Fecal calprotectin as a predictor of COVID-19 severity

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly transmittable through contact with respiratory droplets. The virus is also shed in fecal matter. Some patients may present with effects in more than one system; however, there are no defined biomarkers that can accurately predict the course or progression of the disease. The present study aimed to estimate the severity of the disease, to correlate the severity of the disease with biochemical predictors, to identify valuable biomarkers indicative of gastrointestinal disease, and to determine the cutoff values. A cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted to the Kafrelsheikh University Hospital (isolation unit) between July 10, 2020, and October 30, 2020. The diagnosis of COVID- 19 was confirmed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which was employed for the detection of the viral RNA. We conclude that lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and liver enzymes were among the most important laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients. Statistically significant differences in platelet count, neutrophil count, D-dimer level, and fecal calprotectin levels were observed among patients presenting with chest symptoms only and patients with both chest and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.004;<0.001; 0.010; 0.003; and<0.001, respectively). C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fecal calprotectin levels positively correlated with disease severity. The cutoff value for fecal calprotectin that can predict gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 was 165.0, with a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 76.5%. (AU)

Therapeutic implications of topical cetirizine 1% in treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: A case-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia in men. Cetirizine, a second-generation H1 blocker, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to decrease prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of topical cetirizine in male patients with AGA. METHODS: Two groups of 30 patients each (healthy males aged between 22 and 55 years) with different grades of AGA classified according to the Hamilton-Norwood classification were recruited for this study. Group A subjects applied 1 mL of 1% topical cetirizine daily, while group B subjects served as controls and were instructed to apply 1 mL of a placebo solution for 6 months. RESULTS: Dermoscopic assessment revealed significantly higher hair regrowth among the cetirizine-treated group (P < .001). The patients' satisfaction was significantly higher among the cetirizine-treated group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The current study highlights a potential role cetirizine might have in treating AGA. It should be noted that studies are lacking in this regard and more randomized and controlled trials are warranted in order to confirm or refute such early findings.