Subject(s)
Clinical Laboratory Techniques , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/methods , Betacoronavirus/genetics , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Contact Tracing , Humans , Limit of Detection , Nasal Mucosa/virology , Pandemics , Proof of Concept Study , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , SARS-CoV-2 , Smartphone , Viral LoadABSTRACT
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. However, their use is often associated with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) side effects due to the inhibition of both cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymes, leading to a decrease in gastroprotective prostaglandins (PG). To minimize these adverse effects, various approaches have been explored, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, NO-NSAIDs (nitric oxide-releasing NSAIDs), and dual COX/LOX (lipoxygenase) NSAIDs. However, the effects of these gastroprotective NSAIDs on the GIT and their efficacy remains uncertain. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the effects of traditional NSAIDs and gastroprotective NSAIDs on GIT. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of GIT damage caused by NSAIDs, including mucosal injury, ulceration, and bleeding, and the potential of gastroprotective NSAIDs to mitigate these effects. We also summarize recent studies on the efficacy and safety of various gastroprotective NSAIDs and highlight the limitations and challenges of these approaches. The review concludes with recommendations for future research in this field.
Subject(s)
Dried Blood Spot Testing , Pandemics , Blood Specimen Collection , Humans , Specimen HandlingABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to cause a cluster of flu-like illnesses and pneumonia with evolving understanding of other systemic manifestations. Currently, the known cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 include myocardial injury, acute coronary syndrome, and arrhythmias. In this report, we describe a case of pericarditis-an unusual cardiac manifestation observed in a patient with COVID-19. A 63-year-old male presented with history of fever, cough and chest pain. Electrocardiogram (EKG) demonstrated diffuse ST-T wave changes on all the leads, with normal troponin-T levels. Echocardiograph showed mild pericardial effusion without any regional wall motion abnormality. Subsequent chest radiograph and coronary angiography were normal. In view of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nasopharyngeal swab was performed, which was positive. Detailed etiological workup for pericarditis, including infectious and inflammatory causes were unremarkable. Viral pericarditis (possibly caused by COVID-19) was diagnosis of exclusion and patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice a day, colchicine 0.5 mg twice a day, and lopinavir/ritonavir 200 mg/50 mg tablet twice a day for 10 days during admission. He was discharged with hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice daily and colchicine 0.5 mg once daily for 15 days. On subsequent follow-up clinic visit, he reported resolution of symptoms. The purpose of this report is to add a potential cardiovascular complication of COVID-19 to the literature. Awareness of this manifestation can lead to timely laboratory and imaging examinations with potential to provide correct treatment and good outcome.