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Showing papers by "Yashdeep Gupta published in 2021"


Posted ContentDOI
07 Oct 2021-medRxiv
TL;DR: In this paper, a study aimed at assessing PCS comprehensively and its associated factors among COVID-19 recovered adult population in north India, was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, developed by employing a nominal group technique, in aged 18 years and above who were SARS-CoV-2 positive.
Abstract: With millions of people getting affected with COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), people living with post COVID-19 Symptoms (PCS) are expected to rise in the future{middle dot} The present study aimed at assessing PCS comprehensively and its associated factors among COVID-19 recovered adult population in north India. MethodsIn a tertiary health centre at Delhi, an online based cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, developed by employing a nominal group technique, in aged 18 years and above who were SARS-CoV-2 positive during the month of January to April 2021. Socio-demographic, various potential risk factors, including pre-existing morbidities, vaccination status, and severity of acute COVID-19 illness, information on acute illness for management and a spectrum of PCS were collected between June 16 to July 28, 2021. Each participant was contacted telephonically before sending the survey link. PCS were presented as relative frequency; chi-square test, odds ratio, including adjusted, were calculated to rule out association between PCS and potential predictors. ResultsA total of 773 of 1801 COVID recovered participants responded to the link reaching a participation rate of 42{middle dot}9%, with a median age of 34 years (IQR 27 to 44). Male respondents were 56{middle dot}4%. Around 33{middle dot}2% of them had PCS at four or more weeks, affecting almost all body organ systems. The most prevalent PCS were fatigue (79{middle dot}3%), pain in the joins (33{middle dot}4%), muscle (29{middle dot}9%), hair loss (28{middle dot}0%), headache (27{middle dot}2%), breathlessness (25{middle dot}3%), sleep disturbance (25{middle dot}3%) and cough (24{middle dot}9%). The prevalence of PCS was reduced to 12{middle dot}8% at 12 weeks after positive test. Factor such as female gender, older age, oxygen supplementation during the acute illness, working in healthcare care facilities, the severity of acute illness, and pre-existing co-morbid were risk factors for PCS. Further, vaccination (second dose) reduced the odds of developing PCS by 45% compared to unvaccinated participants (aOR 0{middle dot}65; 95%CI 0{middle dot}45-0{middle dot}96). Finally, 8{middle dot}3% of participants rated their overall health status was either poor or very poor following COVID-19 illness. ConclusionsThe PCS involves almost all organ systems, regardless of the severity of acute COVID-19 illness. Two doses of vaccine help to reduce development of PCS. Research in ContextO_ST_ABSEvidence before this studyC_ST_ABSAlthough the evidence is mounting in prolonged COVID-19 symptoms among COVID-19 survivors, to date, the full range of such post-COVID-19 symptoms (PCS) is not yet fully understood. There is a lack of studies that assessed PCS comprehensively among persons who have recovered from the COVID-19illness. For example, limited data are available on psychosocial, behavioral, and oral manifestations related to PCS. Further, there is a paucity of studies that included a wide range of determinants of PCS and the association of vaccination with the development of PCS across the world. Our study is the first such study conducted among COVID-19 recovered persons who with a majority of them employed in a tertiary health care institute of north India. Added value of this studyOur study, for the first time, investigated a wide range of post-COVID-19 manifestations among COVID-19 recovered persons in organ-specific and psychosocial behavioral aspects, making this the largest categorization of PCS currently (in total 16). The study included telephonic calls to each eligible candidate which helped in ensuring the COVID-19 status at the time of the study. Since the participants either were employees in the hospital or their dependents that enhance the accuracy of reporting PCS. The most prevalent symptom was unspecific PCS (85.6%), e.g., fatigue, followed by musculoskeletal manifestations (49{middle dot}8%), Ear, Nose and Throat symptoms (47{middle dot}5%), neurological (47{middle dot}0%), cardio-respiratory (42{middle dot}4%, gastrointestinal (36{middle dot}2%), ocular symptoms (31{middle dot}9%), dermatological symptoms (31{middle dot}5%), and cardio-vascular (24{middle dot}5%) symptoms, and mental health symptoms (23{middle dot}7%). The rest of the organ specific symptoms were observed in less than 20% of the respondents. Older age, female gender, pre-existing co-morbid, oxygen supplementation during acute illness, the severity of illness, working in health care institutions were associated with PCS. Vaccination after the second dose was protective against PCS compared to non-vaccinated participants. Further, our study also reported a rating of the overall health status among COVID survivors, whereby around 8.3% of them reported being a poor or very poor health. Implications of all the available evidencePCS affects a multi-organ organ system, irrespective of the severity of acute-phase COVID-19 illness and hospitalization. Such persistent COVID-19 symptoms, compounded by its heterogeneity among COVID survivors can pose a substantial burden to the affected individuals and their families and additional challenges for healthcare delivery and public health service. The current study shows that one in three individuals experience persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Since the COVID pandemic is still ongoing across the world, therefore, the number of people experiencing PCS is likely to be increased substantially further. An integrated PCS care strategy, but not limited to organ-specific healthcare disciplines, others such as psychosocial support, including counseling and education, rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation programs will be required for management. Prioritization of PCS care to elder and co-morbid patients should be recommended. Expediting the vaccination drive will be helpful to reduce the development of persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Research, collaborative and multidisciplinary, is required to understand the underlying pathophysiology mechanism for PCS.

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, rats were administered with aluminium chloride (200 mg/kg p.o) and copper sulfate (0.5 mg/k+-ATPase activity) alone and in combination for 28 days.
Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurological disorder associated with neuropathological and neurobehavioral changes, like cognition and memory loss. Pathological hallmarks of AD comprise oxidative stress, formation of insoluble β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles constituted by hyperphosphorylated tau protein (P-tau), neurotransmitters dysbalanced (DA, NE, 5-HT, GABA and Glutamate) and metal deposition. Chronic exposure to metals like aluminium and copper causes accumulation of Aβ plaques, promotes oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and degeneration of cholinergic neurons results in AD-like symptoms. In the present study, rats were administered with aluminium chloride (200 mg/kg p.o) and copper sulfate (0.5 mg/kg p.o) alone and in combination for 28 days. Allicin (10 and 20 mg/kg i.p) was administered from day 7 to day 28. Spatial and recognition memory impairment analysis was performed using Morris water maze, Probe trial, and Novel Object Recognition test. Animals were sacrificed on day 29, brain tissue was isolated, and its homogenate was used for biochemical (lipid peroxidation, nitrite, and glutathione), neuro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF- α), neurotransmitters (DA, NE, 5-HT, GABA and Glutamate), Aβ(1-42) level, Al concentration estimation, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity. In the present study, aluminium chloride and copper sulfate administration increased oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines release, imbalanced neurotransmitters' concentration, and promoted β-amyloid accumulation and Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Treatment with allicin dose-dependently attenuated these pathological events via restoration of antioxidants, neurotransmitters concentration, and inhibiting cytokine release and β-amyloid accumulation. Moreover, allicin exhibited the neuroprotective effect through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotransmitters restoration, attenuation of neuro-inflammation and β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity.

14 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The prevalence of NAFLD is high in women with prior GDM, and such women also have a high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors, and future studies should evaluate the intermediate and long-term hepatic and cardiovascular risk and the impact of lifestyle interventions in reducing morbidity in such women.
Abstract: Aims/introduction This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Indian women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed using International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study (2018-2019) enrolled women with and without prior GDM. Study participants underwent detailed assessments, including relevant medical, obstetric and demographic details; 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with glucose and insulin estimation at 0, 30 and 120 min; and other relevant biochemical and anthropometric measurements. NAFLD status was defined by ultrasonography. Results We evaluated a total of 309 women (201 and 108 with and without prior GDM, respectively) at a mean age of 31.9 ± 5.0 years and median of 16 months (interquartile range 9-38 months) following the index delivery. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in women with prior GDM (62.7% vs 50.0%, P = 0.038; grade 2 and 3 disease, 13.9% vs 6.5%). On logistic regression analysis (fully adjusted model), the odds of NAFLD were 2.11-fold higher in women with prior GDM (95% confidence interval 1.16-3.85, P = 0.014). Overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (a measure of insulin resistance) were positively associated with NAFLD, whereas the Matsuda index (a measure of insulin sensitivity) showed a negative association with NAFLD. Conclusions The prevalence of NAFLD is high in women with prior GDM. Such women also have a high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors. Future studies should evaluate the intermediate and long-term hepatic and cardiovascular risk, and the impact of lifestyle interventions in reducing morbidity in such women.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a simple and practical guidance on the diagnosis and management of hyperglycemia in admitted patients with COVID-19 Methods, formulated based on experience of authors and relevant literature on the subject searched using Pubmed Results.
Abstract: Background and aims Diabetes and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) share a bidirectional relationship Hyperglycemia occurring in the setting of either previously diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes is known to be associated with poor outcomes Here, we aim to provide a simple and practical guidance on the diagnosis and management of hyperglycemia in admitted patients with COVID-19 Methods The guidance is formulated based on experience of authors and relevant literature on the subject searched using Pubmed Results Every patient admitted to a COVID care facility should be investigated for hyperglycemia using a combination of tests including capillary blood glucose, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c Oral glucose lowering drugs can be considered in patients with mild COVID illness who have mild hyperglycemia [pre-meal blood glucose of Conclusion This document provides a broad overview on the diagnosis and management of hyperglycemia at COVID care facilities and should be useful to a wide range of healthcare personnel involved in care of patients with COVID-19

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A detailed account of various aspects of glucose measurement including their evolution, pitfalls, and their utility in current clinical practice is provided.
Abstract: Background and aims Blood glucose measurement is central to the diagnosis and management of patients with diabetes. Considering that a clinician relies heavily on blood (or rarely other body fluid) glucose values for decision making, an understanding of the basic aspects of glucose measurement in body fluids is necessary. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed for articles in English on measurement of glucose in body fluids. Results Glucose can be measured in several body fluids, namely blood, interstitial fluid, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid and ascitic fluid in appropriate clinical settings. For blood glucose measurement, the present-day enzymatic methods have replaced the older reducing and condensation methods on account of their better accuracy. It is important to consider preanalytical factors such as sample collection, storage and transport when analyzing a laboratory blood glucose report. The measurement of glucose in interstitial fluid using continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) enables better understanding of glucose trends and fluctuations. The CGMS data should be reported using standard metrics which include parameters such as mean 24-h glucose, glycemic variability and time-in, below and above range. The measurement of glucose in urine sample is rarely ever used these days and should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Conclusion This review provides a detailed account of various aspects of glucose measurement including their evolution, pitfalls, and their utility in current clinical practice.

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated whether SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with beta cell dysfunction and progression of glycemic and cardiometabolic variables in an established cohort.
Abstract: We aimed to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with beta cell dysfunction and progression of glycemic and cardiometabolic variables in an established cohort. Study participants (n = 352, 46.9% men) underwent a detailed evaluation at two time points: (a) pre-COVID (2016–19) and (b) peri-COVID (2020–21). At the second visit, SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined on the basis of a quantitative S1/S2 IgG antibody test (DiaSorin Liaison) and/or a documented history of infection. A total of 159 (45.2%) participants were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 122 (76.7%) had mild/asymptomatic infection. Progression in body mass index (BMI) category [34 (21.4%) vs. 22 (11.4%), p = 0.011] was seen in a significantly higher proportion of the participants in the infected group compared to the non-infected group. Progression in glycemic and insulin indices [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Matsuda index, and oral disposition index (oDI)] categories was also evident in a larger proportion of participants in the infected group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. On logistic regression analysis, the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and BMI category progression was statistically significant [fully adjusted OR 2.14 (95% CI, 1.18–3.90; p = 0.013)]. In this longitudinal study, predominant mild/asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increase in BMI, but not with worsening of beta cell function and insulin resistance, nor glycemic progression.

5 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an evidence-based strategy for screening postpartum dysglycemia was proposed for women with prior gestational diabetes using International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria during their index pregnancy.
Abstract: Our aim is to propose an evidence-based strategy for screening postpartum dysglycemia. This study included adult non-pregnant women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM) using International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria during their index pregnancy (2012–2019). Eligible participants underwent a concurrent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test. A detailed questionnaire documenting relevant personal and medical history was filled, and the relevant anthropometric parameters were recorded. We evaluated data from 377 women at a mean (± SD) age of 32.1 ± 4.6 years and at a median duration of 15 (10–33) months following childbirth. Diabetes was diagnosed in 42 (11.1%) women. Use of a combination cutoff [fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 6.1 mmol/L or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.0% (42 mmol/mol)] avoided OGTT in 80.9% of the study cohort, without missing the diagnosis of diabetes in any study subject. The diagnosis was missed in 2.4% of women with diabetes (and 0.3% of whole cohort) using only the FPG criterion (≥ 5.6 mmol/L) or HbA1c criterion [HbA1c ≥ 5.7% (39 mmol/mol)] alone. These tests avoided the need for an OGTT in 75.3% and 65.5% of women, respectively. The proposed strategies are likely to be both patient- and physician-friendly and have the potential to address several barriers for postpartum screening among women with prior GDM.

4 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of a mobile health intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors was investigated in three Indian cities (Chennai, Bengaluru and New Delhi) with participants recruited via community screening events.
Abstract: Objective India is experiencing an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Mobile health technology may be a strategy to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. This paper reports on the effect of a mobile health intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods The mobile health and diabetes intervention was a 12-week reality television-based mobile health program application delivered via videos, short message service and infographics through a smartphone application followed-up weekly by health coach calls. mobile health and diabetes was conducted in a randomized control trial mode randomized controlled trial methodology in three Indian cities (Chennai, Bengaluru and New Delhi) with participants recruited via community screening events. This paper looks at the pre-post changes in cardiometabolic risks among the participants and the place of demography in influencing these. Results The mobile health and diabetes intervention group experienced a small reduction in waist circumference (1.8 cm) compared to the control group (0.5 cm, p < 0.05) and a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (2.7 mmHg) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors were more pronounced in individuals with obesity, although overall effects were very modest. Conclusions Cardiometabolic risk factors can be reduced with a mobile health application using human coaching, especially in obese individuals, but the improvements are small. To be more effective and clinically meaningful, intensive engagement with the participants is probably required.

4 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the association of cognitive impairment with sleep quality, depression, and cardiometabolic risk factors among participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and found a significant association with cognitive impairment on multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Abstract: Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cognitive impairment with sleep quality, depression, and cardiometabolic risk factors among participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Subjects underwent clinical interview to capture socio-demographic details, medical history, sleep quality, presence of depression, along with anthropometric and biochemical measurements. A detailed neuropsychological assessment [Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), Trail making A and B, Digit span, Spatial span, Letter Number Sequencing] was done. Cognitive impairment was defined as MoCA score of Results Participants (n = 250, 50% women, 63.6% middle-age) had a mean (±SD) age of 53.6 (±9.1) years and HbA1c of 55.1 ± 6.8 mmol/mol (7.2 ± 0.6%). Cognitive impairment was present in 57 (22.8%) participants. In the middle-age subgroup, cognitive impairment was higher (23.9%) than those in the fourth decade (6.3%), but comparable (24.0%) to the older age (60–70 years) individuals. Diabetes-related vascular complications [Odds ratio (95% CI) 2.03 (1.05, 3.94)]; hypertension [2.00 (1.04, 3.84)], depression [2.37 (1.24, 4.55)] and lower education [2.73 (1.42, 5.23)] had a significant association with cognitive impairment on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The high burden of cognitive impairment calls for an urgent need to establish longitudinal cohorts in midlife to understand this population's cognitive trajectories and see the influence of various bio-psychosocial variables.

4 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional study was conducted to comprehensively assess bone health in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus, including bone microarchitecture (TBS), bone mineral density (BMD, DXA) and bone turnover (osteocalcin).
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The aim of this cross-sectional study was to comprehensively assess bone health in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus, including bone microarchitecture (TBS), bone mineral density (BMD, DXA) and bone turnover (osteocalcin). DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Study participants underwent a detailed anthropometric, biochemical and hormone assessment, including insulin and osteocalcin measurement. BMD was measured at lumbar spine, femur neck and total hip using DXA and TBS derived from lumbar spine DXA images using TBS iNsight software. RESULTS A total of 240 women (mean age: 33.3 ± 5.0 years; median postpartum duration: 34 [interquartile range 13.0-54.5] months were evaluated. At the current visit, 115 (47.9%) and 36 (15%) women had prediabetes and diabetes, respectively. Women with dysglycemia (diabetes/prediabetes) had a higher BMD at all three sites, compared to those with normoglycemia; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Women with dysglycemia had a significantly lower TBS (1.32 ± 0.09 vs. 1.35 ± 0.09; p = .038). In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratio for association between diabetes and low TBS was 2.92 (95% confidence interval: 1.20, 7.08; p = .018). Women with dysglycemia had significantly lower serum osteocalcin levels (18.6 ± 8.5 ng/ml vs. 21.5 ± 9.7 ng/ml; p = .018). HOMA-IR (r = -.285, p < .001) was negatively correlated, while Matsuda index (r = .274, p < .001) and disposition index (r = .159, p = .016) were positively correlated with serum osteocalcin levels. CONCLUSIONS Bone health is affected early in the natural history of diabetes and is associated with an overall low bone turnover state.

3 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a practical guidance on the use of intravenous insulin infusion for managing inpatient hyperglycemia is provided based on the review of available literature and personal experience of authors.
Abstract: Background We aim to provide a practical guidance on the use of intravenous insulin infusion for managing inpatient hyperglycemia. Methods and results This document was formulated based on the review of available literature and personal experience of authors. We have used various case scenarios to illustrate variables which should be taken into account when deciding adjustments in infusion rate, including but not restricted to ambient blood glucose level and magnitude of blood glucose change in the previous hour. Conclusion The guidance can be generalized to any situation where dedicated protocols are lacking, trained manpower is not available and resource constraints are present.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors delineate factors impacting glycemic control from real-world data and delineate the contribution of patient or care team-dependent factors towards glycemic controlling.
Abstract: Glycemic control has remained an enigma despite a large number of anti-diabetic drugs being available. Clinical practice and guidelines have focussed largely on optimal and rational use of anti-diabetes drugs to achieve care goals. This study aims to delineate factors impacting glycemic control from real-world data. Retrospective, cross-sectional data comprising 15,689 prescriptions from 4647 people living with diabetes and attending an endocrine clinic over a 5-year period was extracted from EMR (electronic medical records) of the clinic. Data pertaining to drugs prescribed, glycemic control attained and patient behavioral factors like diet, drug and exercise adherence was analysed to delineate the contribution of patient or care team-dependent factors towards glycemic control. Factors related to patient behavior affected glycemic control linearly with statistically lower HbA1c in people with better adherence to diet, medications and exercise. People who did any self-monitoring of blood glucose at home had significantly better glycemic control. On the other hand, a number of medications were negatively associated with glycemic control. Hypoglycemia had no impact on glycemic control. A number of visits to treating physician were positively associated with glycemic control but impact plateaued after 6 visits. Patient behavior and activation-related factors are predominant drivers of glycemic control.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with endocrinologists, dieticians, diabetes educators and adults with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
Abstract: Background and aim There is a lack of data on effectiveness of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs for South Asian adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This formative research was conducted to explore existing practices on the said subject and gather information for planning an intervention program. Methods and materials We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with endocrinologists, dieticians, diabetes educators and adults with T1DM. The participants were selected from a mix of public and private health facilities. Thematic analysis using inductive and deductive approach was undertaken. The intervention was developed and refined using the principles of FUSED and COM-B models. Results In total, 28 in-depth interviews were conducted, 18 with health care professionals and 10 with adult individuals with T1DM. The results demonstrated deficiencies in the implementation of a structured self-management program for diabetes owing to several patient and healthcare system-related factors. A detailed nutritional counseling was provided at all sites by a qualified dietitian, however, carbohydrate counting was not routinely practiced. The interviews of this formative research revolved around: (a) evaluation of the existing usual care and gaps in implementation of a structured DSMES program, and (b) development of themes that will help in formulation of an intervention package and its effective delivery to the participants. Conclusion This research study comprehensively investigated the existing practices among diabetes-health care professionals caring for persons living with T1DM and rendered insights towards development of a scientific DSMES program.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) score in patients with Vitamin D deficiency was used to evaluate absolute eosinophil count, serum levels of Vitamin D, and IL-4, IL-5, and interleukin levels.
Abstract: Various studies have shown a positive co-relation between Vitamin D deficiency and severity of Allergic Rhinitis (AR) based on subjective symptoms. AR is also associated with serum eosinophilia and raised levels of various interleukins (IL)—particularly IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. To compare serum Vitamin D levels, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels, and eosinophilia in AR patients with healthy controls and co-relate disease severity using Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) score in patients with Vitamin D deficiency. 30 patients and 30 healthy controls were recruited. 10 ml blood sample was drawn from each patient and healthy control. It was then processed to evaluate absolute eosinophil count, serum levels of Vitamin D, and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. 93.33% of patients with AR and 70% of healthy controls had decreased Vitamin D levels (below 25 ng/ml). The mean Vitamin D levels was 10.50 ± 2.34 ng/ml and 17.54 ± 2.84 ng/ml in the patient and control group, respectively (p = 0.001). But there was no significant co-relation between SNOT-22 score and Vitamin D level, and between interleukin levels in patient and control group. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with Allergic Rhinitis and therefore, checking Vitamin D levels in patients with AR can be considered as routine practice in outpatient clinics. However, co-relation between severity of Allergic Rhinitis and Vitamin D levels and the proven therapeutic role of Vitamin D in Allergic Rhinitis is still debatable and thus, requires large sample size randomised controlled trials.

Posted ContentDOI
01 Nov 2021-medRxiv
TL;DR: In this paper, a living systematic review and a prospective meta-analysis were conducted to examine the effectiveness of postpartum interventions in reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus in women with recent Gestational Diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Abstract: Introduction Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), once considered a transient condition during pregnancy, is now a firmly established risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Women whose blood glucose levels do not return to normal soon after giving birth are particularly at high risk of developing established diabetes and consequent heart and blood vessel disease. Lifestyle interventions are recommended for women with GDM to prevent or delay the subsequent development of T2DM. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested postpartum lifestyle interventions may be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing diabetes in women with GDM, however, included studies were generally small, many had a high risk of bias and subsequent data have become available with new trials likely to complete in the next couple of years. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, formal systematic review and meta-analysis of other approaches to preventing diabetes in this population (e.g. pharmacotherapy) has not been attempted. Therefore, an updated systematic review is needed and will be formulated as a living systematic review to ensure the inclusion of emerging studies. Methods and analysis A living systematic review and a prospective meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of postpartum interventions in reducing the risk of developing T2DM in women with recent GDM. Ethics and dissemination Ethics committee approval is not required. The data included will be from published studies, and a continued living systematic review and prospective meta-analysis will occur once a year for the next five years. Results of the review will be disseminated at relevant meetings. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021279891 Strengths and limitations of this study A living systematic review will allow continuous surveillance of emerging literature on different lifestyle interventions in women with a history of GDM and allow identification of effective strategies for diabetes prevention. We estimate considerable heterogeneity of interventions which may limit our ability to make clear conclusions.