COVID-19-associated psychosis in Indian settings: A retrospective descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people across the world since early 2020. Besides the large number of case fatalities, this virus has produced significant health-related sequelae involving multiple systems of the body. As with previous coronavirus infections, this was also found to be associated with various neuropsychiatric symptoms. Psychosis has been uncommon, and the few reported cases across the world have forwarded association with either raised inflammatory markers or the consequences of social isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study of 12 patients, who were admitted with COVID-19 infection and psychosis, between March 2020 and December 2020. Cases of head injury, any neurological or metabolic illnesses, and substance use disorders were excluded. RESULTS: Cases with psychosis formed only 0.19% of all cases of COVID-19 admissions. All of them were young male and employed. Most of them had abrupt onset of psychosis with confusion, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and sleep disturbances. Investigations including inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein) and computerized tomography scans were largely normal. Medications used were mainly benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. Most of the cases resolved within the second week, and follow-up after a month did not elicit any residual symptoms in majority. Diagnosis was acute and transient psychotic disorder (about 75%), bipolar affective disorder (2 cases), and schizophrenia (one). CONCLUSIONS: The major findings included nonreactive inflammatory markers, quick resolution of symptoms, requirement of low doses of antipsychotic drugs, and no long-term sequelae.

Prevalence of obesity and overweight in affluent adolescents from Ludhiana, Punjab.

The objective was to study the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in public schools of Ludhiana, catering to the affluent segment of population. We selected 1000 students from these schools by random, purposive sampling. Their anthropometry was taken. Students also filled-up a prevalidated questionnaire regarding dietary habits and lifestyle. Overweight/Obesity was defined using age and sex specific Body mass index (BMI) cut off points. Incidence of obesity was 3.4% and overweight was 12.7%. A significantly greater number of boys (15%) were overweight as compared to girls (10%).

Bactericidal power of neutrophils in protein calorie malnutrition.

The present study was undertaken to compare the disturbance in bactericidal power of neutrophils in 25 children having protein caloric malnutrition age and sex matched healthy control subjects. There was a highly significant reduction in the percentage of bacteria killed during incubation in children having PCM as compared to healthy control. A direct relationship existed between total serum proteins and bactericidal activity of neutrophils in children having PCM. The impaired bactericidal power of neutrophils can be attributed to impaired synthesis of lysosomal enzymes, glycolytic activity of neutrophils in children having PCM. The exact mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. Decreased bactericidal activity of neutrophils may be one of the mechanisms responsible for infection.

A study of incidence of Australia antigen and derangements in liver function tests in leprosy.

The present study was conducted in 50 patients of various subtypes of leprosy (Lepromatous, Tuberculoid, Borderline borderline) and 25 healthy control, for detection of Australia antigen and various liver function tests (serum protein, cholesterol, alkaline phosphates, SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin and liver biopsy) to see incidence of Australia Antigen and derangement in liver function. It was concluded that incidence of Australia antigen in study and control group was zero. Total serum protein and serum globulin was increased in lepromatous leprosy. A/G ratio was reversed in 34.3% and 50% in lepromatous and tuberculoid leprosy respectively. Granulomatous hepatitis was seen in 66.66% and 50% cases of lepromatous and tuberculoid leprosy respectively. No relationships was established between hepatic lesion, Australia antigen and liver function test.