Parameters of coagulation in COVID-19 patients: a correlation with clinical severity

Introduction: COVID-19 infection can be complicated by coagulation derangement and a high risk of thromboembolic episodes. Our study aimedto investigate coagulation parameters in COVID-19 patients and their correlation with clinical severity. Methods: We analyzed coagulation parameters PT, APTT, D-Dimer, and Fibrinogen in 98 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. Results: This study involved 69 males (70.50%), and 29 (29.5%) were females. The mortality rate was 6.12% (n= 06). Forty-six patients (46.94%) had comorbidities. Thirty-four patients had elevated PT, and 7 had high APTT, whereas D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were raised in 68 and 61 patients, respectively. Among all four parameters, D-Dimer levels were significantly associated with disease severity. Conclusion: Derangement of D-dimer levels is significantly associated with disease severity in COVID-19 infection.

Mental Health Status of Indian Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Migration has become a de facto phenomenon in the contemporary globalized world and India is not untouched. Indian labourers from the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh migrated to the UAE in search of better jobs and prospects. They migrated alone and left behind their families. The distance between them and their family can also create mental disorders; therefore, it becomes necessary to analyze the mental health of the migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study is quantitative and based on a sample survey approach. The researchers collected 416 samples through a structured questionnaire and used the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, chi-square test and logistic regression were utilized to analyze and interpret the results. The outbreak of coronavirus disturbed their livelihood resulting in a cut to their salary or earnings; in total, 83% of migrants were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of loss of their income, out of which 76% were affected by less than AED 1000. The respondents' mental health was worrisome, but they were hopeful for the future. In total, 73.5% of respondents felt nervous, 62% felt depressed, 77% felt lonely, 63.4% had a hard time sleeping, and 63% had difficulties concentrating. The findings of the study draw attention to the policymakers to carry out necessary provisions to the targeted psychologically affected community. The findings also suggest creating awareness among the people by using social networking sites and diagnosing mental disorders on an urgent basis.

Changing patterns in the distribution of skin lesions of scabies during the COVID-19 pandemic - a cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND: An ectoparasitic disease, scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. Some of the predisposing factors are overcrowding, unhygienic surroundings, immunocompromised status, dementia, homelessness, and sexual contact. In this study, we wanted to evaluate the changed distribution of lesions of scabies during pandemic. METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed on 600 patients attending the skin department of our tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months. The sites of the scabies lesions were noted along with types of lesions. Demographic data and history of regular hand washing and sanitization were also documented. RESULTS: Our study revealed an important correlation between change in pattern of distribution of scabies lesions from being less frequent on finger webs (19%) to being more frequent on abdomen (periumbilical area) (73%) and groins (67%) due to regular hand washing and frequent sanitization, in this pandemic era. CONCLUSIONS: A significant change in distribution of skin lesions in scabies can be noticed during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Diagnostic Analysis of mZN Microscopy and PCR for Detection of Cryptosporidiosis in Goat Kids - A Molecular Epidemiological Study

The occurrence of Cryptosporidium species infection and its risk factors in neonatal goats is less explored. Also it is due to the fact that diseases like colibacillosis and neonatal viral enteritis complex caused by Group A rotaviruses and Bovine corona viruses can co-exist with Cryptosporidium and can lead to mixed infections and the latter is often overlooked. Therefore, in the current research we explored the cryptosporidial occurrence in neonatal goats of Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. In this study, a total of 644 faecal samples were collected from neonatal goats at different villages and certain organized farms of Mathura district age-wise, season-wise and breed-wise, and were examined for Cryptosporidium based on modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique, conventional 18SSU rRNA nested PCR assay. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in goats based on microscopy was 36.80% (237/644;p value <0.0001) and 18SSU rRNA nested PCR 52.95% (341/644;p value <0.0001) respectively. Cryptosporidium species typing was also done using 18SSU rRNA nested PCR-RFLP product using enzymes Mbo-II, Ssp-I and Vsp-I, which revealed species including C. parvum C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. hominis and C. andersoni. Also the infection was clinically associated based on age, gender and seasons to identify the causal relationships that precipitate the cryptosporidial infection in goat kids. Since mZN microscopy based screening requires expertise and may sometimes be confuse with other weak acid fast bodies and also due to low sensitivity, combination of diagnostic tests are used in this study to identify the best test combination that yields best statistical fit in terms of kappa-agreement and McNemar's test. Cryptosporidiosis is caused by an enteric protozoan parasite and the first report in sheep and goat was observed in early 1980s, with other important etiological agents for neonatal diarrhoea, mortality and morbidity in neonatal kids and lambs, responsible for economic losses.Copyright © 2023 Indian Veterinary Assocaition. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of the chAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in preventing COVID-19 infection

AIM: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. METHODS: It was a test-negative, case-control study conducted at Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida, India, between March 2021 and May 2021. An equal number of cases and controls were included in the study after taking proper informed consent. The individuals with positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test reports were taken as cases, whereas those with negative reports were included as controls. Data were analyzed and the groups were compared using multivariable logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR), with adjustment for gender and presence or absence of comorbidities. The effectiveness of vaccine was calculated by the formula (1-adjusted OR) x100%. RESULTS: On analyzing the data from 560 case-control pairs, the vaccine effectiveness was calculated as 57.46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.85-61.02) and 60.09% (95% CI: 56.32-63.77) for single dose and two doses, respectively. The effectiveness of complete and single-dose vaccination against the moderate-to-severe disease was calculated as 63.79% (95% CI: 58.58-68.77) and 56.19% (95% CI: 51.30-61.0), respectively. CONCLUSION: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine was found to be effective against COVID-19, with protection after two doses being a little more than that after a single dose. It also proved effective in protecting against the severe form of the disease.

Persistence and prevalence of clinical symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is the recently reported disease caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID19 spreads among population through the close/direct contact and nasal droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, talks or breaths. On an average, COVID19 infected patient develops clinical symptoms 5-6 days after the infection and some develops symptoms even after 14 days of infection. Detailed study on the symptoms shown by COVID19 patients can help in identifying individuals so that proper identification and isolation of patients can be done and transmission of virus can be reduced significantly. In this study, a total of 99 (66 males and 33 female) COVID19 infected symptomatic patients without any comorbidities were included. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were used for the collection of samples from the suspected patients to extract total RNA and perform real time PCR for the detection of genetic material for SARS-CoV-2. Samples with Ct value = 36 in case of Orf1ab gene and E gene with good sigmoidal curve were reported as positive for novel SARS-CoV-2. Fever, shortness of breath, dry cough and cough with sputum production persisted for longer timer and were more common symptoms reported by the COVID19 infected patients. In conclusion, understanding of the clinical symptoms shown by COVID19 infected patients can help in identification and isolation of patients so that transmission of virus can be reduced significantly.

Differences in COVID-19 mortality in males and females: is estrogen hormone attributing to sex differences?

OBJECTIVES: Globally, the case fatality ratio is more in males versus females. Some studies have suggested estrogen hormone decreases susceptibility to SARS CoV-2. We have analyzed the observed sex differences in COVID-19 behavior in males and females and the clinical profiles of females of different age groups of COVID-19 patients and discussed their symptoms, laboratory evaluations, and associated comorbidities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients were tested for COVID-19 through real-time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay. The data obtained were studied for the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics from their medical records. RESULTS: The mortality rate in females was 12.33% (36/292) whereas mortality in males was 19.63% (84/428). In between group analysis, 8.7% (14/161) of females died in the <40 years age group versus 16.8% (22/131) in more than 40 years age group whereas in males, the mortality was 13.7% (21/153) in <40 years versus 22.9%(63/275). The mortality rate in women older than 40 years was greater than mortality in younger females emphasizing the protection provided by estrogen hormone in them. The proportion of patients who expired due to COVID-19 significantly differs by age cutoff of 40 years, X2 (1, n=428). The difference is statistically significant at P < 0.05. Males more than 40 years are more likely to expire. CONCLUSION: Sex-related differences in coronavirus pandemic have been found pointing toward the protective role of estrogen hormone and other differences in immunological behavior in males and females. Downregulation of ACE2 expression, thereby reducing viral entry, might also be contributory to decreasing mortality in females.

Assessment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Levels Among COVID-19 Positive Patients Admitted in Rural Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychiatric distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression levels, among COVID-19 positive patients who were admitted between 01 July 2020 to 31 August 2020 to the COVID-19 isolation ward of the Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah India. Participants included 100 patients, with 55 males and 45 females. The majority of admitted patients (81%) were illiterate. Out of 100 patients, 83 were married, 16 were unmarried, and only 1 was a widow. Method(s): Levels of anxiety, depression, and stress level were noted in admitted patients using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression assessment, and Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4) assessment techniques, respectively. Result(s): Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression assessment results showed minimal, mild, and moderate depression in 9, 25, and 66 patients, respectively, with a 10.6 median score of PHQ-9. Mild, moderate, and severe anxiety (GAD-7 score) was present in 22, 28, and 50 of the patients surveyed. The mean Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4) was also analyzed, and it reported 6.1 values. The results of the study demonstrated that the patients had a high label of psychiatric distress, but still, admitted patients believe that they will come out from this pandemic condition. Conclusion(s): Although patients claimed psychiatric distress and mental health illness, they still denied the requirement of any mental health professionals to minimize stress levels and were satisfied with the medical facilities available in a hospital located in a rural area.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

Challenges faced by anesthesiologists during the cesarean section of COVID-19 patients - an observational study

Background: The health-care system has encountered exceptional circumstances, experiencing unique challenges, and manifesting as acute challenges in health-care services due to the spread of COVID-19. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to report the difficulties faced by the anesthetists while performing a cesarean section under the subarachnoid block (SAB) in COVID-19 patients at a dedicated COVID Level 3 hospital. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy anesthetists (six consultants and 14 postgraduate) aged 20-40 years performed 60 elective or emergency cesarean sections of known COVID-19-positive gravida patients aged 20-35 years with no comorbidity and no spine abnormality under the SAB. Anesthetist;s responses to the challenges faced while performing procedures wearing the Level 3 personal protective equipment were recorded using a pre-structure self-administered questionnaire. To quantify the intensity of these problems, all the physical and psychological difficulties were graded as mild, moderate, and severe. Results: In the present study, 75% experienced moderate-to-severe sweating, and 60% experienced moderate-to-severe headaches. A total of 45% experienced moderate-to-severe breathlessness. Though there was little difficulty in communication among doctors and staff, almost 75% of anesthetists faced it. The fear of contracting the disease and spreading it to the family members was expressed by 75-80% of anesthetists. Conclusion: The present scenario has increased physical stress and other psychological problems among health workers. Therefore, hospital support with regular psychological counseling sessions is needed for healthcare workers to cope with the current situation.

Efficacy of Corona Pandemic Lockdown related various activities on youth and the role of Mass Media in Uttar Pradesh, in

The media plays a constructive role in today's society from increasing public awareness to collecting view and opinions of people in various issues. Along with the central purpose, researcher also analyzed the role of media during lockdown. This paper aims to point out the effectiveness of lockdown related various activities on youngsters and role of mass media in it. The objective of this study is set up the preference given by the young generation for which type of television programs during lockdown. Survey research methodology has been used to achieve the objectives of the research using manual statistical tools. Through this research paper it is accomplished that the lockdown was found to the very effective which was imposed on people of India at time when infection was at peak. Lockdown in pandemic worked as a blessing in disguise. Government reschedules DD National programs like Ramayana and Mahabharata. To make their lockdown bit interesting mass media helps to generate information about various activities initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's such as 'Tali Bajao Thali Bajao. By this paper it is recommended to media organization to know the impact of lockdown related various activities on different age group people because it will definitely help media agencies in showing various perspective of pandemic.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Evaluation and analysis of rates of bacterial co-infections and antimicrobial usage in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective cohort analysis

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread over the world. Although there are minimal microbiological and antibiotic data on COVID-19, bacterial co-infections have been related to poor outcomes in respiratory viralinfections. Adequate antibiotic use in conformity withantibiotic stewardship (ABS) recommendations is necessary during the pandemic. Material and procedure: We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort analysis of 140 adulthospitalised patients (ages 17-99) with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted between February 16, 2021, and April 22, 2021, and who were discharged onMay 6, 2021. From 140 COVID-19 participants, the following clinical data was gathered: Men made up 63.5 percent of the participants, with a median age of 63.5 years (range 17-99). Results: According to local ABS recommendations, the most commonly administered antibiotic regimen was ampicillin/sulbactam (41.5 percent) with a median length of 6 (range 1-13) days. Urine antigen testing for Legionella pneumophila and Streptococcus peumoniaewas negative in all of the patients. In critically ill patients hospitalised to intensive care units (n = 50), co-infections with Enterobacterales (34.0%) and Aspergillus fumigatus (18.0%) were discovered. Blood cultures obtained at admission had a diagnostic yield of 4.2 percent. Conclusion: While bacterial and fungal co-infections are rare in COVID-19 patients, they are widespread in critically ill individuals. More investigation into the impact of antimicrobial therapy on therapeutic success in COVID-19 patients is essential to prevent antibiotic abuse. COVID-19 management might be improved with the aid of ABS standards. It's also necessary to look at the microbiological patterns of infectious consequences in COVID-19 individuals who are severely unwell.

To investigate the importance of the CBC, derived parameters, and morphology of peripheral blood cells in COVID-19 patients

Aim: To investigate the importance of the CBC, derived parameters, and morphology of peripheral blood cells in Covid-19 patients. Material and methods: According to their symptoms, patients were classified as asymptomatic, mild, or moderate-severe. This research included all paediatric and adult patients who had two CBC samples available (one at admission and another during discharge) throughout their hospital stay. Those who were already undergoing therapy for their cancer, haematological illness, liver disease, or chronic lung disease were not allowed to participate. Results: Patients' ages varied from 8 to 71. The patients' average age was 36.15+or-14.58 years. Sixty percent of research participants were male, making up a sex ratio of 1.5:1. (M: F). The average white blood cell count was 6.87+or-3.51 x109/L, the average red blood cell count was 4.61+or-0.88 x106/microL, and the average haemoglobin level was 12.80+or-2.15 g/dl upon admission. The average absolute neutrophil count was 3.81+or-3.46x109/L, the average absolute lymphocyte count was 2.31+or-1.40x109/L, the average absolute monocyte count was 0.38+or-0.31x109/L, and the average absolute eosinophil count was 0.15+or-0.18x109/L. Overall, the average number of platelets per microliter of blood was 149.21+or- 80.25. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission was 3.806;platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was 116.32+or-13.1;lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) was 8.91+or-5.25, and derivative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (d-NLR) was 2.61+or-1.36. Twenty (40%) of the patients were asymptomatic at admission, while 44% had mild symptoms, and 16% required oxygen and ventilator support due to moderate to severe symptoms. The RT-PCR test was positive for all of the patients examined. There was a noteworthy shift in both the mean WBC and mean platelet counts after the follow-up evaluation. No correlation was seen between clinical state on admission and any of the other CBC measures (p>0.05) Conclusion: The significance of CBC values and morphological inspection of the peripheral blood smear at baseline and subsequent assessment is highlighted in the research.

SARS-CoV-2 infection: pathogenesis, immune responses, diagnosis

COVI D-19 has emerged as the most alarming infection of the present time instigated by the virus SARS-CoV-2. In spite of advanced research technologies, the exact pathophysiology and treatment of the condition still need to be explored. However, SARS-CoV-2 has several structural and functional similarities that resemble SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV which may be beneficial in exploring the possible treatment and diagnostic strategies for SARS-CoV-2. This review discusses the pathogen phenotype, genotype, replication, pathophysiology, elicited immune response and emerging variants of SARSCoV- 2 and their similarities with other similar viruses. SARS-CoV-2 infection is detected by a number of diagnostics techniques, their advantages and limitations are also discussed in detail. The review also focuses on nanotechnology-based easy and fast detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Various pathways which might play a vital role during SARS-CoV-2 infection have been elaborately discussed since immune response plays a major role during viral infections.

Critical evaluation of haematological and biomarker variation in COVID -19 patients - a prospective study in level 2 tertiary care hospital (Lucknow West)

Background: In India, the first case of COVID-19 was reported on January 30, 2020. The case reporting is based on the testing of individuals by Real-time Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). The present study was conducted to evaluatedifferent parameters, Haematological and Biomarker variations in patients with SARS-CoV2 Infection to assess the prognostic significance. Material & Methods: The present prospective study was conducted among 70 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. Relavant physical examination and clinical data of the patient and routine blood investigations including, CBC, serum biochemistry, coagulation function and measurement of inflammatory markers were performed. The results were analyzed by using a SPSS Statistics software version 25.0. Results: In the present study total patients were 70 out of which 58.6% were males and 41.4% were females. Maximum subjects belong to age group 61-80 yrs (47.1%). Mean haemoglobin was 12.89g/l, mean platelet was 9.96x103/l. Mean neutrophil were 88.21%, mean lymphocyte were 8.84%, mean eosinophil were 1.47%, mean monocyte was 1.59%, mean TLC was 12007.14/l. Mean random blood sugar was 148.09 mg/dl. Mean D-dimer was 0.56. Mean CRP levels were 65.5 mg/l. Mean LDH was 516.03 IU/L, mean IL-6 was 282.6pg/ml, and mean procalcitonin was 0.8 ng/ml. Mean SGOT was 62.36u/l, mean ALP was 171.87IU/L, mean urea levels were 57.10 mg/dl and mean INR was 1.22. Outcome mortality was present in total 14 subjects (5 were male and 9 were female) out of all 70 subjects. Conclusion: The present study concluded that Mean values of neutrophil, eosinophil, TLC, random blood sugar, IL6, SGOT, ALP, urea levels and INR were increased in patients with SARS-CoV2 Infection.

To Study the Spread Curve of Corona Virus in India

Background: Surprisingly, all the developed countries across the world are reeling under death due to the Coronavirus infection cases (COVID 19), but a developing country like India with the second largest population still here, the casualty is very less and recovery rate is very high due to the strong immunity of the people, vaccination regime for other diseases and hot and humid condition of the country. Objective(s): Yet, the greatest number of cases are in the State of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karna-taka, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana the Western, Central, and Southern part of the country surprisingly the Eastern part of the country have a less number of active cases and also the mortality except for West Bengal. Conclusion(s): In the State of Jharkhand very less number of active cases i.e., 2785 and mortality is only 49, is there any role of geographical condition or there is some strong genetic form so that the inhabi-tants have very strong immune resistance to develop the infection initiated by the virus. In this review, these questions are in focus and may be solved.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Corona Linked International News and Uttar Pradesh Press

In this technological era our societies have a vast range of information and the media provides this information to people. The Covid-19 crisis has given new dare to journalism for providing right news and media plays a most important role in framing this crisis. During this crisis it became even more important that international news be given an adequate space and projection in newspapers so that it contributes towards awareness and helps in understanding the situation of pandemic. This paper examines the print media extension to corona related international news in newspapers of Uttar Pradesh, IN. By this study, researchers seek for the extent of corona related international news published in three dailies of Uttar Pradesh. In this research the content analysis is used and researchers covered up corona related international news during the lockdown phase. Newspapers provide a variety of information to readers and help them in making informed choices. The research reflects that the international news items related to corona are not properly covered by the print media. Corona related international news items printed in Hindustan times is more than corona related international news printed in Indian Express and Dainik Jagran. To interpret or analyze the data researcher use Manual statics and Microsoft Excel. Through this study it is recommended that proper coverage of corona related international news items must be published so that readers get information about the Corona situation in other countries. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

A phenomenological study to assess the lived in experiences of the people during lockdown (COVID-19 pandemic) in a selected containment zones of Greater NOIDA, Gautam Budh Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh

Introduction: COVID-19 has spread to the world since the end of December 2019 from Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China and till the today date many has lost their loved and dearest one. The first case was detected in Wuhan, China in December, 2019. Since that the disease has been spread worldwide causing as worldwide. Since, COVID-19 has become pandemic it has affected the daily living of people and as the result it have been changing a lots during this lockdown which can be easily visual through people as well as government. There we people have following different protective measure like wearing masks, washing the hands, maintaining social distancing etc. in order to minimize and control the rate of infection of COVID-19.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Risk of Psychological Distress among Frontline Healthcare Workers Towards COVID-19 in Second Wave

Introduction: Frontline Healthcare Workers (F-HCWs) are at the front position for medical care against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which has life-threatening potentials. Poor level of knowledge, practices and negative attitudes as well as high-risk of psychological distress among F-HCWs can directly lead to delayed diagnosis, treatment and poor infection control practices. Aim: To assess the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) as well as risk of psychological distress among F-HCWs for COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Medical College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, located in tertiary care centre in rural area) from October 2021 to December 2021 among 223 F-HCWs using convenient sampling technique. To assess the level of KAP as well as risk of psychological distress among F-HCWs a prevalidated structured questionnaire was used consisting 15 knowledge questions, six attitude questions, 15 practices questions and six questions on risk of psychological distress. Chi-square test was performed to examine the association between risk of psychological distress and level of KAP as well as with demographic characteristics of F-HCWs. Results: Out of total 223 participants more than half of physicians (52.9%) and one-third of staff nurses (35.9%) were from age group of 25-35 years, respectively. Majority of both physicians (57.1%) and staff nurses (87.6%) were married and had nuclear type of family as of 64.3% and 74.5%, respectively. Most of the physicians (92.9%) had good level of knowledge but they had less positive attitude (84.3%) compare to staff nurses (92.8%). Majority of both physicians (64.3%) and staff nurses (58.2%) had no or low risk of psychological distress while only few of them had its high level. Conclusion: In this study majority of F-HCWs reported overall 'good' level of knowledge, attitude and practices for prevention of COVID-19. As for as risk of psychological distress was concerned, majority of F-HCWs had its no or low risk.

Comparative Study of Clinical and Radiological Profile and Outcome of COVID-19 Patients with and without Co-morbidities: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) had devastating effects on the healthcare and economic sector worldwide. India stands second in the list of most number of COVID-19 cases. Most of the deaths due to COVID-19 were seen in patients with associated co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and obesity. This study would like to examine specific co-morbidities in relation to the COVID-19 disease progression and outcomes. Aim(s): To compare the clinicoradiological profile and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with and without co-morbidities (diabetes and hypertension). Material(s) and Method(s): The present observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh between June 2020 to September 2020, after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval. A total of 148 patients with COVID-19 were included in the study. The COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital were divided into four groups as those having only diabetes, only hypertension, both diabetes and hypertension, and those without any co-morbidities. Those with any other co-morbidity were excluded from the study. The general clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, disease severity, morbidity and mortality were compared among various groups and the data was analysed. Categorical data were analysed using the Chi-square test. Result(s): A total of 148 patients with COVID-19 were included in the study, of which 26 patients were diabetic, 36 were hypertensive, 24 were both hypertensive and diabetic and 62 patients didn't had any significant co-morbidity. Severe COVID-19 disease was most commonly observed in those with diabetes (n=14) (53.8%). The highest proportion of patients requiring oxygen (84.6%) and Non Invasive Ventilator (NIV) support (46.1%) was also seen among diabetics. The presence of diabetes, severe disease and leukocytosis at presentation increased the risk of mortality. The association of hypertension with COVID-19 does not seem to affect the in-hospital mortality. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 in diabetics is associated with both increased risk of severe disease and increased odds of death. In diabetics, those with uncontrolled diabetes were more prone to severe disease and death than those with good glycaemic control. Hypertension, on the other hand, showed no association. Copyright © 2022 Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.

Second Wave of Covid-19 with Seasonal Influenza (Flu) in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India: A Cohort Study

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, while influenza viruses cause the flu. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus co-infection seems to be a real and serious concern. Objective(s): This study aims to evaluate the clinical features, laboratory investigations, computed tomography scans, and interventions of Covid-19 patients during seasonal influenza. Method(s): This was a multi-center prospective cohort study that collected data from hospitals, clinics, and laboratories on measurements, treatments, and outcomes from Covid-19 patients admitted to temporary Covid-19 care centers. Result(s): A total of 480 individuals (female, 231 [48.12%];male, 249 [51.88%]) were recruited from March 31st to May 14th, 2021 at five hospitals/clinics in Uttar Pradesh, North India. The patients were divided into six groups based on their age (65+ years [25.41% of cases] being the most affected age) and five groups based on their conditions (asymptomatic 65 [13.54%], mild 94 [19.58%], moderate 206 [42.91%], severe 84 [17.50%] and critical 31 [6.45%]). Patients' outcomes were documented as death (19 [3.95%]), recovery (421 [87.71%]) and under-treatment (40 [8.34%]). Conclusion(s): The most common clinical symptoms reported were fever, sore throat, and dyspnea. The severity was linked to hypoxemia, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and high blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The vast majority of patients were given symptomatic treatment. Any onset of fever should be suspected and examined for the viral strain to distinguish between Covid-19 and the seasonal flu. Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.