Dexamethasone for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Considering the disruptions imposed by lockdowns and social distancing recommendations, coupled with overwhelmed healthcare systems, researchers worldwide have been exploring drug repositioning strategies for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). OBJECTIVE: To compile results from randomized clinical trials on the effect of dexamethasone, compared with standard treatment for management of SARS-CoV-2. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in a Brazilian public university. METHODS: We sought to compile data from 6724 hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Treatment with dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality within 28 days (risk ratio, RR: 0.89; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.82-0.97). Dexamethasone use was linked with being discharged alive within 28 days (odds ratio, OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that dexamethasone may significantly improve the outcome among hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated severe respiratory complications. ­Further studies need to consider both dose-dependent administration and outcomes in early and later stages of the disease. PROSPERO platform: CRD42021229825.

Glycemic and lipidic profile in diabetic patients undergoing dialysis / Controle glicêmico e lipídico no paciente diabético em diálise

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical care pattern and to compare the lipid and glycemic profile in a group of diabetic patients undergoing both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to correlate these data using biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The first phase consisted in performing a survey on demographic data, questions about the medical team and glycemic control. In the second phase, patients were assessed through laboratorial data on their glycemic and lipid profile at a single center for HD and PD. RESULTS: 91 patients was the total population; 70 patients (77 percent) answered the survey; 66 patients (94 percent) considered the nephrologist the physician responsible for caring for their glycemic control. Second phase: 59 patients were assessed, 29 undergoing HD and 30 undergoing PD. Fifty-seven percent of the patients had HbA1c above 7 percent; the level of glycemic markers in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis was significantly higher than in patients undergoing hemodialysis: HbA1c (9.37 ± 0.5) vs. (7.37 ± 0.49) p < 0.01; fasting glycemia (170 ± 15) vs. (126 ± 15) mg/dL p < 0.05. We found a positive correlation between HbA1c and hyperfibrinogenemia (r = 0.4437, p < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: The data reveal that glycemic control in diabetic patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) is neglected. Peritoneal dialysis is related to the worst level of glycemic markers, possibly due to the glucose content in the dialysis solution, and higher levels from HbA1c have a positive correlation with hyperfibrinogenesis in this population.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características dos cuidados clínicos dos pacientes em diálise, comparar o controle glicêmico e lipídico entre os pacientes diabéticos em hemodiálise (HD) e em diálise peritoneal (DP) e correlacionar os dados laboratoriais com biomarcadores de risco cardiovascular. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: A primeira etapa consistiu de um questionário abordando variáveis demográficas, questões sobre a equipe multidisciplinar, incluindo a equipe médica e sobre o controle glicêmico. Na segunda, os pacientes foram avaliados com exames laboratoriais para controle glicêmico e perfil lipídico numa unidade de HD e DP. RESULTADOS: Dos 91 pacientes avaliados, setenta (77 por cento) responderam ao questionário. Destes, 66 (94 por cento) consideraram o nefrologista o médico responsável pelo cuidado do seu controle glicêmico. Na segunda etapa, foram avaliados 59 pacientes: 29 em HD e 30 em DP. Cinquenta e sete por cento dos pacientes diabéticos em diálise apresentaram HbA1c acima de 7 por cento, sendo que aqueles em diálise peritoneal apresentam níveis de marcadores glicêmicos significativamente piores do que os pacientes diabéticos em HD, HbA1c: (9,37 ± 0,5) vs. (7,37 ± 0,49) p < 0.01; glicemia de jejum: (170 ± 15) vs. (126 ± 15) mg/dL, p < 0.05. Encontramos uma correlação positiva entre HbA1c e hiperfibrinogenemia (r = 0.4437, p < 0.0005). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos dados permitem inferir que o controle glicêmico da população diabética em terapia renal de substituição (TRS) é negligenciado. A diálise peritoneal está relacionada com piora nos níveis de marcadores glicêmicos, possivelmente em decorrência do conteúdo de glicose das soluções de diálise, e os níveis elevados de HbA1c estão associados com hiperfibrinogenemia nesta população.