No abstract

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychological disorder and lithium remains the mainstay of therapy. Lithium toxicity can be acute or chronic and the effects may be disabling or life-threatening. The presence of risk factors can increase the chances of lithium toxicity in a patient on long-term lithium therapy. We hereby report a case of chronic lithium toxicity in a patient with a known case of bipolar disorder. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old female patient who is a known case of bipolar disorder presented with altered sensorium, seizures and renal insufficiency. On admission, the patient was severely dehydrated and the serum lithium level was 3.43mEq/L. Hemodialysis was performed and she improved gradually. CONCLUSION: Over the years from its approval, lithium constantly proves to be effective in reducing suicidal rates in patients with bipolar disorder. However, its use is limited due to the risk of toxicity. The chances of developing toxicity are more in patients who are on long-term lithium therapy. Patients with high risk factors for toxicity should be monitored frequently as the effects of lithium toxicity can be fatal.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one of the main line modalities of therapy for chronic inammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We hereby, report an incidence of acute myocardial infarction probably induced by IVIG during the treatment of CIDP. A 76 year old female with no history suggestive of cardiovascular disease, developed an acute Non ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and severe left ventricular dysfunction after receiving three doses of IVIG. Since hypercoagulability is a concern with IVIG therapy, it was discontinued. Hence, we highlight the importance of cardiac evaluation before initiation and during the course of IVIG therapy in elderly patients as well as in patients with known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and thrombotic events.

Background: Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist, is being evaluated for the management of covid-19 pneumonia. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Tocilizumab in severe covid-19 pneumonia. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, single centre study performed in 121 patients diagnosed with severe covid-19 pneumonia. 83 patients received standard of care treatment whereas 38 patients received tocilizumab along with standard of care. Tocilizumab was administered intravenously at 8mg/kg (upto a maximum of 800mg). The second dose of Tocilizumab was given 12 to 24 hours apart. The primary outcome measure was ICU related and hospital related mortality. The secondary outcome measures were change in clinical status of patients measured by WHO (World Health Organisation) 7 category ordinary scale, changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, secondary infections and duration of ICU stay. Results: Tocilizumab was administered between 3-27 days after the patient reported symptoms ( a median of 10.9 days ) and between the 1st to 3rd day of ICU admission (median of 2.1 days) . In Tocilizumab group, 16(42.1%) of 38 patients died in ICU whereas in standard of care group, 27(32.53%) of 83 patients died. The difference in clinical status assessed using WHO (World Health Organisation) 7 category ordinary scale at 28 days between Tocilizumab group and standard of care group was not statistically significant (odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 2.97, p = 0.44). Conclusion: Tocilizumab plus standard care was not superior to standard care alone in reducing mortality and improving clinical outcomes at day 28.