ABSTRACT
Background: Chemoprophylaxis (CP) along with masking and physical distancing seem an undeniable alternative. Considering the significant but uncertain role of CP for the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, we aimed to determine the various aspects of CP prescribing practices among physicians across India. Methods: An online survey was conducted among prescribing physicians across India where physicians were assessed for their prescribing practices on COVID-19 CP. Responses to the questionnaire were obtained via telephone, email and WhatsApp messages. Responses were duly analyzed thereafter. Result: Ivermectin was the preffered choice in 44% individuals followed by hydroxychloroquine in 34% individuals. Odds of COVID contact among those using HCQ and/or IVR prophylaxis was less than 1 of which IVR was found more protective. The present study also made a survey among 309 community dwellers, where odds of contacted COVID among those with any prophylaxis was 0.46 times than those without any prophylaxis. Conclusion: The HCPs found IVR to have a greater risk reduction than with HCQ;while the combination showed the greatest reduction and lack of CP use was associated with a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. © 2021 Journal of Association of Physicians of India. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Since its first identification in December 2019, in WUHAN (CHINA), SARS-COV-2, causative agent of Corona virus pandemic, has affected millions of people worldwide, causing thousands of death. There is much speculation about the interplay between ACEI/ARB and Corona virus infection, as for internalization into host cell SARS-COV-2 binds through S spike protein to ACE-2, aided TMPRSS2. METHODS: A record based observational study has been conducted (data obtained from the clinics of fourteen physicians) in two worst affected districts of West Bengal, to find out the association of ACEI/ARB on patients, suffering from Corona virus infection. The study-protocol has already been approved by Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine. (IEC Ref. No: CREC-STM/2020-AS-37) Results: Increasing age, male sex and presence of co-morbidities (viz. Diabetes, COPD) are significantly associated with the occurrence of moderate and severe disease. Drugs (viz. ACEI/ARB), though are associated with less severe disease, have not achieved statistical significance, in the present study. CONCLUSION: Drugs, like ACEI/ARB, should be continued in patients suffering from COVID-19 infection, (if they are already on these drugs). © Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.
ABSTRACT
Age old anthelmintic drug ivermectin Is showing some promises In the management of COVID 19 patients. In vitro study suggests anti SARS CoV2 viral role of ivermectin but there is some controversy regarding dose selection. Ivermectin has immunomodulatory roie which may be responsible for Its beneficial effects. Though it Is not included in interim COVID 19 management guideline by GOt, but several states like West Bengal, Bihar, UP, Assam have included it in state COVID 19 management guideline. It Is important to be vigilant and more focused to prospectlvely observe the outcome in COVID 19 patients. © 2020, Indian Medical Association. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Since its first identification in December 2019, in WUHAN (CHINA), SARS-COV-2, causative agent of Corona virus pandemic, has affected millions of people worldwide, causing thousands of death. There is much speculation about the interplay between ACEI/ARB and Corona virus infection, as for internalization into host cell SARS-COV-2 binds through S spike protein to ACE-2, aided TMPRSS2. Methods: A record based observational study has been conducted (data obtained from the clinics of fourteen physicians) in two worst affected districts of West Bengal, to find out the association of ACEI/ARB on patients, suffering from Corona virus infection. The study-protocol has already been approved by Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine. (IEC Ref. No: CREC-STM/2020-AS-37) Results: Increasing age, male sex and presence of co-morbidities (viz. Diabetes, COPD) are significantly associated with the occurrence of moderate and severe disease. Drugs (viz. ACEI/ARB), though are associated with less severe disease, have not achieved statistical significance, in the present study. Conclusion: Drugs, like ACEI/ARB, should be continued in patients suffering from COVID-19 infection, (if they are already on these drugs). © 2021 Journal of Association of Physicians of India. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic which started in late 2019 is still continuing unabated, rather with resurgence of cases in certain areas globally. Even with the emergency use authorization of several vaccines and extensive vaccination programs, we are yet to bring the pandemic to its knees. The present scenario has more than ever highlighted the importance of face masks in controlling the infection and transmission of the SARS CoV2 virus. In this review article, we discuss the evidence available to date to support the use of masks as a protective barrier to limitvirus entry. We also discuss how masks indirectly help stimulate protective immune responses and provide a comparative glimpse on the characteristics of various masks.
ABSTRACT
Remdesivir currently is the only recognized specific therapy, though with emergency use authorization (EUA), in Covid-19. The Ministry of Health &Family Welfare, Government of India has included it as a possible 'newer therapy' as Compassionate Emergency use under Named Patient Basis on June 13, 2020 and is being perceived as a ray of hope in Moderate to Severe Covid-19 cases.