Association Between Hypertension and Hearing Loss.

Introduction Hypertension (HTN) is a common health problem, diagnosed in every one out of four individuals. It is associated with various complications; however, its impact on hearing loss is not well studied. In this study, we will determine the impact of HTN on hearing. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jinnah Sindh Medical University from August 2020 to March 2021. Three hundred (300) patients with documented diagnosis of HTN, between the ages of 21 and 50 years, were enrolled in the study. Another 300 non-hypertensive participants were enrolled as a reference group. Participants were sent to trained otolaryngologist technicians, who performed audiometry at six different frequencies for each year (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 kilohertz (kHz)). The final hearing level was calculated by taking mean of hearing levels of both ears.  Results The hearing levels in audiometry were significantly higher in hypertensive participants compared to non-hypertensive participants (23.4 ± 8.67 dB vs 18.3 ± 6.02 dB; p-value: <0.0001). Participants who had been diagnosed with HTN for more than five years had higher hearing levels in audiometry test compared to participants with less than five years of HTN (24.21 ± 8.92 dB vs. 22.6 ± 8.02 dB; p-value 0.0001). Conclusion Based on our study, HTN is positively correlated with hearing loss. Therefore, longstanding hypertensive patients should be screened regularly in order to assess the status of their hearing abilities.

Comparison of Sexual Function Before and After COVID-19 Infection in Female Patients.

Introduction Ample data regarding the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on the pulmonary, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems are available. However, its impact on sexual performance is understudied. In this study, we will determine the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual performance of females.  Methods This longitudinal study was conducted in the COVID-19 unit of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from June 2020 to March 2021. We enrolled 300 female patients admitted to the hospital due to severe COVID-19. Patients' female sexual function index (FSFI) scale was assessed at the time of discharge. Participants were asked to answer the question based on their sexual performance before they contracted COVID-19. They were asked to return after 60 days, where FSFI was assessed again. Results The mean FSFI score for participants before COVID-19 was significantly higher compared to the score 60 days after discharge (28.16 ± 1.9 vs. 24.43 ± 2.5; p-value: <0.0001). Participants who had FSFI score more than 26 were significantly higher before COVID-19 (72.5% vs. 51.0%; p-value: <0.0001). Conclusion There is a significant decline in sexual function of females, who had contracted COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 survivors should be counseled properly about the impact on the sexual function when discussing long-term complications of COVID-19.

Comparison of Incidence of Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) when compared to the general population, with most deaths attributed to myocardial infarctions (MI). However, patients with RA do not get the same attention in terms of cardiovascular screening as compared to other diseases, like diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, this study aims to compare the risk of CVD among patients with RA and DM. Methods This prospective study was carried out in Pakistan's two tertiary care hospitals. A total of 750 participants were enrolled in three groups with a 1:1:1 ratio; patients with RA, type 2 DM, and the control group. Patients were observed for 12 months or until the development of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), whichever occurred first. Results Both fatal (12.66% vs. 13.48%; p-value: 0.79) and non-fatal (3.93% vs. 4.35%; p-value: 0.82) MI was comparable between both RA and DM group. However, compared to the control group, non-fatal MI (12.66% vs. 5.58%; p-value: 0.01) was significantly higher in the RA group. Conclusion Our study shows that RA and DM have an equal risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. It is important that RA should be considered as a prominent risk factor for CV events. The management of these patients should be multidisciplinary, including cardiologists.