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Introduction: In the relentless global battle against the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, accurate prediction of disease severity remains a critical challenge, with profound implications for patient outcomes and healthcare resource allocation. As the virus continues to evolve and pose new threats, the need for reliable prognostic indicators becomes increasingly urgent. Effective identification of patients at high-risk of developing severe illness not only facilitates timely intervention and personalised treatment strategies but also optimises healthcare resource utilisation. In this context, the exploration of novel biomarkers and predictive models holds immense promise for enhancing ones understanding of disease progression and improving clinical decision-making. Aim: To study the association between haematological parameters, including Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), with Computed Tomography Scan Severity Score (CTSS) in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2021 to July 2022 at Government General Hospital (GGH) Nizamabad, Telangana, India. The study encompassed all three COVID-19 waves, included a sample size of 159 Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive patients, excluding pregnant women and children under 10 years. Upon admission, CTSS and ratios of NLR, LMR, and PLR were recorded in an MS Excel sheet before any medical intervention and then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software 22.0. Results: The study comprised 159 patients with a mean age of 50.86±13.89 years (ranging from 16 to 85), predominantly male 90 (56.61%). The highest infection rate 85 (53.45%) was in the 41-60 years age group. The NLR was significantly elevated from a mean value of 4.58 to 11.24 (r value=0.78, p-value=

Gouty arthritis is an inflammatory condition due to defective uric acid metabolism resulting in deposition of monosodium urate crystals deposited within and around joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition mostly involving peripheral joints. In this report, we describe the clinico-pathological features of a polyarticular tophaceous gout in a 68-year-old male with polyarticular arthritis, affecting all the joints of upper limbs and lower limbs associated with subcutaneous nodules and to emphasize the importance of differentiating this disease entity from RA so that early treatment can be started to prevent joint deformity and loss of function. Keywords: Arthritis, Gout, Polyarticular, Tophi

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated mucormycosis has been increasing in frequency since early 2021, particularly among patients with uncontrolled diabetes and systemic corticosteroid treatment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study mucormycosis occurrence in COVID-19 patients at Government General Hospital, Nizamabad – A tertiary care center and to correlate mucormycosis with comorbidities and previous treatment modalities among admitted post COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective study was done for 3 months, from June 2021 to August 2021. Fifty suspected cases of mucormycosis specimens sent to the Department of Pathology, Government General Hospital, Nizamabad for histopathological diagnosis were considered. Clinical history and treatment details were noted. Tissues obtained were fixed in 10% formalin, routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains were done. Gomori’s methenamine silver stains were done. Results: Mucormycosis was most common in males 37 (74%) and common in the age group of 41–50 years (26%). Diabetes mellitus is the most common comorbidity (60%). The mean duration between diagnosis of COVID-19 and development of symptoms of mucor was 6–40 days. Out of 50 cases, 46 patients received steroid therapy and 39 cases were given oxygen support. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive life-threatening opportunistic infection. Post COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to it and an important predisposing factor. Treatment with steroid therapy and oxygen support must be carefully monitored and used in a vigilant manner. Histopathological examination and clinical correlation are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.