Hypertension the 'Missed Modifiable Risk Factor' for Diabetic Neuropathy: a Systematic Review.

Diabetes and hypertension stand as the major non-infectious diseases affecting 34.2 million and 1.28 billion people respectively. The literature on the impact of diabetes on hypertension and vice versa is evolving. The major objectives of this review were to compile the evolving literature establishing the role of hypertension in diabetic neuropathy, derive the exact mechanisms for its pathogenesis, and describe evidence-based precise individualized management of diabetic neuropathy in patients having diabetes complicated by hypertension. A systematic review was conducted by searching databases of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus covering the literature from inception to 2022. We included all observational and experimental studies, including both human and animal studies looking into the correlation between diabetic neuropathy and hypertension. Hypertension poses to be the leading modifiable risk factor for the development of diabetic neuropathy, especially distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, producing abnormal nerve conduction parameters and increased vibration perception threshold in patients with diabetes mellitus. Thus, we advocate that good glycemic control in patients with diabetes needs to be supported with strict blood pressure control for preventing and delaying the onset of diabetic neuropathy.

Thyroid Function Abnormalities in the Acute Phase of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study From North India.

Introduction Viral illnesses like mumps, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Cocksakievirus have been shown to affect the endocrine system, specifically the thyroid as a product of their systemic inflammatory process. The thyroid gland, having high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is also predisposed to dysfunction due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective data of thyroid function tests in patients with COVID-19. Results The majority of patients with COVID-19 had normal thyroid function while low serum T3, seen in 47.3% of patients with severe disease, stood out as the most common thyroid abnormality in the acute phase of the disease. The disease severity was seen to correlate with the extent of thyroid function abnormalities, with severely diseased patients having lower T3 values and normal to low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was seen between TSH and the bio-inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP). Conclusion The acute phase of COVID-19 affects thyroid function in direct correlation with the severity of the disease.

Post-laparotomy Hypoxia: A Case Series.

Postoperative hypoxia is a challenge for surgeons. With the advent of better anesthesia and minimal access surgical techniques, the incidence of postoperative hypoxia in elective cases has decreased. However, the incidence in life-saving emergency procedures still poses a possible threat, and cases seem under-reported. We report a series of five cases of postoperative hypoxia after laparotomy. These cases comprise mesenteric laceration, proximal jejunal perforation, perforated duodenal ulcer, abdominal tuberculosis, and fall from height. Despite different etiologies, they landed up with the complication of postoperative hypoxia, which was attributable to the type of procedure they underwent and not the indication of the procedure itself. Thus, they form an interesting collection of post-laparotomy hypoxia cases. We present them with a compilation of probable causes of postoperative hypoxia in such cases. Postoperative hypoxia presents a diagnostic challenge and requires timely suspicion, prompt intervention to eliminate the cause, and good postoperative care. The major causes include incomplete lung re-expansion, pain-induced restriction in chest-wall/diaphragm mobility, prolonged surgery, a complication of pre-existing lung disease, residual effects of some drugs, and iatrogenic causes. We, therefore, recommend the use of postoperative oxygen support and diligent monitoring of vitals in all cases of laparotomy, allowing prompt and timely patient management. Future studies are warranted to explore the prevalence and possible causes of post-laparotomy hypoxia.

Endocrine manifestations of chronic kidney disease and their evolving management: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) shows a wide range of renal abnormalities including the excretory, metabolic, endocrine, and homeostatic function of the kidney. The prognostic impact of the 'endocrine manifestations' which are often overlooked by clinicians cannot be overstated. METHODS AND OBJECTIVES: A systematic review was attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of all endocrine abnormalities of CKD and their evolving principles of management, searching databases of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus and covering the literature between 2002 and 2022. RESULTS: The endocrine derangements in CKD can be attributed to a myriad of pathologic processes, in particular decreased clearance, impaired endogenous hormone production, uremia-induced cellular dysfunction, and activation of systemic inflammatory pathways. The major disorders include anemia, hyperprolactinemia, insulin resistance, reproductive hormone deficiency, thyroid hormone deficiency, and serum FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) alteration. Long-term effects of CKD also include malnutrition and increased cardiovascular risk. The recent times have unveiled their detailed pathogenesis and have seen an evolution in the principles of management which necessitates a revision of current guidelines. CONCLUSION: Increased advertence regarding the pathology, impact, and management of these endocrine derangements can help in reducing morbidity as well as mortality in the CKD patients by allowing prompt individualized treatment. Moreover, with timely and appropriate intervention, a long-term reduction in complications, as well as an enhanced quality of life, can be achieved in patients with CKD.

Post-COVID Syndrome and Severity of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Evaluation From North India.

Background COVID-19 has now lasted for more than two years as a pandemic and has had enduring effects on the health of people as the post-COVID syndrome. Recent literature has shown the long-term effects of COVID-19 on various organ systems, including but not limited to respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems. Methods and objectives We aimed to estimate the prevalence of post-acute COVID symptoms in a tertiary care center in northern India; observe the effects of the demographic profile of age, BMI, gender, and presence of comorbidities on the persistence of post-COVID syndrome, and explore any correlation between the severity of COVID-19 disease and the persistence of post-COVID symptoms. We designed a survey containing structured questions evaluating post-COVID symptoms beyond three weeks (post-acute COVID phase), six weeks (post-COVID phase), and 12 weeks of acute illness. It was administered online.  Results Prevalence of post-COVID symptoms both after three and six weeks was reported to be 16.67% and 7.37%, respectively. The most common symptoms to persist were musculoskeletal symptoms (fatigue), followed by upper respiratory symptoms. Disease severity (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05), and comorbidities were seen to affect post-COVID symptoms significantly, whereas gender and age of the patient had no significant effect. Disease severity significantly affected the persistence of post-COVID symptoms up to 12 weeks; however, this effect does not hold true in long COVID haulers. Also, the risk of developing persistent post-acute COVID symptoms was more in moderate to severe disease than in mild disease. Conclusion The pandemic might be close to over, but it is not out of our lives yet, and the persistence of post-COVID symptoms is exigent.