Clinical-epidemiological Profile of Coronavirus Disease 19 Associated Mucomycosis (CAM) and Relation with Zinc and Iron Levels

Introduction: Coronavirus disease associated mucormycosis (CAM), perturbed a lot by reaching to epidemic proportions particularly during the second wave of the pandemic. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of patients with COVID-19-associated mucomycosis admitted in April-May 2021 at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Demographic profile, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded Multidisciplinary treatment including antifungals and surgical interventions were noted. Results: This study included 98patients of mucormycosis, diagnosed on the basis of clinical and radiological findings and later were confirmed by microbiological investigations. Out of 98 patients, 72 had rhino orbital, 24 had rhino-orbital- cerebral and 2 had pulmonary mucormycosis. Twelve had coinfection of covid 19 while 86 had developed mucormycosis within 3 weeks. Conclusion: CAM has posed as a continuum of challenges faced during the pandemic of covid 19. This rare and life threatening complication requires high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. Multidisciplinary involvement and timely interventions including antifungal pharmacotherapy, stringent glycemic control and surgical debridement can reduce the mortality. Mucormycosis is uniformly associated with low iron levels but role of zinc needs to be further studied

Wooden stick penetration from the perineal region up to the thorax / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Penetrating injuries of the perineum are rare but very dangerous. Since the genitourinary and colorectal organs may be injured, how to evaluate surgical management of the injury is very important. METHODS: The present report presents a case of penetrating injury of the perineum by a wooden stick when the patient fell on the upright wooden stick from a tree. The three feet long stick entered the perineal region just left lateral to the anal opening. Upon reaching the thoracic cavity, it broke and only a foot stick was left in the subcutaneous plane. These injuries are potentially serious with risk of damage to multiple organs. Exploratory laprotomy was done, and bladder injury was repaired. The entry wound and the track of stick was thoroughly washed and allowed for secondary intention healing. RESULTS: The post operative period was uneventful and the patient recovered fully. CONCLUSION: Meticulous evaluation and surgical management of perineal injuries are the key to prevent devastating complications.

Road traffic accidents in hilly regions of northern India: What has to be done? / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND:Road traffic accidents (RTA) are responsible for 1.2 million deaths worldwide each year. RTA willbecome the 3rd largest contributor to the global burden of diseases after ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and depression. We conducted a retrospective study on RTA in a tertiary center in the hilly district of Uttarakhand in India. METHODS:The number of RTA, pattern of RTA, the number of patients killed and injured, the pattern of injury causing death and disability, the severity of accidents, and the type of disability were noted from December 2009 to November 2011. The accident severity was calculated as the number of patients killed per 100 accidents. The methods for reducing the incidence of RTA were observed, and the role of policy makers was studied. RESULTS:The majority of deaths and disabilities in Uttarakhand were due to road traffic accidents in the hilly districts of the states. The most common cause of RTA was driving fault followed by defective roads. CONCLUSION:Proper designing of roads and minimizing the fault of drivers are essential to prevent road traffic accidents in hilly regions.