ABSTRACT
Aim: Since the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems tried to adapt to ensure the continuity of care of oncological patients. This study aimed to describe the impact of SARS-CoV- 2 on rectal cancer screening and staging. Method(s): A two-year (March 2019 to March 2021) retrospective study concerning rectal cancer patients from a referral center was conducted. Patients clinical data from pre-COVID (March 2019 -February 2020) and COVID time (March 2020 -March 2021) was compared. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed (Chi-Square test). Result(s): One hundred and sixty-five patients were discussed at the multidisciplinary meetings during the 2-year study period (mean age 69 years [+/- 11.1];M: 64%;F:36%). Upon comparative analysis both pre-COVID and COVID patients were found to have similar demographic characteristics, however during the pandemic a higher proportion of patients presented with low rectal cancers (36% vs. 42%;P = 0.1). Moreover, during the COVID period, fewer patients (minus 26%;npre-covid= 95 vs. ncovid = 70) were referred to the hospital, and a larger number of patients presented in Stage IV of the disease (17,9% (n = 17) in pre COVID period vs. 28,6% (n = 20) in COVID period (P = 0.07)). Lastly, the authors run a comparative sub-analysis between the above results and data from the 3 years prior to the pandemic (2017-2019) and still came across with lesser rectal cancer referrals during the pandemic year. Conclusion(s): Our data clearly shows that, during the COVID period, fewer patients received in-hospital care and a higher number were referred in Stage IV. This represents a red flag for the community and should alert the government to implement public health policies to reestablish colorectal cancer standard of care.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by coronavirus-2 associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Although most infected individual sare asymptomatic, a proportion of patients with COVID-19 develop severe disease with multiple organ damage. Aim: The present study aimed to correlate autoimmune diseases with the mechanisms triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methodology: The Center for Biotechnology Information (PubMed) and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases were used for this study. As inclusion criteria, articles arising from the correlation of autoimmune diseases with COVID-19 were selected. Development: Studies have elucidated that SARS-CoV-2 can disrupt self-tolerance and trigger immune responses through cross-reactivity with host cells, culminating in the production of autoantibodies, and consequently, the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the risk of infection and prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune diseases remains controversial, and further studies are needed to understand the complexity of the correlation between the virus and the onset of these diseases.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which emerged in December 2019 and quickly became a worldwide pandemic, has become an important public health problem. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a novel virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. There is a mutual relationship between infectious diseases and the effect of nutrition on the immune system. Malnutrition can reduce the defenses of the immune system, increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases, and increase the severity of symptoms of these diseases. Minerals are necessary for the healthy functioning of the immune system. They are effective in both innate and acquired immunity. It is thought that the need for minerals in nutrition may increase in COVID-19. In the light of all these factors, it may be necessary to use some mineral supplements in COVID- 19 cases to deal with the increasing demand . Currently, there are no guidelines on mineral supplements for the treatment of the disease due to its very new nature. This study highlights problems in the immune system caused by deficiency of copper, zinc, iron and selenium minerals and discusses whether the supplements of these minerals can be effective in the treatment of COVID-19.