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1.
Lecture Notes in Educational Technology ; : 653-661, 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2321949

ABSTRACT

Students in many countries during COVID-19 pandemic, moved through a deep change in their school experience, moving from face-to-face teaching in schools to distance learning. The distance learning has represented an opportunity to develop strategies and resources to guarantee continuity in the learning experience. However, the recent literature has highlighted also several factors that negatively affected learning outcome of students, underlined in particular more negative effects on students in conditions of fragility. This work has the objective to analyse problems emerged during DL and reflect on possible solutions, by considering the analysis of data obtained from recent national and international literature. The article proposes a critical reflection to rethink digital learning environments in the post-pandemic era in order to support learning path of all students and promote inclusion and participation also of those in condition of vulnerability. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

2.
Aphasiology ; 37(3):504-562, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2276473

ABSTRACT

Background: In the context of aphasia rehabilitation, there is a perceived need for interventions with a reduced linguistic demand targeting well-being. Mind-body and creative arts approaches are holistic and person-centred approaches, primarily relying on means other than verbal exchanges and promoting self-regulation strategies. Aim(s): This mixed-method systematic review aimed to evaluate the availability, feasibility and effectiveness of mind-body and creative arts therapies in promoting well-being for people with aphasia. Eight databases were searched using subject headings and keywords. Full-text screening, critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. A segregated synthesis approach was used (i.e., Revised Effect Direction Plot technique and Thematic Synthesis approach). Findings are presented in a narrative and visual form. Main Contribution: Twenty-two studies were included (Mind-body: n = 11;Creative arts: n = 11). Heterogeneity of study design and quality, intervention type, procedures and dosage, outcomes, and level of offered communication support were identified. Improvements were noted across a wide range of well-being outcomes with more consistent positive results for anxiety and communication. One hundred and twenty-eight findings were extracted and synthesised in three broad themes: positive impact on self, empowering multifaceted experience, and relevance of needs-centred adjustments. Conclusion(s): Provisional findings about the benefits of mind-body and creative arts interventions on aspects of well-being for some individuals with aphasia were identified. However, findings are complex and need to be interpreted cautiously. Facilitators and barriers to these therapies are highlighted with related recommendations for practice. This review poses a demand for further research in the field, implementing rigorous methodology and aphasia-specific support to facilitate inclusion and engagement.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

3.
JACCP Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy ; 5(12):1352, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2173041

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The early use of sotrovimab has been approved in patients over 12 years of age and weighting more than 40kg, who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19. Although sotrovimab is the only monoclonal Antibody (mAb) effective against the "Omicron" variant of concern, data on its use in the paediatric population are still scarce. Herein, we present a case series of seven immunocompromised children younger than 12 years old, treated with sotrovimab at the University Hospital of Padua in 2022, proposing a readjusted formula for dosage calculation according to weight. Case: Two patients recently underwent solid organ transplantation, three had an onco-hematological disease, and two suffered a rare autoimmune disease. Five patients were older than 8 years old, while the remaining were 3 years and 10 months old, respectively. We adapted the Clark's rule by adjusting the original reference weight of 68kg to 40kg. The final formula was: (Patient's weight/40kg) x Adult Dose = Pediatric Dosage. While for four patients weighing approximately 40kg (+/- 4kg), sotrovimab was given at the standard dosage of 500mg, the others of 16, 13, and 8.5kg received 190mg, 150mg, and 100mg of mAb, respectively. Discussion(s): No patients experienced any adverse event and all resolved their SARS-Cov2-symptoms within three days, confirming the safety and effectiveness of the recalculated dosages. For the first time, we report a renewed intuitive model of mAb's dosage calculation, which allows the dose to be tailored to the patient according to weight. We chose to revise Clark's rule rather than other unvalidated methods because of its reliability and ease of use. Conclusion(s): Clinical pharmacist's skills are important in the review of off-label therapies, ensuring safe dosing even when evidence is lacking or limited. Although further pharmacokinetic analysis is needed, Clark's pharmacist-revised formula is a quick and safe way to modulate dosing for patients under 40kg.

4.
Biochimica Clinica ; 46(3):S111-S112, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2169703

ABSTRACT

As is known T-cells play a central role in the immunological response [1]. Nowadays new assays are being developed for the indirect quantification of T-cell memory activity [2]. The aim of this work was to demonstrate Interferongamma Release Assay (IGRA) test could be useful for vaccination monitoring. 23 vaccinated healthcare workers were enrolled in the study after 8 months of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccination. The antibody levels were assessed through Chemiluminescence immunoassay. T cells were indirectly analyzed by an ELISA against INFgamma. Lymphocyte subtyping was evaluated. Statistical analyses were processed. The patients were divided into 3 different groups based on S-RBD and ACE-2 antibody levels: the S-RBD and ACE-2 antibodies were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.001). However, T cells revealed no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2. Group 3 was the negative control. The results supported the actual role of SARS-CoV-2 T cell, expressed after the vaccine administration and persisting at high concentration over time, despite the antibody levels [3] [4]. Consequently, the new IGRA test was revealed to be an immunological screening that offers information on the protection from SARS-CoV-2 and suggests new strategies for doses administration.

5.
Biochimica Clinica ; 46(3):S131, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2169653

ABSTRACT

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein mainly produced by the liver in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. SAA is primarily produced by hepatocytes in response to the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6. In healthy individuals, plasma SAA level is within 0.10 mg/L. However, under inflammatory conditions, plasma SAA levels can increase exponentially, even reaching 1000 mg/L or more in some cases. Human SAA expression is upregulated during the acute phase of various viral infections, including cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, measles virus, mumps virus, rubella virus and varicella-zoster virus, and returns to normal during the convalescent phase of infection. Moreover, can be a useful biomarker to predict COVID-19 patient's severity and prognosis.The aim of this study was to evaluate a new chemiluminescence immunoassay for SAA.All serum samples were measured on Maglumi (Snibe platform) and compared with BN ProSpec (Siemens platform), which is used in the routine of the clinical laboratory of the 'Tor Vergata' University Hospital. Analytical precision, correlation coefficient and linearity were assessed. The precision of CLIA system was evaluated by using the commercial normal and high-quality control materials (IQC) recommended by the manufacturer for evaluating precision of SAA. Precision estimation was performed by evaluating triplicate measurements of aliquots of the same samples, performed for a total of five non-consecutive days. Precision data correlated with those declared by the manufacturer. The linearity test was performed using a series of serial dilutions (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256 and only diluent) with dilution sample by manufacture. The linearity test showed a correlation coefficient equivalent to 0.997. The results from Snibe platform correlated well with those obtained by Siemens platform with a correlation coefficient of 0.974 (p<0.001). This study demonstrated that the new Snibe SAA test has excellent analytical performance and good reliability and can be used in routine analysis.

6.
Biochimica Clinica ; 46(3):S127, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2169258

ABSTRACT

The global strategy to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) was based on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines [1]. Measurement of post-vaccination neutralizing antibodies (Abs) titer, has been shown to be related to protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection [2]. This work aims to improve vaccination data through the evaluation of neutralizing antibodies in triple-dose individuals. To this end, we have conducted a surveillance program focusing at measuring the concentration of IgG Abs against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and neutralizing Abs (NT) anti-SARS-CoV-2 that block the interaction between RBD and the surface receptor cellular angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2), in the serum of individuals in the vaccination course. The study was conducted on workers from the University of Rome "Tor Vergata" (nTOT=169) who received the Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca vaccine (n=56) and on healthcare workers of the PTV University Hospital who received the Comirnaty/Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (n=113). Initially for both vaccines two doses were administered: Vaxzevria (12 weeks apart), Comirnaty (2 weeks apart). After the second dose, for the two vaccines has been registered an increase in Abs values both for RBD and NT Abs. As the second dose of the two vaccines has been given at very different time, Pfizer vaccine resulted to response with a higher Abs values earlier in time than Astrazeneca. Moreover, Abs values recorded for those who received Pfizer vaccine are higher up to an order of magnitude. After 6 months from the first dose, the average value Abs titer was 300 BAU/ml and 200 BAU/ml for Pfizer and Astrazeneca respectively. All patients received the Pfizer vaccine as third dose. This last dose gave rise again to an increase of the Abs levels, the average values obtained were 5300 BAU/ml and 3900 BAU/ml for Pfizer and Astrazeneca respectively. As concern NT Abs, we observed a similar pattern to RBD one. After 5 months from the third dose, almost one year from the first dose, antibodies level was over 1000 BAU/ml. Recent work provided Abs cut-off value of immunity against SARSCoV- 2 infection. Values reported range from 200 to 600 BAU/ml [3,4].From this perspective our data have shown a low risk of infection after 1 one year for subjects with a complete vaccine cycle.

7.
Biochimica Clinica ; 46(3):S113, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2167946

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the recently uncovered human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 [1] presents a clinical spectrum that ranges from an asymptomatic condition to critical illness [2]. Patients with critical illness present respiratory failure, septic shock and/ or multi-organ failure induced by the so-defined cytokines storm [3]. Hepcidin modulates cellular iron export to plasma and extracellular fluid through ferroportin, which acts as hepcidin receptor and cellular iron exporter in vertebrates. Hepcidin is not routinely measured in COVID-19 patients, but some preliminary studies showed that high levels of hepcidin are associated with the severity of disease [4] as well as low levels of serum iron are correlated with the severity and mortality of disease and severe hypoxemia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients [5]. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the levels of hepcidin in a group of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Policlinico Tor Vergata of Rome, Italy. Thirty-eight patients from November 2020 to May 2021 because of pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled in the study. Based on the clinical outcome, the patients were assigned to two groups: survivors and non-survivors. A series of laboratory parameters were monitored during the stay of the patients in the ICU and their levels correlated to the clinical outcome. The Hepcidin was determined with Intrinsic Hepcidin IDxTM ELISA kit (Intrinsic Lifesciences, San Diego, CA, USA) that is a competitive immunoenzymatic assay based on a monoclonal antibody (mAb) with high affinity to the Nterminus of hepcidin-25. Of the parameters measured, significant statistical differences in the level of hepcidin, IL-6, LDH, leucocyte count, LNR, NLR, neutrophils level, CRP, and TNF-alpha were observed between the survivors and non-survivors groups. Specifically, a higher level of hepcidin, IL-6, LDH, leucocyte count, LNR, NLR, neutrophils, CRP and TNF-alpha were measured in the non-survivor group compared to the survivor group. In conclusion, Hepcidin can be prognostic of the clinical outcome, moreover, it could be used together with other markers in a predictive algorithm of disease severity.

8.
FEBS Open Bio ; 12:39-40, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1976675

ABSTRACT

Four vaccines have been approved to date by the European Medicines Agency for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, with all four licenced for administration from 5 years of age. One way to protect the vulnerable younger population such as newborns and infants is through passive immunity via breastfeeding. Many studies have revealed that human milk contains immunoglobulins (Ig) against the SARSCoV-2 virus, both after natural infection or vaccination. It is not known however, whether these antibodies can resist enzymatic degradation during digestion in the infant gastrointestinal (GI) tract or indeed protect the consumers. Here, we describe the validation of commercially available ELISA kits to detect IgA, secretory IgA (sIgA) and IgG antibodies in human milk and subsequently evaluated the vaccine-induced immunoglobulin profile of breastmilk from a cohort of lactating mothers vaccinated with either the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna or the Astra Zeneca vaccine. We also investigated the effect of a static in vitro digestion protocol representing the gastric and intestinal phases of infant digestion on the IgA and IgG concentrations. Our data show that there is an increase in Ig levels in human milk following vaccination and provide important information regarding the extent to which these antibodies can resist digestion in the infant GI tract.

9.
Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health ; 6(4):392-401, 2021.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-1876458

ABSTRACT

Background: Since December 2019 an unprecedented coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in Italy and in all the world, has been spreading. This study is a retrospective overview of Italian population in one year of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the changes of COVID-19 distribution during the first, second and third waves throughout Italy. Subjects dan Method: This was a retrospective study carried out in all Italian regions from symptomatic or COVID-19 high-risk exposure patients. 41,135,655 nasopharyngeal swabs samples were obtained and analyzed between man and woman in five age categories. The dependent variables were positivity rate and collection period. The independent variables were age and gender. The swabs were processed by qRT-PCR technique. The data were extrapolated by QLink software and evaluated using chi-square test statistical analysis.

11.
Biochimica Clinica ; 45(SUPPL 2):S84, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1733434

ABSTRACT

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rapid diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 is necessary to limit virus spread. Different diagnostic rapid tests have been developed as rapid and helpful tools for diagnosis of COVID-19, based on virus proteins detection in respiratory samples.This study aims to evaluate the performances of the Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test, in comparison to rRT-PCR, the gold standard.Molecular analysis was carried on 110 swabs from Lifebrain laboratory. According to rRT-PCR, 76 samples were positive, 34 were negative. Initially, the sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 100%, respectively. However, since most of the discordant cases had cycle threshold (Ct) values > 28, it was assumed a new measure to evaluate sensitivity and specificity. At this point, samples with Ct values <28 were selected and a sensitivity of 94% was achieved. The level of agreement between the two tests was 89,1% with η value of 0,77 for total data and 95,9% with η value of 0,95 for samples with <28 Ct.The Antigen test is a well performed tool, timely and effortless, in presence of high viral loads. The comparison data validated the method as a proper approach for rapid screening of patients with high SARSCoV-2 viral load. Also, a double test for confirmatory analysis on the same swab could increase the overall lab-workflow, but the rate of sensitivity is still highly Ctdependent.

12.
Biochimica Clinica ; 45(SUPPL 2):S72, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1733384

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Covid 19 disease represents the largest public health emergency.Following the spread of Covid vaccines, it has become of central importance for laboratories to assess immunity, protection against SARS-CoV-2 and whether booster shots will be needed.Aims of the study are:Detection of antibodies following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination;Monitoring of anti-Spike SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels (S-RBD) induced by vaccination;Monitoring of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels (NAb) induced by vaccination;Identifying antibody levels of previously infected subjects;Correlation between antibody levels and type of vaccine used;METHODS: A total of 70 workers from the University 'Tor Vergata' in Rome and from the University hospital, were monitored during their vaccination program (Astra Zeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines). Serum samples collected at different time points 10, 20, 35, 50, 80, 120, 150 days after the first and second dose of vaccine. A chemiluminescent assay for the quantitative determination of SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG and NAb was used, performed on the fully automated Mindray CL 1200i analytical system.RESULTS: The antibody concentrations detected in the two groups of workers after the first dose made us able to distinguish them into three different groups: subjects previously naturally infected, with higher antibody production;uninfected with the lowest antibody concentration values and a group with antibody values in the middle between the two, probably workers with asymptomatic infection. The amount of S-RBD and NAb antibodies in vaccinated subjects with pre-existing immunity is almost as twice as high than in naive vaccinated subjects at the same time points. Both vaccinations, although with differentiated antibody concentrations, reach a peak about 30 days after the first dose and then decrease up to 150 days, stopping at a steady state of around 150 -200 BAU/ml. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlights: the importance of serologic testing before vaccination in order to distinguish previously infected asymptomatic persons thus avoiding possible side effects such as the development of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE);the importance of completing the two doses recommended for noninfected subjects in order to achieve strong levels of immunity.

13.
Biochimica Clinica ; 45(SUPPL 2):S14, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1733332

ABSTRACT

Background: Sepsis is an infectious disease (the etiology can be viral or bacterial) with hight mortality, threatening human health. Clinicians need to diagnose the patient's infection in time and look for pathogens in order to develop an effective treatment plan;therefore, a quickly and early screen to diagnose sepsis has become an urgent problem in clinical laboratories. Different inflammatory factors are used to diagnose the sepsis;CRP, IL-6, PCT, ADM, lactate, D-dimer etc., but they also have limitations such as insufficient sensitivity and specificity and requiring additional examination cost. The aim of this study is to use leucocyte counts (neutrophils and monocytes that are activated from pathogenic virus or bacteria) and others morphological change with Mindray BC-6800-plus platform to diagnose sepsis early, quickly, conveniently and at low cost. Methods: A total 957 EDTA-k2 anticoagulant venous whole blood samples were collected: 70 control patients (blood donors) with a normal complete count blood and negative VES, and 887 samples hospitalized at the emergency department with symptoms attributable to sepsis with PCT request. All data was divided in 4 groups: control group, group where sepsis cannot be confirmed, group with confirmed sepsis diagnosis and a group with sepsis from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Morphometric and numeric parameters are reported with Mindray BC-6800 plus: blood count like positional parameters X, Y, Z of neutrophils, lymphocites and monocytes, PLT, NLR (neutrophil lymphocyte ratio) and IMG (index of immature granulocytes). For statistical analysis was used Shapiro Wilk test for distribution analysis and the non parametric Kruskal Wallis test to evaluate significative differences among the groups (p< 0.05) and also examined ROC curve analysis. Results: There is a statistically significant difference between control group and sepsis group for haematological parameters: positional parameters (Neu X, Y, Z;Mon X, Y, Z and Lym X, Y, Z), IMG, NLR, PLT. The roc curves highlight acceptable sensitivity and specificity values for some haematological parameters and suggest a possible cut-off. Conclusions: The BC-6800 plus can help the diagnosis of sepsis upon the admission to the emergency department using some morphological positional parameters.

14.
European Heart Journal Supplements ; 23(G):G174-+, 2021.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-1684657
15.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 25(19): 5889-5903, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1478931

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Evidence supports a sex disparity in clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients, with men exhibiting higher mortality rates compared to women. We aimed to test the correlation between serum levels of sex hormones [total testosterone, estradiol (E2), estradiol to testosterone (E2/T) ratio, progesterone), prolactin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and markers of inflammation, coagulation and sepsis at admission in hospitalized men with COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted an exploratory retrospective study including symptomatic men with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were consecutively admitted to our Institution between April 1 and May 31, 2020. RESULTS: Patients were divided into survivors (n=20) and non-survivors (n=39). As compared to survivors, non-survivors showed significantly higher median neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values, D-dimer and procalcitonin (PCT) levels, along with significantly lower median 25(OH)D levels and total testosterone levels. Non-survivors exhibited significantly higher median values of E2/T ratio (a marker of aromatase activity). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that total testosterone levels were significantly and inversely correlated with NLR, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6, D-dimer and PCT. Conversely, E2/T ratio values were significantly and positively correlated with the aforementioned markers and with white blood cell (WBC) count. In a multivariate analysis performed by a logistic regression model after adjusting for major confounders (age, body mass index, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and malignancy), total testosterone levels were significantly and inversely associated with risk of COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Low total testosterone levels and elevated E2/T ratio values at admission are associated with hyperinflammatory state in hospitalized men with COVID-19. Low total testosterone levels at admission represent an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in such patients. Therefore, total testosterone and E2/T ratio may serve as prognostic markers of disease severity in this population.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/blood , COVID-19/mortality , Estradiol/blood , Inflammation/blood , Inflammation/etiology , Testosterone/blood , Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis , Hospital Mortality , Hospitalization , Humans , Leukocyte Count , Lymphocyte Count , Male , Middle Aged , Procalcitonin/blood , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Survival Analysis , Vitamin D/blood
16.
Eur. J. Psychol. Open ; 80(1-2):88-97, 2021.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-1459188

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on all aspects of human life. Accurately measuring vaccine acceptance and understanding the factors that influence vaccine attitudes and behaviors is crucial to designing public-health interventions to reduce the impact of COVID-19 through vaccinations. The current study adapted the vaccine acceptance scale (Sarathchandra et al., 2018) to the Greek language and assessed the relationship between key components of vaccine acceptance to COVID-19 vaccine beliefs and attitudes, personal and family vaccination history and attitudes, and demographic variables (age, sex, education, and having children). The adapted vaccine acceptance instrument was found to have high internal consistency reliability. Further analyses indicated that younger and less-educated individuals are more vaccine-hesitant, and that vaccine acceptance is influenced by trust in authorities. These findings may have implications for understanding vaccine hesitancy and for the design and implementation of vaccine-related public health policies.

17.
Critical Care and Resuscitation ; 23(2):215-224, 2021.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-1283185

ABSTRACT

Objective: The use of angiotensin II in invasively ventilated patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is controversial. Its effect on organ function is unknown. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary academic hospital in Milan, Italy. Participants: Adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19. Interventions: Use angiotensin II either as rescue vasopressor agent or as low dose vasopressor support. Main outcome measures: Patients treated before angiotensin II was available or treated in an adjacent COVID-19 ICU served as controls. For data analysis, we applied Bayesian modelling as appropriate. We assessed the effects of angiotensin II on organ function. Results: We compared 46 patients receiving angiotensin II therapy with 53 controls. Compared with controls, angiotensin II increased the mean arterial pressure (median difference, 9.05 mmHg;95% CI, 1.87-16.22;P = 0.013) and the PaO2/FiO(2) ratio (median difference, 23.17;95% CI, 3.46-42.88;P = 0.021), and decreased the odds ratio (OR) of liver dysfunction (OR, 0.32;95% CI, 0.09-0.94). However, angiotensin II had no effect on lactate, urinary output, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, platelet count, or thromboembolic complications. In patients with abnormal baseline serum creatinine, Bayesian modelling showed that angiotensin II carried a 95.7% probability of reducing the use of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Conclusions: In ventilated patients with COVID-19, angiotensin II therapy increased blood pressure and PaO2/FiO(2) ratios, decreased the OR of liver dysfunction, and appeared to decrease the risk of RRT use in patients with abnormal baseline serum creatinine. However, all of these findings are hypothesis-generating only.

18.
International Immunopharmacology ; 95:107512, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1210067

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with different grades of severity from mild to critical. Evaluation of biomarkers predicting severity is crucial to identify patients at high risk of disease progression and poor prognosis. Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein mainly produced by the liver in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated SAA levels at admission (T1) and after 15 days (T2) of hospitalization in two groups of patients: survivors and non-survivors. At T1, the non-survivors showed higher SAA level than survivors (74 mg/dL vs 48.75 mg/dL). At T2, the survivor group value decreased to 6.55 mg/dL, the non-survivor group still showed high levels (51.1 mg/dL). The SAA level in control group was 0.35 mg/dL. Furthermore, a cut-off value of 63 mg/dL able to discriminate survivors from non-survivors was established by ROC curve analysis at T1. At T2, the cut-off decreased to 30.9 mg/dL. A similar decreasing trend was observed for D-Dimer, hsCRP, IL-6 and procalcitonin levels. The results of this retrospective study suggest that SAA is a good marker of COVID-19 disease alone and/or in combination with other inflammatory biomarkers. Identification of reliable prognostic analytes is of great clinical relevance, as it would improve patient management besides being costs saving.

19.
Biochimica Clinica ; 44(SUPPL 2):S96, 2020.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-984707

ABSTRACT

In the late December 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin was reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. A novel coronavirus was isolated from the respiratory samples of patients with pneumonia as showed by the sequence analysis of the virus genomes obtained;The novel coronavirus was named SARSCoV-2. Reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR (rRT-PCR) is the method of choice for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the high sensitive of the real-time PCR tests, sometimes samples from the upper respiratory tract may result negative even in the presence of radiological findings of pneumonia probably due to the viral load in the upper respiratory tract is low compared to the lower respiratory tract;low quality of the collected sample or technical reasons linked to the assay used. The use of serological assays may help in making diagnosis. The antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 is not well understood yet, but the availability of sensitive and specific serological assays will be crucial for the early diagnosis of infection, for epidemiological studies, for defining the presence of neutralizing antibodies in response to a possible vaccine. In this work, we tested and compared the performances of one chemiluminescent immunoassay, two ELISA assays and an ECLIA assay. Among the platforms assessed in this study, the ECLIA serological assay performed best, and may be a valid screening method for SARS-COV-2 infection. The IgA detected by the ELISA assay might be a more reliable and stable early serological marker than IgM. Instead, IgGs, as expected, showed stable level after 10 days from symptoms onset. Taken together, if a reflex test could be set in the laboratory, the ECLIA method could be used as screening test, considering both the excellent performance and the cost per single test;while ELISA assay for IgG and IgA, which are present at a higher level than IgM and last longer, might be used as confirmatory test.

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