IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 has become a global threat to public health. The current study investigates alterations in the biological estimates concerning the severity, recovery, mortality, and assessment of treatment-based outcomes. MethodsA case series of 165 COVID-19 patients admitted to OMI Institute (a tertiary care hospital) was conducted between May and August 2020. The data regarding demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, radiographic abnormalities, biological estimations, symptoms, treatment, disease progression, complications, and outcomes were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Laboratory estimations included complete blood count (CBC), renal and electrolyte profile, liver function tests (LFTs), hematological indices, and inflammatory markers. Chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), and a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan were also performed, and data were extracted from the medical records. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. ResultsOut of the 165 COVID-19 patients, 79.4% recovered and were successfully discharged, while 20.6% of inpatient died. The patients' mean age was 56.03 ± 15.96 years, with a male majority (55.1%). The most common comorbid conditions were diabetes and hypertension; fever and dry cough were among the most frequently reported symptoms. The chest imaging findings among the severe/critical COVID-19 patients showed extensive bilateral patchy opacities. The median laboratory investigations, including neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio (NLR) (14.83), C-reactive protein (CRP) (7.4 mg/dl), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (786 IU/L), ferritin (1401.15 mcg/ml), and mean oxygen saturation (88.25%), were significantly altered among cases with increased disease severity and those who expired (p<0.05). The proportion of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis development was significantly high among severe/critical COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). Treatment with tocilizumab, remdesivir, doxycycline, ivermectin, enoxaparin sodium, and steroids was deemed to be potentially effective treatment options in terms of reducing COVID-19 severity and chances of recovery. Furthermore, age (OR 1.05; p=0.047), presence of comorbidity (OR 8.471; p=0.004), high NLR, LDH (final outcome) (OR 1.361 and 1.018; p<0.05), and CRP levels (midpoint) (OR 1.631; p=0.05) were identified as the strong predictors of death among COVID-19 patients. ConclusionThe study identified several alterations in the clinical profile of the COVID-19 patients concerning severity during the hospital stay, affecting prognosis. Clinically, tocilizumab, remdesivir, doxycycline, ivermectin, enoxaparin sodium, and steroids were identified as potential therapeutic options for COVID-19 due to their ability to alter disease-associated severity and recovery rate.
The pandemic of coronavirus 19 infection has presented the clinicians with a challenge never experienced on this scale before. Although coagulopathy has been well described in association with COVID-19 infection, some recommendations have emerged so far for the potential role of empiric anticoagulation in specific situations. We describe a case of a middle-aged male with extensive acute lower limb ischemia and severe pneumonia related to COVID-19 infection. This case highlights the role of prophylactic anticoagulation in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection regardless of co-morbidities and D-dimer levels.
Aim: To study the spectrum of Pituitary tumours, their presentation, treatment and compliance with follow-up. Study design: Mixed retrospective and prospective study Place and duration of study: Medicell Institute of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from 1st January 2012 to 31st July 2022. Methodology: One hundred and seventy three cases of pituitary tumours, were enrolled. Data regarding age, gender, duration of disease, symptoms, mode of treatment administered and compliance with the follow-up instructions was retrieved. Results: The mean age was 36.4±10.6 years. Female predominance was seen in 97(56.1%). Of the 136 married patients, subfertility was seen in 48(36.3%). Headache was observed in 164(94.8%) of patients. Prolactinoma was the lead tumour comprising of 76 cases (43.9%), followed by non-secretory tumours 47(27.2%), and acromegaly 43(24.9%). Other rare disorders including Cushing’s disease, craniopharyngioma and gonadotropinoma were also seen. Cabergoline was prescribed in 136 (78.6%) cases. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) was done in 74(42.8%) of patients. Out of 97 female patients, 38(39.2%) had persistent amenorrhea post-treatment, while this data was not available for 40(41.2%) of these women, who were lost to follow-up. The difference between mean prolactin levels prior and after the treatment (1390.048±2646.986 versus 116.360±163.369) were found to be statistically significant p<0.001). Similarly, IGF-1 levels were significantly improved post treatment indicating tumour stability. Moreover, the level of mean FT4 post-treatment was 1.64, reflecting adequate replacement. Conclusion: Majority of the patients had improvement post-treatment in pituitary tumour symptoms including vision, headache and sexual function. Failure to attend for follow-up for tumour stability, control of excess hormone, and pituitary hormone replacement was seen in a large number of patients in this study. This requires careful consideration of different strategies to ensure better long term care in pituitary tumours. Keywords: Pituitary tumor, Prolactinoma, Craniopharyngioma, Gonadotropinoma, Acromegaly
Aim: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, severity, and outcomes of local COVID-19 patients with diabetes. Study Design: Case series Place and duration of study: Orthopedic Medical Institute Hospital, Karachi from 1st September 2020 to 28th February 2021. Methods: One hundred and forty seven COVID-19 positive patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes were enrolled. The patients' demographic and clinical information specific to COVID-19 and diabetes was collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age of 64.03±11.56 years. The ischemic heart disease (39.9%) and hypertension (74.3%) were the two most prevalent comorbid conditions. The overall mortality rate of 20.3%. Between patients with diabetes receiving steroids and those receiving no steroids, the mean fasting (FBG) and random blood glucose (RBG) were relatively elevated. Glycemic control had no discernible impact on the severity, results, or length of the COVID-19 hospital stay (p>0.05). Conclusion: No significant effect of diabetes millitus control on COVID severity and outcomes, but the altered blood glucose levels suggest a need to define specific targeted intervention for COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, specifically diabetes mellitus. Keywords: COVID-19, Diabetes mellitus, Diabetes control, Outcome
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