ObjectiveTo describe feasibility and results of systematic screening of tuberculosis (TB) patients for HIV.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSix selected sentinel sites (public DOTS clinics) in the province of Sindh, Pakistan.ParticipantsAll TB patients aged 16–60 years registered for treatment from April 2008 to March 2012.MeasurementDemographic information of registered TB patients, screening for HIV through rapid testing and confirmation by referral lab of Sindh AIDS Control Program, according to national guidelines.ResultsOf a total of 18 461 registered TB patients, 12 882 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were given education and counselling. Of those counselled 12 552 (97.4%) were screened for HIV using a rapid test. Men made up 48% of the sample and 76.5% of patients had pulmonary TB. Of the total patients tested, 42 (0.34%) were HIV-positive after confirmatory testing at the Sindh AIDS Control Program Laboratory. Prevalence of HIV among male patients was 0.67% whereas prevalence among female patients was 0.03% (p value <0.001). Prevalence of HIV among pulmonary TB patients was 0.29% and among extrapulmonary TB patients was 0.48% (p value=0.09).ConclusionIn public DOTS clinics in Pakistan it is feasible to test TB patients for HIV. Prevalence of HIV is three times higher among TB patients as compared with the general population in Pakistan. Although the results are not representative of Pakistan or Sindh province they cover a large catchment area and closely match WHO estimate for the country. Routinely screening all TB patients for HIV infection, especially targeting men and ensuring antiretroviral therapy, can significantly improve TB/HIV collaborative activities in Pakistan and identify many cases of HIV, improve health outcomes and save lives.

Background The World Health Organization has recommended a patient-centered approach to tuberculosis drug administration. A central element of the patient-centered strategy is the use of treatment supporters to evaluate and elevate adherence to the treatment regimen and to address poor adherence when it occurs. This study was led to determine the part of various treatment supporters in the successful completion of treatment. Method This study was conducted in two locales of Sindh, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas. Information gathered included age, gender, regions, sort of treatment supporters (relatives, community and health facility workers) and treatment outcomes. Results Of the 773 patients incorporated into the study, 86.8% picked a family supporter, 7.63% selected community worker and 5.56% chose health facility worker as their treatment supporter. Women and younger patients were more likely to prefer that family members supervise their treatment. Treatment achievement rates among the patients regulated by the three kinds of treatment supporters, were not altogether unique in relation to each other (p=0.23 Chi square). Conclusion The study demonstrates that TB patients ought to be urged to pick the supporter of their inclination as selection of treatment supporter outside the health system does not adversely affect TB treatment outcomes in limited resource settings.

Background: This brief article focuses on highlighting the importance of possible neuropsychological manifestations among the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) survivors. Studies have evidenced that like other Coronaviruses, COVID-19 is highly contagious and also responsible for the development of mild to severe respiratory symptoms. As COVID-19 is a recently emerged pandemic that has resulted in more than six hundred thousand deaths around the globe as of July 2020 and most of the researches has focused on the physical manifestations. Purpose: The purpose of this review article was to highlight the importance of COVID-19 infection in perspective to mental health in those patients who are survived. Methodology: For this purpose, an intensive literature review was conducted through different scientific search engines including PubMed, Google Scholars, Science Direct, etc. Results and Conclusion: There is very limited data available on manifestations including psychological and neuropsychological. Studies have shown that viral infections including viruses from Coronaviridae have been implicated in the nervous system including the brain. So, it is important to investigate the post-COVID-19 infection in neuropsychological aspects. Such studies will highlight the importance of post-COVID-19 complications and will also help in redesigning the treatment plan for mental health. Keywords: COVID-19, neuropsychological issues, mental health, Coronavirus Disease 19 Survivors, depression, anxiety, stress Citation: Rafiq M, Bashir U, Hasnain J. COVID-19 survivors and neuropsychological issues: A way forward. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2020;24(5):