ABSTRACT
Background: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a complication that occurs in patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infection. The spectrum of symptoms varies from mild to severe symptoms, even death. The study aimed to compare the clinical manifestations in GBS patients with and without COVID-19 comorbidity. Results: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and cross-sectional studies was conducted comparing the characteristics and course of GBS disease in the COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative groups. Four articles were selected with a total sample of 61 COVID-19 positive and 110 COVID-19 negative GBS patients. Based on clinical manifestations, COVID-19 infection increased the likelihood of tetraparesis (OR: 2.54; 95% CI 1.12-5.74; p = 0.03) and the presence of facial nerve involvement (OR: 2.34; 95% CI 1.00-5.47; p = 0.05). Demyelinating type GBS or AIDP was more common in the COVID-19 positive group (OR: 2.32; 95% CI 1.16-4.61; p = 0.02). COVID-19 in GBS significantly increased the need for intensive care (OR: 3.32; 95% CI 1.48-7.46; p = 0.004) and the use of mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.42; 95% CI 1.00-5.86; p = 0.05). Conclusions: GBS following COVID-19 infection showed more severe variations in clinical characteristics compared to the group of GBS patients without COVID-19. Early detection of GBS, especially the typical manifestations post COVID-19 infection, is very important to carry out intensive monitoring and early management before the patient's condition worsens.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a massive impact on the health sector, especially in patients with pre-existing comorbidities. This study aims to define the predictor factors for worse outcomes in kidney transplant patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have analyzed in these patients their prior medical history, their clinical symptoms, and their laboratory results. METHOD: We assessed outcomes of kidney transplant patients with confirmed COVID-19 until July 2021 from PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane databases, EMBASE, Scopus, and EBSCO. We performed meta-analyses of nine published studies to estimate predictor factors. The analysis was analyzed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and then using the Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULT: Our analysis demonstrated that the most significant risk factors for the worse COVID-19 outcomes for kidney transplant patients included: age of 60 and older [MD 9.31(95% CI, 6.31-12.30), p < 0.0001, I2 = 76%], diabetic nephropathy [OR 2.13 (95% CI, 1.49-3.04), p < 0.0001, I2 = 76%], dyspnea [OR 4.53, (95% CI, 2.22-9.22), p < 0.0001, I2 = 76%], acute kidney injury (AKI) [OR 4.53 (95% CI, 1.10-5.21), p = 0.03, I2 = 58%], and some laboratory markers. Many patients had two or multiple risk factors in combination. CONCLUSION: Age and several comorbidities were the most significant factors for COVID-19 outcomes for kidney transplant recipients.