Probability of hospitalization for chronic degenerative diseases in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the probability of hospitalization for chronic degenerative disease in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort in patients with COVID-19, confirmed by RT-PCR. Two study groups were integrated, the exposed group made up of 3 subgroups, exclusively diabetes mellitus, exclusively arterial hypertension and exclusively obesity;the unexposed group was the one in which any chronic comorbidity was ruled out. Relative risk, multiple logistic regression and probability calculation of the event (hospitalization) were used. RESULT(S): The relative risk for hospitalization in diabetes was of 3.59 (95%CI;2.44-5.29), 3.20 (95%CI;2.10-4.87) in hypertension and 2.56 (95%CI;1.72-3.81) in obesity. The multiple regression equation was y = -1358 + 2388 (diabetes mellitus) + 2005 (systemic arterial hypertension) + 1458 (obesity). The probability of hospitalization when there was no chronic disease was of 20.6%, when there was a chronic disease the probability fluctuated between 52.5% and 73.5%, when there were two chronic diseases it varied from 89.1% to 95.4%, and when there were three diseases the probability of hospitalization was of 98.9%. CONCLUSION(S): In the context of the probability of hospitalization when there is a chronic degenerative disease or it is absent, the research shows the difference in these two scenarios, as revealed by the more than 70 percentage points identified in the extreme scenarios, a condition that, led to the clinical field, reaffirms the presence of chronic degenerative disease as a risk factor for hospitalization.Copyright © 2023 Comunicaciones Cientificas Mexicanas S.A. de C.V.. All rights reserved.

Recent Findings on Platelet Activation, vWF Multimers and Other Thrombotic Biomarkers Associated with Critical COVID-19

Mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 increases in those admitted to the ICU. Activation of the coagulation system is associated with the worse disease outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate platelet activation and thrombotic biomarkers in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 during the second and third infection waves of the pandemic during 2021, following a previous report that included patients from the first wave. Sixty five patients were recruited and classified according to disease outcome;10 healthy donors were included as a control group. Among prothrombotic biomarkers, t-PA concentrations (p < .0001), PAI-1 (0.0032) and D dimer (p = .0011) were higher in patients who developed critical COVID-19. We also found platelet activation via alpha IIb beta III expression (p < .0001) and higher presence of vWF-HMWM in severe COVID-19 (p < .0001). Several prothrombotic biomarkers are found to be increased since hospital admission in patients which lately present a worse disease outcome (ICU admission/death), among these, platelet activation, vWF increased plasma concentration and presence of HMWM seem to be of special interest. New studies regarding the predictive value of thrombotic biomarkers are needed as SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge.

Aggression, mini-aggression, and abuse against health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic brought multiple negative consequences that go beyond the direct damage caused by the disease and that affect health systems as well. Complaints of attacks against health care workers became frequent and concerning. The objective of this survey was to characterize the frequency and type of violent behavior against front-line professionals in Latin America. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross-sectional electronic survey was carried out between January 11th to February 28th, 2022. Different health care workers from Latin America who have been delivering care at least from March 2020, regardless of whether they assist or not patients with COVID- 19 were included. A non-probabilistic snowball sampling was performed, and the survey was Results: The survey was responded by 3,544 participants from 19 countries (Figure 1);58.5% were women, and the mean age was 41.9+/-11 years. The 70.8% were doctors, 16% nurses, 3.4% physiotherapists, and the remaining 9.8% had other functions within the health team. About 85.1% of physicians were specialists: 33.9% were cardiologists, 14.4% were intensivists or emergency physicians, 10.9% had some surgical specialty, 7.7% were pediatricians or related subspecialties, and the remaining 33.1% had other specialties. The 36.3% and 28.8% worked in public and private practice respectively, the remaining worked in both. Direct and regular care to COVID-19 patients was provided by 74.7% of all contestants. Among the participants, 54.8% reported acts of violence: 95.6% suffered verbal violence, 11.1% physical violence, and 19.9% other types. 39.5% of respondents experienced it at least once a week. The acts of violence involved patients' relatives (32%), or patients together with their relatives (35.1%). The victims rated the stress level of these events with an average of 8.2+/-1.8 points (scale from 1 to 10). Approximately half of the health personnel who suffered an assault experienced psychosomatic symptoms after the traumatic event (Figure 2). Among the victims of violence, 56.2% considered changing their care tasks, and 33.6% abandoning their profession. However, only 23% of the health personnel attacked stated that they had made some type of legal action regarding these acts. In a logistic regression model, doctors (OR 1.95, p<0.01), nurses (OR 1.77, p=0.001), and administrative staff (OR 3.20, p<0.01) suffered more violence than other health workers. Women more frequently suffered violence (OR 1.56, p<0.01), as well as those who worked with patients with COVID-19 (OR 3.59, p<0.01). Conversely, a lower probability of violence was observed at older ages (OR 0.96, p<0.01). Conclusion(s): We detected a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Latin America during the current pandemic. Those caring for COVID-19 patients, younger staff, and women were found to be more vulnerable. It is imperative to develop strategies to mitigate these acts and their repercussions on the health team. (Figure Presented) .

Aggression, mini-aggression, and abuse against health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic brought multiple negative consequences that go beyond the direct damage caused by the disease and that affect health systems as well. Complaints of attacks against health care workers became frequent and concerning. The objective of this survey was to characterize the frequency and type of violent behavior against front-line professionals in Latin America. Material and methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey was carried out between January 11th to February 28th, 2022. Different health care workers from Latin America who have been delivering care at least from March 2020, regardless of whether they assist or not patients with COVID-19 were included. A non-probabilistic snowball sampling was performed, and the survey was Results: The survey was responded by 3,544 participants from 19 countries (Figure 1);58.5% were women, and the mean age was 41.9±11 years. The 70.8% were doctors, 16% nurses, 3.4% physiotherapists, and the remaining 9.8% had other functions within the health team. About 85.1% of physicians were specialists: 33.9% were cardiologists, 14.4% were intensivists or emergency physicians, 10.9% had some surgical specialty, 7.7% were pediatricians or related subspecialties, and the remaining 33.1% had other specialties. The 36.3% and 28.8% worked in public and private practice respectively, the remaining worked in both. Direct and regular care to COVID-19 patients was provided by 74.7% of all contestants.Among the participants, 54.8% reported acts of violence: 95.6% suffered verbal violence, 11.1% physical violence, and 19.9% other types. 39.5% of respondents experienced it at least once a week. The acts of violence involved patients' relatives (32%), or patients together with their relatives (35.1%). The victims rated the stress level of these events with an average of 8.2±1.8 points (scale from 1 to 10). Approximately half of the health personnel who suffered an assault experienced psychosomatic symptoms after the traumatic event (Figure 2). Among the victims of violence, 56.2% considered changing their care tasks, and 33.6% abandoning their profession. However, only 23% of the health personnel attacked stated that they had made some type of legal action regarding these acts.In a logistic regression model, doctors (OR 1.95, p<0.01), nurses (OR 1.77, p=0.001), and administrative staff (OR 3.20, p<0.01) suffered more violence than other health workers. Women more frequently suffered violence (OR 1.56, p<0.01), as well as those who worked with patients with COVID-19 (OR 3.59, p<0.01). Conversely, a lower probability of violence was observed at older ages (OR 0.96, p<0.01). Conclusion: We detected a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Latin America during the current pandemic. Those caring for COVID-19 patients, younger staff, and women were found to be more vulnerable. It is imperative to develop strategies to mitigate these acts and their repercussions on the health team. Funding Acknowledgement: Type of funding sources: None.Figure 1Figure 2

Immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis in Argentina: prospective and multicenter study

Introduction: In Argentina, multiple sclerosis patients (MSp) are vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 using different formulations upon availability, including viral vector/inactivated virus/mRNA vaccines, at distinct times between doses. The real-world effectiveness of these unique vaccination schedules is scarce, so asthe efficacy to mount an appropriate immune response even more in MSp under treatment (DMTs) Aims: To analyze the presence of reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for SARS-CoV-2, IgG and IgM anti-Spike and anti-RBD, in MSp after receiving a 3rd vaccine dose Methods: 27 MSp and 9 healthy controls (HC) were included in this study. SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells were analysed with a T Cell Analysis Kit from Miltenyi as described by the manufacturer. In brief, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with a pool of lyophilized peptides, consisting of 15-mer sequences with 11 amino acids overlap, covering the complete protein coding sequence (aa 5-1273) of the surface or Spike glycoprotein (S) of SAR-CoV-2 and controls. After stimulation, the cells were stained with the live/dead marker, washed, fixed, permeabilized and stained for lineage and activation markers as well as cytokines. Cells were analysed using a flow cytometer. Doublets, debris, and dead cells as well as CD14+ and CD20+ cells were excluded. Cells were pregated on CD3 as well as CD4 and CD8. For reactive CD4 T cells CD154 and TNF-alpha were assessed on CD4+ T cells while TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in CD8+ T cells Results: IgG antibodies (Ab) against S and RBD were found in all analysed HC, while in 22 and 20 out of a total of 27 MSp. Levels of IgG against S were lower in MSp vs HC. IgM levels against RBD were found in all HC and MSp, but 8 MSp had low levels of those Ab.There were no differences between HC and MSp in the % of reactive CD4+ T cells to S (p= 0.151). However, we found a lower % of reactive CD8+ T cells in MSp than HC (p= 0.026). Actually, CD8+ T cells were not detected in 4 out of 5 MSp treated with Fingolimod (FTY) but were present in all patients treated with monoclonal Ab, IFN or DMF. Furthermore, MSp treated with FTY had lower values of reactive CD4+ T cells and IgG anti-RBD than patients receiving other DMTs Conclusion(s): Most MSp vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 present some humoral and cellular response to SARS-CoV-2. This humoral and cellular response would be lower in MSp treated with FTY.

Professional Exhaustion Syndrome and Depression in Two Cohorts of Medical Residents Before and After the Covid-19 Pandemic

Objective: To compare professional burnout and depression in medical residents of our health institution before and after the pandemic. Background: Medical residencies are one of the most affected sectors within the health system by the COVID-19 pandemic, generating a negative impact on both clinical practice and professional exhaustion, as well as on the emotional aspect. Design/Methods: Observational analytical study conducted through anonymous self-administered questionnaires in two groups of medical residents, differed by 3 years (2018/2021). Demographic data and medical history were collected. In addition to Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI, for professional exhaustion) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II, for depression). Results: 68 residents participated (2018: 31;2021: 37), female (2018: 48%;2021: 62%), with an average age of 27.2 +-2.4 SD (2018);30.2 +-3.3 SD (2021). In 2021 there was a reduction in elderly residents' participation (2018/2021: PGY1 22.6%/18.9%, PGY2 22.6%/10.8%, PY3 35.5%/24.3%, PGY4 19.4%/45.9%). In 2018 no one reported insomnia neither chronic drug and/or alcohol abuse, in 2021 27% reported insomnia (p=0.02) and 8.1% abuse. Slept hours in the last 72 hours were 13.6 +- 4.1 SD in 2018 and 16.5 +-5.4 SD in 2021. Severe and extreme depression scored by BDI-II were a new finding this year (2018/2021: Normal 51.6%/16.2%, mild mood disturbance 25.8%/29.7%, mild depression 12.9%/21.6%, moderate depression 9.7%/10.8%, severe depression 0%/13.5% and extreme depression 0%/8.1%). In 2021 greater emotional exhaustion and lack of personal fulfillment were observed compared to 2018, but no depersonalization or burnout criteria were made when answered BDI-II (2018/2021: Normal 51.6%/16.2%, mild mood disturbance 25.8%/29.7%, mild depression 12.9%/21.6%, moderate depression 9.7%/10.8%, severe depression 0%/13.5% and extreme depression 0%/8.1%). Conclusions: In our medical residents an increased level of depression was observed in 2021 compared to 2018. The pandemic working overload probably exacerbated bad working conditions. It is important to improve the quality of life and work of doctors in training.

FACTORS RELATED TO NEW ONSET DYSPEPSIA AFTER COVID 19 INFECTION IN MEXICAN POPULATION

ntroduction: Since the COVID 19 infection has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the spectrum of symptoms have been described, however, the presence of digestive symptoms as part of the probable sequelae of the disease has not been well studied. Objective: To determine the variables present during the active stage period of the COVID 19 infection and their association with symptoms of dyspepsia during the recovery period. Material and methods: An online survey was conducted to patients recovered from COVID 19 infection during the months of May and June 2020, evaluating the demographic variables of age, sex and comorbidities, the presence of COVID 19 infection symptoms during the disease active stage and digestive symptoms during recovery. Using SPSS version 22, univar-iate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with the presence of dyspeptic symptoms such as early satiety, epigastric pain and postprandial fullness during recovery from the disease (4 weeks after the infection resolved). Results: A total of 315 patients recovered from COVID 19 infection were evaluated, mainly 59.6% from Baja California, 12.2% from Sonora, 7.8% CDMX, 6% Sinaloa, 3% Veracruz with an average age of 35.7 ±11.5 years of age, 65.4% female, with obesity comorbidities in 19.6% of cases, high blood pressure in 10.9%, asthma in 7.1% and diabetes mellitus in 2.2%. The most frequent symptoms reported of the disease were headache 79.5 %, myalgias 64.1%, diarrhea 60.9%, anosmia 62.2%, fever 57.1%, ageusia 58.7%, odynophagia 56.1%, arthralgias 54.7%, anorexia 52.6%, cough 49.7%, chest pain 39.4%, dyspnea 28.5%. Dyspep-sia in the recovery period was reported with pain in 18.6%, postprandial fullness 34.3%and early satiety in 52.2%. It was found that the variables independently associated with the presence of postprandial fullness during recovery from the disease are male (OR 0.544,IC 0.309-0.958, P = 0.035), anorexia (OR 3.07, IC 1.73-5.45, P <.001) and diarrhea (OR 1.87. IC 1.04-3.34, P = 0.034). The variable associated with the presence of satiety during recovery from the disease is the presence of anorexia (OR 6.65, CI 3.75-11.79, P <0.001). The presence of epigastric pain after COVID 19 infection is associated with diarrhea (OR 3.32, IC 1.42-7.79, P = 0.006), arthralgia (OR 3.15, IC 3.15-1.16-8.55, P = 0.026), treatment with azithromycin ( OR 2.29, IC 1.13-4.64, P = 0.021), chlorine dioxide treatment (OR 11.35, IC 2.69-47.9, P = 0.001).Conclusions: The presence of dyspepsia after infection by COVID 19 is frequent, some of the associated variables are similar to those reported in other cases of post-infectious dyspep-sia, the use of medications has an important relationship with the presence of epigastric pain.

Low Dose Radiotherapy in the Management of COVID-19 Pneumonia (LOWRAD-Cov19)

Purpose/Objective(s): To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Low-Dose Radiation (LD-RT) to treat COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials/Methods: We conducted a prospective phase I-II trial enrolling patients ≥ 50 years-old, COVID-19 positive, with lung involvement at imaging study and oxygen requirement. Patients received 100 cGy to total lungs in a single fraction. Dose planning goals were PTV95 > 80% with Dmax < 115%. Primary outcome was radiological response assessed as severity and extension scores at days 0, +3 and +7. Secondary outcomes were toxicity (CTCAE v5.0), days of hospitalization, changes in inflammatory blood parameters (ferritin, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein, d-dimer and LDH) and SatO2/ FiO2 index (SAFI) at +3 and +7 (normal SAFI > 315, mild respiratory failure < 300, and severe < 200). Descriptive analyses were summarized as means with standard deviation (SD) and medians with interquartile ranges (IQR). A Wilcoxon sign rank test for paired data was used to assess the CT scores and Chi Square was used to assess for comparison of categorical variables. Results: Forty-one patients were included. Three patients died < 72h after LD-RT and were excluded from the analysis. Median age was 71 (IQR 60-84). Eighteen patients (47%) received previously any anti-COVID treatment (tocilizumab, lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir) and thirty-two patients (84%) received steroids (GC) during LD-RT. Extension score improved significantly (P = 0.02) on day +7;severity score was stable or slightly decreased (P = 0.1). Median SAFI on day 0 was 147 (IQR 118-264), 230 (IQR 120-343) on day +3 and 293 (IQR 121-353) on day +7 (P < 0.01). SAFI improvement was associated with overall survival (P = 0.01). Significant decrease was found in C-reactive protein on day +7 (P = 0.02) and in lymphocytes counts on day +3 and +7 (P = 0.02). Median time to receive RT from the date of admission was 19 days (ranging 2-87). Median number of days in hospital after RT was 11 (4-78) and overall was 37 days (range 11-155). With a median follow-up of 67 days after LD-RT, 24 (63%) patients were discharged, twelve (32%) died and two (5%) are still inpatients. Conclusion: Our preliminary results show that LD-RT was feasible and well-tolerated treatment, with potential clinical improvement. Randomized trials are needed to establish whether LD-RT improves severe pneumonia.

Retrospective study of patients admitted form March to January 2021 by COVID-19 in hospital Infanta Elena (Huelva)

Background and Aims: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients admitted for COVID19 from March 2020 to January 2021 in our hospital under treatment with statins. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of a cohort of all patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Infectious Diseases Service at Hospital Infanta Elena from March 2020 to January 2021. Those patients with SARS CoV2 infection documented by PCR of the nasopharyngeal exudate and radiological involvement with risk factors and statin treatment were analyzed. Among these factors are: age over 60 years, chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 2), chronic kidney disease and oncohematological diseases. Results: A cohort of 65 patients was analyzed, of which 23.08% were on statin treatment, with a mean age of 74 + 10.48 sd years, of which 66.7% were men and 33.3% were women. Of the patients taking statins, 86% were smokers and 13.13% were non-smokers. Regarding the rest of the cardiovascular factors, 93.3% were hypertensive, 40% type 2 DM, 20% had a history of coronary disease, 33.3% heart failure, 6.7% COPD, 13.3% chronic kidney disease and 6.7% active neoplasia. In the group that did not take statins, there were 5 deaths (12.2%) and had a median of 10 days of admission, compared to 3 deaths (21.4%) and 11 days of admission in the group that took statins. Conclusions: In our healthcare setting, patients undergoing treatment with statins were admitted less, had less mortality, and their most frequent comorbidities were hypertension, DM2, heart failure and coronary disease.