Humoral responses to the CoronoVac vaccine in healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response rate in emergency department (ED) healthcare workers (HCWs) and potential adverse effects after CoronaVac vaccination. METHODS: All included HCWs were grouped based on the previous history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the number of vaccinations. Furthermore, the IgG antibody response was evaluated based on the sex and smoking status of HCWs. Those with a cut-off index of ≥1.00 after vaccination with CoronaVac were considered to have had COVID-19 and had an adequate humoral response. RESULTS: Among 224 ED HCWs, 18% experienced the adverse effects of CoronaVac vaccine, the most prevalent being pain in the injection site. The IgG antibody response rate was 20% after the first dose of vaccine, while the response rate increased to 90% after the second dose. Female HCWs had higher IgG response rates compared with male HCWs (53.8 [15.9-147.0] vs 31.2 [4.5-124.0]). Non-smokers had higher IgG response rate compared with smokers (49.0 [11.5-160.5] vs 23.1 [7.4-98.5]). CONCLUSION: A single dose of CoronaVac does not produce a sufficient antibody response; hence, two doses are recommended. Men have a lower IgG response compared with women. Smokers had a lower IgG response rate compared with non-smokers. Therefore, it may be necessary to carefully assess the humoral responses of men and smokers when implementing a community vaccination program.

Predictors of mortality in patients less than 50 years old with coronavirus disease 2019: a multicenter experience in Istanbul.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to identify predictors of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and to assess the link between blood type and mortality in those patients. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study, which was conducted in seven training and research hospitals in Istanbul, involved young adults who aged ≥18 and <50 years and hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: Among 1,120 patients, confusion at admission (p<0.001) and oxygen saturation (p<0.001) were significantly predictive factors of mortality. Blood type O was significantly associated with mortality compared to those discharged from the hospital (p<0.001). Among co-morbidities, the most reliable predictive factors were cerebral vascular disease (p<0.001) and chronic renal failure (p=0.010). Among laboratory parameters, high C-reactive protein (p<0.001) and low albumin (p<0.001) levels were predictors of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019. CONCLUSIONS: SpO2 at admission was the best predictor of mortality in young adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The mortality rate was increased by cerebral vascular disease and chronic renal failure. Also, high C-reactive protein and low albumin levels were predictive factors of mortality. Moreover, blood type O was associated with a higher mortality rate than the other types.

Diagnostic accuracy of bedside ultrasonography in COVID-19 suspected patients admitted to the emergency department

Introduction: Due to the risk of cross contamination and radiation exposure of computed tomography (CT) and low sensitivity rate of X-Ray, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) lung can be used as a diagnostic tool of COVID-19 pneumonia. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential of POCUS for detection of lung pathologies caused by COVID-19. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted with 84 patients admitted to the emergency department with suspected COVID-19. CT and POCUS lung were performed for all participants. CCT was taken as the reference diagnostic method and the presence of B-lines or consolidation or pleural irregularity-thickening (>3 mm) in the lung in POCUS lung, were evaluated in favor of COVID-19 pneumonia. Results: Of the 84 patients included, lesions of COVID-19 pneumonia were detected 53.5%. COVID-19 pneumonia findings were shown by POCUS lung in 51.2% of participants. The left lower lobe in 48.8% and the right lower lobe in 47.6% of the patients were the most commonly affected regions. In POCUS lung, COVID-19 pneumonia lesions located in 2nd area for 44.0%, in 7th area for 35.7%, in 8th area for 34.5%. Sensitivity of POCUS lung was found to be 88.9%, specificity pointed for 92.3%, positive predictive value was 93.0% and negative predictive value was 87.8%. Conclusion: POCUS lung, has a high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in severe lung involvement. Therefore, POCUS lung should be the method of choice as its practical use, bedside availability and avoidance of radiation exposure for COVID-19 associated lung lesions. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Signa Vitae is the property of Pharmamed Mado Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)