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Govt Expands Use of HCQ to Prevent Covid-19 But Large Study Ties Drug to Increased Heart Problems, Death

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Representative photo.
The health ministry said all asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in treatment of Covid-19 will be given HCQ. (Photo: Reuters)

A Lancet study, the largest on use of HCQ against coronavirus yet, showed an increase in irregular heartbeat or the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and also a greater risk of in-hospital death in Covid-19 patients.

  • News18.com
  • Last Updated: May 23, 2021, 12:36 PM IST
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Notwithstanding findings of a large observational study published on Friday in The Lancet which concluded that there is no evidence to confirm the benefit of the globally sought drug hydroxychloroquine or HCQ against the novel coronavirus, the union health ministry has reiterated its recommendation and expanded its use for preventive treatment.

The Lancet study based on the records of nearly 15,000 patients who received the drugs and 81,000 who did not showed that the drug may instead do harm.

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But the the country’s apex medical research body said that its latest recommendations were based on three studies that showed that the drug reduced viral load in laboratory settings and brought down incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers.

In the latest advisory, issued on Friday, the union health ministry said all asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the treatment of Covid-19 infection, asymptomatic healthcare workers employed at non-Covid hospitals or non-Covid areas of Covid hospitals/blocks along with asymptomatic frontline workers, such as surveillance workers deployed in containment zones, be given HCQ for preventive care.

The advisory added that even paramilitary, police personnel involved in Covid-19 related activities and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases take HCQ.

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The government also said that the drug should not be used on people with retinopathy, cardiac problems and Glucose-6 phosphate deficiency. The advisory also stated that an ECG may be done before prescribing HCQ and an ECG should be done in case any new cardiovascular symptoms occur during the course of the treatment.

The Lancet study on the safety and efficacy of HCQ has been touted as one of the biggest, multinational observational studies conducted till now. It found that the use of HCQ or chloroquine with or without an antibiotic such as azithromycin to treat Covid-19 was not associated with any benefit.

Instead, it showed an increase in irregular heartbeat or the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and also a greater risk of in-hospital death in Covid-19 patients.

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The study’s conclusions were based on the analysis of data of 96,032 patients, of whom 15,000 were administered the anti-malarial drug. The study has asked for randomized controlled trials of the drug.

The demand for the drug had surged across the world after its use was championed by US President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, President Trump even told reporters that he was taking the drug every day. India exported the drug to USA and Brazil among other countries.

Citing studies that were the basis for expanding use of HCQ, the government advisory said that a retrospective case-control analysis at ICMR found that there is a significant dose-response relationship between the number of prophylactic doses taken and frequency of occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in symptomatic healthcare workers who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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In another examination of three government hospitals, it was found that healthcare workers involved in Covid-19 care were less likely to develop the Covid-19 infection if they were using HCQ for prevention compared to those who were not using it.

“The benefit was less pronounced in healthcare workers caring for a general patient population,” the advisory said.

The advisory also cited an observational prospective study of 334 healthcare workers at AIIMS in New Delhi. Out of the 334 healthcare workers, 248 were given HCQ prophylaxis (median six weeks of follow-up) and it was found that those taking HCQ prophylaxis had lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection than those not taking it.

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Galgotias University Students Protest Against ‘Urban Maxwell’ Triggered Meme Fest!

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Galgotias University Students Protests Against 'Urban Maxwell' Triggered Meme Fest!

The internet is currently divided following a viral video that showed remarks by students from Galgotias University about Sam Pitroda, the Chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, regarding the ‘inheritance tax’.

As per Business Standard, this incident that has filled the entire nation with laughter took place in Greater Noida. Purposedly, the students of Galgotias University held a protest in Delhi. 

Galgotias University Students Rally With ‘Unclear’ Agenda Spark Meme Frenzy

When an AajTak reporter reached the protest site, he questioned the students engaged in the protests. The reporter asked the students the motive behind their protest and the message their placards conveyed. 

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Students seemed clueless about the questions asked. While responses from other students were even funny and laughable. 

Thus, the video showcasing students’ response has gone viral all over the social media platforms. The video has also garnered funny reactions from netizens online. 

Meme Fest All Over the Internet 

When the students were questioned, their relies on were just a comedy of errors.

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One student stated that his motive behind the protest was his desire for a developed India. However, he lacked the basic specifics. 

Another student acknowledged that he was clueless regarding the Congress manifesto. Several protestors even struggled to read what was printed on their placards. 

When a student was asked to read the slogan written on the placard, the student read ‘urban naxal’ as ‘urban maxwell.’

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It seemed that the protest was made to touch a range of issues in the nation, such as women’s empowerment, urban naxalism, NaMo’s stand on mangalsutra and wealth redistribution, inheritance tax and many more. However, clarity remains elusive. 

Videos circulating on social media garnered mixed reactions. Some laughed while others their criticism and showed disappointment at the students’ lack of awareness.

Responses received from students even triggered a meme fest all over the internet. Take a look!

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Also Read: Christopher Bouie Jr Video: Minor Arrested For Sanford, Florida Shooting Leaving 10 Injured

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India News

AstraZeneca’s Covishield To Cause Rare Yet Serious Side Effects

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AstraZeneca's Covishield To Cause Rare Yet Serious Side Effects

A huge update for those who were a part of COVID vaccination programs! Rare side effects of the vaccination have surfaced, questioned by numerous health experts.

The Economic Times reported that AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has legally acknowledged that its product, Covishield, can cause certain rare side effects.

AstraZeneca developed Covishield, which was produced by the Serum Institute of India. In India, Covishield was one of the primary vaccines provided to citizens.

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AstraZeneca’s Statements

AstraZeneca is currently facing a lawsuit in a UK court. The lawsuit was filed after claims surfaced on the internet that AstraZeneca’s vaccine caused deaths. To date, 51 deaths have been reported, hence 51 cases have been filed against the company.

AstraZeneca finally admitted in one of the court papers that, “Covishield can, in very rare cases, cause TTS.” TTS stands for Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, a medical expert, told ANI,

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“TTS is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, which is basically a clot in the blood vessels of the brain or elsewhere, along with a low platelet count. It is known to occur in very rare instances following certain types of vaccines and also from other causes. According to the WHO, adenovirus vector vaccines, in particular, have rarely been associated with this condition.”

TTS: About, Diagnosis, Treatment

TTS, or Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, is a serious yet rare health condition characterized by low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) along with the formation of blood clots (thrombosis).

Various symptoms associated with TTS include neurological deficits, shortness of breath, leg swelling, abdominal pain, and severe headaches.

TTS can be diagnosed if blood tests are conducted to assess the levels of platelets in the blood. Moreover, to detect blood clots, imaging studies are required, reported the Times of India.

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TTS can be treated with a multidisciplinary approach. It includes supportive care, anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clotting, and hospitalization.

To manage and stabilize platelet levels in the body, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can also be performed.

Patients with TTS are prone to severe complications like death and organ damage. Hence, close monitoring of patients by healthcare providers is a must.

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Also Read: Online doctor consultations in India increase by 4 times after the Covid-19 pandemic: Report

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Report: Gangster Goldy Brar Is Alive, Confirms US Police

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Report: Sidhu Moosewala Murder Case Prime Suspect, Goldy Brar Is Alive 

The prime suspect in the murder case of a famous Punjabi singer, Goldy Brar, is alive, reported TOI.

Goldy is the infamous Canadian gangster who was earlier rumored to be dead in an alleged incident that took place at Fairmont and Holt Avenue last Tuesday.

In the incident, one of the two individuals reportedly got gunshot wound and succumbed to injuries at the hospital. You can read our story about California shooting incident in which Goldy Brar allegedly got shot here.

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As per the US police, reports of Goldy’s disappearance were circulating all over the internet on Tuesday. However, the U.S. authorities clarified the rumors of Brar’s disappearance in a California shooting incident are untrue. 

The claims were refuted by the Fresno police department and labeled them as fake. William J. Dooley, the Lieutenant, debunked online speculations and announced that the victim of the California shooting was not Goldy Brar. 

William J. Dooley stated,

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“If you are inquiring because of the online chatter claiming that the shooting victim is ‘Goldy Brar’, we can confirm that this is absolutely not true.”

Who is Goldy Brar?

Goldy Brar, hailing from Muktsar Sahib, Punjab, is a close ally of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. It is anticipated that he is the mastermind behind the assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala, the Punjabi pop icon. 

According to The Economic Times, in January 2024, Satinderjit Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, was designated as a terrorist by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the anti-terror law, UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). 

Orders by the government-linked Goldy Brar to a listed terrorist organization under the UAPA, Babbar Khalsa International. 

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Goldy Brar has never ceased to vanish from police’s eyes since he murdered Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. His father also was a Police Officer himself.

After completing his graduation and getting a BS degree, he has been operating from Canada remotely. 

Last year Goldy’s statement, targetting Bollywood superstar Salman Khan next made huge media headlines.

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