Background Vitamin-D is an immune-modulator which might be linked to disease severity by SARS-CoV-2. Methods Meta-analysis of RCTs and quasi-experimental studies, evaluating the role of vitamin-D supplementation in COVID patients was done. Results Total 5 studies (3 RCTs and 2 Quasi-experimental) including n = 467 patients were included. Vitamin D didn't reduce mortality (RR 0.55, 95%CI 0.22 to 1.39, p = 0.21), ICU admission rates (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.01–4.26, p = 0.3) and need for invasive ventilation (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.01–7.89, p = 0.42). Conclusion No significant difference with vitamin-D supplementation on major health related outcomes in COVID-19. Well-designed RCTs are required addressing this topic.

The use of secondary preventive drug therapies in patients with known CHD or stroke in South Asia is low with over 80% receiving none of the effective drug treatments. Low household wealth is the most important determinant.

Melanoacanthoma denotes a rare variant of pigmented seborrheic keratosis. A 65-year-old male farmer had pigmented, verrucous, itchy, highly painful, progressively growing irregularly oval plaque on left side of lower back for the past five years. The indurated lesion, measuring maximum diameter 10 cm × 5 cm, had no discharge, bleeding, ulceration, or associated lymphadenopathy. Dermoscopy showed regular pigmentary network and cribiform pattern of ridges without any feature of malignant melanoma. Histopathology showed well-defined islands of basaloid cells interspersed with large and richly dendritic melanocytes. The lesion was totally excised followed by skin grafting. Our patient was unique in its massive size and clinical resemblance with malignant melanoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by dermoscopy and skin biopsy.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the utility of antibiotics in the routine management of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). Neonates diagnosed to have MAS were randomly allocated to either the antibiotic group (n = 20) receiving gentamicin for 7 days, or the control group (n = 20), receiving no antibiotic. All infants were given identical supportive care. The two groups were comparable with respect to birth weight, gestation, sex distribution, mode of delivery, Apgar scores, and initial clinical and radiological severity of the illness. Results showed that the mean duration and the severity of respiratory distress at 24 hours and 48 hours were similar in the two groups. No secondary infection was documented in either group. A single death occurred in the antibiotic group. It is concluded that empirical use of antibiotics in the routine management of meconium aspiration syndrome is of no benefit.

A 67-year-old male presented with a gradually progressive low back pain of 2 years duration. The patient was leading a retired life and there was no history of chronic fever or significant trauma. There was no radiation of pain or any features suggestive of claudication. There was no history of any comorbidity. The pain was aggravated with extension of the spine and relieved with flexion. There was no swelling or neurological deficit, but muscle spasm was present. Radiographs of the spine revealed degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine, along with articulation of spinous processes at in lumbar spine at all levels level suggestive of Baastrup's disease, commonly known as "kissing spine". Routine blood investigations were within normal limits. The patient was managed conservatively. He was given a week's course of analgesics and muscle relaxants and then started on spinal flexion exercises, with significant improvement being noted at 6 months follow up.