Editorial

5 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

by Elena Cecilia Rosca, Amalia Cornea and Mihaela Simu

Biomedicines 2024, 12(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010004 - 19 Dec 2023

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented a remarkable challenge to global health, sparking a surge in research aimed at understanding the multifaceted impacts of the virus [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

Research

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14 pages, 7096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SARS-CoV-2 Affects Thyroid and Adrenal Glands: An ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT Study

by Chiara Lauri, Giuseppe Campagna, Andor W. J. M. Glaudemans, Riemer H. J. A. Slart, Bram van Leer, Janesh Pillay, Marzia Colandrea, Chiara Maria Grana, Antonio Stigliano and Alberto Signore

Biomedicines 2023, 11(11), 2899; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11112899 - 26 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3129

Abstract

Background: Since most endocrine glands express ACE-2 receptors and can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus, this retrospective multicentre observational study aims to assess the metabolic activity of thyroid and adrenal glands of COVID-19 patients by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the [...] Read more.

Background: Since most endocrine glands express ACE-2 receptors and can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus, this retrospective multicentre observational study aims to assess the metabolic activity of thyroid and adrenal glands of COVID-19 patients by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans of COVID-19 patients admitted by three different centres, either in a low-intensity department or in the intensive care unit (ICU). A visual assessment and a semi-quantitative evaluation of areas of interest in thyroid and adrenal glands were performed by recording SUVmax and SUVmean. The ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT uptake in COVID-19 patients was compared with those observed in normal age-matched controls. Results: Between March 2020 and March 2022, 33 patients from three different centres (twenty-eight patients in a low-intensity department and five patients in ICU), were studied by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT during active illness. Seven of them were also studied after clinical remission (3–6 months after disease onset). Thirty-six normal subjects were used as age-matched controls. In the thyroid gland, no statistically significant differences were observed between control subjects and COVID-19 patients at diagnosis. However, at the follow-up PET/CT study, we found a statistically higher SUVmax and SUVmean (p = 0.009 and p = 0.004, respectively) in the thyroid of COVID-19 patients. In adrenal glands, we observed lower SUVmax and SUVmean in COVID-19 patients at baseline compared to control subjects (p < 0.0001) and this finding did not normalize after clinical recovery (p = 0.0018 for SUVmax and p = 0.002 for SUV mean). Conclusions: In our series, we observed persistent low ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in adrenal glands of patients at diagnosis of COVID-19 and after recovery, suggesting a chronic hypofunction. By contrast, thyroid uptake was comparable to normal subjects at disease onset, but after recovery, a subgroup of patients showed an increased metabolism, thus possibly suggesting the onset of an inflammatory thyroiditis. Our results should alert clinicians to investigate the pituitary–adrenal axis and thyroid functionality at the time of infection and to monitor them after recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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14 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elevated Serum Urea-to-Creatinine Ratio and In-Hospital Death in Patients with Hyponatremia Hospitalized for COVID-19

by Giuseppe Regolisti, Paola Rebora, Giuseppe Occhino, Giulia Lieti, Giulio Molon, Alessandro Maloberti, Michela Algeri, Cristina Giannattasio, Maria Grazia Valsecchi and Simonetta Genovesi

Biomedicines 2023, 11(6), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11061555 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1606

Abstract

Hyponatremia is associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients. An elevated value of the serum urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) has been proposed as a proxy of hypovolemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the UCR and in-hospital death in [...] Read more.

Hyponatremia is associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients. An elevated value of the serum urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) has been proposed as a proxy of hypovolemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the UCR and in-hospital death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and hyponatremia. We studied 258 patients admitted for COVID-19 between January 2020 and May 2021 with serum sodium at < 135 mmol/L. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality. A 5-unit increase in the serum UCR during hospital stays was associated with an 8% increase in the hazard of all-cause death (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03–1.14, p = 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. In patients with a UCR > 40 at baseline, a > 10 mmol/L increase in serum sodium values within the first week of hospitalization was associated with higher odds of in-hospital death (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.03–8.36, p = 0.044) compared to patients who experienced a < 10 mmol/L change. This was not observed in patients with a UCR < 40. Hypovolemia developing during hospital stays in COVID-19 patients with hyponatremia detected at hospital admission bears an adverse prognostic impact. Moreover, in hypovolemic patients, a > 10 mmol/L increase in serum sodium within the first week of hospital stays may further worsen the in-hospital prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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15 pages, 2175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Viral Coinfection of Children Hospitalized with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic

by Célia Regina Malveste Ito, André Luís Elias Moreira, Paulo Alex Neves da Silva, Mônica de Oliveira Santos, Adailton Pereira dos Santos, Geovana Sôffa Rézio, Pollyanna Neta de Brito, Alana Parreira Costa Rezende, Jakeline Godinho Fonseca, Fernanda Aparecida de Oliveira Peixoto, Isabela Jubé Wastowski, Viviane Monteiro Goes, Mariely Cordeiro Estrela, Priscila Zanette de Souza, Lilian Carla Carneiro and Melissa Ameloti Gomes Avelino

Biomedicines 2023, 11(5), 1402; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051402 - 09 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1927

Abstract

The main pathogens of severe respiratory infection in children are respiratory viruses, and the current molecular technology allows for a rapid and simultaneous detection of a wide spectrum of these viral pathogens, facilitating the diagnosis and evaluation of viral coinfection. Methods: This study [...] Read more.

The main pathogens of severe respiratory infection in children are respiratory viruses, and the current molecular technology allows for a rapid and simultaneous detection of a wide spectrum of these viral pathogens, facilitating the diagnosis and evaluation of viral coinfection. Methods: This study was conducted between March 2020 and December 2021. All children admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of SARI and who were tested by polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 and other common respiratory viral pathogens were included in the study. Results: The result of the viral panel identified 446 children, with one infected with a single virus and 160 co-infected with two or more viruses. This study employed descriptive analyses, where a total of twenty-two coinfections among SARI-causing viruses were identified. Thus, the five most frequent coinfections that were selected for the study are: hRV/SARS-CoV-2 (17.91%), hRV/RSV (14.18%), RSV/SARS-CoV-2 (12.69%), hRV/BoV (10.45%), and hRV/AdV (8.21%). The most significant age group was 38.1%, representing patients aged between 24 and 59 months (61 individuals). Patients older than 59 months represented a total of 27.5%, comprising forty-four patients. The use of oxygen therapy was statistically significant in coinfections with Bocavirus, other CoVs, Metapneumovirus, and RSV. Coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and the other different coinfections presented a similar time of use of oxygen therapy with a value of (p > 0.05). In the year 2020, hRV/BoV was more frequent in relation to other types of coinfections, representing a total of 35.1%. The year 2021 presented a divergent profile, with hRV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection being the most frequent (30.8%), followed by hRV/RSV (28.2%). Additionally, 25.6% and 15.4% represented coinfections between RSV/SARS-CoV-2 and hRV/AdV, respectively. We saw that two of the patients coinfected with hRV/SARS-CoV-2 died, representing 9.52% of all deaths in the study. In addition, both hRV/hBoV and hRV/RSV had death records for each case, representing 8.33% and 6.67% of all deaths, respectively. Conclusion: Coinfections with respiratory viruses, such as RSV and hBoV, can increase the severity of the disease in children with SARI who are admitted to the ICU, and children infected with SARS-CoV-2 have their clinical condition worsened when they have comorbidities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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13 pages, 3078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Measurements and Admission Parameters as Predictors of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

by Vladimir Zdravković, Đorđe Stevanović, Neda Ćićarić, Nemanja Zdravković, Ivan Čekerevac, Mina Poskurica, Ivan Simić, Vladislava Stojić, Tomislav Nikolić, Marina Marković, Marija Popović, Ana Divjak, Dušan Todorović and Marina Petrović

Biomedicines 2023, 11(4), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11041199 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1321

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to single out admission predictors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and investigate the role of bioelectrical impedance (BIA) measurements in ARDS development. Method: An observational, prospective cohort study was conducted on 407 consecutive [...] Read more.

Aim: We aimed to single out admission predictors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and investigate the role of bioelectrical impedance (BIA) measurements in ARDS development. Method: An observational, prospective cohort study was conducted on 407 consecutive COVID-19 patients hospitalized at the University Clinical Center Kragujevac between September 2021 and March 2022. Patients were followed during the hospitalization, and ARDS was observed as a primary endpoint. Body composition was assessed using the BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), and visceral fat (VF) via BIA. Within 24 h of admission, patients were sampled for blood gas and laboratory analysis. Results: Patients with BMI above 30 kg/m², very high BF%, and/or very high VF levels were at a significantly higher risk of developing ARDS compared to nonobese patients (OR: 4.568, 8.892, and 2.448, respectively). In addition, after performing multiple regression analysis, six admission predictors of ARDS were singled out: (1) very high BF (aOR 8.059), (2) SaO₂ < 87.5 (aOR 5.120), (3) IL-6 > 59.75 (aOR 4.089), (4) low lymphocyte count (aOR 2.880), (5) female sex (aOR 2.290), and (6) age < 68.5 (aOR 1.976). Conclusion: Obesity is an important risk factor for the clinical deterioration of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. BF%, assessed through BIA measuring, was the strongest independent predictor of ARDS in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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10 pages, 3263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parosmia COVID-19 Related Treated by a Combination of Olfactory Training and Ultramicronized PEA-LUT: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

by Arianna Di Stadio, Elena Cantone, Pietro De Luca, Claudio Di Nola, Eva A. Massimilla, Giovanni Motta, Ignazio La Mantia and Gaetano Motta

Biomedicines 2023, 11(4), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11041109 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1847

Abstract

During COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have had to deal with an ever-increasing number of cases of olfactory disturbances after SARS-CoV-2 infections and in some people this problem persisted for long time after negativization from virus. This a prospective randomized controlled trial aims at evaluating [...] Read more.

During COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have had to deal with an ever-increasing number of cases of olfactory disturbances after SARS-CoV-2 infections and in some people this problem persisted for long time after negativization from virus. This a prospective randomized controlled trial aims at evaluating the efficacy of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and Luteolin (LUT) (umPEA-LUT) and olfactory training (OT) compared to OT alone for the treatment of smell disorders in Italian post-COVID population. We included patients with smell loss and parosmia who were randomized and assigned to Group 1 (intervention group; daily treatment with umPEA-LUT oral supplement and OT) or Group 2 (control group; daily treatment with placebo and OT). All subjects were treated for 90 consecutive days. The Sniffin’ Sticks identification test was used to assess the olfactory functions at the baseline (T0) and the end of the treatment (T1). Patients were queried regarding any perception of altered olfaction (parosmia) or aversive smell, such as cacosmia, gasoline-type smell, or otherwise at the same observational points. This study confirmed the efficacy of combination of umPEA-LUT and olfactory training as treatment of quantitative smell alteration COVID-19 related, but the efficacy of the supplement for parosmia was limited. UmpEA-LUT is useful for the treatment of brain neuro-inflammation (origin of quantity smell disorders) but has limited/no effect on peripheral damage (olfactory nerve, neuro-epithelium) that is responsible of quality disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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9 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Course of COVID-19 and Independent Predictors of Mortality

by Luana Orlando, Gianluca Bagnato, Carmelo Ioppolo, Maria Stella Franzè, Maria Perticone, Antonio Giovanni Versace, Angela Sciacqua, Vincenzo Russo, Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe Cicero, Alberta De Gaetano, Giuseppe Dattilo, Federica Fogacci, Maria Concetta Tringali, Pierpaolo Di Micco, Giovanni Squadrito and Egidio Imbalzano

Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030939 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Background: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several biomarkers were shown to be helpful in determining the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in a cohort of patients with COVID-19. [...] Read more.

Background: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several biomarkers were shown to be helpful in determining the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in a cohort of patients with COVID-19. Methods: One-hundred and seven patients admitted to the Covid Hospital of Messina University between June 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled in our study. The demographic, clinical, biochemical, instrumental, and therapeutic parameters were recorded. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A comparison between patients who recovered and were discharged and those who died during the hospitalization was performed. The independent parameters associated with in-hospital death were assessed by multivariable analysis and a stepwise regression logistic model. Results: A total of 27 events with an in-hospital mortality rate of 25.2% occurred during our study. Those who died during hospitalization were older, with lower GCS and PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, elevated D-dimer values, INR, creatinine values and shorter PT (prothrombin time). They had an increased frequency of diagnosis of heart failure (p < 0.0001) and higher NT-pro-BNP values. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher NT-pro-BNP values and lower PT and PaO₂/FiO₂ at admission were independent predictors of mortality during hospitalization. Conclusions: This study shows that NT-pro-BNP levels, PT, and PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio are independently associated with in-hospital mortality in subjects with COVID-19 pneumonia. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm the results of this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

20 pages, 1381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality and a Potential Benefit of Combined Therapy with Tocilizumab and Corticosteroids

by Jose Iglesias, Andrew Vassallo, Justin Ilagan, Song Peng Ang, Ndausung Udongwo, Anton Mararenko, Abbas Alshami, Dylon Patel, Yasmine Elbaga and Jerrold S. Levine

Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030845 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1337

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 249 patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) during the first wave of the pandemic to determine risk factors for AKI. Demographics, comorbidities, and [...] Read more.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 249 patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) during the first wave of the pandemic to determine risk factors for AKI. Demographics, comorbidities, and clinical and outcome variables were obtained from electronic medical records. Results: Univariate analysis revealed older age, higher admission serum creatinine, elevated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, elevated admission D-Dimer, elevated CRP on day 2, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor requirement, and azithromycin usage as significant risk factors for AKI. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher admission creatinine (p = 0.0001, OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.56–3.70), vasopressor requirement (p = 0.0001, OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.69–5.98), elevated admission D-Dimer (p = 0.008, OR = 1.0001, 95% CI = 1.000–1.001), and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) on day 2 (p = 0.033, OR = 1.0001, 95% CI = 1.004–1.009) were independent risk factors. Conversely, the combined use of Tocilizumab and corticosteroids was independently associated with reduced AKI risk (p = 0.0009, OR = 0.437, 95% CI = 0.23–0.81). Conclusion: This study confirms the high rate of AKI and associated mortality among COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs and suggests a role for inflammation and/or coagulopathy in AKI development. One should consider the possibility that early administration of anti-inflammatory agents, as is now routinely conducted in the management of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, may improve clinical outcomes in patients with AKI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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16 pages, 1492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical and Personal Predictors of Helmet-CPAP Use and Failure in Patients Firstly Admitted to Regular Medical Wards with COVID-19-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (hCPAP-f Study)

by Francesco Cei, Ludia Chiarugi, Simona Brancati, Silvia Dolenti, Maria Silvia Montini, Matteo Rosselli, Mario Filippelli, Chiara Ciacci, Irene Sellerio, Marco Maria Gucci, Giulia Vannini, Rinaldo Lavecchia, Loredana Staglianò, Daniele di Stefano, Tiziana Gurrera, Mario Romagnoli, Valentina Francolini, Francesca Dainelli, Grazia Panigada, Giancarlo Landini, Gianluigi Mazzoccoli and Roberto Tarquini Show full author list Hide full author list

Biomedicines 2023, 11(1), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11010207 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1943

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19 is substantially different from ARDS caused by other diseases and its treatment is dissimilar and challenging. As many studies showed conflicting results regarding the use of Non-invasive ventilation in COVID-19-associated ARDS, no unquestionable indications by [...] Read more.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19 is substantially different from ARDS caused by other diseases and its treatment is dissimilar and challenging. As many studies showed conflicting results regarding the use of Non-invasive ventilation in COVID-19-associated ARDS, no unquestionable indications by operational guidelines were reported. The aim of this study was to estimate the use and success rate of Helmet (h) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in COVID-19-associated ARDS in medical regular wards patients and describe the predictive risk factors for its use and failure. In our monocentric retrospective observational study, we included patients admitted for COVID-19 in medical regular wards. hCPAP was delivered when supplemental conventional or high-flow nasal oxygen failed to achieve respiratory targets. The primary outcomes were hCPAP use and failure rate (including the need to use Bilevel (BL) PAP or oro-tracheal intubation (OTI) and death during ventilation). The secondary outcome was the rate of in-hospital death and OTI. We computed a score derived from the factors independently associated with hCPAP failure. Out of 701 patients admitted with COVID-19 symptoms, 295 were diagnosed with ARDS caused by COVID-19 and treated with hCPAP. Factors associated with the need for hCPAP use were the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio < 270, IL-6 serum levels over 46 pg/mL, AST > 33 U/L, and LDH > 570 U/L; age > 78 years and neuropsychiatric conditions were associated with lower use of hCPAP. Failure of hCPAP occurred in 125 patients and was associated with male sex, polypharmacotherapy (at least three medications), platelet count < 180 × 10⁹/L, and PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio < 240. The computed hCPAP-f Score, ranging from 0 to 11.5 points, had an AUC of 0.74 in predicting hCPAP failure (significantly superior to Call Score), and 0.73 for the secondary outcome (non-inferior to IL-6 serum levels). In conclusion, hCPAP was widely used in patients with COVID-19 symptoms admitted to medical regular wards and developing ARDS, with a low OTI rate. A score computed combining male sex, multi-pharmacotherapy, low platelet count, and low PaO₂/FiO₂ was able to predict hCPAP failure in hospitalized patients with ARDS caused by COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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Review

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14 pages, 2447 KiB

Open AccessReview

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in Pediatric Patients: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Ionela Maniu, George Constantin Maniu, Elisabeta Antonescu, Lavinia Duica, Nicolae Grigore and Maria Totan

Biomedicines 2023, 11(5), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051455 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

The characteristics, dynamics and mechanisms/determinants of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are not fully understood. We performed a bibliometric review of studies that have assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in the pediatric population using Web of Science online databases, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix tools. [...] Read more.

The characteristics, dynamics and mechanisms/determinants of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are not fully understood. We performed a bibliometric review of studies that have assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in the pediatric population using Web of Science online databases, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix tools. The analysis was conducted on 84 publications, from 310 institutions located in 29 countries and published in 57 journals. The results showed the collaboration of scientists and organizations, international research interactions and summarized the findings on (i) the measured titers of antibodies (total antibody and/or individual antibody classes IgG, IgM, IgA) against different antigens (C-terminal region of N (N CT), full-length N protein (N FL), RBD, RBD Alpha, RBD Beta, RBD Gamma, RBD Delta, spike (S), S1, S2) in the case of different clinical forms of the disease; and (ii) the correlations between SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and cytokines, chemokines, neutrophils, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The presented study offers insights regarding research directions to be explored in the studied field and may provide a starting point for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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17 pages, 1311 KiB

Open AccessReview

COVID-19 in Elderly Patients Receiving Haemodialysis: A Current Review

by Thomas McDonnell, Henry H. L. Wu, Philip A. Kalra and Rajkumar Chinnadurai

Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030926 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2060

Abstract

There is an increased incidence of elderly adults diagnosed with kidney failure as our global aging population continues to expand. Hence, the number of elderly adults indicated for kidney replacement therapy is also increasing simultaneously. Haemodialysis initiation is more commonly observed in comparison [...] Read more.

There is an increased incidence of elderly adults diagnosed with kidney failure as our global aging population continues to expand. Hence, the number of elderly adults indicated for kidney replacement therapy is also increasing simultaneously. Haemodialysis initiation is more commonly observed in comparison to kidney transplantation and peritoneal dialysis for the elderly. The onset of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought new paradigms and insights for the care of this patient population. Elderly patients receiving haemodialysis have been identified as high-risk groups for poor COVID-19 outcomes. Age, immunosenescence, impaired response to COVID-19 vaccination, increased exposure to sources of COVID-19 infection and thrombotic risks during dialysis are key factors which demonstrated significant associations with COVID-19 incidence, severity and mortality for this patient group. Recent findings suggest that preventative measures such as regular screening and, if needed, isolation in COVID-19-positive cases, alongside the fulfillment of COVID-19 vaccination programs is an integral strategy to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and consequential complications from COVID-19, particularly for high-risk groups such as elderly haemodialysis patients. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the rapid development and repurposing of a number of medications to treat patients in the viral and inflammatory stages of their disease. However, elderly haemodialysis patients were grossly unrepresented in many of these trials. We review the evidence for contemporary treatments for COVID-19 in this population to provide clinicians with an up-to-date guide. We hope our article increases awareness on the associations and impact of COVID-19 for the elderly haemodialysis population, and encourage research efforts to address knowledge gaps in this topical area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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Other

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17 pages, 785 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review

by Amalia Cornea, Irina Lata, Mihaela Simu and Elena Cecilia Rosca

Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030837 - 09 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3442

Abstract

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is an inflammatory disorder of the brachial plexus. Hypothesized underlying causes focus on immune-mediated processes, as more than half of patients present some antecedent event or possible predisposing condition, such as infection, vaccination, exercise, or surgery. Recently, PTS was reported [...] Read more.

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is an inflammatory disorder of the brachial plexus. Hypothesized underlying causes focus on immune-mediated processes, as more than half of patients present some antecedent event or possible predisposing condition, such as infection, vaccination, exercise, or surgery. Recently, PTS was reported following the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We aimed to investigate data on PTS triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection to provide an extensive perspective on this pathology and to reveal what other, more specific, research questions can be further addressed. In addition, we aimed to highlight research gaps requiring further attention. We systematically reviewed two databases (LitCOVID and the World Health Organization database on COVID-19) to January 2023. We found 26 cases of PTS in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical and paraclinical spectrum was heterogeneous, ranging from classical PTS to pure sensory neuropathy, extended neuropathy, spinal accessory nerve involvement, and diaphragmatic palsy. Also, two familial cases were reported. Among them, 93.8% of patients had severe pain, 80.8% were reported to present a motor deficit, and 53.8% of patients presented muscle wasting. Paresthesia was noted in 46.2% of PTS individuals and a sensory loss was reported in 34.6% of patients. The present systematic review highlights the necessity of having a high index of suspicion of PTS in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, as the clinical manifestations can be variable. Also, there is a need for a standardized approach to investigation and reporting on PTS. Future studies should aim for a comprehensive assessment of patients. Factors including the baseline characteristics of the patients, evolution, and treatments should be consistently assessed across studies. In addition, a thorough differential diagnosis should be employed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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7 pages, 1227 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

by Daniel Duda-Seiman, Nilima Rajpal Kundnani, Daniela Dugaci, Dana Emilia Man, Dana Velimirovici and Simona Ruxanda Dragan

Biomedicines 2023, 11(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11010095 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1621

Abstract

Background: The clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 varies from patient to patient. The most common findings noted were respiratory tract infections, of different severity grades. In some cases, multi-organ damage was noted. Due to its high potential for causing severe systemic inflammation such as [...] Read more.

Background: The clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 varies from patient to patient. The most common findings noted were respiratory tract infections, of different severity grades. In some cases, multi-organ damage was noted. Due to its high potential for causing severe systemic inflammation such as myositis and myocarditis, patients should be properly investigated, which carries high chances of SARS-CoV-2 being easily missed if not investigated on time and which can result in more fatal outcomes. Case report: We present a case of COVID-19 infection in a non-vaccinated male patient, who presented to our clinic with no symptoms of respiratory involvement but with severe muscle aches. Cardiac markers and procalcitonin levels were high, and concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle, severe hypokinesia of the interventricular septum and of the antero-lateral wall, hypokinesia of the inferior and posterior wall and an ejection fraction of the left ventricle being around 34% was noted. Coronary angiography showed no lesions. Corticosteroids and antibiotics were instituted which showed improvement. A possible link to an autoimmune process was suspected, due to the presence of anti-PL-7 antibody, suggesting an antisynthetase syndrome. Conclusion: Each and every patient should be thoroughly investigated, and presently little is known in regards to this virus. Studies focusing on possible relationships between the COVID-19 and autoimmune disease can help to potentially generate better outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Complications Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection)

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