ABSTRACT
The situation of Covid-19 patients with opium consumption has not been comprehensively investigated especially in Iran. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of current opium addiction on the severity and outcome of the Covid-19 infection. During a retrospective cohort study, clinical, demographic and all variables related to the severity and death due to the Corona virus infection were collected from the medical records of patients hospitalized from February 2020 to June 2021 in the study area. The role of current addiction in the severity and outcome of the disease was investigated using Cox, logistic and linear regression models. Of 939 confirmed Covid-19 cases admitted during the study period, 70 (7.5%) patients were currently addicted. Multivariate regression models showed that current opium addiction significantly increased the chance of endotracheal intubation (OR=2.96, p=0.005) and reduced the mean length of stay in hospital (beta coefficient =-0.42, p<0.0001). However, opium addiction did not change the risk of death (HR= 1.54, p=0.063) or O2 saturation (OR=1, p>0.99). Opium addiction can be associated with the severity of Covid-19 infection, but does not play a considerable role in the mortality of the patients. © 2022 Institute of the History of the State. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
A novel coronavirus outbreak was first documented in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019, and it was known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). we encountered four patients whose only symptom was hiccups, and they were found to be COVID-19 positive with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Case presentation. Four cases with 45,57,38 and 19 years of age presented with persistent hiccups as the main and only symptom of their disease. All patients were stable and received only symptomatic treatment and were discharged after 14 days that the second swab result came as negative. Discussion and conclusion. In the present study, the researchers have identified 4 cases that had a new, and perhaps rare, symptom-here hiccups-and investigated these cases meticulously and also separately. This report addresses two remarkable factors: firstly, it indicates the importance of the exact examination of those presenting with hiccups, at least by taking a detailed history of patients, a comprehensive physical examination, obtaining basic laboratory work, and also taking a chest X-ray. Secondly, physicians need to prepare for facing the new symptoms of Covid-19 disease. © 2021, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Context: Hepatic manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are common among people living with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Objectives: This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence on COVID-19 patients living with HBV or HCV co-infections. Data Sources: We searched multiple electronic databases and preprint servers from December 1, 2019, to August 9, 2020. Study Selection: Studies were included if they reported quantitative empirical data on COVID-19 patients living with HBV or HCV co-infections. Data Extraction: Descriptive analyses were reported, and data were synthesized narratively. The quality assessment was completed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: Out of the 941 uniquely identified records, 27 studies were included. Of the eligible studies, 232 COVID-19 patients were living with HBV and 22 were living with HCV. Most patients were male, and the mean age was 49.8 and 62.8 years in patients living with HBV and HCV, respectively. Among the reported cases of SARS-CoV-2-HBV co-infection, the proportions of death were 4.7% and 15% in cross-sectional and case series/report studies, respectively. The death proportion was 8.3% among the reported cases of SARS-CoV2-HCV co-infection. Among COVID-19 patients, 34.1% and 76.2% reported at least one comorbidity besides HBV and HCV infections, mainly hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The most common COVID-19-related symptoms in both HBV and HCV groups were fever, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: While understanding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 requires further investigations, the careful assessment of hepatic manifestations and chronic infections, such as HBV and HCV upon the admission of COVID-19 patients could help reduce multimorbidity among HBV or HCV patients and lead to more favorable health outcomes among them.