Changing Severity and Epidemiology of Adults Hospitalized With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States After Introduction of COVID-19 Vaccines, March 2021-August 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the changing epidemiology of adults hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) informs research priorities and public health policies. METHODS: Among adults (≥18 years) hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed, acute COVID-19 between 11 March 2021, and 31 August 2022 at 21 hospitals in 18 states, those hospitalized during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron-predominant period (BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/BA.5) were compared to those from earlier Alpha- and Delta-predominant periods. Demographic characteristics, biomarkers within 24 hours of admission, and outcomes, including oxygen support and death, were assessed. RESULTS: Among 9825 patients, median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 60 years (47-72), 47% were women, and 21% non-Hispanic Black. From the Alpha-predominant period (Mar-Jul 2021; N = 1312) to the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 sublineage-predominant period (Jun-Aug 2022; N = 1307): the percentage of patients who had ≥4 categories of underlying medical conditions increased from 11% to 21%; those vaccinated with at least a primary COVID-19 vaccine series increased from 7% to 67%; those ≥75 years old increased from 11% to 33%; those who did not receive any supplemental oxygen increased from 18% to 42%. Median (IQR) highest C-reactive protein and D-dimer concentration decreased from 42.0 mg/L (9.9-122.0) to 11.5 mg/L (2.7-42.8) and 3.1 mcg/mL (0.8-640.0) to 1.0 mcg/mL (0.5-2.2), respectively. In-hospital death peaked at 12% in the Delta-predominant period and declined to 4% during the BA.4/BA.5-predominant period. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to adults hospitalized during early COVID-19 variant periods, those hospitalized during Omicron-variant COVID-19 were older, had multiple co-morbidities, were more likely to be vaccinated, and less likely to experience severe respiratory disease, systemic inflammation, coagulopathy, and death.

Risk of severe disease and mortality of COVID-19 in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome: A population-based matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by obstruction of the hepatic outflow tract. It is unknown whether patients with BCS represent a high risk for severe disease and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, we aimed to assess hospitalization rates, severe disease, all-cause mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement and acute kidney injury (AKI) from COVID-19 diagnoses. METHODS & RESULTS: We identified 467 patients with BCS with COVID-19, 96 427 non-chronic liver disease (CLD) and 9652 non-BCS CLD. The BCS and non-CLD cohorts (n = 467 each) and BCS and non-BCS CLD (n = 440 each) were well balanced after propensity matching. When compared to the non-CLD cohort, the BCS group had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (5.1% vs. 2.4%, HR 2.18; 95% CI, 1.08-4.40), severe disease (6.0% vs. 2.4%, HR 2.20; 95% CI, 1.09-4.43), hospitalization (24.6% vs. 13.1%, HR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.30-2.42) and AKI (7.9% vs. 2.8%, HR 2.57; 95% CI, 1.37-4.85), but no significant differences in ICU requirements (2.4% vs. 2.1%, HR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.27-2.08) at 60-days time points. When compared to the non-BCS CLD cohort, the BCS group had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (3.6% vs. 2.5%, HR 3.94; 95% CI, 1.31-11.79), hospitalization (29.8% vs. 21.6%, HR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09-1.86), but differences in ICU requirements (HR 0.90 (0.38-2.12)), AKI (HR 1.41 (0.86-2.30)) or severe disease (HR 1.92 (0.99-3.71)) did not reach statistical significance at 60-day follow up. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, COVID-19 infection in patients with BCS is associated with poor outcomes. Patients with BCS infected with COVID-19 carry a significantly higher risk of hospitalization and all-cause mortality and a possible effect on severe disease and AKI compared with COVID-19 patients without CLD or with non-BCS-CLD.

Comorbidities associated with mortality or devere disease in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Objective: To evaluate the comorbidities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and identify which ones are associated with severe COVID-19 disease and/or in-hospital mortality. Methods: Unicenter retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients admitted with confirmed COVID-19 from March 1 to May 31, 2020 were included consecutively. A descriptive analysis of comorbidities at admission was made. We evaluated what comorbidities are associated with in-hospital mortality and/or severe COVID-19 disease using a binary logistic regression model. Results: A total of 336 patients were included in the study: 284 (84,5%) were discharged and 52 (15,5%) died during hospitalization. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction in 317 patients (94%). Mean age was 66 + 14 years, 58% were men and Charlson Comorbidity Index was 1. In multivariate analysis, age >65 years (OR 2,65;95%CI 1,15 to 6,10;p 0,021), male sex (OR 3,26;95%CI 1,47 to 7,24;p 0,004), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (OR 2,11;95%CI 1,03 to 4,29;p 0,040), non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (OR 6,40;95%CI 2,25 to 18,21, p<0,001) and malignancy (OR 5,09;95%CI 2,28 to 11,34;p< 0,001), were identified as comorbidities associated with in hospital-mortality. Age >65 years (OR 1,87;95%CI 1,05 to 3,34;p 0,033), male sex (OR 2,86;95%CI 1,58 to 5,17;p<0,001), obesity (OR 1,82;95%CI 1,04 to 3,18;p 0,034) and obstructive sleep apnea (OR 5,26;95%CI 1,60 to 17,25;p 0,006) were associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Conclusions: Previous cardiovascular disease and malignancy are risk factors of in-hospital mortality while obesity and obstructive sleep apnea are associated with severe COVID-19 disease in hospitalized patients. Age >65 years and male sex are associated with both.

Clinical features of 153 patients with COVID-19 in Chongqing municipality.

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of patients with COVID-19 in Chongqing Municipality. Method(s): The clinical data, laboratory tests and chest imaging findings of 153 patients COVID-19 admitted in Chongqing Public Health Medical Center from January 26 to February 5, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. According to the relevant diagnostic criteria, patients were divided into non-severe group (n=132) and severe group (n=21). The correlation between serum index changes and disease severity was analyzed. Result(s): The proportion of patients with underlying diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases in severe group was significantly higher than that in non-severe group (chi2=11.04 and 6.94, P<0.05). The proportion of symptom-free patients in non-severe group was significantly higher than that in severe group (chi2=4.09, P<0.05). The symptoms of fever, fatigue and muscle soreness in the severe group were more common than those in the non-severe group (chi2=4.40, 14.42 and 22.67, P<0.05). Among the concomitant symptoms, the proportion of cough and shortness of breath in the severe group was higher than that in the non-severe group (chi2=8.46 and 4.80, P<0.05). C-reactive protein and D-Dimer levels were higher in the severe group than those in the non-severe group (Z=-4.39 and -1.96, P<0.05), and the number of CD3+ T lymphocyte cells, CD4+ T lymphocyte cells and CD8+ T lymphocyte cells in the severe group was lower than that in the non-severe group (Z=27.25, 20.60 and 17.36, P<0.05). Compared with the non-severe group, both lungs and the right lung lower lobe were more susceptible to be involved(chi2=9.7123.61, P<0.05). Conclusion(s): There are significant differences in underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, imaging manifestations and laboratory findings between severe and non-severe patients with COVID-19.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

The association between dietary intakes of zinc, vitamin C and COVID-19 severity and related symptoms: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a devastating impact on health systems, food supplies, and population health. This is the first study to examine the association between zinc and vitamin C intakes and the risk of disease severity and symptoms among COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 250 recovered COVID-19 patients aged 18-65 years from June to September 2021. Data on demographics, anthropometrics, medical history, and disease severity and symptoms were collected. Dietary intake was evaluated using a web-based, 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The severity of the disease was determined using the most recent version of the NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines. Using multivariable binary logistic regression, the association between zinc and vitamin C intakes and the risk of disease severity and symptoms in COVID-19 patients was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of participants in this study was 44.1 ± 12.1, 52.4% of them were female, and 46% had a severe form of the disease. Participants with higher zinc intakes had lower levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) (13.6 vs. 25.8 mg/l) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (15.9 vs. 29.3). In a fully adjusted model, a higher zinc intake was also associated with a lower risk of severe disease (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.90, P-trend = 0.03). Similarly, participants with higher vitamin C intakes had lower CRP (10.3 vs. 31.5 mg/l) and ESR serum concentrations (15.6 Vs. 35.6) and lower odds of severe disease after controlling for potential covariates (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.65, P-trend = <0.01). Furthermore, an inverse association was found between dietary zinc intake and COVID-19 symptoms, such as dyspnea, cough, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and sore throat. Higher vitamin C intake was associated with a lower risk of dyspnea, cough, fever, chills, weakness, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, and sore throat. CONCLUSION: In the current study, higher zinc and vitamin C intakes were associated with decreased odds of developing severe COVID-19 and its common symptoms.

Clinical Spectrum of COVID-19 Patients after Vaccination

Objective: To examine the clinical severity and magnitude of COVID-19 patients after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary Care Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Feb to Jun 2021. Methodology: The individuals who had two doses of the vaccine (dead inactivated-Vero Cell) and got COVID-19 at least two weeks after vaccination were included in the study. These patients were divided into Mild, Moderate and Severe categories based on their symptoms and Investigations. Results: Out of 5000 individuals vaccinated, 225(4.5%) got infected with COVID-19 later. Among these 225, 172(76.4%) had mild symptoms and recovered, with only 1(0.4%) death was reported. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination does not infer 100% immunity, but if someone gets infected with COVID after vaccination, there are remarkable chances of recovery.

Clinical features of 153 patients with COVID-19 in Chongqing municipality.

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of patients with COVID-19 in Chongqing Municipality. Method(s): The clinical data, laboratory tests and chest imaging findings of 153 patients COVID-19 admitted in Chongqing Public Health Medical Center from January 26 to February 5, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. According to the relevant diagnostic criteria, patients were divided into non-severe group (n=132) and severe group (n=21). The correlation between serum index changes and disease severity was analyzed. Result(s): The proportion of patients with underlying diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases in severe group was significantly higher than that in non-severe group (chi2=11.04 and 6.94, P<0.05). The proportion of symptom-free patients in non-severe group was significantly higher than that in severe group (chi2=4.09, P<0.05). The symptoms of fever, fatigue and muscle soreness in the severe group were more common than those in the non-severe group (chi2=4.40, 14.42 and 22.67, P<0.05). Among the concomitant symptoms, the proportion of cough and shortness of breath in the severe group was higher than that in the non-severe group (chi2=8.46 and 4.80, P<0.05). C-reactive protein and D-Dimer levels were higher in the severe group than those in the non-severe group (Z=-4.39 and -1.96, P<0.05), and the number of CD3+ T lymphocyte cells, CD4+ T lymphocyte cells and CD8+ T lymphocyte cells in the severe group was lower than that in the non-severe group (Z=27.25, 20.60 and 17.36, P<0.05). Compared with the non-severe group, both lungs and the right lung lower lobe were more susceptible to be involved(chi2=9.7123.61, P<0.05). Conclusion(s): There are significant differences in underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, imaging manifestations and laboratory findings between severe and non-severe patients with COVID-19.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

The Effects of CoronaVac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in Reducing Severe Illness in Thailand: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Two primary vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been rolled out in the mass vaccination campaign that started simultaneously with the spread of the delta variant. To explore the vaccines' effect on reducing viral load and disease severity, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in Thai patients aged ≥18 years who were confirmed COVID-19 positive by RT-PCR. Compared to unvaccinated patients, Ct values and the number of severe cases among vaccine regimens were analyzed. Ct values of vaccinated patients were not significantly different from unvaccinated patients, despite an increase of Ct values in a booster dose. The adjusted odd ratio for prevention of delta-related severe diseases was 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30-0.76 and 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.45 after receiving one dose and two doses, respectively. No severe illness was found in booster-vaccinated individuals. Focusing on the vaccine types, one dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 gave significant protection, whereas one dose of CoronaVac did not (0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.79, p = 0.003 vs. 0.28, 95% CI: 0.04-2.16, p = 0.223). Two-dose vaccination showed robust protective effects in all subpopulations regardless of vaccine type. Vaccinations with two primary vaccines could not reduce viral load in patients with COVID-19, but could prevent severe illness.

Comparison of the Risk of Hospitalization and Severe Disease Among Co-circulating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants.

BACKGROUND: We compare the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes among co-circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants between January 2021 and May 2022 in Navarra, Spain. METHODS: We compared the frequency of hospitalization and severe disease (intensive care unit admission or death) due to COVID-19 among the co-circulating variants. Variants analyzed were non-variants of concern (non-VOCs), Alpha, Delta, Omicron BA.1, and Omicron BA.2. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratio (aOR). RESULTS: The Alpha variant had a higher risk of hospitalization (aOR, 1.86 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.28-2.71]) and severe disease (aOR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.31-4.40]) than non-VOCs. The Delta variant did not show a significantly different risk of hospitalization (aOR, 0.73 [95% CI, .40-1.30]) and severe disease (aOR, 3.04 [95% CI, .57-16.22]) compared to the Alpha variant. The Omicron BA.1 significantly reduced both risks relative to the Delta variant (aORs, 0.28 [95% CI, .16-.47] and 0.23 [95% CI, .12-.46], respectively). The Omicron BA.2 reduced the risk of hospitalization compared to BA.1 (aOR, 0.52 [95% CI, .29-.95]). CONCLUSIONS: The Alpha and Delta variants showed an increased risk of hospitalization and severe disease, which decreased considerably with the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. Surveillance of variants can lead to important differences in severity.

COVID-19 vaccination benefits in preventing severe disease in mild-to-moderate cases: An analysis in the first specialized hospital for COVID-19 in Japan.

BACKGROUND: In Japan, the fourth round of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination is ongoing and is targeted at medical staff and nursing home workers, individuals aged ≥60 years, and those with comorbidities or other high-risk factors, including body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. The incidence of severe COVID-19 decreased markedly after widespread COVID-19 vaccination drives, and our hospital experienced a similar trend. We, therefore, examined the characteristics of our patients to clarify who benefited the most from vaccination. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated all patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Osaka City Juso Hospital between March 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. Using multivariable logistic analysis, we calculated the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for severe disease after vaccination in the whole dataset and in subsets stratified by age, sex, BMI, smoking history, pre-hospitalization location, and comorbidities. RESULTS: The analysis included 1041 patients. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that vaccination was associated with a low risk of severe disease, with an aOR of 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.36, p < 0.001). On stratifying the analysis according to background characteristics, lower aORs for severe COVID-19 were found for patients aged ≥60 years and for those with diabetes or hypertension. Notably, patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 and those with BMI ≥18 kg/m2 and ≤30 kg/m2 benefited from vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with diabetes or hypertension and those of age ≥60 years benefited more from vaccination than did their counterparts. We recommend extending the fourth round of vaccinations to individuals with a BMI of 18-30 kg/m2.

Understanding the mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccine's protection against infection and severe disease.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and employed in the fight against the pandemic. However, these vaccines have limited long-term effectiveness against severe cases and a decreased ability to prevent mild disease. AREAS COVERED: This review discusses the relevant factors influencing the efficacy of the vaccines against mild and severe infection, analyzes the possible underlying mechanisms contributing to the different outcomes in terms of vaccine function and disease progression, and proposes improvements for the next generation of vaccines. EXPERT OPINION: The reduced efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in the prevention of viral infection is closely related to the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and their rapid transmission ability. Fundamentally, the immune responses induced by COVID-19 vaccines cannot effectively halt virus replication in the upper respiratory tract because only a limited number of specific antibodies reach these areas and decrease in concentration over time. However, the established immune response can provide sufficient protection against severe diseases by blocking viral infection of the lower respiratory tract or lung owing to sufficient antibody repertoires and memory responses. Considering this situation, future COVID-19 vaccines should have the potential to replenish the mucosal immune response in the respiratory tract to prevent viral infection.

Clinical Spectrum of COVID-19 Patients after Vaccination

Objective: To examine the clinical severity and magnitude of COVID-19 patients after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary Care Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Feb to Jun 2021. Methodology: The individuals who had two doses of the vaccine (dead inactivated-Vero Cell) and got COVID-19 at least two weeks after vaccination were included in the study. These patients were divided into Mild, Moderate and Severe categories based on their symptoms and Investigations. Results: Out of 5000 individuals vaccinated, 225(4.5%) got infected with COVID-19 later. Among these 225, 172(76.4%) had mild symptoms and recovered, with only 1(0.4%) death was reported. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination does not infer 100% immunity, but if someone gets infected with COVID after vaccination, there are remarkable chances of recovery. © 2022, Army Medical College. All rights reserved.

Breakthrough Sars-Cov-2 infection after Covid-19 vaccination - A retrospective observational clinico-epidemiological study from North-Western India

Introduction: Mass vaccination is considered one of the most crucial weapons in fighting against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the occurrence of breakthrough infections (BTIs) has questioned the vaccine effectiveness of the currently available vaccines. The present study aimed to determine the breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections in the vaccinated population and to compare the clinic-epidemiological profile and outcomes between breakthrough cases and unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2 positive cases. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between April 15, 2021, and June 15, 2021, in a zonal military hospital in Jaipur. We evaluated individuals with BTI as cases which were SARS-CoV-2 positive after 14 days of the second dose of vaccine and unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals as control. The clinical and demographic data was collected from the Indian Council of Medical Research and specimen referral forms were filled out for all persons who had undergone testing for SARS-CoV-2. The outcome of positive cases in terms of discharge and deaths were collected from hospital records. Results: A total of 162 breakthrough COVID 19 infections and 925 unvaccinated positive confirmed controls were recorded within the study duration. The majority of cases presented with mild infection in both case (80.2%) and control groups (72.4%). The risk of hospitalization and occurrence of moderate to severe disease was 2.3 and 4 times more in the non-vaccinated group as compared to the vaccinated group, respectively. No mortality was reported among the breakthrough cases. Interpretation and Conclusions: Despite the occurrence of BTIs, the benefits of vaccines are far greater. Our findings suggest that vaccination is associated with a lower risk of hospital admission, severe disease, and mortality against COVID-19. © 2022 Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth ;Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy during the Omicron wave: the prospective cohort study of the Italian obstetric surveillance system.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence on the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant on vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women is sparse. This study aimed to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes of women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron wave in Italy, according to their vaccine protection. METHODS: This national prospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women with a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab within 7 days of hospital admission between 1 January and 31 May, 2022. Women who received at least one dose of vaccine during pregnancy and those who completed the vaccine cycle with the first booster were considered protected against moderate or severe COVID-19 (MSCD). A multivariable logistic regression model evaluated the association between vaccine protection and disease severity. Maternal age, educational level, citizenship, area of birth, previous comorbidities, and obesity were analysed as potential risk factors. RESULTS: MSCD was rare (41/2147, 1.9%; 95% CI, 1.4-2.6), and the odds of developing it were significantly higher among unprotected women (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.39-5.57). Compared with protected women (n = 1069), the unprotected (n = 1078) were more often younger, with lower educational degrees, and foreigners. A higher probability of MSCD was found among women with previous comorbidities (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.34-6.12) and those born in Asian countries (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.23-7.56). The percentage of preterm birth was higher among women with MSCD compared with milder cases (32.0% [8/25] versus 8.4% [161/1917], p < 0.001) as well as the percentage of caesarean section (52.0% [13/25] versus 31.6% [606/1919], p 0.029). DISCUSSION: Although severe maternal and perinatal outcomes were rare, their prevalence was significantly higher among women without vaccine protection. Vaccination during pregnancy has the potential to protect both the mother and the baby, and it is therefore strongly recommended.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in multiple clinical specimens of a fatal case of COVID-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The risk of developing severe and even fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases with various factors such as advanced age and chronic diseases, especially those treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) and viral load detection in extra-pulmonary specimens have been proposed to indicate disease severity. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we describe a fatal COVID-19 case of an 83-year-old Caucasian male patient with various underlying comorbidities, including cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders, as well as immunosuppression due to lymphoma treatment. Upon admission, the patient was radiologically diagnosed with severe COVID-19. The patient was febrile and presented with diarrhea, continued dyspnea, tachypnea, and low blood oxygen saturation, treated with high-concentration oxygen supplementation and antibacterial therapy. Overall the patient was treated for COVID-19 for 19 days. Blood tests were performed upon admission, on the fifth, 10th, 13th, and 19th day. In addition, nasopharyngeal swab, blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected from the patient on the 14th day for virological and immunological investigations. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in all samples collected from this patient, including blood plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), with very high viral loads. However, neither virus-specific IgA, IgM, nor IgG antibodies were detectable. CONCLUSIONS: The various cardiovascular, autoimmune, and oncological disorders, advanced age, and the high levels of inflammatory markers predisposed the patient to severe COVID-19 and determined the fatal outcome of the disease. We believe that the multiple specimen SARS-CoV-2 positivity and extremely high viral loads in nasopharyngeal swab and fecal samples to be the result of COVID-19 severity, the inability of viral clearance and weakened immune response due to advanced age, comorbidities, and the presence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and the immunosuppressive treatment for it, highlighting the risks of COVID-19 in such patients.

Favipiravir Efficacy And Safety For The Treatment Of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Corona virus disease is caused by the enveloped, single stranded RNA virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) becoming the deadliest disease of the century. Its global outbreak has led researchers to develop drugs or vaccines to prevent the spread of the disease. Favipiravir is an approved orally administered antiviral drug that selectively inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, used off-label to treat COVID-19. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of this drug for severe COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study, carried out at the ICU of King Saud Medical City (KSMC) from June 2020 to August 2020. Including a total of one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine patients (n=1699). Categorized into a treatment group (193 patients) who received Favipiravir along with standard care, and non-treatment group (1506 patients) who received standard care only. RESULTS: ICU all-cause mortality was similar in both groups i.e., (Treated group 38.3% Vs Untreated group 39.4%, 95% CI of difference: -6.6% to +8.4%; p = 0.8). The subgroup analysis of survivors as compared to deceased in the treatment group showed that survivors had significantly lower age, international normalising ratio (INR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. The mean ICU length of stay (LOS) was shorter for survivors compared to deceased (11.2± 8.03 Vs 16.7±9.8 days respectively), while hospital LOS was almost similar between the two groups. Advanced age (OR 1.03 [95% CI: 1.01-1.06]; p=0.004), higher INR and BUN were significantly associated with increased odds of mortality. Comparison of lab investigations at day 1 and day 10 in the treatment group (regardless of outcome) showed that there was a significant increase in Alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALK), and Bilirubin, while an insignificant trend of increase in Aspartate transaminase (AST) and creatinine was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Favipiravir showed better therapeutic responses in patients with severe COVID-19 infection, in terms of average duration of stay in the intensive care unit and was well tolerated in the younger age, but showed no mortality benefit. However, elevated levels of inflammatory markers, including increased ALT, AST, BUN, bilirubin, and creatinine, needs to be carefully examined.

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio as a Marker of In-Hospital Deterioration in COVID-19: Observations From a Resource Constraint Setting.

Introduction and Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the association of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in COVID-19 and to identify the cut-off value that predicts mortality, need of respiratory support and admission to high-dependency or intensive care. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted to collect demographic data, clinical variables, the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio on-admission and the outcome of confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care center in Sri Lanka. Results: There were 208 patients with a median age of 56 years (IQR 43-67) and 98 (47.1%) males. The median neutrophil count was 4.07 × 103/µL (IQR 2.97-6.79) and the median lymphocyte count was 1.74 × 103/µL (IQR 1.36-4.75). The calculated NLR ranged from 0.12 to 48.28 with a median value of 2.32 (IQR 1.37-4.76). A NLR value >3.6 predicted development of severe disease requiring respiratory support, transfer to a high-dependency or an intensive care unit and/or succumbing to the illness with a sensitivity 80% and specificity 80% (area under the curve 0.8, 95% CI 0.72-0.88, P < .0001). The adjusted odds ratio of NLR > 3.6 on predicting severe disease was 11.1, 95% CI 4.5- 27.0, P < .0001. Conclusions: A NLR > 3.6 is a useful variable to be included in risk prediction scores in Sri Lanka.

Routine hematology parameters in COVID-19: A predictor of disease severity and mortality.

Background: Our understanding of the pathophysiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is still evolving and is limited for prognostication. The study was performed to predict severity and mortality based on hematology parameters in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Material and Methods: The study was a single-center retrospective analysis of 240 patients with COVID-19. The hematological parameters were compared between different grades of severity. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve along with the Classification and Regression Trees (CART) methods were used for the analysis. Result: The total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and neutrophil-monocyte ratio (NMR) were increasing along with an increase in severity; while the absolute lymphocyte count and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) were decreasing (P < 0.001). For prediction of severity and mortality on admission, the NLR, NMR, and LMR were significant (P < 0.001). The NLR, NMR, and LMR had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.86 (95% CI of 0.80-0.91), 0.822 (95% CI of 0.76-0.88), and 0.69 (95% CI of 0.60-0.79), respectively, for severity. While the NLR, NMR, and LMR had an AUROC value of 0.85 (95% CI of 0.79-0.92), 0.83 (95% CI of 0.77-0.89), and 0.67 (95% CI of 0.57-0.78), respectively, for mortality. Conclusion: With the increase in severity there was an increase in the total leukocyte count and absolute neutrophil count while the absolute lymphocyte count decreased. On admission, the cut-off value of NLR >5.2, NMR >12.1, while LMR <2.4 may predict severity and mortality in COVID-19.

Efficacy of tocilizumab in treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia: A case-control study from a tertiary care hospital.

Background and Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, which has affected billions of people across the globe. The pathogenesis of respiratory inflammation involves elevated concentration of interleukin-6; hence, interventions targeting interleukin-6 receptor, such as tocilizumab (TCZ), have been investigated as potential treatment amidst the dilemma of COVID-19 management. The aim of the study is to analyse the efficacy and safety of TCZ and record the outcome in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study of 80 patients in each group (N = 160) was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat. Non-pregnant COVID-19-positive patients above 12 years of age were included in the study and were divided into case (those given TCZ) and control (those given standard treatment) groups after collecting their history and related data. From each group, further data was collected in the form of general and systemic examination, investigations and calculation of inflammatory and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Results: Overall mortality was less in the case group compared to the control group. Patients with moderate to severe disease, age <55 years, patients having no comorbidity and patients with higher oxygen demand had lower deaths when given TCZ. Inflammatory score <3 and SOFA score <6 were associated with reduced mortality in the case group. Additionally, the study found significant results by simultaneously analysing two parameters in combination, which has not been done in any other study to the best of our knowledge. Conclusions: Adjuvant TCZ therapy had overall mortality benefit compared to standard treatment, with specific benefit observed in those with increasing disease severity, young to middle-age group, absence of comorbidity, higher oxygen requirements and lower inflammatory and SOFA scores.