scholarly journals Hepatic steatosis: a risk factor for increased COVID-19 prevalence and severity—a computed tomography study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmaa Ali ◽  
Mona Hasan ◽  
Shaimaa Hamed ◽  
Amir Elhamy

Abstract Background Around 25% of the world population was affected by the metabolic-related fatty liver disorder. Hepatic steatosis is frequently observed in conjunction with hypertension, obesity comorbidities, and diabetes. We evaluate the hepatic steatosis frequency found in chest CT exams of COVID-19-positive cases compared to non-infected controls and evaluate the related increased prevalence and severity of COVID. Results Our research includes 355 subjects, 158 with positive PCR for COVID-19 (case group) and 197 with negative PCR and negative CT chest (control group). The mean age in the positive group was 50.6 ± 16 years, and in the control, it was 41.3 ± 16 years (p < 0.001). Our study consists of 321 men (90.5%) and 34 women (9.5%). The number of males in both cases and control groups was greater. In the case group, 93% men vs. 6.9% women, while in controls, 88.3% men vs.11.6% women, p < 0.001. CT revealed normal results in 55.5% of individuals (i.e., CORADs 1) and abnormal findings in 45.5% of participants (i.e., CORADs 2–5). In abnormal scan, CO-RADs 2 was 13.92%, while CO-RADs 3–4 were 20.89% of cases. CO-RADs 5 comprised 65.19% of all cases. Approximately 42.6% of cases had severe disease (CT score ≥ 20), all of them were CO-RADs 5. The PCR-positive class had a greater prevalence of hepatic steatosis than controls (28.5% vs.12.2%, p < 0.001). CO-RADs 2 represented 11.1%, CO-RADs 3–4 represented 15.6%, and CO-RADs 5 represented 73.3% in the hepatic steatosis cases. The mean hepatic attenuation value in the case group was 46.79 ± 12.68 and in the control group 53.34 ± 10.28 (p < 0.001). When comparing patients with a higher severity score (CT score ≥ 20) to those with non-severe pneumonia, it was discovered that hepatic steatosis is more prevalent (73.2% vs. 26.8%). Conclusions Steatosis was shown to be substantially more prevalent in COVID-19-positive individuals. There is a relation among metabolic syndrome, steatosis of the liver, and obesity, as well as the COVID-19 severity.

Author(s):  
Peyman Sadeghi ◽  
Yagoob Garedaghi ◽  
Mirhadi Khayatnouri ◽  
Hosein Hashemzade Farhang ◽  
Ramin Kaffash Elahi

Introduction: Hydatidosis is a global disease and one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases which is found in areas where humans, dogs, and herbivores are in close contact with each other. Methods: In this study, a total of 64 rats were divided into control and case groups, and then 3000 protoscolices were injected into the peritoneal cavity. After 2 months, rats in the case group were given triclabendazole + levamisole at a dose of 6 mg + 4.41 mg/mL orally for 60 days, respectively. Then, after 6 months of infection, the rats of the control and case groups were killed by anesthesia and then an autopsy was performed and the viscera were carefully examined for hydatid cyst infection. Results: The results showed that in the control group, 3 cysts were observed in the liver, 10 in the kidney, and 88 in the lung. The mean number of hydatid cysts in this group was determined to be 33.6. In the case group, 2 cysts were observed in the liver, 6 in the kidney, and 64 in the lungs. The mean number of hydatid cysts in the viscera was 24 in the case group. Conclusions: Statistical analysis of the results obtained from the case and control groups showed that the therapeutic efficacy of triclabendazole + levamisole was 31%, which is not enough to treat cases of hydatid cyst.


Author(s):  
Neelam Jhajharia ◽  
Madhureema Verma

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common and potential life-threatening complications of pregnancy. This study is aimed to investigate and correlate the hemoglobin, haematocrit, white blood cell count, lymphocytes and platelets in PIH patients in their third trimester.Method: Total 126 subjects were studied out of them 63 patients (case) and 63 healthy pregnant women (control) visiting the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar were registered in the study and followed during their pregnancy. Two millilitre of blood sample was drawn aseptically using the 5ml syringe from the median ante cubital vein of all the cases and control participants into EDTA-anticoagulated tubes. Haematological parameter calculated by using Sysmex XN-9100™ Automated Haematology System.Results: The mean hemoglobin level of the case group (8.8206±2.53779) was significantly lower than that of the control group (9.7289±2.47033) (p<0.05). The mean platelet count of the case group (131.4937±62.05999) was significantly lower than that of the control group (324.9683±230.78764) (p<0.05). The mean lymphocytes level of case group (1.2510±0.56369) was significantly lower than that of the control group (1.9295±1.4150) (p<0.05). The mean WBC level of case group (36.3467±119.90635) was significantly high than control group (11.5260±4.83059) (p<0.05). The mean haematocrit level of case group (32.6851±7.29789) was significantly high than control group (30.0424±23.38116) (p<0.05).Conclusion: The mean hemoglobin, mean platelets and mean lymphocytes are lower in PIH patients. The mean WBC and haematocrit are higher in PIH patient. 


Author(s):  
Idha Arfianti Wiraagni

Background: There are several risks to health associated with pesticide use. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can minimize pesticide exposure to farmers. The aim of this study was to determine the basic characteristics of farmers, blood parameters (complete blood count, cholinesterase, and creatinine), patterns of pesticide use, and the use of PPE. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study, with total sampling method. The data were taken from all farmers in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Case group was organophosphate sprayers that have sprayed organophosphate for more than 1 year. Results: In case of group, there were 36 farmers (31 male and 5 female), while in control group, there were 11 persons (4 male and 7 female). The mean blood cholinesterase level in the exposed group was 7.8 ± 2.01Ku/L and in the control group 8.7± 1.56 Ku/L. The mean of exposed group blood urea nitrogen: 12.08±3.88 mmol/L and control Group: 11.4±3.11 mmol/L. The mean of blood creatinine was within normal limits (case group: 0.9 ± 0.17mg/dl and control group: 0.7 ± 0.19 mg/dl), but there were significant differences between them (p : 0.015). Conclusions: The results of a complete blood count, cholinesterase, and renal function in the organophosphate sprayers In Kulonprogro were within normal limits. There was an increase of creatinine levels on exposed group significantly, although still within normal limit. They have sufficient rest period for farmers (1 month) in every planting season. It is necessary to educate farmers about the importance of using PPE and management of acute pesticide poisoning.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Ghanei ◽  
Marco Chilosi ◽  
Hassan Mohammad Hosseini Akbari ◽  
Rouzbeh Motiei-Langroudi ◽  
Ali Amini Harandi ◽  
...  

We performed a pathologic study with further using an immunohistochemical technique (using anti-p63 and anti-CK5) on tissues obtained by open lung biopsy from 18 patients with previous exposure to sulphur mustard (SM) as case group and 8 unexposed patients (control group). The most frequent pathologic diagnosis was constrictive bronchiolitis (44.4%), followed by respiratory (22.2%) and chronic cellular bronchiolitis (16.7%) in the case group, and hypersensitivity bronchiolitis (50%) in the control group. The pathologic diagnoses were significantly different in the case and control groups (P=0.042). In slides stained by anti-p63 and anti-CK5, the percent of stained cells and the mean number of epithelial cells were lower in the case group in comparison to the control group. This difference was significant for the mean number of cells stained by anti-CK5 (P=0.042). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between pathologic diagnosis and total number of cells and mean number of cells stained with anti-p63 and anti-CK5 (P  value = 0.002, <0.001, 0.044). These results suggest that constrictive bronchiolitis may be the major pathologic consequence of exposure to SM. Moreover, decrease of p63 in respiratory tissues affected by SM may suggest the lack of regenerative capacity in these patients.


2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 535-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Solhi ◽  
Babak Mostafazadeh ◽  
Hamid Reza Khoddami Vishteh ◽  
Ali Reza Ghezavati ◽  
Ali Shooshtarizadeh

Background: Naloxone, as a low-priced and available drug, may be useful in improvement of signs and symptoms of benzodiazepines intoxication. The aim of this study was assessment of its effect on benzodiazepines poisoning. Methods: In this clinical-trial study, patients with typical signs and symptoms of benzodiazepines poisoning, who were referred to a poisoning center in Tehran in 2008, were selected. After recording of patients’ characteristics, supportive treatment was initiated and patients were randomly assigned to the case group with intravenous (IV) injection of two 0.4 mg naloxone ampules or to the control group. Their signs and symptoms were evaluated again 0.5 hour later. Each of diazepam, clonazepam and alperazolam drug group had 30 patients and lorazepam drug group had 26 patients, half of which patients in each drug group received naloxone. Results: Most of the participants were female and the mean age was 28 years. There were no significant differences between case and control groups in age, sex, time of drug consumption, tablet counts, signs and symptoms and level of consciousness at the admission time in each drug types. After naloxone injection in case groups, all signs and symptoms significantly improved in all drug types in comparison to control groups except nystagmus. In addition, level of consciousness significantly improved in case groups in all drug types except lorazepam. Conclusion: Findings of the study showed that naloxone is effective in management of benzodiazepines poisoning. However, future clinical trials with greater sample size are recommened.


Author(s):  
Fatemeh Karami Chamgurdani ◽  
Jennifer L. Barkin ◽  
Carolann L. Curry ◽  
Mojgan Mirghafourvand

Postpartum depression (PPD) has adverse effects on the mother’s ability to work, her relationships, performance in other roles, and caregiving ability. The aim of this study was to compare levels of maternal functioning between mothers with depression symptoms and those without. The participants of this case-control study included 80 postpartum women (n = 40 with depressive symptoms and n = 40 with no depressive symptoms) referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran, in 2018–2019. The case and control groups were matched for the number of deliveries (first or second deliveries) and the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section). A sociodemographic questionnaire, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF) were used for data collection. The relationship between maternal functioning and depression was assessed by conducting independent t-tests and Pearson correlation tests in bivariate analysis and applying the general linear model (GLM) in a multivariate analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic information. The mean (SD) total scores of maternal functioning in the case (depressed) and control (non-depressed) groups were 63.4 (12.2) and 93.3 (13.0), respectively. According to the independent t-test, this value in the control group was significantly higher than that of the case group (mean difference: −30.0; 95% confidence interval: −35.6 to −24.3; p < 0.001). In terms of the domains of the BIMF, based on the independent t-test, the mean score of all domains in the control group was significantly higher than that of the case group, except for the mother-child interaction dimension (p = 0.219). Based on the Pearson correlation test, there was significant negative correlation between the PPD score and total score of BIMF (r = −0.79, p < 0.001) and its domains (r = −0.81 to −0.54, p < 0.001). In addition, based on the GLM with adjusting the sociodemographic and obstetrics characteristics, the score of maternal functioning was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group [β = −30.1; 95% CI: −36.8 to −23.4; p = 0.001]. The results of this study indicate that women with depressive symptoms have lower maternal functioning. Depressed women may find it difficult to perform their maternal duties and take care of themselves and other family members due to the burden of the depressive symptoms. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression can play an important role in improving daily maternal functioning.


2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Rashed Imam Zahid ◽  
Hasan Zahidur Rahman ◽  
Kanuj Kumar Barman ◽  
Nuruddin Mohammad Eusuf ◽  
Abu Jafor Muhammad Salahuddin ◽  
...  

Background: Several studies have identified that low serum uric acid (UA) is a possible risk factor for Parkinson Disease (PD). The aim of my study was based on evaluation of association of serum uric acid with Parkinson Disease (PD). Objective: To evaluate the association of serum uric acid with Parkinson Disease(PD). Methodology: It was a case control study carried out in the Department of Neurology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. A total 50 patients of PD aged 45 years or above were taken as cases; and age and sex matched 50 healthy subjects or patients other than PD were taken as control. Serum UA levels were measured in both groups. Besides, any association was searched between serum UA with age, sex, duration and stage of PD, BMI and dietary habit. Results: The mean serum uric acid level in case group was 4.25±1.00 mg/dl and that of control group was 4.73±1.29 mg/dl. The mean serum uric acid in case group was statistically significant (p=0.038 which was <0.05) lower than that of control group. Serum UA levels gradually diminished as Hoehn & Yahr stage of PD increased. Also, disease duration of PD was found inversely related with serum UA. Male subjects in both case and control group had higher serum UA level than their female counter-part, but they had statistically significant higher UA in control group. In this study no correlation was found between age and BMI with serum UA in both case and control. Any association between serum UA and dietary habit was not found in this study because maximum subjects of this study used to take average protein diet. Conclusion: The aim of the study was to explore the association between serum uric acid with Parkinson Disease. The present study found statistically significant association between low serum uric acid with Parkinson Disease. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2013; Vol. 29 (2) : 115-123


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-27
Author(s):  
Madhukar Rajaram Wagh ◽  
Sunil Joshi

Background: Cholelithiasis is a common abdominal disorder resulting in increasing hospital admissions. About 10-12% of adults develop gallstones. Aim of this study was to find out any association of serum iron and ferritin levels in patients of cholelithiasis. Subjects and Methods: Present study was conducted at the department of surgery, tertiary care institute of for the period 1 year. For the study purpose 70 gall stone cases and 70 normal healthy matched controls were taken as study participants. After explaining about the study to the subjects, an informed consent will be obtained, followed by a detailed history with clinical examination with more emphasis on the parameters given below in outcome variable (ultrasonography finding, serum iron level, serum ferritin level, serum cholesterol). Results: The mean age in the case group (gallstones present) is 43.12 years, as compared to the control group the mean age is 41.05 years, The study shows in the case group 64% of patient was female and 36% was male and in the control group 76% of patient was female and 24% was male. In this study 46 (65.7%) patients with gallstones have the value of serum iron less than normal (normal value: >40 µg/dl). Our study shows, there are 35 female patients with gallstone disease who have serum iron levels below the normal value Most of the patients with gallstone disease whose serum iron levels are subnormal are females. Our study shows that the mean serum iron between cases and control was statistically significant p 0.05. There is no effect of anemia on serum cholesterol. In this study the mean serum cholesterol between cases and control was statistical insignificant (p>0.7)) In the case group, 20 of male and 36 of female patients have normal serum ferritin levels. The number of females having normal serum ferritin levels (in both case and control groups) is more. Conclusion: Gallstones are more prevalent in female population than males. Serum ferritin association is insignificant as it increases other condition with inflammation also. Low serum iron level associated with high risk of cholelithiasis as this may lead to super saturation of bile.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zinat Begum ◽  
Iffat Ara ◽  
Shaorin Tanira ◽  
Kashfia Ahmed Keya

Background: Exact aetiology of this potentially fatal disorder remains poorly understood. A number of theories have been put forward where different biochemical markers have been implicated in the causal association of preeclampsia. This study was intended to find the association between serum b-hCG level and preclampsia Methods: This cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted on 74 pregnant women with preeclampsia (cases) who were admitted in the Eclampsia ward of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka between January and July of 2013. A total of 76 normotensive pregnant women were also taken from the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Out-patient Department of the same hospital as control. The study subjects were selected on the basis of predefined eligibility criteria. The serum levels of b-hCG were compared between case and control groups as well as between mild and severe preeclampsia. Result: The case and control groups were almost similar in terms of all the baseline demographic and obstetric characteristics except past history of PET which was significantly higher in the former group than that in the latter group. Majority (97.1%) of the cases had severe hypertension (74.3%) with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures being 162.6 and 110.8 mmHg respectively. The mean serum ?-hCG was much higher in the case group than that in the control group (p<0.001). The mean serum ?-hCG was the highest in severe preeclampsia and the lowest in the control group, while that in mild preeclampsia lie in between the two (p<0.001). The serum ?-hCG exhibits a significantly linear correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p<0.001 respectively). Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the ?-hCG level in the preeclamptic women compared to the normotensive pregnant women and the severity of preeclamsia increases with further rise of ?-hCG level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22701 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 89-93


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
Amir Hossein Movahedian ◽  
Ali Mohammad Shakiba ◽  
Mojtaba Sehat ◽  
Maryam Sadat Razavi ◽  
Marzieh Heydarzadeh Arani

Background and Aims: Syncope is due to brain dysfunction and is a common compliant among children. It accounts for almost 3% of all emergency departments (ED) visits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the QT dispersion in children with syncope in Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan in 2014.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed among 50 children with syncope attacks (case group) referred to the Clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan during 2014 and 50 healthy children (control group) referred to the center for causes such as a cold or developmental examination. ECG was taken and QT, QTd (QT dispersion), QTc (Corrected QT interval) and QTcd (QTmin-QTmax =QT dispersion) intervals were studied. After proper explanation to the parents, data was obtained from the case and control group and was analyzed using Chisquare, Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Levene›s, Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests.Results: Total, there were 100 children in the study, the participants were divided into two groups of case (n=50) and control (n=50). Among the studied children, a total of 46 of them (46%) were boys. The mean age range of children in the case and control groups were 7.73± 2.33 and 8.09± 2.31 years, respectively (P-value 0.440). The mean QTmax, QTcmax, QTd and QTcd in the case group were 348.80 ± 46.93, 464.94±48.71, 47.80±19.72, 68.36±24.59 ms (millisecond) respectively and 305.28 ±35.52, 395.70 ±50.05, 29.68±13.45, and 45.16±24.46 ms respectively in the control group. There was a significant difference in terms of each of the 4 parameters (P <0.001), and the value of indices in the control group was significantly less than that of the patient group.Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the QTd and QTcd values in the children with syncope attacks were higher than those in the control group. Therefore, precise ECG examination in children suspected of syncope attacks can be helpful in confirming the incidence of syncope. Additionally, the recurrence of attacks can also be predicted in children with higher QTd and QTcd values.


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