The COVEG score to predict severity and mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 severity and mortality predictors could determine admission criteria and reduce mortality. We aimed to evaluate the clinical-laboratory features of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 to develop a novel score of severity and mortality. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to five Egyptian university hospitals. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, the duration of hospitalization, and disease outcome were analyzed, and a score to predict severity and mortality was developed. RESULTS: A total of 1308 patients with COVID-19, with 996 (76.1%) being moderate and 312 (23.9%) being severe cases, were included. The mean age was 46.5 ± 17.1 years, and 61.6% were males. The overall mortality was 12.6%. Regression analysis determined significant predictors, and a ROC curve defined cut-off values. The COVEG severity score was defined by age ≥ 54, D-dimer ≥ 0.795, serum ferritin ≥ 406, C-reactive protein ≥ 30.1, and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio ≥ 2.88. The COVEG mortality score was based on COVEG severity and the presence of cardiac diseases. Both COVEG scores had high predictive values (area under the curve 0.882 and 0.883, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: COVEG score predicts the severity and mortality of patients with COVID-19 accurately.

Consensus evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treat-to-target management of osteoporosis in Africa: an initiative by the African Society of Bone Health and Metabolic Bone Diseases.

The objective of this consensus statement is to inform the clinical practice communities, research centres and policymakers across Africa of the results of the recommendations for osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and management. The developed guideline provides state-of-the-art information and presents the conclusions and recommendations of the consensus panel regarding these issues. PURPOSE: To reach an African expert consensus on a treat-to-target strategy, based on current evidence for best practice, for the management of osteoporosis and prevention of fractures. METHOD: A 3-round Delphi process was conducted with 17 osteoporosis experts from different African countries. All rounds were conducted online. In round 1, experts reviewed a list of 21 key clinical questions. In rounds 2 and 3, they rated the statements stratified under each domain for its fit (on a scale of 1-9). After each round, statements were retired, modified or added in view of the experts' suggestions and the percent agreement was calculated. Statements receiving rates of 7-9 by more than 75% of experts' votes were considered as achieving consensus. RESULTS: The developed guidelines adopted a fracture risk-centric approach. Results of round 1 revealed that of the 21 proposed domains, 10 were accepted whereas 11 were amended. In round 2, 32 statements were presented: 2 statements were retired for similarity, 9 statements reached consensus, whereas modifications were suggested for 21 statements. After the 3rd round of rating, the experts came to consensus on the 32 statements. Frequency of high-rate recommendation ranged from 83.33 to 100%. The response rate of the experts was 100%. An algorithm for the osteoporosis management osteoporosis was suggested. CONCLUSION: This study is an important step in setting up a standardised osteoporosis service across the continent. Building a single model that can be applied in standard practice across Africa will enable the clinicians to face the key challenges of managing osteoporosis; furthermore, it highlights the unmet needs for the policymakers responsible for providing bone health care together with and positive outcomes of patients' care.