Background: Dyslipidemia has been noted to play an integral role in the pathogenesis and progression of micro and macrovascular complications in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients. The study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidemia and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients as it has not been reported previously in BangladeshMethods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of pathology, Bangladesh from November 2016 to October 2017. A total number of 300 patients having diabetes in the age group of 30-60 years have been selected using a non-probability method. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were estimated by laboratory tests.Results: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in at least one lipid parameter was found in 282 patients (94%), while 18 patients (6%) had no dyslipidemia. High levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were found in 134 (47.3%), 230 (76.7%) and 124 (41.3%) patients, respectively. On the other hand, low levels of HDL-C were found in 180 patients (60%). An increased risk of AIP was found in 298 patients (99.3%), whereas only 2 patients (0.7%) were in low risk. FPG was positively correlated with TC, TG, LDL-C and AIP, while negatively correlated with HDL-C. A significant positive correlation was also observed between FPG and AIP.Conclusions: The Study revealed that dyslipidemia is very common in type 2 diabetic patients and the most common abnormality observed was increased serum triglyceride levels followed by decreased serum HDL-C levels. The AIP is also significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients.

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of olfactory dysfunctions, mainly, anosmia and to identify its associated factors in patients with COVID-19 infection.Study designA hospital-based prospective observational cohort studySettingA COVID dedicated hospital, Square Hospitals Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodsWe collected patients’ information including laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 test results. We used Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression model to assess the associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and olfactory outcomes.ResultsOut of 600 COVID-19 positive patients, 38.7% were diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction. Our analyses showed that patients’ age, smoking status, cough, dyspnea, sore throat, asthenia, and nausea or vomiting were significantly associated with the anosmia. We observed the risk of developing anosmia was greater in younger patients than in older patients, and this risk decreased as age increased [odds ratio (OR) range for different age groups: 1.26 to 1.08]. Smoking patients were 1.73 times more likely to experience anosmia than non-smoking patients [OR=1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.98]. In addition, patients complained asthenia had a significantly double risk of developing the anosmia [OR = 1.96, CI = 1.23-3.06].ConclusionsOur study shows that about 39% of patients diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction. Patients’ age, smoking status, and asthenia are significantly positively associated with the anosmia. Since anosmia can be a significant marker for the diagnosis of COVID-19, we suggest regular screening of olfactory dysfunction in patients with early symptoms of COVID-19, particularly younger patients, smoker, and complained asthenia.

Background: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a global viral pandemic that originated in East Asia (China) and is quickly spreading to every corner of the globe. In Bangladesh, no research has been conducted on olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 infected patients and its associated factors. We aimed to determine the correlation between olfactory dysfunction (OD), particularly anosmia and COVID-19 infected patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: We conducted a hospital based prospective observational study. We collected patients’ information, including laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 test results from a COVID dedicated hospital, Square Hospitals Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh. We used the Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression model to assess the associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and OD (i.e. anosmia). Results: Out of 600 COVID-19 positive patients, 38.7% were diagnosed with OD. We found that patients’ age, smoking status, cough, dyspnea, sore throat, asthenia, and nausea or vomiting were significantly associated with anosmia. We observed smoking patients were 1.73 times more likely to experience anosmia than non-smoking patients Odd ratio (OR)=1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.98]. Interestingly, our data showed that the risk of developing anosmia was greater in younger patients than in older patients, and this risk decreased as age increased (OR) range for different age groups: 1.26 to 1.08]. In addition, patients who complained of asthenia had a significantly double risk of developing anosmia [OR = 1.96, CI = 1.23-3.06]. Conclusions: Our study shows that 38.7% of patients diagnosed with OD. Patients’ age, smoking status, and asthenia are significantly positively associated with anosmia. Since anosmia can be a significant marker for the diagnosis of COVID-19, we suggest regular screening of OD in patients with early symptoms of COVID-19, particularly younger patients, smokers, and who complained of asthenia. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 01 January’23 Page : 195-204