The Severe acute respiratory syndrome and the Middle East respiratory syndromes emerged in 2002 and 2012 respectively. Currently the world is witnessing a global pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV- 2) causing the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Mucormycosis is a fungal infection primarily affecting individuals with an immunocompromised state like diabetes mellitus, malignancies etc. Patients who have or have had COVID-19 infection with pre-existing uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes mellitus are presumably more vulnerable for emergence of fungal infections cases. This article presents a report of 6 cases with histopathological proven mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 and uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus.
<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> In chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), the success rate of tympanoplasty, can range from 35% to 92% and is influenced by a number of factors such as age of patient, size and site of perforation, status of ear, ossicular status and surgical technique. The middle ear risk index (MERI) of a CSOM patient is an effective numerical grading system helpful in predicting the outcome of surgery. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective observational study was conducted in 50 patients over a period of 1 year including all cases of CSOM in age group of 18-55 years with conductive hearing loss that underwent tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy and role of MERI was analysed for the outcome of the surgery. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Successful graft uptake was seen in 92% cases while in 8% cases graft was rejected. Of these 46 cases, 32 cases had mild MERI score, 10 had moderate MERI score and 4 had severe MERI score. It was observed that higher the MERI score, lower the graft uptake. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study comprised of 50 patients of CSOM which were categorized into mild, moderate and severe on the basis of MERI score preoperatively. All the patients underwent tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy and surgical outcome in terms of graft uptake was found to be significant. Higher the MERI score, lower was the graft uptake while lower the MERI score, higher was the graft uptake. Hence, MERI is a useful tool to ascertain the prognosis of tympanoplasty.</p>
Introduction Amidst another wave of COVID-19, the alarming number of cases per day in India has affected the healthcare system and professionals tremendously. As the disease burden continues to increase, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists remain at high risk of exposure to this aerosol borne virus. This requires the creation and regulation of protocols for conducting routine clinical practice, especially by ENT specialists.
Objectives To review the available literature and to propose strategies and recommendations for ENT practitioners to conduct their regular practice amidst this pandemic.
Data synthesis A systematic review of the available literature on ENT practice during the COVID-19 pandemic was done. Out of the many protocols proposed in various studies, the most practical and feasible ones that could be adopted by practicing ENT doctors/ surgeons in the long run were selected. Adequate precautions and use of high level of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to be adopted by all practicing ENT doctors. Use of teleconsultation has been promoted as it limits face-to-face exposure. Proper guidelines should be followed for both emergency and elective surgeries. Endoscopy can be used as a safe and useful tool for ENT examination.
Conclusion As practicing otorhinolaryngologists, it is of utmost importance that we take all necessary precautions and adopt safety measures in our clinical practice while conducting out patient department (OPD) consultations, operative procedures, and emergency care to protect our patients, ourselves, and other healthcare staff during this time.
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