Altered Level Of Consciousness Research Articles

Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of Critically Ill Children with COVID-19 Disease Presenting to a Resources Limited Setting Paediatric Intensive Care Unit

BackgroundIn March 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-nCOV-2 as a pandemic. COVID-19 is characterized by a spectrum of disease syndrome commonly affecting respiratory system. Progression to severe and critical disease is seen in 20% of confirmed cases. Childhood clinical presentation and radiological features children in resource limited settings including Africa has been less described in literature. Study aimed to describe common clinical characteristics and radiological features of childhood covid-19 disease with critical illness.
 Methods
 Electronic records of paediatric patients aged 2 months to 14 years admitted to PICU of KATH between the period of 1st February - 31st August 2021 were respective reviewed. Clinical features were collected using a case record form and radiological features reviewed by radiologist.
 ResultsPICU admitted 78 patients during the study, 8 covid-19 cases (10%); 7 confirmed and 1 probable. The median age 4 years (0-14 years), 6 males. The most common presenting features include; altered level of consciousness, breathlessness, and fever. The respiratory system was the most common site of presentation followed by circulatory system. Associated co morbid condition on admission includes sickle cell disease and road traffic accident. Six out of 7 had CXR showing abnormal features; 4 had ground glass appearance, 3 with consolidations, reticulo-nodular and pleural effusion respectively, and peri-bronchial thickening 2. Three (37.5%) presented as ARDS with severe hypoxaemia4. Echocardiography in 2 patients showed abnormalities: myocardial dysfunction, pericardial effusion and right ventricular failure. Seven (87%) received mechanical ventilation and 2 (25%) received inotrope support. PICU survival was 75% about half of the overall outcome reported on the continent2.
 ConclusionThis study shows that COVID-19 and radiological features suggest severity of illness requiring critical care services including mechanical ventilation and inotrope therapy(Please rephrase sentence). Early identification and referral to centres with PICU capacity are needed for management.

Risk Factors for Severity and Mortality in Adult Patients Confirmed with COVID-19 in Sierra Leone: A Retrospective Study.

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease. There is no recommended antiviral treatment approved for COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, and supportive care and protection of vital organ function are performed for the patients. This study summarized the clinical characteristics, drug treatments, and risk factors for the severity and prognosis of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone to provide evidence for the treatment of COVID-19.Methods:Data of 180 adult COVID-19 patients from the 34th Military Hospital in Freetown Sierra Leone between March 31, 2020 and August 11, 2020 were retrospectively collected. Patients with severe and critically ill are classified in the severe group, while patients that presented asymptomatic, mild, and moderate disease were grouped in the non-severe group. The clinical and laboratory information was retrospectively collected to assess the risk factors and treatment strategies for severe COVID-19. Demographic information, travel history, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory detection results, chest examination findings, therapeutics, and clinical outcomes were collected from each case file. Multivariate logistic analysis was adopted to identify the risk factors for deaths. Additionally, the clinical efficacy of dexamethasone treatment was investigated.Results:Seventy-six (42.22%) cases were confirmed with severe COVID-19, while 104 patients (57.78%) were divided into the non-severe group. Fever (56.67%, 102/180) and cough (50.00%, 90/180) were the common symptoms of COVID-19. The death rate was 18.89% (34/180), and severe pneumonia (44.12%, 15/34) and septic shock (23.53%, 8/34) represented the leading reasons for deaths. The older age population, a combination of hypertension and diabetes, the presence of pneumonia, and high levels of inflammatory markers were significantly associated with severity of COVID-19 development (P < 0.05 for all). Altered level of consciousness [odds ratio (OR) = 56.574, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.645–566.940, P = 0.001], high levels of neutrophils (OR = 1.341, 95%CI 1.109–1.621, P = 0.002) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR = 1.014, 95%CI 1.003–1.025, P = 0.016) might be indicators for COVID-19 deaths. Dexamethasone treatment could reduce mortality [30.36% (17/56) vs. 50.00% (10/20)] among severe COVID-19 cases, but the results were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusions:The development and prognosis of COVID-19 may be significantly correlated with consciousness status, and the levels of neutrophils and CRP.

Prediction of mortality in hospitalized Egyptian patients with Coronavirus disease-2019: A multicenter retrospective study.

We aimed to assess the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics associated with mortality among hospitalized Egyptian patients with COVID-19. A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted on all polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 cases admitted through the period from April to July 2020. A generalized linear model was reconstructed with covariates based on predictor’s statistical significance and clinically relevance. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated by using stepwise logistic regression modeling. A total of 3712 hospitalized patients were included; of them, 900 deaths were recorded (24.2%). Compared to survived patients, non-survived patients were more likely to be older than 60 years (65.7%), males (53.6%) diabetic (37.6%), hypertensive (37.2%), and had chronic renal insufficiency (9%). Non-survived patients were less likely to receive azithromycin (p <0.001), anticoagulants (p <0.001), and steroids (p <0.001). We found that age ≥ 60 years old (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 2.05–3.86; p <0.0001), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.14–2.19; p = 0.006), hypertension (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.36; p = 0.002), chronic renal insufficiency (OR = 3.15, 95% CI 1.84–5.38; p <0.0001), tachycardia (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.22–2.23; p <0.001), hypoxemia (OR = 5.69, 95% CI 4.05–7.98; p <0.0001), GCS <13 (OR 515.2, 95% CI 148.5–1786.9; p <0.0001), the use of therapeutic dose of anticoagulation (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.22–0.74, p = 0.003) and azithromycin (OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.09–0.26; p <0.0001) were independent negative predictors of mortality. In conclusion, age >60 years, comorbidities, tachycardia, hypoxemia, and altered consciousness level are independent predictors of mortality among Egyptian hospitalized patients with COVID-19. On the other hand, the use of anticoagulants and azithromycin is associated with reduced mortality.

Complicações após colheita do líquido cerebroespinhal em cães com neoplasma encefálico

ABSTRACT: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in dogs with brain neoplasms (BN) may be associated with complications owing to increased intracranial pressure caused by expansive lesions. Although this procedure has been performed in dogs with BN, no data regarding complications after CSF tap in these animals is available. Thus, this retrospective study aimed to identify the rate and types of complications observed after CSF taps in dogs with BN. Thirty dogs with BN were included in the study. In 83% (25/30) of the cases, clinical recovery after CSF tap was considered normal, and in 17% (5/30) the recovery was abnormal. The main clinical and neurological signs observed in dogs with abnormal clinical recovery were apnea (5/5), absence of pupillary photomotor reflex (3/5), coma (2/5), and stupor (1/5). In 40% (2/5) of the dogs, herniation of the cerebellum through the foramen magnum was observed on necropsy. In conclusion, the rate of complications after CSF taps was 17%, and was characterized by apnea, absent pupillary photomotor reflex, altered level of consciousness, and encephalic herniation.

Primary adipsia and severe hypernatremia in a Pit Bull dog

ABSTRACT: Primary adipsia is a rare condition in which there is failure in the activation threshold of the hypothalamic osmoreceptors, leading to osmolality imbalance. Here, we reported the case of a Pit Bull dog with an altered level of consciousness (started after weaning) and adipsia. There was an increase in plasma osmolality (444 mOsm/kg), sodium (223.7 mg/dL), and chlorine (173 mg/dL) levels. Based on the suspicion of primary adipsia, water was administered via a nasogastric tube, with clinical improvement. The owner was instructed to supply water with food. Eight months after discharge, the dog returned with parvovirus and died. In the anatomopathological examination, no structural changes were observed in the central nervous system. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hypernatremia due to adipsia in a Pit Bull dog, showing that this is a differential diagnosis that should be considered in this breed.

Brain Failure and Brain Death

Brain failure consists of a wide spectrum of central nervous system pathologies with many different neurologic manifestations. The causes of brain failure include several disease processes that result in decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the brain or metabolic derangements that affect the central nervous system. Brain failure usually results in some altered level of consciousness. Brain failure and brain death result in several pathophysiologic changes. The definition of brain death is controversial and evolving. However, clear guidelines to determine brain death have been established. These guidelines state that three cardinal findings be present to establish brain death: (1) coma or unresponsiveness, (2) absence of brainstem reflexes, and (3) apnea. Several clinical parameters must be met when these findings are made. Adjunctive studies such as four-vessel cerebral angiography, electroencephalography, and nuclear brain scintigraphy can help make a diagnosis of brain death. When brain death is established, suitability for organ transplantation should be evaluated. After obtaining consent, potential organ donation should be optimized for possible donation. This review contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 69 references. Key Words: brain failure, brain death, consciousness, coma, death, delirium, organ donation

Brain Failure and Brain Death

Brain failure consists of a wide spectrum of central nervous system pathologies with many different neurologic manifestations. The causes of brain failure include several disease processes that result in decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the brain or metabolic derangements that affect the central nervous system. Brain failure usually results in some altered level of consciousness. Brain failure and brain death result in several pathophysiologic changes. The definition of brain death is controversial and evolving. However, clear guidelines to determine brain death have been established. These guidelines state that three cardinal findings be present to establish brain death: (1) coma or unresponsiveness, (2) absence of brainstem reflexes, and (3) apnea. Several clinical parameters must be met when these findings are made. Adjunctive studies such as four-vessel cerebral angiography, electroencephalography, and nuclear brain scintigraphy can help make a diagnosis of brain death. When brain death is established, suitability for organ transplantation should be evaluated. After obtaining consent, potential organ donation should be optimized for possible donation. This review contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 69 references. Key Words: brain failure, brain death, consciousness, coma, death, delirium, organ donation

Brain Failure and Brain Death

Brain failure consists of a wide spectrum of central nervous system pathologies with many different neurologic manifestations. The causes of brain failure include several disease processes that result in decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the brain or metabolic derangements that affect the central nervous system. Brain failure usually results in some altered level of consciousness. Brain failure and brain death result in several pathophysiologic changes. The definition of brain death is controversial and evolving. However, clear guidelines to determine brain death have been established. These guidelines state that three cardinal findings be present to establish brain death: (1) coma or unresponsiveness, (2) absence of brainstem reflexes, and (3) apnea. Several clinical parameters must be met when these findings are made. Adjunctive studies such as four-vessel cerebral angiography, electroencephalography, and nuclear brain scintigraphy can help make a diagnosis of brain death. When brain death is established, suitability for organ transplantation should be evaluated. After obtaining consent, potential organ donation should be optimized for possible donation. This review contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 69 references. Key Words: brain failure, brain death, consciousness, coma, death, delirium, organ donation

Brain Failure and Brain Death

Brain failure consists of a wide spectrum of central nervous system pathologies with many different neurologic manifestations. The causes of brain failure include several disease processes that result in decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the brain or metabolic derangements that affect the central nervous system. Brain failure usually results in some altered level of consciousness. Brain failure and brain death result in several pathophysiologic changes. The definition of brain death is controversial and evolving. However, clear guidelines to determine brain death have been established. These guidelines state that three cardinal findings be present to establish brain death: (1) coma or unresponsiveness, (2) absence of brainstem reflexes, and (3) apnea. Several clinical parameters must be met when these findings are made. Adjunctive studies such as four-vessel cerebral angiography, electroencephalography, and nuclear brain scintigraphy can help make a diagnosis of brain death. When brain death is established, suitability for organ transplantation should be evaluated. After obtaining consent, potential organ donation should be optimized for possible donation. This review contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 69 references. Key Words: brain failure, brain death, consciousness, coma, death, delirium, organ donation

Predictors of prolonged hospitalisation and mortality among children admitted with blackwater fever in eastern Uganda.

Our study aimed at determining clinical factors associated with prolonged hospitalisation and death among children admitted with blackwater fever (BWF). We analysed 920 eligible records for the period January - December 2018 from Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals in Eastern Uganda. The median hospitalisation was 3 (IQR: 2-5 days) days. Prolonged hospitalisation was in 251/920 (27.3%). Clinical features independently associated with prolonged hospitalisation included abdominal tenderness, body pain and mild fever. 29/920 (3.2%) died, of these 20 (69.0%) within 48 h of admission. Features of severity associated with mortality were noisy or interrupted breathing, tachypnoea, chest pain, convulsions, delayed capillary refill time (≥3 s), severe pallor, high fever (>38.5°C), altered level of consciousness, prostration and acidotic breathing.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND ASSESSMENT OF ALTERED SENSORIUM AMONG SODIUM ABNORMALITY PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Altered sensorium or altered level of consciousness is a common complaint among electrolyte abnormality patients and has several synonyms like altered behaviour, generalized weakness, lethargy, agitation, psychosis, disorientation, inappropriate behaviour, inattention, confusion, hallucination. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and to assess the level of consciousness dysnatremic patients at a tertiary care hospital. A prospective observational study, serum sodium level and other clinical profiles were recorded in a data collection form. GCS was used to analyses the level of consciousness among the enrolled patients. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for data analysis. During the study period, a total of 482 patients were enrolled in the study. Based on the serum sodium, they were categorized into Hyponatraemic (410) and Hyponatraemic (72) patients. Our study found a greater number of patients in the age group above 60 years and found that sodium imbalance increases generally in males with increasing age. Our study found that altered sensorium (60%) was predominant more in hyponatremia patients. Chi square test was performed to find statistically significant difference in level of consciousness between hypo and Hyponatraemic patients and was found to be significant p value (≤ 0.05). Abnormalities of plasma sodium are probably the most common electrolyte disorders and they are associated with serious morbidity including a poorer long-term neurologic outcome.

Common Comorbidities Among Stroke Patient and Their Outcome in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh

Background: Stroke is worldwide second leading cause of death and the most common cause of disability. The aim of the study is to evaluate the common comorbidities and their impact on hospital outcome in patients after stroke Methods: This observational study was carried out amongst 228 of acute stroke patients after fulfills the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were admitted indifferent medicine unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital, Faridpur, Bangladesh from May 2020 to April 2021. All cases were confirmed by CT scan or MRI of brain. Stroke were categorizes as Ischemic stroke, Intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). HTN, DM, IHD were considered as common comorbidities. Prognostic factors were included stage II or III hypertension, altered level of consciousness, previous stroke and large size of stroke. Results: In this study, male affected more than female (68.42% vs 31.58% and ratio 2.1:1). Age &gt;60 years were more affected (68.86%). Most affected patients were Ischemic stroke (61.40%), then ICH (34.21%) and then SAH (3.07%). Common comorbidities were HTN and DM (48.68% and 34.64% respectively). Most of expired patients had comorbidities (80.64%). Worst prognostic factors were altered level of consciousness, stage II or III hypertension and large size of stroke (27.19%, 25.0% and 19.29% respectively). Among hospital outcome most of patients improved and discharged eventfully (41.22%), Deteriorate (17.98%), remain static and discharged (14.03%) and death 13.59%. Conclusion: The most of patients had been suffered from ischemic stroke which were more common in male. The commonest risk factor of stroke was hypertension followed by diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. Our pooled result showed that majority of the patients were improved and discharged and around one sixth of stroke patients have died during hospitalization. The control of comorbid conditions will be much help for prevention of occurrence of stroke and will reduces the disability from stroke events. Bangladesh J Medicine July 2022; 33(1) : 8-11

Understanding Disorders of Consciousness: Opportunities for Critical Care Nurses.

Disorders of consciousness are powerful predictors of outcomes including mortality among critically ill patients. Encephalopathy, delirium, and coma are disorders of consciousness frequently encountered by critical care nurses but often classified incorrectly. To provide a greater understanding of disorders of consciousness and to provide standardized assessments and nursing interventions for these disorders. A literature search was conducted by using the terms consciousness, mental status, awareness, arousal, wakefulness, assessment, disorders of consciousness, delirium, encephalopathy, coma, vegetative state, and minimal consciousness. Articles were published in the past 10 years in CINAHL and PubMed. Articles were excluded if they were not in English or directly related to caring for patients with a disorder of consciousness. The remaining 142 articles were evaluated for inclusion; 81 articles received full review. A disorder of consciousness signifies that the threshold for compensation has been surpassed with potentially irreversible damage. Altered thalamocortical interactions and reduced cortical activity impair communication networks across the various parts of the brain, causing a disturbance in consciousness. The cue-response theory is a model that describes the process and impact of nursing care on recovery from acute brain injury. Appropriate standardized assessments and interventions must be used to manage altered levels of consciousness in critically ill patients. Paying close attention to neurological changes and monitoring them with standardized assessments are critical to implementing early measures to prevent complications.

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Delirium and Cognitive Impairment as Predisposing Factors of COVID-19 Infection in Neuropsychiatric Patients: A Narrative Review.

SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasive and neurotropic abilities may underlie delirium onset and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Only a limited number of studies have addressed the potential effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on mental health so far. Most studies mainly reported the acute onset of mixed neuropsychiatric conditions in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, characterized by agitated behavior, altered level of consciousness, and disorganized thinking, regardless of psychological or socioeconomic triggering factors. The present narrative review aims to analyze and discuss the mechanisms underlying the neuroinvasive/neurotropic properties of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent mental complications. Delirium appeared as a clinical manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 brain infection in some patients, without systemic or multiple organ failure symptoms. A small number of studies demonstrated that neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with COVID-19, initially presenting as a confused state, may subsequently evolve in a way that is consistent with the patients’ neuropsychiatric history. A literature analysis on this topic prevalently showed case reports and case series of patients presenting delirium or delirium-like symptoms as the main outburst of COVID-19, plus a cognitive impairment, from mild to severe, which pre-existed or was demonstrated during the acute phase or after infection. Dementia appeared as one of the most frequent predisposing factors to SARS-CoV-2 infection complicated with delirium. Instead, contrasting data emerged on the potential link between COVID-19 and delirium in patients with cognitive impairment and without a neuropsychiatric history. Therefore, clinicians should contemplate the possibility that COVID-19 appears as delirium followed by a psychiatric exacerbation, even without other systemic symptoms. In addition, cognitive impairment might act as a predisposing factor for COVID-19 in patients with delirium.

Abstract 1122‐000044: Endovascular Thrombectomy for Straight Sinus Thrombosis

Introduction : Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an under‐recognized disease that accounts for roughly 1% of all strokes 1 . It presents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied and ambiguous presentation, which on average, delays diagnosis by 7 days. Pre‐disposing factors include trauma, pregnancy, dehydration, and medications such as oral contraceptives. In one study, 50% of CVT occurred during pregnancy or puerperium 2 . Seven out of 8 cases of CVT presented postpartum among 50,700 deliveries in Canada 3 . Clinical signs and symptoms range from a mild headache to decreased level of consciousness depending on the location of thrombosis. Up to 13% of individuals can have poor outcomes despite anticoagulation therapy. Methods : A 28‐year‐old, 7‐week postpartum female awoke with a headache and difficulty speaking, followed by urinary and bowel incontinence. Her clinical status worsened and was admitted to an outside hospital where CT‐head without contrast revealed right temporal lobe hypodensity. A hyperdense straight sinus sign was present but not recognized at that time. She was transferred to our hospital and MRI brain demonstrated extensive vasogenic edema in the basal ganglia, thalami, and deep white matter with cytotoxic edema in bilateral watershed areas from severe hydrocephalus. MR‐Venography showed extensive cerebral venous thrombosis in the inferior sagittal sinus, vein of Galen, straight sinus, and left transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Upon transfer to our facility, NIHSS was 9 for decreased level of consciousness and aphasia with episodes of left‐sided clonic movements. Despite adequate anticoagulation therapy, she continued to decline with extensor posturing and a comatose state. Results : Since the findings on MRI‐brain were predominantly vasogenic edema, thrombectomy was performed with a stent‐retriever and aspiration, with complete recanalization of her straight sinus. Subsequent MRIs demonstrated improvement and resolution of the edema and hydrocephalus. Hypercoagulable work‐up revealed an elevated protein C and antithrombin III and she was transitioned to enoxaparin and discharged to LTACH. At four‐month follow‐up she was able to speak and walk with physical therapy. Conclusions : We highlight the importance of early recognition of deep venous thrombosis as it commonly affects level of consciousness. A subtle finding, it should be in the differential diagnosis of alteration in level of consciousness without obvious neuroimaging findings. The AAN guidelines for management of CVT do not advocate for thrombectomy in all patients as large randomized controlled trials do not currently exist. However, they recognize that thrombectomy may be considered if deterioration occurs despite intensive anticoagulation treatment. The TO‐ACT trial found no significant difference in mortality between intervention and medical therapy, aggressive intervention with thrombectomy prevented a larger stroke burden in our patient. Therefore, thrombectomy should be considered in patients suffering from CVT, particularly in refractory and extensive cases.

Symptomatology of COVID-19 - Lessons from a meta-analysis across 13 countries

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in varying clinical manifestations and mortality rates. There is no consensus on the symptomatology that would guide researchers and clinicians. Aims and Objectives: The objective was to identify symptoms and their frequencies of COVID-19 with a meta-analysis of studies from several countries. Materials and Methods: Data sources: A systematic review using PubMed and Google Scholar data sources and reference tracing were used to identify 7176 articles. Eligibility criteria: Suitable articles were selected manually with selection criteria and 14 original articles included in meta-analysis. Data abstraction and analysis: PRISMA guidelines used for data abstraction and a table was generated by feeding it with numbers and proportions of each symptom described. A meta-analysis was carried out using random effect models on each symptom separately across the studies and their prevalence rates and 95% confident intervals were calculated. Results: Selected 14 studies, either cross-sectional or cohort studies are analyzed. There were 2,660 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The majority were from China (n=2,439, 91.7%) and remainder from the Netherlands, Italy, Korea, and India and one article from Europe. There were a total of 32 symptoms identified from the meta-analysis and additional 7 symptoms were identified from reference searching. The most common symptoms were (prevalence &gt;50%): fever (79.56%, 95% CI: 72.17–86.09%), malaise (63.3%, 95% CI: 53.1–73.0%), cough (56.7%, 95% CI: 48.6–64.6%), and cold (55.6%, 95% CI: 45.2–65.7%). Symptoms of intermediate incidence (5–49%) were anosmia, sneezing, ocular pain, fatigue, sputum production, arthralgia, tachypnea, palpitation, headache, chest tightness, shortness of breath, chills, myalgia, sore throat, anorexia, weakness, diarrhea, rhinorrhea, dizziness, nausea, altered level of consciousness, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rare symptoms (&lt;5%): tonsil swelling, hemoptysis, conjunctival injection, lymphadenopathy, and rash. Conclusion: We found (25/32, from meta-analysis) symptoms to be present in ≥5% of cases which could be considered as “typical” symptoms of COVID-19. The list of symptoms we identified is different from those documents released by the WHO, CDC, NHS, Chinese CDC, Institute Pasteur and Mayo Clinic. The compiled list would be useful for future researchers to document a comprehensive picture of the illness.

Neurological Presentations in Patients with COVID-19 in Cytokine Storm.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection causes a wide variety of neurological disorders by affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems. The cytokine storm (CS) has been blamed for the development of severe neurological disorders in COVID-19. However, the relationship between COVID-19 CS and neurological manifestations has not been adequately studied. Thus, we aimed to investigate the neurological presentations in patients with COVID-19 CS. The study population consisted of hospitalized moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients. It was divided into two groups CS (36 patients, 29.3%) and non-CS (87 patients, 70.7%) based on significant clinical symptoms, elevated inflammatory marker levels, radiological findings, and interleukin-6 levels (IL-6). The three most common neurological symptoms in the CS group were altered level of consciousness, headache, and unsteadiness. Altered level of consciousness was higher in the CS group (69.4%) than the non-CS group (25.3%) (p:0.001). The frequency of headache was comparable in both groups (p:0.186). The number of patients requiring intensive care unit and intubation was higher in the CS group (p:0.005 and p:0.001). The mortality rate in the CS group (38.9%) was higher than the non-CS group (8.0%) (p:0.001). IL-6, CRP, ferritin, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, procalcitonin, and D-dimer levels were higher in the CS group (for all p:0.001) while lymphocyte count was lower (p:0.003). The most common neurological presentation in patients with CS was altered level of consciousness. The presence of CS was an independent risk factor for high mortality.

Spatio-temporal epidemiology of emergency medical requests in a large urban area. A scan-statistic approach.

Pre-hospital care is provided by emergency medical services (EMS) staff, the initial health care providers at the scene of disaster. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of EMS callers and space-time distribution of emergency requests in a large urban area. Descriptive thematic maps of EMS requests were created using an empirical Bayesian smoothing approach. Spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal clustering techniques were applied to EMS data based on Kulldorff scan statistics technique. Almost 225,000 calls were registered in the EMS dispatch centre during the study period. Approximately two-thirds of these calls were associated with an altered level of patient consciousness, and the median response time for rural and urban EMS dispatches was 12.2 and 10.1 minutes, respectively. Spatio-temporal clusters of EMS requests were mostly located in central parts of the city, particularly near the downtown area. However, high-response time clustered areas had a low overlap with these general, spatial clusters. This low convergence shows that some unknown factors, other than EMS requests, influence the high-response times. The findings of this study can help policymakers to better allocate EMS resources and implement tailored interventions to enhance EMS system in urban areas.

Frequency of hyponatremia and its outcome in critically ill patients

Background: Disorders of sodium (Na+) and water homeostasis are common in hospitalized patients particularly in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Irrespective of the etiology it is associated with worse outcome and increase length of ICU stay. Objectives: Objective of the current study is to determine the frequency of hyponatremia and its association with the outcome of critically ill Patients admitted in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, BIRDEM General Hospital. Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study was taken place in department of Critical Care Medicine for a period of one year from 1st July, 2017 to 30th June, 2018. Consecutive 296 critically ill patients during this time period were included in this study according to selection criteria. Data were collected in preformed data collection sheet and analyzed by the statistical packages for social science (SPSS) software (version 20.0) Results: In this study total 296 patients after fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected as study participants. The mean age of the patients was 62.21±12.974 years and there were61.5% male and 38.5% female. Among male patients 39.6% had hyponatremia and among female patients 44.9% (p=0.09). Overall frequency of hyponatremia was 41.2%. Majority of the patients presented with respiratory distress (61.5%), altered level of consciousness (33.4%), hypotension (30%) and fever (18.9%). DM (90.5%), HTN (75.5%) and CKD (50.5%) were the most frequent comorbidities present among the participants. Most of the hyponatremic patients were euvolemic (50.00%). Mean APACHE ll score among hyponatremic patients was significantly high (p= 0.001) moreover, hyponatremic patients required more mechanical support (p= 0.001).Duration of ICU stay was not related to severity of baseline hyponatremia during admission (p= 0.08)). In addition, outcome of the patients also depends on the overall incidence of hyponatremia and degree of hyponatremia (p&lt;0.05 in both cases). Conclusion: More than one-third of critically ill patients had hyponatremia and it was related to poor outcome of the critically ill patients. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2021; 9 (2): 68-73