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Introduction-Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Precise early prediction of infection and its severity in diabetic patients serves an important role in improving infection control and prognosis. Procalcitonin (PCT), a marker of the inflammatory response during infections, can be elevated by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Early detection and treatment of infections are key elements to improved patient outcomes, and as such, empiric antibiotics are frequently prescribed to patients who present with DKA. Aims and objectives- Study of procalcitonin as a early marker of sepsis in patients of DKA admitted in SMS Hospital. Methodology-Hospital based cross sectional study in department of Medicine SMS MEDICAL COLLEGE Jaipur on 60 cases of DKA-20 cases positive bacterial culture (Proven Bacterial Infection group -PBI) and 40 cases of negative blood culture (without Proven Bacterial Infection group – without PBI). Results- The two groups (PBI and without PBI ) were comparable on parameter of TLC, fever intensity (measured by temperature) at time of admission, however TLC and Temperature at 2nd day were significantly higher in PBI group as compared to without PBI group at 2nd day of admission. However the two groups have significant differences on quantitative measurement of serum PCT at time of admission as well at at 2nd day of admission.(PBI group have significantly higher PCT than without PBI group. Conclusion- PCT can serve as early marker of sepsis in DKA and by use of PCT as a sepsis marker, reduction of antibiotic misuse may be possible. Prospective studies will be needed to confirm the diagnostic thresholds of PCT marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The menace of COVID-19 has put a huge burden on health care system predisposing health care workers engaged in management to COVID-19 infections. The nonavailability of effective drug against COVID-19 warrants extra cover as prophylactic therapy for health care workers, especially against transmission from asymptomatic patients. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for prophylaxis of COVID-19 had been advocated by some researchers. Hence, in this project, evaluation of HCQ as preventive strategy for healthcare workers against COVID-19 infection was studied. Materials and Methods: HCQ was prescribed as a prophylactic therapy as per the advisory of National Task Force of Indian Council of Medical Research, India. The data regarding consumption profile, COVID-19 infection and adverse drug reaction profile of HCQ in healthcare workers was collected. Results: Record of 4,239 health workers with hydroxychloroquine consumed was available till date. 139 subjects were dropped out of study as they did not consume the HCQ tablets. 93 heath workers (2.19%) were infected with COVID-19 infection but in early weeks of prophylactic therapy and were asymptomatic. A few of them (08 patients) had mild symptomatic manifestation with RT- PCR reported positive for SARS-CoV-2. No mortality was reported as among healthcare workers, engaged in management of COVID-19 patients at the tertiary care institute in Jaipur, India. HCQ prophylaxis in standard doses produced predominantly gastrointestinal side effects in 20 subject and headache in 10 health workers. Conclusion: The present study showed that HCQ prophylaxis is safe and effective in standard doses against COVID-19 infection. The frontline workers engaged in management of COVID-19 may be given HCQ prophylaxis as an extra cover. However, it's broadening usage as preventive strategy, in general for people especially in cardiovascular incidences; require enhanced research and further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]