Neurological complications associated with COVID-19. Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital, 2021

Background: COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus and presents a wide range of symptoms, both in its acute phase and in its chronic phase. Among the systems that it affects is the Nervous, due to its neurotropic mechanism. Objective: to determine the risk of neurological complications associated with the COVID-19 severity in adult patients. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, which included 143 positive patients for COVID-19 treated at the San Vicente de Pa & uacute;l Hospital, in Ibarra, Ecuador, during 2021. Neurological complications and the severity of the COVID-19 disease were analyzed. As a measure of association for these variables, the Fisher Test was used (p = <= 0.05) and a bivariate analysis was performed. Results: 54% of the patients presented neurological complications of the Central Nervous System, while 46% were of the Peripheral Nervous System;and mild-moderate severity was the most frequent (41%), and hearing impairment had the highest statistical probability of occurring (OR= 74.968;CI: 95%). The case fatality rate in these patients was 7.1%;and in those with neurological complications, 8.4%.Conclusion: the neurological sequelae most likely to occur were hearing impairment and taste impairment, in patients with mild severity and serious severity, respectively;in addition to polyneuropathy in patients with critical severity, which also occurred in deceased patients. Keywords: Coronavirus infections;neurologic manifestations;central nervous system;peripheral nervous system;severity of illness index

Diabetes mellitus and severity by COVID-19 in hospitalized Brazilians / Diabetes mellitus e gravidade por COVID-19 em brasileiros hospitalizados

RESUMO Objetivo estimar a prevalência de gravidade de casos hospitalizados de COVID-19 e sua associação com o diabetes mellitus. Métodos estudo transversal, que utilizou base de dados secundários do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe, totalizando 405.294 casos confirmados. Para verificar a associação do diabetes e a gravidade em pacientes com COVID-19 hospitalizados, foram usados modelos de regressão de Poisson com estimador de variância robusta. Inicialmente, verificou-se a associação da doença com o desfecho; em seguida, foram realizados diversos ajustes para os potenciais confundidores. Resultados a prevalência de diabetes nos 405.294 casos hospitalizados e positivos foi de 25,7% (Intervalo de Confiança: 25,5% - 25,8%). Após ajustes, observou-se que a diabetes aumentou a gravidade da COVID-19 em 19% (Intervalo de Confiança: 1,17 - 2,21). Conclusão identificou-se associação importante do diabetes mellitus com casos graves de infecção pela COVID-19. Contribuições para a prática: a evidência gerada pelo estudo guia a estratificação de risco de pacientes e direciona o manejo clínico.

ABSTRACT Objective to estimate the prevalence of severity of hospitalized cases of COVID-19 and its association with diabetes mellitus. Methods a cross-sectional study, which used secondary data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, totaling 405,294 confirmed cases. To verify the association of diabetes and severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, Poisson regression models with robust variance estimator were used. Initially, the association of disease with outcome was verified; next, several adjustments for potential confounders were performed. Results the prevalence of diabetes in the 405,294 hospitalized and positive cases was 25.7% (Confidence Interval: 25.5% - 25.8%). After adjustments, diabetes was found to increase the severity of COVID-19 by 19% (Confidence Interval: 1.17 - 2.21). Conclusion a significant association of diabetes mellitus with severe cases of COVID-19 infection has been identified. Contributions to practice: the evidence generated by the study guides the risk stratification of patients and directs clinical management.

Timing of corticosteroids in non-severe non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients: open-label, two-center, randomized controlled study (TICS-COV19 study).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Corticosteroids (CSs) are frequently used in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, their utility remains controversial in mild to moderate cases. The timing of CSs initiation during the disease course remains unaddressed. The study aims to evaluate the impact of early CSs in non-severe COVID-19. METHODS: A randomized controlled, open-label study was conducted on 754 COVID-19 patients randomized into a study group (n = 377) in which patients received CSs with COVID-19 protocol and a control group (n = 377) in which patients received COVID-19 protocol only. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding baseline characteristics, presenting symptoms, and inflammatory markers. The composite endpoint (need for O2, need for hospitalization or 28-day mortality) was significantly (p = 0.004) lower in the CS group 42 (11.14%) versus the control group 70 (18.67%) with odds ratio 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36 to 0.83), absolute risk reduction 7.53% (95% CI, 2.46% to 12.59%) and number needed to treat of 13.29 (95% CI, 7.94 to 40.61). Regarding severity at day 10, only (11.1%) of the study group patients were severe versus (18.7%) of the control group patients (p < 0.001). The median time-to-return to daily activity in the CS group was 8.0 days, while in the control group, it was 22.0 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In non-severe COVID-19, CS may decrease hospitalization, severity, and mortality.

Significance of initial clinical laboratory parameters as prognostic factors in patients with COVID-19

Background/Aim. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a predominantly respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this study was to determine whether there were parameters that could predict the development of a severe clinical picture and fatal outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Methods. The study involved 632 patients treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, from June 2020 to February 2021. All patients were divided into two groups according to the need for oxygen therapy (Sat 02 < 94 %). Results. Our results showed that high body mass index (BMI) was singled out as a risk factor for the development of a severe clinical picture (BMI, ORadjusted = 1.263;95% CI = 1.117-1.427;p < 0.001). Prothrombin time (ORadjusted = 1.170;95% CI = 1.004-1.364;p = 0.045), as well as low albumin values (ORadjusted = 0.878;95% CI = 0.804-0.958;p = 0.003), had a predictive significance for the development of a severe clinical picture. Factors that were of predictive importance in patients with fatal outcomes were C-reactive protein (CRP) (ORadjusted = 1.010;95% CI = 1.001-1.019;p = 0.031), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (ORadjusted = 1.004;95% CI = 1.001-1.006;p = 0.002), and X-ray of the lungs (ORadjusted = 1.394;95% CI = 1.170-1.661;p < 0.001). Conclusion. The study showed that routine, clinical laboratory parameters can be important in the early detection of patients with a potentially severe clinical picture and fatal outcomes. In patients with a mild clinical picture, CRP, LDH, ferritin, and serum albumin levels may timely indicate disease progression. Monitoring these parameters is of essential importance for the timely clinical assessment of patients with COVID-19 and, thus, the prompt application of adequate therapeutic protocols in the treatment of these patients. Copyright © 2022 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

SAPS 3 as a 28-day mortality predictor in critically ill COVID-19 patients

Background: The case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 was 8.7% in Indonesia on April 2020. Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS 3) has been used to predict the hospital mortality based on different variables including acute physiologic derangements, current conditions and interventions, and previous health status assess the severity of condition during the first hour of admission to the ICU. We assessed SAPS 3 to predict the outcome and mortality of critical COVID-19 patients in ICU over a period of 28 days. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study consisted of adult patients admitted to ICU with probable or confirmed COVID-19 in our hospital. We recorded the patients SAPS 3 score from the medical record as well as the 28-day mortality. Validity of the SAPS 3 score was done by the Area Under Curve (AUC) measurement and Hosmer-Lemeshow calibration test. Result(s): The mortality rate of critical COVID-19 patients was 43.8%. The age, intra-hospital location before ICU admission, use of vasoactive drugs (P < 0.0001), focal neurological deficits (P < 0.0001), respiratory failure (P = 0.004), creatinine >= 3.5 mg/dL (P = 0.005), and platelets < 50,000 /microL (P = 0.032) were significantly associated with 28-days mortality in the ICU. SAPS 3 showed good discrimination and predictability. The optimal cut-off point was 39 with 70.3% sensitivity and 74.4% specificity. Conclusion(s): SAPS3 score system was valid in predicting the 28-day mortality of COVID-19 patients in the ICU with good discrimination and calibration value;therefore, it is an important predictor tool for early prognosis screening that will help reduce the strain over the ICU resources. Abbreviations: CFR: Case Fatality Rate;SAPS 3: Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3;COVID-19: The Coronavirus Disease 2019;ICU: Intensive Care Unit;APACHE: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation;SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences;GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale;ROC: Receiver Operating Characteristic;PHEIC: Public Health Emergency of International Concern;OR: Odds Ratio Copyright © 2022 Faculty of Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, AFMS. All rights reserved.

Significance of initial clinical laboratory parameters as prognostic factors in patients with COVID-19 Zna?aj inicijalnih klini?ko-laboratorijskih parametara kao prognosti?kih faktora kod bolesnika sa COVID-19

Background/Aim. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a predominantly respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this study was to determine whether there were parameters that could predict the development of a severe clinical picture and fatal outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Methods. The study involved 632 patients treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, from June 2020 to February 2021. All patients were divided into two groups according to the need for ox-ygen therapy (Sat 02 < 94 %). Results. Our results showed that high body mass index (BMI) was singled out as a risk factor for the development of a severe clinical picture (BMI, ORadjusted = 1.263;95% CI = 1.117 - 1.427;p < 0.001). Pro -thrombin time (ORadjusted = 1.170;95% CI = 1.004 -1.364;p = 0.045), as well as low albumin values (ORadjusted = 0.878;95% CI = 0.804 -0.958;p = 0.003), had a predictive signifi-cance for the development of a severe clinical picture. Factors that were of predictive importance in patients with fatal outcomes were C-reactive protein (CRP) (ORadjusted = 1.010;95% CI = 1.001 - 1.019;p = 0.031), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (ORadjusted = 1.004;95% CI = 1.001 - 1.006;p = 0.002), and X-ray of the lungs (ORadjusted = 1.394;95% CI = 1.170 - 1.661;p < 0.001). Conclusion. The study showed that routine, clinical laboratory parameters can be important in the early detection of patients with a potentially severe clinical picture and fatal outcomes. In patients with a mild clinical picture, CRP, LDH, ferritin, and serum albumin lev-els may timely indicate disease progression. Monitoring these parameters is of essential importance for the timely clinical assessment of patients with COVID-19 and, thus, the prompt application of adequate therapeutic protocols in the treatment of these patients.

Effect of Comorbidities on the Infection Rate and Severity of COVID-19: Nationwide Cohort Study With Propensity Score Matching.

BACKGROUND: A vaccine against COVID-19 has been developed; however, COVID-19 transmission continues. Although there have been many studies of comorbidities that have important roles in COVID-19, some studies have reported contradictory results. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted using real-world data from COVID-19 patients in South Korea and aimed to investigate the impact of patient demographics and comorbidities on the infection rate and severity of COVID-19. METHODS: Data were derived from a nationwide South Korean COVID-19 cohort study with propensity score (PS) matching. We included infected individuals who were COVID-19-positive between January 1, 2020, and May 30, 2020, and PS-matched uninfected controls. PS matching was performed to balance the baseline characteristics of each comorbidity and to adjust for potential confounders, such as age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, medication, and other comorbidities, that were matched with binary variables. The outcomes were the confirmed comorbidities affecting the infection rate and severity of COVID-19. The endpoints were COVID-19 positivity and severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19 (such as tracheostomy, continuous renal replacement therapy, intensive care unit admission, ventilator use, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and death). RESULTS: The COVID-19 cohort with PS matching included 8070 individuals with positive COVID-19 test results and 8070 matched controls. The proportions of patients in the severe group were higher for individuals 60 years or older (severe clinical outcomes for those 60 years or older, 16.52%; severe clinical outcomes for those of other ages, 2.12%), those insured with Medicaid (Medicaid, 10.81%; other insurance, 5.61%), and those with disabilities (with disabilities, 18.26%; without disabilities, 5.07%). The COVID-19 infection rate was high for patients with pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.88; 95% CI 1.70-2.03), dementia (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.40-2.20), gastrointestinal disease (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.62-1.88), stroke (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.23-2.27), hepatobiliary disease (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.19-1.44), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.16-1.43), and cardiovascular disease (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.07-1.35). In contrast, it was lower for individuals with hyperlipidemia (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.67-0.80), autoimmune disease (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.60-0.89), and cancer (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.62-0.86). The severity of COVID-19 was high for individuals with kidney disease (OR 5.59; 95% CI 2.48-12.63), hypertension (OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.91-4.47), dementia (OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.91-4.47), cancer (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.15-2.94), pulmonary disease (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.35-2.19), cardiovascular disease (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.17-2.04), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.09-1.87), and psychotic disorders (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-6.52). However, it was low for those with hyperlipidemia (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.60-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Upon PS matching considering the use of statins, it was concluded that people with hyperlipidemia could have lower infection rates and disease severity of COVID-19.

Factors associated with disease severity and length of stay in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Tabriz, Iran: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread globally. Early and dynamic detection of prognostic factors is essential to improve the ability to treat COVID-19. The present study aimed to determine clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with the length of hospital stay and disease severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 260 early diagnosed cases with COVID-19 hospitalized at two COVID-19 specialized hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, from April 20 to June 20, 2020. Patients’ medical records were used to collect the data. Severe COVID-19 outcomes included need for intubation, admission to the intensive care unit, or death. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, including chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis in SPSS 16. Results: The need for O2 therapy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.23;95% CI: 1.15-15.51;P= 0.03), the increased creatinine levels (AOR = 2.71;95% CI: 1.25-5.88;P= 0.01), and the white blood cell counts (AOR = 2.44;95% CI: 1.12-5.33;P= 0.02) were the main risk factors associated with prolonged hospital stay. Also, having kidney diseases (AOR = 7.33;95% CI = 1.94-27.70;P= 0.01), elevated the white blood cell counts (AOR = 4.52;95% CI = 1.67-12.26;P= 0.003), and lung diseases (AOR = 3.97;95% CI: 1.18-13.29;P= 0.03) were significant among the predictors of the disease severity. Conclusion: According to the results, hypoxia and underlying diseases might lead to unwanted outcomes. The risk factors identified here confirm previous information and could be helpful to guide early clinical decision-making to reduce the mortality rates and improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19. © 2022 The Author(s).

Risk factors for the deterioration of patients with mild COVID-19 admitted to a COVID-19 community treatment center

Background: The rapid increase in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients led to the operation of COVID-19 facilities for patients with mild COVID-19 in South Korea. We analyzed the correlation and effect of risk factors associated with the worsening of patients with mild COVID-19 leading to their transfer from a community treatment center to a hospital. Methods: This retrospective cohort observational study included 1,208 COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms who were admitted to the Namsan Community Treatment Center between June 2020 and January 2021. A chi-square test was performed to examine the differences in the transfer rate by age, sex, nationality, presence of symptoms at admission, and season, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association of variables to the hospitalization rate. Results: Of the 1,208 patients, 212 (17.5%) were transferred to a hospital due to clinical deterioration. Increasing odds of hospital transfer were associated significantly with higher age and presentation in autumn, whereas sex and symptomatic illness at admission did not show a statistically significant association. Conclusion: The findings indicate the importance of the initial risk classification of COVID-19 patients based on thorough assessment and close monitoring, timely allocation of appropriate resources to high-risk groups that are likely to develop severe disease, and reduction of medical resource wastage and limiting of administrative force to ensure that patients receive the best treatment.

Gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients

Background/Aim. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global threat and a huge problem for our community. There are so many open questions. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in hospitalized patients with infection caused by this virus (coronavirus disease-19 – COVID-19), but also to compare if patients with GI symptoms have a higher computed tomography (CT) scan severity score of interstitial pneumonia (IP) compared to patients with COVID-19 without GI symptoms. Methods. Our database comprised 322 patients with COVID-19 who were divided into two groups, patients with and without GI symptoms. All information was taken from anamnestic data and patients’ history, followed by statistical analysis. Results. Thorax CT scans of 206 patients (63.9%) were described as bilateral IP, of which 76 CT scans (36.9%) were described by radiologists as the peak of infection. Moreover, 130 patients (40.4%) had GI symptoms, and even 58 out of 130 patients (44.6%) reported GI symptoms as the first manifestation of COVID-19 infection. The most commonly reported one was the lack of appetite (73 patients or 56.15%). Furthermore, 65 (50%) patients reported diarrhea, 25 (19.2%) patients reported nausea and vomiting, and 9 (6.9%) patients reported abdominal pain. In addition, among patients with bilateral IP and GI tract symptoms, 31 (40.79%) of them did not have a higher CT scan severity score at the peak of the disease compared to the patients without GI symptoms (45 of them or 59.2%), (p = 0.704). Conclusion. GI symptoms often are the first manifestation of COVID-19. Therefore, every patient with newly formed digestive tract symptoms should be tested for COVID-19. On the other hand, GI symptoms do not indicate COVID-19 patients will have a severe form of IP. © 2022 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Correlation of Portal Vein Diameter as a Reflection of Portal Hypertension With Clinical and Laboratory Parameters in Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease (CLD) patients develop portal hypertension which lead to complications like splenomegaly, ascites and esophageal varices. Portal hypertension is defined as hepatic venous pressure gradient more than 5mmHg, being invasive it is difficult to measure. Some studies show that increased portal vein diameter (PVD) on ultrasonography correlate with oesophageal varices and can indicate portal hypertension. Studies correlating PVD with other complications of portal hypertension like ascites and spleen size are lacking. Aim of this study was to correlate portal vein diameter with ascites, spleen size, thrombocytopenia and prognostic markers like Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in Chronic liver disease patients. MATERIAL: This was a cross-sectional observational study of patients with Chronic liver disease conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital. All patient underwent clinical history, examination, blood testing and ultrasonography. Data collected was analysed by using statistical tests. OBSERVATION: Out of 97 CLD patients taken in study, the mean age of patients was 47.39 ± 12.64 year and majority were male (75.3%). Most common etiological factor was alcohol (in 53.7%). On clinical examination, 55.7% patients had pallor, 54.6% had icterus. Chest radiograph shows pleural effusion in 14.4% patients. Mean portal vein diameter was found to be 12.31 ± 2.71mm. Correlation coefficient of portal vein diameter with spleen size was 0.3 with p value of 0.004 suggesting a positive correlation. Parameters like thrombocytopenia, CTP score and MELD score correlation coefficient was -0.2(p-value: 0.066), 0.1(p value: 0.463) and 0.0(p-value: 0.725) respectively. The mean of PVD(mm) in ascites group was 12.43 and non ascites group was 11.92. Strength of association was 0.08 (Point Biserial correlation) indicating no association. CONCLUSION: Portal vein diameter had positive correlation with spleen size which is statistically significant in our study. No significant correlation was observed between PVD with ascites, thrombocytopenia, CTP score and MELD score. © Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.

Study of Significance of Fasting & Stimulated Serum C Peptide Levels in Newly Detected Young Diabetes Mellitus Among the Age Group of 35-40

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of common metabolic disorders that share the phenotype of hyperglycemia. The worldwide prevalence of DM has risen dramatically over the past two decades.Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Assay for C-peptide can be used to provide an index of endogenous insulin production and pancreatic beta cell function. MATERIAL: This is a hospital based cross section study involving 50 newly detected diabetic subjects of age group 35-40 years. The subjects were evaluated with their fasting and stimulated c-peptide levels assay, fasting and postprandial blood sugars, HbA1c. OBSERVATION: Eight subjects out of 50 subjects had a fasting serum C-peptide value less than normal value. Thirteen subjects out of 50 subjects had a low stimulated serum C-peptide. CONCLUSION: This study suggests measurement of C-peptide levels in newly detected diabetic subjects especially of younger age group is of value in differentiating type of diabetes and appropriate next line of management. © Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.

Categorization of COVID-19 severity to determine mortality risk.

PURPOSE: Algorithms for classification of inpatient COVID-19 severity are necessary for confounding control in studies using real-world data. METHODS: Using Healthverity chargemaster and claims data, we selected patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between April 2020 and February 2021, and classified them by severity at admission using an algorithm we developed based on respiratory support requirements (supplemental oxygen or non-invasive ventilation, O2/NIV, invasive mechanical ventilation, IMV, or NEITHER). To evaluate the utility of the algorithm, patients were followed from admission until death, discharge, or a 28-day maximum to report mortality risks and rates overall and by stratified by severity. Trends for heterogeneity in mortality risk and rate across severity classifications were evaluated using Cochran-Armitage and Logrank trend tests, respectively. RESULTS: Among 118 117 patients, the algorithm categorized patients in increasing severity as NEITHER (36.7%), O2/NIV (54.3%), and IMV (9.0%). Associated mortality risk (and 95% CI) was 11.8% (11.6-12.0%) overall and increased with severity [3.4% (3.2-3.5%), 11.5% (11.3-11.8%), 47.3% (46.3-48.2%); p < 0.001]. Mortality rate per 1000 person-days (and 95% CI) was 15.1 (14.9-15.4) overall and increased with severity [5.7 (5.4-6.0), 14.5 (14.2-14.9), 32.7 (31.8-33.6); p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: As expected, we observed a positive association between the algorithm-defined severity on admission and 28-day mortality risk and rate. Although performance remains to be validated, this provides some assurance that this algorithm may be used for confounding control or stratification in treatment effect studies.

Concomitant COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke in patients transferred by emergency medical service during first wave of pandemic in Tehran, Iran;a cross-sectional study

Objective: We conducted this study to evaluate the prevalence of concomitant COVID-19 in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients admitted to stroke centers of Tehran, Iran. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in a 45-day period. AIS patients transferred by emergency medical service (EMS) to all medical centers of the city were included. Information was recorded and compared in two groups: patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and those who were negative. Results: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) screened 348 patients as AIS cases, of whom, AIS was ultimately confirmed in 311 (89.4%) patients;and 58 (18.6%) of the 311 AIS patients were diagnosed with concomitant COVID-19 infection. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of COVID-19 positive AIS patients were significantly higher than non-COVID-19 AIS patients (16.3±3.7 vs. 11.8±4.3;p<0.001). There was also a significant difference in length of hospital stay between the two groups (11.1±1.8 vs. 8.8±4.3 days;p<0.001). However, data showed no significant difference regarding prevalence of in-hospital mortality between the two groups (1.6% vs. 3.5%;p=0.320). Conclusion: Our study results showed that AIS patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection had higher NIHSS scores and longer length of hospital stay compared to patients without concomitant COVID-19 infection. © 2022 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Guideline in a nutshell: New insights into COPD

The article focuses on the annually-updated GOLD report on the management of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) offers new insights into the disease, treatment and the increased incidence of lung cancer in COPD patients. It mention that the aim of the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Report is to provide a non-biased review of the current evidence for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with COPD.

Comparison of semiquantitative chest CT scoring systems to estimate severity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical usefulness among three different semiquantitative computed tomography (CT) severity scoring systems for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. METHODS: Two radiologists independently reviewed chest CT images in 108 patients to rate three CT scoring systems (total CT score [TSS], chest CT score [CCTS], and CT severity score [CTSS]). We made a minor modification to CTSS. Quantitative dense area ratio (QDAR: the ratio of lung involvement to lung parenchyma) was calculated using the U-net model. Clinical severity at admission was classified as severe (n = 14) or mild (n = 94). Interobserver agreement, interpretation time, and degree of correlation with clinical severity as well as QDAR were evaluated. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.952-0.970, p < 0.001). Mean interpretation time was significantly longer in CTSS (48.9-80.0 s) than in TSS (25.7-41.7 s, p < 0.001) and CCTS (27.7-39.5 s, p < 0.001). Area under the curve for differentiating clinical severity at admission was 0.855-0.842 in TSS, 0.853-0.850 in CCTS, and 0.853-0.836 in CTSS. All scoring systems correlated with QDAR in the order of CCTS (ρ = 0.443-0.448), TSS (ρ = 0.435-0.437), and CTSS (ρ = 0.415-0.426). CONCLUSIONS: All semiquantitative scoring systems demonstrated substantial diagnostic performance for clinical severity at admission with excellent interobserver agreement. Interpretation time was significantly shorter in TSS and CCTS than in CTSS. The correlation between the scoring system and QDAR was highest in CCTS, followed by TSS and CTSS. CCTS appeared to be the most appropriate CT scoring system for clinical practice. KEY POINTS: • Three semiquantitative scoring systems demonstrate substantial accuracy (area under the curve: 0.836-0.855) for diagnosing clinical severity at admission and (area under the curve: 0.786-0.802) for risk of developing critical illness. • Total CT score (TSS) and chest CT score (CCTS) were considered to be more appropriate in terms of clinical usefulness as compared with CT severity score (CTSS), given the shorter interpretation time in TSS and CCTS, and the lowest correlation with quantitative dense area ratio in CTSS. • CCTS is assumed to distinguish subtle from mild lung involvement better than TSS by adopting a 5% threshold in scoring the degree of severity.

Chest computed tomography score, cycle threshold values and secondary infection in predicting COVID-19 mortality

This retrospective and observational cohort study investigated chest computed tomography (CT) findings, cycle threshold (Ct) values in RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 and secondary infection occurrence to predict prognosis in COVID-19 patients. At hospital admission, CT findings and Ct values were collected. Microbiology tests performed after 48 hours from hospitalization were reviewed. According to in-hospital mortality, patients were grouped into non-survivors and survivors. Among 283 patients evaluated, in-hospital mortality rate was 13.8% (39/283). Secondary infection occurrence was 15.2% (43/283). Cut-off values for CT score >13.5 (AUC=0.682 p=0.0009) and for Ct <23.4 (AUC=0.749, p<0.0001) were predictive of death. Super-additive and synergic effects between high CT score plus secondary infection occurrence as well as between high CT score plus low Ct values affecting patient's outcome were observed. Chest CT score and Ct values in RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 could have a combination role for severity stratification of COVID-19 patients.

Early high-titer convalescent plasma therapy in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) has been approved by the FDA. We assessed the outcome of patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 following convalescent plasma therapy and the association with variables such as antibody titer in CCP units and transfusion time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 3097 patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 (according to WHO Progression Scale) had heterogeneous demographic and clinical characteristics received plasma with an unknown titer at the transfusion time. Firstly, information about age, sex, blood group, the time interval from hospitalization to CCP transfusion, underlying disease, and antibody titer with the outcome were investigated. Then, multivariate logistic regression and area under the curve (AUC) were performed for the association between disease severity and intubation variables with transfusion time and outcome. RESULTS: Patients with younger age receiving CCP in the first five days of hospitalization had lower mortality (P < 0.0001). Moreover, patients without the underlying disease had lower mortality (P < 0.001). The mortality rate also decreased in severe patients who were intubated receiving CCP for less than five days (P < 0.001). In patients with moderate severity (score less than 5) who received IgG antibody levels above 1:320 in less than five days had lower mortality (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that COVID-19 patients with the moderate type of disease receiving CCP units with high antibody titers in the early stages of the disease experienced greater effectiveness of CCP therapy.