Effect of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on COVID-19 outcome: A Record Based Observational Study in West Bengal.

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).

Preoperative oral zinc tablet decreases incidence of postoperative sore throat.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is very frequently reported after endotracheal intubation. Zinc lozenge has been shown to reduce POST. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dispersible zinc tablet on POST. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients undergoing surgery with endotracheal intubation were randomly allocated into two groups, to either receive dispersible zinc tablet 40 mg (zinc group) or placebo tablet (control group), 30 min preoperatively. Assessment for incidence and severity was performed for POST, on a 4-point scale (0-3) at 0, 30 min, 2, 4, and 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome was incidence of POST at 4 h postoperatively. Secondary outcome was severity of POST at the 5 evaluation time points postoperatively. Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact, and Chi-square test were used as applicable. RESULTS: At 4 h, there was a significantly lower incidence of POST in zinc group (6.8%) than the control group (31.8%) with a P value of 0.003. Three patients in placebo group complained of severe POST compared to none in the zinc group. The severity of POST was significantly lower in Zinc group than Placebo group at 0 min (P = 0.003), 30 min (P = 0.002), 2 h (P < 0.001), and 4 h (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of 40 mg dispersible zinc tablet effectively reduces the incidence and severity of POST in the immediate postoperative period.

Depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital of North Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: Detection of cancer and subsequent chemotherapy can lead to clinical depression in many cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to find out the extent of depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and determine the factors associated with depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Chemotherapy Day Care Centre of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital from May to June 2013. A total of 174 cancer patients were selected and interviewed after obtaining informed consent and Institutional Ethics Committee Clearance. Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to find out depression with a score of 6 and above indicating depression. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Logistic regression was used to see the relative importance of multiple contributing factors toward depression. RESULTS: Out of 174 cancer patients, 97 (55.7%) were found to be depressed. Depression was comparatively higher in patients ≥50 years; in males; those belonging to religion other than Hindus; who received higher education; had monthly family income ≥5000 rupees and were involved in moderate or heavy work. Nearly 70.6% of blood cancer patients; 64.3% of those who had been receiving chemotherapy for ≥6 months and 56.9% of those in their 4th or less cycle of chemotherapy were found to be depressed. CONCLUSION: The study revealed depression is substantially high among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in this area. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients need to be complemented by psychological support for the cancer patients.