GM Allotypes and COVID-19. A Pilot Study Performed on Sicilian Patients

Several studies suggest that genetic variants that influence the onset, maintenance and resolution of the immune response might be fundamental in predicting the evolution of COVID-19. In the present paper, we analysed the dis-tribution of GM allotypes (the genetic markers of immunoglobulin g chains) in symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients and in healthy controls, all born and residing in Sicily. Indeed, the role played by GM allotypes in immune responses and infection control is well known. Our findings show that the GM23 allotype is significantly reduced in healthy controls. Interestingly, in a previous study, Sicilians carrying the GM23 allotype were associated with the risk of developing a symptomatic Human Cytomegalovirus infection. However, a note of caution should be considered, due to the small sample size of patients and controls.

Remote monitoring CoViD-19 patients, a telemedicine experience from Lodi (Italy)

Background and Aims: Starting from February 2020 it was clear that early identification of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and their isolation was the key to block the spread of the new disease. The aim of the study is to identify strengths and weaknesses of a telemedicine program. Methods: In order to avoid the hospitalization we enrolled 543 patient on telemedicine service. Monitored patients were required to submit twice a day to the dedicated platform their oximetry, HR, RR, body temperature, systolic blood pressure and their symptoms. Every set of data generated a color coded score viewed realtime by the HPs who performed a phone call and decided to run phone tests for a new color coded score that induced to apply corrective actions: new call, home examination or emergency intervention network activation. Results: On 453 patients 87% healed and 6.4% were hospitalized, 11,79% needed oxygen therapy. The mean time spent in the telemonitoring program was 24.21 days. Malaise was the most common and persistent symptom, followed by cough, lack of appetite and myalgia. Conclusions: Telemonitoring is a safe, low budget and patientfriendly alternative to hospitalization for mild CoViD-19 patients. Relying on elementary instrumentation entrusted to fragile patients, for an effective telemonitoring program, especially during an outbreak, is essential a sound training of health professionals who can train unskilled operators. It also needs a strong collaboration with the general practitioner and the emergency division team.