Admission HbA1c value as a prognostic marker in patients admitted with COVID-19

Background:Diabetes mellitus has been firmly established as a risk factor for the prognosis of COVID-19. However, the impact of pre-COVID-19 glycemic control on prognosis is yet to be fully understood. Our study aimedto establish the effect of HbA1c at admission on the outcome of patients admitted with COVID-19.Methods:It was a prospective observational study of admitted adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary care centre based on data collected from the medical record section using the patient data registry between April 2021 to June 2021. Information regarding demographic and clinical features, laboratory values, and hospital outcomes was collected and analysed.Results:182 patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 during the study period were included, their mean age was 48.75 years, the mean HbA1c was 6.1. Males accounted for 69.8% (127) of the sample population. 41.2% (75) were known diabetics. 44.8% (81) were known hypertensives. The mortality rate overall was 25.3% (46). 63.7% (116) had HbA1c values >6.5.High HbA1c values was associated with longer duration of hospital stay (p=0.032), higher levels of inflammatory markers, increased need for mechanical ventilation (p=0.001), higher mortality rate (p=0.001).Conclusions:Patients with COVID-19 with poor glycemiccontrol as evidenced by admission HbA1c levels were found to have more severe disease course with increased level of inflammatory markers, longer duration of hospital stay and higher risk of mortality

Clinical Presentation, Management and Outcome in Diverticular Colovesical Fistulas - Our Experience.

Colovesical fistula (CVF) is an abnormal communication between the urinary bladder and the large intestine, usually sigmoid colon. Diverticulitis is the most common cause of CVF in most of the western studies, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. Diverticular CVF is uncommon in Asia. This case series shares the experience of six cases of diverticular CVF in Indian population. METHODSMedical records of six patients with diverticular colovesical fistulas during the period January 2016 - August 2019 were reviewed with regard to symptoms, diagnostic investigations, and management. Various aspects of the disease were analysed to determine the common features of colovesical fistula in our population. RESULTSAll patients with diverticular colovesical fistula were presented with urinary symptoms and none were aware about their existing colonic diverticulosis. Five out of the six cases presented with pneumaturia. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen detected sigmoid diverticulosis with vesical fistula in all cases. The most common site of fistula found on cystoscopy was on the left superolateral wall of bladder. All cases were operated as a single stage procedure including fistula repair, colonic resection, omental interposition with no temporary colostomy which provided an excellent surgical cure. CONCLUSIONSColovesical fistula secondary to diverticular disease has shown a rising incidence and can be effectively managed by a multidisciplinary team. It requires prompt diagnosis, adequate preoperative evaluation, perioperative care including bowel preparation, nutritional supplementation, appropriate antibiotics, and meticulous surgical skills allowing an elective one-stage approach.

A Study of Comparison between DJ Stenting and Silodosin after Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy for Mid and Lower Ureteric Calculus.

Ureteric calculi are known to affect approximately 10 – 15% of the overall population. We wanted to determine as to whether silodosin can be used instead of DJ stenting in patients with uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy.METHODSWe selected 60 patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) in the study group. They were divided into ‘stented group’ and ‘non-stented group on silodosin’. Patients with stone of 5 to 18 mm size with no intraoperative mucosal injury and no stricture were included in the study. All patients underwent surgery using an 8/9.8 Fr rigid ureteroscope, without ureteral dilation, with lithotripsy using an electro-hydraulic lithotripter, without extraction. A 4.5 Fr Double J stent was placed in the first group for three to four weeks. The patients underwent urine routine examination, plain x-ray KUB, and ultrasound abdomen before and after lithotripsy. Lower urinary tract symptoms and pain scores were recorded on 3, 7 and 15 days postoperatively. We compared mean operative time, emergency visits, rehospitalisation rates, and residual fragments between each group.RESULTSOut of 60 patients, 53.3% of patients had lower ureteric calculus, 30% had mid ureteric, and 16.7% had calculus at vesicoureteric junction. The mean calculus size on the left side was 10.23 mm, and on the right side was 10.33 mm. The mean intraoperative time was 33.23 minutes in stented and 29.9 minutes in the silodosin group (p< 0.003). Patients underwent assessment for flank pain, fever, and LUTS on postoperative days (POD) 3, 7 and 15. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups though patients with DJ stent had more symptoms on inquiry. A total of 5 patients in the treatment groups were re-hospitalised, two patients (6.7%) in the stented group, and three patients (10%) in the silodosin group, out of which three patients (5%) required a secondary procedure which was not statistically significant. Three subjects treated with silodosin and 12 with the DJ stent in situ had residual fragments on POD 21 which was statistically significant (p 0.27).CONCLUSIONSPatients with uncomplicated URSL have similar recovery of renal function when treated with silodosin as compared to the placement of DJ stent. Treatment without stent with silodosin also has less irritative LUTS. We conclude that silodosin can be an alternative to DJ stent after uncomplicated ureteroscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy, thereby reducing operative time and patient morbidity.

A rare case of isolated tubercular epididymitis

Isolated tuberculous epididymitis (ITE), defined as tuberculous epididymitis without clinical signs of kidney. Here we present a middle-aged man who presented with swelling in the right scrotum since, 45 days. On clinical examination, mild tenderness was noted in the right scrotal region, a course of oral antibiotics was started but again patient presented with same complaints after 15 days. Fine needle aspiration cytology of testicular swelling was performed which was confirmatory of tuberculous epididymitis. The patient was advised anti-tuberculosis treatment, which he continued for a duration of 6 months. Following the anti-tubercular treatment, there was no evidence of recurrence.