COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Syndrome Research Articles

Genetic Polymorphisms of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 1 (ACE1) and ACE2 Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COVID-19 in the Palestinian Population.

As a key enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a validated receptor for SARS-CoV-2, linking RAS to COVID-19. Functional ACE1/ACE2 gene polymorphisms likely cause an imbalance in the ACE1/ACE2 ratio, triggering RAS imbalance and may contribute to COVID-19 complications. This study aimed to investigate four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ACE1 and ACE2 genes, three for ACE1 (rs4343, rs4342, rs4341) and one for ACE2 (rs2285666), in patients with COVID-19 among the Palestinian population. A total of 130 blood samples were collected, including 50 negative controls without COVID-19 infection, 50 cases with COVID-19 infection but not hospitalized, and 30 patients with severe COVID-19 infection hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Fragments of the ACE1 and ACE2 genes, including the targeted SNPs, were amplified using multiplex PCR and subsequently genotyped by next-generation sequencing with specific virtual probes. Our results revealed that ACE2 rs2285666 GG genotype carriers were more prevalent in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group (P=0.049), while no statistical differences were observed in the distribution of ACE1 (rs4343, rs4342, rs4341) variants between COVID-19 patients and the control group. GA carriers of ACE2, rs2285666, among cases and ICU groups were at lower risk of getting COVID-19 infection (P=0.002 and P=0.013, respectively), and they were unlikely to develop fatigue (P=0.043), headache (P=0.007), loss of smell (P=0.028), and dyspnea (P=0.005). Age and comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) were independent risk factors for COVID-19 disease. Symptoms of COVID-19 patients such as fatigue, headaches, runny noses, and loss of smell were significantly higher in non-hospitalized cases of COVID-19, while dyspnea was more frequent in the ICU patients. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the ACE2 rs2285666 GG genotype is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. This association suggests a potential genetic predisposition linked to the ACE2 gene, which may influence the susceptibility and severity of the disease.

Coronavirus Inhibitory Activity of Tamarind Indica

Background: SARS-COVID-19 is an infectious disease, the causative agent Caroni virus. WHO announced the pandemic on 3rd November 2020 to the whole world. Objective: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COVID-19 is an infectious disease globally declared a pandemic by WHO. There is a need to find the proper medication for recovery. The study uses the molecular docking method to predict the anti-covid activity of plant phytoconstituents of Tamarind indica. Methods: Molecular docking techniques were accomplished to search the binding pattern of plant phytoconstituents of T. indica against the crystal structure SARS-CoV-2 enzyme (PDB ID: 6LU7) with the help of PyRx virtual screening software to study the amino acid interaction and inhibitory potential of phytoconstituents of T. indica. In addition, we performed a pharmacokinetic and toxicological study of plant phytoconstituents of T. indica using SwissADME and the pkCSM online server. Results: The phytoconstituents of Plant T. indica docking results proposed that apigenin (-7.8 kcal/mol), epicatechin (-7.1 kcal/mol) and taxifolin (-7.5 kcal/mol) show the best binding energy as compared to favipiravir (-5.2 kcal/mol). The phytoconstituents exposed promising interaction with amino acid residue, leading to an inhibitory effect against the SARS-CoV-2 enzyme (PDB ID: 6LU7). Further, ADMET studies showed that pharmacokinetics and toxicological parameters are within acceptable limits. Conclusion: In silico study revealed that the phytochemicals of T.indica show promising inhibitory results against the SARS-CoV-2 enzyme (PDB ID: 6LU7). Moreover, the traditional benefits of T.indica were clinical treatment and drug discovery.

Genome sequencing of severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 EF.1 variant strain obtained from a Moroccan patient.

Here, we report the identification and coding-complete genome sequence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) strain obtained from a Moroccan patient. The detected strain EF.1 belongs to the BQ1.1 subvariant of the BA.5 Omicron variant.

A mathematical model for the transmission of co-infection with COVID-19 and kidney disease

The world suffers from the acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 pandemic, which will be scary if other co-existing illnesses exacerbate it. The co-occurrence of the COVID-19 virus with kidney disease has not been available in the literature. So, further research needs to be conducted to reveal the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and kidney disease. This study aims to create mathematical models to understand how COVID-19 interacts with kidney diseases in specific populations. Therefore, the initial step was to formulate a deterministic Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) mathematical model to depict the co-infection dynamics of COVID-19 and kidney disease. A mathematical model with seven compartments has been developed using nonlinear ordinary differential equations. This model incorporates the invariant region, disease-free and endemic equilibrium, along with the positivity solution. The basic reproduction number, calculated via the next-generation matrix, allows us to assess the stability of the equilibrium. Sensitivity analysis is also utilised to understand the influence of each parameter on disease spread or containment. The results show that a surge in COVID-19 infection rates and the existence of kidney disease significantly enhances the co-infection risks. Numerical simulations further clarify the potential outcomes of treating COVID-19 alone, kidney disease alone, and co-infected cases. The study of the potential model can be utilised to maximise the benefits of simulation to minimise the global health complexity of COVID-19 and kidney disease.

Effect of COVID-19 On the Sexual Activity of Men.

In December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 was found in China. This virus can affect different organs depending on the coronavirus receptors on the cell surface, which allows the organ to be attacked by the coronavirus. Psychological distress and impaired pulmonary hemodynamics seem to be the cause of decreasing libido or sexual dysfunction after contracting COVID-19. This study was performed to assess the effect of coronavirus on the sexual activity of men. We enrolled 200 men with COVID-19, confirmed by an oropharyngeal sample, who had recovered from the coronavirus for 3 months. These men filled out the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire for their current and previous sexual status. Then, according to their IIEF-5 score, sexual activity before and after corona infection was compared. The mean age of the participants was 31.5 ±3.2 years. This study showed a significant difference between the IIEF-5 mean scores before and after COVID-19, which were 20.4 and 18.6, respectively (p = .000). The condition of 56.1% of the patients did not change; however, coronavirus did have a negative effect on 39.6% of the patients. 4.1% of patients reported improvement in sexual performance. 45% of the patients reported no erectile dysfunction (ED) before contracting the coronavirus; while only 27.7% reported no ED after getting COVID-19. Our findings show that COVID-19 could influence the sexual activity of infected men, who also showed a higher ED prevalence after COVID-19 infection; however, hormonal assessment should be observed in the follow-up.

How Did the Pandemic Affect Our Perception of Sustainability? Enlightening the Major Positive Impact on Health and the Environment

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 virus 2 (COVID-19) virus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on 9 January 2020, the entire world has been exceptionally interested in examining the impact of this pandemic on people and the environment. The pandemic led to unprecedented measures to halt air traffic and close factories due to lockdowns, economic closures, and the stopping of transportation of all kinds. The decline in the use of coal by power plants, oil refining, and steel manufacturing had a beneficial effect on air pollution and caused a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the concept of sustainability has become more prevalent, reflecting the increasing awareness of the responsibility placed on every member of society. Sustainability is the quality and quantity of change that meets our needs without destroying the giving planet, which is the hope for the survival of future generations. We summarized and discussed the studies and research documenting these effects on the environment and health worldwide to come up with objective conclusions, and to draw some recommendations and concepts about the importance of sustainability. The significance of this article lies in that it aims to briefly review some of the positive and negative impacts observed and reported during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health and the planet’s environment for the duration of April 2020–October 2022, and finally discuss the challenges and prospects to endorse planet sustainability. While COVID-19 had many beneficial effects on the planet’s recovery, there were also profound effects on health due to the disease itself. Government and policymakers must take measures to prevent this environmental healing process from being transient.

Evaluation of the Immunological Efficiency for Some of COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm) among Vaccinated People of Wasit Province in Iraq

Background: Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2) cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COVID-19 pandemic in March, 2020. After Chinese scientists published the genome of the virus vaccine manufacturer produced several COVID-19 vaccines that aimed to induce a humoral and cellular immune response to prevent the fatality and harm caused by COVID-19. Existing study aimed to evaluate the immunological activity of some approved vaccines in terms of serological tests for antibodies (IgG and IgM) for the study groups in Wasit Governorate.Methods: The current study sample included (55) individuals who were vaccinated with two doses of one of the three vaccines and did not suffer from chronic health problems, (35) unvaccinated individuals of both genders. Their age ranges from 18-45 years, they were divided into two age ranges (18-31 and 32-45 years) and their vaccination history was confirmed according to a special form. The blood samples were collected from vaccinated individuals 2-4 weeks after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine for the purpose of conducting immunological assays for immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and C- reactive protein (CRP) using ELISA kits.Results: The results of serological immunoassay tests for (IgM) for the vaccinated participants, both age groups and both genders with the three Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines were documented a positive percentage of (47 %), (64 %) and (42 %) and negative (53 %), (36%) and (58%) respectively. Whereas, the (IgG) among vaccinators with the same three vaccines was recorded a positive percentage (100%) and negative (0%) in terms of a significant rise (P≤0.05) in serum antibody levels (IgG) in all the three vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm) in both age ranges and for both genders compared to the control group (unvaccinated individuals).Conclusions: the findings of the present study, that all three vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm) have shown a high efficacy and safely against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in terms of the immune responses of the vaccinators. Current study data indicated a non-significant difference among age ranges (18-31 and 32-45 year) and gender is not associated with IgG levels.

IMPORTANCE OF PROBIOTICS IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF COVID-19

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 outbreak is brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Taking into account the criticism that SARS-CoV-2 has received on a global scale, efficient preventive actions and treatment for COVID-19 would be an urgent need. New strategies were developed based on immune responses. The immunomodulating properties of a few bioactive substances, minerals, and micronutrients have led to recommendations. Probiotics' therapeutic uses in COVID-19 patients were looked into in this review. A decline in the amount of various probiotic species, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, was observed in some COVID-19 patients, which may be indicative of a compromised immune system. The use of probiotics has been predominantly explored for the inhibition and management handling of gastrointestinal disorders, but other potential properties of these microorganisms have been considered for nutritional effects, inflammatory diseases, Helicobacter pylori infections, allergic diseases, and anti-tumor properties. Some investigations have revealed that these probiotics stimulate and modify innate immune responses through multiple membrane molecules that transfer signaling massages with the epithelial cells of the gut. In addition to the gut microbiota, which has been widely studied, the physiopathology of numerous respiratory illnesses is known to depend on the lung microbiota. Through microaspiration and inhalation, which bacteria, molds, and viruses can create, the healthy lung acquired its unique microbiota. Probiotic strains might be used to influence these microbiotas, contributing novel views in the managing of respiratory diseases. Returning gut microbiota has been revealed to recover resistance to virus or pathogenic invades moreover at the respiratory mucosal stages.

The Sequelae of Bilateral Conjunctivitis as an Initial Presentation of Presumed COVID-19 Positive Female

Background and ObjectivePresented is a case of a 28-year-old female, who was diagnosed with presumed COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and the sequelae of her bilateral conjunctivitis. Since December 2019, the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 has swept worldwide, infecting over 170 million to date and counting. It has been discovered that the virus can make its way to the eyes due to an abundance of human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 on the conjunctiva. There are limited reports accounting for bilateral keratocon-junctivitis associated with SARS-CoV-2, and even less reporting as the initial symptom and the sequelae of the ocular findings that can be associated with a COVID-19 positive patient. In this report, the signs, symptoms, management, and treatment of COVID-19 related keratoconjunctivitis will be discussed. MethodsPresented is a case of a 28-year-old female diagnosed with presumed COVID-19 and the sequelae of her bilateral conjunctivitis.ResultA 28-year-old female initially presented to her local emergency room on 7/9/2020 for bilateral red eyes and loss of taste and smell. She tested positive for COVID-19 at that time via a polymerase chain reaction nasopharyngeal swab. There was no conjunctival swab or serology testing of her tears performed. Her ocular symptoms persisted for an additional 3 weeks when she finally presented to our clinic, with bilateral keratoconjunctivitis, after testing negative for the virus 14 days prior.ConclusionThis case presents findings of an initial presentation of bilateral conjunctivitis secondary to presumed COVID-19. The sequelae of the patient’s ocular findings after testing negative for COVID-19 were of specific interest. This case provides a resource to help guide eye care professionals in proper questioning of those diagnosed with COVID-19 about ocular symptoms they had initially, as well as symptoms that occurred after systemic resolution of the virus infection. Furthermore, this case can help educate eye care professionals on the possible sequalae, management, and treatment of COVID-19-related keratoconjunctivitis to ensure full resolution of its effect and provide a good visual outcome for patients. We will continue to learn more about COVID-19 and its effects on the eye as well as the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on ocular manifestations of the virus.

Reversible Splenial Lesion Syndrome and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Findings in a Child with SARS-COV-2 Infection

AbstractReversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) is a transient lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Etiology includes infections, malignancies, drugs, metabolic disorders, trauma, etc. We reported radiological features of a child with RESLES and multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) with severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in a 11-year-old boy. Diagnosis of SARS COV-2 infection was based on the detection of antiSARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM in his serum.

Chest Radiograph Severity Scores, Comorbidity Prevalence, and Outcomes of Patients with Coronavirus Disease Treated at the King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan: A Retrospective Study.

IntroductionHospitalized patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) often undergo chest x-ray (CXR). Utilizing CXR findings could reduce the cost of COVID-19 treatment and the resultant pressure on the Jordanian healthcare system.MethodsWe evaluated the association between the CXR severity score, based on the Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema (RALE) scoring system, and outcomes of patients with COVID-19. The main objective of this work is to assess the role of the RALE scoring system in predicting in-hospital mortality and clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19. Adults with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 two reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test results and a baseline CXR image, obtained in November 2020, were included. The RALE severity scores were calculated by expert radiologists and categorized as normal, mild, moderate, and severe. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the association between the severity category and admission location and clinical characteristics.ResultsBased on the multivariable regression analysis, it has been found that male sex, hypertension, and the RALE severity score were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. The baseline RALE severity score was associated with the need for critical care (P<0.001), in-hospital mortality (P<0.001), and the admission location (P=0.002).DiscussionThe utilization of RALE severity scores helps to predict clinical outcomes and promote prudent use of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Progress in Assays of HMGB1 Levels in Human Plasma-The Potential Prognostic Value in COVID-19.

Extracellular HMGB1 protein is known to induce inflammatory responses leading to an inflammatory storm. The outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COVID-19 due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in a huge health concern worldwide. Recent data revealed that plasma/serum HMGB1 levels of patients suffering from inflammation-mediated disorders—such as COVID-19, cancer, and autoimmune disorders—correlate positively with disease severity and vice versa. A late release of HMGB1 in sepsis suggests the existence of a wide therapeutic window for treating sepsis. Rapid and accurate methods for the detection of HMGB1 levels in plasma/serum are, therefore, of great importance for monitoring the occurrence, treatment success, and survival prediction of patients with inflammation-mediated diseases. In this review, we briefly explain the role of HMGB1 in the cell, and particularly the involvement of extracellular HMGB1 (released from the cells) in inflammation-mediated diseases, with an emphasis on COVID-19. The current assays to measure HMGB1 levels in human plasma—Western blotting, ELISA, EMSA, and a new approach based on electrochemical immunosensors, including some of our preliminary results—are presented and thoroughly discussed.

Prevalence of Liver Injury in 445 Patients with Corona Virus Disease-19

Background and Aim: Severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 disease patients are susceptible to abnormal liver function and its prevalence varies from 16 to 52%. The present study aimed to assess the incidence of liver injuries in 445 patients with COVID-19 infections. Methodology: This retrospective study was carried out on 445 COVID-19 infected patients in the department of Gastroenterology, Northwest General Hospital &amp; Research Centre Hayatabad Peshawar and Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi for the duration of six-months from February 2021 to July, 2021. The patient’s demographic details, COVID symptoms, laboratory tests, and previous illness history were recorded. COVID-19 was diagnosed through Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) via oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs. Ethical approval was taken from the institutional ethical committee. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total 445 COVID-19 infected patients, the incidence of elevated, mild elevated, moderately elevated, and severely elevated Aspartate transaminase (AST) was 208 (46.8%), 47 (10.6%), 10 (2.3%), and 4 (0.9%) respectively. The prevalence of symptomatic abnormal liver was 89% compared to asymptomatic 81% at p=0.001). Moderate, mild, and elevated Alanine transaminase (ALT) was 1.2%, 10.9%, and 29.8% respectively. The incidence of respiratory symptoms and loose stool was 44.2% and 12.3% compared to 30.3% and 3.8% respectively. Abnormal liver patients were more susceptible to severe COVID-19 disease 26.7% compared to 14.2%. Conclusion: Our study found that patients with COVID-19 had a high rate of liver test abnormalities. The majority of the patients had transaminase elevations that were borderline or mild. Abnormal liver disease patients are more susceptible to symptomatic disease, mortality, and severe COVID-19 disease. Keywords: Prevalence, COVID-19 disease, Liver Injuries

COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Measures of University Students in Bahrain.

The severe, acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 that was first reported in China in December 2019 quickly became a global pandemic that has resulted in over 100 million infections and more than 2 million deaths. This study aimed to assess the awareness level of university students regarding the possibility of becoming infected with COVID-19. In order to achieve this objective, we assessed the students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using an online survey questionnaire offered to a total of 300 students. A positive response regarding awareness of COVID-19 symptoms was registered by more than 70% of the students, whereas 62% felt that wearing a mask did not give full protection against infection, approximately 30% agreed that antibiotics and antivirals did not treat COVID-19, and 62% agreed that vitamin C was helpful in treating common symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, around 31% of the students believed that COVID-19 is a man-made virus. Students who had gotten infected with SARS-CoV-2 believed that wearing a mask gives full protection (p=0.018). In response to survey questions related to attitude, 80% of students cancelled and postponed meetings with friends, and 90% agreed that mask-wearing is the most precautionary measure used to prevent the infection. In addition, 82% avoided coughing in public, 82% avoided contact if they felt flu-like symptoms and 80% washed their hands far more often due to the pandemic. Interestingly, 76% carried hand sanitizer, 66.5% avoided shaking hands, and 42.7% were taking vitamin C supplements. This study showed that the participants had a positive awareness of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, and treatments misconceptions and mistaken beliefs related to treatments and the origin of the virus were also common and should be addressed. This study thus provides a baseline for a population-based surveillance program that could help local authorities to improve pandemic preparation plans, particularly with regard to governmental education and media campaigns.

Viral co-pathogens in COVID-19 acute respiratory syndrome – what did we learn from the first year of pandemic?

Objective: This study aimed to describe the distribution of respiratory pathogens and the occurrence of co-pathogens during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe used a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel targeting 23 microorganisms to analyze the oro-pharyngeal samples of patients admitted to our hospital with acute respiratory infection (ARI) between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. We matched 40 to 50 patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive and SARS-CoV-2 negative per month for age and sex. ResultsA total of 939 patients with multiplex PCR test results were included in the study. Respiratory pathogens where detected in only 8/476 (1.6%) patients with COVID-19 versus 87/463 (18.7%) patients with non–COVID-19 ARI patients. Diversity and rates of pathogens vastly differed from previous years but showed seasonal variance. ConclusionPatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting with ARI during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated paucity of respiratory co-pathogens.

Outcome of COVID-19: Diabetes and Obesity

Today the world is facing one of the biggest crisis, due to a new beta-corona virus emerged from Wuhan in China, on December 2019. WHO declared ‘acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 (SARS Co-2)’as a pandemic on March 12, 2020. Corona viruses are enveloped positive single stranded RNA viruses, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome in the infected individuals. The risk of getting infected by covid-19 is similar in all the individuals across the nation. But the outcome of the infection varies from one individual to another, depending on the comorbidities present in them. The most vulnerable group of patients in respect to severity of outcome of the infection are the once with unbalanced heath conditions like age (&gt;65 years), immune-compromised, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, increased insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, vasculitis(vascular inflammation)and obesity. It is now a public knowledge that diabetes and obesity are a risk factor for any individual as these conditions can exacerbate the manifestations of COVID-19 infections thus increasing the severity of the condition, that may require hospitalization of the patient, later may even require intensive care unit or/and mechanical ventilation, with increased risk of mortality rates. In diabetic patients it is mainly due to failure in controlling the glucose levels and the risk of ketoacidosis. In patients with obesity lipid peroxidase creates reactive lipid aldehydes leading to poor prognosis.

Exacerbation of COVID 19 in Hypertensive Patients ( A review)

Since its discovery in December 2019, corona virus was outbreak worldwide with very rapid rate, so it described by WHO as pandemic. It associated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, and can enter to cells through Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor which play an important role as regulator for blood pressure. Hypertension is a potential risk factor for sever acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19, and associated with high mortality rate as shown in many epidemiological studies. Moreover, specific antihypertensive medications that infected patients were receiving are not known; only data about renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are available.

Changes in the pattern of suicide attempters visiting the emergency room after COVID-19 pandemic: an observational cross sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to find out the change in the rate and pattern of suicide attempts during severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 pandemic period.MethodsThis study was a retrospective analysis of data collected as a part of an emergency room-based post-suicide management program. The data were collected through interviews and from medical records of suicide attempts, maintained in the emergency room, from January 19 to October 31, 2020, during the “COVID-19 period,” and those who attempted suicide from January 19 to October 31, 2019 “pre-COVID-19 period.” We extracted educational background, marital status, occupation, presence of domestic partner, history of mental illness, alcohol consumption, history of previous suicide attempts; suicide attempt method and location (i.e., at home or a place other than home) at the time of attempt, and whether the attempt was a mass suicide. In addition, we compared patient severity between “COVID-19 period” and “pre-COVID-19 period” using the initial KTAS (South Korean triage and acuity scale) level, consciousness level, and systolic blood pressure. In 2012, KTAS was developed through the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s research project to establish triage system in South Korea.ResultsThe analysis of the number of suicide attempts during “pre-COVID-19 period” and “ COVID-19 period” showed that the number of suicide attempts during “COVID-19 period” (n = 440) increased compared to the “pre-COVID-19 period” (n = 400). Moreover, the method of suicide attempts during “COVID-19 period” included overdose of drugs such as hypnotics, antipsychotics, and pesticides that were already possessed by the patient increased compared to the “pre-COVID-19 period” (P < 0.05). At the time of the visit to the emergency room, high KTAS level, low level of consciousness, and low systolic blood pressure, were observed, which were significantly different between “COVID-19 period” and “pre-COVID-19 period” (P < 0.05).ConclusionWith the worldwide COVID-19 virus spread, suicide rate and suicide attempts at home have significantly increased. In addition, patient severity was higher in the “COVID-19 period” than that in the “pre-COVID-19 period.” The increasing suicide attempt rate should be controlled by cooperation between the emergency room and regional organizations.

OP03.06: Did severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID‐19 infection affect umbilical vein blood flow and fetal cardiac function?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 infection has been reported to affect the placenta. There are evidences of increased risk of placental lesions due to hypoperfusion and inflammation in women with COVID-19 infection. On this basis, we hypothesised that placental changes due to COVID-19 infection may lead to impaired umbilical vein blood flow (UVBF) and subsequent fetal cardiac remodelling. The objective to compare the UVBF and fetal cardiac function in pregnancies complicated and in those not complicated by COVID-19 infection. Prospective case-control study of consecutive pregnancies complicated by COVID-19 infection during the second half of pregnancy matched with unaffected women. Measurements of UVBF normalised for fetal abdominal circumference (UVBF/AC), atrial area (AA) and ventricular sphericity indices (SI) was assessed and compared between the two study groups. Data are presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). Fifty-four consecutive pregnancies complicated and 108 not complicated by COVID-19 infection were included. Median gestational age at COVID-19 infection was 30.2 weeks (IQR 28.7-32.4) and 36.5 (IQR 35.3-37.0) at ultrasonographic examination. General baseline and pregnancy characteristics were similar between pregnant women with compared to those without COVID-19 infection. There was no difference in UVBF/AC (study groups z value -0.11 vs 0.14 control p 0.751) values. Likewise, there was no difference in the AA (left 1.30 vs 1.28 p = 0.221 and right 1.33 vs 1.31 p = 0324) and SI (left 1.75 vs 1.77 p = 0.208 and right 1.51 vs 1.54 p = 0.121). Pregnancies complicated by COVID-19 infection did not show a reduction in UBF and are not at higher risk of cardiac remodelling.

Convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in China represents a significant threat to global health. Unfortunately, effective therapeutic drugs and vaccines to cure SARS-CoV-2 are still lacking. Convalescent Plasma therapy which induces passive immunization seems a successful treatment for COVID-19 patients and also proves to be of huge value in terms of saving the severely ill patient. Plasma therapy acts by Blocking the Virus (Neutralization), Enhancing Phagocytosis (Opsonization), Immune System Activation (Complement Activation), and finally killing Virus (Antibody-Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity). Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States was also given the stamp of approval for use of plasma therapy on 23 August 2020. In this review, we introduced the effective level of antibodies, potential mechanisms of CPT, WHO criteria for donating the plasma as well as future uncertainties of convalescent plasma therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.