On the pathogenesis of destructive pneumonia during COVID-19: a clinical case.

Community-acquired pneumonia is a potentially serious infection in children with high morbidity rate, risk of severe course and unfavorable outcomes. Specialists have noted the increased incidence of the destructive forms in the recent years. Aim. To present a clinical case of destructive pneumonia in a 1 year 2 month old child, hospitalized in the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution "Children's City Clinical Hospital of St. Vladimir Moscow Healthcare Department", and analyze it in terms of current understanding on the disease pathogenesis. Conclusion. During COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) pandemic, pulmonologists and pediatric surgeons encountered an unconventional course of destructive pneumonia. A large number of studies of pathophysiological processes in acute viral interstitial pneumonias have recently allowed to expand our understanding of the role of coagulation system. At the same time, new questions arose concerning the clinical course and development of the pathological infectious process.Copyright © Zaytseva O.V. et al., 2023.

Challenges for exercising health advocacy to hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: To analyze the challenges for exercising health advocacy to hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This is an online descriptive-exploratory qualitative study. Participants were 28 nursing professionals enrolled in the subject Nursing in Health Care for Children and Adolescents in a graduate program at a federal university in northeastern Brazil. Data collection took place in June 2021 through a conversation wheel and press conference. As instruments, we used Google forms and a semi-structured script. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. As an analysis method, Discursive Textual Analysis (DTA) was used. For data organization, Atlas.ti 8.4.15 software (Qualitative Research and Solutions) was used.Results: Two categories emerged: 1) Impacts of the pandemic on pediatric care and advocacy: child isolation and a health care scenario where children were placed in the background were observed. 2) Existing barriers that worsened with the health crisis: work overload, precarious structure and difficulty in working conditions were identified, which led to violations of children's rights and aggravated the overview of difficulties in the provision of pediatric services.Conclusion: The challenges for exercising health advocacy for hospitalized children during the pandemic, evidenced by the impacts and barriers to care, have expanded health teams' work, making the exercise of advocacy in pediatric care even more difficult. It is necessary to rethink and adjust access and care policies after the pandemic to ensure that child care is not restricted.

Progress and treatment of "long COVID" in non-hospitalized patients: A single-center retrospective cohort study

Background: "Long COVID" or "post-COVID conditions" describes prolonged symptoms after the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is a paucity of published reports on its treatment. Method(s): This retrospective cohort study included adult, non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 symptoms at least one month after the onset who had been examined at the isolation facility in Miyagi prefecture between October 2020 and September 2021. Result(s): In total, 70 patients with a median age of 46 (21-69) years were included, and 37 were women (52.9%). The median time from onset to the end of treatment was 46 (28-396) days. Thirty-eight patients (53.5%) showed improvement in all symptoms, while four (5.7%) did not recover within the study period. The symptoms at six months with high residual rates were dizziness (33.3%), fatigue (14.3%), myalgia (14.3%), abdominal discomfort (14.3%), and taste dysfunction (11.8%). For treatment of prolonged symptoms, formulae of Kampo medicine (Japanese traditional medicine) were used alone or in combination with Western medications in 76%, 66%, 53%, and 66% of patients at 1-2 months, 2-3 months, 3-6 months, and over 6 months respectively. Kampo formulae with anti-inflammatory effects were used in the early period;however, tonifying formulae and blood stasis-resolving formulae were used in the late period. Conclusion(s): Non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 may suffer from persistent symptoms after the acute phase of infection. For the management of long COVID, a comprehensive and holistic approach is needed. Kampo medicine should be considered as a treatment option for long COVID.Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Traditional & Kampo Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Society for Oriental Medicine and Japan Society of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Traditional Medicine.

Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated with Sars-Cov-2 Infection

Despite the low incidence, low mortality and relatively mild symptoms of COVID-19 in children, there has been a rise in pediatric patients who develop a condition resembling Kawasaki disease after COVID-19 or contact with individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. This condition is known as the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (PIMS-TS). This review introduces the reader to the hypotheses of PIMS-TS pathogenesis, provides information about its diagnosis and treatment, presents clinical and laboratory data and describes treatments strategies used in children and adolescents hospitalized to the intensive care unit of the Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases. Besides, the review outlines the main diagnostic and prognostic challenges of PIMS-TS.Copyright © Extreme Medicine.All right reserved.

Diagnosis of bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19: is it a simple task? (literature review)

Diagnosing bacterial infection in patients with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is not an easy task. Available data suggest that bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19 is rare and occurs in less than 10% of cases. At the same time, data of individual studies and systematic reviews indicate that more than 70% of patients with COVID-19 receive mainly empirical antimicrobial therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics often before the diagnosis of COVID-19 has been verified. Therefore, this widespread empirical use of antibiotics is not supported by data on the need for their use. The article discusses the literature data on the significance of commonly accepted methods for diagnosing bacterial infection, with an emphasis on laboratory presence / absence tests. In everyday practice, the likelihood of bacterial coinfection in patients with COVID-19 is assessed by clinical presentation of the disease and the results of standard laboratory tests and imaging methods. However, when viral respiratory infection develops, this approach does not always allow to diagnose bacterial coinfection with sufficient significance. This issue may be handled by available modern test systems, the use of a combination of signs or additional laboratory criteria (for example, procalcitonin), and the analysis of the overall clinical presentation by the doctor using knowledge about patient risk groups.

Unexpected Severe Bocavirus Infections among Hospitalized Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: Acute respiratory tract infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Although human bocavirus (HBoV) infections are not as common as other seasonal respiratory viruses, children who are infected with HBoV are more likely to suffer from a variety of respiratory conditions, including the common cold, acute otitis media, asthma exacerbations, bronchiolitis pneumonia, some of the affected children require pediatric intensive care unit stay. Here, we aimed to evaluate pediatric bocavirus (HBoV) cases presenting with severe respiratory tract symptoms during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method(s): This retrospective study evaluated the medical records of children diagnosed with respiratory infections, followed up at the Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University between September 2021 and March 2022. In this study, patients with HBoV identified using nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were considered positive. Cases were analyzed retrospectively for their clinical characteristics. Result(s): This study included 54 children (29 girls and 25 boys) with HBoV in nasopharyngeal PCR samples. The cases ranged in age from 1 month to 72 months (median 25 months). At the time of presentation, cough, fever, and respiratory distress were the most prevalent symptoms. Hyperinflation (48%), pneumonic consolidation (42%), and pneumothorax-pneumomediastinum (7%) were observed on the chest X-ray;54% of the children required intensive care unit stay. The median length of hospitalization was 6 days. Bacterial coinfection was detected in 7 (17%) children, while HBoV and other viruses were present in 20 (37%) children;57% of children received supplemental oxygen by mask, 24% high-flow nasal oxygen, 7% continuous positive airway pressure, and 9% invasive mechanical ventilation support. Antibiotics were given to 34 (63%) cases, and systemic steroid treatment was given to 41 (76%) cases. Chest tubes were inserted in three out of the four cases with pneumothorax-pneumomediastinum. All patients were recovered and were discharged from the hospital. Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 pandemic changed the epidemiology of seasonal respiratory viruses and the clinical course of the diseases. Although it usually causes mild symptoms, severe respiratory symptoms can lead to life-threatening illnesses requiring intensive care admission.Copyright © 2023. The Author(s).

Analysis of disease spectrum of hospitalized children during outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in pediatric department of a tertiary general hospital in Shanghai.

Objective To analyze the changes of disease spectrum in pediatric inpatients before and after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The data of gender, age, habitual residence, diagnosis and other relevant information of 1 931 hospitalized children in Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Feb. 2019 to Jan. 2020 (1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic) and 618 hospitalized children from Feb. 2020 to Jan. 2021 (1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic) were collected. The total number, habitual residence, gender and disease spectrum of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic were statistically analyzed. Results The number of hospitalized children decreased by 68.00% (1 313/1 931) 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic. The number of hospitalized children from other provinces and cities was decreased (17.80%110/618vs 29.00%560/1 931) and there was significantly difference in the distribution of habitual residence of hospitalized children between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.01). One year after the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of children with respiratory diseases decreased by 92.04% (971/1 055), and the proportion was also decreased (13.59%84/618vs 54.63%1 055/1 931);the number of children with endocrine system diseases increased by 20.71% (29/140), and the proportion was increased (27.35%169/618vs 7.25%140/1 931);the number of children with neonatal diseases decreased by 43.01% (166/386), but the proportion was increased (35.60%220/618 vs 19.99%386/1 931). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, there were significant differences in the proportions of respiratory diseases, endocrine system diseases and neonatal diseases in hospitalized children 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (all P<0.01). The age distribution of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the epidemic of COVID-19 was different (P<0.01), and the number of hospitalized children was also different in different seasons (P<0.05). One year after the epidemic of COVID-19, the number of hospitalized children with respiratory diseases was decreased most significantly, and the number of children with pneumonia decreased by 93.71% (655/699), with a significant difference found in the proportions of pneumonia between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (52.38%44/84vs 66.26% 699/1 055, P<0.05). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, the proportion of endocrine system diseases such as short stature/growth retardation was decreased and the proportion of precocious puberty/early puberty development was increased 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.05). Conclusion The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a significant decrease in hospitalized children in department of pediatric, especially in the proportion of respiratory diseases, but it has led to an increase in hospitalized children with endocrine system diseases, suggesting that epidemic prevention and control measures can effectively reduce respiratory diseases requiring hospitalization, but may increase precocious puberty and early puberty development. These changes should be considered by department of pediatrics in general hospitals.Copyright © 2022, Second Military Medical University Press. All rights reserved.

Targeting TLR-4 Signaling to Treat COVID-19-induced Acute Kidney Injury

The newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has turned into a potentially fatal pandemic illness. Numerous acute kidney injury (AKI) cases have been reported, although diffuse alveolar destruction and acute respiratory failure are the major symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The AKI, often known as a sudden loss of kidney function, carries a greater risk of mortality and morbidity. AKI was the second most frequent cause of death after acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While most patients with COVID-19 have moderate symptoms, some have severe symptoms, such as septic shock and ARDS. Also, it has been proven that some patients have severe symptoms, such as the failure of several organs. The kidneys are often affected either directly or indirectly. The major signs of kidney involvement are proteinuria and AKI. It is hypothesized that multiple mechanisms contribute to kidney injury in COVID-19. Direct infection of podocytes and proximal tubular cells in the kidneys may lead to acute tubular necrosis and collapsing glomerulopathy. SARS-CoV2 may also trigger a cascade of immunological responses that lead to AKI, including cytokine storm (CS), macrophage activation syndrome, and Toll-like receptor type-4 activation (TLR-4). Other proposed processes of AKI include interactions between organs, endothelial failure, hypercoagulability, rhabdomyolysis, and sepsis.Furthermore, ischemic damage to the kidney might result from the decreased oxygen supply. This article focuses on kidney injury's epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiological processes. Specifically, it focuses on the CS and the role of TLR-4 in this process. To effectively manage and treat acute kidney damage and AKI in COVID-19, it is crucial to understand the underlying molecular pathways and pathophysiology.

Challenges for exercising health advocacy to hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic / Challenges for exercising health advocacy to hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic / Desafios para o exercício da advocacia em saúde à criança hospitalizada durante a pandemia COVID-19 / Desafíos para el ejercicio de la defensa en salud de niños hospitalizados durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os desafios para o exercício da advocacia em saúde à criança hospitalizada durante a pandemia COVID-19. Métodos Estudo qualitativo descritivo-exploratório on-line. Participaram 28 profissionais de enfermagem matriculados na disciplina Enfermagem na Atenção à Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente em um Programa de pós-graduação de uma universidade federal do nordeste brasileiro. A coleta de dados ocorreu em junho de 2021 através de roda de conversa e entrevista coletiva. Como instrumentos utilizou-se: o formulário do google forms e roteiro semiestruturado. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Como método de análise, foi empregada a Análise Textual Discursiva (ATD). Para a organização dos dados, utilizou-se o software Atlas.ti 8.4.15 (Qualitative Research and Solutions). Resultados Emergiram duas categorias: 1) Impactos da pandemia para assistência e advocacia pediátrica, constatou-se o isolamento infantil e um cenário de atenção à saúde onde a criança foi colocada em segundo plano. 2) Barreiras existentes que se agravaram com a crise sanitária, identificou-se: sobrecarga de trabalho, precarização da estrutura e dificuldade nas condições de trabalho, que gerou violações nos direitos infantis e agravou o panorama de dificuldades na oferta de serviços pediátricos. Conclusão Os desafios para o exercício da advocacia em saúde à criança hospitalizada durante a pandemia, evidenciados pelos impactos e barreiras para a assistência, ampliaram o trabalho das equipes de saúde tornando o exercício da advocacia no cuidado pediátrico ainda mais dificultoso. Cabe repensar e ajustar políticas de acesso e atendimento após a pandemia para assegurar que o cuidado infantil não seja restringido.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar los desafíos para el ejercicio de la defensa en salud de niños hospitalizados durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos Estudio cualitativo descriptivo exploratorio en línea. Participaron 28 profesionales de enfermería inscriptos en la asignatura Enfermería en Atención a la Salud del Niño y del Adolescente en un programa de posgrado de una universidad nacional del nordeste brasileño. La recopilación de datos ocurrió en junio de 2021 a través de rondas de conversación y entrevista colectiva. Como instrumentos se utilizaron: un formulario de google forms y un guion semiestructurado. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Como método de análisis, se utilizó el Análisis Textual Discursivo (ATD). Para la organización de los datos, se utilizó el software Atlas.ti 8.4.15 (Qualitative Research and Solutions). Resultados Surgieron dos categorías: 1) Impactos de la pandemia en la atención y en la defensa pediátrica, se verificó el aislamiento infantil y un escenario de atención en salud en la que el niño fue colocado en segundo plano. 2) Barreras existentes que se agravaron con la crisis sanitaria, se identificó: sobrecarga de trabajo, precarización de la estructura y dificultad en las condiciones de trabajo, lo que generó violaciones de los derechos infantiles y agravó el panorama de dificultades en la oferta de servicios pediátricos. Conclusión Los desafíos para el ejercicio de la defensa en salud de niños hospitalizados durante la pandemia, evidenciados por los impactos y barreras para la atención, ampliaron el trabajo de los equipos de salud, lo que dificultó aún más el ejercicio de la defensa del cuidado pediátrico. Cabe reflexionar y ajustar políticas de acceso y atención después de la pandemia para asegurar que no se restrinja el cuidado infantil.

Abstract Objective To analyze the challenges for exercising health advocacy to hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This is an online descriptive-exploratory qualitative study. Participants were 28 nursing professionals enrolled in the subject Nursing in Health Care for Children and Adolescents in a graduate program at a federal university in northeastern Brazil. Data collection took place in June 2021 through a conversation wheel and press conference. As instruments, we used Google forms and a semi-structured script. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. As an analysis method, Discursive Textual Analysis (DTA) was used. For data organization, Atlas.ti 8.4.15 software (Qualitative Research and Solutions) was used. Results Two categories emerged: 1) Impacts of the pandemic on pediatric care and advocacy: child isolation and a health care scenario where children were placed in the background were observed. 2) Existing barriers that worsened with the health crisis: work overload, precarious structure and difficulty in working conditions were identified, which led to violations of children's rights and aggravated the overview of difficulties in the provision of pediatric services. Conclusion The challenges for exercising health advocacy for hospitalized children during the pandemic, evidenced by the impacts and barriers to care, have expanded health teams' work, making the exercise of advocacy in pediatric care even more difficult. It is necessary to rethink and adjust access and care policies after the pandemic to ensure that child care is not restricted.

Prevalence of depression and its association with quality of life among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a network perspective.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected treatment-seeking behaviors of psychiatric patients and their guardians. Barriers to access of mental health services may contribute to adverse mental health consequences, not only for psychiatric patients, but also for their guardians. This study explored the prevalence of depression and its association with quality of life among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in China. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, fatigue level and quality of life (QOL) of guardians were measured with validated Chinese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale - 7 (GAD-7), fatigue numeric rating scale (FNRS), and the first two items of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Independent correlates of depression were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare global QOL of depressed versus non-depressed guardians. The network structure of depressive symptoms among guardians was constructed using an extended Bayesian Information Criterion (EBIC) model. Results: The prevalence of depression among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients was 32.4% (95% CI: 29.7-35.2%). GAD-7 total scores (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.8-2.1) and fatigue (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4) were positively correlated with depression among guardians. After controlling for significant correlates of depression, depressed guardians had lower QOL than non-depressed peers did [F(1, 1,101) = 29.24, p < 0.001]. "Loss of energy" (item 4 of the PHQ-9), "concentration difficulties" (item 7 of the PHQ-9) and "sad mood" (item 2 of the PHQ-9) were the most central symptoms in the network model of depression for guardians. Conclusion: About one third of guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients reported depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poorer QOL was related to having depression in this sample. In light of their emergence as key central symptoms, "loss of energy," "concentration problems," and "sad mood" are potentially useful targets for mental health services designed to support caregivers of psychiatric patients.

Epidemiological change of influenza virus in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection during 2014-2022 in Hubei Province, China.

PURPOSE: Influenza virus (IFV) causes acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) and leads to high morbidity and mortality annually. This study explored the epidemiological change of IFV after the implementation of the universal two-child policy and evaluated the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the detection of IFV. METHODS: Hospitalized children under 18 years with ARTI were recruited from Hubei Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Hubei Province from January 2014 to June 2022. The positive rates of IFV were compared among different periods by the implementation of the universal two-child policy and public health measures against COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Among 75,128 hospitalized children with ARTI, the positive rate of IFV was 1.98% (1486/75128, 95% CI 1.88-2.01). Children aged 6-17 years had the highest positive rate of IFV (166/5504, 3.02%, 95% CI 2.58-3.50). The positive rate of IFV dropped to the lowest in 2015, then increased constantly and peaked in 2019. After the universal two-child policy implementation, the positive rate of IFV among all the hospitalized children increased from 0.40% during 2014-2015 to 2.70% during 2017-2019 (RR 6.72, 95% CI 4.94-9.13, P < 0.001), particularly children under one year shown a violent increasing trend from 0.20 to 2.01% (RR 10.26, 95% CI 5.47-19.23, P < 0.001). During the initial outbreak of COVID-19, the positive rate of IFV decreased sharply compared to that before COVID-19 (0.35% vs. 3.37%, RR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04-0.28, P < 0.001), and then rebounded to 0.91%, lower than the level before COVID-19 (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.20-0.36, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: IFV epidemiological pattern has changed after the implementation of the universal two-child policy. More attention should be emphasized to comprehend the health benefits generated by COVID-19 restrictions on IFV transmission in future.

Mild SARS-CoV-2 infection results in long-lasting microbiota instability.

Viruses targeting mammalian cells can indirectly alter the gut microbiota, potentially compounding their phenotypic effects. Multiple studies have observed a disrupted gut microbiota in severe cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that require hospitalization. Yet, despite demographic shifts in disease severity resulting in a large and continuing burden of non-hospitalized infections, we still know very little about the impact of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gut microbiota in the outpatient setting. To address this knowledge gap, we longitudinally sampled 14 SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects who remained outpatient and 4 household controls. SARS-CoV-2 cases exhibited a significantly less stable gut microbiota relative to controls. These results were confirmed and extended in the K18-humanized angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 mouse model, which is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. All of the tested SARS-CoV-2 variants significantly disrupted the mouse gut microbiota, including USA-WA1/2020 (the original variant detected in the USA), Delta, and Omicron. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the Omicron variant caused the least severe symptoms in mice, it destabilized the gut microbiota and led to a significant depletion in Akkermansia muciniphila. Furthermore, exposure of wild-type C57BL/6J mice to SARS-CoV-2 disrupted the gut microbiota in the absence of severe lung pathology.IMPORTANCETaken together, our results demonstrate that even mild cases of SARS-CoV-2 can disrupt gut microbial ecology. Our findings in non-hospitalized individuals are consistent with studies of hospitalized patients, in that reproducible shifts in gut microbial taxonomic abundance in response to SARS-CoV-2 have been difficult to identify. Instead, we report a long-lasting instability in the gut microbiota. Surprisingly, our mouse experiments revealed an impact of the Omicron variant, despite producing the least severe symptoms in genetically susceptible mice, suggesting that despite the continued evolution of SARS-CoV-2, it has retained its ability to perturb the intestinal mucosa. These results will hopefully renew efforts to study the mechanisms through which Omicron and future SARS-CoV-2 variants alter gastrointestinal physiology, while also considering the potentially broad consequences of SARS-CoV-2-induced microbiota instability for host health and disease.

Anxiety among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a case-control study from a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia.

Introduction: Anxiety has been increasingly recognized as part of the psychosocial health issues in COVID-19 patients. However, the impact of this topic may be underestimated in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors of anxiety in COVID-19 patients compared to controls in a local tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. Methods: In this case-control study, we analyzed data on adult patients aged 18 years and above hospitalized for COVID-19 infection with matched hospitalized controls. The demographic, clinical data and anxiety measures using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: 86.6% in the COVID-19 group had anxiety, significantly higher than 13.4% in the control group (p = 0.001). The COVID-19 group was significantly associated with the GAD-7 severity (p = 0.001). The number of COVID-19 patients in the mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups was 48 (84.2%), 37 (86%), and 18 (94.7%), respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed significant predictors for anxiety, including COVID-19 diagnosis and neurological symptoms. Anxiety was found 36.92 times higher in the patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19 (OR 36.92;95% CI 17.09, 79.78, p = 0.001). Patients with neurological symptoms were at risk of having anxiety (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.03, 8.41, p = 0.044). Discussion: COVID-19 patients experience a significant disruption in psychosocial functioning due to hospitalization. The burden of anxiety is notably high, compounded by a diagnosis of COVID-19 itself and neurological symptomatology. Early psychiatric referrals are warranted for patients at risk of developing anxiety symptoms.

Effectiveness of Casirivimab and Imdevimab Antibody Combination in Immunocompromised Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Post Hoc Analysis in a Phase 1/2/3 Double-Blind Trial.

Background: Individuals who are immunocompromised (IC) are at high risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Post hoc analyses of a double-blind trial conducted prior to Omicron (June 2020-April 2021), in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 assessed viral load, clinical outcomes, and safety of casirivimab plus imdevimab (CAS + IMD) versus placebo in IC versus overall study patients. Results: Ninety-nine of 1940 (5.1%) patients were IC. IC versus overall patients were more frequently seronegative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies (68.7% vs 41.2%) and had higher median baseline viral loads (7.21 vs 6.32 log10 copies/mL). On placebo, IC versus overall patients had slower viral load declines. CAS + IMD reduced viral load in IC and overall patients; least-squares mean difference versus placebo in time-weighted average change from baseline viral load at day 7 was -0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.25 to -.14) log10 copies/mL for IC patients and -0.31 (95% CI, -.42 to -.20) log10 copies/mL for overall patients. For IC patients, the cumulative incidence of death or mechanical ventilation at day 29 was lower with CAS + IMD (11.0%) versus placebo (17.2%), consistent with overall patients (15.7% CAS + IMD vs 18.3% placebo). IC and overall patients receiving CAS + IMD exhibited similar rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (30.4% and 26.6%, respectively), grade ≥2 hypersensitivity or infusion-related reactions (1.4% and 2.5%), and deaths (8.7% and 12.2%). Conclusions: IC patients were more likely to exhibit high viral loads and be seronegative at baseline. For susceptible SARS-CoV-2 variants, CAS + IMD reduced viral load and resulted in fewer death or mechanical ventilation events in IC and overall study patients. There were no new safety findings among IC patients. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04426695.

Misdiagnosis of Clostridioides difficile Infections by Standard-of-Care Specimen Collection and Testing among Hospitalized Adults, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, 2019-20201.

Although Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) incidence is high in the United States, standard-of-care (SOC) stool collection and testing practices might result in incidence overestimation or underestimation. We conducted diarrhea surveillance among inpatients >50 years of age in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, during October 14, 2019-October 13, 2020; concurrent SOC stool collection and CDI testing occurred independently. A study CDI case was nucleic acid amplification test‒/cytotoxicity neutralization assay‒positive or nucleic acid amplification test‒positive stool in a patient with pseudomembranous colitis. Study incidence was adjusted for hospitalization share and specimen collection rate and, in a sensitivity analysis, for diarrhea cases without study testing. SOC hospitalized CDI incidence was 121/100,000 population/year; study incidence was 154/100,000 population/year and, in sensitivity analysis, 202/100,000 population/year. Of 75 SOC CDI cases, 12 (16.0%) were not study diagnosed; of 109 study CDI cases, 44 (40.4%) were not SOC diagnosed. CDI incidence estimates based on SOC CDI testing are probably underestimated.

Obesity and Mortality of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Asian and Western Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The authorities recently emphasized the importance of dietary control for COVID-19 patients in hospitals. However, there is limited detail about the obesity and death of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized in the Asian and Western countries. The aim of this study was to find the role of obesity and mortality of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A systematic review of the studies on obesity and mortality of hospitalized COVID.19 patients in the Asian and western countries. Methods: Databases of ProQuest, PubMed, and EBSCO were used to find relevant articles published between January 2020 and March 2021. A total of 3,70,836 patients in 17 studies were included. Results: We found significant correlation between obesity and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (pooled odds ratio [POR] = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.23-1.33). In particular, this study demonstrated that the Asian countries had higher POR (1.44, 95% CI: 1.16-1.79) compared to the western countries (1.28, 95%CI: 1.23-1.33). The heterogeneity calculation showed heterogenous among studies included (I2 > 50%). Conclusions: The mortality of COVID-19-hospitalized patients is related to obesity, which requires a multi-stakeholder mitigation approach to avoid and control obesity and its impacts. Conclusions: The mortality of COVID-19-hospitalized patients is related to obesity, which requires a multi-stakeholder mitigation approach to avoid and control obesity and its impacts.

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern over a period of Delta and Omicron cocirculation, among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in an Italian reference hospital: Impact on clinical outcomes.

Despite the higher transmissibility of Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC), several reports have suggested lower risk for hospitalization and severe outcomes compared to previous variants of SARS-CoV-2. This study, enrolling all COVID-19 adults admitted to a reference hospital who underwent both the S-gene-target-failure test and VOC identification by Sanger sequencing, aimed to describe the evolving prevalence of Delta and Omicron variants and to compare the main in-hospital outcomes of severity, during a trimester (December 2021 to March 2022) of VOCs' cocirculation. Factors associated with clinical progression to noninvasive ventilation (NIV)/mechanical ventilation (MV)/death within 10 days and to MV/admission to intensive care unit (ICU)/death within 28 days, were investigated through multivariable logistic regressions. Overall, VOCs were: Delta n = 130/428, Omicron n = 298/428 (sublineages BA.1 n = 275 and BA.2 n = 23). Until mid-February, Delta predominance shifted to BA.1, which was gradually displaced by BA.2 until mid-March. Participants with Omicron VOC were more likely to be older, fully vaccinated, with multiple comorbidities and to have a shorter time from symptoms' onset, and less likely to have systemic symptoms and respiratory complications. Although the need of NIV within 10 days and MV within 28 days from hospitalization and the admission to ICU were less frequent for patients with Omicron compared to those with Delta infections, mortality was similar between the two VOCs. In the adjusted analysis, multiple comorbidities and a longer time from symptoms' onset predicted 10-day clinical progression, while complete vaccination halved the risk. Multimorbidity was the only risk factor associated with 28-day clinical progression. In our population, in the first trimester of 2022, Omicron rapidly displaced Delta in COVID-19 hospitalized adults. Clinical profile and presentation differed between the two VOCs and, although Omicron infections showed a less severe clinical picture, no substantial differences for clinical progression were found. This finding suggests that any hospitalization, especially in more vulnerable individuals, may be at risk for severe progression, which is more related to the underlying frailty of patients than to the intrinsic severity of the viral variant.

Role of vaccination and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the clinical outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Background: Although vaccination has considerably reduced the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID19, the impact of vaccination and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody status on the outcome of patients who required hospitalization has been poorly investigated. Material and methods: A prospective observational study in 232 patients hospitalized for COVID19 was carried out from October 2021 to January 2022 to evaluate the role on patient outcome of their vaccination and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody status and titer, comorbidities, analytical determinations, clinical presentation at admission, treatments and requirements for respiratory support. Cox regression and survival analyzes were performed. The SPSS and "R" programs were used. Results: Patients with complete vaccination schedule had higher S-protein antibody titers (log10 3.73 [2.83-4.6] UI/ml vs 1.6 [2.99-2.61] UI/ml; p < 0.001), lower probability of radiographic worsening (21.6% vs. 35.4%; p = 0.005), less likely required high doses of dexamethasone (28.4% vs. 45.4%; p = 0.012), high-flow oxygen (20.6% vs. 35.4%; p = 0.02), ventilation (13.7% vs, 33.8%; p = 0.001) and intensive care admissions (10.8% vs. 32.6%; p < 0.001). Remdesivir (HR = 0.38; p < 0.001) and complete vaccination schedule (HR = 0.34; p = 0.008) were protective factors. No differences in antibody status were detected between groups (HR = 0.58; p = 0.219). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was associated with higher S-protein antibody titers and lower probability of radiological progression, immunomodulators requirement and respiratory support or death. However, vaccination but not antibody titters protected from adverse events pointing a role of immune-protective mechanisms in addition to humoral response.

Antecedentes: Aunque la vacunación ha reducido considerablemente el riesgo de hospitalización y muerte por COVID-19, se ha investigado poco el impacto de la vacunación y el estado de los anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 en la evolución de los pacientes que requieren hospitalización. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo en 232 pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 desde octubre del 2021 hasta enero del 2022 para evaluar el impacto en la evolución clínica del estado vacunal, el título de anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2, la presencia de comorbilidades, analítica, la clínica al ingreso, tratamientos y soporte respiratorio. Se realizaron análisis de supervivencia y regresión de Cox. Se utilizaron los programas SPSS y «R¼. Resultados: Los pacientes con esquema de vacunación completo presentaron títulos de anticuerpos contra la proteína S más elevados (log10 3,73 [2,83-4,6] UI/mL vs. 1,6 [2,99-2,61] UI/mL; p < 0,001), menor probabilidad de empeoramiento radiográfico (21,6 vs. 35,4%; p = 0,005), requirieron con menor probabilidad dosis elevadas de dexametasona (28,4 vs. 45,4%; p = 0,012), oxígeno de alto flujo (20,6 vs. 35,4%; p = 0,02), ventilación (13,7 vs. 33,8%; p = 0,001) e ingresos en cuidados intensivos (10,8 vs. 32,6%; p < 0,001). El remdesivir (HR = 0,38; p < 0,001) y el esquema completo de vacunación (HR = 0,34; p = 0,008) fueron factores protectores de mala evolución. No se detectaron diferencias en el estado de los anticuerpos entre los grupos (HR = 0,58; p = 0,219). Conclusiones: La vacunación contra el SARS-CoV-2 se asoció con mayores títulos de anticuerpos contra la proteína S y menor probabilidad de progresión radiológica, requerimiento de inmunomoduladores y soporte respiratorio o muerte. Sin embargo, la vacunación, pero no los títulos de anticuerpos, protegió de los eventos adversos, lo que indica un papel de los mecanismos de protección inmunológica además de la respuesta humoral.

Modified SEIR epidemic model including asymptomatic and hospitalized cases with correct demographic evolution

The aim of this study is to propose a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed (SEIR) model that describes the time behaviour of symptomatic, asymptomatic and hospitalized patients in an epidemic, taking into account the effect of the demographic evolution. Unlike most of the recent studies where a constant ratio of new individuals is considered, we consider a more correct assumption that the growth ratio is proportional to the total population, following a Logistic law, as is usual in population growth studies for humans and animals. An exhaustive theoretical study is carried out and the basic reproduction number R0 is computed from the model equations. It is proved that if R0<1 then the disease-free manifold is globally asymptotically stable, that is, the epidemics remits. Global and local stability of the equilibrium points is also studied. Numerical simulations are used to show the agreement between numerical results and theoretical properties. The model is fitted to experimental data corresponding to the pandemic evolution of COVID-19 in the Republic of Cuba, showing a proper behaviour of infected cases which let us think that can provide a correct estimation of asymptomatic cases. In conclusion, the model seems to be an adequate tool for the study and control of infectious diseases.

Analysis of disease spectrum of hospitalized children during outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in pediatric department of a tertiary general hospital in Shanghai

Objective To analyze the changes of disease spectrum in pediatric inpatients before and after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The data of gender, age, habitual residence, diagnosis and other relevant information of 1 931 hospitalized children in Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Feb. 2019 to Jan. 2020 (1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic) and 618 hospitalized children from Feb. 2020 to Jan. 2021 (1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic) were collected. The total number, habitual residence, gender and disease spectrum of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic were statistically analyzed. Results The number of hospitalized children decreased by 68.00% (1 313/1 931) 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic. The number of hospitalized children from other provinces and cities was decreased (17.80%[110/618]vs 29.00%[560/1 931]) and there was significantly difference in the distribution of habitual residence of hospitalized children between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.01). One year after the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of children with respiratory diseases decreased by 92.04% (971/1 055), and the proportion was also decreased (13.59%[84/618]vs 54.63%[1 055/1 931]);the number of children with endocrine system diseases increased by 20.71% (29/140), and the proportion was increased (27.35%[169/618]vs 7.25%[140/1 931]);the number of children with neonatal diseases decreased by 43.01% (166/386), but the proportion was increased (35.60%[220/618] vs 19.99%[386/1 931]). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, there were significant differences in the proportions of respiratory diseases, endocrine system diseases and neonatal diseases in hospitalized children 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (all P<0.01). The age distribution of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the epidemic of COVID-19 was different (P<0.01), and the number of hospitalized children was also different in different seasons (P<0.05). One year after the epidemic of COVID-19, the number of hospitalized children with respiratory diseases was decreased most significantly, and the number of children with pneumonia decreased by 93.71% (655/699), with a significant difference found in the proportions of pneumonia between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (52.38%[44/84]vs 66.26% [699/1 055], P<0.05). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, the proportion of endocrine system diseases such as short stature/growth retardation was decreased and the proportion of precocious puberty/early puberty development was increased 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.05). Conclusion The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a significant decrease in hospitalized children in department of pediatric, especially in the proportion of respiratory diseases, but it has led to an increase in hospitalized children with endocrine system diseases, suggesting that epidemic prevention and control measures can effectively reduce respiratory diseases requiring hospitalization, but may increase precocious puberty and early puberty development. These changes should be considered by department of pediatrics in general hospitals.Copyright © 2022, Second Military Medical University Press. All rights reserved.