RESUMO
Context: In some patients, symptoms may persist after COVID-19, defined as long COVID. Its pathogenesis is still debated and many hypotheses have been raised. Objective: Our primary objective was to evaluate the corticotroph and somatotroph functions of patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and experiencing post-COVID-19 syndrome to detect any deficiencies that may explain long COVID. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients who had previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 with a postinfection period of 3 months or less to 15 months, divided into 2 groups. The first group (G1) comprised fully recovered patients, while the second group (G2) included patients experiencing long COVID. The primary outcome was the comparison of corticotroph and somatotroph functions. Results: A total of 64 patients were divided into 2 groups, each consisting of 32 patients. G2 exhibited more frequently anterior pituitary deficits compared to G1 (P = .045): for the corticotroph axis (G1: 6.3% vs G2: 28.1%) and for the somatotroph axis (G1: 31.3% vs G2: 59.4%). Baseline cortisol level was significantly lower in G2 (G1: 13.37â µg/dL vs G2: 11.59 µg/dL) (P = .045). The peak cortisol level was also lower in G2 (G1: 23.60â µg/dL vs G2: 19.14â µg/dL) (P = .01). For the somatotroph axis, the insulin growth factor-1 level was lower in G2 (G1: 146.03â ng/mL vs G2: 132.25â ng/mL) (P = .369). The peak growth hormone level was also lower in G2 (G1: 4.82â ng/mL vs G2: 2.89â ng/mL) (P = .041). Conclusion: The results showed that long COVID patients in our cohort were more likely to have anterior pituitary deficiencies. The endocrine hypothesis involving anterior pituitary insufficiency can be considered to explain long COVID.
RESUMO
Background: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become an evolving worldwide health crisis. With the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus has come an increasing awareness of their impacts on infectious diseases, and the risk for postinfection complications and mortality from critical infections. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and impact of diabetes mellitus on the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Methods: Data of laboratory-confirmed hospitalized patients at the COVID-19 unit between September 2020 and August 2021 were analyzed, in a cross-sectional study. The population was classified into two groups: COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes. Primary outcomes were the overall length of hospital stay, the admission to the ICU, and death. The association between diabetes and death was assessed in a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: A total of 866 patients were included. There were 270 (31.2%) patients with diabetes. Diabetic patients were more likely to have hypertension (58.1 vs. 33.4%), cardiovascular disease (18.5 vs. 10.4%), and dyslipidaemia (17.8 vs. 7.2). Overall, 263 patients died, among them only 86 in the diabetic group (P=0.523). Patients with diabetes had a higher risk of developing complications (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that diabetes was not significantly associated with death [HR (95% CI): 1.253 (0.963-1.631)]. Conclusion: Diabetes was associated with a greater risk of complications in patients with COVID-19. Special attention to diabetic patients during treatment must be given to avoid these complications.
RESUMO
Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) indicates a rare heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased serum concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH), and insensitivity to the biologic activity of PTH. One of its most common types is PHP-1a. In this report, we present a familial PHP-1a and a novel mutation of the GNAS gene.
