Background: Majority of the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 receive antibiotics and corticosteroids though its role has not yet been adequately defined. Inappropriate use of antibiotics despite bacterial co-infections may lead to global antibiotic resistance. Aim and objectives: We aim to assess the using pattern of antibiotics and corticosteroids in different clinical categories of COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital. Materials and methods: This is a cross sectional study where 345 clinically diagnosed COVID 19 patients having coexisting diseases of both sexes with different age group received antibiotics and corticosteroids were included. Patients’ demographic profile, treatment plan were obtained using a specially designed form. All data were compiled in Microsoft excel spreadsheet and results expressed in total number and percentage. Results: Out of total 345 patients, male (53.62%) and female patients (46.37%) of age group between 41 to 60 years (42.89%) of different categories; mild (28.40%), moderate ((39.42%), severe (24.63%), critical (7.53%) cases were enrolled in this study. Moxifloxacin followed by ceftriaxon was most commonly prescribed antibiotic in all clinical groups with higher percentages. Other antibiotic includes meropenem, amoxicillin+ clavulanic acid, piperacillin+tazobactam, linezolid also prescribed in higher rate. Among systemic corticosteroids, dexamethasone followed by methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone was prescribed invariably with higher percentages. Conclusion: With the rapid increase in the rate of infection, purposeful use of antibiotic and corticosteroid might be considered as a better treatment option to fight against COVID 19 patients. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2021; 30(2) : 149-155

Background: Tuberculosis one of the most important infectious diseases throughout the world. Bangladesh is a highly populated country and a significant amount of mortality and morbidity is caused by tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculosis. Objectives: To evaluate the levels of serum iron, albumin and calcium in smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients before starting Directly Observed Treatment, Short course (DOTS) regimen. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 100 subjects were included in this study. Among them, 50 were smear positive PTB patients denoted as case group and 50 were apparently healthy individuals denoted as control group. Biochemical tests were carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College. All the statistical analyses were performed by SPSS version 21. Results were evaluated by using Student’s t-test. Results: The study revealed that mean values of serum iron were 128.24±13.20 μg/dl and 86.13±24.56 μg/dl in control and case group respectively, and the difference between two groups were highly significant (p <0.001). The mean serum albumin level was lower in case group when compared to control group. The mean values of serum albumin were 4.1±0.33 gm/dl and 3.5±0.31 gm/dl in control and case group respectively, and the difference between two groups were highly significant (p <0.001). The mean values of serum calcium were 2.33±0.19 mmol/L and 2.5±0.16 mmol/L in control group and case group respectively. Serum calcium level was adjusted by serum albumin concentration. The analysis showed that, the difference in mean serum calcium levels between two groups were highly significant (p <0.001) Mediscope 2022;9(1): 25-29

Background: Thrombo-embolic incidence secondary to COVID-19 with increased mortality rate has become a global concern. Anticoagulants are widely used to prevent mortality. On the other hand, antiviral therapy has a potential effect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Aims & objectives: This study aims to assess the use pattern of anticoagulant and antiviral drugs against COVID-19. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study where two hundred COVID-19-positive patients of both sexes and different age groups who received anticoagulants and antivirals were recruited. All data were compiled in a Microsoft excel spreadsheet. Results were expressed in frequency & percentage. Results: Out of 200 patients, there were 115 males (57.5%) & 85 females (42.5%); the majority (56%) belonged to the age group between 30 to 60 years. Clinically, patients were categorized into mild (25%), moderate (32%), severe (37.5%), and critical (5.5%) cases. In this study, 88% of patients received low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) in a prophylactic dose and 12% of patients received in a therapeutic dose. Among the antivirals, remdesivir (84%) followed by favipiravir (16%) were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Conclusion: Anticoagulant (enoxaparin) and antiviral (remdesivir) drugs are frequently prescribed in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Mediscope 2023;10(1):10-16