Novel markers of COVID-19 mortality-A comparative study with patients of acute coronary syndrome.

Background: COVID-19 can cause severe pneumonia that can progress to multiple organ failure. It is believed that dysregulation of inflammation and cytokine storm, contributes to severe COVID-19. As inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of the severe disease, inflammatory markers like fever, leucocytosis, and C-reactive protein are known to predict severe disease. Various other biomarkers have been known to have prognostic value in patients with COVID-19 infection. Inflammation, both local and systemic plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Thus in this study, we aimed to compare and describe the various biomarkers, and mortality between patients admitted with COVID-19 infection and ACS patients without COVID-19 infection. Methods: In a retrospective observational case-control study, a total of 108 patients admitted to our hospital during the month of May 2021 with COVID-19 were enrolled. Patients of the acute coronary syndrome (tested negative for COVID-19 infection) admitted during the same month were enrolled (including both the intensive care unit and ward) as controls. Results: The median age of patients with COVID was significantly lower than that of patients with acute coronary syndrome [49 years (IQR, 36-62 years) and 60 years (IQR, 52-66 years)]. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher among patients with COVID infection (58.5 ± 6.3% versus 36.9 ± 9.3%). The total leukocyte count was significantly higher among patients with COVID-19 compared to those with acute coronary syndrome [13200 per microliter (8625-17500) vs 9800 per microliter (8150-12150), P < 0.001]. The blood urea level was significantly higher among patients with COVID infection [52.5 (IQR, 34.7-81.5) versus 20 (IQR, 16-31)]. Levels of C-reactive protein were significantly higher among patients with COVID [39 (IQR, 7.7-100) versus 2 (1.4-3.5)]. The mortality of patients hospitalized with COVID was 4 times higher than those with acute coronary syndrome [25.9% (28) versus 6.1% (6)]. Survivors of COVID-19 had higher hemoglobin levels than those who did not [12.5 g/dLvs 11.5 g/dL, P = 0.03]. Conclusions: Elevated total leukocyte counts reflect underlying secondary bacterial infection among patients with COVID-19 and help initiate appropriate antibiotics. Depletion of intravascular volume reflected by an increased urea/creatinine ratio increases the risk of mortality and warrants aggressive measures of rehydration and albumin infusion.

A rare case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kathmandu presenting with features of bacterial skin infection: A case report.

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by different species of genus Leishmania and transmitted by sandflies. Lesions of CL are most commonly present in the exposed areas, and the most familiar morphological type is papulo-nodular. The diagnosis of CL should be considered while dealing with common skin lesions, as well as encountering uncommon pathologies. We present a case of a 26-year-old man living in Kathmandu originally from Humla whose clinical course was complicated by unsuccessful treatment with suspicion of bacterial skin infection. The patient first presented with an erythematous papule with some scale and crust with central ulceration over the left side of his upper lip and mild fever. With the suspicion of bacterial infection, he was initially treated with antibiotics, which showed no improvement prompting the referral to a tertiary center with further diagnostic workup. Punch biopsy confirmed the presence of amastigote form of leishmaniasis Donovan bodies. Also, the rk39 antibody test was positive. Clinicians need to pay more effort to the diagnosis of CL and include it in the differential diagnoses of patients presenting with typical lesions even if the region is not known to be endemic for CL or in the patient with no known history of insect bite.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis among Patients with Thyroid Disorders Visiting a Tertiary Care Centre.

Introduction: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis characterised by thyroid autoantibodies. Early detection and treatment of this condition help in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with it. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis among patients with thyroid disorders visiting a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting the outpatient department of a tertiary care centre. Data from 14 April 2017 to 13 April 2019 was collected between 30 June 2022 to 15 September 2022 from medical records. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was diagnosed based on clinical presentation and positive antibodies to thyroid antigens. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 813 patients with thyroid disorders, 393 (48.33%) (44.89-51.77, 95% Confidence Interval) had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The manifestation of the spectrum of Hashimoto's thyroiditis were euthyroid in 215 (54.70%), subclinical hypothyroidism in 102 (25.95%), subclinical hyperthyroidism in 23 (5.85%), overt hyperthyroidism in 9 (2.30%) and overt hypothyroidism in 4 (1.02%). Conclusions: The prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis among patients with thyroid disorders was higher than in other studies done in similar settings. Keywords: anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies; Hashimoto's thyroiditis; thyroid disorders.

Intrauterine pregnancy with copper intrauterine contraceptive device in situ: A case report from Nepal.

Introduction: and importance: Intrauterine pregnancy on the background of intrauterine devices heralds its rare but possible failure. Despite having an excellent contraceptive pearl index, clients with copper-T may present with typical pregnancy symptoms. Case presentation: We present a case of a 22 year primigravida who after 42 months of successful use of copper-T, conceived an intrauterine pregnancy diagnosed at 7 weeks period of gestation.Clinical Findings and Investigations: A positive urine pregnancy test following cessation of menstruation for 2 months was reported by the patient on presentation. Urgent transabdominal ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a gravid uterus containing a single gestational sac corresponding to 7 weeks of gestation. After a thorough explanation about possibility of viable pregnancy and also its pros and cons, she decided to terminate the pregnancy. Manual vacuum aspiration was done with removal of copper-T. Conclusion: Although ectopic pregnancy is a relatively common complication of intrauterine contraceptive device, it is necessary to consider the possibility of intrauterine pregnancy as a potential complication as well. Although, term pregnancies with excellent prognosis have been demonstrated in many studies after removal of intrauterine devices, close follow up is needed to identify misplaced copper-T and keep unwanted pregnancy at bay.

Neurobrucellosis presenting with the features of meningoencephalitis: A case report from Nepal.

Introduction and importance: Brucellosis or Malta fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the Brucella species. Patients with neurobrucellosis may present with features of meningoencephalitis. Thus, a high degree of suspicion is required for the diagnosis in the endemic region. Case presentation: A 13-year old female with a history of exposure to domestic animals presented with the features of meningoencephalitis (intermittent fever with chills and rigor and generalized tonic-clonic seizure). Clinical findings and investigations: Examination revealed drowsy and lethargic patient with bilateral edema up to mid-shin. Neck rigidity was present. Lab findings include leukocytosis with neutrophilic and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (25 mm/hr). CECT of the brain revealed vasogenic edema. Routine CSF examination was insignificant for common bacterial, viral, fungal or tubercular etiology. CSF ELISA confirmed the presence of Brucella antibody. Conclusion: When patients present with undulant fever, lethargy, seizure, or other features of meningitis/encephalitis, the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis must be considered after common pathological causes are ruled out.

Massive Hemolysis Causing Renal Failure in Acute Hepatitis E Infection.

Acute viral hepatitis is usually a self-limiting illness. However, it can lead to complications that can be life-threatening, such as acute liver failure. Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in the setting of acute viral hepatitis can lead to a massive hemolysis, manifesting as acute kidney injury and markedly raised bilirubin levels; although cases are rare. Here, we report such a case. The patient had a viral hepatitis E infection and presented with kidney injury requiring dialysis. Examination showed very high mixed hyperbilirubinemia due to massive intravascular hemolysis. The patient experienced a long, protracted course of illness, requiring renal replacement therapy with other supportive management, which led to improvement over a period of four weeks. This case highlights the importance of recognizing associated hemolysis in a patient with viral hepatitis who presents with very high bilirubin levels or associated kidney injury. Such patients will require aggressive supportive care with prompt fluid and electrolyte management.