Illness Profile Research Articles

A comparative study of sexual dysfunction in clinically stable schizophrenic patients receiving trifluoperazine, risperidone, and olanzapine

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common occurrence in Schizophrenia on antipsychotics, both typical and atypical. Indian studies in this regard are not many in number. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate SD in Schizophrenics on Trifluoperazine, Risperidone, and Olanzapine and also to evaluate the incidence of SD in relation to the duration of illness, duration of treatment, and dosage of the drugs in each group of subjects. Materials and Methods: In stable schizophrenic patients, on Trifluoperazine (n=40), Risperidone (n=40), and Olanzapine (n=40), SD was assessed using Arizona sexual experience scale. Demographic profile and duration of illness, duration of treatment and drug dosage were evaluated in each group. Comparisons were made between the incidence of SD between patients taking typical and atypical antipsychotics. Furthermore, distribution of SD with duration of illness, duration of treatment and dose of drugs were assessed in each group of subjects (taking Trifluoperazine, Risperidone, or Olanzapine). Results: (1) Majority of the subjects were males (66.67%) and above 30 years (55%). (2) Incidence of SD was higher with typical antipsychotics (statistically insignificant). (3) Increased duration of treatment and dose of drugs was associated with higher incidence of SD. Patients treated with Risperidone for longer duration and with Trifluoperazine with higher dose had higher incidence of SD (P<0.05). Conclusion: Incidence of SD is higher in older age groups and with typical Antipsychotics. Increased duration of illness, duration of treatment and higher drug doses, all are associated with higher incidence of SD.

Elevated choline in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of lithium responders with bipolar I disorder.

Response to lithium maintenance varies widely across patients with bipolar disorder (BD). The studies on neurochemical correlates of long-term lithium response in BD remain scant. To assess the neurochemical profile in DLPFC based on lithium response status among subjects with bipolar I disorder (BD-I) using in vivo MRS. This was an observational study of 40 right-handed, euthymic adult participants with DSM-5 BD-I on long-term lithium maintenance with no psychiatric comorbidities (MINI 7.0). Using Alda Lithium Response Scale (LRS), a cut-off ≥7 for excellent lithium response, the sample was grouped into study group I for responders and group II for non-responders. All participants were assessed using NIMH Life Chart Method and IGSLI typical/atypical features scale. 1H-MRS was carried out on a 3T MR scanner (Achieva, Phillips) using a 32-channel head coil, with a voxel placed at the left DLPFC. LC model was used to measure absolute concentrations of neurochemicals and their ratios in relation to creatine. Group I (n=20) was comparable to Group II (n=20) with respect to demographic and illness profile. The GPC/Cr+PCr ratio was significantly higher (p=0.028) among excellent lithium responders (0.32±0.20mmol/l) compared to sub-optimal responders (0.25±0.05mmol/l). Choline-containing compounds reflect alterations in cell membrane synthesis or myelin turnover, and are a marker of overall cell density. No significant alterations were detected in NAA, glutamate, glutamine, myo-inositol and creatine. The lithium responders exhibited elevated choline (GPC) in the left DLPFC compared to non-responders.

Methods for detecting probable COVID-19 cases from large-scale survey data also reveal probable sex differences in symptom profiles.

Daily symptom reporting collected via web-based symptom survey tools holds the potential to improve disease monitoring. Such screening tools might be able to not only discriminate between states of acute illness and non-illness, but also make use of additional demographic information so as to identify how illnesses may differ across groups, such as biological sex. These capabilities may play an important role in the context of future disease outbreaks. Use data collected via a daily web-based symptom survey tool to develop a Bayesian model that could differentiate between COVID-19 and other illnesses and refine this model to identify illness profiles that differ by biological sex. We used daily symptom profiles to plot symptom progressions for COVID-19, influenza (flu), and the common cold. We then built a Bayesian network to discriminate between these three illnesses based on daily symptom reports. We further separated out the COVID-19 cohort into self-reported female and male subgroups to observe any differences in symptoms relating to sex. We identified key symptoms that contributed to a COVID-19 prediction in both males and females using a logistic regression model. Although the Bayesian model performed only moderately well in identifying a COVID-19 diagnosis (71.6% true positive rate), the model showed promise in being able to differentiate between COVID-19, flu, and the common cold, as well as periods of acute illness vs. non-illness. Additionally, COVID-19 symptoms differed between the biological sexes; specifically, fever was a more important symptom in identifying subsequent COVID-19 infection among males than among females. Web-based symptom survey tools hold promise as tools to identify illness and may help with coordinated disease outbreak responses. Incorporating demographic factors such as biological sex into predictive models may elucidate important differences in symptom profiles that hold implications for disease detection.

Injury and illness profiles in short-course triathletes – A systematic review

Introduction: A clear understanding of injury and illness aetiology and mechanisms in short-course triathletes (standard distance and below) provides a better opportunity to identify high risk subgroups of athletes within the sport and assist in the development and implementation of targeted prevention strategies.

Patterns of Psychiatric Illness in a Tertiary Care Centre of Arunachal Pradesh: An Observational Study.

Introduction:Monitoring the pattern of psychiatric illness among inpatients is essential for understanding the burden and trends of disease, in addition to designing and developing focused preventive and interventional strategies. Given the significant regional variation in the prevalence of mental illness, the present study evaluated the profile of psychiatric illness among inpatients admitted to a tertiary care center situated in the North East of India. Methods:Information from case records of consecutively admitted patients aged 18 years and above over the preceding three years, coded under the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10), was reviewed. Details of socio-demographic parameters and psychiatric illness as well as substance use were extracted and represented by using descriptive statistics. Results:There were 371 admissions over the above-mentioned time frame. Subjects had a mean age of 36.5±10.45 years and 80.05% of them were males. Substance use disorders (77.62%) were the most commonly noted among study participants, with the majority being diagnosed with opioid dependence (43.93%) and alcohol dependence (29.92%), followed by tobacco dependence (2.16%). Psychotic disorders (5.12%), anxiety disorders (6.19%) and mood disorders (1.88%) were noted in a much lower proportion than anticipated. More than half (n=248) of subjects were aged 18-34 years. Conclusion:A disproportionate overrepresentation of substance use disorders among psychiatric inpatients in the North Eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in India contrasts with the profile noted in other parts of the country. Notably affecting the younger age group, the findings of the present study highlight the need for the development of targeted preventive and interventional strategies to address the same. The study could help inform mental health policy initiatives and guide focused mental health care provision. These could include the establishment of centers for addiction medicine, enhancing training in addiction medicine for health professionals, counseling services and development of long-term rehabilitation for those suffering from substance use disorders.

Analysis of consumer behaviour in health insurance sector

Health is riches. India is progressively becoming health aware. Indians have acknowledged the need of health insurance. Owing to this awareness, the medical insurance market is one of the fastest expanding areas in India today. The new economic strategy and liberalization approach implemented by the Government of India since 1991 prepared the door for privatization of insurance industry in the nation. . According to the Investment Commission of India the healthcare industry has achieved exceptional growth of 12 percent per year in the previous 4 years. All increasing income levels and expanding older population elements are fueling this rise. In addition, shifting demographics, illness profiles and the move from chronic to lifestyle diseases in the nation has contributed to increasing expenditure on healthcare insurance products. The research seeks to analyze the consumers’ awareness degree of knowledge about health insurance and the variables impacted them in choosing of policy(s) (s). It was revealed that customers are aware of insurance plans. And some elements such as policy characteristics, policy advantages have major impact on the choosing of insurance policy and purpose of keeping it.

Illness Characteristics of COVID-19 in Children Infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant.

Background: The Delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variant was the predominant UK circulating strain between May and November 2021. We investigated whether COVID-19 from Delta infection differed from infection with previous variants in children. Methods: Through the prospective COVID Symptom Study, 109,626 UK school-aged children were proxy-reported between 28 December 2020 and 8 July 2021. We selected all symptomatic children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were proxy-reported at least weekly, within two timeframes: 28 December 2020 to 6 May 2021 (Alpha (B.1.1.7), the main UK circulating variant) and 26 May to 8 July 2021 (Delta, the main UK circulating variant), with all children unvaccinated (as per national policy at the time). We assessed illness profiles (symptom prevalence, duration, and burden), hospital presentation, and presence of long (≥28 day) illness, and calculated odds ratios for symptoms presenting within the first 28 days of illness. Results: 694 (276 younger (5–11 years), 418 older (12–17 years)) symptomatic children tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with Alpha infection and 706 (227 younger and 479 older) children with Delta infection. Median illness duration was short with either variant (overall cohort: 5 days (IQR 2–9.75) with Alpha, 5 days (IQR 2–9) with Delta). The seven most prevalent symptoms were common to both variants. Symptom burden over the first 28 days was slightly greater with Delta compared with Alpha infection (in younger children, 3 (IQR 2–5) symptoms with Alpha, 4 (IQR 2–7) with Delta; in older children, 5 (IQR 3–8) symptoms with Alpha, 6 (IQR 3–9) with Delta infection ). The odds of presenting several symptoms were higher with Delta than Alpha infection, including headache and fever. Few children presented to hospital, and long illness duration was uncommon, with either variant. Conclusions: COVID-19 in UK school-aged children due to SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain B.1.617.2 resembles illness due to the Alpha variant B.1.1.7., with short duration and similar symptom burden.

Injury and Illness in Elite Athletics: A Prospective Cohort Study Over Three Seasons.

BackgroundAthletics (also known as track and field) is one of the most popular sports in the world and is the centrepiece of the Summer Olympic Games. Participation in athletics training and competition involves a risk of illness and injury.PurposeTo describe injury and illness in British Olympic track and field athletes over three full training and competition seasons.Study DesignDescriptive Epidemiology StudyMethodsA total of 111 athletes on the British national program were followed prospectively for three consecutive seasons between 2015-2018. Team medical personnel recorded all injuries and illnesses during this time, following current consensus-based methods. All data pertaining to these records were reviewed and analyzed for sports injury and illness epidemiological descriptive statistics.ResultsThe average age of the athletes was 24 years for both males and females (24 years, +/- 4). Total exposure for the three seasons was 79 205 athlete days (217 athlete years). Overuse injuries (56.4%) were more frequent than acute injuries (43.6%). The thigh was the most common injury location (0.6 per athlete year), followed by the lower leg (0.4 per athlete year) and foot (0.3 per athlete year). Muscle and tendon were the most commonly injured tissues, while strains and tears were the most common pathology type. Hamstring muscle strain was the most common diagnosis causing time loss, followed by Achilles tendinopathy and soleus muscle strain. Respiratory illness was the most common illness type (0.3 per athlete year).ConclusionHamstring strains, Achilles tendinopathy, and soleus strains are the most common injuries in athletics and have highest burden. Respiratory illness is the most common illness and has the highest burden. Knowledge of this injury and illness profile within athletics could be utilised for the development of targeted prevention measures within the sport at the elite level.Level of Evidence3

The Association of Illness-related Uncertainty With Mental Health in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases.

Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) face illness-related uncertainty, but little is known about the psychological profiles and psychosocial and health needs associated with uncertainty among adults with SARDs. Patients from the Massachusetts General Hospital with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) completed the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale, 7-item General Anxiety Disorder scale, Sickness Impact Profile, and a survey of psychosocial needs. The associations of uncertainty and self-reported needs with depression, anxiety, and sickness impact were assessed. One hundred thirty-two patients with AAV (n = 41, 31%), IgG4-RD (n = 61, 46%), or SSc (n = 30, 23%) participated. The mean age was 64 years, 52% were female, and 83% were White. Greater illness-related uncertainty was positively correlated with higher levels of depression (r = 0.43, P < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.33, P < 0.001), and sickness impact (r = 0.28, P = 0.001). We observed variations in these measures across SARDs, such that uncertainty was more strongly associated with depression and sickness impact in AAV or SSc compared to IgG4-RD. The primary needs that patients endorsed were services for managing physical symptoms (53%), self-care (37%), and emotional concerns (24%), with greater needs strongly associated with greater illness-related uncertainty. Among patients with SARDs, illness-related uncertainty is correlated with levels of depression, anxiety, and sickness impact, as well as psychosocial needs. Findings also implicate the need for targeted interventions to address uncertainty and needs among subgroups of patients with different illness profiles.

Clinical Profile of COVID-19 Illness in Children—Experience from Tertiary Care Hospitals

Objective: Assessing detailed clinical profile as well as outcome in severe acute respiratory infection coronavirus infectious disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected children. Methods: This is a retrospective study undertaken at pediatric departments of tertiary care hospitals of Lahore, Rawalpindi and Mirpur AJK for the period of three months from July 2021 to September 2021. The clinical characteristics data as well as result of children under 18 years infected with COVID-19 were reviewed as well as analyzed. Results: In total 2919 children that were suspected to be COVID-19 infected were verified for COVID-19 virus in flu emergency (n = 1744), severe acute respiratory infection ward (n = 825) and non-COVID (n = 350). From these studies, 8.73% children tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Of the positive cases, 56.47% were managed for outpatients and 59% needed admission. Most children admitted had critical illness owing to malnutrition and other comorbidities. Conclusions: Children of any age group are vulnerable to COVID-19 with minor male preponderance. Amongst infected, 2/3rd were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and needed outpatient management as well as home isolation. The adverse consequences were commonly observed in infants as well as children under 10 years of age with undernourishment and comorbidity. Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Comorbidities, Respiratory infection

A network analysis of rest-activity rhythms in young people with emerging bipolar disorders

AimsActigraphy studies of individuals with bipolar disorders (BD) suggest that illness progression may be associated with a range of progressive disruptions in 24-hour rest-activity rhythms (RAR). However, those longitudinal studies were undertaken in older adults with extended histories or illness and treatment rather than young people with emerging BD. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use network modelling to examine the statistical associations between clinical phenotypes of BD and different subsets of RAR markers. MethodsThis study of adolescents and young adults (mean age 22 years; 69% female) uses network modelling to examine which self-rated or actigraphic markers of RAR are more strongly associated with full threshold BD (referred to as Stage 2; N = 15) compared with BD-at risk syndromes (subthreshold presentations referred to as Stage 1; N = 25). ResultsNetwork analysis demonstrated that some RAR are associated with both stage of BD and a family history of BD (such as longer sleep duration and higher levels of daytime impairment). Markers of circadian rhythmicity indicated that regulation of this system is weaker in Stage 2 compared with Stage 1 of BD. LimitationsThe small subgroup samples may have undermined the ability to detect some associations between phenotypes and RAR. ConclusionsNetwork modelling may offer a useful strategy for visualizing and analysing patterns of association between RAR and clinical phenotypes defined by stage of illness, familial loading or symptom profile. This could prove useful in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm disturbances in BD.

Model Pengukuran Kesehatan Mental pada Mahasiswa di Perguruan Tinggi Islam

The view that mental health can only be understood with a single approach can explain the existing phenomena. This paper aims to provide an alternative measurement model in conducting studies on student mental health. Data were obtained from 840 students at four state Islamic universities in East Java. Data was collected through the mental health scale. The percentage technique was used to examine the level and profile of mental health, while the variance analysis technique was used to investigate the differences between men and women. The analysis results show that the subjects have a high level of mental health and have a minimum mental illness profile. There was no evidence of a difference between men and women in terms of mental health. The results of this study have implications for the use of mental health measuring tools to be used as an alternative in measuring mental health.

Impact of structured physical activity program on the level of functional ability of Persons with Mental Illness.

BACKGROUND:A structured physical activity program has many health benefits. Physical activity improves the functional ability of a patient with mental illness as an adjunctive treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a physical activity program on the level of functional ability of patients with mental illness.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A pre-experimental research design and one group pre-post design were adopted. Thirty-one in-patients with mental illness who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study using convenient sampling. Baseline data were collected using sociodemographic and illness profiles developed by the researcher and validated by the experts. Functional ability and illness severity were assessed using the standardized World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) (36-item version) and the Clinical Global Improvement Scale. Pretest, i.e., intervention with structured physical activity, was administered for 40 consecutive days. A posttest was given 30 days after the intervention ended to assess the impact of the structured physical activity program on the level of functional ability among the study participants.RESULTS:The impact of structured physical activity on functional ability was measured using the WHODAS 2.0, a 36-item version. The paired Sample t-test and the Wilcoxon Rank test analyzed the data. There was a significant improvement in the overall functional ability of study participants at P = 0. 001.CONCLUSION:The study findings support that structured physical activity substantially impacts functional ability among patients with mental illnesses.

Surviving versus thriving: The wellbeing of primary school aged children in Tonga.

To enable improvements in global child health, the focus must move beyond child survival to child wellbeing. In the Pacific Islands, the wellbeing of children has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the wellbeing of children from three primary schools in Tonga. A cross-sectional survey was completed in three primary schools in Nuku'alofa with children aged 5-15 years. The study participants (256 children, 143 caregivers) completed the Child Health and Illness Profile - Child Edition, CHIP-CE (Version 1.0). On average, >70% of children and caregivers described home and school environments as positive. From the children's reports, boys had significantly lower scores for risk avoidance than girls (3.40 vs. 3.73, P< 0.001). Children aged 5-7 versus 8-15 years had significantly lower scores for satisfaction (3.63 vs. 3.92, P= 0.002), resilience (3.34 vs. 3.56, P= 0.016) and achievement (3.25 vs. 3.62, P= 0.002). From the caregivers' report, girls had significantly lower scores for academic performance than boys (3.60 vs. 3.81, P= 0.04). Boys had significantly lower scores for individual risk association compared to girls (3.93 vs. 4.29, P= 0.01). Overall CHIP-CE scores were lower than those of comparable populations in the West, while at the same time protective factors were documented. Understanding child wellbeing in the Pacific is critical for strengthening protective factors known to mitigate poor child health outcomes. Continuing to base global child health success on child survival alone misses opportunities for improving the wellbeing of nations.

Prevalence, seasonal variation and nature of illness in youth floorball players: a prospective cohort study

Introduction: Acute illness presents a significant health burden to athletes, including training interference, impaired performance, time-loss from competition and increased subsequent injury risk. Although most youth participate in sport at recreational level, illness epidemiology in this population during a season or competition has not been well studied to direct prevention initiatives. We aim to provide a first detail profile of illness and illness symptoms by sex in Swedish youth floorball players during one season. Methods: This prospective cohort study was part of a Sport Without Injury ProgrammE cluster randomised controlled trial in floorball evaluating the efficacy of the Knee Control injury prevention exercise programme. Weekly illness data were collected from youth players during the 2017-2018 season (26 weeks) using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire on health problems. Illness symptoms were grouped into clusters according to the 2020 International Olympic Committee consensus recommendations. Sex differences in average weekly illness prevalence was compared with a prevalence rate ratio and corresponding 95% CI, and proportion of reported illness symptoms with the chi-square test. Results: The mean age for 329 male and 142 female players was 13.3(SD 1.0) and 13.7(SD 1.5) years, respectively. The mean number of weekly reports per player was 14.4(SD 7.8) (13.5(SD 8.1) males vs 16.3(SD 6.8) females). 61% of players (60% males vs 64% females) reported at least one illness week during the season. The average weekly illness prevalence was 12%(95% CI 10.8-12.3%) for all players, and slightly higher in females (13%, 95% CI 11.6-14.3%) than males (11%, 95% CI 9.9-11.7%), prevalence rate ratio 1.20(95% CI 1.05-1.37, p=0.009). 49%(53% males, 43% females) of illness reports indicated time-loss from sport. Illness prevalence was highest in calendar weeks 4-7 (peak winter weeks) and ranged from 15%-18%(20%-23% females vs 12%-17% males) during this period. Upper/lower respiratory symptoms (fever (30%), sore throat (16%) and cough (14%) were common). More females (16% vs 3% males, p<0.001) reported difficulty of breathing/tight airways. 7% females and no males reported fainting. Discussion: Two third of players reported at least one illness. Flu-like symptoms dominated the season. Athletes, coaches, parents and support personnel need to be aware of risk of infections and educated about risk mitigation of viral infections. Improved awareness of self-monitoring of respiratory symptoms could help reduce the risk of spreading the infection to team members. Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.

Paediatric emergency care at an academic referral hospital in Mozambique.

BackgroundImproved emergency care of children with acute illness or injuries is needed for countries in Africa to continue to reduce childhood mortality rates. Quality improvement efforts will depend on robust baseline data, but little has been published on the breadth and severity of paediatric illness seen in Mozambique.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of routinely collected provider shift summary data from the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) at Hospital Central de Maputo (HCM), the principal academic and referral hospital in the country. All children 0–14 years of age seen in the 12-month period from August 2018–July 2019 were included. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.ResultsData from 346 days and 64,966 patient encounters were analyzed. The large majority of patients (96.4%) presented directly to the PED without referral from a lower level facility. An average of 188 patients was seen per day, with significant seasonal variation peaking in March (292 patients/day). The most common diagnoses were upper respiratory infections (URI), gastroenteritis, asthma, and dermatologic problems. The highest acuity diagnoses were neurologic problems (59%), asthma (57%), and neonatal diagnoses (50%). Diagnoses with the largest proportion of admissions included neurologic problems, malaria, and neonatal diagnoses. Rapid malaria antigen tests were the most commonly ordered laboratory test across all diagnostic categories; full blood count (FBC) and chemistries were also commonly ordered. Urinalysis and HIV testing were rarely done in the PED.ConclusionThis epidemiologic profile of illness seen in the HCM PED will allow for improved resource utilisation. We identified opportunities for evidence-based care algorithms for common diagnoses such as respiratory illness to improve patient care and flow. The PED may also be able to optimize laboratory and radiology evaluation for patients and develop standardized admission criteria by diagnosis.

A retrospective study of demographic profile and outcome of Sever acute respiratory illness (SARI) in Iraq

Abstract&#x0D; Background Severe acute lower respiratory infection (SARI) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. There is a large global variation in the epidemiology, clinical management and outcomes, including the mortality&#x0D; Aim of the study: To describe the demographic features, Province of residence, occupation and outcomes of patients SARI.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 1009 patients involved in the study, between the first of January 2019 and twenty eight of December 2019. From the medical records in Communicable Diseases Control Centre (CDC) office in Baghdad.&#x0D; Results: 1009 patients, 406 with positive for influenza A, and 603 with negative for influenza, the highest incidence was in the age group between 0-10 years for both positive (19.7%) and negative (25.0%) influenza A. Male higher (56.7%) than female in influenza A group, but female is higher (50.4%) in those with negative influenza group. The incidence in Baghdad is higher than other governments for both groups. Freelance is higher than other occupations (31.8%) for positive and housewife (32.2%) for negative influenza A. Death was 6.4% for positive and 1.5% for negative influenza A, the higher mortality rate was in male in age group 0-10 year for both positive (30.8%) and negative (18.9%)influenza A.&#x0D; Conclusion: influenza A is an important cause of SARI, childhood is a high risk for SARI who have high mortality rate especially in male. Freelance and housewife have high occupation risk for SARI. Baghdad has the higher rate than other governments for SARI In Iraq.&#x0D;

Genetic Prion Disease: Insight from the Features and Experience of China National Surveillance for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

Human genetic prion diseases (gPrDs) are directly associated with mutations and insertions in the PRNP (Prion Protein) gene. We collected and analyzed the data of 218 Chinese gPrD patients identified between Jan 2006 and June 2020. Nineteen different subtypes were identified and gPrDs accounted for 10.9% of all diagnosed PrDs within the same period. Some subtypes of gPrDs showed a degree of geographic association. The age at onset of Chinese gPrDs peaked in the 50-59 year group. Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) and fatal familial insomnia (FFI) cases usually displayed clinical symptoms earlier than genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (gCJD) patients with point mutations. A family history was more frequently recalled in P105L GSS and D178N FFI patients than T188K and E200K patients. None of the E196A gCJD patients reported a family history. The gCJD cases with point mutations always developed clinical manifestations typical of sporadic CJD (sCJD). EEG examination was not sensitive for gPrDs. sCJD-associated abnormalities on MRI were found in high proportions of GSS and gCJD patients. CSF 14-3-3 positivity was frequently detected in gCJD patients. Increased CSF tau was found in more than half of FFI and T188K gCJD cases, and an even higher proportion of E196A and E200K gCJD patients. 63.6% of P105L GSS cases showed a positive reaction in cerebrospinal fluid RT-QuIC. GSS and FFI cases had longer durations than most subtypes of gCJD. This is one of the largest studies of gPrDs in East Asians, and the illness profile of Chinese gPrDs is clearly distinct. Extremely high proportions of T188K and E196A occur among Chinese gPrDs; these mutations are rarely reported in Caucasians and Japanese.

Clinical Profile of COVID-19 Illness in Children-Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital.

ObjectiveTo detail clinical profile and outcome in children infected with SARS-CoV-2.MethodsThis retrospective study was undertaken at a tertiary care pediatric teaching hospital in Northern India. The data on clinical characteristics and outcome of children (< 18 y) with COVID-19 illness from April 2020–October 2020 were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsA total of 2919 children with suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) illness were tested for novel COVID-19 virus in the flu emergency (n = 1744), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) ward (n = 825), and non-COVID area (n = 350) of the hospital. 8.73% (255/2919) children tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 255 positive cases, 144 (56.47%) were managed on an outpatient basis and 100 (59 boys) required admission in COVID ward. The mortality rate of patients with SARS-CoV-2 was 11.4% (29/255). Majority of children admitted with COVID-19 had severe to critical illness due to the presence of malnutrition and underlying comorbidities.ConclusionsChildren of all age groups were susceptible to COVID-19 illness with a slight male preponderance. Amongst infected, two-third were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms that required outpatient management and home isolation. The adverse outcomes were more commonly seen in infants and children > 10 y of age with malnutrition and comorbid illness.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12098-021-03822-5.

Comparison of incidence, prevalence, severity and profile of health problems between male and female elite youth judokas: A 30-week prospective cohort study of 154 athletes

ObjectivesTo describe and compare the incidence, prevalence, severity, and profile of injuries (acute and overuse) and illness between female and male youth elite judokas during 30 weeks of a sports season. DesignProspective cohort study. MethodsA total of 154 elite youth judokas (83 males and 71 females) were assessed from January to August 2019 in a training period organized by the Brazilian Judo Confederation. We conducted a prospective 30-week follow-up study on acute and overuse injuries and illness among youth female and male judokas through the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire on health problems (OSTRC-H). Every week, the OSTRC-H was sent to all youth judokas electronically, starting in the first week of preseason. The incidence rate, prevalence, and severity of illnesses and acute and overuse injuries were compared between sexes using an independent t-test (variables with normal distribution) or Mann Whitney U test (variables with non-normal distribution) with α set a 0.05. ResultsFemale and male judokas showed 16.96 and 16.57 injuries per 1000 athletic exposures, respectively (p = 0.383). Female judokas showed a higher average weekly prevalence of health problems (38.8%) than male judokas (29.0%). In addition, females had a greater prevalence of substantial health problems (p < 0.001), injuries (p < 0.001), and overuse injuries (p < 0.001) than males. ConclusionThere were no differences in the incidence rate of injuries between sexes. Youth female judokas showed a higher prevalence of all health problems than youth male judokas. For both sexes, the knee and shoulder were the most affected joints for acute and overuse injuries, respectively.