Oxygen Requirement and Associated Risk Factors in Post-COVID-19 Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: COVID-19 commonly affects the lungs and may lead to mild to severe hypoxemia. The supplemental oxygen requirement gradually reduces with the improvement in lung pathology. However, a few patients may have exertional desaturation, and ongoing oxygen needs at the time of hospital discharge. The objective of this research was to study the requirement of oxygen therapy in the immediate post-COVID-19 period and its associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the admitted post-COVID-19 patients who had recently tested real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative in a tertiary care center from August 2021 to mid of October 2021. Nonprobability consecutive sampling was used, and the sample size was 108. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS), version 23. The mode of oxygen therapy (nasal cannula, face mask, reservoir mask, or mechanical ventilation) in the first two weeks of the study was presented appropriately in a table. The nonparametric statistical tests were applied to determine the association between the duration of post-COVID-19 oxygen therapy and several other risk factors such as age, gender, comorbidities, smoking status, exposure to firewood, COVID-19 vaccination, and severity of COVID-19. Results: 95 (87.96%) cases required oxygen therapy in their immediate post-COVID-19 period. The overall median duration of oxygen therapy was 6.00 (4.00-10.00) days. The nasal cannula was the most commonly used mode of oxygen supplement. The duration of oxygen therapy was significantly higher in patients aged more than 60 years (6.00 [5.00-11.00], p = 0.013), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10.00 [6.00-12.75], p = 0.006), history of chronic smoking (9.00 [5.50-13.00], p = 0.044), and severe COVID-19 infection (7.00 [5.00-10.50], p = 0.042). Conclusions: The proportion of patients requiring oxygen therapy in the immediate post-COVID-19 period was higher than that reported in other studies. In addition, old age (>60 years), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic smoking, and severe COVID-19 infection significantly increased the duration of oxygen therapy. So, these factors should be assessed while discharging patients from COVID-19 facilities, and oxygen supplementation should be planned for needy patients.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Induced by Gastric Ulcer Secondary to Strongyloidiasis: A Case Report.

Strongyloidiasis, a parasitic infestation by Strongyloides stercoralis, involves the gastrointestinal tract with a spectrum from duodenitis to enterocolitis. However, gastric involvement with the manifestation of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is an extremely rare condition due to Strongyloides stercoralis. Due to irregular excretion of larvae, unclear symptoms, paucity of effective diagnostic tools and low parasitic load, makes clinicians difficult to reach the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Here, we present a case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a large gastric ulcer whose aetiology was identified to be Strongyloides stercoralis infection of the gastric region by the diagnosis of exclusion. Keywords: gastric ulcer; gastrointestinal haemorrhage; Strongyloides stercoralis; strongyloidiasis.

Prevalence of pre-operative anxiety and associated risk factors among patients awaiting elective surgery in a tertiary care hospital.

Background: Patients undergoing surgery have a fear of anesthesia and surgical procedures that results in anxiety. The global incidence of pre-operative anxiety is estimated at 60-92%. Age, gender, education, marital status, type of family, type of anesthesia and surgery, and history of surgery are the contributing factors. High levels of anxiety during the pre-operative period has negative impacts on surgical outcomes. The main objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of pre-operative anxiety and associated risk factors in a hospital setting of a developing country. Methods: This was a single center, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted among the admitted patients scheduled for elective surgeries in a tertiary care hospital. Non-probability convenience sampling was adopted and a total of 205 cases were included. The researchers themselves collected the data on the day before surgery using questionnaires comprised of two parts: semi-structured questionnaires prepared via literature review and Amsterdam Pre-operative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). Data were analyzed in SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed appropriately. Results: The prevalence of pre-operative anxiety was 25.85%. The median anaesthesia related, surgery related, and total anxiety scores were 4.00, 5.00 and 9.00 respectively. Likewise, the median score of information desired component scale was 5.00. Different anxiety scores were positively correlated with the information desire component score. The patients living in a nuclear family (adjusted OR, 2.480; 95% CI, 1.272-4.837, p = 0.008) and those without past history of surgery (adjusted OR, 2.451; 95% CI, 1.107-5.424, p = 0.027) had approximately 2.5 times higher risk of having pre-operative anxiety compared to those from a joint family and those having past history of surgery respectively. Those receiving spinal anesthesia had approximately two times lower risk of anxiety (adjusted OR, 0.511; 95% CI, 0.265-0.985, p = 0.045). Conclusions: One fourth of the patients had pre-operative anxiety. Type of family, type of anesthesia and past history of surgery were found to be the independent predictors of anxiety.

Psychotic symptoms in a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A diagnostic dilemma between lupus psychosis and steroid induced psychosis.

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic auto-immune disorder with the involvement of multiple organ systems. It is more common in females. Case presentation: Here, we present a case of 12-year-old female, known case of SLE with lupus nephritis, presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms. She was under steroids as well for a few weeks due to flare-up of symptoms prior to that. Due to this, there was a diagnostic dilemma between lupus psychosis and steroid induced psychosis. Clinical discussion: Approximately one third to half of the patients may have neurological involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. However, neuropsychiatric symptoms in them could be due to corticosteroids, which are frequently used in treatment. There are no definitive and easily available laboratory markers to distinguish these two aetiologies. Conclusions: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients, who are on steroids, with neuropsychiatric features should be assessed adequately. As there are no specific guideline and biomarkers to distinguish between these two, meticulous evaluation is necessary for appropriate management.

Relationship of size of corpus callosum with white matter changes in elderly population; A retrospective analytical cross-sectional study.

Purpose: To study the relationship of size of corpus callosum with white matter changes in the elderly population. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study. The relationship between the corpus callosum and white matter changes was studied using the magnetic resonance imaging technique, where white matter changes were graded based on Fazekas grading. The Spearman rank order correlation was used to assess the relationship between the size of corpus callosum and white matter changes. Results: The whole corpus callosum (ρ = 0.165, p = 0.044) and rostrum (ρ = -0.232, p = 0.004) was significantly correlated with white matter changes based on Fazekas severity grading. Similarly, in bivariate regression analysis, white matter changes were strongly correlated with rostrum (standardized ß-coefficient = -0.186, p = 0.023). While taking gender in sub-group analysis, white matter changes were significantly correlated with rostrum (ρ = -0.252, p = 0.021) and splenium (ρ = -0.229, p = 0.036) in male and with rostrum (ρ = -0.245, p = 0.048) only in female groups. Conclusions: Corpus callosum size is associated with white matter changes in the elderly population. This association can give insight into the neuropathology of diseases involving the central nervous system.

Determination of level of self-reported adherence of antihypertensive drug(s) and its associated factors among patient with hypertension at a tertiary care center.

The study aimed to determine the level of self-reported adherence to antihypertensive drug(s) and its associated factors among patient with hypertension at a tertiary care center. The authors performed hospital based observational cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaires, WHO STEP tool and Hill and Bone high blood pressure compliance scale from December 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square/Fisher's exact test and non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Among 150 cases included in the study, majority (94, 62.67%) had good adherence based on Hill and Bone high blood pressure compliance scale with adherence level labelled as "good adherence" (score 3) and "not good adherence" (score < 3). The adherence to drug therapy was significantly better in females compared to males (50 [71.43%] vs. 44 [55.00%], p = .038). Among the factors related to hypertension and anti-hypertensive therapy, people with higher body mass index (ρ = -.324, n = 56, p = .015) and taking three or more pills (6, 1.71%, p = .017) had lower adherence to therapy. Likewise, forgetfulness (30, 53.57%), ineffective counseling (7, 12.50%), and missed follow-up (13, 23.21%) were the factors associated with lower adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy. This study finds good adherence among the patients taking anti-hypertensive medications. However, with the improved education, lesser number of pills and physical fitness help to adhere with the anti-hypertensive therapy.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with acute stroke taking sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor.

Introduction: Diabetic Ketoacidosis is characterized by a triad of metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, and ketonemia. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent and aggressive management. In some cases, the blood glucose level may be relatively normal. Such a condition is known as Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Case presentation: We present a case of Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis, who was initially brought to the emergency room with the features of acute stroke. There was a diagnostic dilemma among the treating physicians due to his relatively normal blood glucose levels while he developed ketoacidosis. Discussion: Presentation of the patients includes similar to DKA such as nausea, vomiting, malaise, fatigue, and Kussmaul's respiration. The diabetic patients under sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor therapy may develop it under the setting of different precipitating factors like infection, trauma/surgery, strenuous physical exercise, fasting, alcohol intake and acute vascular events. Conclusion: Euglycemic DKA is a rare condition and its diagnosis is a challenging task. So, we should always consider it as a differential whenever any diabetic patient shows with increased anion gap metabolic acidosis with or without typical symptoms and signs. Also, we need to be aware to discontinue of SGLT-2 medication during the time of infection, surgery, severe trauma, acute illness and dehydration in the diabetic patients.

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity, as a cause of syncope, in a patient with coronary artery disease: A case report.

Introduction: Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is one of the unexplained causes of syncope in old age. There are variations in presentations of carotid sinus hypersensitivity. Case presentation: A 56-year-old male, known case of coronary artery disease, presenting with syncope, was diagnosed as carotid sinus hypersensitivity finally. He was treated with the placement of dual chamber pacemaker. Clinical discussion: The etiology of unexplained syncope is itself a challenging for clinicians. In the presence of a known risk factor, it is uncommon for carotid sinus hypersensitivity to be present as a cause of syncope. Conclusions: Hence, the rare disorder like carotid sinus hypersensitivity should also be considered as a cause of syncope despite the presence of co-morbidity like coronary artery disease.

Antibiotics Use among Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Department of Internal Medicine of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a life-threatening condition triggered by infections or non-infectious agents. Antibiotics use in such cases prevents severe deterioration and treatment failure. Past studies have shown inappropriate use of antibiotics in different health care settings. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of antibiotics use in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Department of Internal Medicine of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease admitted to Department of Internal Medicine of a tertiary care centre from 12th February, 2022 to 15th April, 2022 after taking ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 417). Convenience sampling was done. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage for binary data along with median and interquartile range for continuous data. Results: The prevalence of antibiotics use among study participants was 106 (98.15%) (95.61-100 at a 95% Confidence Interval). Penicillin 82 (75.93%) was the most commonly used antibiotics group. Conclusions: The use of antibiotics in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was higher as compared to other similar studies. Keywords: anti-bacterial agents; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; guideline adherence.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome with Bilateral Port-Wine Stain.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by dermatological, ophthalmological, and neurological manifestations. It occurs due to abnormal persistence of embryonic vascular plexus. Here, we describe a case of four years seven months female with seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and bilateral port-wine stain diagnosed as type I (classical) Sturge-Weber syndrome. The ophthalmological evaluation was unremarkable. Electroencephalogram showed abnormalities suggestive of a structural lesion in the right cerebral hemisphere. CT scan of the head revealed volume loss of right brain parenchyma with linear, cortical, as well as subcortical calcifications more evident in the right hemisphere. The child should be followed up regularly until adulthood for ophthalmological evaluation, recurrence of seizures, and other manifestations of this disorder.

A Rare Case of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Presenting As Generalized Seizure.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a late complication of childhood measles. It is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive and motor functions, seizures, and eventually death. Although a combination of intrathecal interferon alpha (IFN-α) and daily oral isoprinosine has been reported to have a good outcome, there is no cure for this condition.  We present a case of a 16-year-old male with SSPE who presented with progressive weakness, frequent loss of postural control, multiple episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and urinary incontinence. On exploration of his history, he had measles at the age of two months. Investigation showed increased serum measles antibody titer, high amplitude spikes in electroencephalogram (EEG), and high fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signals on MRI of the brain consistent with probable SSPE. He was managed symptomatically until his condition got worse and he eventually passed away.

Multiple Myeloma and Vasculitic Neuropathy: An Unusual Presentation.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow resulting in the production of paraproteins. It is more common in elderly adults and presents with nonspecific symptoms like bone pain, pathological fracture, fatigue, and signs of hypercalcemia. Peripheral neuropathy is an atypical presentation. We present a rare case of vasculitic neuropathy (VN) who was also diagnosed with MM at the same time. Nerve conduction study and biopsy showed findings suggestive of demyelinating VN. His serum protein electrophoresis and bone marrow aspirate were consistent with MM. The association between these two conditions remains understudied. So far there is no strong evidence suggesting an association between MM and VN. If VN was just coincidental or a presenting symptom of MM remains a question and warrants further studies.