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The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rising cases of COVID-19 bring to fore associated threat of deep vein thrombosis
India has registered a rise in COVID-19 cases beginning from last week of May this year. As of June 16, the country has 7,264 active cases. The World Health Organisation in its recent report (week of May 19 to 25 2025) that SARS-CoV-2 activity was generally low globally, though elevations have been reported in a few countries in Central America and the Caribbean, Tropical South America, South West and Northern Europe, Western Asia, Southern Asia, South-East Asia, and Eastern Asia. While doctors have stressed that there is no need to panic as a majority of the cases are mild and do not require hospitalisation, this spike in cases, has brought to the fore once again, several associated health risks including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) -- both during and after infection. 'This risk of DVT remains elevated even after recovery from Covid-19, with the risk ratio increasing up to 70 days post-infection,'' said Anil Bansal, member, Delhi Medical Association (DMA). The risk is particularly high in the first week after diagnosis. While the risk decreases in subsequent weeks, it remains elevated for several weeks post-infection, he added. Understanding DVT Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body. This usually occurs in the leg. DVT can be dangerous, as the blood clot can break free and travel through the bloodstream. If the blood clot gets lodged in the lung and blocks blood flow, it can lead to pulmonary embolism, which can be life threatening. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It can result in significant mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Approximately 30% of patients with symptomatic VTE manifest with PE, and others with DVT. The incidence of DVT in India in the general population is about 1.79 per thousand. More than 50% of post-surgical procedure patients are at risk of developing VTE. The prevailing notion that the incidence of VTE in Asians is less than that in the Western population has been disproved by recent reports. Task force report Previously, a taskforce report by the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), Delhi on Venous Thromboembolism had noted that in view of the ageing population of India and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases along with infectious diseases affecting healthcare service delivery, there is a dire need to understand the early impact on the incidence and burden of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in India. Increasing age, being male, trauma, surgery, prolonged hospitalisation, malignancy, neurologic disease, central venous catheter, prior superficial vein thrombosis, and varicose veins have been identified as some of the major risk factors for developing VTE. In women, oral contraceptive pill use, pregnancy, and hormone replacement therapy are established as independent risk factors. Some of the important risk factors for surgical patients developing VTE are age, type of surgery, length of procedure, and duration of immobilisation. The task force stated that appropriate prevention and management of VTE was vital but in India, lack of trained human resources (healthcare professionals); inadequate laboratory diagnostic support; inadequate availability of pharmaceutical supplies; lack of awareness in the community; need for suitable research along with equitable distribution of facilities for the management of VTE – hamper 100 per cent safety of patients. The Covid-19-DVT link Aabid Amin Bhatt, medical director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals explained that COVID-19 and its link with a higher chance of VTE, including DVT and PE, is now well established. 'This link comes from the virus's ability to cause a strong inflammatory reaction, often called a cytokine storm, which can disrupt the usual way blood clots. Research has found that patients, particularly those in the hospital with severe COVID-19, have a hypercoagulable state, meaning their blood is more likely to clot. The virus also directly harms the endothelial cells that line blood vessels, which further increases the risk of clots forming,'' said Dr. Bhat. He added that recent research indicates that even after recovery, individuals who had COVID-19 may remain at an elevated risk for thrombotic events for several months. This has prompted ongoing updates to clinical guidelines recommending thromboprophylaxis (blood thinning treatment) during hospitalisation and, in some cases, even post-discharge. The medical community now regards COVID-19 not just as a respiratory illness, but also as a systemic vascular disease with serious implications for blood clotting and cardiovascular health, he said. Severe Covid-19 and vaccines Abhishek Bansal, senior consultant and chief interventional radiologist, Aakash Healthcare said that a very high percentage of patients admitted with severe COVID-19 infections were observed to be affected by this condition. 'This was noted to be primarily because they had been hospitalised in the ICU for extended periods. Any duration of immobilisation or prolonged bed rest was noted to increase the risk of developing DVT or pulmonary embolism,'' he said. Dr. Bansal stressed that COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated that they are highly efficacious in preventing the occurrence of DVT and pulmonary embolism. 'At the same time, some concerns had been raised about the vaccines themselves potentially causing DVT in a few individuals. However, it has been clearly documented that this risk is extremely low—estimated at approximately one in 10 lakh (one million) patients. Even in such rare cases, the condition is generally mild. It has been emphasised that if the individual had instead suffered from an actual COVID-19 infection, the risk of developing DVT or pulmonary embolism would have been substantially higher,'' he said. Treating and tracking 'Anticoagulant medicine have now been added as a standard treatment protocol of Covid-19 and many deaths have been prevented after we established the relationship between the two medical conditions, '' noted. Surinder Kumar Gupta, associate director, pulmonology, Paras Health, Panchkula. Meanwhile, the WHO noted that it is currently tracking several SARS-CoV-2 variants including variants of interest (JN.1) and variants under monitoring (LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1, XEC, KP.3.1.1, KP.3, and LB.1). 'The most prevalent variant, LP.8.1, accounted for 27% of all submitted sequences in the week ending on 25 May 2025 which is a decrease from 32% in the week ending on 27 April 2025. NB.1.8.1 accounted for 21% of all submitted sequences in the week ending on 25 May 2025, a significant increase from 9% in the week ending on 27 April 2025,'' it said in the recently released data. WHO added that during this reporting period, all other variants showed a stable or decreasing trend. 'Available evidence suggests that JN.1, XEC, LP.8.1, and NB.1.8.1 do not pose additional public health risks relative to other currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants,'' it said. At the regional level, LP.8.1 decreased in the Americas and the Western Pacific Region, but slightly increased in the European Region. XEC decreased in all regions with sufficient data. NB.1.8.1 increased in the Americas, Europe, and the Western Pacific Region, but decreased in South-East Asia.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Covid situation constantly monitored, no need to panic: Health experts
New Delhi: With mounting cases of Covid-19 bringing fresh fears of the pandemic, which claimed millions of lives globally, experts at the Indian Medical Association and Delhi Medical Association on Saturday said that the cases are being constantly monitored and that there is no need to panic. According to the data from the Ministry of Health, India has reported 257 active Covid-19 cases as of May 19. Kerala (69), Maharashtra (44), and Tamil Nadu (34) are recording the highest daily case counts. Delhi recorded 23 new cases. As per the latest reports, two have tested positive for Covid in Gurugram, one each in Faridabad and Noida. "With Covid-19 cases being reported in different parts of India, there is no need to panic. What we recommend is enhanced surveillance and continued public awareness," Dr. Dinesh Goel, Paediatrician and President, of IMA Janak Puri, told IANS. He urged people to follow simple precautions like using masks 'in crowded areas and maintaining hygiene'. Dr. Amarjeet Singh Popli, from the Delhi Medical Association (DMA), also called for precautions while not panicking. 'There is no need to panic over the recent increase in Covid-19 cases. The situation is under constant monitoring by health authorities and the Delhi Medical Association,' Popli told IANS. The current rise is linked to Omicron and descendants of its subvariant JN.1, which 'are being closely observed', the expert noted. As per the latest data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), set up under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 -- descendants of JN.1 Covid variant in the country – are responsible for the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in the country. Data from the INSACOG, a consortium of 64 laboratories to monitor genomic variations of Covid virus, showed one case of NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type. While NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu, four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May. Currently, both LF.7 and NB.1.8 have been classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO). VUM is a term used to signal to public health authorities that a SARS-CoV-2 variant may require prioritised attention and monitoring. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has issued an advisory asking all hospitals to prepare for the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. Popli urged the public to take basic precautions, such as wearing masks in crowded places and maintaining hygiene. 'With responsible behaviour, we can all stay safe."
Mint
10-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
India-Pakistan Conflict: Hospitals on High Alert! emergency readiness ramps up amid escalating tensions
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened a meeting on Friday with senior health officials from Delhi government hospitals to assess emergency preparedness in response to the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan, ANI reported citing official sources. During the meeting, Gupta instructed hospital authorities to ensure all medical facilities are fully equipped to handle any crisis. Later, Gupta said, 'Our government hospitals are all prepared for any situation. We have invited all the MDs and taken updates. A probe into updating on any shortage of staff or medicines is being done. The patients coming in will be treated through the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and Ayushman Vyay Vandana Scheme. The administration, doctors and hospitals must be ready.' The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) on Friday called upon all members of the medical fraternity to act with resolve, responsibility, and readiness. The advisory from the Delhi Medical Association read, "As guardians of public health, it is our duty to rise to the occasion and support the nation in every possible manner." The advisory included several instructions, including cancelling non-essential activities, enhancing hospital safety and preparedness and conducting mock drills, ANI reported. "All socio-cultural, academic, or celebratory events must be suspended until the situation de-escalates. This is the time to prioritise national service over routine engagements. Hospitals and clinics must ensure enhanced safety protocols on premises. Emergency response systems should be reviewed. Stockpile essential medicines, surgical supplies, and blood units. Staff must be prepared for trauma care and surge capacity," read the advisory. In accordance with Public Health Communication, the advisory said, 'Doctors must actively counter misinformation, reassure the public, and support mental well-being through accurate, calm communication.' It also called upon coordination with the authorities and said, 'Collaborate with local health departments, disaster management bodies, and defence medical teams as required.' Meanwhile, AIIMS Bhubaneswar announced the cancellation of all kinds of leave, including vacation and station leave in view of emerging circumstances. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Mumbai hospitals are ramping up preparedness by increasing bed capacity, conducting staff training, and stockpiling essential medicines, critical supplies, and blood reserves. As guardians of public health, it is our duty to rise to the occasion and support the nation in every possible manner. Mumbai's state-run JJ Hospital has established two dedicated emergency wards spanning two floors, with a total of 52 beds, to manage potential medical crises. These wards are equipped with critical care infrastructure, including oxygen support, rapid triage systems, and emergency stockpiles of essential medicines, Hindustan Times reported. (With inputs from agencies) Key Takeaways Hospitals are increasing their bed capacity and stockpiling essential supplies. Emergency preparedness includes conducting staff training and mock drills. Health officials stress the importance of public health communication to counter misinformation.
India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
DMA calls upon medical fraternity to support nation amid India-Pak tensions as guardians of public health
New Delhi [India], May 9 (ANI): In light of the current heightened national security concerns amidst the India-Pakistan tensions, the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) on Friday called upon all members of the medical fraternity to act with resolve, responsibility, and readiness. The advisory from the Delhi Medical Association read, 'As guardians of public health, it is our duty to rise to the occasion and support the nation in every possible manner.' The advisory included several instructions, including cancelling non-essential activities, enhancing hospital safety and preparedness and conducting mock drills. 'All socio-cultural, academic, or celebratory events must be suspended until the situation de-escalates. This is the time to prioritise national service over routine engagements. Hospitals and clinics must ensure enhanced safety protocols on premises. Emergency response systems should be reviewed. Stockpile essential medicines, surgical supplies, and blood units. Staff must be prepared for trauma care and surge capacity,' read the advisory. With reference to mock drills and leave cancellation, the advisory read, 'Regular mock drills must be conducted for patient and staff safety. Hospital administrations are advised to cancel all leaves to maintain full operational strength.' It further urged the people to stay updated and avoid panic, stating, 'Follow only verified updates from the government or armed forces. Do not circulate unconfirmed news or rumours on social media.' The advisory also said that the DMA members willing to offer emergency services must register with their local DMA branches. Your services may be vital in conflict or disaster zones. In accordance with Public Health Communication, the advisory said, 'Doctors must actively counter misinformation, reassure the public, and support mental well-being through accurate, calm communication.' It also called upon coordination with the authorities and said, 'Collaborate with local health departments, disaster management bodies, and defence medical teams as required.' 'Delhi Medical Association stands in complete solidarity with the nation. Let us serve with commitment, courage, and compassion,' it added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting at his residence amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi were among those present in the meeting. Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a review of the current security situation. The review was held a day after Pakistan sought to target Indian cities and civilian infrastructure, in addition to some military targets. The Indian Defence Forces effectively repelled the attacks. The country's top security brass attended the meeting, and Defence Secretary RK Singh was also present. Pakistani drones were sighted in Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors on Friday, according to defence sources. Red streaks could be seen, and explosions were heard in the Samba sector of Jammu as India's air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid a blackout. A precautionary blackout has been enforced in multiple areas amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. A complete blackout has been enforced in the Akhnoor and Udhampur regions of Jammu and Kashmir and in the Ambala and Panchkula areas of Haryana. The blackout are also enforced in Firozpur of Punjab and Jaisalmer of Rajasthan. Pakistan has violated the ceasfire for yet another day. On Thursday, the Pakistani army carried out multiple airspace violations and drone intrusions on the night of May 7 and 8, targeting Indian military infrastructure. Pakistan's attempted retaliation came in the wake of India's Operation Sindoor, where the Indian armed forces targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday. The operation was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. (ANI)
