Thyroid dysfunction as a long-term post-COVID-19 complication in mild-to-moderate COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), may lead to thyroid disorders, including both thyrotoxicosis and suppression of thyroid function. The aim of the present study was to assess the post-COVID-19 effects on thyroid function in patients without history of thyroid disease after complete recovery from mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Thyroid function tests [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), antithyroid antibodies] were performed on 113 patients (median age of 43.0 years;31.0% male) two months after initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. TSH and fT4 were determined again one month later in this observational, prospective study. Thyroid dysfunction was registered in 61.1% of the patients (78.3% subclinical hypothyroidism, 13% subclinical hyperthyroidism and 8.7% overt hypothyroidism) two months after COVID-19. Moderate rather than mild manifestation of COVID-19 was significantly associated with a higher risk of thyroid dysfunction (OR 5.33;95% CI: 1.70–16.69, p = 0.002), presence of thyroglobulin antibodies and need for levothyroxine therapy. At the follow-up, the subclinical hypothyroidism persisted in 28.3% of the subjects. Moreover, the TSH level was significantly reduced in comparison to the second month after the initial COVID-19 infection in all the patients (p < 0.001), but not in those with subclinical hypothyroidism and without hormone replacement therapy. Our findings indicate that COVID-19 could have long-term, negative effects on thyroid function. Therefore, thyroid function testing should be included in the follow-up algorithm of COVID-19 survivors. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Pharmacists' Engagement in the Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Process During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic put a burden on healthcare systems worldwide [1]. Pharmacists have shown their significant role as a part of the frontline workers in many countries [2-3]. Pharmacists have a suitable position in the process of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. Objective(s): To assess the engagement of pharmacists in the pharmacovigilance process related to the treatment of COVID-19. Method(s): A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar was carried out for relevant articles published between December 2020- April 2022, reporting the engagement of community, clinical and hospital pharmacists in the ADRs reporting process during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this systematic review the following keywords were used: ''COVID-19'', ''pharmacists'', ''drug safety'', ''pharmacovigilance'' ''ADRs''. The inclusion criteria were full text articles. Result(s): A total of 18 articles matched our inclusion criteria. In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic drug-repurposing was used as a treatment strategy. Chinese clinical pharmacists were involved in close monitoring, documentation and reporting of ADRs. Some European countries (Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and Serbia) actively involved hospital pharmacists in the safety monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines. In Australia a national vaccine safety surveillance program (AusVaxSafety) was launched with the active engagement of community pharmacists. The goal of this new pharmacists-led pharmacovigilance system is to provide critically significant safety data regarding potential ADRs following vaccination. Conclusion(s): Pharmacists may play a key role in maintaining the rational and safe use of medicines. Effective reporting of ADRs by the pharmacists is an essential aspect of the pharmacovigilance system during COVID-19 pandemic. Enhanced collaboration, and availability of resources, tools and methods will add to the lessons learned from previous experiences.

Pharmacists' Engagement in the Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Process During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Drug Experience

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic put a burden on healthcare systems worldwide [1]. Pharmacists have shown their significant role as a part of the frontline workers in many countries [2-3]. Pharmacists have a suitable position in the process of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. Objective: To assess the engagement of pharmacists in the pharmacovigilance process related to the treatment of COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar was carried out for relevant articles published between December 2020- April 2022, reporting the engagement of community, clinical and hospital pharmacists in the ADRs reporting process during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this systematic review the following keywords were used: "COVID-19", "pharmacists", "drug safety", "pharmacovigilance" "ADRs". The inclusion criteria were full text articles. Results: A total of 18 articles matched our inclusion criteria. In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic drug-repurposing was used as a treatment strategy. Chinese clinical pharmacists were involved in close monitoring, documentation and reporting of ADRs. Some European countries (Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and Serbia) actively involved hospital pharmacists in the safety monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines. In Australia a national vaccine safety surveillance program (AusVaxSafety) was launched with the active engagement of community pharmacists. The goal of this new pharmacists-led pharmacovigilance system is to provide critically significant safety data regarding potential ADRs following vaccination. Conclusion: Pharmacists may play a key role in maintaining the rational and safe use of medicines. Effective reporting of ADRs by the pharmacists is an essential aspect of the pharmacovigilance system during COVID-19 pandemic. Enhanced collaboration, and availability of resources, tools and methods will add to the lessons learned from previous experiences.