ABSTRACT
Introduction: The novel Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is seen to primarily affect the human respiratory system. Chest CT Severity Score (CTSS) provides a semi quantitative assessment of pulmonary involvement in COVID19 patients. COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures such as SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are being deployed worldwide. However, with the emerging variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2, a high prevalence of post vaccination breakthrough infections is seen. Aim: To assess the association of CTSS with the vaccination status in a cohort of COVID-19 patients referred to a tertiary diagnostic centre and to evaluate the association of CTSS with other clinical parameters including co-morbidities in these patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care diagnostic imaging centre in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. Data of 1002 symptomatic, adult patients who underwent chest CT and SARSCoV-2 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR)/Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) laboratory test between March 13, 2021 and June 22, 2021, were collected. COVID-19 reportingand Data System (CO-RADS) categories and the corresponding semi quantitative CTSS were calculated for each patient. Based on their vaccination status, patients were categorised into three groups: unvaccinated, partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated. The association of CTSS with various categories of vaccination status, demographics, co-morbidities and stages of the disease of the patients, was evaluated. Results: Of the 1002 COVID-19 patients, 768 (76.6%) were unvaccinated, 190 (19.0%) were partially vaccinated and 44 (4.4%) were fully vaccinated. Mean CTSS in the fully vaccinated cohort was significantly lower (3.75 +/- 4.7) than that in the partially vaccinated (6.05 +/- 5.7) and unvaccinated (8.29 +/- 4.9) patients (mean 3.75 vs. 6.05 vs. 8.29, respectively;(p<0.05). Mean CTSS in patients with no co-morbidities was significantly lower than that in patients with hypertension and diabetes (7.12 vs. 8.75 vs. 10.39, respectively;(p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant association was noted between the Chest CTSS and the vaccination status, age, gender, co-morbidities and stage of disease in this large cohort of COVID-19 patients. The study reiterates that full vaccination aids in reducing the severity of lung involvement in COVID-19 infection.
ABSTRACT
Background. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been raging since the end of 2019 and has shown worse outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). The clinical differences as well as outcomes between these respiratory viruses have not been well defined in SOTR. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of adult SOTR with nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoalveolar lavage PCR positive for either SARS-CoV-2, non-SARSCoV-2 coronavirus, influenza, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from January 2017 to October 2020;both inpatient and outpatient. The follow up period was up to three months. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. Development of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was defined as new pulmonary infiltrates with or without symptoms. For statistical analysis, Fischer's exact test and log rank test were performed. Results. During study period, 157 SARS-CoV-2, 72 non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, 100 influenza, 50 RSV infections were identified. Patient characteristics and outcomes are shown in tables 1 and 2, respectively. Secondary infections were not statistically significantly different between SARS-CoV-2 vs. non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and influenza (p=0.25, 0.56) respectively, while it was statistically significant between SARS-CoV-2 and RSV (p=0.0009). Development of LRTI was higher in SARS-CoV-2 when compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (p=0.03), influenza (p=0.0001) and RSV (p=0.003). Admission to ICU was higher with SARS-CoV-2 compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (p=0.01), influenza (p=0.0001) and RSV (p=0.007). SARS-CoV-2 also had higher rates of mechanical ventilation when compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (p=0.01), influenza (p=0.01) and RSV (p=0.03). With time to event analysis, higher mortality with SARS-CoV-2 as compared to non-SARSCoV-2 coronavirus, influenza, and RSV (p=0.01) was shown (Figure 1). Conclusion. We found higher incidence of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality among SARS-CoV-2 SOTR vs other respiratory viruses. To validate these results, multicenter study is warranted.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been raging since the end of 2019. The clinical differences between non-SARSCoV-2 coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) are not well defined. Methods: This is a case control study of adult SOTR with PCR positive nasopharyngeal sample or bronchoalveolar lavage, for either SARS-CoV-2 or non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, from 1/2017 to 10/2020. Follow up period was up to three months. Secondary infections were diagnosed by culture or viral PCR from a sterile specimen. Clinical outcomes were compared amongst both groups. Results: Seventy-two non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and 129 SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified. Patient's demographic information and outcomes are shown in table 1 and 2 respectively. Secondary infections and ICU admissions were statistically significantly different between both groups, and higher mortality was observed in the SARS-CoV-2 group. With time to event analysis, there was trend to higher mortality with SARS-CoV-2 infection as compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 (p=0.06)(figure). Conclusions: Our study shows SOTR with SARS-CoV-2 infection may have a significant worse outcome as compared to non-SARS-CoV-2. Secondary infection was also common after this respiratory viral infection in both groups.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) are at high risk for severe disease with SARS-CoV-2. Data on efficacy of potential treatment options and long-term outcomes are lacking. We describe our experience with use of remdesivir and convalescent plasma in SOTr with COVID-19. Methods: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of SOTr diagnosed with SARSCoV- 2 infection by PCR from March 1st to September 30th, 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed based on univariate analysis to identify the risk factors for higher mortality. Results: 129 SOTr were identified (Table. 1). Median time from transplant to diagnosis of infection was 27 (IQR, 8-73) months. 48 (37.2%) and 27 (21%) patients received remdesivir and convalescent plasma, respectively (Table 2). 5/48 (10.4%) patients developed mild transaminitis that did not warrant discontinuation of therapy. No adverse effects were seen with convalescent plasma. Anti-metabolite agents were decreased or stopped in majority of the patients (81%). During follow-up, 12 (9%) patients developed clinically suspected acute rejection. Death, graft loss, and secondary infection occurred in 15 (12%), 20 (16%), and 20 (16%) recipients, respectively. RT-PCR negativity was achieved at a median of 37 (IQR, 25-41) days. Risk factors identified for high mortality were elevated creatinine (p=0.029, Odds ratio[OR] 1.5, 95% Confidence Interval[CI] 1.0- 2.1) and older age (p=0.003, OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 - 1.2) at the time of diagnosis. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive SOT recipients in our cohort had favorable outcomes. Use of remdesivir and convalescent plasma was found to be safe. Older age and elevated creatinine at the time of diagnosis were found to be risk factors for higher mortality.