Associated factors for mortality in a COVID-19 colombian cohort: is the third wave relevant when Mu variant was predominant epidemiologically?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between Colombia's third wave when the Mu variant was predominant epidemiologically (until 75%) in Colombia and COVID-19 all-cause in-hospital mortality. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort, we included hospitalized patients ≥18 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 to September 2021 in ten hospitals from three cities in Colombia. Description analysis, survival, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the third epidemic wave and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 25,371 patients were included. The age-stratified time-to-mortality curves showed differences according to epidemic waves in patients ≥75 years (log-rank test p = 0.012). In the multivariate Cox analysis, the third wave was not associated with increased mortality relative to the first wave (aHR 0.95; 95%CI 0.84-1.08), but there was an interaction between age ≥75 years and the third wave finding a lower HR for mortality (aHR 0.56, 95%CI 0.36-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find an increase in in-hospital mortality during the third epidemic wave in which the Mu variant was predominant in Colombia. The reduced hazard in mortality in patients ≥75 years hospitalized in the third wave could be explained by the high coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population and patients with underlying conditions.

Impact of immunosuppression regimen on COVID-19 mortality in kidney transplant recipients: Analysis from a Colombian transplantation centers registry Impacto de los esquemas de inmunosupresión en la mortalidad por COVID-19 en receptores de trasplante renal: análisis en centros de trasplante renal en Colombia

Background The impact of immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is unknown. The knowledge about the behavior of different immunosuppression schemes in clinical outcomes is scarce. This study aimed to determine the risk of death in kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 under two different schemes of immunosuppression. Methods We describe our experience in kidney transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in seven transplant centers during the first year of the pandemic before starting the vaccination programs in the city of Bogotá. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, immunosuppression schemes at presentation, and global treatment strategies were compared between recovered and dead patients;survival analysis was carried out between calcineurin inhibitors based regimen and free calcineurin inhibitors regimen. Results Among 165 confirmed cases, 28 died (17%);the risk factors for mortality identified in univariate analysis were age older than 60 years (p = .003) diabetes (p = .001), immunosuppression based on calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) (p = .025) and patients receiving steroids (p = .041). In multivariable analysis, hypoxemia (p = .000) and calcineurin inhibitors regimen (p = .002) were predictors of death. Survival analysis showed increased mortality risk in patients receiving CNI based immunosuppression regimen vs. CNI free regimens mortality rates were, respectively, 21.7% and 8.5% (p = .036). Conclusions Our results suggest that the calcineurin inhibitors probably do not provide greater protection compared to calcineurin inhibitor free schemes being necessary to carry out analyzes that allow us to evaluate the outcomes with different immunosuppression schemes in solid organ transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Impact of immunosuppression regimen on COVID-19 mortality in kidney transplant recipients: Analysis from a Colombian transplantation centers registry.

BACKGROUND: The impact of immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is unknown. The knowledge about the behavior of different immunosuppression schemes in clinical outcomes is scarce. This study aimed to determine the risk of death in kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 under two different schemes of immunosuppression. METHODS: We describe our experience in kidney transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in seven transplant centers during the first year of the pandemic before starting the vaccination programs in the city of Bogotá. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, immunosuppression schemes at presentation, and global treatment strategies were compared between recovered and dead patients; survival analysis was carried out between calcineurin inhibitors based regimen and free calcineurin inhibitors regimen. RESULTS: Among 165 confirmed cases, 28 died (17%); the risk factors for mortality identified in univariate analysis were age older than 60 years (p=.003) diabetes (p=.001), immunosuppression based on calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) (p=.025) and patients receiving steroids (p=.041). In multivariable analysis, hypoxemia (p=.000) and calcineurin inhibitors regimen (p=.002) were predictors of death. Survival analysis showed increased mortality risk in patients receiving CNI based immunosuppression regimen vs. CNI free regimens mortality rates were, respectively, 21.7% and 8.5% (p=.036). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the calcineurin inhibitors probably do not provide greater protection compared to calcineurin inhibitor free schemes being necessary to carry out analyzes that allow us to evaluate the outcomes with different immunosuppression schemes in solid organ transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Efficacy and safety of four COVID-19 vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection: A rapid review. / Eficacia y seguridad de cuatro COVID-19 vacunas para prevenir la infección por SARS-CoV-2: una revisión rápida

INTRODUCTION: Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2, there have been efforts to develop vaccines to control the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of the BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1/AZD1222 and Gam-COVID-Vac rAd26-S/rAd5-S vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform on March 15, 2021. The search terms used were: "vaccine" OR "vaccination" AND "covid19" OR "coronavirus" OR "sarscov2" AND "bnt162b2" OR "chadox1-S" OR "azd1222" OR "sputnik" OR "Gam-COVID-Vac" OR "mrna" OR "mRNA-1273" . We measured the risk of bias of the studies and the quality of the evidence using GRADE profiles. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results of clinical trials is presented. RESULTS: Of the 74 identified studies, 4 were finally included in this review. The efficacies of the BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1/AZD1222 and Gam-COVID-VacrAd26-S/rAd5-S vaccines against symptomatic COVID-19 were 95,0% (CI95% 90,3-97,6), 94,1% (CI95% 89,3-96,8), 66,7% (CI95% 57,4-74,0), and 91,1% (CI95% 83,8-95,1), respectively. There was moderate certainty of the evidence due to serious indirectness, when we measured the risk of bias of the studies and the quality of the evidence using GRADE profile. The safety profiles were acceptable, and data on serious adverse events (summary RR=0,93; CI95% 0,77-1,12; p=0,16) and deaths from all causes (summary RR=0,70; CI95% 0,33-1,50; p=0,90) showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The results of this review support the level of evidence for the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines analysed.

Introducción. Desde que surgió el virus SARS-CoV-2, se han realizado esfuerzos para desarrollar vacunas para controlar la pandemia por COVID-19. Objetivo. Evaluar los datos de la eficacia y seguridad de las vacunas BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1/AZD1222 y Gam-COVID-Vac rAd26-S/rAd5-S contra el SARS-CoV-2. Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane y la Plataforma de Registro Internacional de Ensayos Clínicos de la OMS el 15 de marzo de 2021. Los términos usados fueron: "vaccine" OR "vaccination" AND "covid19" OR "coronavirus" OR "sarscov2" AND "bnt162b2" OR "chadox1-S" OR "azd1222" OR "sputnik" OR "Gam-COVID-Vac" OR "mrna" OR "mRNA-1273". Se midió el riesgo de sesgo de los estudios y la calidad de la información por medio de los perfiles GRADE. Se presenta un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de los resultados de los estudios clínicos. Resultados. Se identificaron 74 estudios y se incluyeron 4 en la revisión. La eficacia de las vacunas BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1/AZD1222 y Gam-COVID-VacrAd26-S/rAd5-S contra la COVID-19 sintomática fue del 95,0 % (IC95% 90,3-97,6), 94,1 % (IC95% 89,3-96,8), 66,7 % (IC95% 57,4-74,0) y 91,1 % (IC95% 83,8-95,1), respectivamente, y hubo una certeza moderada de la información debido a la falta de evidencia directa. Los perfiles de seguridad fueron aceptables, y los eventos adversos graves (RR resumido=0,93; IC95% 0,77-1,12; p=0,16) y muerte por todas las causas (RR resumido=0,70; IC95% 0,33-1,50; p=0,90) no mostraron diferencias significativas. Conclusión. Los resultados de esta revisión respaldan el nivel de evidencia de la eficacia y seguridad de las vacunas COVID-19 que fueron analizadas.

RECOMENDACIONES PARA EL USO DE OXÍGENO Y SUS DISPOSITIVOS BÁSICOS Y AVANZADOS: RACIONALIDAD Y SEGURIDAD EN TIEMPOS DE PANDEMIA POR SARS CoV2 EN COLOMBIA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF OXYGEN AND ITS BASIC AND ADVANCED SUPPLY DEVICES: RATIONALITY AND SAFETY IN TIMES OF SARS CoV2 PANDEMIC IN COLOMBIA

En medio de la pandemia de COVID-19, y ante la inminencia de desabastecimiento de oxígeno en Colombia, la red de Gestión y Transferencia de Conocimiento, integrada por 19 sociedades científicas, instituciones de salud y universidades, genera una actualización al documento liderado por la Asociación Colombiana de Medicina Critica e incluye nuevos lineamientos informados en evidencia para el manejo racional de la oxigenoterapia, así como los dispositivos básicos y avanzados para la oxigenoterapia. Las recomendaciones se refieren a: uso racional de oxígeno orientado por metas, estandarización del seguimiento y ajuste de dosis, uso adecuado de los dispositivos de oxigenoterapia, uso racional de ventilación mecánica invasiva, y uso racional de la terapia con membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea. Al ejercer su juicio, se espera que los profesionales y equipos de atención tengan en cuenta estos lineamientos con el fin de hacer un uso racional y seguro de la oxigenoterapia y sus dispositivos básicos y avanzados, junto con las necesidades individuales y preferencias de las personas que están bajo su cuidado.

RECOMENDACIONES PARA EL USO DE OXÍGENO Y SUS DISPOSITIVOS BÁSICOS Y AVANZADOS: RACIONALIDAD Y SEGURIDAD EN TIEMPOS DE PANDEMIA POR SARS CoV2 EN COLOMBIA

Resumen En medio de la pandemia de COVID-19, y ante la inminencia de desabastecimiento de oxígeno en Colombia, la red de Gestión y Transferencia de Conocimiento, integrada por 19 sociedades científicas, instituciones de salud y universidades, genera una actualización al documento liderado por la Asociación Colombiana de Medicina Critica e incluye nuevos lineamientos informados en evidencia para el manejo racional de la oxigenoterapia, así como los dispositivos básicos y avanzados para la oxigenoterapia. Las recomendaciones se refieren a: uso racional de oxígeno orientado por metas, estandarización del seguimiento y ajuste de dosis, uso adecuado de los dispositivos de oxigenoterapia, uso racional de ventilación mecánica invasiva, y uso racional de la terapia con membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea. Al ejercer su juicio, se espera que los profesionales y equipos de atención tengan en cuenta estos lineamientos con el fin de hacer un uso racional y seguro de la oxigenoterapia y sus dispositivos básicos y avanzados, junto con las necesidades individuales y preferencias de las personas que están bajo su cuidado. In the midst the COVID-19 pandemic, and given the imminence of oxygen shortages in Colombia, the Knowledge Management and Transfer Network, made up of 19 scientific societies, health institutions, and universities, generates an update to the document led by the Colombian Association of Critical Medicine and includes new evidence-informed guidelines for the rational management of oxygen therapy, as well as basic and advanced devices for oxygen therapy. The recommendations refer to five topics: goal-oriented rational use of oxygen, standardization of follow-up and dose adjustment, effective use of oxygen therapy devices, rational use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and rational use of extracorporeal oxygenation membrane therapy. When exercising their judgment, it is expected that professionals and care teams will take into account these guidelines to make rational and safe use of oxygen therapy and its basic and advanced devices, together with the individual needs and preferences of the people who are under their care.

Coagulopatía en la infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): De los mecanismos fisiopatológicos al diagnóstico y tratamiento

Resumen La presencia de coagulopatía en pacientes con infección por COVID-19 se asocia con un mayor riesgo de muerte. Además, la relevancia de dichas anomalías de la coagulación se ha convertido en un factor determinante en el desenlace de los pacientes mas enfermos, a medida que una proporción sustancial de pacientes con manifestaciones clínicas graves, desarrollan complicaciones tromboembólicas venosas y arteriales, muchas veces no diagnosticadas sino hasta hallazgos post-mortem. La evidencia disponible derivada de observaciones clínicas y series de autopsias distingue la coagulopatía asociada a COVID-19 de la microangiopatía trombótica - MAT y la coagulación intravascular diseminada - CIS. Se pueden observar posibles superposiciones en pacientes críticos en los que el colapso circulatorio, la falla orgánica multisistémica, la hipoxemia refractaria y el SDRA causan una combinación de CID de bajo grado y microangiopatía trombótica pulmonar localizada, que podría tener un impacto sustancial en la disfunción orgánica en los pacientes más gravemente afectados. The presence of coagulopathy in patients with COVID-19 infection is associated with an increased risk of death. Furthermore, the relevance of these coagulation abnormalities has become a determining factor in the outcome of the sickest patients, as a substantial proportion of patients with severe clinical manifestations develop venous and arterial thromboembolic complications. These are often undiagnosed until post-mortem findings. Available evidence arising from clinical observations and autopsy reports distinguishes COVID-19-associated coagulopathy from thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Possible overlaps can be observed in critically ill patients, in whom circulatory collapse, multisystem organ failure, refractory hypoxaemia, and ARDS cause a combination of low-grade DIC and localised thrombotic pulmonary microangiopathy. These could have a substantial impact on organ dysfunction, in the most severely affected patients.