Black Fungus an Escalating Threat for Covid-19 Patients Calling Out Captivation

Background Current year 2021, brought a hope for the world due to availability of various vaccines to prevent COVID 19. Researchers around the Globe, kept working around the clock to dig up various correlations of this infection. So, that morbidity and mortality rates can be reduced. In all this sprint, cases of black fungus came into light in India. The Indian researchers identified strong association of black fungus co infection in COVID patients resulting in high mortality rates. Objectives Therefore, this current systematic review was planned to identify the predisposing factors, clinical presentations and management options for black fungus in COVID 19 patients. Methodology: This ‘systematic review’ was carried out following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines & various search engines. Total 20(N) articles were selected and included for study. After following PRISMA guidelines and based upon inclusion and exclusion criteria of study, total 05 (N) manuscripts, were included. Results Out of 05(N) selected articles, 80 %( 04) strongly supported strong association of black fungus with COVID 19 patients. The highlighted predisposing factors includes, immunosuppression, anti virals, prolong hospital stay, use of tocilizumab and steroids as management of COVID patients. Timely diagnosis and provision of anti-fungal can be helpful to reduce mortality form this co infection. Conclusion It is concluded that immunosuppression, anti virals, prolong hospital stay, use of tocilizumab and steroids as management of COVID predisposes to black fungus. Timely diagnosis and use of systematic anti fungals can reduce mortality rate form this co infection.

Pharyngocutaneous Fistulas Following Total Laryngectomy

Total laryngectomy is still the final therapeutic solution in cases of locally advanced laryngeal cancer, as well as in cases of therapeutic failure of organ-sparing surgery or radiation therapy. Following excision of the larynx, the remaining pharynx is reconstructed to obtain continuity of the upper digestive tract. One of the most common complications in these patients, despite constant refinement of the procedure, is the development of a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula. These fistulas prolong hospital stay and often require a second surgical procedure, increasing morbidity and cost for the patient, while diminishing his quality of life. Some risk-factors have been identified, but only some may be corrected before surgery to lower this risk. Managing the fistula once present depends on multiple factors, essential being the size of the fistula as well as the position and concomitant factors, with options ranging from conservative measures to aggressive reconstructive surgery with local miocutaneous flaps. Modern vocal rehabilitation with T.E.P. (tracheo-esophageal puncture) and vocal prosthesis placement presents a new challenge – because of the risk of developing a tracheo-esophageal fistula, with an even higher risk for the patient because of tracheal aspiration. Understanding healing mechanisms of these structures is key to proper management of this complication.

Clamping of chest drain before removal in spontaneous pneumothorax

Background In spontaneous pneumothorax, clamping the chest drain before its removal may avoid reinsertion in case of early recurrence, but may be unsafe and may prolong hospital stay. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence of early recurrence in both clamped and unclamped pneumothorax episodes, and factors associated with it. Methods Retrospective chart review of primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax episodes in which chest drain was inserted during the period April 2012 to March 2014. Results Data of 122 episodes were analysed. There were 36 primary pneumothorax and 86 secondary pneumothorax episodes. Mean age was 59 years with 92% males. Clamping of the chest drain was done in 68 episodes (55.7%), and not done in 54. The clamping group was significantly younger, had more primary pneumothorax, and had shorter time from cessation of air leak to clamp/removal. Recurrence within 24 h were seen in 12 (17.6%) clamped episodes and 4 (7.4%) non-clamped episodes, although in only eight episodes were reinsertion of chest drain saved. Significantly more previous pneumothorax episodes were seen in the early recurrence group. We observed no new onset of tension pneumothorax or subcutaneous emphysema associated with clamping. Conclusion The practice of clamping the chest drain before removal in spontaneous pneumothorax appear safe. Clamping saved chest drain reinsertion in 11.8% of cases, and has the potential to save more if clamped for up to 24 h. However, clamping may result in more early recurrences. Prospective randomised studies are needed.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSES TOWARDS POST-OPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT IN MUHAMMADU ABDULLAHI WASE TEACHING HOSPITAL KANO – NIGERIA

Knowledge and attitude of Nurses towards post-operative pain management in Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching hospital Kano. Knowledge and skills of Nurses towards post-operative pain managements haven being an issue in Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching hospital due to workload, inadequate staffs, lack of adequate equipment’s to access patient level of pain .Aim to assessed the knowledge level of Nurses towards post-operative pain management, to determine the level of Nurses attitude towards post-operative pain management and identified the complication of inadequate post-operative pain management in Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano. Post-operative pain management has being an integral issue in patient who has undergone surgery leading to poor wound healing and prolong hospital stay. The descriptive research design was used to uncover knowledge and attitude of nurses towards postoperative pain management , a self-structured questionnaire was administered to population of fifty eight (58) respondents and sample size of fifty(50) was determined using Taro Yamane formula for determining sample size n= N/ (1+N(e)2). Method of data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. The result of the study shows that Nurses have a good knowledge and attitude towards post-operative pain managements. It was concluded that Nurses in surgical wards should indulge into continuing education programmed, in-house training and seminars in pain managements to boost their knowledge and skills.

A Comparative Study of St Segment Resolution between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients following Streptokinase Thrombolysis

Background: One of the most effective and used (in our settings) methods of reperfusion of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is administration of streptokinase (SK) infusion. This study was conducted with the aim to compare ST segment resolution between diabetic and non-diabetic patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction after thrombolysis by streptokinase. Methods: A total of 100 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction with or without diabetes mellitus were studied from December 2016 to November 2017. Among these half of patients were diabetic while rests were non-diabetic. Streptokinase was administered to all patients. Resolution (reduction) of elevated ST segment was evaluated after 90 min of streptokinase administration. Results: Failed reperfusion (<30% ST resolution) was significantly higher in diabetic as compared to nondiabetic patients (42% vs. 12%, p <0.001). In hospital complications were more in diabetic patients who has failed reperfusion following streptokinase thrombolysis. Cardiogenic shock occurred in 44% and acute LVF in 30% patients and EF (46.54%) was significantly lower in diabetic patients and higher number of diabetic patients had prolong hospital stay than non-diabetic patients with STEMI. Conclusion: The outcome of thrombolytic therapy is adversely affected by diabetes mellitus in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc. j. 2019; 11(2): 118-122