Rajendra Zope, Prachi Kate, Janice Jaison, Shalaka Saraf, Smita Bhide, Digant Gupta,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (Special issue (Nov-Dec) 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), white blood cell (WBC) abnormalities have been found worldwide with significant inter-regional differences. In the present study, we evaluated WBC parameters concerning COVID-19 positivity and severity.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, total WBC count, absolute count of each type of WBC, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) were compared between 150 COVID-19 patients and 150 non-COVID-19 patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms. Also, COVID-19 patients were divided into severe and non-severe cases.
Results: The severity of the disease had no significant association with age or gender (p>0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, and NLR were significantly lower (p<0.05), while LMR was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, and NLR were significantly higher (p<0.05), while absolute eosinophil count and absolute lymphocyte count were significantly lower (p<0.05) in severe COVID-19 patients compared to non-severe patients.
Conclusions: Age is not a predictive factor for the severity of COVID-19. Routine WBC parameters are useful in predicting the severity of the disease in COVID-19 patients and can be used as prognostic indicators. Routine WBC parameters can also be used for repeat RT-PCR testing in COVID-19 suspected patients.
Qudsiya Ansari , Anisha Jain, Kailas Randad, Vinaya Singh, Akash Sarkate,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2024)
Abstract
Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG) is a rare disorder characterized by severe osteoporosis and vision impairment, due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) gene. This autosomal recessive disorder is characterized by fractures, bone fragility, and pseudoglioma with blindness in infancy. Herein, we present a rare case of OPPG syndrome in an infant who, at 80 days of life (DOL), exhibited multiple fractures without any ophthalmic findings at the time of presentation. This is relatively earlier presentation of the symptoms as fractures are more commonly seen after two years of life.
Mazhar Khan , Akash Sarkate , Poonam Wade , Sushama Mailk ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2025)
Abstract
Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common clinical abnormality in newborns during the first week of life. Phototherapy is the standard treatment but may cause complications, including hypocalcemia, a lesser-known yet significant adverse effect. This study investigated the impact of phototherapy on serum calcium levels in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
Methods: This observational study was conducted in the NICU of BYL and T.N. Medical College, Mumbai, over 12 months after ethical approval. We included 100 neonates (> 34 weeks gestational age) with hyperbilirubinemia receiving phototherapy. Serum calcium levels were measured before and after phototherapy, and neonates were monitored for clinical hypocalcemia. Data were recorded in a pre-formatted proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 27 (p <0.05 was considered statistically significant).
Results: The mean age of neonates was 3±1.2 days, the mean gestational age was 37±1.2 weeks, and the mean jaundice duration was 2.8±1.10 days. Median serum calcium levels decreased significantly from 8.6 mg/dL (8.49-8.61) pre-phototherapy to 7.35 mg/dL (7.33-7.50) post-phototherapy (p <0.001). Hypocalcemia (serum calcium ≤7 mg/dL) occurred in 16% of neonates, with 60% exhibiting mild symptoms like jitteriness or irritability.
Conclusion: Phototherapy significantly reduces serum calcium levels in jaundiced neonates, with a notable incidence of hypocalcemia. Clinicians should monitor calcium levels and watch for symptoms during phototherapy to prevent complications. Further studies are needed to establish preventive strategies.
