Enhancing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with Down syndrome: An integrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is a non-rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 800 live births worldwide. Further, it is associated with comorbidities, anatomical alterations of the respiratory tract, and immunological dysfunctions that make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. OBJECTIVE: To systematize the current scientific knowledge about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among individuals with DS. DESIGN AND SETTING: This integrative review was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This review was conducted in the following databases: the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, BVS), PubMed, and Web of Science, using MeSH descriptors. The search included English or Portuguese studies published between January 1, 2020, and October 14, 2022. RESULTS: A total of 55 articles from 24 countries were selected, comprising 21 case-control or cohort studies, 23 case reports or series, and 11 narrative reviews or opinion studies. The articles were grouped into five categories: previous comorbidities, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical features and evolution, cytokine storm and interleukins, living in institutions as a risk factor, and behavioral actions as a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Individuals with DS are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to variables such as previous comorbidities, immunological factors, and their habitable environments. These aspects confer a higher risk of infection and an unfavorable clinical course. The precise pathways involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in individuals with DS are not clear, thus requiring further studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The Open Science Framework registered the research protocol (https://osf.io/jyb97/).

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic / 中国当代儿科杂志

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a complex syndrome characterized by multi-organ involvement that has emerged in the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak. The clinical presentation of MIS-C is similar to Kawasaki disease but predominantly presents with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, and severe cases can involve toxic shock and cardiac dysfunction. Epidemiological findings indicate that the majority of MIS-C patients test positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of MIS-C remain unclear, though immune dysregulation following SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered a major contributing factor. Current treatment approaches for MIS-C primarily involve intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and symptomatic supportive care. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MIS-C.

COVID-19 in Children with West Syndrome: An Ambispective Study

Objectives To study the course of West syndrome (WS) and coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in children with WS who contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods This ambispective study was conducted at a tertiary-care center in North India between December 2020 and August 2021 after approval from the Institute Ethics Committee. Five children with WS, positive for COVID-19 based on RT-PCR, fulflled the inclusion criteria. Results One child with COVID-19 during the frst wave was retrospectively included while four children (of the 70 children screened) were prospectively enrolled. The median age at onset of epileptic spasms was 7 mo (2 boys), and that at presentation with COVID-19 was 18.5 mo. Three had underlying acquired structural etiology. Three were in remission following standard therapy, while two had ongoing spasms at the time of COVID-19 illness. During the illness, two of those in remission continued to be in remission while one child had a relapse. The children with ongoing epileptic spasms had variable course [one had persistent spasms and other had transient cessation lasting 3 wk from day 2 of COVID-19 illness, but electroencephalography (on day 8 of COVID-19 illness) continued to show hypsarrhythmia]. Fever was the most typical symptom (and sometimes the only symptom) of COVID-19, with a duration ranging from 1–8 d. Two children had moderate COVID-19 illness requiring hospitalization, while the rest had a mild illness. All the afected children had complete recovery from COVID-19. Conclusion The severity of COVID-19 illness in children with WS is often mild, while the subsequent course of WS is variable.

Pleural empyema after COVID-19: A delayed presentation

Globally, the number of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths shows a declining trend since a peak in January 2022. For now, the pandemic phase looks to be ended, until a severe new variant may trigger another wave. At present, in India, small pockets of COVID-19 cases and post-COVID complications are still being reported. Therefore, physicians should remain vigilant about the atypical presentations and potential delayed or long-term complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in individuals who had a mild COVID-19 infection. Here, we present the case of a 52-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension, who is a non-smoker and developed culture-negative pleural empyema 7 months after a mild COVID-19 infection. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Awareness, perceptions, and attitude towards Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine among pregnant women in India: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The present study was conducted to explore the awareness and perception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among pregnant women. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01, 2021, to September 28, 2021, among 301 pregnant women aged 18–35 years at antenatal care outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra. Results: On assessing the knowledge and awareness score, the mean score (± standard deviation) was 7.83 ± 1.2 out of 16. A total of 176 (58.5%) had good scores(?8). There was no statistically significant association between knowledge and awareness scores and the level of education, type of residence, and age or with weeks of gestation. Although the overall awareness of study participants was satisfactory, 177 (58.8%) felt that COVID-19 vaccines should be avoided during the first trimester. Interestingly, 45 (15.3%) felt that vaccines should not be given during menstruation. There were misconceptions about perceived contraindication, with 81(26.9%), 50(16.6%) and 43(14.4%) responding that diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are contradicts respectively. Interestingly, a total of 52 (17.3%) responded as likely when enquired whether the present vaccine can cause infertility. Similarly, about 62% of study participants felt that the vaccine might alter the DNA. Conclusion: The present study revealed good overall knowledge and awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant with certain misconceptions. The findings suggest that immediate health education programs, risk communication, and correct information should be disseminated by respective health authorities.

A review of venous thromboembolism in India

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which entails the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) in a vein, has a significant disease burden worldwide. While VTE has traditionally been considered to predominantly affect Caucasian populations, recent studies have indicated a gradual shift in the disease burden towards Asian populations, with added significance of it being a key driver of post-operative mortality. It is imperative to develop a sound understanding of the various factors that affect VTE in stratified local populations. However, there is a glaring paucity of quality data on VTE and its ramifications among Indians - both in terms of quality of life and cost of healthcare. This review aims to throw light on the disease burden, epidemiology, risk factors, environmental factors, food and nutrition that plays a key role in VTE. We also explored the association of VTE with coronavirus disease 2019 to grasp the interplay between the two most significant public health crises of our time. It is vital to place a special emphasis on future research on VTE in India to plug the gaps, which exist in our current knowledge of the disease, particularly with respect to Indian population

Comparative study of the clinicoepidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients of first wave and second wave admitted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nadiad, Gujarat, India

Background: According to other studies, second wave was different as compared to the first wave in clinical outcomes and laboratory parameters. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to compare the clinicoepidemiological features and their effect on mortality in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients of first wave versus second wave. Materials and Methods: We carried out cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective study among two groups of COVID-19 patients of first and second wave. Each group contains a 135 patients of COVID-19 admitted at our hospital. We analyzed the demographic profile, clinical features, comorbidities, and inflammatory markers. Results: In our study, majority patients were male (67%). Majority number of the patients were between 18 and 60 years of age in both the groups. Presenting complaint of shortness of breath was significantly higher in second wave and sore throat was significantly higher in first wave. SpO2 on admission was significantly lower in second wave (93% vs. 98%). Median value of C-reactive protein (6.865 vs. 2.805), neutrophil-leucocyte ratio (4.647 vs. 2.917), and D-dimer (679.5 vs. 450) were significantly higher in second wave. Second wave had significantly higher mortality as compared to first wave (18.5% vs. 4.4%). However, level of D-dimer was found significantly higher in patients who died during first wave (6820 vs. 848). Higher mortality was seen in male patients of second wave. Conclusion: Overall higher mortality was seen during the second wave which was supported by increased in the inflammatory markers. Delta variant, late admission, increased demand of oxygen support, and intensive care unit beds may have led to higher mortality.

Lipschütz acute vulvar ulcer related to COVID-19 vaccination: First case report in South America / Úlcera vulvar aguda de Lipschütz relacionada con la vacunación por COVID-19: primer caso notificado en Sudamérica

Lipschütz ulcer is a non-sexually transmitted genital lesion of unknown etiology, which presents as a painful vulvar ulcer. Lipschütz ulcers have been described in most continents. This is the first case reported in Peru and South America. We present the case of a 33-year-old female patient with a Lipschütz ulcer after being vaccinated with the second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. She reported having had only one sexual partner in her lifetime. Laboratory results were negative for herpes simplex 2, Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma gondii, Epstein-Barr virus, and syphilis. The patient received symptomatic treatment. Ten days after the onset, the patient was significantly better during follow-up. This case report displays a potential adverse effect of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a Lipschütz ulcer triggered by the host humoral immune response. However, further research is needed to establish the causal relationship between these two.

La úlcera de Lipschütz es una lesión genital no transmitidas por vía sexual de etiología desconocida, se presenta como una úlcera vulvar muy dolorosa. Las úlceras de Lipschütz se han descrito en la mayoría de los continentes. Este es el primer caso que se reporta en Perú y Sudamérica. En este reporte de caso se presentauna paciente de 33 años con una úlcera de Lipschütz luego de haber sido vacunada con la segunda dosis de la vacuna AstraZeneca COVID-19. Refirió haber tenido una sola pareja sexual a lo largo de su vida. Los resultados de laboratorio fueron negativos para herpes simplex 2, Citomegalovirus, Toxoplasma gondii, virus de Epstein-Barr y sífilis. La paciente recibió tratamiento sintomático. Diez días después, durante el seguimiento, la paciente estaba significativamente mejor. Este reporte de caso expone un potencial efecto adverso de la vacuna AstraZeneca COVID-19, en forma de úlcera de Lipschütz, desencadenado por la respuesta inmune humoral del huésped. Sin embargo, es necesario realizar más investigación para establecer la relación causal entre ambos.

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris determined in two cases after COVID-19 infection

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) is a rare disease characterized by iris atrophy. Although it can be self-limiting, it is sometimes progressive and can lead to glaucoma and severe vision loss. Two female patients were admitted to our clinic because of a change in iris color following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. After the exclusion of other etiologies in the eye examination, BADI was diagnosed in both cases. Thus, it was shown that COVID-19 may also be involved in the etiology of BADI.

A close contact of coronavirus disease 2019 with severe imported malaria: a case report / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

This article presents a severe cerebral malaria patient in shock with a close contact of COVID-19 that was successfully cured in a negative pressure ward during the global pandemic of COVID-19. The patient experienced a sudden onset of high fever and coma in a designated isolation hotel after returning from Africa, and was transferred to a designated hospital. Following antimalarial therapy, blood pressure elevation, increase of blood volume, bedside hemodialysis, mechanical ventilation, plasma and platelet transfusions, the case gradual recovered.

Psychological Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Practitioners in Selangor, Malaysia

@#Introduction: The Coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) has had psychological implications and altered the public’s well-being. In response to the pandemic, mental health practitioners play an essential role in mitigating the adverse psychological effects among the public. However, as the demand for mental health services increases, the responsibilities of mental health professionals are far stretched from what they can handle. Therefore, this research is aimed to explore the psychological impact of the pandemic on the mental health practitioners in Selangor and their coping strategies. Method: A total of 10 mental health practitioners who are clinical psychologists and counselors participated in the one-to-one interview. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. Result: The higher client loads, the transition to virtual therapy, burnout, and anxiety were found to have an impact on the mental health practitioners’ well-being. Despite the challenging psychological impact, the mental health practitioners expressed a high level of satisfaction with their jobs, which they attributed to the supportive organisational culture and their intrinsic drive for selecting this profession. The mental health practitioners have reported that perceived organisational support, social support, and self-care approaches are effective coping mechanisms. Mindfulness skills such as breathing techniques and meditation are often practiced by the participants to calm the mind and body from a long day of work. Conclusion: The implication of the study contributes to breaking the stigmatisation of help seeking behaviour among the helping professions, as well as urging the policy makers, governments, and foundations to play a part in providing accessible and quality mental healthcare to the society.

The impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Lung cancer is a complex disease with its own challenges, and is considered to be one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has exacerbated these challenges. The aim of this review is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. We hope to provide some experience and help for the whole process management of lung cancer patients.

Perioperative mechanical ventilation strategy for COVID-19 patients: Recommendation / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has gradually spread all over the world. With the implementation of class B infectious disease management policy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), China has experienced a pandemic. For patients receiving a time-sensitive or emergency surgery, SARS-CoV-2 infection may increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. An appropriate perioperative mechanical ventilation strategy, such as lung protective ventilation strategy, is particularly important for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing general anesthesia. In addition, how to protect medical personnel from being infected is also the focus we need to pay attention to. This article will discuss the perioperative mechanical ventilation strategy for COVID-19 patients and the protection of medical personnel, in order to provide reference for the development of guidelines.

Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcome of pregnancy complicated with novel coronavirus infection during the omicron epidemic period / 中国综合临床

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy during the prevalence of Omikjon.Methods:Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 65 pregnant women (COVID-19 group) admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from November 1 to December 24, 2022, who received COVID-19 in late pregnancy and delivered, including 64 mild cases and 1 medium case. In addition, 182 pregnant women with negative detection of novel coronavirus nucleic acid due to obstetric factors were selected as the control group. Compare the perinatal data, pregnancy complications, delivery related indicators, and neonatal outcomes between the two groups. To analyze the detection results of novel coronavirus in newborns delivered by COVID-19 pregnant women. The measurement data is represented by xˉ± s, and independent sample t-test is used for inter group comparison; Counting data is represented by examples(%), and comparisons between groups are conducted using χ 2 test or Fisher's exact probability method. Results:There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of delivery age, gestational age, pregnancy complications, cesarean section rate, perinatal bleeding volume and the amount of hemostatic medication used, newborn birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) transfer rate (all P>0.05). The proportion of amniotic fluid reduction in the COVID-19 combination was higher than that in the control group [7.69%(5/65) vs 0.55% (1/182)], with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.006). In COVID-19 group, 3 out of 5 pregnant women with amniotic fluid decrease had fever for 3-5 days before amniotic fluid decrease. After intravenous fluid replacement, the amniotic fluid index was >8 cm, and there was no recurrent amniotic fluid decrease during pregnancy. Among 65 newborns in COVID-19 group, 20 were negative for novel coronavirus nucleic acid detection after birth; 45 cases were negative for novel coronavirus antigen detection. After the birth of the newborn, the mother and baby were roomed together and breastfed. Among them, one case was transferred to NICU due to vomiting, one case was transferred to NICU due to nasal obstruction, one case was transferred to NICU due to the mother's fever at birth, and three cases were positive for new coronavirus nucleic acid detection. After general treatment, they recovered and discharged from hospital. Conclusions:During the prevalence of Omikjon, COVID-19 did not increase the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and vertical transmission was not found in newborns delivered by COVID-19 pregnant women.

Investigation on mental health status of medical students in clerkship of a university during the pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To investigate the psychological status of medical students in clerkship during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), analyze the psychological status characteristics and influencing factors of them, and provide an effective basis for carrying out corresponding mental health education and countermeasures.Methods:The survey was conducted on clerkship medical students in the form of questionnaires, including self-made general status questionnaires, symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) and social support rate scale (SSRS). Statistical analysis was made on above data, chi-square test was used for rates comparison, t test was for comparison between groups, and Spearman correlation analysis was conducted. Results:The survey obtained 359 valid questionnaires, 18.38% of medical students had different aspects of psychological problems. There was no statistical difference between male and female. For those who knew that there was free psychological counseling for the COVID-19, the levels of three factors, such as compulsive symptoms, anxiety, and hostility, were lower than those of the others who didn't know that [(1.30 ± 0.44) vs. (1.41±0.55), (1.19±0.30) vs. (1.26±0.42), (1.17±0.35) vs. (1.26±0.44), P < 0.05]. SSRS results showed that male students had lower social support availability than female students [(7.46±2.03) vs. (8.10±2.06), P=0.004], and except for somatization, other SCL-90 factors scores of the students were negatively correlated with SSRS scores. Conclusion:During the pandemic, medical students in clerkship have a certain degree of psychological problems, which are negatively related to social support, suggesting that these medical students' mental health can be improved by improving social support.

Neurologic involvement in children with coronavirus disease 2019 / 中国小儿急救医学

The clinical manifestations of neuropathies associated with novel coronavirus infection are diverse, including headache, mental disorders, acute encephalitis(meningitis), acute disseminated cerebrospinal meningitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, acute encephalopathy and even acute (hemorrhagic) necrotic encephalopathy, which can be attributed to a variety of potential pathophysiological mechanisms.The severity of cytokine storm, vascular endothelial cell injury (including blood-brain barrier) and hypoxic ischemic injury determines the prognosis of infected patients.The treatment mainly includes general supportive therapy and immune regulation.Clinicians need to monitor and evaluate the degree of brain dysfunction and prognosis, and ensure timely treatment.

Gut microbiota and the coronavirus disease 2019 / 中国小儿急救医学

Gut microbiota regulates the immune response of distal organs through microbiota-metabolites, microbiota related molecular patterns and interactions between microorganisms and immune cells.The gut microbiota can be affected by direct infection of intestine or indirect immunity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.The gut microbiota can also affect the virus through the diversity of microbiota and the interaction of specific microorganisms and viruses or their metabolites.Beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium adolescentis in the gut microbiota can promote the production of antibodies against COVID-19 vaccine, including inactivated vaccine and RNA vaccine.Microbiota disorder has a long-term impacts on some COVID-19 patients, and interventions of gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, having a certain effect on the treatment of COVID-19.

Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on stress response and job burnout of head nurses in the context of Coronavirus disease 2019 / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the efforts of applying mindfulness stress reduction therapy in alleviating stress reactions and burnout among head nurses in the context of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:This was a quasi experimental study. In June 2021, 109 head nurses with mild or above burnout measured by Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) from 12 hospitals in Zhangjiagang City were selected as the research objects to implement mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy for 8 weeks, and the scores of the Five Facet Mindfulness Question-naire (FFMQ), Stress Response Questionnaire (SRQ) and MBI of the head nurses were compared before and after the intervention.Results:The five dimensions of observation, description, perceived action, non-judgment, and non-response and the total scores of the FFMQ were (26.28 ± 1.32), (26.94 ± 1.29), (25.49 ± 0.99), (25.45 ± 1.05), (23.48 ± 1.01), and (127.63 ± 3.78) of the post-intervention, which were higher than the pre-intervention scores of (25.04 ± 1.37), (25.04 ± 1.37), (25.37 ± 1.18), (24.15 ± 1.00), (24.09 ± 0.98), (22.26 ± 1.04), and (120.90 ± 4.06), with statistically significant differences ( t values were -39.21- -15.36, all P<0.01). The three dimensions of emotional, somatic, and behavioral responses and total scores of the post-intervention SRQ were (27.70 ± 6.12), (20.75 ± 4.20), (15.19 ± 3.11), and (65.99 ± 12.43), respectively, lower than the pre-intervention scores of (29.19 ± 6.91), (21.86 ± 5.20), (16.48 ± 4.16), and (70.12 ± 15.97), with statistically significant differences ( t values were 5.70-9.33, all P<0.01); the scores of dimensions of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization in post-intervention MBI were (26.24 ± 4.60) and (5.96 ± 1.25), lower than the pre-intervention scores of (29.66 ± 6.02) and (6.90 ± 1.59). The post-intervention scores of personal fulfillment (32.37 ± 5.02), higher than the pre-intervention scores of (28.60 ± 6.04), all with statistically significant differences ( t=15.36, 13.50, -9.65, all P<0.01). Conclusions:The implementation of mindfulness stress reduction therapy for the head nurses can relieve their work pressure due to the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, reshape their healthy psychology, and reduce job burnout.

Early prediction of severe COVID-19 in patients with Sjögren's syndrome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the predictive value of blood cell ratios and inflammatory markers for adverse prognosis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) combined with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively collected clinical data from 80 patients with PSS and COVID-19 who visited the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from December 2022 to February 2023. Inclusion criteria were (1) meeting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome; (2) confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or antigen testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); (3) availability of necessary clinical data; (4) age > 18 years. According to the clinical classification criteria of the "Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (trial the 10th Revised Edition)", the patients were divided into the mild and severe groups. Disease activity in primary Sjögren' s syndrome was assessed using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren' s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI). Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein-lymphocyte ratio (CLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and other laboratory data were compared between the two groups within 24-72 hours post-infection.@*RESULTS@#The mild group consisted of 66 cases with an average age of (51. 52±13. 16) years, and the severe group consisted of 14 cases with an average age of (52.64±10.20) years. Disease activity, CRP, platelets, PLR, and CLR were significantly higher in the severe group compared with the mild group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis using age, disease activity, CRP, platelets, PLR, and CLR as independent variables indicated that disease activity, CRP, PLR, and CLR were correlated with the severity of COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that PLR (OR=1.016, P < 0.05) and CLR (OR=1.504, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 in the critically ill patients. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for PLR and CLR was 0.708 (95%CI: 0.588-0.828) and 0.725 (95%CI: 0.578-0.871), respectively. The sensitivity for PLR and CLR was 0.429 and 0.803, respectively, while the highest specificity was 0.714 and 0.758, respectively. The optimal cutoff values for PLR and CLR were 166.214 and 0.870, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#PLR and CLR, particularly the latter, may serve as simple and effective indicators for predicting the prognosis of patients with PSS and COVID-19.

Effects of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 on semen parameters and sex-related hormone levels in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has yet to be proven to alter male reproductive function, particularly in the majority of mild/asymptomatic patients. The purpose of this study was to explore whether mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 affects semen quality and sex-related hormone levels. To find suitable comparative studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis was done up to January 22, 2022, by using multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify and choose the studies. Meta-analysis was used to examine the semen parameters and sex-related hormones of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 patients before and after infection. The effects of semen collection time, fever, and intensity of verification on semen following infection were also investigated. A total of 13 studies (n = 770) were included in the analysis, including three case-control studies, six pre-post studies, and four single-arm studies. A meta-analysis of five pre-post studies showed that after infection with COVID-19, sperm concentration (I2 = 0; P = 0.003), total sperm count (I2 = 46.3%; P = 0.043), progressive motility (I2 = 50.0%; P < 0.001), total sperm motility (I2 = 76.1%; P = 0.047), and normal sperm morphology (I2 = 0; P = 0.001) decreased. Simultaneously, a systematic review of 13 studies found a significant relationship between semen collection time after infection, inflammation severity, and semen parameter values, with fever having only bearing on semen concentration. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in sex-related hormone levels before and after infection in mild/asymptomatic patients. Mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 infection had a significant effect on semen quality in the short term. It is recommended to avoid initiating a pregnancy during this period of time.