Introduction Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can upregulate the immune system and may contribute to glomerular disease (GD). Here, we describe a spectrum of GD that manifested following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 vaccinations). Material and methods This was a descriptive study of 10 cases enrolled between January 2021 and January 2023. Patients with biopsy-proven GD that manifested following COVID-19 vaccinations were included. Results We found 10 cases of biopsy-proven GD following the COVID-19 vaccination. This included five cases of minimal change disease (MCD), three cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), one case of C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), and one case of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The pre-existing disease was found in the last two patients (IgAN and C3GN) who got unmasked following vaccination. We did not observe any relation between vaccine type (Covisheld; six cases vs. Covaxin; four cases) and GD. In most cases (8/10 cases, 80.0%), GD developed after a repeat dose (second or booster dose). The onset time following vaccination was typically less than a week, and even less following a repeat dose. Conclusion Post-vaccination GD can be either de novo or a flare-up of a pre-existing one. The onset time following vaccination was typically less than a week for both Covishield and Covaxin.

We report a case of a high-risk patient with multiple comorbidities who underwent right median lobectomy and lymph node resection due to a carcinoid tumor. The patient\'s course was complicated by a hospital-acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and a postoperative chest hematoma requiring urgent thoracotomy. Multidisciplinary and timely management resulted in a favorable patient outcome.

Rheumatic diseases are a group of conditions including arthritis and various other conditions that can lead to chronic inflammation within the musculoskeletal system, which can have negative effects on soft tissues, bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissue. One form of arthritis is gout, which is an inflammatory condition in which urate acid crystals build up in joints. Gout is associated with joint swelling, pain, redness, and joint mobility issues. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent joint degradation and other adverse complications. The condition has been shown to increase the incidence of diseases outside the musculoskeletal system, including the renal and cardiovascular systems. Comorbid conditions associated with gout include but are not limited to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and heart failure. This systematic review aims to provide insight into the relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, uric acid levels, and gout.

Purpose There is limited data from the Indian subcontinent regarding the surgical outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. In this observational study, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes after emergency surgery in COVID-19 patients compared to concurrent age and gender-matched controls. We also sought to analyze the possible predictors of postoperative mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods This matched cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in central India, between 1st July 2021 and 30th June 2022. COVID-19-positive patients undergoing emergency surgery under anesthesia were recruited as cases. Age and gender-matched COVID-19-negative patients undergoing a similar nature of surgery in the same period served as concurrent controls. The cases and controls were compared for the 30-day mortality and perioperative complications. Results The COVID-19-positive surgical cohort had a 12.3 times greater 30-day postoperative overall mortality risk as compared to a matched cohort of patients with a negative COVID-19 test. A positive COVID-19 status was associated with more postoperative complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, shock, and persistent hyperglycemia. On analysis of predictors of mortality, the presence of preoperative dyspnea, ARDS, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) Class IIIE/IVE, increase in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, Quick SOFA>1, higher creatinine, bilirubin, and lower albumin were observed to be associated with increased mortality. Conclusions Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients undergoing emergency surgery is significantly associated with higher postoperative complications and increased 30-day postoperative mortality.

Our understanding of COVID-19 vaccinations and their impact on health and mortality has evolved substantially since the first vaccine rollouts. Published reports from the original randomized phase 3 trials concluded that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could greatly reduce COVID-19 symptoms. In the interim, problems with the methods, execution, and reporting of these pivotal trials have emerged. Re-analysis of the Pfizer trial data identified statistically significant increases in serious adverse events (SAEs) in the vaccine group. Numerous SAEs were identified following the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), including death, cancer, cardiac events, and various autoimmune, hematological, reproductive, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, these products never underwent adequate safety and toxicological testing in accordance with previously established scientific standards. Among the other major topics addressed in this narrative review are the published analyses of serious harms to humans, quality control issues and process-related impurities, mechanisms underlying adverse events (AEs), the immunologic basis for vaccine inefficacy, and concerning mortality trends based on the registrational trial data. The risk-benefit imbalance substantiated by the evidence to date contraindicates further booster injections and suggests that, at a minimum, the mRNA injections should be removed from the childhood immunization program until proper safety and toxicological studies are conducted. Federal agency approval of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on a blanket-coverage population-wide basis had no support from an honest assessment of all relevant registrational data and commensurate consideration of risks versus benefits. Given the extensive, well-documented SAEs and unacceptably high harm-to-reward ratio, we urge governments to endorse a global moratorium on the modified mRNA products until all relevant questions pertaining to causality, residual DNA, and aberrant protein production are answered.

Background and objective It is crucial to make early differentiation between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza infections at the time of a patient\'s presentation to the emergency department (ED). In light of this, this study aimed to identify key epidemiological, initial laboratory, and radiological differences that would enable early recognition during co-circulation. Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study. All adult patients presenting to our ED at the Watford General Hospital, UK, with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (2019/20) or influenza (2018/19) infection were included in this study. Demographic, laboratory, and radiological data were collected. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine features associated with COVID-19 infection rather than influenza. Results Chest radiographs suggestive of viral pneumonitis and older age (≥80 years) were associated with increased odds of having COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR): 47.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 21.63-102.13 and OR: 64.85, 95% CI: 19.96-210.69 respectively]. Low eosinophils (<0.02 x 109/L) were found to increase the odds of COVID-19 (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.44-3.10, p<0.001). Conclusions Gaining awareness about the epidemiological, biological, and radiologic presentation of influenza-like illness can be useful for clinicians in ED to differentiate between COVID-19 and influenza. This study showed that older age, eosinopenia, and radiographic evidence of viral pneumonitis significantly increase the odds of having COVID-19 compared to influenza. Further research is needed to determine if these findings are affected by acquired or natural immunity.

Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has had profound health and societal impacts, and healthcare providers from diverse backgrounds had to continuously adapt and update to manage patient care, prevent morbidity-mortality, and minimize transmission of the infection. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 218 doctors in western India. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on demographic characteristics, patient consultations, infection prevention practices, COVID-19 diagnosis, management, vaccination attitudes, and healthcare program disruptions. Multistage probability sampling was undertaken to select 161 (64%) private and 57 (26%) public sector doctors from the list of clinics and hospitals reporting COVID-19 cases in the urban municipal corporation area of South Gujarat. Private sector doctors were contacted through the network of public administrative staff and caregivers of their area. They were provided the choice of date, time, and mode (telephonically, face to face, or online) of interview. Descriptive measures of central tendency and variation were calculated. Inferential statistics was applied to test the significance of the difference between sub-groups. For ratio and interval variables, t-test (for two groups) and ANOVA (for more than two groups) were applied while for nominal and ordinal variables, chi-square and appropriate tests were applied. Results The mean age of the 218 doctors included in the study was 43.6 ± 11.1 years while the mean duration of practice was 16.9 ±10.8 years. During the pandemic, patients\' consultation frequencies decreased at the clinics while telephonic and residential consultancies increased, which was statistically significant (P=0.000). Social distancing (n= 187; 85%), isolation (n=157; 72%), and consultation reduction (n=65; 30%) were adopted by doctors. Both public and private doctors preferred government-recognized COVID-19 centers for testing (n=167; 76.7%) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the standard diagnostic test (n=196; 90%). A combination of antipyretics, favipiravir, and antibiotics was used to manage symptomatic cases. Concerns and emotional stress for personal and family safety were prominent among this group of frontline medical doctors (94%). Delivery of healthcare programs for chronic conditions like hypertension and tuberculosis was negatively affected (n=102; 47%). Despite these challenges, doctors managed cases and advised vaccination to control the pandemic. Conclusion This study among over 200 qualified medical practitioners during the pandemic attempts to fill gaps in COVID-19 management, prevention, and safety measures. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few studies providing genuine insights into the practice of private doctors with a large sample size. Findings show the established treatment, prophylaxis, and vaccination protocols among private and public practitioners. It highlights the need for adaptable healthcare strategies and collaboration between public and private sectors for managing future global health emergencies.

Cardiogenic shock carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality because of inadequate tissue perfusion leading to end-stage multi-organ damage. The initial work-up includes a pertinent and thorough history and physical examination to identify possible cardiac and noncardiac etiologies. The following case describes a patient presenting with symptomatic acute COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia with initial findings consistent with cardiogenic shock. SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia has been associated with multiple cardiac manifestations including myocarditis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This patient was treated with conservative medical management and had complete clinical recovery and normal cardiac angiography weeks after their initial presentation. This clinical scenario highlights the significance of a broad differential and extensive work-up when faced with a patient presenting with cardiogenic shock.

Background In 2023, breakthrough COVID-19 infections among vaccinated individuals and reinfections in previously infected people have become common. Additionally, infections are due to Omicron subvariants of the virus that behave differently from those at the onset of the pandemic. Understanding how vaccination and natural immunity influence COVID-19 infection rates is crucial, especially in high-density congregate settings such as prisons, to inform public health strategies. Methods We analyzed COVID-19 surveillance data from January to July 2023 across 33 California state prisons, primarily a male population of 96,201 individuals. We computed the incidence rate of new COVID-19 infections among COVID-bivalent-vaccinated and entirely unvaccinated groups (those not having received either the bivalent or monovalent vaccine). Results Our results indicate that the infection rates in the bivalent-vaccinated and entirely unvaccinated groups are 3.24% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.06-3.42%) and 2.72% (CI: 2.50-2.94%), respectively, with an absolute risk difference of only 0.52%. When the data were filtered for those aged 50 and above, the infection rates were 4.07% (CI: 3.77-4.37%) and 3.1% (CI: 2.46-3.74%), respectively, revealing a mere 0.97% absolute risk difference. Among those aged 65 and above, the infection rates were 6.45% (CI: 5.74-7.16%) and 4.5% (CI: 2.57-6.43%), respectively, with an absolute risk difference of 1.95%. Conclusion We note low infection rates in both the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, with a small absolute difference between the two across age groups. A combination of monovalent and bivalent vaccines and natural infections likely contributed to immunity and a lower level of infection rates compared to the height of the pandemic. It is possible that a degree of \'herd immunity\' has been achieved. Yet, using p<0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance, the bivalent-vaccinated group had a slightly but statistically significantly higher infection rate than the unvaccinated group in the statewide category and the age ≥50 years category. However, in the older age category (≥65 years), there was no significant difference in infection rates between the two groups. This suggests that while the bivalent vaccine might offer protection against severe outcomes, it may not significantly reduce the risk of infections entirely. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these findings and to consider other factors, such as underlying health conditions. This study underscores the importance of developing vaccines that target residual COVID-19 infections, especially in regard to evolving COVID-19 variants.

Context The proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be prioritised for health care workers (HCWs), where shortages and prolonged use of personal protective equipment can threaten safety in essential health services. Aims To evaluate the effect of personal protective equipment on the health and well-being of HCWs, physicians, nurses, and technicians on duty for COVID-19 rotational postings. Settings and design This cross-sectional study was done by simple random sampling. Methods and materials This study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in South India to assess the utilisation of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the second wave of COVID-19. A physical questionnaire was distributed to a total of 266 healthcare workers, aged 20 to 50, who had worked for a minimum of three consecutive days between May and August 2021. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PPE use among healthcare workers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis The data analysis in this study was conducted using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). The mean and standard deviation, or median, were used to present continuous variables, while frequency and percentage were used to present categorical variables. Furthermore, the minimum sample size required for this study was calculated to be 246 participants. Results The survey included 266 healthcare workers. The mean+/-SD of age was 28.18+/-5.64 and consisted of females (54.51%) and males (45.48%). The postings were in emergency (13.15%), intensive care unit (30.82%), and ward (56.01%), respectively. The HCWs who used PPE for four to seven days reported more symptoms than those who used it for one to three days. Discomforts experienced while wearing PPE were chest suffocation (49.62%), difficulty in performing intubation (36.09%), difficulty in seeing clearly (68.79%), dizziness (49.62%), excessive sweating (75.56%), micturition desire (52.63%), nausea (42.48%), retro-auricular pain (56.76%), stomach burns (27.44%), and thirst or dry throat (78.57%). The symptoms suffered after doffing were tiredness (69.17%), dry mouth (67.29%), dizziness (43.60%), headache (55.63%), chest suffocation (36.46%), dry skin (57.14%), reduced ability to concentrate (48.12%), dark-coloured urine (55.63%), reduced alertness (42.48%), and stomach burns (28.94%). The first thoughts after doffing were to drink water (68.42%), eat something (36.09%), clean yourself (61.27%), urinate (33.08%), and have some rest (29.32%), respectively. 81 (30.45%). The HCWs suffered skin injuries while wearing gloves. The time for restoring after a shift was 12 hours (37.59%), 24 hours (34.21%), 36 hours (11.65%), and 48 hours (16.59%). Pressure sores were reported on the forehead by 53 (19.92%) participants, the nose by 54 (20.30%), the cheek by 31 (11.65%), and behind the ear by 77 (65.71%) participants. The optimal size of PPE was experienced only by 76 (28.57%) participants, while 73 (27.44%) of them felt tight and 117 (43.98%) felt loose. Conclusions To minimise discomfort while managing infectious diseases, HCWs can adopt several practices like taking regular breaks, ensuring humane working hours, utilising high-quality PPE, and wearing properly fitting gear. By implementing these measures, HCWs can enhance their ability to handle infectious diseases effectively while prioritising their comfort and well-being.