Study of central aortic blood pressure in hypertensive patients & its relation with blood pressure-lowering drugs.

Background & objectives: In clinical settings, peripheral blood pressure (PBP) is measured routinely. It is thought that central blood pressure (CBP) which reflects aortic BP, may be more predictive of outcomes in specific populations. Hence, this study was carried out to measure CBP in patients with hypertension and to see the effect of antihypertensive drugs on CBP. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 134 hypertensive patients and 134 normotensive healthy individuals as controls. Peripheral BPs and CBPs were measured of all patients and controls. The data were correlated and the effect of antihypertensive drugs on CBP was also evaluated. Results: Of the 134 hypertensive patients, 44 (32.84%) were newly diagnosed and the rest 90 (67.16%) had a history of hypertension and were on treatment. Of these 90 patients on treatment, 37 (41.11%) had uncontrolled peripheral BP and 53 (58.89%) had normal peripheral BP. Of the 134 hypertensive patients, 45 (33.58%) had controlled CBP. In 90 patients, who were on antihypertensive treatment, 45 (50%) had controlled CBP and 45 (50%) had uncontrolled CBP. Patients on calcium channel blockers (CCBs) had better control of CBP. Interpretation & conclusions: Hypertension is diagnosed mainly by measuring peripheral BP. CBP, which correlates better with the incidence of cardiovascular events, is not routinely measured. Patients with a history of hypertension and on treatment had normal office peripheral BP, but a few of them had high CBP and may require modification in treatment for control of CBP. Control of CBP was better in patients taking CCB.

A cross-sectional study to determine the psychological distress among pulmonary tuberculosis patients during COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic had adversely affected the services of the National Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Programme, resulting in psychological distress among pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTB). This cross-sectional, hospital-based study included 361 PTB patients. Three pre-defined questionnaires were used for the analysis, a questionnaire to evaluate anxiety related to COVID-19, a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, and a fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) questionnaire. Among 361 PTB patients, 13% (n=47) had COVID-19 infection. Out of the total patients, 69% (n=250) were DR-TB (drug resistance-tuberculosis) cases. Proportion of anxiety, fear and depression due to COVID-19 was found in 49% (n=177), 23% (n=83), 67% (n=247) respectively. Delay in the initiation of anti-tubercular treatment was found in 58% (n=210) of the cases, among which the majority, i.e., 69% (n=172, p=0.011), were DR-TB. This pandemic has led to a sudden step-down of PTB. Trend analysis of the psychological distress showed a peak following the COVID-19 pandemic. Most DR-TB patients had delayed initiation of the anti-tubercular treatment during the pandemic. The preponderance of the younger age group was seen in the pulmonary tuberculosis patients, and a majority of them had DR-TB. Depression was the predominant psychological distress among the study subjects during the pandemic.

Increased Serum Levels of Matrix-metalloproteinase-9, Cyclo-oxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin E-2 in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a heterogeneous lung disorder that is characterized by airflow obstruction and the third leading cause of death, globally. COPD is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Here, we measured the serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) and reveal the correlation between their levels in COPD subjects. In this study, we included a total of 79 COPD and 79 healthy controls. We assessed demographic profile, risk factors, respiratory symptoms, clinical history, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score and spirometry. Further, we determined the serum levels of MMP-9, COX-2 and PGE-2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between their serum levels was also determined. Among the studied population age, gender, body mass index and socioeconomic status were comparable. Serum levels of MMP-9, COX-2 and PGE-2 were significantly increased in the COPD group than in healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Moreover, MMP-9, COX-2 and PGE-2 levels were increased with the GOLD grades and CAT score (> 10). Serum levels of MMP-9, COX-2 and PGE-2 was enhanced in patients with larger clinical history (> 20 years) than those with lower clinical history (< 10 years). Serum levels of MMP-9 and COX-2; MMP-9 and PGE-2; COX-2 and PGE-2 showed a positive correlation (P < 0.0001) with the COPD group. Our data demonstrate that serum levels of MMP-9, COX-2 and PGE-2 were correlated with the GOLD grade, CAT score and clinical history of the COPD group, pointing that they can be used as a indicators to understand the disease progression. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-021-00973-2.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is now considered as multisystem disorder with high cardiovascular mortality. The study was carried out with an objective to observe the pattern and variation of blood pressure (BP) using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in COPD patients. METHODS: Thirty six cases of COPD diagnosed by spirometry underwent ABPM for blood pressure evaluation. Thirty controls without COPD underwent spirometry and ABPM. Analysis were carried out both during wakefulness and sleep. RESULTS: Out of 36 COPD cases 25 were found to be hypertensive on ABPM, while 2 out of 30 controls were found to be hypertensive on ABPM. A significant difference was found between blood pressure levels during the wakefulness, sleep, and 24-hour BP amongst COPD cases and controls. Higher blood pressure levels were observed in COPD patients then in control, except for diastolic levels during wakefulness. The normal nocturnal dip was attenuated in COPD patients whereas physiological dip was present in controls. CONCLUSION: COPD patients had higher blood pressure levels than the control group and had abnormal dipping pattern of blood pressure which may lead to high cardiovascular mortality in patients of COPD.

Study of Pulmonary Function Test Abnormalities in Metabolic Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is defined as a constellation of an interconnected physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic factors that directly increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and T2DM. Although the link between impaired lung function and cardiovascular events and T2DM has been recognized, the association between impaired lung function and MetS has not been comprehensively assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional prevalence study was done in tertiary care hospital in northern India on 100 patients of the age between 25-65 years who fulfilled the IDF criteria for MetS to evaluate pulmonary function test (Spirometry) abnormalities. RESULTS: Maximum number of patients were in 31-40 years of age group (45%) followed by those aged 41-50 year (26%), < 30 years (15%), >50 years (14%). Mean age of patients was 39.59±8.67 year. In this cross-sectional study, patients with Metabolic Syndrome showed significantly lower FVC % predicted (P< 0.001), FEV1 % predicted (P< 0.001) as compared to the group without Metabolic Syndrome. There was a strong linear decrease in FVC and FEV1 % predicted as the number of components of MetS increases. We observed that 28% of the male and 46.6% of female patients showed restrictive ventilatory pattern and 7% of male and 13.4% of female patients showed mixed pattern. CONCLUSION: All MetS components were associated with pulmonary function impairment. As the number of MetS components increases, patients had more severe decline in pulmonary functions.

Uttar Pradesh Association of Physicians of India Position Statement: Betel Quid (Paan) and Diabetes.

Betel quid (paan) chewing is common in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh. Betel quid has multifaceted relationship with health, including metabolic and psychosocial health. The current recommendations have been released keeping in view the public health and clinical importance of this addictive behavior. The objective of this document is to offer clinical guidance for screening, diagnosis and management of co-occurring betel quid chewing among persons with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The document aims to provide education and guidance to clinicians engaged in care and management of persons with DM, and improve access to treatment for co-occurring betel quid chewing among persons with DM. The current recommendation grades are based on published evidence, and categorized as strong, intermediate, weak and no evidence. The strength of these recommendations is based on the level of evidence.

Uttar Pradesh Association of Physicians of India Position Statement: Tobacco Use and Metabolic Syndrome.

Tobacco use is one of the main preventable causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The global disease burden due to tobacco use is huge with projected mortality of eight million lives per year by 2030. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined as a constellation of cardiovascular and endocrine risk factors such as insulin resistance, obesity, raised blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profile. The relationship between tobacco use and MS has been well established. Also, the causal association between tobacco use and development of individual components of MS is well established. The Uttar Pradesh Association of Physicians of India (UP API) has drafted this position statement on managing tobacco use among persons with or at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (MS). This position statement presents evidence-based recommendations as described below. Scope and purpose The objective of this position statement is to offer clinical recommendations for screening, diagnosis and management of tobacco use among persons with or at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (MS). The purpose of this document is to aid in identification and treatment of maladaptive patterns of tobacco use i.e. tobacco use disorder (tobacco dependence, harmful use, abuse) in person with or at risk of developing MS. Intended Audience The position statement is targeted at the clinicians engaged in care and management of person with or at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (MS). This might also be of relevance to the policy makers considering the public health burden of both MS and tobacco use disorders.

Pyopneumothorax following kerosene poisoning.

Kerosene poisoning is a common poisoning in India especially in childhood, and clinical spectrum can range from meager chemical pneumonitis to grave complications such as hypoxia, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and emphysema. Pyopneumothorax that may require aggressive management in the form of thoracotomy has not been reported in literature. We hereby report a 22-year young female who had developed series of respiratory complications including pyopneumothorax following ingestion of kerosene with suicidal intent and was treated successfully.

The severity of non-smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is correlated with biomass fuel exposure and COPD assessment test score.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tobacco smoking is an established risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current evidence suggests that non-tobacco-related risk factors vary geographically and are less understood than smoking. This study aims to compare the risk factors, symptoms, and clinical features of smoking (S-COPD) and non-smoking (NS-COPD) in a COPD population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 489 COPD patients were screened. Data on socio-demographics, smoking and medical history, other risk factors, symptoms, and clinical characteristics including COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, and Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale were examined. RESULTS: Of the total selected 416 COPD patients, 35.34% were NS-COPD while 64.66% were S-COPD. S-COPD was predominant in males, whereas NS-COPD was predominant in females (P < 0.0001). In NS-COPD, biomass fuel exposure was a major risk factor (P < 0.0001), and 61% of subjects had a biomass fuel exposure index of >60. In bivariate and multivariate analyses, no risk factors were correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)% predicted, while among clinical features, duration of illness (P = 0.001) was correlated with lower values of FEV1 in the multivariate table of S-COPD. In the multivariate analysis, biomass fuel exposure (P = 0.039) and CAT score (P < 0.0001) were correlated with FEV1(%) in NS-COPD. CONCLUSION: Biomass fuel exposure is a substantial risk factor for NS-COPD and was correlated with FEV1(%) predicted. In addition, the CAT score correlated with disease severity in patients with NS-COPD. The development of COPD in non-smokers is being recognized as a separate phenotype and it should be managed according to risk factors.

An unusual case of refractory metabolic acidosis.

Homeopathy is one of the most frequently used systems of complementary and alternative medicine. The patients who seek homeopathic treatment are primarily those suffering from long-standing, chronic diseases. These medicines may have considerable risk of severe side effects. Some homeopathic medicinal preparations use alcohol as a base and are frequently prescribed for common conditions. We hereby report an unusual case of refractory metabolic acidosis after homeopathic medicinal treatment.

Prognostic significance of estimation of pseudocholinesterase activity and role of pralidoxime therapy in organophosphorous poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Organophosphorous (OP) poisoning is one of the most common poisonings seen in India. OP compounds act through inhibition of enzyme acetylcholinesterase and estimation of pseudocholinesterase (PCE) activity strengthens the diagnosis in clinically uncertain cases of OP poisoning. The role of pralidoxime (PAM) therapy in OP poisoning has been controversial. STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine the prognostic significance of estimation of PCE activity and also to assess the role of PAM therapy in OP poisoning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients of suspected OP poisoning of age >12 years admitted to emergency unit at a tertiary healthcare center of north India were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups; group A who were given intravenous atropine and group B who were given injectable PAM along with atropine. Serum PCE level was estimated at the time of admission in all patients and severity of OP poisoning was assessed according to PCE level. Requirement of atropine, oxygen inhalation, intubation and ventilatory support, total hospital stay, and mortality were compared between different classes of severity and also between Groups A and B. RESULTS: This study included a total of 70 subjects, 35 in each group with mean age of 24.99 ± 8.7 years. Out of 70 subjects 49 (70%) were male and 21 (30%) were female. Forty nine patients (70%) of OP poisoning were with suicidal intent while 21 (30%) cases were accidentally poisoned. In all suicidal cases route of poisoning was ingestion whereas in all the accidental cases route of exposure was inhalational. PCE levels were reduced in all the cases and the mean level was 3,154.16 ± 2,562.40 IU/L. The total dose of atropine required, need for oxygen inhalation and need for intubation and ventilatory support, mean duration of hospital stay and mortality rate (P = 0.003) were higher in moderate to severe cases and did not have significant difference between Groups A and B. CONCLUSION: The study recommends estimation of PCE level at admission to classify severity of OP poisoning and to estimate prognosis. This study did not find any beneficial role of PAM therapy in reducing morbidity as well as mortality.

Serum Ammonia Levels as a Non-invasive Predictor of the Presence and Severity of Esophageal Varices in Chronic Liver Disease Patients.

Background Portal hypertension leads to the formation of portosystemic collateral veins, of which esophageal varices (EV) are the most severe complications and have the greatest clinical impact. The possibility of identifying cirrhotic patients with varices by non-invasive tests is appealing, as they can lead to reduced healthcare costs and can be done in resource-limited settings. In this study, we investigated ammonia as a potential non-invasive predictor of EV. Methods This was a single-center cross-sectional observational study that was done at a tertiary health care hospital in north India. It included 97 chronic liver disease patients irrespective of etiology after excluding patients with portal vein thrombosis and hepatocellular carcinoma to participate in endoscopic screening for the presence of EV and correlate it with various non-invasive markers like serum ammonia levels, thrombocytopenia and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI ). On the basis of endoscopy, enrolled patients were divided into two groups, i.e., group A consisting of large varices (grade III and grade IV) and group B consisting of patients with low-grade varices and no varices (grade II, grade I, and no varices). Results This study included 97 patients, out of which 81 patients have varices on endoscopy, and mean serum ammonia levels were found to be significantly higher in cases with varices (135 ±69.70 ) vs. those without varices (94±43) (p value=0.026). Further, on comparing serum ammonia values between patients with large varices (Grade III/IV) (Group A) with a mean value of 176 ± 83 vs. Grade I/II/No varices (Group B) with a mean value of 107±47, which were significantly higher in Group A patients (<0.001). In our study, we also found a correlation between blood urea level as a non-invasive predictor of varices, but no statistically significant relation was found between thrombocytopenia and APRI. Conclusion This study found that serum ammonia can be used as a useful marker for the prediction of EV and can also be used to determine the severity of varices. Apart from ammonia, serum urea levels can also prove to be a good non-invasive marker for the prediction of varices although further multicentric studies are warranted to reach this conclusion.

Nontubercular bacterial and fungal infections in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), frequently due to respiratory tract infection is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, and estimate suggests that it is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the prevalence of nontubercular bacterial and fungal infections in patients of COPD. Materials and Methods: It is an observational study done for 1-year period from August 2017 to July 2018. A total of 100 COPD patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed in the present study. These cases were classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) combined assessment criteria and subjected to sputum or in some cases Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid examination for nontubercular bacterial and fungal pathogens. Serum galactomannan assay, bronchoscopy, and computed tomography chest were done in selected cases. Results: The age of the study population ranged from 40 to 85 years and the mean age was 60.01 ± 9.85 years. Majority of the patients were male (81.0%) and most (78.0%) of them were smokers. Most of the patients belonged to GOLD Grades 2 and 3. Forty-six percent of the patients did show pathogenic organisms in sputum examination. Out of these, 80.4% were bacterial, mainly Gram-negative organisms (Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Proteus, and Citrobacter) and 19.6% of cases were having fungal infections (Candida and Aspergillus). Conclusions: Increasing patient age, smoking habit, and severity of COPD were related to an increasing frequency of bacterial and fungal infections. Early detection and proper treatment could help in preventing the morbidity and mortality related to COPD.

Résumé Introduction: L'exacerbation aiguë de la maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (MPOC), souvent en raison de l'infection des voies respiratoires, est la principale cause de morbidité et de mortalité, et l'estimation suggère qu'il s'agit actuellement de la troisième cause de décès dans le monde. Objectifs et objectifs: Cette étude vise à étudier la prévalence des infections bactériennes et fongiques non tubulaires chez les patients de la MPOC. Matériaux et méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude d'observation réalisée pour une période de 1 an d'août 2017 à juillet 2018. Un total de 100 patients atteints de MPOC qui remplissaient les critères d'inclusion et d'exclusion ont été analysés dans la présente étude. Ces cas ont été classés selon l'initiative globale des critères d'évaluation combinés chroniques obstructifs (OR) et soumis à des expectorations ou dans certains cas examen des liquides de lavage bronchoalvéolaire (BAL) pour les agents pathogènes bactéries et fongiques non tubulaires. Le test de galactomannane sérique, la bronchoscopie et le poitrine de tomodensitométrie ont été effectués dans certains cas. Résultats: L'âge de la population d'étude variait de 40 à 85 ans et l'âge moyen était de 60,01 ± 9,85 ans. La majorité des patients étaient des hommes (81,0%) et la plupart (78,0%) d'entre eux étaient des fumeurs. La plupart des patients appartenaient à GOLD GRADES 2 et 3. Quarante-six pour cent des patients ont montré des organismes pathogènes à l'examen des expectorations. Parmi ceux-ci, 80,4% étaient des organismes bactériens, principalement à Gram - négatifs (Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Proteus et Citrobacter) et 19,6% des cas avaient des infections fongiques (Candida et 23 aspergillus). Conclusions: L'âge croissant du patient, l'habitude du tabagisme et la gravité de la MPOC étaient liés à une fréquence croissante des infections bactériennes et fongiques. La détection précoce et le traitement approprié pourraient aider à prévenir la morbidité et la mortalité liées à la MPOC. Mots-clés: Maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique, infection fongique, initiative mondiale pour la maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique, infection bactérienne non tuberculeuse.

Mucocutaneous manifestations of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Background Cutaneous mucormycosis has shown a significant upsurge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the rapid progression and high mortality of cutaneous mucormycosis in this context, it is important to identify it early. However, very few studies report detailed clinical descriptions of cutaneous mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. Objectives To describe mucocutaneous lesions of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis based on clinical morphology and attempt to correlate them with radiological changes. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre from 1st April to 31st July 2021. Eligibility criteria included hospitalised adult patients of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis with mucocutaneous lesions. Results All subjects were recently recovering COVID-19 patients diagnosed with cutaneous mucormycosis. One of fifty-three (2%) patients had primary cutaneous mucormycosis, and all of the rest had secondary cutaneous mucormycosis. Secondary cutaneous mucormycosis lesions presented as cutaneous-abscess in 25/52 (48%), nodulo-pustular lesions in 1/52 (2%), necrotic eschar in 1/52 (2%) and ulcero-necrotic in 1/52 (2%). Mucosal lesions were of three broad sub-types: ulcero-necrotic in 1/52 (2%), pustular in 2/52 (4%) and plaques in 1/52 (2%). Twenty out of fifty-two patients (38%) presented with simultaneous mucosal and cutaneous lesions belonging to the above categories. Magnetic resonance imaging of the face showed variable features of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue involvement, viz. peripherally enhancing collection in the abscess group, "dot in circle sign" and heterogeneous contrast enhancement in the nodulo-pustular group; and fat stranding with infiltration of subcutaneous tissue in cases with necrotic eschar and ulcero-necrotic lesions. Limitations The morphological variety of cutaneous mucormycosis patients in a single-centre study like ours might not be very precise. Thus, there is a need to conduct multi-centric prospective studies with larger sample sizes in the future to substantiate our morphological and radiological findings. Conclusions COVID-19-associated mucormycosis patients in our study presented with a few specific types of mucocutaneous manifestations, with distinct magnetic resonance imaging findings. If corroborated by larger studies, these observations would be helpful in the early diagnosis of this serious illness.

Obstructive sleep apnea in hypothyroidism.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypothyroidism are closely linked as hypothyroidism has been shown to lead to the development of OSA through multiple mechanisms. With the changing lifestyle patterns worldwide and increased prevalence of obesity, the burden of OSA has substantially increased. The association of OSA with hypothyroidism is essential to establish. If identified early, treatment of OSA and associated hypothyroidism can be done timely to minimize the potential harmful complications of OSA on all aspects of the patient's health. Aims: This study was done to find out the prevalence of OSA in hypothyroidism patients. Setting and Designs: It was a cross-sectional study, done over a period of 1 year in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 hypothyroidism patients were enrolled after taking written consent. All patients were subjected to STOP-Bang questionnaire and patient falling in intermediate-high risk (score3-8), were taken for overnight polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSA (AHI ≥5). Statistical Analysis Used: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 statistical analysis software. Results: Out of 100 patients, who underwent polysomnography, 74 (74%) cases had OSA (AHI ≥5). Out of total 74 OSA cases, 29 (39.2%) cases had mild OSA (AHI 5-14), 15 (20.3%) cases had moderate OSA (AHI 15-30), and 30 (40.5%) cases had severe OSA. The age of the study population ranged between 24 and 78 years and the mean age was 58.28 ± 11.22 years. The mean age of the patients in the OSA group (59.27 ± 11.17 years) was higher than the non-OSA group (55.46 ± 11.09 years). Majority (64%) of our cases were male, and the proportion of males was found to be higher than females in both the groups (OSA/non-OSA). The body mass index (BMI) of the OSA group was found to be statistically higher as compared to that of the non-OSA group (P = 0.040). The BMI was found to be higher in severe OSA, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.128). The mean value of FT4 was lower and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was higher in the OSA group as compared with the non-OSA group. However, no significant association was found between FT4 and TSH values in both the groups. Out of 100 cases, 41 patients were treatment naïve with mean TSH value of 13.1 ± 7 and 59 were on treatment with mean TSH of 8.3 ± 4. Treatment-naïve patients had a statistically higher number (85.3%) of OSA cases in comparison to patients on treatment (66.1) (P = 0.030). Conclusions: Prevalence of OSA is quite high in hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism should be screened for OSA for early diagnosis, especially in individuals with higher BMI. Treatment of hypothyroidism reduces the prevalence of OSA.

Résumé Introduction: L'apnée obstructive du sommeil (OSA) et l'hypothyroïdie sont étroitement liées car l'hypothyroïdie s'est avérée conduire au développement de l'AOS à travers de multiples mécanismes. Avec l'évolution des modèles de style de vie dans le monde et une prévalence accrue de l'obésité, le fardeau de l'AOS a considérablement augmenté. L'association de l'AOS avec l'hypothyroïdie est essentielle à établir. S'il est identifié tôt, le traitement de l'AOS et de l'hypothyroïdie associée peuvent être effectués en temps opportun pour minimiser les complications nocives potentielles de l'AOS sur tous les aspects de la santé du patient. Aims: Cette étude a été réalisée pour découvrir la prévalence de l'AOS chez les patients hypothyroïdiennes. Cadre et conception: C'était une étude transversale, réalisée sur une période de 1 an dans un hôpital de soins tertiaires. Matériaux et méthodes: Un total de 100 patients hypothyroïdiennes ont été inscrits après avoir pris consentement écrit. Tous les patients ont été soumis à un questionnaire d'arrêt de bang et à la chute des patients à risque élevé (score3-8), ont été pris pour la polysomnographie d'une nuit pour confirmer le diagnostic de l'AOS (AHI ≥5). Analyse statistique utilisée: Le logiciel Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 21.0 Analyse statistique. Résultats: Sur 100 patients, qui ont subi une polysomnographie, 74 (74%) cas avaient une OSA (AHI ≥5). Sur le total de 74 cas d'ASA, 29 (39,2%) avaient des cas légers de l'ASA (AHI 5­14), 15 (20,3%) avaient des cas d'ASA modérés (AHI 15-30), et 20 (40,5%) avaient une OSA sévère. L'âge de la population d'étude variait entre 24 et 78 ans et l'âge moyen était de 58,28 ± 11,22 ans. L'âge moyen des patients du groupe OSA (59,27 ± 11,17 ans) était plus élevé que le groupe non-OSA (55,46 ± 11,09 ans). La majorité (64%) de nos cas étaient des hommes, et la proportion d'hommes s'est révélée plus élevée que les femmes dans les deux groupes (OSA / non-OSA). L'indice de masse corporelle (IMC) du groupe OSA s'est avéré statistiquement plus élevé par rapport à celui du groupe non-OSA (P = 0,040). L'IMC s'est avéré être plus élevé dans l'OSA sévère, mais il n'était pas statistiquement significatif (p = 0,128). La valeur moyenne de FT4 était inférieure et l'hormone stimulante thyroïdienne (TSH) était plus élevée dans le groupe OSA par rapport au groupe non-OSA. Cependant, aucune association significative n'a été trouvée entre les valeurs FT4 et TSH dans les deux groupes. Sur 100 cas, 41 patients étaient naïfs de traitement avec une valeur TSH moyenne de 13,1 ± 7 et 59 étaient sous traitement avec une TSH moyenne de 8,3 ± 4. Les patients naïfs de traitement avaient un nombre statistiquement plus élevé (85,3%) des cas d'AOS par rapport à patients sous traitement (66,1) (p = 0,030). Conclusions: La prévalence de l'AOS est assez élevée en hypothyroïdie. Les patients atteints d'hypothyroïdie doivent être dépistés pour l'AOS pour un diagnostic précoce, en particulier chez les personnes atteintes d'IMC plus élevée. Le traitement de l'hypothyroïdie réduit la prévalence de l'AOS. Mots-clés: Indice d'apnée - hypene, indice de masse corporelle, hypothyroïdie, apnée obstructive du sommeil, polysomnographie, ronflement, fatigue pendant la journée, apnée observée et hypertension, indice.

A retrospective correlative profiling of lung functions, microbiological, radiological, periodontal, hematological parameters in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients of North India.

Introduction: Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a neglected debilitating condition with scarce epidemiological literature explaining its geographical heterogeneity, especially in lower and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess and correlate the functional profile of NCFB patients and evaluate the correlation of body mass index (BMI) with several disease variables. Methods: This mixed-method retrospective research study was conducted on 124 radiologically confirmed NCFB patients in terms of various qualitative and quantitative variables. Results: Restrictive ventilatory defect was the most common type with the preponderance of male former smokers. Mean platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR; 104.08 ± 73.59) revealed certain degree of systemic inflammatory burden with a slightly higher mean peripheral leukocyte count (10665.19 ± 4268.81 cell/mm3) and eosinophilia of >2%. Almost all patients had periodontal disease with a higher prevalence of chronic periodontitis (54.83%). Moderately severe and predominantly cystic radiological type was encountered with 61.2% patients positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bronchiectasis aetiology comorbidity index (BACI) i.e., 2.34 ± 2.37 represented an intermediate mortality risk in our patients. On basis of BMI, majority were young underweights with poor pulmonary functions while PLR skewed toward overweight patients (nonsignificant P > 0.05). Forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity displayed a negative weak moderately significant correlation with BACI (r = -0.24; P = 0.008). Peripheral lymphocyte count demonstrated a weak negative but significant correlation with modified Reiff score (r = -0.20; P = 0.023) while serum neutrophil count had a weak negative moderately significant correlation with hemoglobin (r = -0.20; P = 0.023). Conclusions: NCFB bears great heterogeneity with distinct geographical phenotypes and should be correlated thoroughly in terms of peripheral leukocytes count, pulmonary functions, radiology, BMI, and coexisting comorbidities for adequate management.

The Relationship Between Clinical Phenotypes and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Stages/Groups in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cannot be properly characterised by a single metric, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), due to its complexity and heterogeneity. The GOLD 2017 report contained the ABCD evaluation method to measure airflow limitation, symptoms, and/or exacerbation risk. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between clinical characteristics and GOLD groups or stages in patients with COPD. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the department of respiratory medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, between 2019 and 2022. Here, stable COPD patients' demographics, clinical characteristics, and the number of exacerbations were compared between the groups following the GOLD 2022 report. An unpaired t-test with Welch's correction, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical significance. Results In this study, 349 stable COPD patients (256 males and 93 females) were selected. The GOLD 2017 categorization placed 78 (22.4%) patients in group A, 158 (45.3%) in B, 44 (12.6%) in C, and 69 (19.8%) in D. Further, we used GOLD 2017 to classify COPD patients into 16 subgroups (1A-4D). FEV1 (% predicted) decreased across groups A to D (p<0.0001). Groups C and D had a longer duration of illness, higher COPD assessment test (CAT) score, higher Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, longer exacerbation history, and more COPD hospitalizations in the previous year than groups A and B. More symptomatic patients (B and D) exhibited lower FEV1 (% predicted) and more severe airflow limitation than less symptomatic patients (A and C) (p=0.0002). Symptomatic individuals exhibited higher CAT and mMRC dyspnea scores (p<0.0001). Groups C and D comprised older patients and those with longer disease duration, higher mMRC dyspnea scale and CAT, lower FEV1, and more severe airflow limitation (A and B). Conclusion The present study demonstrates the distribution of COPD patients' clinical phenotypes in an Indian population. We conclude that the combined COPD assessment according to the GOLD 2022 guideline provides a better understanding of COPD.

Serum kallistatin as a marker of severity of liver fibrosis in cirrhosis: A cross-sectional observational study.

Background: Liver cirrhosis is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although liver biopsy is the gold standard for the assessment of liver fibrosis in cirrhosis, it has its own limitations. Therefore, noninvasive methods to detect liver fibrosis are widely preferred. However, they also have their own limitations. Thus, there is always a need to extend the battery of serum-based assays. Kallistatin is a protein synthesized primarily in the liver. As it is a negative acute-phase protein, its blood level decreases with a decline in liver function. In our study, we explored the relationship between serum kallistatin and radiological evidence of liver fibrosis by transient elastography to determine if kallistatin levels can be used as a diagnostic marker of liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1-year duration was conducted at a leading tertiary care hospital in northern India. Patients between 15 and 75 years of age having evidence of chronic liver disease were enrolled. All enrolled patients were evaluated by detailed history, physical examination, and relevant investigations. Serum kallistatin levels were quantified using the ELISA method. Grading of liver fibrosis was done using transient elastography. A FibroScan scoring card was used to convert FibroScan results measured in kPa into the Metavir scale F1-F4. Results: A total of 128 subjects, including 64 patients with cirrhosis and 64 healthy controls, were enrolled. Our study suggested that FibroScan values were significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. The kallistatin level of cases was significantly lower than that of controls. An inverse correlation was found between FibroScan value and kallistatin level among cases. Conclusion: We conclude that serum kallistatin levels are low in patients with liver fibrosis and can be used as a potential marker of liver fibrosis.

Periodontal status of patients with nontubercular respiratory diseases hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital.

Background: There is strong evidence that periodontal disease (PD) is related to various systemic diseases including respiratory diseases. Dental plaque is the primal cause of PD, and it can also be used as a reservoir of lung pathogens. After inhalation, it can cause a variety of respiratory infections. In addition, low nutritional status and immuneosuppression due to treatment or disease progression may affect the oral health of the hospitalized patients with nontubercular respiratory diseases. Here, we aimed to assess the periodontal status in hospitalized patients with nontubercular respiratory problems. Materials and Methods: We have enrolled 100 hospitalized nontubercular respiratory ill patients and 100 periodontal patients in this study. Periodontal clinical parameters, namely plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated in both the groups. Modified Kuppuswamy's socioeconomic scale was utilized to assess the education, occupation, and monthly family income. Results: Sociodemographic profile was comparable in both the studied groups. Hospitalized patients with nontubercular respiratory diseases had more severe PD (PPD and CAL) and poorer oral hygiene (higher PI), although the GI was lower compared to patients in the periodontal group. In addition, compared with patients in the high-income group, low-income patients are at greater risk of periodontal infections. Conclusions: Our data show that the prevalence of periodontal infections in hospitalized patients with non-tubercular respiratory diseases is higher, indicating that there is an association between PD and respiratory diseases.