ABSTRACT
Reports have shown the association of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with several neuromuscular disorders. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies bind to acetyl choline receptors in the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. The characteristic clinical feature of the disease is weakness of the ocular muscle, bulbar muscle, and extremity muscles; when the weakness is limited to the ocular muscle only, the condition is known as ocular myasthenia gravis. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by the acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Symptoms of MG may be aggravated by various types of infections and medications. Here, we are presenting a rare case of a new and acute onset of ocular MG presented after administration of Covishield vaccine.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), may be associated with acute onset of smell and taste dysfunction along with other common presenting symptoms such as cough, fever and myalgia. Our study aims to analyze the presence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OGDs) in patients with COVID-19 and to assess their onset and recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2021 retrospectively at Care Multispecialty Hospital, Vadodara. A total 301 patients were admitted, among those 280 qualify according to inclusion criteria and 3 patients denied to participate in the study. All patients presenting with laboratory-confirmed real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2 were included in the study. All 277 patients were undergone a diagnostic questionnaire through telephonic conversation which include patient main symptoms and self-assessment of loss of smell and taste and their onset and recovery. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-seven patients were included in this study. One hundred and fifty-three patients (55%) reported olfactory and gustatory disorders. Loss of taste and smell were more frequently reported in female patients (72.8%) than male patients (48%). Onset of these symptoms concomitant with other typical symptoms of COVID-19 is in 58.2% of cases. Recovery of symptoms in most patients was in 5-10 days and faster in younger patients. CONCLUSION: Olfactory and gustatory disorders (OGDs) related to COVID-19 are frequently reported and more common in female patients. Rapid recovery was observed in most cases. Altogether OGDs can possibly act pivot screening or diagnostic tool for COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread international restrictions, severely impacting on health and social care services. For many individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) this meant reduced access to services and support for them and their carers. Aim: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ways parents of adults with ID coped during the first 2020 lockdown period. Methods: Eight parents of adults with ID were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes were identified: powerless and unappreciated; coping under lockdown; support; and the impact of lockdown on well-being. Conclusions: The parents of adults with ID who made up our sample reported that they received little support from services and experienced a sense of powerlessness. Nevertheless, they were open to accepting support from family and friends and showed remarkable resilience. These findings are discussed in the light of the Willner et al. (2020) survey results on parental mental health and coping, and suggestions for future service provision during pandemic conditions are proposed.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recent COVID-19 lockdown restrictions resulted in reduced access to educational, professional and social support systems for children with intellectual disabilities and their carers. AIM: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ways mothers of children with intellectual disabilities coped during the first 2020 lockdown period. METHODS: Eight mothers of children with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: carrying the burden; a time of stress; and embracing change and looking to the future. CONCLUSIONS: All mothers experienced increased burden and stress. However, some also described some positive impact of lockdown conditions on them as well as on their child's well-being and behaviour. These findings are discussed in the light of the (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 33, 2020, 1523) survey results on parental coping and suggestions for future service provision during pandemic conditions are proposed.