Death due to rare rhinocerebral mucormycosis infection: a case report

Background: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is the most common form of mucormycosis in patients with diabetes mellitus; it is linked to poor prognosis, presenting most commonly in an acute setting, mimicking symptoms of sinusitis or periorbital cellulitis. The general survival rate in chronic cases is 83%, compared to 10–35% in acute. Aim of the study: To report a death due to rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a 45-year-old male patient. Case report: In this case report a 45-year-old male presented with acute rhinocerebral mucormycosis and was admitted in a state of unconsciousness with complaints of sudden onset weakness of right upper and lower limb, motor aphasia, right facial swelling, orbital swelling, and diminished distant vision. Upon primary diagnosis of stroke, treatment started immediately. However, past medical history from patient’s attendants revealed that the patient underwent a tooth extraction procedure 20 days prior, and had since developed redness of the right eye, diminished distant vision, and swelling of the right side of the face. Pus was drained, and reports revealed orbital cellulitis with an intracranial spread. By the time of admission to hospital, the patient had abnormal lab profiles (WBC, ESR, serum creatinine), acute kidney injury, with MRI revealing rhinocerebral mucormycosis. The patient developed septic shock and died during treatment. Conclusions: Acute mucormycosis carries a high mortality rate. Pleiotropic manifestations and organ dysfunction add to the further risk of mortality. Timely diagnosis and management may increase the chances of the survival rate of the patient

Comparison of risk factors for low birth weight among mothers with normal and low birth weight babies

Background: Low birth weight is an alarming problem in developing countries and has severe future complications. Aim of the study: Our study aimed to compare the risk factors among mothers with low and normal birth weight babies. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1000 mothers with normal and low birth weight babies (500 per group) over two years. Maternal parameters including age, hemoglobin levels, gravida, maternal weight gain, height, pregnancy-induced hypertension, etc., were collected along with anthropometric data of the child. We compared risk factors among the low and normal birth weight babies using the chi-square test, determining statistical significance at p<0.05, and high statistical significance at p<0.01. Results: Highly statistically significant associations were observed between low birth weight and seven variables: maternal age (p=0.0074), maternal height (p<0.0001), weight (p<0.0001), weight gain (p<0.0001), hemoglobin (p<0.0001), severe anemia (p<0.0001), and pregnancy-induced hypertension (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Our study observed significant modifiable risk factors like weight gain, weight, hemoglobin, and anemia among mothers with low birth weight babies. If we focus on raising awareness surrounding these risk factors, there may be an improvement in the birth weight of babies in this population

Does hormone replacement therapy benefit post-menopausal women? – a scoping review

Post-menopausal women experience symptoms such as irregular periods, lower fertility, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) relieves menopausal symptoms. The aim of this review was to assess the benefits and risks of HRT in post-menopausal women. A scoping review was conducted for original peer-reviewed English language papers using the electronic databases of PUB MED, JAMA, BMC and TRIP. The papers were subjected to a three-stage screening process. The type of study, year of study, age, participants, type of therapy and the aim of the study defined the inclusion and exclusion criteria. HRT was associated with reduced risk and prevalence of end-stage kidney disease, gastric esophageal reflex disease (GORD) symptoms, periodontal disease and associated with the increased risk of overall cancers. The benefits of HRT depend on the duration of therapy, formulation, route of administration, time of initiating therapy (age <60 years) and type of therapy. Post-menopausal symptomatic women mostly benefited with hormone replacement therapy. To reduce risks of adverse events, HRT should be initiated with appropriate monitoring