Video Consultation Versus In-Person Clinic Visit for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes during COVID-19 Pandemic (VIP-CD Study).

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of video consultation (VC) for prospective glycemic control against that of in-person clinic visit (IPV) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, cohort study of 96 individuals with type 2 diabetes followed up for a period of ≤6 months. The cohort was divided into two groups depending on the mode of consultation, namely IPV (n = 48) and VC (n = 48). Baseline and follow-up characteristics including glycemic profile and lipid profile were compared. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 55.4 ± 13.8 years, median diabetes duration of 8 (0.3-70) years, a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 ± 5.8 kg/m2, 44 (46.3%) females, and uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HbA1c 8.7% ± 1.9%). Both groups were adequately matched at baseline. At the time of first visit, cessation of previous medications was more frequent in the IPV group (37.5% vs 8.3%; P = 0.001) than in the VC group. Follow-up was earlier in the VC group as compared to the IPV group (43.2 vs 87.9 days; P = 0.000). During the follow-up period, both groups had similar and adequate glycemic (mean HbA1c 7% ± 1%) and lipid profile control. Cox regression model showed that the VC group achieved glycemic control quicker as compared to the IPV group. Conclusions: Telemedicine is an effective mode of consultation for attaining glycemic control during COVID-19 pandemic, possibly owing to the quicker follow-up without the risk of potential in-clinic/hospital exposure to COVID-19.

COVID-19 associated mucormycosis: A Descriptive Multisite Study from India.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection and carries a significant morbidity and mortality. A number of cases of mucormycosis have been reported in association with COVID-19. In this study, a consortium of clinicians from various parts of India studied clinical profile of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) and this analysis is presented here. METHODS: Investigators from multiple sites in India were involved in this study. Clinical details included the treatment and severity of COVID-19, associated morbidities, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mucormycosis. These data were collected using google spreadsheet at one centre. Descriptive analysis was done. RESULTS: There were 115 patients with CAM. Importantly, all patients had received corticosteroids. Diabetes was present in 85.2% of patients and 13.9% of patients had newly detected diabetes. The most common site of involvement was rhino-orbital. Mortality occurred in 25 (21.7%) patients. On logistic regression analysis, CT scan-based score for severity of lung involvement was associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Universal administration of corticosteroids in our patients is notable. A large majority of patients had diabetes, while mortality was seen in ∼1/5th of patients, lower as compared to recently published data.

Low FT3 is an independent marker of disease severity in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

AIM: To study the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its association with disease severity in hospitalized patients of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, thyroid function tests (TFT) of 236 hospitalized patients of COVID-19 along with demographic, comorbid, clinical, biochemical and disease severity records were analysed. Patients were divided into previous euthyroid or hypothyroid status to observe the effect of prior hypothyroidism on the severity of COVID-19. RESULTS: TFT abnormalities were common. Low free T3 (FT3), high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low TSH were seen in 56 (23.7%), 15 (6.4%) and 9 (3.8%) patients, respectively. The median levels of TSH (2.06 vs 1.26 mIU/mL, P = 0.001) and FT3 (2.94 vs 2.47 pg/mL, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in severe disease. Previous hypothyroid status (n = 43) was associated with older age, higher frequency of comorbidities, higher FT4 and lower FT3. TFT did not correlate with markers of inflammation (except lactate dehydrogenase); however, FT3 and TSH negatively correlated with outcome severity score and duration of hospital stay. Cox regression analysis showed that low FT3 was associated with severe COVID-19 (P = 0.032, HR 0.302; CI 0.101-0.904), irrespective of prior hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Functional thyroid abnormalities (low FT3 and low TSH) are frequently seen in hospitalized patients of COVID-19. Although these abnormalities did not correlate with markers of inflammation, this study shows that low FT3 at admission independently predicts the severity of COVID-19.

High Prevalence of Diabetes in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 and Its Association With Greater Severity of COVID-19 in Delhi, India

Abstract: India is home to 77 million people with diabetes and has a large number of COVID 19 cases, albeit with a low fatality (&lt;1.5%). Little Indian data is available about the prevalence of diabetes in COVID 19 and its impact on outcomes. This observational prospective study (approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee) was carried out in a designated COVID facility, largely catering to middle and upper socioeconomic classes. A total of 401 (125 F, mean age 54 y, range 19–92 y) consecutive adults hospitalized with COVID-19 infection as proven by positive nasal swab for SARS-CoV2 by RT-PCR were included. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed either by known history or HbA1c≥6.5%. Severity was assessed using the WHO ordinal scale1. Clinical outcomes and markers of inflammation were compared between diabetes and non-diabetes groups. Out of 401 patients, 210 (52.4%) had either diabetes (189,47.1%) or hyperglycemia requiring insulin treatment (21, 5.2%). 152 (37.9%) reported known diabetes, and 37 (9.2%) had preexisting but undiagnosed diabetes (HbA1c≥ 6.5%). People with diabetes were significantly older (mean age 59.9 vs 47.7 y), and had a higher proportion of men (74.6 vs 63.7 %), hypertension (58.7 vs 25%), CAD (13.8 vs 4.2%), and CKD (5.3 vs 0.9%) and a higher mean baseline severity score (3.4±0.7 vs. 3.2±0.5, p-0.000). The diabetes group had a higher number of severe cases (WHO scale≥5) (20.1% vs 9%, p-0.002) and higher mortality (6.3 vs 1.4%, p-0.015). A higher proportion of the diabetes group required ICU admissions (24.3 vs 12.3%, p-0.002), glucocorticoid therapy (78.3 vs 54.2%, p-0.000), oxygen administration (53.4 vs 28.3%, p-0.000), inotropic support (7.4 vs 2.4%, p-0.019), and renal replacement therapy (3.7% vs 0,p-0.005). The mean duration of hospital stay was higher for the diabetes group (10.4 vs 9.1 days, p-0.016). Of those who died, 12/15 (80%) had diabetes. Baseline Hba1c (n=331) showed a significant correlation with outcome severity scores (r 0.136, p-0.013). Markers of inflammatory response, CRP (41.0±4.4 vs. 19.4±3.8, p-0.000), ferritin (404.8±41.6 vs. 258.8±40.2, p-0.012), IL6 (65.5±11.6 vs. 26.9±4.4, p-0.002), LDH (321.8±10.1 vs. 286.8±8.4, p-0.008) were significantly higher in the diabetes group. Procalcitonin and D Dimer did not differ significantly. In conclusion, we report the highest prevalence of diabetes in a hospitalized COVID-19 population so far. The diabetes group had more severe disease and greater mortality. Baseline HbA1c correlated with poor outcomes. The comorbidities could have contributed to these poorer outcomes in the diabetes group. Strategies to improve outcomes in this pandemic it is imperative to include screening for and better control of diabetes.

Lack of Association Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Outcomes in Hospitalized Indian Patients With COVID-19

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is thought to play a role in determining the outcomes of COVID-19. India has a high prevalence of VDD. We hypothesized that VDD as measured by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) &lt;20 ng/mL is associated with severe COVID-19 infection. Outcomes were assessed by the WHO ordinal scale for clinical improvement (OSCI)1, the need for oxygen therapy, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and inflammatory markers. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was proven by RT-PCR on the nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV2. Serum 25OHD and PTH were measured in addition to the standard protocol for COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records and analyzed using SPSS v22.0. Patients with OSCI score &lt;5 were classified as mild and ≥5 as severe disease. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 410 patients (127 females, 9 pediatric, 17 asymptomatic) were included with a median age of 54 years (6–92 years) with 272(66.3%) having at least one co-morbid condition, including diabetes (190, 46.3%) and hypertension (164,40%). Patients with VDD (197,48%) were significantly younger (46.7±17.1 vs. 57.8±14.7 years) and had lesser prevalence of diabetes and hypertension (39.1% vs 52.4%, 29.4% vs 49.5%). Proportion of severe cases (26,13.2% vs. 31,14.6%), mortality (4, 2% vs. 11, 5.2%), oxygen requirement (68,34.5% vs.92,43.4), ICU admission (29, 14.7% vs. 42, 19.8%), need for inotropes (7,3.6% vs.12,5.7%) was not significantly different between patients with VDD and those with normal 25OHD level. The proportion of severe cases was similar across all 25OHD categories. There was no significant correlation between 25OHD levels and outcome OSCI, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, D-dimer, ferritin, LDH). PTH levels positively correlated with D-dimer (r 0.117, p- 0.019), ferritin (r 0.132, p-0.010) and LDH (r0.124, p-0.018). Amongst VDD patients, 128(64.9%) were treated with cholecalciferol with a median dose of 60000 IU. The proportion of severe cases, oxygen, or ICU admission was not significantly different in the treated vs. untreated group. In conclusion, baseline levels of 25OHD did not determine the severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19 or levels of inflammatory markers. Treatment with cholecalciferol did not make any difference to the clinical outcomes of those with VDD. Reference:1WHO R&D Blueprint, novel Coronavirus. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/COVID-19_Treatment_Trial_Design_Master_Protocol_synopsis_Final_18022020.pdf

Lack of association of baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with disease severity and mortality in Indian patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) owing to its immunomodulatory effects is believed to influence outcomes in COVID-19. We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients, hospitalized with COVID-19. Serum 25-OHD level < 20 ng/mL was considered VDD. Patients were classified as having mild and severe disease on basis of the WHO ordinal scale for clinical improvement (OSCI). Of the 410 patients recruited, patients with VDD (197,48.2%) were significantly younger and had lesser comorbidities. The levels of PTH were significantly higher in the VDD group (63.5 ± 54.4 vs. 47.5 ± 42.9 pg/mL). The proportion of severe cases (13.2% vs.14.6%), mortality (2% vs. 5.2%), oxygen requirement (34.5% vs.43.4%), ICU admission (14.7% vs.19.8%) was not significantly different between patients with or without VDD. There was no significant correlation between serum 25-OHD levels and inflammatory markers studied. Serum parathormone levels correlated with D-dimer (r 0.117, p- 0.019), ferritin (r 0.132, p-0.010), and LDH (r 0.124, p-0.018). Amongst VDD patients, 128(64.9%) were treated with oral cholecalciferol (median dose of 60,000 IU). The proportion of severe cases, oxygen, or ICU admission was not significantly different in the treated vs. untreated group. In conclusion, serum 25-OHD levels at admission did not correlate with inflammatory markers, clinical outcomes, or mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Treatment of VDD with cholecalciferol did not make any difference to the outcomes.

High prevalence of diabetes and other comorbidities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Delhi, India, and their association with outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To study the prevalence and impact of diabetes mellitus and other comorbidities among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: In a prospective, observational study including consecutive adults hospitalized with COVID-19, clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers were compared in those with and without diabetes. Participants were classified as having mild or severe COVID-19 disease using the WHO ordinal scale. RESULTS: 401 patients (125 females) with median age of 54 years (range 19-92) were evaluated. Of them 189 (47.1%) had pre-existing diabetes and21 (5.2%) had new-onset hyperglycaemia. Overall, 344 (85.8%) and 57 (14.2%) cases had mild and severe COVID-19 disease respectively. The group with diabetes had a higher proportion of severe cases (20.1% vs 9%, p-0.002), mortality (6.3 vs 1.4%, p-0.015), ICU admission (24.3 vs 12.3%, p-0.002), and oxygen requirement (53.4 vs 28.3%, p < 0.001). Baseline Hba1c (n = 331) correlated significantly with outcome severity scores (r 0.136, p-0.013) and 12/15 (80%) of those who succumbed had diabetes. Hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease were present in 164 (40.9%), 35 (8.7%) and 12 (2.99%) patients respectively. Hypertension was associated with a higher proportion of severe cases, mortality, ICU admission and oxygen administration. CONCLUSIONS: We report a high prevalence of diabetes in a hospitalized COVID-19 population. Patients with diabetes or hypertension had more severe disease and greater mortality.

Vitamin D in COVID - 19: Dousing the fire or averting the storm? - A perspective from the Asia-Pacific.

COVID-19, the acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) caused by the Coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has swept around the world. No country has been spared from its onslaught. Treatments that can reduce the risk of infection and mortality from the disease are desperately needed. Though high quality randomized controlled trials are lacking, some observational and interventional studies that explore the link between vitamin D and RTIs exist. Vitamin D modulates both innate as well as adaptive immunity and may potentially prevent or mitigate the complications associated with RTIs. Evidence linking vitamin D to COVID-19 include that the outbreak occurred in winter in the northern hemisphere at a time when vitamin D levels are lowest in resident populations, that blacks and minority ethnic individuals who are known to have lower levels of vitamin D appear to be disproportionately affected and have more severe complications from the disease, that vitamin D deficiency has been shown to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome and that case fatality rates increase with age and in populations with comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, all of which are associated with lower vitamin D levels. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge about the epidemiology and pathophysiology of COVID-19, the evidence linking vitamin D and RTIs, especially COVID-19, the mechanistic reasons behind the possible protective effect of vitamin D in COVID-19, and the evidence with regard to vitamin D supplementation in RTIs. It concludes with some recommendations regarding supplementation of vitamin D in patients with COVID-19.