-care providers posted in the COVID-19 area. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were described in terms of range; mean ± standard deviation, frequencies (number of cases) and relative frequencies (percentages) as appropriate. RESULTS: Health-care workers (HCWs) were aware of the importance and criticality of donning and doffing procedure, but they lack the knowledge about dispersion of virus as 62% responded that virus dispersion occurs more during donning than doffing. Gaps were found in attitude as 51% of HCWs found it inconvenient to don PPE that they sometimes think of compromising their own safety. Nearly 33.5% of HCWs move out of the doffing area without removing gloves and N-95, which needs serious correction in their practice. CONCLUSION: There were major gaps in KAP at institutional level among the health-care providers with regard to donning and doffing of PPE during the beginning of this pandemic.

Impact of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation on outcome of aluminium phosphide poisoning complicated with myocardial dysfunction.

Background: Aluminium phosphide (AlP) poisoning is associated with a high mortality rate when patients are complicated with myocardial dysfunction and refractory shock or severe metabolic acidosis. We studied the role of veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in patients of AlP poisoning induced myocardial dysfunction. Methods and results: This is a tertiary care, single-centre, retrospective study. Between January 2011 and June 2016, total of 107 patients with AlP poisoning were identified and of those 67 were categorised in high-risk category as per the criteria. The in-hospital mortality of patients who received ECMO (n = 35) was compared to those who received conventional treatment (n = 32) only. The use of ECMO in addition to conventional treatment has reduced the in-hospital mortality from 84.4% to 40% (odds ratio: 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.73). Among survivors, the ECMO group had a significantly lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; median: 24%; IQR: 22-29 vs. median: 32%; IQR: 32-33.5; p < .003) but a non-significantly higher LVEF at the time of discharge (median: 52%; IQR: 48-60 vs. median: 48%; IQR: 47-49; p: .064) than did the conventional group. On logistic regression analysis the higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, lower pH and the non-usage of ECMO were found to be the independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: The use of ECMO in high-risk patient of AlP poisoning has resulted in a significant reduction in the mortality. A high baseline SOFA score has been found to be the independent predictor of mortality.

A dose-ranging study of intraarticular midazolam for pain relief after knee arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: A variety of analgesic techniques have been used to manage postoperative pain after arthroscopic knee surgery. Intraarticular midazolam may have an analgesic effect similar to that seen when midazolam is used in a centroneuraxial fashion. METHODS: Sixty ASA status I or II patients undergoing knee arthroscopy with general anesthesia were randomized to receive intraarticular midazolam 50 mug/kg, 75 mug/kg, or isotonic saline. We assessed the efficacy of the analgesic technique with visual analog scale pain scores, time until first request for analgesics, and cumulative analgesic consumption. Patients were observed for 48 h. RESULTS: The addition of intraarticular midazolam significantly reduced visual analog pain scores in the early postoperative period compared with saline. Both doses similarly prolonged duration until first request for analgesic compared with saline (4.7 and 4.6 vs 0.7 h). There was no statistically significant difference between the two doses of midazolam or cumulative 48 h analgesic consumption. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when intraarticular midazolam was compared with placebo there was a reduction in pain after day-case arthroscopic knee surgery; however, this pain relief was of relatively short duration.