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ObjectivesTo determine whether hydroxychloroquine when used with personal protective equipment reduces the proportion of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 among healthcare workers in comparison to the use of personal protective equipment alone.DesignMulticentre, parallel-group, open-label randomised trial. Enrolment started on 29 June 2020 and stopped on 4 February 2021. Participants randomised in HydrOxychloroquine Prophylaxis Evaluation were followed for 6 months.Setting9 hospitals across India.ParticipantsHealthcare workers in an environment with exposure to COVID-19 were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to hydroxychloroquine plus use of personal protective equipment or personal protective equipment alone. 886 participants were screened and 416 randomised (213 hydroxychloroquine arm and 203 personal protective equipment).InterventionParticipants in intervention arm received 800 mg of hydroxychloroquine on day of randomisation and then 400 mg once a week for 12 weeks in addition to the use of personal protective equipment. In the control arm, participants continued to use personal protective equipment alone.Main outcomeProportion of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in the 6 months after randomisation.ResultsParticipants were young (mean age 32.1 years, SD 9.1 years) with low-comorbid burden. 47.4% were female. In the 6 months after randomisation (primary analysis population=413), 11 participants assigned to the hydroxychloroquine group and 12 participants assigned to the standard practice group met the primary endpoint (5.2% vs 5.9%; OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.07, p=0.72). There was no heterogeneity of treatment effect in any prespecified subgroup. There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes. The adverse event rates were 9.9% and 6.9% in the hydroxychloroquine and standard practice arms, respectively. There were no serious adverse events in either group.Conclusions and relevanceHydroxychloroquine along with personal protective equipment was not superior to personal protective equipment alone on the proportion of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Definitive conclusions are precluded as the trial stopped early for futility, and hence was underpowered.Trial registration numberCTRI/2020/05/025067.

Various therapies have been tried for Covid disease including the use of antivirals, steroids, monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma.The study was conducted on convalescent plasma transfused ICU patients. Part A of the study involves clinical outcomes based on gender, age, comorbidities, blood group,and the average length of stay. Part B investigates clinical outcomes in patients transfused with convalescent plasma before and after the November 2021 guidelines. Part C of the study includes patients in cytokine storm and the efficacy of tocilizumab in these patients.Out of the 326 ICU patients transfused with convalescent plasma the overall mortality was 152 (53.3 %). On comparing blood groups and clinical outcomes, a clinically significant result was found. A clinically significant association was also seen on comparing the clinical outcome of 18-50 years and 61-70 years age group and in female gender patients. The average number of ICU days had a positive impact on the overall patient survival. Out of the patients in 'cytokine storm' (n = 109), on day 20, the survival percentage in the non-Tocilizumab group showed a downward trend throughout. However, in the Tocilizumab group, the survival percentage remained stable throughout till around day 50.Amongst the convalescent plasma transfused ICU patients, females, having blood group B, and an average length of stay of fewer than 20 days had a better chance of survival. The patients given tocilizumab and convalescent plasma had a better chance of survival compared to tocilizumab alone.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a decisive risk factor for severe illness in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). India is home to a large number of people with DM, and many of them were infected with COVID-19. It is critical to understand the impact of DM on mortality and other clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection from this region. Aims The primary objective of our study was to analyze the mortality rate in people with DM infected with COVID-19. The secondary objectives were to assess the effect of various comorbidities on mortality and study the impact of DM on other clinical outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective study of COVID-19 infected patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in north India in the early phase of the pandemic. Results Of the 1211 cases admitted, 19 were excluded because of incomplete data, and 1192 cases were finally considered for analysis. DM constituted 26.8% of total patients. The overall mortality rate was 6.1%, and the rate was 10.7% in the presence of diabetes (p &lt, 0.01, OR 2.55). In univariate analysis, increased age, chronic kidney disease (CKD), coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and cancer were associated with mortality. On multiple logistic regression, the independent predictors of mortality were CAD, CKD, and cancer. Breathlessness and low SpO2 at presentation, extensive involvement in CXR, and elevated ANC/ALC ratio were also significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions The presence of comorbidities such as DM, hypertension, CAD, CKD, and cancer strongly predict the risk of mortality in COVID-19 infection. Early triaging and aggressive therapy of patients with these comorbidities can optimize clinical outcomes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are interrelated in a complex manner, and their coexistence predisposes patients to a plethora of medical problems. Metabolic surgery has evolved as a promising therapeutic option for both conditions. It is recommended that patients, particularly those of Asian origin, maintain a lower body mass index threshold in the presence of uncontrolled DM. However, several comorbidities often accompany these chronic diseases and need to be addressed for successful surgical outcome. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are the most commonly used bariatric procedures worldwide. The bariatric benefits of RYGB and LSG are similar, but emerging evidence indicates that RYGB is more effective than LSG in improving glycemic control and induces higher rates of long-term DM remission. Several scoring systems have been formulated that are utilized to predict the chances of remission. A glycemic target of glycated hemoglobin < 7% is a reasonable goal before surgery. Cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, endocrine, nutritional, and psychological optimization of surgical candidates improves perioperative and long-term outcomes. Various guidelines for preoperative care of individuals with obesity have been formulated, but very few specifically focus on the concerns arising from the presence of concomitant DM. It is hoped that this statement will lead to the standardization of presurgical management of individuals with DM undergoing metabolic surgery.

The interplay between pulmonary and endocrine systems modify and influence the pathogenesis and manifestation of several disease processes. Endocrine dysfunctions predispose to numerous pulmonary disorders, including various respiratory infections. On the other hand, pulmonary conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnoea can produce critical metabolic and endocrine derangements. Varied manifestations such as primary adrenal insufficiency, hypophysitis and hypercalcaemia can result from chronic granulomatous conditions like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Various endocrine consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 are also getting apparent during the pandemic. Tumours of the lung can secrete different hormones that give rise to several endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes. This review focuses on the clinically relevant interaction between these two diverse but interrelated systems. We suggest the portmanteau term "pulmocrinology" to delineate the multifaceted relationship evident in pathophysiology, clinical features and therapeutics of various pulmonary and endocrine disorders.

Extended wearing of mask, which has become a part of routine life, has led to the emergence of 'mask fatigue'. Mask fatigue is defined as the lack of energy that accompanies, and/or follows prolonged wearing of a mask. This communication describes the various aspects of mask fatigue, and shares pragmatic tips on its reduction. This discussion is relevant to all health care professionals and to general public to some extent, in the present scenario.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs),particularly from lower-middle income countries (LMIC), are at high risk of acquiring COVID-19. Limited data exist on the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis. Our trial evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week regimen of hydroxychloroquine among HCWs on the risk of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in the 6 months after randomization Methods: We conducted a multicentre parallel-group open-label randomized controlled trial in 9 centres across India. HCWs serving in an environment with exposure to COVID-19 were eligible and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to hydroxychloroquine plus standard practice or to standard practice alone (role-appropriate personal protective equipment). In the intervention arm, participants received 2 doses of 400mg hydroxychloroquine at randomization followed by a weekly dose for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in the 6 months after randomization using an intention-to-treat analysis. The trial was registered on Clinical Trials Registry of India(CTRI/2020/05/025067). Findings: From 29th June 2020 to 4th February 2021, 886 participants were screened and 416 were randomized (203-standard practice and 213- hydroxychloroquine plus standard practice). In the 6 months after randomization (primary analysis population=413), 11 participants assigned to the hydroxychloroquine group and 12 participants assigned to the standard practice group met the primary end point[ 5.1% vs 5.9%; OR 0.85, [95% CI 0.35-2.06] p=0.71]. There was no heterogeneity of treatment effect on the primary outcome in any of the pre-specified subgroups. There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes. The adverse event rates were 9.9% and 6.9% in the hydroxychloroquine and standard practice arms respectively. There were no serious adverse events in either group. Interpretation: Hydroxychloroquine along with standard practice was not superior to standard practice alone on the proportion of lab-confirmed COVID-19. However, conclusions are limited by the premature trial cessation. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2020/05/025067). Funding: Wesley Medical Research, Australia Declaration of Interest: OJ reports being a member of the WHO R&D Blueprint Safety Monitoring Team, ACT Acclerator-R&D Digital Health working group and COVID-19 Clinical Research Coalition data sharing working group. Remaining authors have nothing to declare. Ethical Approval: Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The trial was approved by the Ethics Committee at all participating sites (coordinating centre EC approval number: The George Institute Ethics Committee:08-2020)

Therapeutic advances have revolutionised cancer treatment over the last two decades, but despite improved survival and outcomes, adverse effects to anticancer therapy such as dyselectrolytaemias do occur and need to be managed appropriately. This review explores essential aspects of sodium homeostasis in cancer with a focus on alterations arising from anticancer medications. Sodium and water balance are tightly regulated by close interplay of stimuli arising from hypothalamic osmoreceptors, arterial and atrial baroreceptors and the renal juxtaglomerular apparatus. This delicate balance can be disrupted by cancer itself, as well as the medications used to treat it. Some of the conventional chemotherapeutics, such as alkylating agents and platinum-based drugs, can cause hyponatraemia and, on rare occasions, hypernatraemia. Other conventional agents such as vinca alkaloids, as well as newer targeted cancer therapies including small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, can cause hyponatraemia, usually as a result of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Hyponatraemia can also sometimes occur secondarily to drug-induced hypocortisolism or salt-wasting syndromes. Another atypical but distinct mechanism for hyponatraemia is via pituitary dysfunction induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors. Hypernatraemia is uncommon and occasionally ensues as a result of drug-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Identification of the aetiology and appropriate management of these conditions, in addition to averting treatment-related problems, can be lifesaving in critical situations.

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected, public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. Local tissue necrosis, neurotoxic, and hemo-vasculotoxic effects are well-recognized features, whereas the endocrine and metabolic derangements are not as well known. In addition to contributing to morbidity, some of these manifestations can be potentially life-threatening if not recognized early. The most prominent endocrine manifestation is hypopituitarism (HP), which can manifest acutely or remain asymptomatic and present years later. Unexplained recurrent hypoglycemia and refractory hypotension are early clinical clues to suspect corticotroph axis involvement in acute settings. Chronic pituitary failure may present, like Sheehan's syndrome, several years after the bite. The occurrence of acute kidney injury, capillary leak syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are predictors of HP. Adrenal hemorrhages are documented in autopsy series; however, primary adrenal insufficiency is very rare and confounded by the presence of HP. Hyponatremia, hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, and dysglycemia can occur, but the mechanisms involved are only partially understood. Awareness, a high index of suspicion, correct interpretation of hormonal parameters, and timely treatment of these abnormalities can be lifesaving.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people worldwide. It mainly affects the respiratory system, seen as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Cardiovascular manifestations have been observed in some patients. Hence, cardiorespiratory assessment is an important component of diagnosis, management and follow-up of this disease. Primary care is the first point of contact with the healthcare system for most patients. Therefore, methods for assessment and rehabilitation should be feasible in a primary care setting. This commentary aims to provide a primary care perspective on existing clinical tools for cardiorespiratory assessment and rehabilitation.