Etapa subaguda de pos-COVID-19 grave o crítico. Rehabilitación musculoesquelética, respiratoria y uso de corticoides. Experiencia de la Unidad de Rehabilitación del Hospital del Banco de Seguros del Estado (URHBSE) / Subacute stage of severe or critical post-COVID-19. Musculoskeletal and respiratory rehabilitation, and use of corticosteroids. Experience of the rehabilitation Unit of the Banco de Seguros del Estado Hospital (URHBSE) / Estadio subagudo de pós-COVID-19 grave ou crítico. Reabilitação musculoesquelética e respiratória e uso de corticosteroides. Experiência da Unidade de Reabilitação do Hospital do Banco de Seguros do Estado (URHBSE)

Introducción: en los pacientes que cursaron COVID-19 grave o crítico se ha descripto el uso de prednisona y rehabilitación musculoesquelética y respiratoria. No está claramente establecido el rol de estas intervenciones, ni el momento óptimo para su inicio. En este trabajo se muestran los resultados de la Unidad de Rehabilitación del Hospital del Banco de Seguros del Estado (URHBSE) que implementó un programa de rehabilitación integral y uso de corticoides en la etapa subaguda de pacientes pos-COVID-19 grave o crítico, con un enfoque sistematizado, trabajando desde la interdisciplina y centrado en la persona atendida. Se reportan hallazgos al ingreso, requerimiento de oxígeno, escala de Barthel, patrones tomográficos, uso de corticoides, su respuesta y complicaciones. Se describen los resultados de este enfoque sobre variables clínicas, respiratorias y funcionales. Material y método: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de pacientes pos-COVID-19 que completaron la rehabilitación en la URHBSE, en el período comprendido entre abril y agosto de 2021. Datos obtenidos de revisión de historias clínicas. Análisis estadístico con PRISM (v8.2.1). Resultados: completaron el programa de rehabilitación 84 pacientes. Al ingreso a la URHBSE, 55% tenía dependencia total o grave en la escala de Barthel. No lograba marcha el 48%. Requería oxígeno el 89,2% de los pacientes con una media de saturación de 90,3 ± 4,8. El 25% ingresó requiriendo máscara con reservorio. Todos los pacientes que comenzaron el programa se encontraban en fase subaguda de la enfermedad (4 a 12 semanas), y recibieron un plan de rehabilitación integral e individualizado. El objetivo era alcanzar una situación funcional similar a la que presentaban previo al COVID-19. La duración de la internación en la URHBSE fue de 23,5 ± 13,8 días. A 76 pacientes (90,5%) se les realizó tomografía de alta resolución de tórax (TACAR), resultando patológica en 96,1%. Predominaba el vidrio deslustrado (49,3%), la consolidación en 8,23% y un patrón de tipo fibrosis like en 30,13%. Se detectaron alteraciones tomográficas "no típicas" de daño pos-COVID (derrame pleural, nódulos cavitados, cavidades apicales, etc.) en 11,8% de las tomografías. En dos pacientes (2,6%) se halló una aspergilosis pulmonar y en 6,6% tromboembolismo pulmonar. Recibieron prednisona 44 pacientes (52,3%). En 63,4% se suspendió el aporte de oxígeno en los primeros 15 días desde el inicio de prednisona. Encontramos asociación entre el patrón tomográfico con vidrio deslustrado y la suspensión precoz del aporte de oxígeno desde el inicio de prednisona (p = 0,047). A pesar del alto grado de colonización, incluso en aquellos casos en que utilizamos prednisona, no observamos infecciones por microorganismos colonizantes. Comparando ingreso y egreso se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los siguientes parámetros: el grado de disnea, el requerimiento de oxígeno (un solo paciente fue dado de alta con oxígeno), la saturación, el grado de instrumentación (traqueostomía, sonda nasogástrica, etc.), y la escala de dependencia de Barthel. En cuanto a las variables respiratorias solo contamos con el dato de la presencia de disnea de los primeros 35 pacientes, de éstos, 83% presentaba disnea al ingreso, mientras que solo 17% la presentaba al egreso (p < 0,0001). Hubo, asimismo, diferencias significativas en el requerimiento de oxígeno entre el ingreso y el egreso (p < 0,0001) y en el grado de dependencia medido en la escala de Barthel, teniendo dependencia total o grave al ingreso 55% de los pacientes y solo 3,4% al alta. Conclusiones: las intervenciones realizadas en la etapa subaguda de la enfermedad se asociaron con mejoras significativas en variables de interés clínico. Faltan más estudios para definir el rol y el momento exacto del inicio de los corticoides y la rehabilitación en este grupo de pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: In patients with severe or critical COVID-19, the use of prednisone and musculoskeletal and respiratory rehabilitation has been described. The role of these interventions and the optimal time for their initiation are not clearly established. This study presents the results of the Rehabilitation Unit of the Banco de Seguro del Estado Hospital, which implemented a comprehensive rehabilitation program and the use of corticosteroids in the subacute stage of patients with severe or critical post-COVID-19, with a systematic approach, working interdisciplinary and centered on the person being treated. Findings at admission, oxygen requirement, Barthel scale, tomographic patterns, use of corticosteroids, their response, and complications are reported. The results of this approach on clinical, respiratory, and functional variables are described. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study of post-COVID-19 patients who completed rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Unit of the Banco de Seguros del Estado Hospital (URHBSE) in the period April-August 2021. Data obtained from review of medical records, statistical analysis with PRISM (v8.2.1). Results: Eighty-four patients completed the rehabilitation program. Upon admission to the URHBSE, 55% had total or severe dependence on the Barthel scale. Forty-eight percent were unable to walk. Eighty-nine-point two percent required oxygen, with a mean saturation of 90.3 ± 4.8. Twenty-five percent of patients were admitted requiring a reservoir mask. All patients who entered the program were in the subacute phase of the disease (4 to 12 weeks) and received a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation plan. The objective was to achieve a functional situation similar to what they had before COVID-19. The length of stay at the URHBSE was 23.5 ± 13.8 days. A total of 76 patients (90.5%) underwent high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT), which was pathological in 96.1% of cases. The predominant findings were ground-glass opacity in 49.3% of cases, consolidation in 8.23%, and a fibrosis-like pattern in 30.13%. "Non-typical" post-COVID damage tomographic alterations were detected (pleural effusion, cavitary nodules, apical cavities, etc.) in 11.8% of the tomographies. In 2 patients (2.6%), pulmonary aspergillosis was found, and in 6.6%, pulmonary thromboembolism. Forty-four patients (52.3%) received prednisone. In 63.4% of cases, oxygen supplementation was discontinued within the first 15 days from the start of prednisone. We found an association between the ground-glass opacity tomographic pattern and early discontinuation of oxygen supplementation from the start of prednisone (p = 0.047). Despite the high degree of colonization, we did not observe infections by colonizing microorganisms, even in those who used prednisone. Comparing admission and discharge, statistically significant differences were found in the following parameters: degree of dyspnea, oxygen requirement (only one patient was discharged with oxygen), saturation, degree of instrumentation (tracheostomy, nasogastric tube, etc.), and the Barthel dependency scale. Regarding respiratory variables, we only have data on the presence of dyspnea in the first 35 patients. Of these, 83% had dyspnea at admission, while only 17% had it at discharge (p < 0.0001). There were also significant differences in the oxygen requirement between admission and discharge (p < 0.0001) and in the degree of dependency measured on the Barthel scale. Fifty-five percent of patients had total or severe dependence at admission, compared to only 3.4% at discharge. Conclusions: The interventions carried out in the subacute stage of the disease were associated with significant improvements in clinical variables of interest. More studies are needed to define the role and the exact timing of the initiation of corticosteroids and rehabilitation in this group of patients.

Introdução: O uso de prednisona e reabilitação musculoesquelética e respiratória foi descrito no tratamento de pacientes com COVID-19 grave ou crítico. O papel destas intervenções e o momento ideal para o seu início não estão claramente estabelecidos. Este trabalho mostra os resultados da Unidade de Reabilitação Hospitalar do Banco de Seguro del Estado que implementou um programa abrangente de reabilitação e uso de corticosteroides na fase subaguda de pacientes graves ou críticos pós-COVID-19, com uma abordagem sistematizada, trabalhando de forma interdisciplinar e centrada no paciente. São relatados os achados na admissão, a necessidade de oxigênio, a escala de Barthel, os padrões tomográficos, o uso de corticosteroides, a resposta ao tratamento e as complicações. Os resultados desta abordagem sobre variáveis clínicas, respiratórias e funcionais são descritos. Material e métodos: Estudo descritivo e retrospectivo de pacientes pós-COVID-19 que completaram reabilitação na Unidade de Reabilitação do Hospital Banco de Seguros del Estado (URHBSE) no período de abril a agosto de 2021. Os dados foram obtidos dos prontuários de pacientes com posterior análise estatísticas usando PRISM (v8.2.1). Resultados: 84 pacientes completaram o programa de reabilitação. No momento da admissão na URHBSE, 55% apresentavam dependência total ou grave da escala de Barthel. 48% não conseguiam se mover. 89,2% necessitaram oxigênio com saturação média de 90,3 ± 4,8. 25% dos pacientes foram internados necessitando máscara com reservatório. Todos os pacientes que ingressaram no programa estavam na fase subaguda da doença (4 a 12 semanas) e receberam um plano de reabilitação abrangente e individualizado. O objetivo era alcançar uma situação funcional semelhante à que apresentavam antes da COVID-19. O tempo de permanência na URHBSE foi de 23,5±13,8 dias. A tomografia de tórax de alta resolução (TCAR) foi realizada em 76 pacientes (90,5%); os resultados foram patológicos em 96,1%. O vidro fosco predominou em 49,3% deles, a consolidação em 8,23% e o padrão fibroso em 30,13%. Alterações tomográficas "atípicas" de danos pós-COVID (derrame pleural, nódulos cavitados, cavidades apicais, etc.) foram detectadas em 11,8% dos exames tomográficos. Aspergilose pulmonar foi encontrada em 2,6% dos pacientes e tromboembolismo pulmonar em 6,6%. 44 pacientes (52,3%) receberam prednisona. Em 63,4% a oferta de oxigênio foi suspensa nos primeiros 15 dias após o início da mesma. Encontramos associação entre o padrão tomográfico em vidro fosco e a suspensão precoce da oferta de oxigênio desde o início da administração da prednisona (p = 0,047). Apesar do alto grau de colonização, mesmo naqueles que usaram prednisona, não observamos infecções. Em relação às variáveis respiratórias, só temos dados sobre a presença de dispneia nos primeiros 35 pacientes; destes, 83% apresentavam dispneia na admissão, enquanto apenas 17% a apresentavam na alta (p< 0,0001). Observou-se também diferenças significativas na necessidade de O2 entre a admissão e a alta (p< 0,0001) e no grau de dependência medido pela escala de Barthel, com 55% dos pacientes apresentando dependência total ou grave na admissão e apenas 3,4% na alta. Conclusões: As intervenções realizadas na fase subaguda da doença foram associadas a melhorias significativas nas variáveis de interesse clínico. São necessários mais estudos para definir o papel e o momento exato do início dos corticosteroides e da reabilitação neste grupo de pacientes.

Puntaje APP como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria agudo grave por COVID-19 en un hospital referencial del norte del Perú / APP score as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 in a reference hospital in northern of Peru

INTRODUCCIÓN: La mortalidad por pacientes por COVID-19 grave que desarrollaban neumonía grave y síndrome de dificultad respiratoria agudo (SDRA) grave ha sido significativa a pesar del tratamiento oportuno. Es importante determinar predictores tempranos de enfermedad que nos ayuden a estratificar aquellos pacientes con mayor riesgo de fallecer. Se pretende estudiar el comportamiento del puntaje APP (APPS) como predictor de ello, basados en algunos reportes de uso y utilidad en el SDRA. no COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Determinar si el APPS es útil como predictor de mortalidad en SDRA. por COVID-19 grave. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte retrospectivo, incluyendo pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), con SDRA. por COVID-19 grave, que ingresaron a la UCI del Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo (HRDT) en el período abril 2020- abril 2021. Se evalúo la utilidad del APPS como predictor de mortalidad em dicha población. RESULTADOS: El APPS demostró ser un factor asociado a mortalidad en pacientes con SDRA. y COVID-19 grave (RPa 1,34; IC 95% 1,16 a 1,56; p < 0,001). Además, encontramos que, al realizar un modelo de predicción ajustado por edad, sexo, SOFA, APPS, shock, Indice de Charlson (ICh), se comportan como factores asociados a mortalidad el APPS, el sexo masculino (RPa: 1,48; IC 95% 1,09 a 2,049; p < 0,05) y el ICh (RPa: 1,11; IC 95% 1,02 a 1,21; p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: El APPS, el sexo masculino y el ICh son predictores de mortalidad en SDRA. por COVID-19 grave.

BACKGROUND: Mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 who developed severe pneumonia and severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has been significant despite timely treatment. It is important to determine early predictors of disease that help us to stratify those patients with a higher risk of death. It is intended to study the behavior of the APPS score as a predictor of this, based on some reports of use and usefulness in non-COVID-19 ARDS. AIM: To determine if the APP score is useful as a predictor of mortality in ARDS due to severe COVID-19. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was carried out, including patients from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with ARDS due to severe COVID-19 who were admitted to the ICU of the Trujillo Regional Teaching Hospital (HRDT) in the period March 2020 to March 2021. The usefulness of the APP score as a predictor of mortality in mentioned population was evaluated. RESULTS: The APP score proved to be a factor associated with mortality in patients with ARDS and severe COVID-19 (APR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.56; p < 0.001). We also found that when performing a prediction model adjusted for age, sex, SOFA, APP score, shock and Charlson Index (ICh) we found that the APP score, male sex (APR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.049; p < 0.05) and the ICh behave as factors associated with mortality (RPa: 1.11; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.21; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The APP score, male sex, and ICh are predictors of mortality in ARDS due to severe COVID-19.

Factores asociados al deterioro funcional en adultos mayores sobrevivientes de COVID-19 hospitalizados en un centro de tercer nivel / Factors associated with functional decline in COVID-19 elderly survivors hospitalized in a tertiary care center

Resumen Antecedentes: La información acerca del deterioro funcional después de una hospitalización por COVID-19 es limitada en personas mayores (PM). Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre marcadores de inflamación (ferritina), coagulación (dímero D), factores clínicos y el estado funcional de PM que padecieron COVID-19 a seis meses del alta hospitalaria en México. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte ambispectiva de 158 pacientes mayores de 65 años hospitalizados por COVID-19 moderado-grave con expediente electrónico completo que permitiera recolectar información y contactarlos a los seis meses del alta. Se definió deterioro funcional como disminución ≥ 10 puntos del índice de Barthel. Mediante regresión logística se determinó el riesgo de asociación entre factores bioquímicos y clínicos y deterioro funcional en el tiempo de seguimiento. Resultados: 46.2 % de los participantes presentó pérdida funcional. Los factores asociados fueron edad ≥ 73 años (RM = 2.53), enfermedad renal crónica (RM = 4.57), puntuación ABC-Goals ≥ 8 (RM = 2.4), ferritina ≥ 605 ng/mL (RM = 3.94) y dímero-D ≥ 930 ng/mL FEU (RM = 17.56). Conclusión: La infección por COVID-19 no solo representa una enfermedad con alto riesgo de mortalidad durante la fase aguda, sino que también se asocia a un alto riesgo de deterioro funcional posterior al egreso hospitalario.

Abstract Background: The information on functional decline after hospitalization for COVID-19 is limited in older adults (OAs). Objective: To determine the association of inflammation (ferritin) and coagulation markers (D-dimer) and clinical factors with the functional status of OAs who suffered from COVID-19 six months after hospital discharge in Mexico. Material and methods: Ambispective cohort study of 158 patients older than 65 years hospitalized for moderate-severe COVID-19 with complete electronic records that would allow to collect information and to contact them six months after discharge. Functional impairment was defined as a decrease ≥ 10 points on the Barthel index. Using logistic regression analysis, the risk of association of biochemical and clinical factors with functional deterioration during follow-up was determined. Results: 46.2 % of participants exhibited functional decline. Associated factors included age ≥ 73 years (OR = 2.53), chronic kidney disease (OR = 4.57), an ABC-Goals score ≥ 8 (OR = 2.4), ferritin ≥ 605 ng/mL (OR = 3.94) and D-dimer ≥ 930 ng/mL (OR = 17.56). Conclusion: COVID-19 infection did not only represent a disease with a high risk of mortality during the acute phase, but is also associated with a high risk of functional impairment after hospital discharge.

Clinical Profile and Short-Term Outcome of Children with Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection During the First and Second Waves of the Pandemic

Objectives To compare the clinical profle and short-term outcome of children admitted with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection during the frst and second waves of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Methods This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care setting. A retrospective medical record review of all pediatric patients admitted with confrmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and September 2021 was conducted. Patients’ demographic data, pre-existing comorbidities, mode of presentation, and clinical course in the hospital were noted. The outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, need for intensive care, and invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU, and hospital stay. Results One thousand and twenty-four children were recruited, 592 of the frst wave and 432 of the second wave. In the second wave, more children were admitted with respiratory distress (OR=3.38) and neurological manifestations (OR=4.61). There was a higher requirement of intensive care (OR=4.2) and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR=4.17). In-hospital mortality of the second wave was also increased (1.4% vs. 0.1%), but the diference was not statistically signifcant. Children with neurological comorbidities (OR=8.73), malnutrition (OR=3.01), and preterm babies (OR=6.8) were associated with severe COVID. Conclusion The clinical profle of the second wave of COVID-19 in children was diferent from the frst wave, with more respiratory distress and neurological manifestations at presentation. In the second wave, a signifcant increase in the incidence of severe infections requiring ICU care was observed.

Asociación de marcadores inflamatorios en COVID-19 severo al ingreso con mortalidad y disfunción orgánica / Association of severe COVID-19 inflammatory markers at hospitalization with mortality and organic dysfunction / Associação de marcadores inflamatórios em COVID-19 grave na admissão com mortalidade e disfunção orgânica

Resumen: Introducción: se ha demostrado que los niveles iniciales de marcadores inflamatorios involucrados en COVID-19 (ej. ferritina, proteína C reactiva, procalcitonina, dímero D e interleucina-6) se relacionan con la mortalidad, sin encontrar resultados similares en pacientes con COVID-19 severo o quienes se encuentran bajo ventilación mecánica invasiva. Objetivo: determinar el nivel sérico con mayor sensibilidad y especificidad en los marcadores inflamatorios con relación a la mortalidad y gravedad de la disfunción orgánica en pacientes con COVID-19 severo usuarios de ventilación mecánica invasiva en las primeras 48 horas tras el ingreso hospitalario. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo cohorte retrospectiva y longitudinal en pacientes con diagnóstico de COVID-19 severo que fueran intubados antes de 48 horas tras el ingreso hospitalario por falla respiratoria aguda de enero de 2021 a agosto de 2021. Se determinó la relación entre los niveles de estos marcadores con las escalas pronósticas (SOFA, APACHE-II y SAPS-II), días de estancia hospitalaria, días en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Respiratoria, días de ventilación mecánica invasiva y las características de la mecánica ventilatoria inicial. Se agruparon los marcadores en niveles elevados y bajos para determinar su papel individual y en conjunto con los desenlaces. Resultados: se estudió una N = 218, con predominio de género masculino (77.5%) con media de edad de 60.3 ± 12.8 años. La hipertensión arterial sistémica y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 fueron las comorbilidades más prevalentes (50.5% y 26.1%, respectivamente). La mediana de la relación PaO2/FiO2 fue de 128 mmHg (83.3-204.2), con una mortalidad total de 24.8%. Los niveles de biomarcadores con mayor sensibilidad para mortalidad y disfunción orgánica fueron: proteína C reactiva: ≥ 16 mg/dL, procalcitonina: ≥ 0.83 ng/mL, dímero D: ≥ 1,290 ng/mL, ferritina: ≥ 1,450 ng/mL e interleucina-6: ≥ 195 pg/mL. La procalcitonina y la interleucina-6 de manera aislada demostraron mayor riesgo de mortalidad y peor disfunción orgánica. Los marcadores inflamatorios se relacionaron a peor desenlace con respecto a las características del sistema respiratorio y el grado de alteración en gases arteriales. De forma conjunta (≥ 3 altos), los marcadores inflamatorios se relacionaron a mayor número de días de estancia hospitalaria, días en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Respiratoria y de días de ventilación mecánica invasiva. La proteína C reactiva, procalcitonina e interleucina-6 se asociaron a mayor riesgo de peor grado de disfunción orgánica por SOFA y peor pronóstico por APACHE-II y SAPS-II. Conclusión: la medición individual y conjunta de marcadores inflamatorios al ingreso hospitalario puede identificar a pacientes con mayor riesgo de estancia hospitalaria prolongada, así como ventilación mecánica invasiva, con mayor riesgo de mortalidad en el caso de procalcitonina e interleucina-6.

Abstract: Introduction: it has being demonstrated that the initial levels of inflammatory markers involved in COVID-19 (eg. C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, D-dimer, ferritin and interleukine-6) have an association with mortality, in different degree on severe COVID-19 patients or in those on invasive mechanical ventilation secondary to COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Objective: to determine the serum levels of these markers with the greatest sensibility and specificity for mortality and worst organ dysfunction in patients under invasive mechanical ventilation within the first 48 hours of hospitalization. Material and methods: in a retrospective and longitudinal cohort of severe COVID-19 patients on invasive mechanical ventilation within first 48 hours of hospitalization due to respiratory failure through January 2021 to August 2021, we determined the relation of inflammatory markers with prognostic scores (SOFA, APACHE-II and SAPS-II), hospital length-of-stay (LOS), intensive care LOS, invasive ventilation's days and initial ventilatory mechanics. We divided markers in high and low levels to identify the relation between each one and by groups with the outcomes. Results: we studied a N = 218, with male predominance (77.5%) and mean age of 60.3 ± 12.8 years. Arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus type 2 were the most prevalent co-comorbidities (50.5% y 26.1%, respectively). The median initial PaO2/FiO2 was 128 mmHg (83.3-204.2), with a total mortality rate of 24.8%. Inflammatory markers levels with the highest sensibility for mortality were: C-reactive protein: ≥ 16 mg/dL, procalcitonin: ≥ 0.83 ng/mL, D-dimer: ≥ 1,290 ng/mL, ferritin: ≥ 1,450 ng/mL and interleukin-6: ≥ 195 pg/mL. Procalcitonin and interleukin-6 were associated to higher risk of mortality and worst organ dysfunction. The inflammatory markers were related with worst outcome in relation to respiratory mechanics and the amount of arterial-blood gases' alteration. Having ≥ 3 inflammatory markers within high levels was associated with prolonged LOS, more intensive care LOS and more days under invasive mechanical ventilation. The c-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin-6 had higher organic dysfunction defined by SOFA and worst outcome defined by APACHE-II and SAPS-II. Conclusion: individual and joint measurement of inflammatory markers at hospitalization can identify patients with greater risk of longer hospital LOS, intensive care LOS and longer mechanical ventilation's days, with greater risk of mortality with higher procalcitonin and interleukine-6 serum levels.

Resumo: Introdução: demonstrou-se que os níveis iniciais de marcadores inflamatórios envolvidos no COVID-19 (por exemplo, ferritina, proteína C reativa, procalcitonina, D-dímero e interleucina-6) estão relacionados à mortalidade, sem encontrar resultados semelhantes em pacientes com COVID-19 grave ou que estejam sob ventilação mecânica invasiva. Objetivos: nosso objetivo foi determinar o nível sérico com maior sensibilidade e especificidade em marcadores inflamatórios em relação à mortalidade e gravidade da disfunção orgânica em pacientes com COVID-19 grave que usaram ventilação mecânica invasiva nas primeiras 48 horas após a admissão hospitalar. Material e métodos: realizou-se um estudo descritivo do tipo coorte retrospectivo e longitudinal em pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19 grave que foram intubados nas primeiras 48 horas após a internação hospitalar por insuficiência respiratória aguda no período de janeiro de 2021 a agosto de 2021. A relação entre os níveis desses marcadores com as escalas de prognóstico (SOFA, APACHE-II e SAPS-II), dias de internação, dias na unidade de terapia intensiva respiratória, dias de ventilação mecânica invasiva e as características da ventilação mecânica inicial. Agrupou-se marcadores em níveis altos e baixos para determinar seu papel individualmente e em conjunto com os resultados. Resultados: estudou-se uma N = 218, com predominância do sexo masculino (77.5%) com idade média de 60.3 ± 12.8 anos. A hipertensão arterial sistêmica e a diabetes mellitus tipo 2 foram as comorbidades mais prevalentes (50.5% e 26.1%, respectivamente). A mediana da relação PaO2/FiO2 foi de 128 mmHg (83.3-204.2), com mortalidade total de 24.8%. Os níveis de biomarcadores com maior sensibilidade para mortalidade e disfunção orgânica foram: proteína C reativa: ≥ 16 mg/dL, procalcitonina: ≥ 0.83 ng/mL, dímero: ≥ 1.290 ng/mL, ferritina: ≥ 1.450 ng/mL, e interleucina-6: ≥ 195 pg/mL. A procalcitonina e a interleucina-6 sozinhas demonstraram maior risco de mortalidade e pior disfunção orgânica. Os marcadores inflamatórios foram relacionados a pior evolução quanto às características do sistema respiratório e ao grau de alteração dos gases arteriais. Juntos (≥ 3 altos), os marcadores inflamatórios foram relacionados a um maior número de dias de internação, dias na unidade de terapia intensiva respiratória e dias de ventilação mecânica invasiva. A proteína C-reativa, procalcitonina e interleucina-6 foram associadas a maior risco de pior grau de disfunção orgânica pelo SOFA e pior prognóstico pelo APACHE-II e SAPS-II. Conclusão: a medida individual e conjunta de marcadores inflamatórios na admissão hospitalar pode identificar pacientes com maior risco de internação prolongada e ventilação mecânica invasiva, com maior risco de mortalidade no caso da procalcitonina e interleucina-6.

Correlation between C-reactive Protein (CRP) Level and Clinicoradiological Profile in COVID-19 Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Background : Coronavirus disease 2019, first reported in December 2019 mainly presented with the symptoms of Cough, Fever, Shortness of breath, Myalgia, Weakness and anosmia. C-reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant protein which is synthesized by the liver in response to raised levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) which is a biomarker of inflammation. Methods : This was a prospective observational study, done on 110 COVID-19 patients after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history, vaccination status, presence of comorbidities and thorough clinical examination was performed. Serum CRP levels was assessed and Computed Tomographic scan (CT scan) of Thorax was done. CORADS scoring and CT severity grading as per CT scan was done. All the above parameters were recorded in the preformed proforma and data was entered in excel spreadsheet and was analysed using SPSS v26 software. Results : Majority were males (56.3%) and majority were from 61-80 years of age. Majority (57.3%) patients were non-smokers. Hypertension was the most common associated comorbidity (86.4%)(r=0.743, p=0.000). There is a strong positive correlation between CRP levels and CTSS in COVID 19 patients and a strong negative correlation between the CRP levels and outcome of COVID-19 patients (r= -0.449, p=0.000). Conclusion : Elevated serum CRP value is associated with disease progression and poorer outcome.

In-hospital severe COVID-19 in a philanthropic tertiary hospital setting: is asthma a concern? A retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among asthmatics has been reported to be reduced. However, the findings regarding the association between asthma and the risk of severe COVID-19 have been divergent. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether asthma is associated with a reduced risk of development of severe COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis on COVID-19 surveillance databases at two tertiary-level hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: The medical records of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 between March and August 2020 were reviewed in accordance with the clinical, laboratorial, radiological and epidemiological criteria for COVID-19, and for comorbidities. RESULTS: Among the adult patients included (> 18 years of age) there were 52 asthmatics and 1,318 non-asthmatics. Their median ages and interquartile ranges (IQR) were, respectively, 54 (41-69) and 60 (44-72) years. At least one comorbidity was seen in 73% of asthmatics and 56% of the non-asthmatics. Among the asthmatics, most presented mild asthma (92%) and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was high (27%). The asthmatics presented an unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for severe COVID-19 of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.5-1.56); and OR 0.88 (95% CI 0.5 -1.68) after multivariable adjustment. Age > 60 years, male sex, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and homelessness were covariates associated with increased odds for severe COVID-19. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival over hospitalization of up to 30 days did not differ between the groups (log-rank P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The association between asthma and decreased risk of severe COVID-19 or increased survival was statistically non-significant.

Efficacy of Various Treatment Modalities on Patientrelated Outcome in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients –A Retrospective Study

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in China, in December 2019, and was declared a pandemic by WHO on March 11, 2020. The treatment is evolving and is mostly supportive in nature. Material and methods: This was a single-center retrospective study that included confirmed COVID-19 cases treated at our institute (a tertiary care hospital in Jammu and Kashmir, India), between March 2020 and December 2020. Patients with age more than 18 years were included in the study. Results: On evaluating the effect of various drug therapies used in management of COVID-19 patients of all severity, use of remdesivir and famotidine was associated with significantly higher odds of survival. In subgroup of patients with severe disease, use of systemic steroids was associated with significantly higher odds of survival in addition to remdesivir and famotidine. In patients with severe COVID-19 illness, likelihood of survival was significantly higher in those who received combination of systemic steroids plus remdesivir compared to steroids and remdesivir alone. Conclusion: Steroids were effective in severe COVID-19 illness and the combination of steroids and remdesivir was more effective in severe illness. There is a need to undertake more large scale prospective randomized trials to determine the most effective drug therapies to treat the sick patients and prevent worsening of mild cases.

Riesgo de progresión de COVID-19 severo mediante la escala call en un hospital público del norte de Perú / Risk of progression of severe COVID-19 through call scale in a public hospital in northern Peru

Establecer la validez diagnóstica de la escala CALL como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 severo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo desde abril del 2020 hasta julio del 2021. Material y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio analítico, retrospectivo, en el cual se incluyeron a 177 pacientes con COVID-19 severo internados en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo, según criterios de selección, se calculó la escala CALL para cada uno y se asoció con la mortalidad encontrada; aplicándose la prueba estadística chi cuadrado; posteriormente se realizó un análisis de regresión multivariante para identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a la mortalidad. A su vez se utilizó el AUROC (área bajo la curva ROC) para establecer el rendimiento predictivo de la escala CALL. Resultados: De una muestra de 177 pacientes, al analizar la información mediante la curva ROC, se obtuvo un valor de corte 6 puntos para la escala CALL, con un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0.612 (p=0,014); sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo de 86%, 29%, 60% y 62% respectivamente. No se encontraron diferencias significativas estadísticamente en cuanto a sexo, edad, shock séptico, SOFA, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, necesidad de TRR ni compliance estática. En cambio, se evidenció asociación con la PaO2/FiO2(AU)

To establish the diagnostic validity of the CALL score as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit of the Trujillo Regional Teaching Hospital from April 2020 to July 2021.Material and methods: An analytical, retrospective study was carried out, in which 177 patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Trujillo were included, according to selection criteria, the CALL score was calculated for each one and was associated with the mortality found; applying the statistical chi 2 test; Subsequently, a multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with mortality. In turn, the AUROC (area under the ROC curve) was used to establish the predictive performance of the CALL score. Results: From a sample of 177 patients, when analyzing the information using the ROC curve, a cut-off value of 6 points was obtained for the CALL score, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.612 (p=0.014); sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 86%, 29%, 60% and 62% respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of sex, age, septic shock, SOFA, Charlson comorbidity index, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) or static compliance. On the other hand, an association with PaO2 / FiO2 was evidenced(AU)

Can copeptin predict the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 infection?

SUMMARY OBJETIVE Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly turned into a health problem globally. Early and effective predictors of disease severity are needed to improve the management of the patients affected with COVID-19. Copeptin, a 39-amino acid glycopeptide, is known as a C-terminal unit of the precursor pre-provasopressin (pre-proAVP). Activation of AVP system stimulates copeptin secretion in equimolar amounts with AVP. This study aimed to determine serum copeptin levels in the patients with COVID-19 and to examine the relationship between serum copeptin levels and the severity of the disease. METHODS The study included 90 patients with COVID-19. The patients with COVID-19 were divided into two groups according to disease severity as mild/moderate disease (n=35) and severe disease (n=55). All basic demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded and blood samples were collected. RESULTS Copeptin levels were significantly higher in the patients with severe COVID-19 compared with the patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 (p<0.001). Copeptin levels were correlated with ferritin and fibrinogen levels positively (r=0.32, p=0.002 and r=0.25, p=0.019, respectively), and correlated with oxygen saturation negatively (r=-0.37, p<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was revealed that copeptin (OR: 2.647, 95%CI 1.272-5.510; p=0.009) was an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 disease. A cutoff value of 7.84 ng/mL for copeptin predicted severe COVID-19 with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 80% (AUC: 0.869, 95%CI 0.797-0.940; p<0.001). CONCLUSION Copeptin could be used as a favorable prognostic biomarker while determining the disease severity in COVID-19.

Evaluation de la prise en charge des cas graves de COVID-19 aux soins intensifs dans un environnement à ressources limitées: expérience du centre de traitement des épidemies (CTE) d'Allada / NA

Introduction : Dans sa politique de riposte contre la pandémie liée à l'infection au SARS-COV2, le Bénin a opté pour la construction d'Hôpitaux dédiés exclusivement à la prise en charge des COVID19. Pendant la première vague de la pandémie en Afrique, les systèmes de santé n'étaient pas encore bien outillés pour faire face à cette pandémie. Nous vous rapportons l'expérience des soins intensifs du Centre de traitement des épidémies (CTE) d'ALLADA. Objectifs : évaluer la prise en charges des cas graves de COVID19 à l'USI du CTE ALLADA. Matériels et méthode : Il s'est agi d'une étude prospective, descriptive et analytique, réalisée aux soins intensifs du centre de traitement des épidémies d'ALLADA, du 1er juin au 31 Août 2020. Résultats : Quatre-vingt-quatorze malades étaient éligibles pour notre étude. L'âge moyen des malades était de 58,41 ans, le sex-ratio 1,61. Les comorbidités les plus représentatives étaient l'hypertension artérielle (70,21%), le diabète (31,91%), l'obésité morbide (21,28%) et l'asthme (15,96%). Selon le score de gravité adopté au Bénin, trente-six malades (38,30%) étaient classés cas graves grade3 et ont bénéficié d'une ventilation mécanique. La VNI était la technique de ventilation la plus utilisée (75% des cas). Le plateau technique était limité et les ressources humaines qualifiées insuffisantes. Les associations chloroquine/azithromycine ou lopinavir/ritonavir/ribavirine étaient les traitements spécifiques utilisés. La mortalité était de 27,66%. Conclusion : Malgré les conditions de travail difficiles, notamment le plateau technique limité et les ressources humaines qualifiées insuffisantes, les résultats obtenus après traitement des cas graves de COVID19 à l'USI du CTE ALLADA étaient encourageants

Introduction: To respond to the pandemic linked to the SARS-COV-2 infection, Benin has opted for the construction of hospitals dedicated exclusively to the treatment of COVID-19. During the first wave of the pandemic in Africa, health systems were not yet well equipped to deal with this pandemic. We here report the Intensive CareUnit (ICU) experience of the Epidemic Treatment Center of ALLADA (ETCA). Purpose: To assess the management of serious cases of COVID-19 in the ICU of ETCA. Materials and method: This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study, carried out in the ICU of ETCA, from June 1 to August 31, 2020. Results: Ninety-four patients were eligible for our study. The average age of the patients was 58.41 years with a sex ratio of 1.61. The most representative comorbidities were arterial hypertension (70.21%), diabetes (31.91%), morbid obesity (21.28%) and asthma (15.96%). According to the severity score adopted in Benin, thirty-six patients (38.30%) were classified as severe grade III cases and received mechanical ventilation. Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) was the most used ventilation technique (75% of cases). The technical platform was limited and the qualified human resources were insufficient. Chloroquine/azithromycin or lopinavir / ritonavir/ribavirine were the specific treatments used. Mortality was 27.66%. Conclusion: Despite the difficult working conditions, especially the limited technical platform and insufficient qualified human resources, the results obtained after treatment of serious cases of COVID-19 at the ICU of ETCA were encouraging

A severe COVID-19 case with schizophrenia as well as other chronic diseases

The prognosis of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is usually poor when it occurs in aged adults or in patients with chronic diseases, which brought a great challenge to clinical practice. Furthermore, widespread depression, anxiety, and panic related to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2) infection affected treatment compliance and recovery. Here we report the successful treatment of a 57-year-old male with severe COVID-19, schizophrenia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. The patient's negative emotions (such as tension, panic, and anxiety), particularly his aggression and paranoia, seriously hindered treatment, leading to a deteriorating condition. Psychological counseling and supportive psychotherapy were given but the effect was weak. To improve adherence, risperidone and quetiapine fumarate were replaced by olanzapine for anti-schizophrenic treatment to reduce insomnia and anxiety side effects, associated with sedative-hypnotic drugs as well as psychological counseling. The treatment compliance of the patient improved significantly. The patient's serum alanine aminotransferase increased abnormally in the late stage of hospitalization, suggesting potential liver damage after complex medication strategies. We also monitored the changes of lymphocyte subsets and retrospectively analyzed the virus-specific antibody response. The results suggested that dynamic monitoring of lymphocyte subsets and virus-specific antibody response could facilitate disease progression evaluation and timely treatment plan adjustments. An effective psychotropic drug intervention associated with psychological counselling and psychotherapy are essential for the successful adherence, treatment, and rehabilitation of psychiatric disorders in COVID-19 patients.