Hematological changes as a consequence of COVID-19 and its vaccines / Alteraciones hematológicas como consecuencia de COVID-19 y sus vacunas

El virus SARS-CoV-2 continúa infectando a millones de individuos en el mundo. Aunque los síntomas más frecuentes observados en los pacientes con COVID-19 son fiebre, fatiga y tos, en los casos severos la hipercoagulabilidad y la inflamación son dos condiciones que pueden producir complicaciones y causar daño en órganos, poniendo en riesgo la vida del paciente. Con el fin de clasificar a los pacientes durante el triaje, se han explorado diferentes marcadores hematológicos, incluidos el recuento de plaquetas, linfocitos y eosinófilos, y la relación neutrófilos/ linfocitos, entre otros. Por su parte, para la evaluación de las coagulopatías, se vienen determinando marcadores como el dímero D y el fibrinógeno. En esta revisión se abordan las coagulopatías y los parámetros hematológicos en pacientes con COVID-19, al igual que las anormalidades en la coagulación como la trombocitopenia trombótica inmune inducida por las vacunas contra el SARS-CoV-2

The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to infect millions of individuals around the world. Although the most frequent symptoms observed in patients with COVID-19 are fever, fatigue and cough, in severe cases hypercoagulability and inflammation are two conditions that can cause complications and organ failure, putting the patient's life at risk. In order to classify patients during triage, different hematological markers have been explored, including platelet, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, among others. Furthermore, for the evaluation of coagulopathies, markers such as D-dimer and fibrinogen are being evaluated. This review addresses the coagulopathies and hematological parameters in patients with COVID-19, as well as coagulation abnormalities such as immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

Pityriasis rosea as a cutaneous manifestation associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: case report / Pitiriasis rosada como manifestación dermatológica de infección por SARS-CoV-2: a propósito de un caso

Las manifestaciones cutáneas relacionadas a la infección por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, causante de COVID-19, se han descrito entre el 0,2% y 20,4% de las personas que cursan con esta enfermedad. Las más frecuentemente descritas son: lesiones maculopapulares (47%), lesiones acrales eritematosas con vesículas o pústulas (pseudoperniosis) (19%), urticariales (19%), lesiones vesiculosas (9%) y livedo/necrosis (6%). En particular, la pitiriasis rosada es una dermatosis autolimitada de etiología desconocida, sin embargo, se ha visto asociada a la infección por SARS-CoV-2, con algunos reportes de casos en la literatura. El mecanismo fisiopatológico de las lesiones cutáneas en COVID-19 no es claro, y se han planteado algunas teorías, entre las cuales está el papel que juega la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ACE2) utilizada por el virus para infectar las células, los infiltrados linfocíticos, los depósitos de factores del complemento en la piel, y la reactivación de virus latentes como los herpes virus humanos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con pitiriasis rosada asociada a COVID-19 y se describen los casos reportados hasta la fecha

SARS-CoV-2 infection and myocarditis / Infección por SARS-CoV-2 y miocarditis

COVID-19 es una enfermedad infecciosa respiratoria aguda, causada por el SARS-CoV-2, un nuevo coronavirus, que se extendió rápidamente por todo el mundo, dando como resultado una pandemia. Los pacientes presentan un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas, entre ellas, la miocarditis, y de manera alterna, algunos pacientes sin síntomas de enfermedad cardíaca, tienen anomalías en las pruebas, como elevación de la troponina y arritmias cardíacas en el electrocardiograma, o anomalías en las imágenes cardíacas. La patogenia del compromiso miocárdico no es clara, pero las dos principales teorías prevén un papel directo de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2, que funciona como el receptor viral, y una respuesta hiperinmune, que también puede conducir a una presentación aislada. El estándar de oro del diagnóstico es la biopsia endomiocárdica, la cual no está disponible en la mayoría de los escenarios. En esta revisión, se pretende brindar al lector pautas para identificar las manifestaciones clínicas, ayudas diagnósticas y manejo de los pacientes con sospecha de miocarditis por COVID-19

COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 virus, that spread rapidly around the world, resulting in a pandemic. Patients present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including myocarditis, and alternately, some patients without symptoms of heart disease have abnormalities in tests, such as elevated troponin, arrhythmias in the ECG orabnormalities in cardiac imaging testing. The pathogenesis of myocardial involvement is not completely clear, but the two main theories suggest a direct role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which functions as the virus receptor, and a hyperimmune response, which can also lead to an isolated presentation. The gold standard for the diagnosis is the endomyocardial biopsy, which is not available in most settings. In this review, we intend to provide the reader with guidelines to identify the clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and management of patients with suspected COVID-19 myocarditis

Histopathological findings in renal biopsy of patients with COVID-19 and renal involvement / Hallazgos histopatológicos en biopsia renal de pacientes con COVID-19 y compromiso renal

Introducción. La lesión renal aguda (LRA) en el paciente con COVID-19 ocurre más frecuentemente en presencia de enfermedades crónicas como diabetes, obesidad, hipertensión arterial y enfermedad renal crónica previa, considerándose un fuerte predictor de resultados desfavorables y mortalidad. El propósito de este estudio fue describir las características histopatológicas en biopsias renales de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19, que experimentaron algún grado de daño renal durante su hospitalización. Metodología. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados en diferentes centros de atención en Medellín, Colombia, con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19, sin antecedente de terapia de reemplazo renal, que durante la infección desarrollaron algún grado de daño renal, y que tuvieran estudio histopatológico de biopsia renal. Se analizaron las características demográficas, formas clínicas de presentación y hallazgos histopatológicos a nivel renal. Resultados. La mayoría de los pacientes eran de sexo masculino (70%). Los antecedentes patológicos más frecuentes fueron la enfermedad renal crónica previa (16,7%), diabetes mellitus (16,7%), trasplante renal (13,3%) y VIH (10%). El 35,7% de los pacientes no tenían ninguna comorbilidad subyacente. La manifestación clínica inicial más frecuente fue la LRA (56,7%). Algunos pacientes tuvieron más de una manifestación clínica inicial. El 100% de los pacientes evaluados tuvieron hallazgos histopatológicos renales, siendo la nefritis tubulointersticial aguda (40%) el más frecuente. Conclusión. Nuestro estudio no descarta una posible asociación del sexo masculino con peores desenlaces en la enfermedad COVID-19. La LRA fue el hallazgo clínico inicial más frecuente. Es posible que los hallazgos histopatológicos del presente estudio puedan ser consecuencia del daño directo a nivel tubulointersticial renal y la mala perfusión renal, dado el estado de choque por la tormenta inflamatoria, el empeoramiento de enfermedades preexistentes, o la superposición clínica con otras entidades. Sin embargo, son necesarios más estudios para dilucidar los mecanismos por los cuales se generan estas lesiones

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with COVID-19 occurs more frequently in the presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and previous chronic kidney disease, and is considered a strong predictor of unfavorable outcomes and mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe the histopathological characteristics in kidney biopsies from patients hospitalized for COVID-19, who experienced some degree of kidney damage during their hospitalization. Methodology. We included 30 patients over 18 years of age, hospitalized in different care centers in Medellín, Colombia, with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, without a history of renal replacement therapy, who developed some degree of kidney disease during the infection, and had histopathological study of renal biopsy. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations and histopathological findings were analyzed. Results. Most of the patients were male (70%). The most frequent previous pathological findings were chronic kidney disease (16.7%), diabetes mellitus (16.7%), kidney transplant (13.3%) and HIV (10%). 35.7% of the patients did not have any underlying comorbidity. The most frequent initial clinical manifestation was AKI (56.7%). Some patients had more than one initial clinical manifestation. 100% of the patients had renal histopathological findings, with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (40%) being the most frequent. Conclusion. Our study does not rule out a possible association of the male gender with worse outcomes in COVID-19 disease. AKI was the most common initial clinical finding. It is possible that the histopathological findings of this study may be a consequence of direct damage at the renal tubulointerstitial level and poor renal perfusion due to the inflammatory storm, worsening of pre-existing diseases, or clinical overlap with other entities. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which these lesions are generated

Clinical characteristics and high-resolution computed tomography findings of 805 patients with mild or moderate infection from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Currently, the predominant strain is SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2 in many countries. Understanding its infection characteristics can facilitate clinical management. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the clinical, laboratory, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in patients with mild or moderate infection from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2 between April 4th and April 17th, 2022. The clinical characteristics, laboratory features, and HRCT images were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 805 patients were included (411 males and 394 females, median age 33 years old). The infection was mild, moderate, severe, and asymptomatic in 490 (60.9%), 37 (4.6%), 0 (0.0%), and 278 (34.5%) patients, respectively. Notably, 186 (23.1%), 96 (11.9%), 265 (32.9%), 11 (3.4%), 7 (0.9%), and 398 (49.4%) patients had fever, cough, throat discomfort, stuffy or runny nose, fatigue, and no complaint, respectively. Furthermore, 162 (20.1%), 332 (41.2%), and 289 (35.9%) patients had decreased white blood cell counts, reduced lymphocytes, and elevated C-reactive protein levels, respectively. HRCT revealed pneumonia in 53 (6.6%) patients. The majority of the lung involvements were ground-glass opacity (50, 94.3%) mostly in the subpleural area. The grade of lung injury was mainly mild (90.6%). Short-term follow-ups showed that most patients with pneumonia recovered. CONCLUSION: Most patients with mild or moderate infection from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2 were adults, with fever and upper respiratory symptoms as the main clinical presentations. Lower respiratory infection was mild, with ground-glass opacity in the subpleural area as the main finding.

Optimizing the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in solid organ transplant recipients with COVID-19: A review of immunosuppressant adjustment strategies.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) being particularly vulnerable. Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir have demonstrated the potential for reducing the risk of hospitalization and death in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. However, ritonavir has a strong drug-drug interaction with CYP3A-dependent drugs such as calcineurin inhibitors, potentially leading to rapid increases in blood concentration. As SOTRs are commonly prescribed immunosuppressants, co-administration with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir requires careful consideration. To address this issue, we conducted a literature review to evaluate the use and adverse effects of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in SOTRs and explore feasible immunosuppressant adjustment regimens. Our findings suggest that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir could be a feasible treatment option for COVID-19 in SOTRs, provided that appropriate immunosuppressive drug management is in place during co-administration. Although prescribing the novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug to transplant recipients poses challenges, potential strategies to overcome these issues are discussed. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosing strategies of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, immunosuppressant adjustment, and monitoring in this patient population.

Active community search strategies for COVID-19 control.

Introduction: The active community search is widely used in field practice and allows to identify symptomatic people, criteria of risk of contagion, control of the virus, knowledge of the population at risk and, in addition, allows the analysis of the relationship of these factors with the increased risk of affecting health. However, it is difficult to find a consensus on this aspect. Objective(s): To identify active community search strategies that have an effect on the control of COVID-19. Method(s): A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Science Direct and LILACS databases, also in Google Scholar, Open Grey and PROSPERO, from December 2019 to January 2021. The selection criteria were previously defined with respect to the intervention and the research topic of the articles consulted. The protocol was sent for registration in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Registration number: CRD42020160617. Conclusion(s): Of the two identified strategies, the home visit of the medical team made up by students, professors and other health professionals stands out. It is necessary to take this result with caution because they are studies from the same country, although the importance of community participation in public health surveillance is reiterated.Copyright © 2022, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

[A patient diagnosed with MOGAD after COVID-19 - A case report]

MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease) is a newly defined inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. The presence of MOG antibodies holds a key role in the identification of the disease, as the detection of these anitbodies points to an inflammatory state with a distinct clinical presentation, specific radiological and laboratory findings, different course and prognosis as well as separate treatment considerations. Simultaneously, during the last two years healthcare worldwide has focused a large part of its resources on the management of COVID-19 patients. The long-term health effects of the infection are still unknown, but a large part of its manifestations are similar to those already seen in other viral infections. A significant percentage of patients who develop demyelinating disorders in the central nervous system presents an acute post-infectious inflammatory process (ADEM). Here we report the case of a young woman who presented a clinical picture compatible with ADEM after SARS-CoV-2 infection that led to a MOGAD diagnosis.

Impact de la Covid-19 sur les arrêts cardiaques extrahospitaliers en phase de suractivité épidémique : données du registre RéAC

Introduction : Notre objectif était d'analyser la survie des patients victimes d'un arrêt cardiaque extrahospitalier (ACEH) durant la pandémie Covid-19 et de comparer les données en fonction du centre de traitement de l'appel choisi, le 15 ou le 18. Méthode : Nous avons extrait les données exhaustives du Registre des arrêts cardiaques (RéAC), entre le 1er mars et le 30 avril 2020. Nous avons effectué trois comparaisons de la survie à 30 jours (J30) de cohortes de patients : 1) Covid vs non-Covid ;2) appels arrivés au service d'aide médicale urgente (Samu) (15) vs aux sapeurs-pompiers (SP) (18) et 3) appels arrivés au 15 vs 18 pour les patients Covid. Résultats : Sur un total de 870 ACEH, 184 étaient atteints de la Covid. Nous avons observé 487 (56 %) appels arrivés au 15 et 383 (44 %) au 18. La survie à J30 était de 3 %. Les ACEH Covid avaient une survie à J30 plus faible que les non-Covid (0 vs 4 %, p < 0,001). Le délai d'arrivée de SP était plus long lors d'un appel au 15. En revanche, aucune différence de survie n'est observée entre les appels arrivés au 15 ou au 18. Conclusion : La survie consécutive à un ACEH durant la pandémie est extrêmement faible. Cependant, quel que soit le numéro composé (15 ou 18), la survie n'est pas différente, même si le délai d'arrivée des prompts secours est plus court lors d'un appel au 18.Alternate abstract: Introduction: Our aim was to analyze the outof-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) care and patients' survival during COVID-19 pandemic by comparing the emergency phone number called to initiate the alert [EMS(#15) or firefighters(#18)]. Procedures: We used data from the French OHCA Registry (RéAC), between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020. We performed three comparisons of patient cohorts: 1) COVID vs non-COVID;2) 15 vs 18 calls and 3) in COVID patients, 15 vs 18 calls. Results: We included 870 OHCA, among them, 184 were affected by COVID-19. There were 487 (56%) calls to 15 and 383 (44%) to 18. Patient survival at D+30 during the study was 3%. COVID+ patients had a lower survival rate at D+30 than non-COVID patients (0% vs. 4%, P < 0.001). Firefighters had a long time to arrive on the scene for calls to 15. No difference in survival was observed between 15 or 18 calls. Conclusion: The poor survival of patients during the pandemic is multi-causal but does not appear to be related to the emergency phone number called to initiate the alert [EMS (#15) or firefighters (#18)] even if the arrival time for prompt assistance is shorter on the call to 18.

Artemisia and Artemisia-based products for COVID-19 management: current state and future perspective

The search for a potent anti-coronavirus therapy for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains an overwhelming task since the outbreak of COVID-19. It is more evident that most of the existing antiviral and immune-boosting drugs are non-promising and ineffective for the treatment of coronavirus infected patients while the safety of a few drugs/vaccines that have demonstrated high potential remains unclear. With daily records of confirmed infectious cases across the world, it is crucial to emphasize the need for repurposed therapies with a validated ethnomedicinal base focused on well-known active medicines with traceable biochemical, pharmacological and safety profiles for viral infection management. In the present study, recent literature on Artemisia and Artemisia-based products for the management of COVID-19 are reviewed. Artemisia-based products have demonstrated a broad spectrum of biological ability including antiviral properties. Besides its antiviral activity, Artemisia annua have shown to contain appreciable amounts of minerals such as zinc, gallium and selenium among others. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].Copyright © 2021, Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University.

Immunity Modulators, Repurposed Drugs and Candidate Vaccines for COVID-19: A Review

COVID-19, a pandemic has led the whole globe through unprecedented times and unpre-dictability that has adversely affected the humanity as a whole. Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome was reported in the year 2002-2004 of zoonotic origin caused by SARS-CoV-1 strain. Now recently, in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 virus has emerged and swiftly spread to the whole world, taking a heavy toll on life. Studies are being conducted worldwide to find antiviral drugs act-ing specifically on the virus and to develop the vaccine for the disease. The present review article summarizes the currently undergoing clinical trials of Indian Ayurvedic herbs and their role in promoting immunity. It also includes studies focused on repurposing the existing drugs and finding alternative treatment methods that can be opted for potential treatment/management of COVID-19. Last but not the least, this paper provides a background on the development of preventive vaccines and the various bioinformatic tools utilized in order to help accelerate the research on coronavirus. The manuscript gives a brief outline of all the possible strategies and therapeutics underway in India and at the global level to fight against the microscopic adversary and lead to an affordable and speedy remedy for COVID-19.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

A Comparative Study of SARS, MERS with COVID-19

Background: B814, now's called Coronavirus first identified by Tyrrell and Bynoe in 1965 from the respiratory tract (embryonic tracheal) of an adult and later on during working on National Institutes of Health Robert Chanock used the term "OC" for same virus strain. After several years researchers reported that coronaviruses were caused disease in rats, mice, chickens, turkeys, calves, dogs, cats, rabbits etc. after effecting the enormous variety of animal, in year 2002-2003 it caused new respiratory disease named severe acute respiratory syndrome, (SARS) in southern China. Objective(s): The main objective of this article is to compare the status of various previous pandemics (i.e., SARS, MERS) with the current COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the life cycle, diagnosis process and prevention Results: On 31st December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) office in China received information regarding pneumonia cases of unknown etiology from the Wuhan district in central China. Subsequently, this new disease spread to China, and from there, to the rest of the world. By the end of March 2020, more than 2 million cases were confirmed of this new disease, with over 70000 deaths worldwide. After some time, researchers have identified that this new disease is caused by a novel beta-Coronavirus (virus SARS-CoV-2) and the new disease was named COVID-19. Since then, the Ministry of Health of various countries and WHO have been fighting this health emergency, which has not only affected public health, but also affected various economic sectors. Conclusion(s): The current outbreak SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetically resembled to Bat SARS, which was previously identified in year 2002 and 2012 having low mortality rate than MERS and SARS. However, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS having high virological similarity but both use different receptors to take entry in to the host cell via ACE-2 and DPP-4 respectively. Unfortunately, currently there is no approved treatment available worldwide. Currently, we can hope that together we will recover from this public health emergency very soon.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Clinical risk factors for predicting anti-Sars-CoV-2 antibody immunoreactivity duration after mild COVID-19 infection

Introdução: a doença causada pelo coronavírus (COVID-19) é complexa e multissistêmica. Ainda não se sabe se os sintomas da fase aguda estão correlacionados com a duração da resposta imune e com a persistência dos sintomas crônicos. Objetivo: o presente estudo visa acessar e monitorar os sintomas clínicos do COVID-19, correlacionando-os com a produção de anticorpos neutralizantes. Método: uma coorte de 69 profissionais da saúde da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (HUCAM-UFES/EBSERH) diagnosticados com infecção por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada via RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) foram avaliados do início dos sintomas até seis meses depois. Exames laboratoriais de IgG e IgM foram utilizados para detectar a presença de IgG e IgM contra a proteína do nucleocapsídeo do vírus SARS-CoV-2 nas amostras de plasma sanguíneo. Sorologia de anticorpos IgG e IgM, função pulmonar via espirometria e avaliação clínica dos pacientes foram realizadas nos dias 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 e 180 após o início dos sintomas da doença. Resultados: sessenta e nove profissionais da saúde (idade, 40 ± 10 anos;74% mulheres) foram avaliados por seis meses. Todos apresentaram a forma leve a moderada do COVID-19. O número médio de sintomas foi 5.1 (± 2.3). O sintoma inicial mais comum foi dor muscular (77%), cefaleia (75%), anosmia (70%), ageusia (64%), coriza (59%), febre (52%), e tosse (52%). Após 30 dias, os pacientes mantiveram anosmia (18%), astenia (18%), adinamia (14%), dor muscular (7%), e ageusia (7%). Em relação à função pulmonar, 9.25% apresentaram padrão obstrutivo e todos recuperaram ao final dos seis meses. Dentre todos os participantes analisados, 18/69 (26%) não obtiveram nenhum valor de IgG e IgM considerados reagentes nos exames realizados. A curva sorológica de IgG mostrou um pico enquanto a de IgM apresentou seu maior valor médio no 15º dia. Houve um declínio progressivo e níveis similares aos basais aos 90. 15/53 (28%) permaneceram com IgG reagente após seis meses. Dor de garganta e dispneia foram considerados fatores de risco independentes, e os pacientes com esses sintomas tiveram 5,9 vezes mais chances de apresentar IgG reativa no 180º dia. Pacientes com diarreia tiveram quatro vezes mais chances de apresentar IgM reagente. Conclusão: nossos achados mostraram que 26% dos pacientes não produziram uma resposta humoral pós-COVID-19 leve. Seus títulos de anticorpos caíram significativamente após 90 dias e apenas 28% mantiveram anticorpos IgG reativos após seis meses. Dor de garganta e dispneia foram preditores de maior duração da resposta imune humoral.Alternate abstract: Introduction: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a complex multisystem disorder. It is not yet well known whether symptoms in the acute phase correlate with the duration of the immune response and the persistence of chronic symptoms. Objective: this study aimed to assess and monitor the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and correlate them with the production of neutralizing antibodies. Methods: a cohort of 69 health workers at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (HUCAM-UFES/EBSERH) diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed via RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction) were evaluated from the onset of symptoms up to six months. SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM assays were used to detect the presence of IgG and IgM against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 in serum samples. IgG and IgM antibody serology, pulmonary function via spirometry, and the clinical evolution of patients were performed at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 180 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Results: sixty-nine health workers (age, 40 ± 10 years;74% women) were evaluated for six months. All subjects showed mild to moderate COVID-19. The mean number of symptoms was 5.1 (± 2.3). The most common initial symptoms were muscle pain (77%), headache (75%), anosmia (70%), ageusia (64%), runny nose (59%), fever (52%), and coughing (52%). After 30 days, the patients had anosmia (18%), asthenia (18%), adynamia (14%), muscle pain (7%), and ageusia (7%). Regarding lung function, 9.25% presented with an obstructive pattern, and all recovered after six months. Of all analyzed participants, 18/69 (26%) did not have any reactive IgG or IgM values in any of the assessments. The IgG serology curve showed a peak, whereas IgM had the highest mean value on the 15th day. There was a progressive decrease and levels similar to those at baseline after 90 days, and 15/53 (28%) remained with reactive IgG after six months. Sore throat and shortness of breath were found to be independent risk factors, and patients with these symptoms were 5.9 times more likely to have reactive IgG on the 180th day. Patients with diarrhea were four times more likely to have reactive IgM. Conclusion: our findings showed that 26% of patients did not produce a humoral response post-mild COVID-19. Their antibody titers dropped significantly after 90 days, and only 28% maintained reactive IgG antibodies after six months. Sore throat and shortness of breath are predictors of a longer duration of the humoral immune response.

UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COVID-19 IN CHILDREN IN POLAND. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEDIATRICIANS AND GENERAL PRACTITIONERS (18.02.2022).

The course of COVID-19 in pediatric patients is usually mild or asymptomatic, but with the dominance of new virus variants, more children become symptomatic and require hospitalization. Since the end of 2021, a significant increase in the percentage of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 has been observed. This paper aimed to update the recommendations on the management of a child with COVID-19 in outpatient and inpatient settings. The current possibilities of prophylaxis, diagnostics, and antiviral treatment were discussed, indicating the limited availability of therapy for children. The mainstay of COVID-19 treatment in most pediatric patients is symptomatic and supportive treatment, as well as measures aimed at reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Copyright © 2022, Wydawnictwo Czelej Sp. z o.o.. All rights reserved.

Retour d'expérience sur la cellule régionale d'appui à la régulation des lits de réanimation Covidréa pendant la crise Covid-19

La disponibilité des lits de réanimation a été un enjeu majeur de la gestion de la crise Covid-19, imposant aux acteurs régionaux de construire une réponse coordonnée et novatrice pour apporter une réponse en termes de recherche de place. Dans la région Île-de-France, la mise en place du dispositif a été constituée par deux mesures : la refonte du répertoire opérationnel des ressources (ROR) et la création d'une cellule d'appui régionale (Covidréa) comportant des cellules médicale et administrative. Les opérateurs de la cellule médicale étaient des chirurgiens volontaires sous la supervision d'un médecin urgentiste, chargés des actions de recherche et de régulation des demandes. La cellule administrative a vérifié la pertinence des informations du ROR sur un rythme pluriquotidien. La mobilisation des acteurs locaux (anesthésistes et réanimateurs) a permis d'obtenir des données actualisées du ROR quasiment en temps réel. La crise sanitaire Covid-19 a mis en lumière les faiblesses des systèmes d'information, particulièrement la connaissance de la disponibilité en lits de réanimation en temps réel. Une démarche collective pour construire de nouveaux outils de pilotage adaptés au quotidien, dans le cadre des tensions hivernales (bronchiolite, grippe) ou saisonnières (canicule), et la gestion des situations sanitaires exceptionnelles est impérative. Il est nécessaire d'intégrer cette fonction dans la mission des Samu départementaux en temps ordinaire et des Samu zonaux en temps de crise, en particulier dans la logique de construction du futur service d'accès aux soins (SAS).Alternate : The availability of intensive care unit (ICU) beds was a major stake in the management of the COVID-19 crisis, requiring the regional actors to build a coordinated and innovative response in terms of finding a bed. In the Ilede- France region, the implementation of the system was made up of two measures: the overhaul of the operational resource directory (ROR) and the creation of a regional support unit (COVID-ICU) including medical and administrative units. The operators of the medical cell were volunteer surgeons under the supervision of an emergency physician, in charge of research and demand medical regulation actions. The administrative unit verified the relevance of the information from the ROR on a multi-daily basis. The mobilization of local actors (anesthesiologists and intensivists) made it possible to obtain updated information almost in real time. The COVID-19 health crisis highlighted the weaknesses of the information systems, particularly the knowledge of the availability of ICU beds in real time. A collective approach to build new management tools adapted to daily life, in the context of winter (bronchiolitis, flu) or seasonal (heat wave) tensions, and the management of exceptional health situations is mandatory. It is necessary to integrate this function into the mission of the departmental Samu in ordinary times and the zonal Samu in times of crisis, especially in the logic of building the future French access to care service (SAS).

SARS-CoV-2 induction and COVID-19 manifestations related to autoimmune gastrointestinal diseases

The COVID-19 usually starts with respiratory symptoms and signs, but extrapulmonary presentations are continuously reported. Interestingly, the human gut occupies a major part of the list. The human intestine is a target organ for SARS-CoV-2. Gastrointestinal complaints like abdominal pains, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and hematochezia are the most prevalent. Hepatobiliary like transaminasemia-hepatitis, cholestasis-Jaundice, cholecystitis, and even hepatic failure were reported, as well as pancreatitis. The abdominal clinical symptoms can present the only indicator of COVID-19. Higher awareness of those symptoms may predict the progression to more severe disease, complications, and long covid complaints, along the road. Several pathophysiological mechanisms that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 adhesion, penetration, proliferation, and host cellular damage are described. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 might impact gut autoimmune conditions like inflammatory bowel and celiac diseases, but no cause-and-effect relations were depicted concerning their induction or initiation. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification précoce des phénotypes cardiovasculaires chez les patients en insuffisance respiratoire aiguë au cours de la première pandémie Covid-19

Objectif : L'objectif principal était de comparer la prévalence de la dysfonction ventriculaire gauche (VG) et/ ou droite (VD) des patients admis au service d'urgence (SU) avec une insuffisance respiratoire aiguë (IRA) secondaire ou non à une pneumopathie à Covid-19. Méthodes : Pendant un mois, nous avons inclus (24/7) de façon prospective les patients de l'unité de Covid-19 du SU qui présentaient une IRA. Pour chaque patient, un test RT-PCR, une tomodensitométrie thoracique et une échographie cardiaque de niveau 2 et pulmonaire étaient systématiquement réalisés avant toute intervention thérapeutique. Chaque patient était classé selon les phénotypes cardiovasculaires suivants : insuffisance VG, insuffisance VD, hypovolémie ± hyperkinésie et profil hémodynamique normal. Résultats : Parmi les 517 patients admis pendant la période d'étude, 78 présentaient une IRA (15 %) et 62 ont bénéficié d'une échocardiographie de niveau 2 (âge : 73 ± 14 ans ;SpO2 : 90 ± 4 % ;lactate : 2,1 ± 1,3 mmol/l). Le diagnostic de la Covid-19 a été établi pour 22 patients (35 %). L'insuffisance VG (15 [38 %] vs 2 [9 %] ;p = 0,016) et celle VD (12 [30 %] vs 1 [5 %] ;p = 0,018) étaient plus souvent observées dans le groupe témoin que chez les patients ayant une pneumopathie à Covid-19. Inversement, les patients Covid-19 avaient plus fréquemment un profil hémodynamique normal ou une hypovolémie associée ou non à une vasoplégie (20 [91 %] vs 21 [53 %] ;p = 0,002). La mortalité intrahospitalière était de 18 % ( n = 11). Tous les patients atteints de la Covid-19 présentant une insuffisance VG et/ou VD précoce sont décédés pendant leur hospitalisation. Conclusions : La dysfonction VG et celle VD étaient plus fréquentes chez les patients non atteints de la Covid-19, alors que les patients atteints de Covid-19 avaient un phénotype cardiovasculaire normal ou hypovolémique.Alternate : Objective: The main objective was to compare the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) and/or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with an acute respiratory failure (ARF) related to Covid-19 or not. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive adult patients (24/7) during one month in the Covid-19 unit of our ED who presented with ARF. In each patient, a RT-PCR test, chest CT scan, and level 2 echocardiography were systematically performed before any therapeutic intervention. Distinct cardiovascular phenotypes were distinguished: LVor RV failure, hypovolemia ± LV hyperkinesia, and normal hemodynamic profile. Results: Of the 517 patients admitted to the Covid-19 unit during the study period, 78 presented with ARF (15%), and echocardiography was performed in 62 of them (age: 73 ± 14 years;SpO2: 90 ± 4%;lactate: 2.1 ± 1.3 mmol/l). Twenty-two patients (35%) were diagnosed with Covid-19 pneumonia. LV failure was more frequently observed in the control group (15 [38%] vs. 2 [9%];P = 0.016), irrespective of LVejection fraction, as well as RV failure (12 [30%] vs. 1 [5%];P = 0.018). In contrast, Covid-19 patients exhibited more frequently a normal hemodynamic profile or hypovolemia associated or not with vasoplegia (20 [91%] vs. 21 [53%];P = 0.002). Hospital mortality reached 18% ( N = 11). All patients with Covid-19 pneumonia and early LV and/or RV failure died during their hospitalization. Conclusions: Non-Covid-19 ARF patients mainly exhibited LV/RV dysfunction, whereas patients with Covid-19 had a normal or hypovolemic cardiovascular phenotype.

Cardiovascular Disease in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology and Diagnosis Approach

Long COVID or post-acute Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a malady defined by the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms for weeks or even months, is expected to affect the lives of millions of individuals worldwide significantly. Cardiopulmonary symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and autonomic manifestations such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and arrhythmias are prevalent and widely recognized. A variety of cardiovascular problems, including myocardial inflammation, myocardial infarction, ventricular dysfunction, and endothelial dysfunction, have been described in individuals following the initial acute phase. With over 10,000 published publications on COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system, presenting an unbiased thorough analysis of how SARS-CoV-2 affects the system is essentially challenging. This review will provide an overview of frequent cardiovascular manifestations, emphasizing consequences, proposed pathophysiology, and clinical diagnostic manifestation strategy. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press. This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.

[The Dutch covid-19 testing policy urgently needs revision]

A self-test suffices for the diagnosis SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Netherlands since 11 April 2022. Yet, selected groups such as health care workers can still divert to the Public Health Services (PHS) SARS-CoV-2 testing facilities for a nucleic acid amplification test. A survey among 2257 subjects visiting PHS Kennemerland testing sites demonstrates that the majority of participants does however not belong to one of the selected groups. Most subjects visit the PHS to confirm the result of their home test. The infrastructure and personnel needed to maintain the PHS testing sites come at high costs, which are in striking contrast to the government objectives and the low number of current visitors. The Dutch covid-19 testing policy therefore urgently needs revision.