Non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer are very common causes of death worldwide. Therefore, the need to search for novel, affordable, and easily accessible biomarkers and risk factors for non-communicable diseases continues, which can predict the future risk of having these diseases with greater accuracy and precision. In this context, among available biomarkers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) is considered to be the best-suited marker. Various drug intervention trials demonstrated positive results in reducing Hs-CRP in individuals with raised levels. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacologic interventions in the form of lifestyle modifications, exercise, and cessation of smoking are being investigated to study their effect on reducing serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.This review article discusses the role of Hs-CRP and its isoforms in the pathogenesis of various disease conditions, factors affecting its serum concentration, its prognostic value, and its comparison with other risk factors. Further, its clinical significance in chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the nervous system and other common non-communicable diseases, including recent advances in the management of various diseases, has also been discussed.

Scorpion stings are painful but harmless and are rarely life-threatening. There is emerging evidence of the association of electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients following scorpion stings. We report a case of scorpion sting in a patient in central rural India and provide a review of similar published cases. A 55-yearold previously healthy female was hospitalized in the department of medicine at our institute within two hours of a scorpion sting. She presented with severe pain at the site of the sting and profuse sweating. Her routine investigations (complete blood count renal function test, liver function tests, and arterial blood gas analysis) results were normal. Her electrocardiogram revealed acute myocardial infarction, and serial ECG showed ST and T-wave changes. On laboratory investigation, it was found that her troponin-T was positive and creatinine phosphokinase levels were raised. There was apical wall hypokinesia on transthoracic echocardiography on Day 1 and Day 2. The patient recovered completely and was discharged within five days of hospitalization once her symptoms improved. This case highlights the severe presentation of scorpion stings in otherwise healthy females. The chances of improved clinical symptoms are more if prazosin (125-250 ug) is administered early after scorpion-stung patients experience cardiac abnormalities. This treatment can dramatically alter scorpion envenomation's morbidity and mortality depending on the duration after which it is administered. This case raised our interest due to cardiovascular manifestations in the patient and the early treatment with prazosin for the scorpion sting. Hence, this case was reported for the purpose of creating awareness among physicians and protecting the more vulnerable population.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic systemic disease that affects the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and musculoskeletal system. Although gastrointestinal involvement has been reported in approximately 90% of scleroderma patients, liver involvement is uncommon. A 51-year-old female was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal distension and pedal edema. She had a history of Raynaud's syndrome and multiple hypopigmented and hyperpigmented patches over her body for the last year. Her ascetic fluid analysis was transudative with a serum ascites albumin gradient >1.1, and the abdomen and pelvis ultrasonography reported liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly with perisplenic varices. Her antinuclear antibody and anti-centromere antibody were positive. Skin thickening was visible. Her alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serum globulin were raised. Viral serology was negative. We managed her with diuretics, beta-blockers, prednisolone (30 mg/day administered orally), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Edema and abdominal distension decreased with this management, and no Raynaud's phenomenon was observed during the hospital stay.

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Infantile haemangioma is a condition seen in premature babies, it develops as a birth mark that grows in size commonly seen on back, chest, scalp, the swelling is characterised by bleeding or oozing. In such patients primary concern is any ill effects due to medical condition and secondary concern is cosmetic. A 9 month old baby brought to the hospital with complaints of swelling on the back with oozing. The patient was given IV propranolol for 1 year. And wound care was taught along with ergonomic education for ADLS. The study suggests that the use of IV propranolol shows significant reduction in the swelling and oozing from the swelling.