Annals of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India)
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Editor: Dr. Sanjeev Misra
ISSN: 2454-5635
Frequency: Quarterly
Language: English
Open Access Peer-reviewed journal
Web site: https://annals-nams.in
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Item Health Literacy and Clinic-Epidemiological Profile of Patients with COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis: A Questionnaire-Based Study(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Gulabani, Michell; Chauhan, Richa; Gaur, Diksha; Das, Swati; Bajaj, Megha; Saxena, Ashok KumarBackground: The patient partnership is desirable for the optimal management of comorbidities. This became significant more so during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis wherein health infrastructure was overburdened. Objectives?The aim of this study was to estimate the clinicoepidemiological profile, health literacy regarding predisposing risk factors, and disease management in patients with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAMCR). Materials and Methods?A structured questionnaire-based study on randomly chosen 100 microbiologically proven patients of CAMCR, consisting of 38 multiple choice questions, was designed with each answer having a patient and assessor response to it. Results?A male predilection was seen (68%) with rhino-orbital (73%) being the commonest anatomic site. Forty-nine percent of the study participants had pre-existing diabetes of which 62% did not carry out regular blood sugar monitoring and in 18%, blood sugars were controlled prior to COVID-19. Thirty-five percent of patients with mild COVID-19 illness were treated with unwarranted steroids and 56% of patients had fluctuating blood sugar levels, during COVID-19 illness. Seventy-nine percent of patients were not vaccinated against COVID-19, 16% only partially vaccinated. Seventy-one percent of patients were not aware of red flag signs and of mucormycosis with 8% presenting early, on noticing nasal symptoms. Conclusion?This study observed diabetes as the most common comorbidity in patients with CAMCR. A lacuna in the health literacy of diabetics presenting with CAMCR was found. Additionally, knowledge regarding glycemic control during COVID-19 illness with or without the use of steroids and awareness of the “red flag” signs of CAMCR were mostly lacking. Interventions to improve awareness amongst patients with diabetes should help in optimal glycemic control, and avoid potential complications like severe COVID-19 illness, and mucormycosisItem Association of Metformin with Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Parveen, Rizwana; Mishra, Pinki; Luthra, Reva; Bajpai, Ram; Agarwal, NidhiStudies have demonstrated high prevalence of mortality in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, the effects of antidiabetic pharmacotherapy on COVID-19 complications need further exploration. The aim of the study was to explore the association of metformin use and mortality in COVID-19 patients. A literature search was conducted using the databases Medline (via PubMed) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until February 09, 2021. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 12,684 COVID-19 patients. The meta-analysis suggested 37% lower risk of mortality in patients receiving metformin (risk ratio: 0.63; 95% confidence interval: 0.50–0.78; p?Item Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as a Renal Mass: A Scarce Case Report with a Review of the Literature(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Kumar, Manjeet; Barwal, Kailash Chander; Sharma, Sunish; Chauhan, Sanjeev; Raina, PamposhWegener granulomatosis (WG) now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an uncommon autoimmune disorder of undivulged etiology affecting the respiratory tract including paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, lungs, and kidneys predominantly. GPA presenting as a solitary renal mass is rarely seen. We present a case report of a 27-year-old female presenting with a right renal mass along with pain, low-grade fever, and arthralgia. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a hypodense low attenuated renal mass with indistinct margins. Ultrasound-guided biopsy revealed features typical of GPA. She was started on oral steroids (prednisolone 40?mg) and azathioprine. She developed pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after starting treatment with azathioprine. Azathioprine was stopped and rituximab 1?g weekly was started for 4 weeks followed by 500?mg 6 monthly injections. She got symptomatic relief at 4 weeks with a diminution of renal mass at 6 months follow-up. We report this rare entity of WG presenting as renal mass. Suspecting and diagnosing renal mass as a part of GPA prevented us from undertaking unnecessary surgical treatment in this patient. Medical treatment with steroids and rituximab is effective in inducing remission and maintenance.Item Options of Funding and Ethical Clearance for Medical Researchers in India(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Das, Semanti; Chandra, Ankit; Nongkynrih, BaridalyneResearch forms an integral part of present world development and interest. It is the primary source of speculation and outcome-based decision making. Medical research work proves to be a big challenge in low- and middle-income countries due to the constraint of resources and capacity building. The disparities in the distribution of resources, inadequate policy implementation, and lack of prioritization of research make the research challenging. There has been an increase in medical research in India but it is not adequate when compared to other countries or areas. Medical researchers face multiple issues, mainly funding and ethical approval and are stunted by the unacceptance in high-indexed journals. In this paper, we have compiled the options for funding and ethical options and ways available for researchers in India. This will help and encourage researchers pro-actively by providing some guidance on the issues related to finance and ethics required for conducting scientific research.Item Emerging Syndemic: Black Fungus—A Post-COVID-19 Mucormycosis(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Ray, Anushree Singha; Bhattacharya, KuntalItem A Study on the Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on the Severity of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Madan, Siddharth; Dutta, Shelly; Yadav, Rekha; Rohatgi, Jolly; Bajaj, Ishita; Tadu, Nampi; Sharma, Rahul; Das, Gopal Krushna; Sahu, Pramod Kumar; Gupta, NeelimaObjectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) seems the most common predisposing factor for rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). This study aimed to study the impact of DM on the severity of COVID-19-associated ROCM (CAM). Methods:?This was a retrospective analytical study performed over a period of 3 months to assess the impact of DM on the severity of CAM in 100 patients and association of clinical correlates of DM with severity of CAM. Statistical analysis:?The data collected using the study tools were converted into a computer-based spreadsheet and analyzed. The statistical analysis comprised a descriptive analysis that involved calculating means, standard deviations, and proportions. For calculating the significance of the difference of mean between two groups, Student's t-test was applied. In addition, chi-square test (or Fisher's t-test if applicable) was applied to study the significance of association of clinical correlates of DM with severity of CAM for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. Results:?The prevalence of DM was 67%. The average presenting blood sugar level was 245.9?±?99.86?mg%. Glycated hemoglobin level between 4.5 and 6.5% was observed in 57 patients and over 6.5% in 43 subjects. A high body mass index (BMI) of 25 and above was noted in 52 patients. A significantly higher level of presenting blood sugar and a longer duration of hospital stay was noted in patients having stage 3b or higher (p?Item Adherence and Cost Effectivity of Home-Based Prophylaxis Over Institutionalized Prophylaxis in Patients with Hemophilia(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Dutta, Anupam; Boruah, Dipjyoti; Boruah, Angshuman; Das, ArijitPurpose: Home-based prophylaxis in hemophilia facilitates the treatment of patients with hemophilia (PwH) at home resulting in an improved quality of life, experiencing less pain and greater flexibility in daily activities. This literature studies the cost effectivity and adherence to prophylaxis treatment after the implementation of home-based prophylaxis therapy in PwH registered under the Hemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) of Assam Medical College and Hospital. Materials and Methods:?PwH and their parents were advised for self/home infusion after being trained by a medical professional for 6 months. Data were collected on the skip in prophylaxis treatment by PwH and their traveling cost to access the prophylaxis treatment before and after the implementation of home infusion, through questionnaire and telephonic interview. Results:?The mean number of days of skip in prophylaxis was significantly reduced from 25 (±11) to 4 (±2) days after implementation of home infusion. The mean transportation cost was also found to be significantly decreased from Rs. 3297 (±2251) to 440 (±279). Before home/self-infusion, 77% of the registered PwH were found to skip prophylaxis doses more than 12 times a year but after home infusion, no PwH were found to skip more than 12 doses a year. Conclusion:?Home therapy facilitates the PwH to strictly adhere to the prophylaxis regime significantly reducing the skipping of doses to be administered to the PwH. The risks of regular traveling and the burden of transportation expenditure to avail the prophylaxis treatment was also found to be reduced significantly.Item Challenges with Adjuvant Radiation for Intracranial Chondrosarcoma in Pregnancy(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Yadav, Arun; Goyal, Shikha; Madan, Renu; Singh, Ranjit; Chitkara, Aarti; Khosla, DivyaBackground: Managing a brain tumor during pregnancy is a highly confusing and challenging situation, complicated by several technical, medical, ethical, and sociocultural concerns. The interests of the mother and child are often pitted against each other, for which legal opinion may occasionally be needed. Case Report?We present the report of a young lady with intracranial well-differentiated chondrosarcoma who was determined to be pregnant in the immediate postoperative period. We discuss the management of challenges and dilemmas in devising optimum therapy, and the modifications and care required at each step to help safeguard maternal and fetal health. Risks with therapeutic radiation and measures to assess and pre-empt fetal doses that may assist decision-making are also discussed. Conclusion?Radiation therapy during pregnancy is challenging and requires multidisciplinary involvement and psychosocial support for the patient and family.Item Essential Service Products as Channels for COVID-19 Awareness and Behavior Change: A Narrative Review(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Pathak, Vineet Kumar; P., Karpaga Priya; Panigrahi, Sunil Kumar; Raj, Utsav; Kumar, MohanCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is here to stay. Nonpharmacological interventions such as hand hygiene, social distancing, and respiratory hygiene have remained the mainstay to curb the spread of the virus, and these are sustainable. To understand the information, education, and communication (IEC) efforts undertaken during previous pandemics and successful behavior change strategies that may be applicable to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a narrative review of articles using PubMed search on September 11, 2022. The results highlighted that reinforced IEC is the need of the hour in efforts against COVID-19 pandemic. The communication strategy during a pandemic should be of three stages aligned to the objectives of building a basic understanding and knowledge in the target population: building an awareness of the threat; personal actions to minimize the impact; and reinforcing the need for appropriate actions to minimize disease transmission, in that order. An innovative strategy of displaying IEC on the daily essential products can result in a sustainable solution that might result in a “felt need” in the community to follow COVID-19 appropriate behavior. A broad base of stakeholders' engagement with civil bodies, nongovernmental organizations, private sectors with well-defined responsibilities and accountability would offer an enabling environment for these efforts in ultimately curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.Item Chondromyxoid Fibroma of Clavicle Presenting as Radiological Disappearance of Bone(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Arora, Sumit; Kashyap, Abhishek; Maini, Lalit; Prakash, Anjali; Saran, R. KCase?Presentation Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a relatively rare bone tumor of cartilaginous origin and it comprises less than 1% of all primary bony tumors. Clavicle is an unusual site of involvement for any bone tumor and may produce diagnostic dilemma. Approximately only 1% of all primary bone tumors may involve the clavicle. The literature on clinical features and outcome of CMF clavicle remains sparse. Conclusion?We present an unusual case of CMF clavicle in which the medial aspect of the clavicle gradually disappeared on radiographs. CMF should be included in the differential diagnoses of disappearing bone disease.Item Hepatokines and Adipokines in Metabolic Syndrome(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-01) Mukhuty, Alpana; Mondal, Samim Ali; Mukhopadhyay, SatinathHepatokines and adipokines are secretory proteins derived from hepatocytes and adipocytes, respectively. These proteins play a main role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by obesity, dysglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Adipose tissue and liver are important endocrine organs because they regulate metabolic homeostasis as well as inflammation because they secrete adipokines and hepatokines, respectively. These adipokines and hepatokines communicate their action through different autocrine, paracrine and endocrine pathways. Liver regulates systemic homeostasis and also glucose and lipid metabolism through hepatokines. Dysregulation of hepatokines can lead to progression toward MetS, type 2 diabetes (T2D), inflammation, hypertension, and other diseases. Obesity is now a worldwide epidemic. Increasing cases of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic syndrome has brought the focus on understanding the biology of adipocytes and the mechanisms occurring in adipose tissue of obese individuals. A lot of facts are now available on adipose tissue as well. Adipose tissue is now given the status of an endocrine organ. Recent evidence indicates that obesity contributes to systemic metabolic dysfunction. Adipose tissue plays a significant role in systemic metabolism by communicating with other central and peripheral organs via the production and secretion of a group of proteins known as adipokines. Adipokine levels regulate metabolic state of our body and are potent enough to have a direct impact upon energy homeostasis and systemic metabolism. Dysregulation of adipokines contribute to obesity, T2D, hypertension and several other pathological changes in various organs. This makes characterization of hepatokines and adipokines extremely important to understand the pathogenesis of MetS. Hepatokines such as fetuin-A and leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2, and adipokines such as resistin, leptin, TNF-?, and adiponectin are some of the most studied proteins and they can modulate the manifestations of MetS. Detailed insight into the function and mechanism of these adipokines and hepatokines in the pathogenesis of MetS can show the path for devising better preventative and therapeutic strategies against this present-day pandemic.Item Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm of the Pancreas: A Rare Entity with Diagnostic Dilemma(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Gandhe, Sucheta; Patil, Rahul; Yasam, Venkata Ramesh; Nagarkar, RajThe solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) of the pancreas is a relatively uncommon entity. The aim of the present study was to summarize our experiences with regard to diagnostic dilemma, surgery, postoperative follow-up, and management. This retrospective data were collected during the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. A total of four patients (three females and one male) were identified within an age range of 13 to 25 years. All the patients were presented with nonspecific symptoms such as abdomen lumps, swelling in the abdomen, and abdominal pain. To reach a definite diagnosis, imaging studies were conducted along with endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and biopsy. After confirmation of SPEN on biopsy, all the patients underwent surgery without any complications. Patients are on follow-up, and to date, no metastasis has been detected. SPEN is a rare pancreatic tumor with unusual pathological features leading to a diagnostic dilemma. The pathologist should be familiar with SPEN and its salient histological characteristics that differentiate it from other look-alike pancreatic tumors and can help in timely surgery and management.Item Identification of Bacterial Isolates and Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern from Wound/Pus Sample in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Gwalior, India(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Rajput, Kamini; Johri, Sonia; Goyal, AnjuObjective: The goal of this investigation was to look at the frequency and dispersal of bacteria isolated from pus/wound, as well as their susceptibility patterns. Materials and Methods?A study was conducted on 175 patients who provided pus and/or wound discharge samples in different wards (outpatient department or inpatient department). MacConkey agar and blood agar plates were immediately inoculated with samples and incubated at 37°C for 24?hours. The Gram stain and biochemical tests were used to identify all isolates after incubation. Kirby–Bauer's disc diffusion method was used to perform sensitivity tests on Mueller–Hinton agar plates. Results?This study covered 175 patients, with a bacterial isolation rate of 102 (58.28%). Males outnumbered females in the samples (M:F?=?1.8:1), with a median age of 45 years as majority were in the age group of 40 to 60 years which was 41 (40.20%). Total 90.1% samples showed monomicrobial infection, whereas 9.8% showed polymicrobial infection, and total 112 bacterial strains were isolated. Conclusion?Escherichia coli was the most prevalent isolate in present investigation, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chloramphenicol is the only antibiotic which is effective for both gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive cocci. This report's susceptibility statistic may be worth considering for developing empiric treatment regimens for pyogenic infections.Item Detection of Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm-Producing Ability of Staphylococcus Species in Clinical Isolates(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Singh, Shila Kumari; Bhattacharjee, Minakshi; Unni, Balagopalan; Kashyap, Rajpal SinghBackground: Staphylococci are responsible for life-threatening infections in hospitals and community. Their ability to produce multiple virulence factors and antibiotic resistance is an important reason of high mortality in staphylococcal infections. Biofilm production by these organisms makes it difficult to treat. Most of the treating antibiotics are failing and making it a matter of concern. Aims?This study aims to detect the increased antibiotic resistance in biofilm-producing Staphylococcus and to compare the performance of three potential methods of detection. Methods?A total of 81 isolates of staphylococci including coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNs), methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) are included in this study. After the identification, an antibiotic sensitivity test was performed. Biofilm detection was done by three different methods: Congo red agar method, tube adherence method, and microtiter plate method. Result?Out of the 81 samples, 37 CoNs, 17 MRSA, and 27 MSSA were identified. Out of them we got 43 (53%) biofilm producers by Congo red agar method, 40 (49%) by tube adherence method, and 52 (64%) producers by tissue culture plate/microtiter plate method. Most of the biofilm producers showed multiple drug resistance. Conclusion?We found out that the microtiter plate method is sensitive and reliable as compared with the other two methods. Antibiotic resistance was found to be very common in biofilm producers. This was due to the resistance developed as a result of the matrix that does not let the antibiotic bind with the organisms. This can make the treatment of Staphylococcus very difficult in the future as the rate of drug resistance is faster as compared with newly emerging antibiotics.Item A Case for Horizontal Distribution of Activities between General Surgery and Surgical Super Specialties(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Minocha, Vivek R.; Gupta, Sanjay; Gupta, ArunUnder the current practice in organizing surgical services, proportionate representation of disciplines is provided in the curricular planning and in corresponding clinical functions. This is based on the level of competence expected by the end of training period. The disciplines as a “whole” are placed in general surgery or super specialty. The system of vertical arrangement has some serious concerns. Paradoxically, patients with diseases of simple and routine nature of discipline categorized as super specialty are neglected. Super specialist is unable to attend on account of preoccupation with serious challenging problems. The general surgeon hesitates because of privileging issues, fear of allegations of negligence and litigation. The system of vertical division is based on premise that some disciplines deal with complex procedures and others with only simple and routine nature. This premise is incorrect. Each discipline is a mix of simple and complex cases requiring specialized treatment. Alternate modified organization of surgical service is proposed. Activities of all disciplines are scrutinized according to the level of expected competence by the end of training. Categorization is shifted from the “discipline' to “activities.” Criteria applied for classification of activities are as follows: on completion, the trainee is capable to assume full responsibility-category 1; has gained sufficient experience-category 2; and is conversant with broad understanding of management-category 3. Activities of category 1 from all disciplines are assigned to general surgery and those of category 3 from all disciplines are assigned to respective super specialty. Those in the middle, comprising difficult cases but not requiring specialized training or heavy inputs in equipment, are in category 2. They are assigned to general surgery as additional/optional items, or super specialty, guided by local factors. The scope and practice of general surgery are broadened with a shift from “residual” to “comprehensive” discipline. Advantages, concerns, collateral issues of horizontal distribution of activities, its positive impact on research and education are discussed. It is concluded that the proposed organization of surgical services is a rational, logical, and practical strategy for good-quality surgical care in the society. The super specialists need to be convinced that “taking load off” is good for the specialty.Item Evaluation of Clinical, Demographic, and Biochemical Profiles of Trinidadian Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2023-04) Nayak B, Shivananda; Monplaisir, Tamika Kachada; Bhaktha, Geetha; Ali, Ronan; Mohan, Surapaneni Krishna; Priya, VishnuBackground: Trinidad and Tobago ranks number 45 in the world for total deaths due to coronary heart disease. Predictive tests for coronary angiographic results set the basis for earlier monitoring of the disease before additional complications become obvious. Aims and Methods?This study aimed to evaluate the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of 124 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) in Trinidad and how these parameters correlate to the findings at angiography. Results?The biochemical parameters showed statistically significant correlations with CAD severity by Spearman's rank-order correlation. Two clinical parameters showed significant associations with CAD severity—ethnicity (?2 (4)?=?12.925, p?=?0.012) and presence of type 2 diabetes at baseline (?2 (4)?=?21.483, p?Item Medical Schools in National Capital Territory—A Historical and Functional Perspective(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2022-01) Dwivedi, Shridhar; Aggarwal, AmiteshEstablishment of a medical school is predominantly a political decision. Its basic aim is to further the cause of medical education. Inbuilt within this objective is looking after sick people, bringing improvement in their health, and indirectly improving their understanding of health. Delhi, being the capital city of the country, is governed by the state as well central authorities, thereby enjoying dual benefits. Currently, it has some 10 medical schools/institutes with the objectives of providing quality medical education, research and health to its people. Notably, each one has its own historical legacy and distinctive character, as evident in their respective names, logo, motto and mission statement. This article briefly discusses the historical, socioeconomic, geopolitical, and distinctive characters of each of these institutionsItem Papillary Carcinoma: A Rare Cause of Cutaneous Lesion on Dorsum of Nose(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2022-01) Sahoo, Soumick Ranjan; Sarma, MandiraThe skin of the nose is a common site for various benign and malignant lesions. Herein, we report a cutaneous nodular lesion on the dorsum of the nose in an 80-year-old female, which was surgically excised under local anesthesia. On histopathological examination, she was diagnosed with papillary carcinoma, a very rare disorder at such a location. The patient was followed-up and no recurrence was noted.Item Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting with COVID-19-Associated Rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis at a Tertiary Care Center(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2022-10) Madan, Siddharth; Yadav, Rekha; Rohatgi, Jolly; Sharma, Rahul; Nasir, Iffat; Saini, Aarushi; Tadu, Nampi; Das, Gopal Krushna; Sahu, Pramod Kumar; Gupta, Neelima; Beri, NitikaObjectives?Individuals affected with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased enormously in northern India during the second wave of the novel coronavirus disease. This study determined the demographic and clinical profile including the risk factors in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in northern India. Materials and Methods?This is a descriptive study involving patients admitted with COVID-19-associated ROCM and were managed from May 2021 to 20th July 2021. Statistical Analysis?The data was analyzed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 20, SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States) software and Microsoft Excel (Version 16.49). The chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare various outcomes. A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results?One hundred and seventeen (117) patients (males: 70 [59.8%], females:47 [40.2%]) with the average age of 51.85?±?12.80 years presented with orbital involvement. Diabetes mellitus was noted in 100 (86.2%) patients. Of the available data from the records, oxygen supplementation for the management of COVID-19 was received by 37/108 (34.3%) patients for a median average duration of 11 days. Forty-eight patients of one-hundred-seventeen (60%) patients were treated with corticosteroids with a median duration of steroid administration being 10 days. The duration between onset of symptoms related to mucormycosis and diagnosis of COVID-19 was 0 to 75 days for 48 patients. Intravenous amphotericin B was administered in all cases. External sinonasal debridement was performed in 90 of 114 (78.9%) patients, retrobulbar amphotericin B injection was administered in 56 of 117 (47.9%), and orbital exenteration was performed in 17 of 117 (14.5%) of cases. Conclusion?Administration of corticosteroids and diabetes mellitus seem to be the major underlying causes for the development of COVID-19-associated ROCM. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management approach are essential for a reduction in mortality.Item Opinions, Attitudes, and Prescribing Practices of Oral Contraceptive Pills of General Practitioners and Gynecologists in India(Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd, 2022-01) Kumar, Sandeep; Dwivedi, Varsha; Pradeep, Yashodhara; Pakhare, Abhijeet; Agrawal, Girdhar Gopal; Saksena, Anil Kumar; Kumar, VishwajeetBackground:To study the prescription behavior of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) by physicians, gynecologists, and alternative medicine practitioners (AMPs). Materials and Methods?Close-ended questionnaire-based cross-section study was performed between 1st September 2012 and 28th February 2014 in three groups of responders, i.e., AMP, general medical practitioners (GMPs), and obstetricians and gynecologists (ObGy). A stratified random cluster sample was used. Data of 400 subjects in all three groups were obtained using both univariate and multi-variate sophisticated statistical analyses for analyzing attitude and practices and were recorded on an ordinal scale using appropriate non-parametric test. Results?Of the 1,237 subjects surveyed, 400 completed questionnaires were received from each of the three groups viz; AMPs, GMPs, and ObGy. Remaining 37 incomplete questionnaires were not included in the final analysis. Conclusion?There are equal misconceptions regarding OCPs among users and prescribing physicians. Preference for OCPs in married and unmarried women is also equally low. OCP usage and their prescription practices can be improved by removing potential barriers, developing public–private partnership, and training promoters.