ABSTRACT
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, and diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by impaired regulation of glucose levels, are two distinct conditions that may appear unrelated at first glance. Nevertheless, recent scholarly investigations have revealed these entities' intricate and ever-evolving interplay. This review initially delves into the intricate interplay between epilepsy and its potential ramifications on glycemic control. Seizures, particularly those accompanied by convulsive manifestations, have the potential to induce acute perturbations in blood glucose levels via diverse mechanisms, encompassing the liberation of stress hormones, the emergence of insulin resistance, and the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Comprehending these intricate mechanisms is paramount in customizing productive strategies for managing diabetes in individuals with epilepsy. On the contrary, it is worth noting that diabetes can substantially impact the trajectory and control of epilepsy. The correlation between hyperglycemia and an elevated susceptibility to seizures, as well as the potential for exacerbating the intensity of epilepsy, has been established. This narrative review offers a concise exposition of the intricate interplay between epilepsy and glycemic control within diabetes management. The objective of exploring reciprocal influences, underlying mechanisms, and common risk factors is to augment the clinical comprehension of this intricate interconnection. In essence, this acquired knowledge possesses the potential to serve as a guiding compass for healthcare professionals, enabling them to craft bespoke therapeutic approaches that enhance the holistic welfare of individuals grappling with the coexistence of epilepsy and diabetes.
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Diabetes mellitus, with a growing risk of developing complications, has a significant negative impact on cardiovascular health, including microvascular and macrovascular issues. This thorough narrative study methodically examines the complex connection between cardiovascular problems and diabetes. We start by thoroughly introducing diabetes mellitus, classifying its various forms, and discussing its growing global impact. Then, we examine retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy in detail, illuminating their biology, clinical presentations, and treatment options. Moving on to macrovascular consequences, we investigate the complex relationships between diabetes and coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, emphasizing risk factors, diagnostic standards, and treatment plans designed for people with diabetes. The review analyzes the pathophysiological pathways that link diabetes to cardiovascular problems, including endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and oxidative stress brought on by hyperglycemia. Additionally, we review the critical function of risk monitoring, assessment, and predictive tools in early detection. While highlighting current research paths and the need for tailored medical approaches to address this complex health issue, the story also includes prevention and management strategies, ranging from lifestyle changes to developing medications. This narrative review concludes by providing a thorough summary of current information, highlighting research gaps, and advocating for interdisciplinary efforts to reduce the cardiovascular effects of diabetes.
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INTRODUCTION: Some studies have highlighted the effect of COVID-19 infection on the quality of sleep; however, the data is limited. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of insomnia in patients who recently recovered from the COVID-19 infection to evaluate the prevalence and extent of its impact. METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2021. A total of 500 patients admitted to the intensive care unit or isolation unit of COVID-19 were included in the study at the time of their discharge. The pre-COVID-19 sleep quality of the participants was inquired using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Post-COVID sleep quality was assessed at a 30-day follow-up. Sleep quality was considered poor if the global score was ≥5. Participants that failed to follow up were not included in the study. RESULTS: The mean PSQI score was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 group compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (6.28 ± 2.11 vs. 3.22 ± 0.80; p-value <0.0001). The percentage of participants with a PSQI score of ≥5 was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 group compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (45.1% vs. 12.1%; p-value <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Insomnia has a significant prevalence in recovered COVID-19 patients after 30 days of follow-up. Hence, patients need to be counseled to follow up in case they experience poor sleep. To avoid the long-term negative impact on patients experiencing insomnia, timely identification and treatment are important.
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Introduction The infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is affected by the host immune system and the genetic makeup. It is postulated that deficiency of vitamin D may interfere in normal immunological response to infectious agents, including H. pylori, and increase the risk of infection. This study aims to find the relationship between vitamin D status in the body and patient's response to H. pylori eradication treatment. Methods One hundred and fifty patients (n = 150) between the ages of 18 and 60 years of either gender, diagnosed with H. pylori, were included in the study. After enrollment, patients were started on first-line eradication therapy, which included omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 14 days. Patient's vitamin D levels were tested via laboratory. After 14 days, patients' stools were tested for presence of H. pylori antigen. Results A total of 128 participants completed the study, out of which 92 (71.8%) participants showed no H. pylori antigen in stool after 14 days and 36 (28.1%) participants still showed H. pylori in their stool. The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly higher in participants who had successful treatment compared to those who had unsuccessful treatment (31.01 ± 7.8 ng/mL vs. 18.9 ± 5.6 ng/mL; p-value < 0.0001). Conclusion Vitamin D levels may affect the response of H. pylori eradication therapy. Further large-scale studies are needed in which vitamin D is given as an intervention to further study the association between vitamin D levels and H. pylori treatment response.
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Introduction Avascular necrosis occurs due to impaired blood supply to the bone. It can be caused by fractures, dislocations, chronic steroid use, chronic alcohol use, coagulopathy, congenital source, and many other factors. It mostly affects the femoral head (hip joint). Its management can be conservative or invasive. Total hip arthroplasty is the treatment of choice for third and fourth stage avascular necrosis that can be cemented or uncemented. The purpose of this study is to access the functional outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty in patients with avascular necrosis of the hip. Materials and methods This prospective study was conducted at a major metropolitan hospital in Karachi, Pakistan over a period of six months. A total of 30 patients of age <60 years, either gender, and a confirmed diagnosis of avascular necrosis of hip with no other associated hip pathologies were included in this study. Demographic features, comorbidities, level of activity, range of movement before the development of avascular necrosis, Charnley's class, and laterality were noted. Cementless press-fit extensively porous-coated acetabular cup with or without cancellous screws and cementless press-fit extensively hydroxyapatite coated femoral stem were used through modified Gibson's posterior approach. The patients were checked for early and late complications, the position of acetabular and femoral components by radiography, and overall performance by Harris Hip Score (HHS) and modified HHS over a period of 12 months. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). Results The mean age was 43.9±6.7 years with 21 (70%) patients ranging from 40 to 60 years of age. There were 22 (73%) male and 8 (27%) female patients. Nine (30%) patients had diabetes mellitus, eight (27%) had hypertension, two (7%) had other comorbidities, and eleven (37%) had no comorbidities. A total of 11 (37%) patients were highly active, 18 (60%) were moderately active, and 1 (3%) was non-active before developing avascular necrosis. There were 4 (13%) patients in Charnley's class I, 15 (50%) in Charnley's class II, and 11 (37%) in Charnley's class III. Fifteen (50%) patients were operated on the left side, seven (23%) on the right side, and eight (27%) bilaterally. No significant early or late complications were noted. Acetabular component was found to be anteverted in 22 (73%), retroverted in zero (0%), neutral in 8 (27%), <35o inclined in 0 (0%), 35o-50o inclined in 23 (77%), and >50o inclined in 7 (23%) patients, while femoral component was found neutral in 28 (93%), valgus in 2 (7%), and varus in zero (0%) patients on radiography at follow-up. On functional assessment, the HHS was 100% in 27 (90%) patients, 96% in 2 (7%) patients, and 83% in 1 (3%) patient with an average of 99.2%, while 29 (97%) patients had excellent and only 1 (3%) patient had a good outcome on modified HHS. Conclusions Cementless total hip arthroplasty, performed in patients <60 years of age and avascular necrosis of the hip with no other associated hip pathologies, has excellent functional outcomes with no pain, limping, physical deformity, difficulty in walking, difficulty in climbing stairs, difficulty using public transport, difficulty in sitting, or difficulty in wearing shoes and socks. They usually attain normal limb length and range of movement.
