The predictive value of epicardial fat volume for clinical severity of COVID-19.

Introduction: Epicardial adipose tissue serves as a source of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Cytokine storm is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objectives: To investigate the association between epicardial fat volume (EFV), inflammatory biomarkers and clinical severity of COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective study included 101 patients who were infected with COVID-19. Serum inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) and ferritin levels were measured. Computed tomography images were analyzed and semi-automated measurements for EFV were obtained. The primary composite endpoint was admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or death. Results: The primary composite endpoint occurred in 25.1% (n=26) of patients (mean age 64.8±14.8 years, 14 male). A total of 10 patients died. EFV, CRP, PCT, ferritin and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in ICU patients. Moreover, a positive correlation was determined between EFV and CRP (r: 0.494, p<0.001), PCT (r: 0.287, p=0.005), ferritin (r: 0.265, p=0.01) and IL-6 (r: 0.311, p=0.005). On receiver operating characteristic analysis, patients with EFV >102 cm3 were more likely to have severe complications. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, EFV independently predicted admission to the ICU at a significant level (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03, p=0.025). Conclusion: EFV and serum CRP, IL-6, PCT and ferritin levels can effectively assess disease severity and predict the outcome in patients with COVID-19. EFV is an independent predictor of admission to the ICU in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Introdução: O tecido adiposo epicárdico é fonte de citocinas inflamatórias e mediadores. A tempestade de citocinas é uma importante causa de morbilidade e mortalidade na doença coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). Objetivos: Investigar a associação entre volume adiposo epicárdico (VAE), biomarcadores inflamatórios e gravidade clínica da COVID-19. Métodos: Este estudo retrospetivo incluiu 101 doentes infetados com COVID-19. Foram avaliados biomarcadores inflamatórios séricos, incluindo os níveis de proteína C-reativa (PCR), de interleucina-6 (IL-6), de procalcitonina (PCT) e de ferritina. Foram analisadas imagens de tomografia computorizada (TC) e foram obtidas medições semi-automáticas do VAE. O endpoint primário composto foi a admissão na unidade de cuidados intensivos (UCI) ou morte. Resultados: O endpoint primário ocorreu em 25,1% (n=26) dos doentes (idade média 64,8±14,8 anos, 14 homens). Um total de 10 doentes morreu. Os níveis de VAE, PCR, PCT, ferritina e IL-6 foram significativamente superiores nos doentes internados na UCI. Além disso, verificou-se uma correlação positiva entre o VAE e a PCR (r: 0,494, p<0,001), PCT (r: 0,287, p=0,005), ferritina (r: 0,265, p=0,01) e IL-6 (r: 0,311, p=0,005). Na análise de regressão logistica multivariada, os doentes com VAE>102 cm3 tinham maior probabilidade de ter complicações graves. Conclusão: O VAE e os níveis séricos de PCR, IL-6, PCT e ferritina podem avaliar a gravidade da doença e prever o resultado em doentes com COVID-19. O VAE constitui um fator preditivo na admissão dos doentes hospitalizados com COVID-19 numa UCI.

Sarcopenia and Its Prognostic Role on Hospitalization and In-Hospital Mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients with At Least One Cardiovascular Risk Factor.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 infection is a global pandemic that has affected the whole world population. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of cross-sectional area, muscle index, and muscle attenuation values in computed tomography-based skeletal groups [erector spinae muscle, pectoralis muscle, and total skeletal muscle] of patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 and with at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor. METHODS: A total of 232 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor were enrolled in the study, retrospectively. The cross-sectional area, muscle index, and attenuation of erector spine muscle, pectoralis muscle, and total skeletal muscle were automatically measured on computed tomography images. The study population was assigned into tertiles on the basis of the total SMcsa index. The relationship between the values obtained and the length of hospital stay, admission to intensive care unit, the need for invasive mechani cal ventilation, and mortality was investigated. RESULTS: Admission to intensive care unit, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and mor tality were higher at tertile 3 groups than in the other groups (all P values <.001). Statistically, all muscle measurements were significantly lower in tertile 3 (P <.001). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and total SMcsa index were predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on the basis of Cox regression analysis. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis for the proportion of survivors relative to the total SMcsa index, tertile 3 had the highest mortal ity (survival rates 57%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia and attendant cardiovascular comorbidities can effectively assess dis ease severity and predict outcome in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Incidence and risk factors for COVID-19 associated candidemia (CAC) in ICU patients.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill COVID-19 patients have a high risk for the development of candidemia due to being exposed to both well-defined classical risk factors and COVID-19-specific risk factors in ICU. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the incidence of candidemia in critically COVID-19 patients, and the independent risk factors for candidemia. PATIENTS/METHODS: COVID-19 patients hospitalised in ICU during 1-year period (August 2020 to August 2021) were included. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of all COVID-19 patients, applied treatments, and invasive procedures that may predispose to candidemia were recorded. RESULTS: Of 1229 COVID-19 patients, 63 developed candidemia. Candidemia incidence rate was 4.4 episodes per 1000 ICU days. The most common species was Candida albicans (52.3%). Only 37 patients (58.7%) received antifungal therapy. The presence of central venous catheter (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.8-12.2, p < .005), multifocal candida colonisation (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.2, p < .005), a prolonged ICU stay (≥14 days) (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.08-3-37, p < .05), the absence of chronic lung disease (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-0.9, p < .05) and the absence of corticosteroid use (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.14-0.52, p < .0001) were significantly associated with candidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study filled the knowledge gap in the literature about the impact of COVID-19-associated risk factors for the development of candidemia. The classical risk factors for candidemia had a significant effect on candidemia, and contrary to expectations, corticosteroids had a protective effect against the development of candidemia. The results of these studies showing interesting effects of corticosteroids in critically ill COVID-19 patients should be confirmed by further studies.

Investigation of the relation between risk assessment of exposure and nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare workers: a prospective single-centre study.

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the risk groups for COVID-19. Determining transmission routes and risk levels during healthcare is of great importance in preventing nosocomial outbreaks. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of nosocomial transmission and factors affecting the transmission in HCW. METHODS: HCWs admitted to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic due to contact with a COVID-19 patient and diagnosed with SARS-COV-2 by reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 822 HCWs with 295 low, 284 intermediate and 243 high-risk exposures were included in the study. 27.1% of the HCWs were male, and the median age was 31.9 years (20-62). 89.5% of these patients were directly in charge of patient care. Of the index cases contacted, 72.6% were HCW, and 27.4% were non-HCW patients. Most of the risky exposure (51.7%) occurred in nurses. The occurrence frequency of high-risk exposure was lower in those assigned to direct patient care when compared with the occurrence frequency of moderate-risk or low-risk exposures (76.5%, 94.7, 95.3, respectively p<0.001). In most high-risk exposures (220/253), the index cases were HCWs (p<0.001). Symptoms were detected in 311 of the HCWs (37.8%) during the follow-up. The median time to perform SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR was 5.3 days (IQR) after the last risky exposure. In multivariate analysis, SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity was 5.65 times higher in HCWs not directly involved in patient care than HCWs who are not involved in patient care (95% CI 2.437 to 13.111; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides particularly useful information on post-exposure COVID-19 follow-up and management of working schedules and procedures of HCWs.

Thiol levels in mild or moderate COVID-19 patients: A comparison of variant and classic COVID-19 cases.

BACKGROUND: Various variants of the COVID-19 have started to attract attention recently. The clinical course of these variants and possible predictive parameters are being investigated. This study aimed to examine the relationship between thiol levels, which are indicators of oxidative stress, and variant COVID-19 types. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients with a diagnosis of classic COVID-19 and patients with a diagnosis of variant COVID-19 with mild and moderate symptoms followed in the clinical observatory of Ankara city hospital were included in the study group. The patients were divided into two groups according to the COVID-19 type as a variant and classic COVID-19, and a healthy control group was added for comparison. A complete blood count and thiol analysis were performed from the venous blood samples. Obtained results were compared between groups, and the ROC analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thiol levels were significantly lower in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 compared with the control group. In terms of WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, NLR, ferritin and thiol parameters, patients with variant COVID-19 differed significantly from patients with a classic COVID-19 diagnosis. Thiol levels' cut-off values to distinguish between variant COVID-19 patients and control group from classical COVID-19 patients were almost identical (423 and 422 µmol/L, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It seems possible to use thiol as a sensitive, specific and cost-effective marker to suspect variant COVID-19 cases. Since this study is probably the first example in this subject, it would form a basis for further studies.

Interleukin-6 level is an independent predictor of right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Cytokine storm with elevated levels of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory system activation underlie the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether increased interleukin (IL)-6 levels can predict right ventricular (RV) systolic impairment in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS: This prospective, observational study included 100 consecutive patients hospitalized with mild and moderate COVID-19. All the patients underwent chest computerized tomography, detailed laboratory tests including IL-6, and two dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with assessment of 2D conventional and Doppler echocardiography parameters and RV systolic functions. RESULTS: After the elimination of six patients with exclusion criteria, the remaining patients were classified into two groups, namely normal RV systolic functions (n=60) and impaired RV systolic functions (n=34). IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with impaired RV systolic functions than in those with normal RV systolic functions (20.3, 4.6, p<0.001, respectively). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and RV derived tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) S' measurements were similar between the two groups. RV fractional area change was significantly lower, and RV TDI derived index of myocardial performance was significantly higher in patients with impaired RV systolic functions. In multivariate analysis, IL-6 levels independently predicted deterioration in RV systolic function at a significant level (odds ratio: 1.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.20, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: IL-6 is an independent predictor of RV systolic impairment in patients hospitalized with mild and moderate COVID-19 suggesting a possible pathogenetic mechanism. IL-6 levels can be used to predict RV systolic impairment in patients suffering from this infection.

Characteristics of candidemia in COVID-19 patients; increased incidence, earlier occurrence and higher mortality rates compared to non-COVID-19 patients.

Severe COVID-19 patients in ICU are at high risk for candidemia due to exposure to multiple risk factors for candidemia. We aimed to compare the incidence of candidemia in ICU patients with and without COVID-19, and to investigate epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of candidemia patients and risk factors for mortality in candidemia patients. This retrospective study was conducted in patients followed in the ICUs of Ankara City Hospital for 2 years, divided into pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The incidence (event per 1000 patient-days) and epidemiology of candidemia, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients were compared in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups. Candidemia incidence was higher in the COVID-19 group (2.16, 95% CI 1.77-2.60) than the non-COVID-19 group (1.06, 95% CI 0.89-0.125) (p < .001). A total of 236 candidemia episodes (105 in COVID-19 patients and 131 in non-COVID-19 patients) were detected during the study periods. COVID-19 cases had a higher rate of corticosteroid use (63.8% vs. 9.9%, p < .001). Epidemiology of candidemia and antifungal susceptibility were similar. Candidemia developed 2 weeks earlier in COVID-19 groups and resulted in higher mortality (92.5% vs. 79.4%, p .005). One-third of candidemia patients died before receiving any antifungal treatment, and this rate was higher in the COVID-19 group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, corticosteroid use, presence of sepsis and age older than 65 years were independent risk factors for mortality in candidemia patients. Candidemia with high mortality is a more serious problem for COVID-19 patients due to its increased incidence, earlier occurrence and a higher rate of mortality.

The Effect of prolonged PCR Positivity on patient Outcomes and Determination of Isolation period in COVID-19 patients.

AIMS: The impact of ongoing PCR positivity on COVID-19 patients and the strategy and period of isolation were not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the factors that cause prolonged PCR positivity and its clinical impact on COVID-19 infection. In addition, we searched for an answer on what length of time would be best for isolation. METHODS: Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were included in this retrospective study. Patients with PCR positivity (after symptom onset) longer than 14 days and PCR positivity less than 14 days were compared. The relationship between duration of symptoms and PCR negation time was examined. RESULTS: A total of 339 patients were included in this study. Fifty (14%) patients had prolonged PCR positivity after 14 days. Demographic and clinical features, and clinical outcomes (disease severity and mortality) were similar among the two groups. Age (p 0.035) and symptom duration at admission (P < .001) were found as independent factors for prolonged PCR positivity. Median of total symptom duration was 7 days (IQR: 5-11). The duration of negative conversion of PCR test was median 9 days (IQR: 7-12) after symptom onset and PCR tests became negative 3 days (IQR: 2-5) after symptom improvement. CONCLUSIONS: We found that ongoing PCR positivity has no detrimental effect on the course of the disease and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. In addition, our results showed that isolation may be discontinued 10-14 days after symptom onset and/or after 2-5 days after resolution of symptoms. This results also support WHO and ECDC recommendations on this matter.

Comparing ICU admission rates of mild/moderate COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, and hydroxychloroquine plus favipiravir.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare the intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate of hospitalized mild/moderate COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), favipiravir, and HCQ plus favipiravir. METHODS: Single center retrospective designed observational study conducted in Ankara City Hospital. Patients who were hospitalized between March 15, 2020 and June 1, 2020 in COVID-19 inpatient clinics with laboratory confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. An inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) for multiple treatment groups approach was used to balance the differences in several variables on admission. RESULTS: Among 2441 patients hospitalized with diagnosis of COVID-19 during the study period, 824 were eligible for the analysis. Median age of patients was 42 (18-93 years). Among all, 347 (43.2%) of the patients had mild disease, 470 (56.8%) had pneumonia. Propensity scores ranged from 0.1841 to 0.9381 in the HCQ group, from 0.03643 to 0.29885 in the favipiravir group, and from 0.03542 to 0.56184 in the HCQ plus favipiravir group. After IPTW for multiple treatment groups was applied, all the covariates in the planned propensity score had weighted standardized effect sizes below 10% which were ranged from 0.005 to 0.092. Multivariate analysis of treatment effect (adjusted effect of treatment) was indicated that there is no statistically significant difference between HCQ, favipiravir, and HCQ plus favipiravir treatment. After using combination of SMOTE and Bootstrap resampling approach, we found no statistically significant difference between HCQ and HCQ plus favipiravir groups in terms of ICU admission. However, compared with the HCQ group, ICU admission rate was statistically significantly higher in the favipiravir group. We obtained the similar results after the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: HCQ with or without favipiravir treatment is associated with reduced risk of ICU admission compared to favipiravir alone in mild to moderate COVID-19 adult patients.

COVID-19 experience of the major pandemic response center in the capital: results of the pandemic's first month in Turkey

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and parameters that determined the clinical course and prognosis of the COVID-19 patients admitted to Ankara City Hospital during the first month of the pandemic in Turkey. Materials and methods: SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patients who were hospitalized between March 10 and April 10, 2020 were included. Results: Among 222 patients, mean age was higher in severe acute respiratory illness (SARI)/critical disease group (P < 0.001). Median time from illness onset to admission and presence of comorbidity, especially coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were significantly higher in the SARI/critical disease group (P < 0.05). Cough and fever were the most common symptoms, while anosmia and loss of taste were observed in 8.6% and 7.7% patients, respectively. The mortality rate was 5.4%. A high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio; low lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet count; elevated liver enzymes; low GFR; and high levels of muscle enzymes, ferritin, and IL-6 on admission were found to be associated with SARI/critical disease (P < 0.05). Bilateral ground-glass opacity and patchy infiltration were more frequently seen in the SARI/critical disease group (P < 0.001). Patients older than 65 years had an 8-fold increased risk for development of SARI/critical disease. Conclusion: This cohort study regarding COVID-19 cases in Turkey reveals that older age, presence of comorbidity, bilateral infiltration on CT, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, low monocyte and platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, low GFR, high levels of muscle enzymes, and high levels of ferritin and IL-6 on admission are predictors of SARI and severe disease.