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.

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.