ABSTRACT
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, which determines the indications for the therapeutic use of its antagonists. However, data on their effectiveness and optimal timing of appointment are contradictory. The question of the possibility of their use in patients with impaired kidney function has not been studied. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 receptors in COVID-19 in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) of stages 2-5 (predialysis) who do not need renal replacement therapy. Material and methods. A clinical retrospective uncontrolled single-center study included 45 patients (60% of men) with CKD stages 2-5 aged 22-95 years (median - 58 years) hospitalized with predominantly severe uncritical COVID-19 infection. Treatment of COVID-19 was carried out in accordance with the Interim guidelines for the prevention and treatment of new coronavirus infection of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation. Results. The majority of patients (n=36;73.3%) had CKD stage 3b-5, CKD stage 2 was in 7 (15.5%) and stage 3a - in 5 (11.1%) patients. The median serum creatinine level (Cr) was 164 [131;292] mumol/l, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 30 [13;49] ml/min/1.73 m2, CRP 67.5 [37.2;106.75] mg/l. The introduction of monoclonal antibody to IL-6 receptors led to a decrease in the activity of the infectious process (CRP 1.55 [0.33;4.15] mg/l, p<0.001), regression of pneumonia, which did not require mechanical ventilation and hospitalization in the intensive care unit. According to the decision of the medical commission, patients were injected with monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 receptors: tocilizumab (n=36;80%), levilimab (n=2;4.4%), combined therapy with two drugs (n=7;15.5%). Therapy with IL-6 antagonists did not have a negative effect on kidney function. The levels of Cr decreased on average from 224.3+/-145.2 mmol/l at admission to 160+/-92.55 mmol/l at discharge (p<0.001), GFR increased from 32.6+/-20.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 at admission to 53+/-31.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 at discharge (p<0.001). In the majority of patients (n=36, 80%) GFR has risen, and only in 9 (20%) cases it remained approximately at the same low level. No serious adverse events have been reported with the use of IL-6 antagonists, as well as concomitant infectious complications. No deaths have been reported. The median length of stay in bed was 14 [10;19] days. Conclusion. The results of the study allow us to state that in patients with CKD, monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 receptors have a good safety profile and can be successfully used in moderate and severe forms of COVID-19, regardless of the state of kidney function.Copyright © 2022 by the authors.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: One of the most precocious Italian COVID-19 outbreaks began in February 2020 in Medicina, a small town in the province of Bologna. We compared the characteristics of different cohorts, to identify potential predictive factors for outcome: patients of Medicina outbreak versus those of the surrounding district (Imola), and before or after the local medical intervention. METHOD(S): Between March the 3rd and April the 9th, 2020 167 adults with COVID-19 were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) (78 from Medicina cluster, 89 from Imola district). Data at ED presentation were collected;hospitalized patients were followed until death or discharge. RESULT(S): Medicina and Imola cohorts were similar in age, main comorbidities, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), death and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rates. Age, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspnea, body temperature, quickSOFA Score, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, urea, DELTA A-a O2, respiratory rate and FiO2 were associated with death and ARDS. Elevated Glasgow Coma Scale, diastolic blood pressure, oxygen peripheral saturation, P/F and pH were associated with patient survival and protective from ARDS. After the intervention in Medicina district, patients presenting at ED were younger and with long-lasting symptoms;CRP values were significantly lower, ABG and respiratory clinical parameters were less severely impaired. These differences did not affect the outcome. CONCLUSION(S): Since the results of our study are consistent with worldwide evidences, we suggest that the early insight of a small local SARS-CoV-2 outbreak can be representative and predictive of the subsequent course of the virus in wider areas. This must be kept in mind to manage next epidemic waves.Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.
ABSTRACT
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 invades the cells by attachment of virus spike proteins (S1, S2) to cell membrane and engages angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is highly expressed in the epithelium of cerebral vasculature. Here, we describe a patient with encephalitis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Case presentation: A 77-year-old male patient presented with mild cough and coryza lasting for eight days without a prior history of underlying disease or neurologic disorder. Oxygen saturation (SatO2) was decreased and behavioral changes, confusion, and headaches were started within three days prior to admission. Bilateral ground glass opacifications and consolidations were noted on chest CT scan. Lymphopenia, highly elevated D-Dimer and ferritin were noted in laboratory results. Brain CT and MRI showed no changes regarding encephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected as the symptoms persisted. The results of SARS-CoV-2 RNA RT-PCR from CSF and nasopharyngeal samples were positive. The combination therapy with remdesivir, interferon beta-1alpha and methylprednisolone was started. Due to deterioration of the patient's status and SatO2, he was admitted to the ICU and intubated. Tocilizumab, dexamethasone, and mannitol were started. The patient was extubated on the 16th day of ICU admission. The patient's level of consciousness and SatO2 were improved. He was discharged from the hospital a week later. Conclusion(s): RT-PCR of CSF sample along with brain imaging can help with diagnosis when encephalitis due to SARS-CoV-2 is suspected. However, no changes regarding encephalitis may be seen on brain CT or MRI. Combination therapy with antivirals, interferon beta, corticosteroids, and tocilizumab can help patients recover in these conditions.Copyright © 2022 NRITLD, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Iran.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the management and outcomes of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a secondary hospital. Material(s) and Method(s): This study included 699 hospitalized patients who had positive rRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and/or typical findings of COVID-19 on chest computed tomography (CT). Demographics, comorbidities, initial laboratory tests on admission, treatment modalities, complications and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. Result(s): The mean age was 57.0+/-15.6 (range:16-94 years), and male to female ratio was 1.24;58.7% of the patients had at least one underlying comorbidity, the most common was hypertension;18.1% of the patients had lymphopenia, 35.7% hyperferritinemia, 58.3% had increased lactate dehydrogenase, and 58.5% had increased D-dimer. Chest CT revealed moderate and severe stages in 57.9% of the patients. Hydroxychloroquine was given to 37.2% and favipiravir to 67.1% of the patients. No significant difference was observed between treatment groups in terms of mortality (P=0.487);5.8% of the patients were transferred to the ICU, 75.6% of whom needed non-invasive and 36.5% invasive mechanical ventilation. The overall case-fatality rate was 0.9. Discussion(s): Older age, male gender, low lymphocyte count, CT findings, including bilateral involvement and severe stage were significantly associated with poor prognosis and mortality.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Aim: We primarily aimed in this study was to evaluate risk factors for COVID-19 infection and if any association between dialysis inadequacy in COVID-19 infection in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Secondly aimed to describe prevalence and risk factors associated with long-lasting symptoms of non-deceased COVID-19 MHD patients before vaccination. Material(s) and Method(s): One hundred one MHD patients infected with COVID-19 and 100 MHD patients without the infection were enrolled in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Risk factors for mortality, need to intensive care unit (ICU) stay and long-lasting symptoms were analyzed. Result(s): The mean age of patients was 59.13+/-13.58 years. COVID-19 infected patients had significantly higher number of patients with DM, COPD, CHF. The need for ICU was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with COPD and DM. In our results, the patients who had lower Kt/V at admission hospital had more than 5 fold higher rate of COVID-19 those have higher Kt/V. We analyzed risk factors for mortality at, one year included higher age, higher CRP and lower base-line Kt/V were diagnostic criteria. Older MHD patients had a high frequent of long-lasting symptoms. Low Kt/V, low hemoglobin level and high CRP level associated with a higher risk of long-lasting symptoms (p=0.00, p=0.001, p=0.02) Discussion: We conclude that DM, CHF, COPD, older age, obesity were poor prognostic factors for in infected with COVID-19. Dialysis adequacy parameters of Kt/V, serum albumin level, hemoglobin level were significantly lower in need to ICU and deceased patients.Copyright © 2023, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Lactococcus garvieae, a zoonotic pathogen, may rarely infect humans through the consumption of fish. Documented manifestations of L. garvieae infection in humans include infective endocarditis, prosthetic joint infections, liver abscesses, peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, infective spondylodiscitis, acalculous cholecystitis, and urinary tract infection. Case report An 87-year-old female was hospitalized for coffee-ground emesis secondary to acute gastritis after eating cooked fish. One week after her discharge, she developed new-onset confusion and was returned to the hospital. Chest computed tomography revealed total consolidation of the left lung and a multiloculated left pleural effusion. The patient required intubation and direct admission to the intensive care unit. Pleural fluid and blood cultures grew L. garvieae, which was susceptible to ceftriaxone, penicillin, and vancomycin. Despite intensive antibiotic therapy and supportive care for thirteen days, the patient remained in irreversibl e shock, and the family opted for comfort care. Conclusions Heretofore unreported, this case demonstrates that L. garvieae can cause bronchopneumonia and empyema. Copyright © GERMS 2022.