ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Long COVID syndrome, characterized by symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, and cough, persisting for weeks to months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses significant challenges globally. Studies suggest a potential higher risk among females aged 40-50, with symptoms affecting individuals regardless of initial COVID-19 severity, underscoring the need for comprehensive understanding and management. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at a teaching tertiary care institute in Central India, involving COVID-19 patients from May 2020 to September 2021. Participants, aged 18 or older, diagnosed with COVID-19 and surviving until the last follow-up, were monitored telephonically and during outpatient visits for treatment details and outcomes. Data analysis was done using R software 4.2.1. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the study participants showed a majority of moderate COVID-19 severity (47.5%), with a higher proportion of males (64.8%) affected. Common comorbidities included diabetes (27.1%) and hypertension (22.9%). Long COVID-19 symptoms, notably breathlessness, were prevalent, with females exhibiting a significantly higher association. Pulmonary function abnormalities were associated with both long COVID-19 symptoms and higher COVID-19 severity categories, indicating lasting respiratory impact post-infection. CONCLUSION: Long after the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to raise concerns due to persistent sequelae, with a majority experiencing long COVID symptoms, particularly those with severe initial illness, including breathlessness and abnormal lung function, highlighting prevalent restrictive lung pattern changes.
ABSTRACT
Visceral leishmaniasis is a common tropical infection presenting with a myriad of hematological abnormalities. We report an unusual case of an 11-year-old girl suffering from a febrile illness with hepatosplenomegaly and anemia. Laboratory findings included pancytopenia and hyperbilirubinemia. The leishmania antigen rK39 was positive and bone marrow examination revealed hemophagocytosis and amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani. Direct Coombs' test was positive (warm type, IgG) and LDH was elevated. Tests for other infections were negative. A diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (warm antibody type, IgG) with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was made. Patient showed response with anti-leishmanial treatment with improvement in clinical condition.
ABSTRACT
Costochondral grafting (CCG) can be used for the reconstruction of ankylotic, hypoplastic, and resected temporomandibular joint (TMJ) defects. CCGs have previously been considered the gold standard in children due to their growth potential and autogenous origin, but the disadvantages are unpredictable growth and joint ankylosis. This was a retrospective study of all children who received CCGs for TMJ reconstruction from 1985 to 2004, to allow a 10-year follow-up. Fifty-five patients were included in this study, with 74 grafts being placed; their mean age was 7.9±4.2years. Infection-related ankylosis (18.2%) and craniofacial microsomia (16.4%) were the most common diagnoses. Overall, 58.2% of patients suffered one or more complications over the follow-up period, with ankylosis (32.7%) and overgrowth (16.4%) being most common. There was a significant correlation between those with infection-related ankylosis and subsequent complications (χ2=8.8, df=1, P<0.005), while ankylotic patients in general exhibited greater overall complication rates (χ2=9.0, df=1, P<0.005). Patients with congenital TMJ defects were more likely to be complication-free than those with acquired defects (χ2=4.0, df=1, P<0.05). Caution is advised when placing CCGs in paediatric patients with ankylosed TMJs, especially those with infection-related ankylosis.
