Influence of interleukin-8 polymorphism on endometriosis-related pelvic pain.

Endometriosis presents a pro-inflammatory microenvironment influenced by cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8, which expression may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-8 rs4073 polymorphism in endometriosis' development and its related symptoms. A case-control study was conducted with 207 women with endometriosis and 193 healthy controls. Polymorphism was genotyped using a TaqMan validated assay. Associations were evaluated by binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Cases were younger (36 ± 6.8 versus 39 ± 8.4) and had lower body mass index (26.5 ± 5.3 versus 35.7 ± 6.3 Kg/m2) than controls (P < 0.001). Higher prevalence of symptoms and infertility was observed in cases, compared to controls (P < 0.001). Minor allele frequencies of IL-8 rs4073 (T) were 42.3 % and 39.9 % for cases and controls, respectively, and no associations were found between IL and 8 rs4073 polymorphism and endometriosis' prevalence or staging. However, the polymorphism was associated with chronic pelvic pain among cases (OR = 0.54; 95 %CI = 0.29-0.98). The IL-8 rs4073A > T polymorphism may contribute to lower IL-8 expression and, consequently, decrease endometriosis-related pelvic pain. These findings can support the early diagnosis of endometriosis' painful symptoms, preventing its complications, and allowing an individualized treatment.

Factors associated with mortality, length of hospital stay and diagnosis of COVID-19: Data from a field hospital.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic of COVID-19, phylogenetic changes have been observed in the characteristics of the virus, in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The clinical course and the severe form of the disease depends on several factors. This study characterized the beginning setting for patient care of COVID-19 in a referral center in one of the main capital cities of Brazil. In addition, were evaluated the factors associated with mortality, length of stay, and diagnostic outcome. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2020 (n = 1100). The association of the variables with outcome was evaluated by a multivariable logistic regression model, using odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Overall, 76 % of patients were COVID-19 positive, and 70 % were diagnosed by RT-qPCR. The majority were male (56 %), and over 52 years old (74 %), 68 % had hypertension, 44 % had diabetes mellitus, and 32 % were obese. The mean length of stay was 10 ± 8 days, which was higher in the 34 % who died (≥14; OR=2; 95 %CI=1.4-4) and who had hypertension (OR=2; 95 %CI=1.3-3) (P < 0.001). The mean length of stay was also higher (P = 0.008) for those patients with pulmonary impairment ≥ 50 % (10.72 ± 8.24), than those with< 50 % (8.98 ± 6.81). Age (>62 and 65 years) was associated with longer hospitalization (OR=2; 95 %CI=1.4-3) and death (OR=6; 95 %CI=3-11). The time of sample collection for RT-qPCR was different between positive and negative tests (P = 0.001), with the time of 4-10 days showing a greater chance for virus detection (OR=2.9; 95 %CI=1.6-5). CONCLUSION: Death was associated with age and pulmonary impairment. The length of hospitalization was associated with age, hypertension, pulmonary impairment and death. The time of sample collection to perform RT-qPCR and the rapid test was associated with a positive result for COVID-19. These results highlight the ongoing challenge of diagnosing, treating, and mitigating the effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.