ABSTRACT
Mucormycosis is a rare, rapidly spreading, fulminant, opportunistic infection that is caused by a group of filamentous molds. During the second wave of COVID-19 India reported most of the cases of mucormycosis which is termed as COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe and understand the clinical and radiographic findings related to COVID-19 associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis. Methods: In this observational study 76 individuals with proven rhinomaxillary mucormycosis were included. The demographic profile, predisposing factors, anatomic structures involved, oral manifestations, radiographic findings management, and 90-day mortality were recorded and analyzed. Results: Among 76 individuals with COVID-19-associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis diabetes mellitus was present in 93.42% of cases. Almost all patients received corticosteroids during COVID-19 treatment. The maxilla was most commonly involved in around 98.6% of cases. Interestingly 1 case involving the mandible was noted and the maxillary sinus was the most commonly involved. Mortality occurred in 1.31% (n=1) of cases. Conclusion: Diabetes was the most common predisposing factor. Administration of corticosteroids was evident. A considerable number of patients developed diabetes during the treatment of COVID-19. Early signs and oral manifestations of rhinomaxillary mucormycosis play a pivotal role in the early diagnosis and prompt treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 associatedrhinomaxillary mucormycosis patients
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Early Diagnosis , Diabetes Mellitus , COVID-19 , MucormycosisABSTRACT
Background: More than 90 % of Indians rely on the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for primary health care. However, physicians often fail to communicate with their patients about its use as CAM is not included in the medical curriculum in India. Hence, initial needs assessment for curricular change in the medical schools is the need of time. The aim of the present study is to determine the attitude towards CAM among first year undergraduate medical students in Belgaum. Methodology: A survey questionnaire was administered to first year medical students at JN Medical College, Belgaum. The questionnaire contained attitudes toward CAM and Integrative medicine (IM). All responses were scored on a 5- point Likert scale and the data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Nearly 53% and 76% of the students (n=150) have showed positive attitude towards CAM and integrative medicine respectively. Coastal group of students showed more positive attitude towards integrative medicine compared to that of interior group (P=0.0002). Conclusion: In the context of the current upsurge of CAM practice worldwide, a survey is the need of time to gauge attitude amongst medical students. In the present study, students have showed positive attitude favoring inclusion of CAM topics in the medical curriculum in India.
ABSTRACT
Context: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lichen planus, and a lower level of lycopene has been reported in erosive and atrophic oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. However, its efficacy in the management of OLP has not been reported. Aim: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of systemic lycopene in the management of OLP. Settings and Design: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done in the Oral Medicine Department of a postgraduate teaching dental hospital in India. Materials and Methods: Thirty symptomatic OLP patients, randomly divided into two groups of 15 each, were administered lycopene 8 mg/day and an identical placebo, respectively, for 8 consecutive weeks. Burning sensation using visual analogue scale and overall treatment response using Tel Aviv-San Francisco scale were recorded at every visit. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using Wilcoxon Rank test, Mann-Whitney and Fischer's Exact test. Results: A higher (84%) reduction in burning sensation was seen in lycopene than in the placebo group (67%). All 15 (100%) patients in the lycopene group showed 50% or more benefit and 11 (73.3%) patients showed 70-100% benefit, while this number was only 10 and 4 (26.7%), respectively, in the placebo group. Conclusion: Lycopene was very effective in the management of OLP, and oxidative stress may have a role in disease pathogenesis.