Vitamin-D deficiency, the hidden pandemic in sunshine sufficient countries,exacerbating hypocalcaemia in a health worker undergoing thyroidectomy - a global perspective and review of literature

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common in young adults even in sunlight sufficient countries. It manifests with subtle and trivial symptoms that are often ignored. Nutritional deficiency due to improper dietary habits, poverty, long hours at work and study are factors. The lockdown during COVID has exacerbated the incidence. We had a patient with VDD who became symptomatic after routine thyroidectomy prompting our review into literature on the global health perspective of VDD. Material and method: - A 21-year-old nursing student developed hypocalcaemia within 24 hours after a routine thyroidectomy. VDD was detected and patient improved after supplementation. Literature was reviewed from Pubmed database for the medical aspects of the problem, from Government archives like the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, ICMR etc for cause and medical archives including those of paediatric and general health for the impact of disease at the state, national and global level. A global health problem list was prepared and data was reviewed. Discussion: Vitamin D is protective against respiratory infections due to viral aetiology including COVID. However, complete lockdown to prevent spread of COVID, online learning, and work from home culture has reduced sunlight exposure and increased incidence of VDD. Post thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia is common in VDD. Conclusion: Since there is a high prevalence of asymptomatic VDD even in sunshine sufficient countries, it is recommended to screen all patients especially young adults for VDD during routine preoperative work up.

Surgical management of a pial arteriovenous fistula with giant varix in an infant.

A seven-month-old infant presented with a generalized seizure. The radiological evaluation revealed a large arteriovenous fistula in the left sylvian region. The fistula connected the left middle cerebral artery and the vein of Trolard. A giant varix was present at the venous end. The child underwent craniotomy, complete disconnection of the fistula and excision of the varix. Except for recurrent seizures, which were eventually controlled on anticonvulsants, the child's neurological development has been good on long-term follow-up of three years. Pial arteriovenous fistulae are rare intracranial vascular malformations. Though significant operative risks exist, they can be successfully managed surgically with good long-term prognosis.