ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global threat, with an inexplicable course of action and suboptimal response to the multitudes of therapies being tried. Vitamin D's pleiotropic effects (immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral) have lately received considerable attention in the scientific community, and it has been shown to be helpful in the defense against viral respiratory infections. Aim: To find out the association between vitamin D and COVID-19. Methods: Overall, 360 (156 COVID-19 +ve and 204 COVID-19 -ve) subjects were investigated in this hospital-based case-control study. The study participants were taken from the COVID-19 wards and Flu clinic of a dedicated COVID hospital between August 1 and September 15, 2020. The demographics and clinical data including alcohol and smoking history along with serum vitamin D levels were recorded. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between age, gender, alcohol intake, smoking history, vitamin D status, and COVID-19. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean vitamin D levels between cases and controls. Bivariate analysis of predictors and COVID-19 revealed that predictors such as advanced age, BMI, alcohol intake, smoking habit, diabetes, hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency were significantly associated with COVID-19. Conclusions: This study showed that serum vitamin D status might be able to reduce the impact of COVID-19, although more studies are required to establish clear causality.
ABSTRACT
The hyperinflammatory phase of COVID-19 occurring because of cytokine storm is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the affected patients. Various drugs with no definite cure are being tried to tackle the cytokine storm. Recently high dose corticosteroids are being used to arrest the surge of cytokines. In the current case series, we will be discussing the outcome of high dose dexamethasone pulse therapy in 10 cases of COVID-19 in hyperinflammatory phase who were cured of the disease along with improvement in laboratory parameters without any complications to the therapy.
ABSTRACT
The Special Interest Group (SIG) on leprosy thought it to be prudent to revisit its previous practice recommendations through this update. During this period, the pandemic course shifted to a 'second wave' riding on the 'delta variant'. While the number of cases increased manifold, so did the research on all aspects of the disease. Introduction of vaccination and data from various drug trials have an impact on current best practices on management of diseases including leprosy. The beneficial results of using steroids in management of COVID-19, gives elbow room regarding its usage in conditions like lepra reactions. On the other hand, the increase in cases of Mucormycosis again underlines applying due caution while recommending immunosuppressants to a patient already suffering from COVID-19. This recommendation update from SIG leprosy reflects current understanding about managing leprosy while the dynamic pandemic continues with its ebbs and flows.
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How to cite this article: Kumar N, Kumar A, Pradhan S, Kumar A, Singh K. Painful Blisters of Left Hand Following Extravasation of Remdesivir Infusion in COVID-19. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(2):240-241.
ABSTRACT
Pradhan S, Kumar N, Kumar S. Severe COVID-19 along with Cytokine Storm in Pemphigus Vulgaris Managed Successfully with Dexamethasone Pulse Therapy. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(11):1320-1321.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID 19) was first detected in December 2019 in China. It has become a pandemic. With concern about therapies that may decrease immunity and enhance the severity of an individual's COVID-19 infection, leading to a possibly fatal outcome, use of immunosuppressants has become an important concern. This work focuses on management of various skin diseases individuals lacking immunity to COVID-19 but requiring a systemic immunosuppressant, keeping in view the challenge of the COVID 19 pandemic and that our knowledge of this virus and its effects on the immune system are incomplete including knowledge as to an individual's immunity after COVID-19 infection.