Psychological hardiness, personality factors and coping styles in male patients of alcohol dependence syndrome.

Background: Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a result of complex interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. While the biological (genetic) factors remain non-modifiable, better understanding of individual hardiness, personality variables, and coping mechanisms can help us in better understanding and comprehensive management of the illness. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 112 patients with ADS (test group) and 124 healthy age matched male controls were recruited from the same social milieu. They were assessed for hardiness, personality factors, and coping mechanisms using Hardiness scale, 16 Personality factors (5th Edition), and Brief COPE scale, respectively. The data were analyzed with Chi square, Student t tests (two tailed, unpaired), Mann Whitney U test, and Kruskal Waal analysis. Results: The test group had less hardy personality compared to control group (25% vs 43.54%) (p = 0.002). The level of Hardiness had an inverse relationship with alcohol dependence (p = 0.886). The majority of patients with ADS had high score on extraversion (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and tough-mindedness (p < 0.001), and the severity of alcohol dependence had an inverse relationship with extraversion (p = 0.004) and self-control (p = 0.002). The severity of ADS was directly related to the use of emotional support (p = 0.007) and substance use (p = 0.005) as coping mechanisms while the use of instrumental support (p = 0.001) and humor (p < 0.001) had inverse relationship with the severity of ADS. Conclusions: ADS had less hardy personality and the level of hardiness had inverse relationship with alcohol dependence. The severity of alcohol dependence had an inverse relationship with extraversion and self-control. In terms of coping styles, substance use and use of emotional support was found to be directly related with the severity of alcohol dependence while the use of instrumental support and humor were found to be protective against severe dependence.

Alcohol-associated sexual dysfunction: How much is the damage?

Background: The existing literature on alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction has mainly deliberated on erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, ignoring other important domains of sexual dysfunctions (viz sexual pleasure, sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic function). This study was undertaken to assess the extent of alcohol-associated sexual dysfunction and to compare their severity with the severity of alcohol dependence in males. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design recruited 78 male patients and an assessment was conducted using the Changes in sexual functioning questionnaire male clinical version, International index of erectile function scale, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10). A correlation between years of alcohol consumed and its effect on various domains of sexual dysfunction was also carried out using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Seventy-seven percent of the study population had complaints of sexual dysfunction in one or more domains, with reduced sexual pleasure (71.8%) as the most common followed by low sexual desire (in terms of frequency) in 61.5% and erectile dysfunction in 43.6%. The severity of the sexual dysfunction was found to be directly proportional to the severity of alcohol dependence with almost 100 percent of the patients with severe alcohol dependence having sexual dysfunction in all the domains. Conclusion: The most common sexual dysfunction reported in the current study was decreased sexual pleasure (71.8%) followed by low sexual desire 61.5% (in terms of frequency). These findings emphasize the fact, that alcohol significantly compromises almost all domains of sexual functioning in addition to erectile dysfunction.

Direct ophthalmoscopy as a screening tool to study retinal vascular changes in acute mountain sickness in response to recent ascent to high altitude: A pilot study.

Background Advanced diagnostics are not easily accessible in austere topographical locations. We documented retinal changes in patients with acute mountain sickness (AMS+) and compared these with asymptomatic individuals (AMS-) with recent induction into high altitude using direct ophthalmoscopy as a screening tool. Methods We evaluated 97 individuals (43 AMS- and 54 AMS+) who were inducted to an altitude 3800 m above sea level by direct ophthalmoscopy after pupillary dilatation, on day 2 of arrival. Results Retinal vein dilatation was seen in 36 (66.7%) AMS+ v. 14 (32.6%) AMS- (p<0.01), hyperaemia of the optic disc in 30 (55.6%) AMS+ v. 14 (32.6%) AMS- (p<0.05), hyperaemia of the optic disc along with retinal vein dilatation in 27 (50%) AMS+ v. 9 (20.9%) AMS- (p<0.01), retinal vein tortuosity in 12 (22.2%) AMS+ v. 3 (7%) AMS- (p<0.02). In AMS+ with retinal vein dilatation 17 (50%) had SpO2 >91% and 19 (79.2%) had SpO2 <91% (p<0.01). An AMS score of >5 was recorded in 25 (69.4%; p<0.001) with venular dilatation and in 19 (52.8%; p<0.001) who were AMS+ with an induction number ≥3 had retinal dilatation. Conclusion Acute hypobaric hypoxia causes retinal venous dilatation, tortuosity and hyperaemia of the optic disc in those with AMS and correlates directly with SpO2 levels. The incidence of retinal vein dilatation increases with frequent re-entry into high altitude and more severe symptoms of AMS. Hence, all those being inducted to high altitude should be screened for retinal vascular changes.

Anxiety and depression among couples undergoing treatment for infertility with assisted reproductive techniques at an Indian centre.

Background Infertility and its treatment are frequently associated with psychological distress. We assessed the prevalence of anxiety and depression in couples undergoing treatment for infertility with assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Methods We included 160 married couples undergoing treatment for infertility at an ART centre. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Results The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 46.2% and 40.9%, respectively. Women had higher mean (SD) anxiety (10.76 [2.69]) and depression (9.86 [2.06]) scores; however, this gender difference was statistically significant only with respect to anxiety (p=0.02). The mean anxiety scores were highest among both genders when the cause of infertility was attributed to both partners and during the first year and 10 years after treatment. Men in the age groups of 20-24 years and 40-44 years and those with no prior treatment had a statistically significant association with the highest anxiety scores. The mean depression scores showed a statistically significant decline in both genders with increasing age. Among men, the mean depression scoreswere significantly higher in those with no prior treatment, male cause of infertility and during the first year and after 10 years of treatment. Conclusion The prevalence of anxiety and depression among infertile couples undergoing treatment with ART was almost twice as high as that in the general population. The mean anxiety scores were significantly associated with duration of treatment and gender-based attribution in both genders; however, age and prior treatment were associated with only men. The mean scores of depression were significantly associated with age in both genders, while duration of treatment, gender-based attribution and prior treatment were significantly associated only with men.

Paternal depression: "The silent pandemic".

Maternal mental health during and after pregnancy is a well researched entity. However, father's mental health during the same period and even while raising the children has not been given due consideration. Recent studies have tried to explore the prevalence, risk factors, symptoms and implications of paternal depression on the children, marriage and the whole family. In this short communication, we aim to bring to the fore the recommendations for prevention and management of paternal depression.

Breaking barriers to remain healthy and fit during a residency in anaesthesiology.

Anaesthesiology is a high-demand speciality of medicine in terms of long and unpredictable work hours, stressful work requirements, pressure for a cent per cent productivity in academics, clinical work and research. Higher stress levels can cause non-communicable diseases like hypertension, obesity and depressed immunity, among many others. In the journey as a trainee anaesthetist, vigorous and diligent efforts are needed to gain perfection in knowledge and skills ultimately. While this path is being transversed, it is essential to address physical and mental fitness by exercising it to the recommended benefits, to ward away stress and burnout. In this special article, the authors will discuss the barriers young anaesthesia trainees face to staying healthy and fit during their training and practical and appropriate measures to mitigate the same through intervention at various levels of hierarchy.

A Snapshot of Poverty, Diseases and war - the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

DRC's fight with the EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) was just settling when WHO declared COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on March 12, 2020. DRC's economic growth decelerated from its pre-COVID level of 4.4% in 2019 to an estimated 0.8% in 2020. This has caused concomitant setbacks in the treatment and control of major health issues like HIV, tuberculosis, measles, rift valley fever and malaria in the country. This, coupled with civil unrest, other infectious diseases and risk to the safety of the health workers is a recipe for a 'perfect storm' waiting to unfold.

COVID-19 ARDS: A Multispecialty Assessment of Challenges in Care, Review of Research, and Recommendations.

Physicians and care providers are familiar with the management of ARDS, however, when it occurs as a sequalae of COVID-19, it has different features and there remains uncertainty on the consensus of management. To answer this question on how it compares and contrasts with ARDS from other causes, the authors reviewed the published literature and management guidelines as well as their own clinical experience while managing patients with COVID-19 ARDS. For research, a PubMed search was conducted on 01.04.2021 using the systematic review filter to identify articles that were published using MeSH terms COVID-19 and ARDS. Systematic reviews or meta-analyses were selected from a systematic search for literature containing diagnostic, prognostic and management strategies in MEDLINE/PubMed. Those were compared and reviewed to the existing practices by the various treating specialists and recommendations were made. Specifically, the COVID-19 ARDS, its risk factors and pathophysiology, lab diagnosis, radiological findings, rational of recommendation of drugs proposed so far, oxygenation and ventilation strategies and the psychological ramifications of the disease were. discussed. Because of the high mortality in mechanically ventilated patients, the above recommendations and findings direct the potential for improvement in the management of patients with COVID-19 ARDS.

Prolonged apnea after ECT in organophosphorus poisoning - the need to redefine norms.

BACKGROUND: Poisoning and deaths by organo-phosphorous (OP) compounds are one of the major causes of death in developing and poor countries, and a common admission in the emergency ward and the ICU. OP compounds act by irreversibly binding to pseudocholinesterase enzyme and hence prolong the apnea in patients being given suxamethonium. We present a unusual case of OP poisoning (OPP) in which prolonged apnea ensued in a patient of severe depression following MECT (modified electroconvulsive therapy) in which suxamethonium was used as muscle relaxant, in whom we were cautious of the side-effect of prior organophosphorus poisoning. Since the cases of OPP are very high worldwide, a thorough knowledge of the interaction of the action of the drug and the receptors on which it acts takes pride of place. This article highlights the nuances in the field of psychiatry and anaesthesia in diagnosis and management of prolonged apnea after ECT. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53/F patient consumed OP 38 days prior to MECT. Since existing literature recommend a delay of 4 weeks and a subminimal dose of suxamethonium to prevent prolonged apnea, both these points were taken into consideration. Despite 38 days post exposure to OP, and a dose of succinylcholine of < 0.3 mg/kg, the patient remained apneic for 3 h. Suxamethionum apnea was managed with elective ventilation. After recovery, patient had no residual effect. Subsequently her pseudocholinesterase levels were done which were found to be very low. CONCLUSION: This case is being presented to emphasize that behaviour of post synaptic receptors cannot be relied upon after OP poisoning and pseudocholinesterase levels needs to be mandatorily checked, irrespective of duration post-exposure. In strong suspects dibucaine number and fluoride number also needs to be estimated.

Ebola, COVID-19 and Africa: What we expected and what we got.

Democratic Republic of the Congo's fight with Ebola was just settling when WHO declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic on March 12, 2020. This has caused concomitant setbacks in the treatment and control of major health issues like HIV, tuberculosis, measles, and malaria in the country. This, coupled with civil unrest and risk to the safety of the health workers, is a 'perfect storm' waiting to unfold. Military contingents as peacekeepers are having the most difficult time, handling the situation, in the wake of risks involved.

Stress and burnout among health-care workers in the coronavirus disease 2019 intensive care unit.

Since late December 2019, the city of Wuhan in China has reported a novel pneumonia caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has now spread domestically and internationally. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unthinkable consequences and has challenged and, in numerous cases, beaten the capacity of hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide to handle it. Apart from the obvious burden of patient care, extended work timings, and fear of personal safety, health-care workers (HCWs) also suffer from occupational stress as a result of lack of skills, organizational factors, and low social support at work leading to distress, burnout, and psychosomatic problems. This leads to stress, direct deterioration in quality of life as well as the quality of service provided. In this article, the authors navigate on the root cause of stress that is peculiar to the HCWs deployed in the ICU and suggest recommendations to alleviate it. To aid in the research, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, NIOSHTIC-2, and Web of Science up to May 2021.

Perspective Covid-19 ARDS: challenges in care, recommendations & review of research / Covid-19: Desafíos, recomendaciones, revisión e investigación

Though physicians and care providers are familiar with the management of ARDS, however, when it occurs as a sequale of COVID-19, COVID-19 ARDS has different features and there remains uncertainty on the consensus of management. To answer this question on how it compares and contrasts with ARDS from other causes, we deliver a review of the published literature and our own clinical experience from managing patients with COVID-19 ARDS in DR Congo and India. A PubMed search was conducted on 05-7-2020 using the systematic review filter to identify articles that were published using MeSH terms COVID-19 and ARDS. Systematic reviews or meta-analyses were selected from a systematic search for literature containing diagnostic, prognostic and management strategies in MEDLINE/PubMed. Those were compared and reviewed to the existing practices by the various treating specialists and recommendations were made. Specifically, we discuss the COVID-19 ARDS, its risk factors and pathophysiology, lab diagnosis, radiological findings, rational of recommendation of drugs proposed so far, oxygenation and ventilation strategies and the psychological ramifications of the disease. Because of the high mortality in mechanically ventilated patients, the above recommendations and findings direct the potential for improvement in the management of patients with COVID-19 ARDS.

Aunque los médicos y los proveedores de atención están familiarizados con el manejo de ARDS, cuando ocurre una complicación de COVID-19, existe incertidumbre sobre el manejo y curso que va a seguir. Para responder a esta pregunta sobre cómo se compara y contrasta con el SDRA por otras causas, entregamos una revisión de la literatura publicada y nuestra propia experiencia clínica en el manejo de pacientes con SDRA COVID-19 en la República Democrática del Congo e India. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed el 05 de julio de 2020 utilizando el método sistemático con filtro de revisión para identificar artículos que se publicaron utilizando términos MeSH COVID-19 y SDRA. Se seleccionaron revisiones sistemáticas o metanálisis de una búsqueda sistemática de literatura que contenga diagnóstico, pronóstico y manejo estrategias en MEDLINE / PubMed. Aquellos fueron comparados y revisados para las prácticas existentes por los diversos especialistas en tratamiento y recomendaciones que fueron hechos. Específicamente, discutimos el ARDS COVID-19, sus factores de riesgo, fisiopatología, diagnóstico de laboratorio, hallazgos radiológicos, racionalidad de recomendación de los fármacos propuestos hasta el momento, las estrategias de oxigenación y ventilación y las complicaciones psicológicas de la enfermedad. Debido a la alta mortalidad de los paciente en ventilación mecánica las recomendaciones y los hallazgos anteriores se dirigen a la potencial de mejora en el manejo de pacientes con COVID-19.