— By Dr KK Aggarwal
Source
From INTERNATIONAL PULMONOLOGIST’S CONSENSUS ON COVID-19: Dr. Tinku Joseph (India), Dr. Mohammed Ashkan Moslehi (Iran)
277. Non shedders cannot happen
Non shedder: Both asymptomatic and symptomatic but do not shed viruses
Shedder (normal spreader and silent spreaders): Both asymptomatic and symptomatic and shed virus
Super spreader (Both asymptomatic and symptomatic and shed high volume and high distance of viruses in micro droplets)
278. WBC account provide accurate information
No. White blood cell count can vary. It does not provide accurate information about COVID-19. [40]
Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. W. Guan, Z. Ni. Yu Hu, W. Liang, C. Ou, J. He, L. Liu
279. Lymphopenia is seen in 100% cases
Leukopenia, leucocytosis, and lymphopenia have been reported.
Lymphopenia is more common, seen in more than 80% of patients
Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. W. Guan, Z. Ni. Yu Hu, W. Liang, C. Ou, J. He, L. Liu
280. Thrombocytopenia is seen in all cases
Mild thrombocytopenia is commonly seen. However, thrombocytopenia is considered as a poor prognostic sign.
Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. W. Guan, Z. Ni, Yu Hu, W. Liang, C. Ou, J. He, L. Liu, H. Shan, C. Lei, D.S.C. Hui, B. Du, L. Li, G. Zeng, K.-Y. Yuen, R. Chen 42. Wei M, Yuan J,
281. Serum Procalcitonin has no value
No, Serum procalcitonin is often normal at the time of admission; however, it increases in patients who require ICU care.
282. D dimer is not linked to low lymphocytes counts
In one study high D-Dimer and lymphopenia are associated with poor prognosis.
Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. W. Guan, Z. Ni, 284. Yu Hu, W. Liang, C. Ou, J. He, L. Liu, H. Shan, C. Lei, D.S.C. Hui, B. Du, L. Li, G. Zeng, K.-Y. Yuen, R. Chen 42. Wei M, Yuan J,
283. C – reactive protein is non-significant rise
COVID-19 increases CRP. This seems to track with disease severity and prognosis. In patients suffering from with severe respiratory failure with a normal CRP level an alternative diagnosis should always be sought.
284. All viral infections raise CRP levels
No, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are not generally associated with viral infections. Generally, acute bacterial infections tend to elevate CRP to levels of 150 to 350 mg/L, whereas acute viral infections are usually associated with lower levels. But uncomplicated infections caused by COVID 19, adenovirus, influenza, and cytomegalovirus can be associated with CRP levels of up to 100 mg/L. [ Non covid: Jaye DL, Waites KB. Clinical applications of C-reactive protein in paediatrics. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1997;16(8):735–746; quiz 746–747]
285. Handshake and hand kiss are equally dangerous
Hand kiss is more dangerous than handshake.
286. There is no link with duration of exposure
Dangers: A person having had face-to-face contact with a COVID-19 case within 2 metres and > 15 minutes
A person who was in a closed environment (e.g. classroom, meeting room, hospital waiting room, etc.) with a COVID-19 case for 15 minutes or more and at a distance of less than 2 metres.
((The writer is President, CMAAO, HCFI and Past national President IMA))
