RESUMEN
Introduction: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) has been shown to be a functional receptor for MERS-CoV. An interaction between the viral spike protein and DPP4 is thought to facilitate viral entry. We aimed to find out whether sitagliptin, a member of DPP4 inhibitors, would have beneficial effects in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: In this single center retrospective study, we evaluated 58 patients of whom 16 were on sitagliptin treatment. Molecular docking studies were performed to identify possible interactions between ACE2 and sitagliptin. Results: Sitagliptin use shortened the time to clinical recovery about 3.5 and fastened viral clearance more than 5 days. Resolution of all symptoms was achieved on a mean±standard error (SE) of 2.50 ± 0.40 days in sitagliptin (+) group and 5.69 ± 0.61 days in sitagliptin (-) group (Log-rank test, p< 0.001). PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 resulted negative in mean ± SE of 7.50 ± 0.98 days in sitagliptin (+) and 13.17 ± 1.07 days in sitagliptin (-) group (Log-rank test, p= 0.003). Compared to day 0, CRP, ferritin and D-dimer levels on days three, five, and seven were significantly lower whereas lymphocyte count was higher in sitagliptin (+) group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that sitagliptin seems to have a potential to be considered for the treatment of COVID-19.
RESUMEN
Imaging modalities play a crucial role in the management of suspected COVID-19 patients. Before reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results are positive, 60-93% of patients have positive chest computed tomographic (CT) findings consistent with COVID-19. We report a case of positive lung ultrasound findings consistent with COVID-19 in a woman with an initially negative RT-PCR result. The lung ultrasound-imaging findings were present between the negative and subsequent positive RT-PCR tests and correlated with CT findings. The point-of-care lung-ultrasound examination was easy to perform and, as such, could play an important role in the triage of women with suspected COVID-19. The neonatal swabs, cord blood and placental swab RT-PCR tests were negative for SARS-CoV-2, a finding consistent with the published literature suggesting no vertical transmission of this virus in pregnant women. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.