Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of Vitamin D in COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency may increase the susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to determine the association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and susceptibility to COVID-19, its severity, mortality, and role of vitamin D in its treatment.

Methods: We searched CINAHL, Cochrane library, EMBASE, PubMED, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 30, 2021, for observational studies on association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and susceptibility to COVID-19, severe disease, and death among adults, and, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vitamin D treatment against standard care or placebo, in improving severity or mortality among adults with COVID-19.

The Impact of SARS-Cov-2 Virus Infection on the Endocrine System.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has spread across the globe rapidly causing an unprecedented pandemic. Because of the novelty of the disease, the possible impact on the endocrine system is not clear. To compile a mini-review describing possible endocrine consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we performed a literature survey using the key words Covid-19, Coronavirus, SARS CoV-1, SARS Cov-2, Endocrine, and related terms in medical databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MedARXiv from the year 2000.

Rapid diagnostic tests for plague.

Background: Plague is a severe disease associated with high mortality. Late diagnosis leads to advance stage of the disease with worse outcomes and higher risk of spread of the disease. A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) could help in establishing a prompt diagnosis of plague.

Prevention and management of COVID-19 among patients with diabetes: an appraisal of the literature.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as one of the greatest challenges faced by humankind in the recent past. People with diabetes and related comorbidities are at increased risk of its complications and of COVID-19-related death. Older age, multi-morbidity, hyperglycaemia, cardiac injury and severe inflammatory response are predictors of poor outcome.

Positive melioidosis serology in a patient with adult onset Still's disease: a case report of a diagnostic dilemma.

Background: Autoimmune disorders are known to produce false positives in serological tests for infections. Aetiological association between infections and autoimmunity, increased susceptibility to infectious and autoimmune disorders with immune dysregulation and non-specific polyclonal expansion of B cells with autoimmunity may cause confusion in diagnosis and patient management. We report a patient with Adult Onset Still's Disease (AOSD) presenting with rising melioidosis antibody titres that caused diagnostic confusion.

Retroperitoneal abscess with subcutaneous extension: case report of a rare complication of percutaneous renal biopsy.

Background: Infective complications following percutaneous renal biopsy are rare, even among immunocompromised. However it is important to be vigilant about such complications, to detect them early and prevent morbidity and mortality. We report a case of retroperitoneal abscess with extension to subcutaneous plane after a renal biopsy.

Embolizing pulmonary aspergillosis, mycobacterial & aspergillous splenic abscess and cytomegalovirus co-infection following steroid induced immunosuppression: a case report.

Background: Aspergillosis is a serious infection particularly affecting the immunodeficient host. Its co-infection with tuberculosis and cytomegalovirus has not been reported before. Embolic events are well recognized with aspergillous endocarditis and aortitis.

Among young Sri Lankan patients with diabetes, how do lipid profiles differ between those with and without metabolic syndrome?

Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Apolipoproteins are emerging as powerful predictors of CVD. We aimed to study associations of metabolic syndrome and apoB, apoAI, apoB/AI ratio in young Sri Lankans with type 2 diabetes.

Sublingual nitroglycerin for early blood pressure control in hypertensive emergencies: observations from an emergency department clinical audit in Sri Lanka.

Objective: Hypertensive emergencies are potentially life threatening and require prompt blood pressure control with intravenous agents. Preparation of intravenous infusions is time consuming. Usefulness of sublingual nitroglycerin in this setting is not known.

Liver involvement in dengue viral infections.

Dengue fever is the commonest viral haemorrhagic fever worldwide and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the tropics. Dengue viral infections are frequently associated with varying degrees of liver injury. Liver injury is more severe in dengue haemorrhagic fever or severe dengue.

Prevalence, patterns, and associations of dyslipidemia among Sri Lankan adults-Sri Lanka Diabetes and Cardiovascular Study in 2005-2006.

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Prevalence patterns and determinants of dyslipidemia in Sri Lanka are unkown.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of dyslipidemia among Sri Lankan adults.