African Americans Possessed High Prevalence of Comorbidities and Frequent Abdominal Symptoms, and Comprised A Disproportionate Share of Covid-19 Mortality among 9,873 Us- Hospitalized Patients Early in the Pandemic.

Background and aim: Identifying clinical characteristics and outcomes of different ethnicities in the US may inform treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Aim of this study is to identify predictors of mortality among US races/ethnicities. Design Setting and participants: We retrospectively analyzed de-identified data from 9,873 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized at 15 US hospital centers in 11 states (March 2020-November 2020). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was to identify predictors of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Results: Among the 9,873 patients, there were 64.1% African Americans (AA), 19.8% Caucasians, 10.4% Hispanics, and 5.7% Asians, with 50.7% female. Males showed higher in-hospital mortality (20.9% vs. 15.3%, p=0.001). Non- survivors were significantly older (67 vs. 61 years) than survivors. Patients in New York had the highest in-hospital mortality (OR=3.54 (3.03 - 4.14)). AA patients possessed higher prevalence of comorbidities, had longer hospital stay, higher ICU admission rates, increased requirement for mechanical ventilation and higher in-hospital mortality compared to other races/ethnicities. Gastrointestinal symptoms (GI), particularly diarrhea, were more common among minority patients. Among GI symptoms and laboratory findings, abdominal pain (5.3%, p=0.03), elevated AST (n=2653, 50.2%, p=<0.001, OR=2.18), bilirubin (n=577, 12.9%, p=0.01) and low albumin levels (n=361, 19.1%, p=0.03) were associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis (adjusted for age, sex, race, geographic location) indicates that patients with asthma, COPD, cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, immunocompromised status, shortness of breath and cough possess higher odds of in-hospital mortality. Among laboratory parameters, patients with lymphocytopenia (OR2=2.50), lymphocytosis (OR2=1.41), and elevations of serum CRP (OR2=4.19), CPK (OR2=1.43), LDH (OR2=2.10), troponin (OR2=2.91), ferritin (OR2=1.88), AST (OR2=2.18), D-dimer (OR2=2.75) are more prone to death. Patients on glucocorticoids (OR2=1.49) and mechanical ventilation (OR2=9.78) have higher in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: These findings suggest that older age, male sex, AA race, and hospitalization in New York were associated with higher in-hospital mortality rates from COVID-19 in early pandemic stages. Other predictors of mortality included the presence of comorbidities, shortness of breath, cough elevated serum inflammatory markers, altered lymphocyte count, elevated AST, and low serum albumin. AA patients comprised a disproportionate share of COVID-19 death in the US during 2020 relative to other races/ethnicities.

Predictors of mortality in hospitalized African American COVID-19 patients with cancer.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifest differently depending on patients' background and pre-existing conditions. It remains unclear how African Americans with cancer have been affected in comparison to those without. In this study, we aim to identify demographic, clinical, and laboratory markers associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with cancer. Methods: We reviewed all COVID-19 hospitalized patients' records from Dec. 2019 to Oct. 2021 at Howard University Hospital. Patients having a history of, or active, cancer were reviewed. Clinical, treatment, lab test values, and pathological data were extracted. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted on the entire cohort as well as on cases and controls separately, using SPSS software. Results: Out of 512 COVID-19 infected patients, 49 had cancer, either active or history of cancer (cases) and 463 COVID-19 were cancer-free (controls), allowing for comparison. African American race was predominant in both cases and controls, 83.7% and 66.7% respectively. Cancer patients were older than non-cancer patients (mean age: 70.6 vs. 56.3 years) and had an increased length of hospital stay (mean 13.9 vs. 9.4 days). Mortality is significantly higher among cancer patients (n=10, 20.4%, P=0.03) compared to non-cancer COVID-19 patients (n=41, 8.9%). Among cancer patients, breast cancer was more prevalent in females and prostate cancer in males (54% and 52%, respectively). A comparison of patients with active vs. previous cancer showed no significant difference in the clinical outcome, death vs. discharge (P=0.34). A higher reduction in albumin level in cancer cases, from the time of admission to day 5, was significantly associated with death during the hospital stay compared to those discharged (n=24, 49.0%, P<0.001). In controls, lymphopenia (n=436, 94.2%, P=0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (n=59, 12.7%, P=0.008) and albumin (n=40, 8.6%, P=0.02) have shown an association with increased mortality. Conclusions: Albumin level has an inverse relationship with clinical outcomes among all COVID-19 infected cancer patients. Reduction in albumin level during the hospital stay, particularly in COVID-19 cancer patients should be considered as a predictor of mortality. Further research with a large cohort size is needed to verify and identify other predictors of outcomes in COVID-19 patients with cancer.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Their Association with Neurologic and Sleep Problems in Long COVID-19 Minority Patients: A Prospective Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Long-COVID is a condition post SARS-CoV-2 infection with persistent or recurring symptoms affecting multiple organs, and may involve viral persistence, changes to the microbiome, coagulopathies, and alterations to neuro-immune interactions. These factors can disrupt the Gut-Brain Axis, which is a complex system involving bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal (GI) system. As a result of these disruptions, individuals with long-COVID may develop post-infectious functional GI disorders, which can cause a range of symptoms affecting the digestive system. AIM: To understand frequency of GI manifestations of Long-COVID and to determine association with sleep or neurological symptoms in a predominantly minority population. METHODS: We included patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR (n = 747) who were hospitalized from Feb. 2020 to May 2021 at Howard University Hospital and followed between 6 and 12 months from discharge. GI, sleep, and neurological symptoms (via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scoring system) were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Linear regression analysis, χ2 and Fisher's exact test were utilized to determine the statistical significance of correlations of GI/Neuro/COVID. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 58, with 51.6% females and a predominant African American ethnicity (73.6%, n = 550). A total of 108 patients died during their initial hospital stay, with the remaining 639 patients followed-up. Three hundred fifty (350) patients responded to the questionnaire (57 patients died during the follow-up period). Overall, 39 (13.3%) patients reported GI-related symptoms, out of which 19 (6.4%) had persistent symptoms and 20 (6.8%) developed new onset GI symptoms. Nausea and vomiting were the most common 24/39 (61.5%), followed by abdominal pain 7/39 (18%), diarrhea 5/39 (12.8%), and others 3/39 (7.6%). Patients who presented with vomiting during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to have Long-COVID GI manifestations (P = 0.023). Use of ACE inhibitors, abnormal lymphocyte count and elevated ferritin are other variables that showed significant associations with Long-COVID GI manifestations (P = 0.03, 0.006 and 0.03, respectively). During follow-up, a total of 28 (9.5%) patients reported difficulty with sleep and 79 (27%) patients had abnormal MoCA assessment. With further analysis, there was a trend between presentation of GI symptoms on admission with abnormal MoCA assessment, and an association between abnormal LFTs and history of liver disease during hospitalization with subsequent sleep problems. Baseline characteristics, clinical comorbidities, other laboratory values, hospital length of stay, mechanical ventilation, medications during hospitalization, re-admission and Flu or COVID-19 vaccination have not shown any association with Long-COVID GI symptoms in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Dyspeptic symptoms were common GI manifestations in the acute and post COVID periods. GI symptoms, abnormal LFTs and a history of liver disease during the acute infectious phase associates with abnormal MoCA and sleep problems during follow-up. Further large population studies are needed to determine if COVID-19 leads to a GI symptoms-associated Long-COVID phenotypes and other symptoms through the Gut-Brain-Axis.

Potential long-term neurological and gastrointestinal effects of COVID-19: A review of adult cohorts.

BACKGROUND: The respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into a multi-organ disorder, with long-term effects known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or long coronavirus disease (COVID). AIM: To examine the current knowledge and outcomes of long-term neurological and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in adult cohorts, including United States minority populations. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using relevant terms, and data from five studies were analyzed, comprising 27383 patients with persistent neurological and GI sequelae. RESULTS: The main symptoms included anxiety, depression, dysphagia, headache, vomiting, nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Patients with comorbidities and metabolic syndromes were at higher risk for long COVID. While most patients were European Americans, there was a need for further study on African Americans. CONCLUSION: The underlying causes of these symptoms remain unclear, warranting more investigation into the long-term impact of the SARS-CoV-2 on different populations.

High Prevalence of Diabetes Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Minority Patients: Data from a Single Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common comorbidity in the minority population and is associated with poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients. We hypothesized that COVID-19 patients with pre-existing diabetes mellitus are prone to fatal outcomes compared to non-diabetic patients. We aimed to illustrate the characteristics and outcomes and identify the risk factors for in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients with DM. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, electronic medical records of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis at Howard University Hospital (HUH) from March 2020 to Dec 2021 were analyzed. Clinical, demographic, and serological information, as well as outcomes, were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Among 463 COVID-19 patients, 66.3% (n = 307) were African Americans (AA) and 35.9% (n = 166) had diabetes, with a mean age of 64 years. The majority of the diabetic patients were AA (n = 123, 74.1%) and had a higher mortality rate (n = 26, 74.3%) compared to others. Length of stay in the hospital is significantly more for the diabetic than for the non-diabetic patients (11.3 vs. 8.3 days, p = 0.03). A higher proportion of ICU admission (32.3% vs. 17.9%, p = < 0.001), intubation (17% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.04), and increased mortality (21.1% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.01) were identified in COVID-19 patients with DM than in those with no DM. Among DM patients, non-survivors were older (69.9 vs. 62.9 years). DM patients were more likely to have underlying hypertension (72.3% vs. 43.3%, p = < 0.001), obesity (44.8% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.007), chronic kidney disease (23.6 vs. 11.8%, p = 0.001), and cardiovascular disease (29.5% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.001) than the non-DM patients. HbA1C above 9%, indicating poorly controlled hyperglycemia, was associated with poor outcome among the DM subjects. AST (23.5% vs. 31.3%) and creatinine (61.4% vs. 37.9%) were significantly more elevated in DM COVID-19 patients (all p-values < 0.05). The levels of serum troponin (42.5% vs. 30.9%, p = 0.03), interleukin-6 (67.2 vs. 50%, p = 0.04), ferritin (65.6% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.03), procalcitonin (58.1% vs. 46.1, p = 0.03), and D-dimers (92.8% vs. 86.5%, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in DM patients as compared to those in non-DM COVID-19 patients, indicating more susceptibility of diabetic COVID-19 patients to coagulation dysfunction and inflammatory storm. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM is high among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in our cohort. While DM patients have a higher mortality rate and ICU admission than non-DM patients, other factors such as underlying comorbidities, old age, elevated creatinine, AST, serum inflammatory markers, and D-dimer are more significant predictors of fatal outcomes. DM patients had higher metabolic derangements, hypercoagulability, and severe inflammatory response. No significant difference of outcome was noted between DM patients of different races in our cohort. In the diabetic group, it appears that race may not significantly contribute to the observed mortality disparity. This could be attributed to the significant influence of diabetes, which acts as a major effector, potentially overshadowing the significance of race in this context.

Symptomatic, clinical and biomarker associations for mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients enriched for African Americans.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Initial reports on US COVID-19 showed different outcomes in different races. In this study we use a diverse large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to determine predictors of mortality. METHODS: We analyzed data from hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 5852) between March 2020- August 2020 from 8 hospitals across the US. Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms and laboratory data were collected. RESULTS: The cohort contained 3,662 (61.7%) African Americans (AA), 286 (5%) American Latinx (LAT), 1,407 (23.9%), European Americans (EA), and 93 (1.5%) American Asians (AS). Survivors and non-survivors mean ages in years were 58 and 68 for AA, 58 and 77 for EA, 44 and 61 for LAT, and 51 and 63 for AS. Mortality rates for AA, LAT, EA and AS were 14.8, 7.3, 16.3 and 2.2%. Mortality increased among patients with the following characteristics: age, male gender, New York region, cardiac disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, history of cancer, immunosuppression, elevated lymphocytes, CRP, ferritin, D-Dimer, creatinine, troponin, and procalcitonin. Use of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001), shortness of breath (SOB) (p < 0.01), fatigue (p = 0.04), diarrhea (p = 0.02), and increased AST (p < 0.01), significantly correlated with death in multivariate analysis. Male sex and EA and AA race/ethnicity had higher frequency of death. Diarrhea was among the most common GI symptom amongst AAs (6.8%). When adjusting for comorbidities, significant variables among the demographics of study population were age (over 45 years old), male sex, EA, and patients hospitalized in New York. When adjusting for disease severity, significant variables were age over 65 years old, male sex, EA as well as having SOB, elevated CRP and D-dimer. Glucocorticoid usage was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 death in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Among this large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients enriched for African Americans, our study findings may reflect the extent of systemic organ involvement by SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent progression to multi-system organ failure. High mortality in AA in comparison with LAT is likely related to high frequency of comorbidities and older age among AA. Glucocorticoids should be used carefully considering the poor outcomes associated with it. Special focus in treating patients with elevated liver enzymes and other inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP, troponin, ferritin, procalcitonin, and D-dimer are required to prevent poor outcomes.

Predictors of Mortality in Hospitalized African American Covid-19 Cancer Patients.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and associated outcomes manifest differently depending on patients' background and pre-existing conditions. It remains unclear how African Americans with and without cancer have been affected. Aim: To determine epidemiological, clinical comorbidities, and laboratory test results to identify markers associated with mortality in COVID-19 cancer patients. Methods: We reviewed all Covid-19 hospitalized patients records from Dec. 2019 to Oct. 2021 at Howard University Hospital. Patients having a history of, or active cancer status were reviewed. All the clinical, treatment, lab values, and pathological data were extracted. Statical analysis of the Covid-19 cancer patients and comparison with non-cancer Covid-19 patients was performed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Out of 512 COVID-19 infected patients, a total of 49 patients were identified with different types of cancer, with both active and previous history. Females consisted of 26 cancer patients (53%). African American race was predominant in both cases and controls, 83.6% and 66.7% respectively. Cancer patients were older than non-cancer patients (Mean Age-70.6 vs. 56.3 years) and had an increased length of hospital stay (Mean 13.9 vs 9.4 days). Among cancer patients, breast cancer was more prevalent in females and prostate cancer in males, (54% and 52% respectively). Comparison of patients with active vs. previous cancer showed no significant difference in the clinical outcome, death vs. discharge (P=0.34). A higher reduction in albumin level in cancer cases, from the time of admission to day five, was significantly associated with death during the same hospital stay compared to those discharged (n=24, 48.9%, p<0.001). In controls, Lymphopenia (n=436, 94.1%, p=0.05), AST (n=59, 12%, p=0.008) and Albumin (n=40, 10.7%, p=0.02) have shown an association with increased mortality. Conclusion: Albumin level has shown to have an inverse relationship with clinical outcomes among all COVID infected African American patients. Reduction in Albumin level during the hospital stay, particularly in COVID-19 cancer patients should be considered as a predictor of mortality. No significant difference was noticed in the clinical outcome in patients with previous versus active cancer. Further research with a large cohort size is needed to verify and identify other predictors of outcome in Covid-19 cancer patients and develop appropriate treatment modalities.

Clinical and Endoscopic Outcomes in Coronavirus Disease-2019 Patients With Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Background and Aims: Over 404 million people worldwide have been infected with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), 145 million in the United States (77 million) and Europe (151 million) alone (as of February 10, 2022). This paper aims to analyze data from studies reporting gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and/or endoscopic findings in COVID-19 patients in Western countries. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of articles on confirmed COVID-19 cases with GIB in Western countries published in PubMed and Google Scholar databases from June 20, 2020, to July 10, 2021. Results: A total of 12 studies reporting GIB and/or endoscopic findings in 808 COVID-19 patients in Western countries were collected and analyzed. Outcomes and comorbidities were compared with 18,179 non-GIB COVID-19 patients from Italy and the United States. As per our study findings, the overall incidence of GIB in COVID-19 patients was found to be 0.06%. When compared to the non-GIB cohort, the death rate was significantly high in COVID-19 patients with GIB (16.4% vs 25.4%, P < .001, respectively). Endoscopic treatment was rarely necessary, and blood transfusion was the most common GIB treatment. The most common presentation in GIB patients is melena (n = 117, 47.5%). Peptic, esophageal, and rectal ulcers were the most common endoscopic findings in upper (48.4%) and lower (36.4%) endoscopies. The GIB cohort had worse outcomes and higher incidence of hypertension (61.1%), liver disease (11.2%), and cancer (13.6%) than the non-GIB cohort. Death was strongly associated with hypertension (P < .001, r = 0.814), hematochezia (P < .001, r = 0.646), and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (P < .001, r = 0.591) in COVID-19 patients with GIB. Conclusions: Overall, the incidence of GIB in COVID-19 patients is similar to that estimated in the overall population, with melena being the most common presentation. The common endoscopic findings in GIB COVID-19 patients were ulcers, esophagitis, gastritis, and colitis. Patients with GIB were more prone to death than non-GIB COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 among African Americans and Hispanics: Does gastrointestinal symptoms impact the outcome?

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately affected African Americans (AA) and Hispanics (HSP). AIM: To analyze the significant effectors of outcome in African American patient population and make special emphasis on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, laboratory values and comorbidities. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 386 COVID-19 positive patients admitted at Howard University Hospital between March and May 2020. We assessed the symptoms, including the GI manifestations, comorbidities, and mortality, using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of these 386 COVID-19 positive patients, 257 (63.7%) were AAs, 102 (25.3%) HSP, and 26 (6.45%) Whites. There were 257 (63.7%) AA, 102 (25.3%) HSP, 26 (6.45%) Whites. The mean age was 55.6 years (SD = 18.5). However, the mean age of HSP was the lowest (43.7 years vs 61.2 for Whites vs 60 for AAs). The mortality rate was highest among the AAs (20.6%) and lowest among HSP (6.9%). Patients with shortness of breath (SOB) (OR2 = 3.64, CI = 1.73-7.65) and elevated AST (OR2 = 8.01, CI = 3.79-16.9) elevated Procalcitonin (OR2 = 8.27, CI = 3.95-17.3), AST (OR2 = 8.01, CI = 3.79-16.9), ferritin (OR2 = 2.69, CI = 1.24-5.82), and Lymphopenia (OR2 = 2.77, CI = 1.41-5.45) had a high mortality rate. Cough and fever were common but unrelated to the outcome. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities. Glucocorticoid treatment was associated with higher mortality (OR2 = 5.40, CI = 2.72-10.7). Diarrhea was prevalent (18.8%), and GI symptoms did not affect the outcome. CONCLUSION: African Americans in our study had the highest mortality as they consisted of an older population and comorbidities. Age is the most important factor along with SOB in determining the mortality rate. Overall, elevated liver enzymes, ferritin, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein were associated with poor prognosis. GI symptoms did not affect the outcome. Glucocorticoids should be used judiciously, considering the poor outcomes associated with it. Attention should also be paid to monitor liver function during COVID-19, especially in AA and HSP patients with higher disease severity.

Pediatric COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Africa.

One year into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the African continent still seems to be spared from the devastating effects the disease had in other continents. Africa's COVID-19 seems to be of a milder nature both in adults and children. However, lack of data from Africa is significant, and more studies are needed to validate the disease status, clinical manifestations, and future implications for Africa. In this study, we report pediatric COVID-19 features in Africa represented by 8 countries.

Clinical characteristics, gastrointestinal manifestations and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Iran; does the location matters?

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in Asia, and Iran was one of its first epicenters. AIM: To study the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and comorbidities associated with this pandemic in four different regions of Iran. METHODS: We analyzed data from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients evaluated at four hospitals of Iran (n = 91), including South (Shiraz), Southeast (Dezful), Rasht (North), and Northwest (Mashhad) between April and September 2020. Demographics, comorbidities and clinical findings including GI symptoms were collected. Statistical descriptive analysis and correlation analyses of symptoms, comorbidities, and mortality were performed. RESULTS: The average age of COVID-19 patients was 51.1 years, and 56% were male. Mortality rate was 17%. Cough with 84.6%, shortness of breath with 71.4%, fever with 52.7%, and loss of appetite with 43.9% were the main symptoms. Overall cardiac disease was the most common comorbidity with an average of 28.5% followed by hypertension (28.5%) and diabetes (25.2%). The highest comorbidity in North (Rasht) was diabetes (30%) and in South (Dezful) hypertension (37%). Shiraz leads cardiac disease with 43.4%. The most reported GI symptoms included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with 42.8%, 31.8%, 26.8%, and 12% prevalence, respectively. In addition, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were elevated in 26.3%. CONCLUSION: Our results show hypertension and diabetes as the most common comorbidities, but their distribution was different in COVID-19 patients in the four studied regions of Iran. Nausea, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes were the most common GI symptoms. There was also a high mortality rate that was associated with high infection rates in Iran at the beginning of the pandemic.

COVID-19 and gastrointestinal symptoms in Mexico, a systematic review: does location matter?

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 in Mexico is on the rise in different parts of the country. We aimed to study the symptoms and comorbidities that associate with this pandemic in 3 different regions of Mexico. METHODS: We analyzed data from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients evaluated at healthcare centers and hospitals of Mexico (n = 1607) including Northwest Mexico (Sinaloa state), Southeast Mexico (Veracruz state) and West Mexico (Jalisco state) between March 1 and July 30, 2020. Mexico consists of a total population that exceeds 128 million. Demographics, comorbidities and clinical symptoms were collected. Statistical descriptive analysis and correlation analyses of symptoms, comorbidities and mortality were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1607 hospitalized patients positive for COVID-19 across all 3 regions of Mexico were included. The average age was 54.6 years and 60.4% were male. A mortality rate of 33.1% was observed. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (43.2%), obesity (30.3%) and diabetes (31.4%). Hypertension was more frequent in West (45%), followed by Northwest (37%) and Southeast Mexico (29%). Obesity was around 30% in Northwest and West whereas an 18% was reported in Southeast. Diabetes was most common in West (34%) followed by Northwest (22%) and Southeast (13%). This might be related to the highest mortality rate in Northwest (31%) and West (37%) when compared to Southeast. Most common symptoms in our overall cohort were fever (80.8%), cough (79.8%), headache (66%), dyspnea (71.1%), myalgia (53.8%), joints pain (50.8%) and odynophagia (34.8%). Diarrhea was the main gastrointestinal (GI) symptom (21.3%), followed by abdominal pain (18%), and nausea/ vomiting (4.5%). Diarrhea and abdominal pain were more common in West (23.1 and 21%), followed by Southeast (17.8, and 9.8%) and Northwest (11.4 and 3.1%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a high mortality rate likely related to high frequencies of comorbidities (hypertension, obesity and diabetes). Mortality was different across regions. These discrepancies might be related to the differences in the frequencies of comorbidities, and partially attributed to differences in socio-economic conditions and quality of care. Thus, our findings stress the need for improved strategies to get better outcomes in our population.

A Comprehensive Analysis of COVID-19 Impact in Latin America.

Background: Latin America has now become the epicenter of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the ongoing COVID -19 pandemic, a profound burden of SARS-COV-2 infection has been reported in Latin America. In the present study, we aim to determine the profiles that are associated with this disease in Latin America. We analyzed symptoms, morbidities and gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations by country. Methods: We analyzed data from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients evaluated at healthcare centers and hospitals of 8 Latin American countries including Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia between March 1 and July 30, 2020. These countries consist of a total population that exceeds 519 million. Demographics, comorbidities and clinical symptoms were collected. Statistical descriptive analysis and correlation analyses of symptoms, comorbidities and lethality were performed. Results: A total of 728,282 patients tested positive for COVID-19 across all the 8 Latin American countries. Of these, 52.6% were female. The average age was 48.4 years. Peru had the oldest cohort with 56.8 years old and highest rate of females (56.8%) while Chile had the youngest cohort (39 years old). Venezuela had the highest male prevalence (56.7%). Most common symptoms were cough with 60.1% (Bolivia had the highest rate 78%), fatigue/tiredness with 52.0%, sore throat with 50.3%, and fever with 44.2%. Bolivia had fever as the top symptom (83.3%). GI symptoms including diarrhea (highest in Mexico with 22.9%), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain were not associated with higher mortality.Hypertension was among the top (12.1%) comorbidities followed by diabetes with 8.3% and obesity 4.5%. In multivariable analyses, the leading and significant comorbidities were hypertension (r=0.83, p=0.02), diabetes (r=0.91, p=0.01), and obesity (r=0.86, p=0.03). Asthma (r=0.37, p=0.54) and increasing age (0.13 p=0.81) were not independently associated with higher mortality. Lethality was highest in Mexico (16.6%) and lowest in Venezuela (0.9%) among the analyzed cohorts. Conclusion: Nearly, 10.5%-53% of patients with COVID-19 have GI manifestations. Differential clinical symptoms were associated with COVID-19 in Latin America countries. Metabolic syndrome components were the main comorbidities associated with poor outcome. Country-specific management and prevention plans are needed. Country-specific management and prevention plans can be established from this meta-analysis.

A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of COVID-19 in Latin America.

Background: Latin America has become the epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aim to perform a systematic comparative review of the clinical characteristics that are associated with this disease in Latin American countries. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of published articles, journal and/or epidemiological reports of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Latin America. Data were obtained either through publicly available information from Ministries of Health, published journal reports and/or unpublished datasets. We analyzed data from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients evaluated at healthcare centers and hospitals of 8 countries including Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia, between March 1st and July 30th, 2020. These countries consist of a total population that exceeds 519 million. Demographics, comorbidities, and clinical symptoms were collected. Statistical descriptive analysis and correlation analyses of symptoms, comorbidities and mortality were performed. Results: A total of 728,282 COVID-19 patients were included in this study. Of these, 52.6% were female. The average age was 48.4 years. Peru had the oldest cohort with 56.8 years and highest rate of females (56.8%) while Chile had the youngest cohort (39 years old). Venezuela had the highest male prevalence (56.7%). Most common symptoms were cough with 60.1% (Bolivia had the highest rate 78%), fatigue/tiredness with 52.0%, sore throat with 50.3%, and fever with 44.2%. Bolivian patients had fever as the top symptom (83.3%). GI symptoms included diarrhea which was highest in Mexico with 22.9%. Hypertension was among the top (12.1%) comorbidities, followed by diabetes with 8.3% and obesity at 4.5%. In multivariate analyses, the leading and significant comorbidities were hypertension (r = 0.83, p = 0.02), diabetes (r = 0.91, p = 0.01), and obesity (r = 0.86, p = 0.03). Mortality was highest in Mexico (16.6%) and lowest in Venezuela (0.9%) among the analyzed cohorts. Conclusion: Overall, COVID-19 patients in Latin America display cough, fatigue, and fever as main symptoms. Up to 53% of patients with COVID-19 have GI manifestations. Different clinical symptoms were associated with COVID-19 in Latin American countries. Metabolic syndrome components were the main comorbidities associated with poor outcome. Country-specific management and prevention plans are needed and can be established from this meta-analysis.

Covid-19 and Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Indian Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: India has the second highest number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in the world after the USA with 29.3 million cases reported so far. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with special emphasis on Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. Methods: In this meta-analysis, we conducted a systematic review of high-quality articles on confirmed COVID-19 cases in India published in PubMed and Google Scholar between February 2020 and March 2021. Statistical descriptive analysis and correlation analyses of symptoms, comorbidities and outcomes were performed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46.16 years. Of these, 67.53% were males. Overall, 6.4% patients died. Cough (37.79%) was the most common presenting symptom followed by fever (35.5%), nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea (23.60%) but, these symptoms were unrelated to outcome. Patients with shortness of breath (r = 0.69, p = 0.03) and fatigue/weakness (r = 0.95, p = 0.04) had high mortality. Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus were the most common comorbidities but were not associated with negative outcome. Preexisting chronic kidney disease (r = 0.80, p = 0.01), mechanical ventilation (r = 0.895, p = 0.003) and ICU admission (r = 0.845, p = 0.008) correlated with poor outcome. GI symptoms were reported in 12.05% of the patients. Nausea and vomiting were the most prevalent GI symptoms, but diarrhea (r = 0.95, p = 0.004) was associated with significant mortality. Conclusion: Overall, COVID-19 patients in India present with cough, fever, shortness of breath and fatigue as the main symptoms. Among GI symptoms, diarrhea was associated with fatal outcomes. However, more high-quality studies are needed for better understanding of the GI manifestations and their outcomes in the Indian population.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations, Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Adult and Pediatric Patients.

Background: Italy was the first country in Europe to report a SARS-CoV-2 case. Since then, the country has suffered a large number of COVID-19 infections both in adults and children. This disease has been shown to lead to different outcomes in these two groups, which often present varying symptoms and comorbidities. Aim: Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the symptoms, comorbidities and laboratory values in adults and children. Methods: We present the characteristics of 1,324 adults and 563 pediatric COVID-19 Italian patients. The data was retrieved from studies published in Italy and found via PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: The virus appeared to affect adults more than children and men more than women, and to result in more severe outcomes in patients with abnormal laboratory values and a higher number of comorbidities. Adults are at higher risk for complications and death, and they usually present with fever, respiratory symptoms, cough, fatigue, diarrhea, myalgia, and/or loss of taste, smell, or appetite. Children usually have a milder disease progression and usually present with fever, cough, rhinorrhea, pharyngitis, sore throat, pneumonia, GI symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain), fatigue, and dyspnea. Conclusion: Our findings support early reports that showed that SARS-CoV-2 is associated with more common asymptomatic cases and milder clinical outcome in children than in adults. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (systemic vasculitis) are the most severe disease progressions for adults and children, respectively.

A Qualitative Study to Identify Skills and Competency Required for Hospital Managers.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital managers aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their institutions through leadership and guidance of medical personnel. Fulfilling these objectives requires a holistic approach to both the management of people and institutional prioritization. The aim of this study was to identify the skills and competencies that hospital managers must demonstrate in order to achieve their objectives. METHODS: In 2015, a regional, multi-center qualitative study was undertaken in Shiraz, Iran. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with university hospital managers, senior managers, faculty members, and post-graduate students, and the results were analyzed using the content analysis method by MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Eight key skill themes (communication, experience, appreciation of institution logistics/infrastructure, management skills, motivation, systematic problem solving, ethics, and financial/legal awareness) were identified among the hospital managers. The common challenges that face hospital institutions include problems with hierarchical and organizational structure, excessive rules and regulations, lack of resources, poor post-graduate education, and overall management. Recurring themes with respect to how these could be addressed included changing the culture and belief structure of the hospital, restructuring the organizational hierarchy, and empowering the people. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, practical skills, such as communication and experience, were considered more important than theoretical skills for the effective management and administration of hospitals. Therefore, we suggest that practical, skill-based training should be emphasized for students of these disciplines so they will be better suited to deal with real world challenges. Further organizational improvements also can be attained by the active and constructive involvement of senior university managers.