ABSTRACT
Mucormycosis is the third invasive mycosis in order of importance after candidiasis and aspergillosis and is caused by fungi of the class Zygomycetes. The most important species causing Mucormycosis is Rhizopus arrhizus (oryzae). Identification of the agents responsible for mucormycosis is based on macroscopic and microscopic morphological criteria, carbohydrate assimilation and the maximum temperature compatible with its growth. The incidence of mucormycosis is approximately 1.7 cases per 1000 000 inhabitants per year. Clinical diagnosis of mucormycosis is difficult, and is often made at a late stage of the disease or post-mortem. We present here a series of five cases of different types of mucormycosis that were reported in our hospital till date. Of which three patients had good recovery and other two had a fatal outcome. Treatment of mucormycosis requires a rapid diagnosis, correction of predisposing factors, surgical resection or debridement as part of source control-and appropriate anti-fungal therapy. Liposomal amphotericin B is the drug of choice for this condition. The overall rate of mortality of mucormycosis is approximately 40%.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. It is large, enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. The clinical features range from the common cold to more severe diseases i.e., MERS and SARS. Incubation period ranges between 1-12.5 days (median 5-6 days). As on 07 March, 2020 total confirmed cases are 1,01,927 with 3486 deaths in 93 countries/territories/areas. The various lab tests for COVID-19 virus are NAAT, serological testing, viral sequencing and viral culture. Many aspects of this virus is still not understood. The authors in this article describe studies to know the pathogenesis as well as immunological response with use of animal methods. Authors also discuss genetic engineering, evaluation of activation and inflammatory activity of myeloid cells during pathogenic human coronavirus, etc. that can help in prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in near future.
ABSTRACT
Background: A child’s entire life is determined in large measures by food intake during the growing age. Since childhood is the most vulnerable phase in the life of human being, nutritional inadequacies will result in hampering of growth as well as development of body. Future of the Country is determined by the growing generation. Methods: Total number of children aged 1-10 years is 1232 that attended Pediatrics out – patient department in the year 2013-14. The entire children aged 1-10 years were included in the study. Parents or/and guardians of the children were informed about the study. Weight of the children was measured using a portable weighing machine. Grading of nutritional status among 1-10 years old children was assessed by computing weight-for-age according to Indian Academy of Pediatrics classification. Results: Prevalence of under-nutrition (<80 percentage of standard weight-for-age) was 62.26%. The normal were 37.74%. The prevalence of Grade I malnourished was 29.30%, Grade II 19.49%, Grade III 9.25% and that of Grade IV was 4.22%. Prevalence of under-nutrition was higher among male (32.63%) than of female (29.62%) children. Conclusions: Nutritional status of children has been recognized as an important of National development which in turn depends on social development indices. Though the country is developing fast with wide availability of resources and food we still notice under-nourishment. Health education to the parents, especially to the mothers on dietary practices like feeding their children with healthy food in terms of quality and quantity should be given. Nutritional rehabilitation centre should be established which will guide the parents in regard to the nutrition of child to be maintain at particular growing age group. The finding of prevalence of under-nutrition in males is unique in Indian context where females are prone to get neglected and sex wise prevalence of under nutrition was usually higher in females as compared to males.
ABSTRACT
Female hyperandrogenism is a frequent motive of consultation. It is revealed by hirsutism, acne or seborrhea, and disorders in menstruation cycle combined or not with virilisation signs. Several etiologies are incriminated but the hyperandrogenism-insulin resistance-acanthosis nigricans syndrome is rare. A 21-year female, having had a three-year-old secondary amenorrhea, known case of hypothyroidism since 4 years on medication. The exam revealed a patient, hypertensive with blood pressure at 170/110 mmHg with a Body Mass Index (BMI) at 40.08 (Obese Class-3, as per WHO 2004) and a waist measurement of 106cm, a severe hirsutism assessed to be 27 according to Ferriman and Gallwey scale, acanthosis nigricans behind the neck and elbows. The assessment carried out revealed testosteronemia at 1.07 ng/mL, which is more than twice the upper normal of the laboratory. Imaging studies revealed enlarged right adrenal gland, hepatomegaly with fatty infiltration of grade-1 also bilateral polycystic ovaries. The retained diagnosis is HAIR-AN syndrome with polycystic ovaries, hypertension, type-II diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism since last 4-years and dyslipidemia and was provided with metformin 500 mg thrice daily, spironolactone 25 mg twice daily, atorvastatin 20 mg once daily, telmisartan 20 mg once daily with continuation of eltroxin 50 Mcg for hypothyroidism. To our knowledge this is the first case report of HAIR-AN syndrome in 21 year old female associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and type-2-diabetes and this case also highlights about early diagnosis and management of HAIR-AN Syndrome with PCOS and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which could help prevent long-term sequalae such as cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer and with the advent of knowledge and availability of health resources we can prevent long-term adverse effects (threefold) on health of women. This woman should be observed for these ailments in later life.