Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 23
Filter
1.
BMC Infect Dis ; 23(1): 325, 2023 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2313094

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Assessment for risks associated with acute stable COVID-19 is important to optimize clinical trial enrollment and target patients for scarce therapeutics. To assess whether healthcare system engagement location is an independent predictor of outcomes we performed a secondary analysis of the ACTIV-4B Outpatient Thrombosis Prevention trial. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the ACTIV-4B trial that was conducted at 52 US sites between September 2020 and August 2021. Participants were enrolled through acute unscheduled episodic care (AUEC) enrollment location (emergency department, or urgent care clinic visit) compared to minimal contact (MC) enrollment (electronic contact from test center lists of positive patients).We report the primary composite outcome of cardiopulmonary hospitalizations, symptomatic venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic arterial thromboembolism, or death among stable outpatients stratified by enrollment setting, AUEC versus MC. A propensity score for AUEC enrollment was created, and Cox proportional hazards regression with inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to compare the primary outcome by enrollment location. RESULTS: Among the 657 ACTIV-4B patients randomized, 533 (81.1%) with known enrollment setting data were included in this analysis, 227 from AUEC settings and 306 from MC settings. In a multivariate logistic regression model, time from COVID test, age, Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and body mass index were associated with AUEC enrollment. Irrespective of trial treatment allocation, patients enrolled at an AUEC setting were 10-times more likely to suffer from the adjudicated primary outcome, 7.9% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.001, compared with patients enrolled at a MC setting. Upon Cox regression analysis adjustment patients enrolled at an AUEC setting remained at significant risk of the primary composite outcome, HR 3.40 (95% CI 1.46, 7.94). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with clinically stable COVID-19 presenting to an AUEC enrollment setting represent a population at increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis complications, hospitalization for cardiopulmonary events, or death, when adjusted for other risk factors, compared with patients enrolled at a MC setting. Future outpatient therapeutic trials and clinical therapeutic delivery programs of clinically stable COVID-19 patients may focus on inclusion of higher-risk patient populations from AUEC engagement locations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04498273.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Stroke , Venous Thrombosis , Humans , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Venous Thrombosis/drug therapy , Stroke/epidemiology , Stroke/prevention & control , Hospitalization
2.
Cureus ; 15(1): e33877, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2279569

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with a prothrombotic state during active infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, reports of delayed multisystemic COVID-19-associated thromboembolic sequelae are limited in the current literature. In addition, the initiation of prophylactic antithrombotic therapy in patients for the prevention of such events during and after infection remains controversial due to conflicting reports. Here, we present evidence to support that patients with comorbid conditions are at higher risk for multisystemic COVID-19-associated thromboembolic events and propose that beginning prophylactic therapy in this population could lead to more favorable outcomes. We describe a 67-year-old male who presented with left-sided weakness and worsening shortness of breath and was diagnosed with COVID-19 approximately one month prior. Initial computed tomography (CT) of the brain showed an age-indeterminate cerebellar infarct. On CT angiography (CTA) of the neck, a saddle embolus was incidentally found and was confirmed on an immediate follow-up chest CT. After consultation with neurology, a decision was made to administer thrombolytics at the standard recommended stroke dosing. The patient was admitted to the ICU and received mechanical thrombectomy two days later. At the time of hospital discharge, the patient still had left-sided weakness on examination and required no additional oxygen support. This report reviews the prevalence of delayed sequelae of COVID-19 and the benefit of prophylactic antithrombotic therapy during active and post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is important for emergency medicine physicians to recognize that patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are at high risk for delayed thromboembolic disease, even in the absence of personal or family history of coagulopathy. This underscores the necessity of obtaining imaging studies in high-risk patients who present with acute symptoms that cannot be explained by other probable causes. In addition, patients should be encouraged to follow up with their primary care providers to discuss prophylactic anticoagulation therapy as it could be beneficial during and post-COVID-19.

3.
Prev Med Rep ; 31: 102097, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2241804

ABSTRACT

To determine if people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were at higher risk of developing selected medical conditions post-recovery, data were extracted from the database of a large health maintenance organization (HMO) in Israel between March 2020 and May 2021. For each condition, a condition-naïve group prior to COVID-19 (PCR-positive) infection were compared to a condition-naïve, non-COVID-19 infected group, matched by gender, age, socioeconomic status, minority group status and number of months visited primary care physician (PCP) in previous year. Diagnosis and recuperation dates for each COVID-19 infected participant were applied to their matched comparison participant (1:1 ratio). Incidence of each condition was measured between date of recuperation and end of study period for each group and Cox regression models developed to determine hazard ratios by group status, controlling for demographic and health variables. Crude and adjusted incidence rates were higher for the COVID-19 infected group than those not infected with COVID-19 for treatment for depression/anxiety, sleep disturbance, diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis, lung disease and fibromyalgia. Differences in incidence were no longer observed between the two groups for treatment of sleep disturbance, and diagnosis of lung disease when those hospitalized during the acute-phase of illness (any reason) were excluded. No difference was found by COVID-19 infection status for post-acute incidence of diabetes, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, acute kidney disease, hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Patients post-COVID-19 infection should be evaluated for depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, DVT, lung disease and fibromyalgia.

4.
Front Neurol ; 13: 1026867, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2237082

ABSTRACT

Background: Routine rehabilitation services were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Telehealth was identified as an alternative means to provide access to these services. This bibliometric study aimed to analyze the scientific literature to discover trends and topics in the potential applications of telerehabilitation for patients with stroke. Methods: The Web of Science electronic database was searched to retrieve relevant publications on telerehabilitation. Bibliometric data, including visual knowledge maps of authors, countries, institutions, and references, were analyzed in CiteSpace. Visualization maps were generated in VOSviewer to illustrate recurrent keywords and countries actively involved in this research area. Results: The analysis was performed based on 6,787 publications. The number of publications peaked between 2019 and 2021, coinciding with the years of the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 113 countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania had at least one publication in this research field, implying global attention in this research area. Nine of the top 10 most productive countries are developed countries, indicating a potentially higher capability to implement a telerehabilitation program. Conclusion: The potential benefits and diversity of telerehabilitation are already highly visible from clinical studies, and further improvements in these technologies are expected to enhance functionality and accessibility for patients. More relevant research is encouraged to understand the barriers to increased adaptation of telerehabilitation services, which will finally translate into a significant therapeutic or preventive impact.

5.
Cureus ; 14(12): e33154, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2203435

ABSTRACT

Objective This study aims to assess the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) visits the emergency department (ED). Methods We compared two groups of patients attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) ED diagnosed with one of the following ACS, CVA, or DKA; patients presenting from 21 December 2019 to 23 March 2020 and patients presenting from 23 March 2020 to 21 June 2020, representing COVID-19 pre-lockdown and during-lockdown period, respectively. The variables we analyzed were age, nationality (Saudi/non-Saudi), and gender. Results Our total sample size was 285 patient visits, ACS (n=130), CVA (n=98), and DKA (n=57). Results showed a statistically significant relationship between the number of patients with ACS and the period of visitation to ED (45.24% reduction, p-value <0.001), while CVA (18.5% reduction, p-value 0.312) and DKA (16% reduction, p-value 0.508) showed no statistically significant relationship. Conclusion A lockdown may be necessary to control a pandemic. However, it may carry potential collateral damage, such as a decrease and delay in the presentation of life-threatening conditions, which may lead to worsening outcomes. A clinical presentation of these conditions should warrant comprehensive evaluation by healthcare workers regardless of an ongoing pandemic while implementing infection control guidelines.

6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(22)2022 Nov 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2143212

ABSTRACT

Coxsackieviruses, a genus of enteroviruses in the small RNA virus family, cause fatal infectious diseases in humans. Thus far, there are no approved drugs to prevent these diseases. Human milk contains various biologically active components against pathogens. Currently, the potential activity of breast milk components against the coxsackievirus remains unclear. In our study, the inhibitory effect of 16 major human milk components was tested on coxsackievirus class A type 9 isolate (CV-A9), BUCT01; 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) was identified to be effective. Time-of-addition, attachment internalisation assays, and the addition of 2'-FL at different time points were applied to investigate its specific role in the viral life cycle. Molecular docking was used to predict 2'-FL's specific cellular targets. The initial screening revealed a significant inhibitory effect (99.97%) against CV-A9 with 10 mg/mL 2'-FL, with no cytotoxicity observed. Compared with the control group, 2'-FL blocked virus entry (85%) as well as inhibited viral attachment (48.4%) and internalisation (51.3%), minimising its infection in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. The cell pre-incubation with 2'-FL exhibited significant inhibition (73.2-99.9%). Extended incubation between cells with 2'-FL reduced CV-A9 infection (93.9%), suggesting that 2'-FL predominantly targets cells to block infection. Molecular docking results revealed that 2'-FL interacted with the attachment receptor αvß6 and the internalisation receptor FCGRT and ß2M with an affinity of -2.14, -1.87, and -5.43 kcal/mol, respectively. This study lays the foundation for using 2'-FL as a food additive against CV-A9 infections.


Subject(s)
Coxsackievirus Infections , Enterovirus , Humans , Virus Attachment , Molecular Docking Simulation
7.
Int J Qual Health Care ; 34(4)2022 Oct 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2029047

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected health-care systems worldwide, leading to fewer admissions and raising concerns about the quality of care. The objective of this study was to investigate the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of care among stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, focusing on clinical outcomes and direct treatment costs. METHOD: This retrospective, observational study was based on the 10-week period that included the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel (15 February 2020-30 April 2020). Emergency department admissions for stroke and STEMI were compared with parallel periods in 2017-2019, focusing on demographics, risk and severity scores, and the effect of clinical outcomes on hospitalization costs. RESULTS: The 634 stroke and 186 STEMI cases comprised 16% and 19% fewer admissions, respectively, compared to 2019. No significant changes were detected in demographics, most disease management parameters, readmission and mortality outcomes. The mean door-to-balloon time increased insignificantly by 33%, lowering the health quality indicator (HQI) for treatment in <90 min from 94.7% in 2017-2019 to 83% in 2020 (P = 0.022). Among suspected stroke patients, 97.2% underwent imaging, with 28% longer median time from admission (P = 0.05). Consequently, only 24.3% met the HQI of imaging in <29 min, compared to 45.5% in 2017-2019 (P < 0.01). Increased length of stay and more intensive care unit admissions were the leading causes of 6.5% increased mean cost of STEMI patients' initial hospitalization, which totaled $29 300 in the COVID-19 period (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The initial pandemic period caused a decline in HQIs linked to diagnostic and treatment protocols, without changes in outcomes, but with increased hospitalization costs. Medical information and awareness of life-threatening conditions among patients and caregivers should be increased to enable proper diagnosis and management.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction , Stroke , COVID-19/epidemiology , Communicable Disease Control , Humans , Pandemics , Retrospective Studies , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/therapy , Stroke/epidemiology , Stroke/therapy , Treatment Outcome
8.
Virol J ; 19(1): 120, 2022 07 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1965846

ABSTRACT

Coxsackievirus A10 (CV-A10), the causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), caused a series of outbreaks in recent years and often leads to neurological impairment, but a clear understanding of the disease pathogenesis and host response remains elusive. Cellular microRNAs (miRNAs), a large family of non-coding RNA molecules, have been reported to be key regulators in viral pathogenesis and virus-host interactions. However, the role of host cellular miRNAs defensing against CV-A10 infection is still obscure. To address this issue, we systematically analyzed miRNA expression profiles in CV-A10-infected 16HBE cells by high-throughput sequencing methods in this study. It allowed us to successfully identify 312 and 278 miRNAs with differential expression at 12 h and 24 h post-CV-A10 infection, respectively. Among these, 4 miRNAs and their target genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR, which confirmed the sequencing data. Gene target prediction and enrichment analysis revealed that the predicted targets of these miRNAs were significantly enriched in numerous cellular processes, especially in regulation of basic physical process, host immune response and neurological impairment. And the integrated network was built to further indicate the regulatory roles of miRNAs in host-CV-A10 interactions. Consequently, our findings could provide a beneficial basis for further studies on the regulatory roles of miRNAs relevant to the host immune responses and neuropathogenesis caused by CV-A10 infection.


Subject(s)
Enterovirus A, Human , Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease , MicroRNAs , Benzeneacetamides , Enterovirus A, Human/genetics , Epithelial Cells , Humans , MicroRNAs/genetics , Piperidones
9.
Cureus ; 14(4), 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-1870555

ABSTRACT

Cardiological causes account for the majority of acute electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. The reason for this fear is the irreversibility of myocardial necrosis. Generally, various changes can be observed in the ECG, including ST-T changes, QTc prolongation, arrhythmias, and T-wave inversions. Even though T-wave inversions can be seen in myocardial ischemia/infarction, they are rarely seen in acute cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). We present the case of a 66-year-old woman who initially presented at our facility with dizziness in the context of orthostatic hypotension. An initial cardiac evaluation revealed no cardiac involvement. She was treated with intravenous fluids (IVF), which improved her symptoms. The patient's mental status was markedly altered approximately four days after admission. In this instance, she was found to have abnormal ECG findings (not previously observed on the ECG that was obtained on the day of admission), elevated troponin T levels, as well as elevated pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP). The patient was given aspirin and clopidogrel immediately and was placed on a heparin drip for a suspected non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). A non-contrast computed tomography of the head revealed an acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA), following which the heparin drip was stopped. The patient was then transferred to another acute care facility capable of performing neurosurgical interventions. Additionally, a computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest and lower extremities venous duplex showed bilateral pulmonary emboli and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), respectively.

10.
Cureus ; 14(3): e23195, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1835775

ABSTRACT

The Ad26.COV2.S vaccine, developed by Janssen (Beerse, Belgium), the pharmaceutical wing of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), is one of the three vaccines approved for use against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in the United States. We present a case of a 66-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with a one-day history of nausea, vomiting, room-spinning vertigo, and complete right facial weakness immediately after getting vaccinated with Ad26.COV2.S. Initial workup focused on uncovering a possible association between the vaccine and Bell's palsy. However, her prior history of stroke, presence of predisposing risk factors, and additional symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo prompted further neurological testing, which revealed an isolated right pontine lacunar infarct involving the right facial colliculus, mimicking Bell's palsy. Isolated dorsal pontine lesion presenting as hemifacial palsy is very rare and can be easily missed by clinicians. Relevant history and thorough neurological examination can help guide appropriate diagnostic testing and prevent potential biases. It is crucial for clinicians to know the distinguishing features between true Bell's palsy and acute brainstem infarction masquerading as Bell's.

11.
Am J Emerg Med ; 57: 91-97, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1814024

ABSTRACT

The novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic; COVID-19 has resulted in significant challenges in the delivery of healthcare, including emergency management of multiple diagnoses, such as stroke and ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to identify the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department care of stroke and STEMI patients. In this study a review of the available literature was performed using pre-defined search terms, inclusion criteria, and exclusion criteria. Our analysis, using a narrative review format, indicates that there was not a significant change in time required for key interventions for stroke and STEMI emergent management, including imaging (door-to-CT), tPA administration (door-to-needle), angiographic reperfusion (door-to-puncture), and percutaneous coronary intervention (door-to-balloon). Potential future areas of investigation include how emergency department (ED) stroke and STEMI care has adapted in response to different COVID-19 variants and stages of the pandemic, as well as identifying strategies used by EDs that were successful in providing effective emergency care in the face of the pandemic.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myocardial Infarction , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction , Stroke , COVID-19/therapy , Emergency Service, Hospital , Humans , Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/therapy , Stroke/diagnosis , Stroke/therapy
12.
Cureus ; 14(1): e21688, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1776590

ABSTRACT

The artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare variant of thalamic vasculature and is a single dominant thalamoperforating artery supplying bilateral paramedian thalamic territories. Occlusion of the AOP results in a characteristic pattern of bilateral paramedian thalamic infarcts and is estimated to represent between 0.1%-0.3% of all ischemic strokes and 4% to 35% of all thalamic strokes. Four distinct ischemic patterns of AOP infarcts have been identified: bilateral paramedian thalamic region with midbrain (43%), bilateral paramedian thalamic without midbrain (38%), bilateral paramedian thalamic with anterior thalamus and midbrain involvement (14%), and bilateral paramedian thalamic with anterior thalamus without midbrain involvement (5%). Despite our knowledge of the characteristic radiologic features of an AOP stroke, the true incidence of AOP strokes is challenging to estimate due to non-specific clinical symptoms and subtle findings on computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we present a case series of three patients seen within a 3-month span at one community hospital seen by one single neurologist with confirmed AOP stroke by radiologic imaging. The frequency of these cases suggests that the incidence of AOP infarctions may be higher than previously estimated and instead are underreported due to broad differential on clinical and imaging presentation.

13.
J Clin Med ; 11(3)2022 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1667222

ABSTRACT

COVID Vaccine Arm (CVA) is an adverse drug reaction from mRNA vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. CVA is characterized by erythema and edema on the vaccination site (usually deltoid area) that appears from 5 to 10 days after vaccination and is sometimes associated with itching or pain. The exact etiology of CVA is still unclear, but delayed hypersensitivity against an excipient seems to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. This work performs a systematic literature review on CVA using three different databases containing articles published until 10 November 2021. The literature review includes eight papers reporting single cases or case series of CVA. Moreover, it also addresses, other cutaneous reactions following COVID 19 vaccinations as well as possible differential diagnosis. CVA migrans-like erythema is characterized by a ring-shaped rash in the injection area, which appears some days after the injection and disappears in about 10 days. This reaction may appear more rapidly in subsequent doses.

14.
Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk ; 22(7): e452-e458, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1588070

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in acute COVID-19 and those with hematologic malignancy (HM) may be at an even higher risk. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with history of HM and acute COVID-19 to evaluate thrombotic and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients with COVID-19 were identified by positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Our primary endpoints were rate of VTE and CVA in patients with HM compared to the general population (GP). Secondary outcomes included composite thrombotic events (CVA + VTE), COVID-19 fatality, respiratory support, ICU admission rates, and length of ICU stay RESULTS: A total of 833 patients were evaluated, 709 in the GP cohort, 124 patients in the HM cohort. CVA was more prevalent in the HM cohort (5.4% vs. 1.6%, P = .011). Rates of VTE were numerically higher for the HM cohort (8.0% vs. 3.6%, P = .069). The composite thrombotic rate was increased in the HM cohort (13.4% vs. 5.2%, P = .005). Patients with HM had a higher inpatient fatality rate (35.5% vs. 11.3%, P < .001), required more respiratory support (74.6% vs. 46.5%, P < .001) and had a higher rate of ICU admission (31.9% vs. 12.1%, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated an increased rate of composite thrombotic (CVA + VTE) outcomes, indicating HM patients with acute COVID-19 are at increased risk of thrombosis. Irrespective of disease status, HM patients also have significantly increased need for intensive care, respiratory support, and have higher fatality rates.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hematologic Neoplasms , Thrombosis , Venous Thromboembolism , COVID-19/complications , Hematologic Neoplasms/complications , Humans , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Thrombosis/epidemiology , Thrombosis/etiology , Venous Thromboembolism/epidemiology , Venous Thromboembolism/etiology
15.
Disasters ; 45 Suppl 1: S216-S239, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1555668

ABSTRACT

The operational and socioeconomic consequences of Covid-19 have made cash assistance the global go-to relief modality, whether through humanitarian or social protection channels. Cash has proven to be an adaptable means of saving lives and supporting livelihoods and mitigating the pandemic's impacts on local economies while giving recipients the flexibility to decide what they require. Many humanitarian organisations have increased the scale of cash programmes, while government-administered social assistance mechanisms have been utilised on a huge scale. The crisis has bolstered attention on why linkages between social protection and humanitarian cash are important, including how to work together more effectively to enable better coverage of those in need. This paper has been developed with inputs from across the CALP Network. It explores how cash and voucher assistance-with a focus on humanitarian response-has been scaled up or adjusted in response to Covid-19, and how it is changing ways of working.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Relief Work , Humans , Public Policy , SARS-CoV-2
16.
Cureus ; 13(10): e18601, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1485457

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to pose an unprecedented challenge for the entire world and the healthcare system. Different theories have been proposed elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms attributing to high mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 infection. Out of them, thrombosis and procoagulant state have managed to earn the maximum limelight. We conducted an observational study based on data from randomly selected 349 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection in a community-based hospital in New York City during the first wave of the COVID-19 viral surge in March 2020. The main objective of our study was to assess the risk and occurrence of thrombotic events (both venous and arterial) among the hospitalized patients including the intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU admissions with confirmed COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome in our study was defined as the thrombotic events that included myocardial infarction (MI), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), and pulmonary embolism (PE). The study correlated the association of thrombotic events with the level of biomarkers of interest: D-dimer >1000 ng/ml, troponin-I >1 ng/ml, or both. The association of D-dimers and troponin-I with thrombotic events was measured using both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression analysis. Out of a total of 349 patients, 78 patients (22.35%) were found to have elevated biomarkers (D-dimer >1000 ng/ml and/or troponin-I >1 ng/ml) and were categorized as a high-risk group. Eighty-nine patients developed thrombotic complications (evidence of more than one thrombotic event was found in several patients). Two-hundred seventy-one (77.65%) patients had no documentation of thrombosis. The incidence of thrombotic events included myocardial infarction (MI; N=45; 12.8%), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA; N=16; 4.5%), deep venous thrombosis (DVT; N=16; 4.5%), and pulmonary embolism (PE; N=9; 2.57%).

17.
J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep ; 9: 23247096211028389, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1285174

ABSTRACT

Stroke is an identified sequela of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. While the pathophysiology remains poorly understood, endothelial dysfunction and intravascular thrombosis secondary to sepsis-induced hypercoagulability likely increase the risk of stroke. This report describes the rare case of an otherwise healthy 42-year-old male who developed large bilateral ischemic infarcts during admission for severe hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to COVID pneumonia. This report adds to scarce literature describing massive cerebrovascular injury in COVID patients and emphasizes the importance of increased clinical suspicion for stroke in patients who exhibit acute change in mental status or motor function, as well as rapid clinical deterioration.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Ischemic Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Ischemic Stroke/virology , Adult , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Male , SARS-CoV-2 , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
18.
Indian J Ophthalmol ; 69(4): 992-994, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1138821

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, which has affected various organ systems as well. Here we report a neuro-ophthalmic presentation of pituitary apoplexy under the setting of COVID-19 infection in a middle-aged man who presented to ophthalmic emergency with sudden bilateral loss of vision along with a history of fever past 10 days. There was sluggishly reacting pupils and RT-PCR for COVID was positive. Imaging pointed the diagnosis as pituitary macroadenoma with apopexy. In view of pandemic situation, patient was given symptomatic treatment as per the protocols and stabilized. Vision also showed improvement to some extent and the patient is awaiting neurosurgery.


Subject(s)
Adenoma/diagnosis , COVID-19/diagnosis , Eye Infections, Viral/diagnosis , Pituitary Apoplexy/diagnosis , Pituitary Neoplasms/diagnosis , SARS-CoV-2 , Adenoma/drug therapy , Adenoma/virology , Eye Infections, Viral/drug therapy , Eye Infections, Viral/virology , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use , Middle Aged , Pituitary Apoplexy/drug therapy , Pituitary Apoplexy/virology , Pituitary Neoplasms/drug therapy , Pituitary Neoplasms/virology , COVID-19 Drug Treatment
19.
Intern Emerg Med ; 16(8): 2261-2268, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1111348

ABSTRACT

The emergence of Covid-19 has caused a pandemic and is a major public health concern. Covid-19 has fundamentally challenged the global health care system in all aspects. However, there is a growing concern for the subsequent detrimental effects of continuing delays or adjustments on time-dependent treatments for Covid-19 negative patients. Patients arriving to the ED with STEMIs and acute CVA are currently presumed to have delays due to Covid-19 related concerns. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on non-Covid19 patients in emergency care settings. We conducted a retrospective study from February 2020 to April 2020 and compared this to a parallel period in 2019 to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on three distinct non-Covid-19 ED diagnosis that require immediate intervention. Our primary outcome measures were time to primary PCI in acute STEMI, time to fibrinolysis in acute CVA, and time to femoral hip fracture correction surgery. Our secondary outcome measure included a composite outcome of length of stay in hospital and mortality. From 1 February 2020 to 30 April 2020, the total referrals to ED diagnosed with STEMI, Hip fracture and CVA of which required intervention were 197 within Covid-19 group 2020 compared to 250 in the control group 2019. Mean duration to intervention (PCI, surgery and tPA, respectively) did not differ between COVID-19 group and 2019 group. Among femoral hip fracture patients', the referral numbers to ED were significantly lower in Covid-19 era (p = 0.040) and the hospitalization stay was significantly shorter (p = 0.003). Among CVA patients', we found statistical differences among the number of referrals and the patients' age. Coping with the Covid-19 pandemic presents a challenge for the general healthcare system. Our results suggest that with proper management, despite the obstacles of isolation policies and social distancing, any negative impact on the quality of health care for the non-Covid-19 patients can be minimized in the emergency department setting.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Emergency Medical Services/trends , Emergency Service, Hospital/trends , Health Services Accessibility/trends , Time-to-Treatment/trends , Delayed Diagnosis/trends , Humans , Retrospective Studies
20.
Stem Cell Reports ; 16(3): 493-504, 2021 03 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1099264

ABSTRACT

Enteroviruses, such as EV-A71 and CVA16, mainly infect the human gastrointestinal tract. Human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, have been variably associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to optimize the human intestinal organoids and hypothesize that these optimized intestinal organoids can recapitulate enteric infections of enterovirus and coronavirus. We demonstrate that the optimized human intestinal organoids enable better simulation of the native human intestinal epithelium, and that they are significantly more susceptible to EV-A71 than CVA16. Higher replication of EV-A71 than CVA16 in the intestinal organoids triggers a more vigorous cellular response. However, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 exhibit distinct dynamics of virus-host interaction; more robust propagation of SARS-CoV triggers minimal cellular response, whereas, SARS-CoV-2 exhibits lower replication capacity but elicits a moderate cellular response. Taken together, the disparate profile of the virus-host interaction of enteroviruses and coronaviruses in human intestinal organoids may unravel the cellular basis of the distinct pathogenicity of these viral pathogens.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/virology , Enterovirus A, Human/pathogenicity , Enterovirus Infections/virology , Intestines/virology , Organoids/virology , SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity , Animals , Cell Line , Chlorocebus aethiops , Host Microbial Interactions/physiology , Humans , Intestinal Mucosa/virology , Vero Cells , Virus Replication/physiology
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL