Composite carotid intima-media thickness as a risk predictor of coronary heart disease in a selected population in Sri Lanka.

Background: Segment-specific variations of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) have not been assessed in South Asian populations. The purpose of this study was to determine if segment-specific CIMTs or a composite-CIMT score is a better risk predictor of coronary heart disease in South Asian populations.

Methods: A comparative prospective study was conducted from November 2019 to October 2020 in a hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Postdischarge outcomes of COVID-19 patients from South Asia: a prospective study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause clinical manifestations that last for weeks or months after hospital discharge. The manifestations are heterogeneous and vary in their frequency. Their multisystem nature requires a holistic approach to management.

Involvement of the Liver in COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

COVID-19, a respiratory viral infection, has affected 388 million individuals worldwide as of the February 4, 2022. In this review, we have outlined the important liver manifestations of COVID-19 and discussed the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and their diagnosis and management. Factors that may contribute to hepatic involvement in COVID-19 include direct viral cytopathic effects, exaggerated immune responses/systemic inflammatory response syndrome, hypoxia-induced changes, vascular changes due to coagulopathy, endothelitis, cardiac congestion from right heart failure, and drug-induced liver injury.

Combination of cycle threshold time, absolute lymphocyte count and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio is predictive of hypoxia in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: There is currently no clinically validated biomarker to predict respiratory compromise in sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Cycle threshold time (Ct), absolute lymphocyte count (AL) and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been previously evaluated for this purpose. We hypothesized that the combination of these parameters at presentation may be predictive of hypoxia (oxygen saturation <92%).

Admission ultrasonography as a predictive tool for thrombocytopenia and disease severity in dengue infection.

Background: Ultrasound (US) is an investigation available in many acute care settings. Thrombocytopenia is a well-described complication of dengue infection and has been shown to correlate with disease severity. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of admission ultrasonography in predicting thrombocytopenia and disease severity in patients infected with dengue virus.

Gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory viral infection, has affected more than 78 million individuals worldwide as of the end of December 2020. Previous studies reported that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus infections may affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In this review we outline the important GI manifestations of COVID-19 and discuss the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and their diagnosis and management.

Hematological Abnormalities in COVID-19: A Narrative Review.

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Although pulmonary manifestations have been identified as the major symptoms, several hematological abnormalities have also been identified. This review summarizes the reported hematological abnormalities (changes in platelet, white blood cell, and hemoglobin, and coagulation/fibrinolytic alterations), explores their patho-mechanisms, and discusses its management.

Comparing the 2009 and 1997 World Health Organization dengue case classifications in a large cohort of South Asian patients.

Introduction: Due to the shortcomings in the 1997-World Health Organisation (WHO) dengue case classification (DCC), a revised classification was proposed in 2009. This study was aimed to assess the clinical usefulness of the two classifications during a large dengue epidemic.

Methodology: Clinical data of dengue patients admitted to selected units at National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Panadura Base Hospital and Nawaloka Hospital Colombo between June and August 2017 were collected prospectively.

The impact of empirical hydrocortisone therapy on clinical outcomes in dengue fever: a retrospective chart review.

Background: The role of steroids in dengue infection (DI) remains uncertain.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients ≥18 y of age diagnosed with DI based on positivity for dengue non-structural antigen 1 or immunoglobulin M between October 2017 and November 2018.

Results: Hydrocortisone was administered to 106 of 406 patients.

Triple positivity for nonstructural antigen 1, immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G is predictive of severe thrombocytopaenia related to dengue infection.

Background: The early identification of patients at risk of severe dengue infection (DI) is critical to guide clinical management. Non-structural antigen 1 (NS-1), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) are used routinely for the diagnosis of DI.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate whether positivity for NS-1, IgM and IgG individually or together is predictive of severe complications of DI.

The atypical lymphocyte count: a novel predictive factor for severe thrombocytopenia related to dengue.

Background: Early identification of patients at risk of severe dengue disease (DD) is critical to guide its management. We evaluated whether the atypical lymphocyte count (ALC), generated from the Sysmex automated full blood count analyzer, is predictive of severe thrombocytopenia secondary to Dengue infection.

Methods: We prospectively collected data on patients admitted with DD between December 2017 and October 2018.

Atypical lymphocyte count correlates with the severity of dengue infection.

Introduction: The early identification of patients at risk of severe dengue infection (DI) is critical to guide clinical management. There is currently no validated laboratory test which can predict severe complications of DI. The Atypical lymphocyte count (ALC) is a research parameter generated at no extra cost when an automated Full Blood Count (FBC) is performed.

A rare presentation of an acute abdomen: an ileal diverticular perforation.

Background: This case report highlights the value of prompt intervention of diagnostic laparoscopy in a patient suspects of having an acute abdomen due to an intestinal perforation, where there is a limitation of performing Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography of abdomen. A previously healthy young adult presenting with an acute abdomen due to a spontaneous ileal perforation, without any associated risk factors is a rare clinical entity in a developing country. Therefore, entertaining an early diagnosis will possibly prevent a fatal consequence.