Dynamics of coagulopathy in patients with different COVID-19 severity

With the progress of COVID-19 studies, it became evident that SARS-CoV-2 infection is often associated with thrombotic complications. The goal of our present study was to evaluate which component of clot formation process including endothelial function, platelets aggregation and plasma coagulation, as well as endogenous fibrinolysis in patients with COVID-19 correlates with the severity of the disease. We prospectively included 58 patients with COVID-19 and 47 healthy volunteers as a control group that we recruited before the pandemic started. It turns out that plasma coagulation with subsequent platelet aggregation, but not endothelial function, correlates with the severity of the COVID-19. IL-6 blockade may play a beneficial role in COVID-19 induced coagulopathy.

The Preparation of Convencent Plasma and Recruiting of Donors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background. The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection has challenged the medical community for quickly finding and implementing effective methods of treatment. In the absence of a vaccine or specific therapy with proven effectiveness, the usage of convalescent plasma can be the one of perspective methods. An important aspect of this technology is the efficient and safe preparation of convalescent plasma. To date, in the world literature there are practically no publications about donor recruitment and the specifics of the preparation of convalescent plasma. Purpose of the research. Presentation of the experience of organizing a workflow for recruiting donors and stockpiling of convalescent plasma with a high titer of virus-neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Methods. The analysis of the work of the Blood Service of the Moscow Department of Health for stockpiling of COVID-19 convalescent plasma has been executed. In total it has been stockpiled 1240 doses. The normative documentation has been developed by a working group on the basis of the current federal legislation of Russian federation and been approved by the Moscow Department of Health. The titer of neutralizing antibodies (VNA) has been determined as the basic method for assessing the immunological viability of convalescent plasma. The main characteristics of donors, the characteristics of the disease course, the results of preliminary testing for the presence of specific antibodies by ELISA and CLIA methods has been compared with VNA titers in the stockpiled convalescent plasma. Results. Due to a Moscow Health Department’s order No. 325 dated 01.04.2020 (a basic local regulatory document) it has been developed a regulation for the stockpiling, examination, storage, safety and transfering of fresh frozen pathogen-reduced plasma of COVID-19 convalescent donors to medical organizations of the Moscow Health Department. For arranging an interaction with donors it has been created a call-center. For effective preliminary selection, it has been formed a donor characteristics list, which has been combined with screening of specific antibodies by ELISA and CLIA methods. Conclusions. Developed a system of recruiting donors and procurement process of convalescent plasma for treatment СOVID-19, which includes the necessary regulations, algorithms for the selection and recruitment of donors, the registry of donors and recipients, algorithms, efficiency and safety of convalescent plasma. Обоснование. Пандемия новой коронавирусной инфекции поставила перед медицинским сообществом задачу быстрого поиска и внедрения эффективных методик лечения. В условиях отсутствия вакцины и средств специфической терапии с доказанной эффективностью в качестве одной из перспективных методик рассматривается трансфузия реконвалесцентной плазмы (РП). Важным аспектом данной технологии является заготовка эффективного и безопасного компонента. На сегодняшний день публикации по рекрутингу доноров и особенностях заготовки РП в мировой литературе практически отсутствуют. Цель исследования - Анализ опыта организации рабочего процесса по привлечению доноров и заготовке РП с высоким титром вируснейтрализующих антител к SARS-CoV-2. Методы. Проведен анализ работы Службы крови Департамента здравоохранения г. Москвы (ДЗМ) по заготовке РП COVID-19. Всего заготовлено 1240 доз. Нормативная документация разработана рабочей группой на основании действующего федерального законодательства и утверждена ДЗМ. Как базовая методика оценки иммунологической состоятельности РП, определен титр вируснейтрализующих антител (ВНА). Проведено сопоставление основных характеристик доноров, особенностей течения заболевания, результатов предварительного тестирования на наличие специфических антител методами ИФА и ИХЛА с титрами ВНА заготовленной РП. Результаты. Работа по заготовке, обследованию, хранению, обеспечению безопасности и передаче в медицинские организации ДМЗ свежезамороженной патогенредуцированной плазмы доноров-реконвалесцентов COVID-19 была организована на основании приказа ДЗМ от 01.04.2020 № 325 как базового локального нормативного документа. Для оптимальной коммуникации с состоявшимися донорами и привлечения реконвалесцентов использовались ресурсы колл-центра. Для эффективного предварительного отбора доноров применялись анализ характеристик донора (плазма с наибольшими значениями титра ВНА ожидаема от доноров-мужчин, переболевших с признаками явной вирусной пневмонии) и результаты скрининга специфических антител методами ИФА и ИХЛА. Заключение. Разработана система обеспечения рекрутинга доноров и процесса заготовки РП для лечения СOVID-19, включающая необходимые нормативные документы, алгоритмы отбора и привлечения доноров, реестр доноров и реципиентов, алгоритмы обеспечения эффективности и безопасности РП.

High SARS-CoV-2 load in the nasopharynx of patients with a mild form of COVID-19 is associated with clinical deterioration regardless of the hydroxychloroquine administration.

Because of the constantly growing numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths, attempts were undertaken to find drugs with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity among ones already approved for other pathologies. In the framework of such attempts, in a number of in vitro, as well as in vivo, models it was shown that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has an effect against SARS-CoV-2. While there were not enough clinical data to support the use of HCQ, several countries including Russia have included HCQ in treatment protocols for infected patients and for prophylaxis. In the current non-randomized, observational study we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharynx swabs from infected patients 7-10 days post symptoms with clinically mild disease and compared the viral RNA load dynamics between patients receiving HCQ (200 mg twice per day according to the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation treatment instructions, n = 33) and a control group without antiviral pharmacological therapy (n = 12). We found a statistically significant relationship between maximal RNA quantity and deterioration of patients' medical conditions, and as well we confirmed arterial hypertension to be a risk factor for people with COVID-19. However, we showed that at the dose used in the study HCQ therapy neither shortened the viral shedding period nor reduced the virus RNA load.

Primary Observational Results on Children Who Have Been Exposed to COVID-19 in Moscow

Background. The number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 is growing worldwide. It is necessary to study features of prevalence and clinical signs in pediatric population considering the fact that this disease is rather new.The aim of the study is to analyze the features of prevalence and clinical signs of pathologic process of COVID-19 in pediatric patients according to the results of practical experience of primary care medical facility (Children’s City Outpatients Clinic № 133) under the conditions of pandemia.Methods. Pediatricians of Children’s City Outpatient’s Clinic № 133 have examined certain categories of pediatric patients (especially who came from abroad or contacted with infection) for the presence of a new coronaviral infection in February 2020. Doctors have been examining children with catarrhal symptoms and hyperthermia since March 2020. The survey of children in February and March was carried out in accordance with algorithms (uniform for adults and children) approved by the Moscow City Health Department. Later, the survey was carried out in accordance with the guidelines for children prepared by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The throat and nose swabs on SARS-CoV-2 were performed for all patients on the 1st, 11th and 13th day of the disease.Results. 1,900 children (or 3.1% of total attached pediatric population) have been examined in our outpatient’s clinic with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method on the presence of the new coronavirus RNA since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia. The course of disease was analyzed in first 100 patients with the confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis: 58 (58%) boys and 42 (42%) girls. In 81% of cases we revealed the source of infection, in 19% - we did not. The disease was asymptomatic in 11 (11%) children examined after the contact with ill relatives;89% had mild COVID-19 disease with light catarrhal signs. The most numerous group of patients who had COVID-19 consisted of children over 10 years of age (42%);in 20% of cases it was pupils from 7 to 10 years old. Smell disorders were reported in children over the age of 10 in 50% of all cases.Conclusion. New coronaviral infection COVID-19 in children is taking mild course, without complications, under the «mask» of common viral infection. Thus, it is unknown either those who have undergone COVID-19 asymptomatically remain healthy or they need special rehabilitation. The timely development of clear algorithm with step-by-step instructions for various situations for every health professional is crucial during these difficult times. Актуальность. В мире растет число людей, инфицированных коронавирусом SARS-CoV-2, вызывающим COVID-19. Учитывая тот факт, что болезнь новая, необходимо изучение особенностей распространения и клинической картины, в частности в детской популяции.Цель - на основании результатов практической работы медицинской организации первичного медико-санитарного звена (поликлиники;ГБУЗ «ДГП № 133 ДЗМ») в условиях пандемии проанализировать особенности распространения и клинической картины патологического процесса COVID-19 у пациентов детского возраста.Методы. В феврале 2020 г. педиатры ГБУЗ «ДГП № 133 ДЗМ» обследовали на наличие новой коронавирусной инфекции определенные категории пациентов детского возраста, а именно приехавших из-за рубежа, контактных с больным, прежде всего в семейных очагах;с марта 2020 г. врачи обследовали детей с катаральными явлениями и гипертермией. Обследование детей в феврале и марте проводилось в соответствии с утвержденными Департаментом здравоохранения города Москвы алгоритмами, едиными для взрослых и детей;в последующем обследование осуществлялось согласно методическим рекомендациям, подготовленным Министерством здравоохранения Российской Федерации для детей. Тест биоматериала на SARS-CoV-2 из зева и носа проводился пациентам в 1-й, 11-й и 13-й день болезни.Результаты. С начала пандемии COVID-19 в России в нашей поликлинике до 20 апреля 2020 г. методом полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР) обследовано 1900 детей (3,1% всего прикрепленного детского населения) на наличие РНК нового коронавируса. Проанализировано течение болезни у первых 100 пациентов с подтвержденным COVID-19: 58 (58%) мальчиков и 42 (42%) девочки. У 81% детей был установлен источник заражения, у 19% детей выявить источник заражения не удалось. У 11 (11%) детей, обследованных по контакту с больным родственником, болезнь протекала бессимптомно;у 89% отмечалось легкое течение COVID-19 с незначительными катаральными явлениями. Самую многочисленную группу пациентов, перенесших COVID-19, составили дети старше 10 лет (42%): в 20% случаев заболевшими были школьники от 7 до 10 лет. Нарушение обоняния, по данным наблюдения, зарегистрировано у детей в возрасте старше 10 лет в 50% случаев.Заключение. Новая коронавирусная инфекция COVID-19 у детей протекает в легкой форме, без осложнений, под «маской» обычной вирусной инфекции, однако не известно, остаются ли здоровыми те, кто перенес COVID-19 бессимптомно, или для них нужна специальная реабилитация. Критически важным является своевременная разработка четкого алгоритма с пошаговой инструкцией для каждого сотрудника при различных ситуациях в период повышенной готовности.

Recovery of endoscopy services in the era of COVID-19: recommendations from an international Delphi consensus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on provision of endoscopy services globally as staff and real estate were repurposed. As we begin to recover from the pandemic, a cohesive international approach is needed, and guidance on how to resume endoscopy services safely to avoid unintended harm from diagnostic delays. The aim of these guidelines is to provide consensus recommendations that clinicians can use to facilitate the swift and safe resumption of endoscopy services. An evidence-based literature review was carried out on the various strategies used globally to manage endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic and control infection. A modified Delphi process involving international endoscopy experts was used to agree on the consensus statements. A threshold of 80% agreement was used to establish consensus for each statement. 27 of 30 statements achieved consensus after two rounds of voting by 34 experts. The statements were categorised as pre-endoscopy, during endoscopy and postendoscopy addressing relevant areas of practice, such as screening, personal protective equipment, appropriate environments for endoscopy and infection control precautions, particularly in areas of high disease prevalence. Recommendations for testing of patients and for healthcare workers, appropriate locations of donning and doffing areas and social distancing measures before endoscopy are unique and not dealt with by any other guidelines. This international consensus using a modified Delphi method to produce a series of best practice recommendations to aid the safe resumption of endoscopy services globally in the era of COVID-19.

Dynamics of coagulopathy in patients with different COVID-19 severity.

With the progress of COVID-19 studies, it became evident that SARS-CoV-2 infection is often associated with thrombotic complications. The goal of our present study was to evaluate which component of clot formation process including endothelial function, platelets aggregation and plasma coagulation, as well as endogenous fibrinolysis in patients with COVID-19 correlates with the severity of the disease. We prospectively included 58 patients with COVID-19 and 47 healthy volunteers as a control group that we recruited before the pandemic started. It turns out that plasma coagulation with subsequent platelet aggregation, but not endothelial function, correlates with the severity of the COVID-19. IL-6 blockade may play a beneficial role in COVID-19 induced coagulopathy.