ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe and infectious respiratory condition caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This case-control study aimed to evaluate serum levels of various immunological markers in patients with COVID-19 compared to those with bacterial pneumonia and a healthy control group. Serum samples were collected from adult participants across various COVID-19 isolation centers, including Kassala State and Ahmed Gasim Hospital, between April and June 2021. The study included 70 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 30 with bacterial pneumonia, and 50 healthy controls. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), complement components C3 and C4, and cytokines IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured using standard reagent kits. Serum level of CRP was significantly elevated in both bacterial pneumonia and COVID-19 but significantly higher among patients with bacterial pneumonia. C3 and C4 were also increased in both patient groups, with C3 significantly higher in bacterial pneumonia. IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were significantly increased in bacterial pneumonia and SARS-Cov-2 compared to healthy controls. However, IFN-γ was significantly increased among patients with COVID-19 than patients with bacterial pneumonia. This study highlights the potential significant impact of COVID-19 on the immunological biomarkers investigated.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pneumonia, Bacterial , Adult , Humans , Interleukin-10 , SARS-CoV-2 , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Case-Control Studies , Interleukin-8 , Cytokines , Biomarkers , C-Reactive Protein , Interleukin-12ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to analyse a new concept of using the the minimally invasive direct anterior approach (DAA) in total hip replacement (THR) in combination with the leg positioner (Rotex- Table) and a modified retractor system (Condor). We evaluated retrospectively the first 100 primary THR operated with the new concept between 2009 and 2010, regarding operation data, radiological and clinical outcome (HOOS). All surgeries were perfomed in a standardized operation technique including navigation. The average age of the patients was 68 years (37 to 92 years), with a mean BMI of 26.5 (17 to 43). The mean time of surgery was 80 min. (55 to 130 min). The blood loss showed an average of 511.5 mL (200 to 1000 mL). No intra-operative complications occurred. The postoperative complication rate was 6%. The HOOS increased from 43 points pre-operatively to 90 (max 100 points) 3 months after surgery. The radiological analysis showed an average cup inclination of 43° and a leg length discrepancy in a range of +/- 5 mm in 99%. The presented technique led to excellent clinic results, showed low complication rates and allowed correct implant positions although manpower was saved.
