The Effect of Vitamin D Levels in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Objective Multiple factors being overweight, asthmatic, or being of Asian or black ethnic origins have been reported vis-à-vis the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). There is an association between these conditions and vitamin D deficiency, which explains why MIS-C is more common in these patients. In the present study, we attempted to retrospective evaluate the 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels of patients with MIS-C, its association with acute phase reactants, its treatment, and clinical status. Methods Patients aged between 1.5 months to 18 years with MIS-C were included in the study. All of the laboratory parameters, treatment, and response to the treatment were evaluated retrospectively. Two groups were formed. Patients had 25-hydroxycholecalciferol D vitamin < 20 ng/mL in group 1 and ≥ 20 ng/mL in group 2. Results A total of 52 patients were included in the study. There was no statistical difference between groups in terms of acceptance of the intensive care unit treatment (p = 0.29) and response to the first-line treatment (p = 0.56). A lower median lymphocyte count (p = 0.01) and a higher median C-reactive protein (p = 0.04) and procalcitonin (p = 0.01) with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (p = 0.025) values were found in group 1. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased inflammatory response in children with MIS-C. More studies are required to determine the potential impact of vitamin D deficiency on the clinical outcome of MIS-C.

Changing the Demographic Characteristics of Males with Erectile Dysfunction During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic: A Multi-institutional Comparative Analysis with the Non-pandemic Period

Objective: This study aimed to present the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic on seeking treatment in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and compare the clinical characteristics, demographics, and laboratory analysis of patients with ED during and before the pandemic period. Materials and Methods: The clinical and demographic characteristics and laboratory analysis of patients with ED were compared between the time interval of March 9, 2020, to June 1, 2020, and the previous 3 months from the pandemics. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire was used to assess ED and the results from two groups were compared. Results: A 76.4% decreased total number of outpatient clinics and a 70.9% decreased number of patients with ED was observed;however a significant increase was detected in the ratio of patients with ED to the total number of patients during the pandemic period (1.7% vs. 2.1%, p=0.008). The median age of patients was smaller in the pandemic period. Mild ED was significantly higher in the pandemic period and moderate ED was detected higher in the period before the pandemic. Conclusion: The admission rate of patients with ED has increased in the pandemic period. The patients presenting with ED during the pandemic period were younger, with milder ED symptoms.