Dr. Srividya Rao-Vasista

Description:Background: The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India was associated with an increased incidence of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. The objective of this paper was to prospectively explore the epidemiology, management, and results of 18 months follow-up of patients presenting with COVID associated mucormycosis at a tertiary referral centre in India. Methods: Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-associated mucormycosis over two months were included in the study. Patients were staged based on the extent of the disease. Surgery was the primary modality of treatment except in those with intracranial spread, altered sensorium, and poor prognosis. A combination of liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole was used as adjunct medical treatment. Patients were followed up and outcomes at one year of treatment were recorded. Results: Out of a total of 26 patients who were diagnosed with COVID associated mucormycosis, 21 patients underwent bimodality treatment (medical and surgical). The extent of surgery was based on the stage of the disease. Six eyes received retrobulbar injections of Amphotericin B to salvage vision. The overall mortality was 38.46% and 23.8% in those where the intent of treatment was curative. At the end of one year, 16 of 21 operated patients survived with mild to severe sequelae. Conclusions: Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection with high mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt, aggressive treatment is paramount in preventing mortality. A multidisciplinary approach is useful for effective management. Continuous follow up is paramount to identifying and treating complications.

Description:Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common problem affecting almost 4% of the population. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered the standard of care, the patient compliance for long term use is poor. Clinicians have explored surgical options for cure with varying success. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was considered as a standard of surgical care but long-term results were not satisfactory. Surgical researchers have explored newer techniques to improve outcomes in the past decade with less morbidity and better quality of life outcomes. One of such development is Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty (BRP). We would like to discuss the technique of BRP for OSA patients step by step.