Diagnosis Of COVID-19 Research Articles

Humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinatedandunvaccinated children following SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection.

The immune response in children elicited by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection alone or in combination with COVID-19 vaccination (hybrid immunity) is poorly understood. We examined the humoral and cellular immune response following SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in unvaccinated children and children who were previously vaccinated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Participants were recruited as part of a household cohort study conducted during the Omicron predominant wave (Jan to July 2022) in Victoria, Australia. Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following COVID-19 diagnosis. Humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins from Wuhan, Omicron BA.1, BA.4/5 and JN.1, as well as cellular immune responses to Wuhan and BA.1 were assessed. A total of 43 children and 113 samples were included in the analysis. Following Omicron infection, unvaccinated children generated low antibody responses but elicited Spike-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses. In contrast, vaccinated children infected with the Omicron variant mounted robust humoral and cellular immune responses to both ancestral strain and Omicron subvariants. Hybrid immunity persisted for at least 6 months post infection, with cellular immune memory characterised by the generation of Spike-specific polyfunctional CD8 T-cell responses. SARS-CoV-2 hybrid immunity in children is characterised by persisting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and robust CD4 and CD8 T-cell activation and polyfunctional responses. Our findings contribute to understanding hybrid immunity in children and may have implications regarding COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 re-infections.

Use of NIR in COVID-19 Screening: Proof of Principles for Future Application.

The COVID-19 pandemic that affected the world between 2019 and 2022 showed the need for new tools to be tested and developed to be applied in global emergencies. Although standard diagnostic tools exist, such as the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), these tools have shown severe limitations when mass application is required. Consequently, a pressing need remains to develop a rapid and efficient screening test to deliver reliable results. In this context, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast and noninvasive vibrational technique capable of identifying the chemical composition of biofluids. This study aimed to develop a rapid NIRS testing methodology to identify individuals with COVID-19 through the spectral analysis of swabs collected from the oral cavity. Swab samples from 67 hospitalized individuals were analyzed using NIR equipment. The spectra were preprocessed, outliers were removed, and classification models were constructed using partial least-squares for discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Two models were developed: one with all the original variables and another with a limited number of variables selected using ordered predictors selection (OPS-DA). The OPS-DA model effectively reduced the number of redundant variables, thereby improving the diagnostic metrics. The model achieved a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 100%, an accuracy of 95%, and an AUROC of 94% for positive samples. These preliminary results suggest that NIRS could be a potential tool for future clinical application. A fast methodology for COVID-19 detection would facilitate medical diagnoses and laboratory routines, helping to ensure appropriate treatment.

Community-Based Delivery and Administration of Sars-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests: An Operational Research Study in Marketplaces in Malawi and Zambia.

To expand access to testing beyond public health facilities and to strengthen surveillance efforts for COVID-19, community testing using COVID-19 antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) was identified as a major area of focus in Malawi and Zambia. This research aimed to gather evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of community testing in marketplaces. A cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods design was conducted in marketplaces in Malawi and Zambia to understand operational considerations for the implementation of Ag-RDTs for SARS-CoV-2 in a community setting. Programmatic data were collected prospectively as individuals were tested from June to September 2022. COVID-19 testing was done using Abbott Panbio nasal swab test kits. Semi-qualitative questionnaires were administered to individuals who tested, healthcare workers, and site-based personnel. Data were collected electronically via the SurveyCTO platform and analyzed using STATA. In Malawi, 2,348 participants were tested, and in Zambia, 1,723 people were tested for COVID-19. In Zambia, participants were 46% female, with a median age of 28 years, whereas in Malawi, participants were 69% female, with a median age of 37 years. In Malawi, 78 positive cases were reported (3.3% positivity rate), and in Zambia 10 positive cases were reported (0.5% positivity rate). In Zambia, 99% of 300 participants and in Malawi, 92% of 1,158 testers found the market testing experience and sample collection acceptable. Community testing is a feasible and acceptable intervention to increase testing access in Malawi and Zambia, especially when coupled with community awareness campaigns and mobilization.

P2.17A.06 Impact of COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment for Lung Cancer in the US National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2014 To 2021

P2.17A.06 Impact of COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment for Lung Cancer in the US National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2014 To 2021

Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Experiences of Women Who Were Diagnosed with COVID-19 During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study in Turkey

This study utilized a qualitative study design to determine the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences of women who were diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy in Turkey. Interviews were conducted with 14 women using the semi-structured interview technique to evaluate their “pregnancy,”“birth,” and “postpartum” experiences. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic and content analysis methods. Content analysis of the data revealed four main themes. The themes were as follows: Support for a positive pregnancy experience, uncertainty and fear of the COVID-19 diagnosis, effects of the COVID-19 diagnosis on the birth experience, and effects of the COVID-19 diagnosis on postpartum experiences. The results of this study showed that antenatal care expectations of women during pregnancy could not be met, they could not access reliable information, they experienced disruptions in their follow-ups, they were anxious about their own health and the health of their babies, and they had decreased social interaction.

COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections Among People With HIV: A Statewide Cohort Analysis.

This study aims to identify COVID-19 breakthrough infections among people with HIV (PWH) across different phases of the pandemic and explore whether differential immune dysfunctions are associated with breakthrough infections. This retrospective population-based cohort study used data from an integrated electronic health record (EHR) database in South Carolina (SC). Breakthrough infection was defined as the first COVID-19 diagnosis documented in the state agency after the date an individual was fully vaccinated (ie, 2 doses of Pfizer/BNT162b2 or Moderna/mRNA-1273, or 1 dose of Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S) through June 14, 2022. We analyzed the risk and associated factors of the outcome using Cox proportional hazards models. Among 7596 fully vaccinated PWH, the overall rate of breakthrough infections was 118.95 cases per 1000 person-years. When compared with the alpha-dominant period, the breakthrough infection rate was higher during both delta-dominant (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.81) and omicron-dominant (HR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.73 to 4.73) periods. Individuals who received a booster dose had a lower likelihood of breakthrough infections (HR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.24). There was no association of breakthrough infections with degree of HIV viral suppression, but a higher CD4 count was significantly associated with fewer breakthroughs among PWH (>500 vs <200 cells/mm3: HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.94). In our PWH population, the incidence of breakthrough infections was high (during both delta-dominant and omicron-dominant periods) and mainly associated with the absence of a booster dose in patients older than 50 years, with comorbidities and low CD4 count.

Collision Of Contagion: Exploring The Effects Of Prior Covid-19 Diagnosis On Concussion Outcomes

Collision Of Contagion: Exploring The Effects Of Prior Covid-19 Diagnosis On Concussion Outcomes

Post-COVID-19 memory complaints: Prevalence and associated factors

IntroductionMemory complaints resulting from COVID-19 may have a significant impact on the survivors’ quality of life. Unfortunately, there is insufficient information available on memory loss and its relationship to COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of memory complaints in post-COVID-19 patients and to find potential contributing factors. MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 401 individuals who had previously been diagnosed with COVID-19 at four COVID testing centers situated across Bangladesh. The MAC-Q questionnaire was used to evaluate memory. A binary logistic regression model was fit to study the variables related to memory complaints, with a p-value of <0.05 deemed statistically significant. ResultMemory complaints was prevalent in 19.2% of the post-COVID patients. Individual predictor analysis revealed that among the treatment modalities, steroids and antibiotics were associated with impaired memory. Multiple logistic regression showed that individuals who recovered from COVID-19 within six to twelve months were more likely to have memory deficits. Even though age, sex, oxygen demand, and hospitalization were not linked with memory complaints, rural residents exhibited more significant memory complaints than urban residents. ConclusionNearly one-fifth of the COVID-19 patients suffer from various degrees of memory complaints within one year. However, no association was found between COVID-19 severity to memory complaints.

Clinical Effects of Additional Platelet-Rich Plasma Application to Exercise Therapy in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Exercise therapy (ET) is the main and initial treatment modality for treating subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). The isolated or combined use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications in treating SIS is increasing and promising. A comparison was made on the effectiveness of ET alone and in combination with PRP on pain, functionality, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with SIS. The purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the possible positive effects of PRP injections combined with ET in treating SIS on pain, functionality, and QoL and (2) propose an alternative treatment protocol. It was hypothesized that the group receiving PRP applications in addition to ET would have a better QoL due to less pain and higher functionality 6 months after treatment. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Volunteer patients diagnosed with SIS were included based on history and physical examination findings. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis and exclude possible accompanying pathologies. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first group underwent ET at home for 8 weeks (ET group), and the second group received the same ET program and an additional 2 PRP injections, at the beginning of the study and the end of the fourth week (PRP group). Patients were evaluated initially and 6 months after the treatment using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test determined the conformity of the data to a normal distribution, chi-square analysis was used to compare categorical variables between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous and intergroup variables. Intragroup changes before and after treatment were evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 67 patients were initially enrolled; 5 were excluded and 6 were lost to follow-up (1 because of a COVID diagnosis). Thus, 56 patients (56 shoulders) were included for analysis. There were 28 patients in the ET group and 28 patients in the PRP group. There were no statistical differences between groups regarding participant characteristics and clinical evaluations before treatment. A statistically significant improvement was observed in pain (VAS subgroups), functionality (CMS subgroups), and QoL (SF-36 subgroups) evaluations of patients in both the ET and the PRP groups compared with before the treatment and 6 months after treatment (P < .05). At the 6-month posttreatment evaluation, the PRP group was statistically significantly superior to isolated ET in terms of VAS rest (P = .001) and night (P = .004) scores. This superiority was also in favor of the PRP group in flexion strength (P = .001), abduction strength (P = .046), and abduction degree (P = .041) measurements. There was no significant difference between ET and PRP groups regarding VAS activity, CMS, and SF-36 scores (P > .05) at 6 months. Our study showed that both isolated ET and additional PRP application to ET are effective methods in SIS treatment regarding pain, function, and QoL. Combining ET with PRP was superior in reducing pain and improving abduction degree and strength.

Emotional Responses of Hospital Staff to the DASS-21 Survey During Mass COVID-19 Testing After the Relaxation of Prevention and Control Measures in Zhejiang, China, and Their Change Trajectory.

To investigate the emotional response of hospital staff to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) over the COVID-19 pandemic and after the relaxation of prevention and control measures in Zhejiang Province, China, and identify influencing factors. Multicenter online cross-sectional design. From January 10, 2023, to January 20, 2023, 1054hospital employees in Zhejiang, China, were recruited using WeChat. Data was gathered via online, self-administered surveys. T-tests and one-way analyses of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear stepwise regression analyses were used to examine the data. More than 90% of hospital employees were infected with COVID-19. Through regression analysis, the following variables were found to be independent predictors of emotional response to DASS-21: resilience (-13.346, P < 0.0001), sleep (14.689, P < 0.0001), friend support (-4.278, P < 0.0001), education level (2.699, P = 0.007), and marriage (-2.214, P = 0.027). The emotional responses were not as severe as predicted, but they were still well above the Chinese norm. A longitudinal comparison of DASS-21 emotional responses with similar studies showed a parabolic downward trend over time. Our results identified education level, marriage, friend support, resilience, and sleep as independent predictors of emotional responses to the DASS-21 among hospital workers in this outbreak. Improving the mental resilience and sleep status of staff is a key target. Unmarried medical personnel with higher education should be given greater attention and support by management. In addition, there is still room for further improvement in the government and societal responses to similar outbreaks. The study also found a parabolic downward trend in DASS-21 emotional responses among hospital workers during the COVID-19 outbreak over time.

Delirium Associated with COVID-19 in Critically ill Children: An Observational Cohort Study.

Delirium is an under-recognized problem in critically ill children. Although delirium is common in adults hospitalized with COVID-19, the relationship between pediatric COVID-19 and delirium has not been described. To address this gap, we characterized delirium in critically ill children with different manifestations of COVID-19 and investigated associations among demographic, disease, and treatment factors. We hypothesized that multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) would be associated with a higher incidence of delirium given its underlying pathophysiology of hyperinflammation. Retrospective, single-center cohort study. Quaternary-care pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Children less than 18 years of age hospitalized in the PICU between March 2020 and March 2023 with either active SARS-CoV-2 infection or serological evidence of prior infection. The cohort included 149 PICU hospitalizations among children with evidence of COVID-19. Patients were categorized by reason for PICU admission: 75 (50%) for COVID-19 respiratory disease, 36 (24%) MIS-C, and 38 (26%) any other primary reason with positive COVID-19 testing. Delirium was diagnosed in 43 (29%) patients. Delirium incidence was highest in patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (56% vs 7.5% in patients who did not require IMV, p < .001). Patients who were exposed to opioids, dexmedetomidine, paralytics or benzodiazepines more frequently experienced delirium compared to those unexposed (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001 and p = .001, respectively). After multivariable adjustment, delirium was associated with IMV (HR 3 [95% CI 1.5-5.7]), female sex (HR 2.4 [1.2-4.7]), and developmental disability (HR 3.4 [95% CI 1-11.1]). There was no association between delirium and reason for PICU hospitalization. Delirium was common among children hospitalized with COVID-19. The overall incidence was much less than has been reported in adults with COVID-19. Delirium reduction efforts should focus on children with developmental disability and minimizing ongoing risks during IMV.

Trends in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism and Arterial Ischemic Stroke during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Administrative Database Study

To investigate trends in the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), and examine the use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This retrospective cohort study used the Pediatric Health Information Systems database to investigate patients admitted to a participating hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition codes were used to identify VTE, AIS, and COVID-19. Pharmacy billing codes were used to investigate pharmacological thromboprophylaxis use. 1 759 701 unique patients underwent 2 234 135 inpatient admissions. Rate of VTE increased from 84 cases per 10 000 admissions in 2018-2019 to 108 cases per 10 000 admissions in 2020-2021, representing a 28.6% increase (P<.001). In contrast, the rate of AIS remained stable through the study period. When compared with 2018-2019, children diagnosed with VTE during 2020-2021 had longer hospitalizations and were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit. When analysis was limited to 2020-2021, a diagnosis code of COVID-19 was associated with a 1.35-fold (95% CI: 1.24-1.45) increase in the odds of VTE diagnosis, but not AIS. Use of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis increased from 1.5% of hospitalizations in 2018-2019 to 3.0% of hospitalizations in 2020-2021 (P<.001). When evaluating thromboprophylaxis during 2020-2021, a diagnosis code for COVID-19 was associated with an 11-fold (95% CI: 10.86-11.49; P<.001) increase in the utilization of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. This study found an increase in the rate of VTE among hospitalized children during the pandemic. A diagnosis of COVID-19 was associated with a modest increase in odds of VTE diagnosis, which occurred despite increased use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.

Risk of death in old Japanese COVID-19 cases infected with the Omicron variant: a population-based study.

We assessed case fatality rates (CFRs) in cases aged ≥70 years in 10 Japanese prefectures (14.8 million residents) diagnosed between January 2022 and March 2023, when the Omicron variant was dominant in Japan. We selected incident reports on 283,052 study subjects from participating Public Health Centers adhering to the Infectious Diseases Control Law. Cases were passively followed up until the end of their isolation, date of death or 28 days after the COVID-19 diagnosis, whichever occurred first. We calculated age-standardized CFRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the Japanese population aged 70-79, 80-89 and ≥90 in 2022 divided into 16 subgroups according to the period of COVID-19 diagnosis. The total overall CFR was 1.59% (95% CI 1.55-1.64); it ranged between 0.67% (95% CI 0.38-0.96, May 23-June 19) and 2.58% (95% CI 2.36-2.80, January 31-February 27). We observed three peaks of age-standardized CFRs paralleling the 6th, 7th and 8th endemic COVID-19 waves driven by Omicron in Japan (2.2% January 31-February 27, 1.0% July 18-August 14 and 1.6% December 26-January 22, 2023, respectively). Population-based CFRs for Omicron variant COVID-19 in Japanese aged ≥70 years remained <3% throughout the period January 2022-March 2023, including during three large endemic waves in this country.

Vitamin D deficiency and the need to replenish it in COVID-19

More than five years have passed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but although the fundamental role of vitamin D’s effect on the immune system is quite obvious to the vast majority of specialists, there are publications expressing a sharply negative attitude towards the use of vitamin D preparations for the treatment of patients infected with SARSCoV- 2. The purpose of the work: «generalization of international experience on the issue of vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 patients and the need to replenish it.» From the archive of the National Library of Medicine of the USA, containing 15,768 full versions of articles on the effect of vitamin D on the incidence of coronavirus in the population, we selected 49 articles presenting the results of clinical use of vitamin D preparations for the treatment of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Of these, the results of 38 studies involving more than 3,800 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed positive results of using vitamin D preparations as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (improvement of inflammation markers, reduction of the need for artificial ventilation, reduction of the length of stay in the clinic, reduction of hospital mortality). In three more articles, the authors conclude that the use of vitamin D preparations for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 is ineffective, but they contain information about the usefulness of such use, although the differences in results in the intervention groups and control groups are not statistically significant. Seven articles indicate zero results from the use of vitamin D preparations, and one article says that taking vitamin D worsened the condition of critically ill patients. The ratio of positive, positive, but statistically insignificant, zero and negative results of clinical trials of vitamin D preparations for the treatment of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (38:3:7:1) It is significantly biased towards the usefulness of vitamin D supplements to reduce the severity of the disease and reduce hospital mortality from coronavirus infection. The most common type of vitamin D drug used in COVID-19 therapy is cholecalciferol, calcidiol is less often used, and calcitriol and ergocalciferol are used even less often (isolated cases have been described). To date, calcidiol has demonstrated the greatest effectiveness in the complex therapy of COVID -19.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on neonates born to mothers with positive COVID-19 tests. Retrospective cohort study

Background and objectives. COVID-19 infection in pregnant women has an important impact on perinatal and neonatal outcomes. In the small group with critically ill mothers, the complications in the neonates are influenced more by the mother’s state of health than by the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors aimed to evaluate the impact of neonatal positive results on SARS-CoV-2 testing. Materials and methods. The retrospective cohort study included all newborns with positive results on SARS-CoV-2 PRC testing admitted to IMSP Mother and Child Institute Kishinev, Republic of Moldova, between 2020 and 2021. Analyzed data were extracted from the maternal and neonatal medical charts, focusing on gestational age, gender, birthweight, Apgar score, type of delivery, respiratory support, radiography findings, and the number of days spent in the NICU. Results. In the present study, of the total number of patients (47), only 7 neonates had a positive COVID-19 test. Two premature infants with a positive test did not suffer from respiratory distress, while the other five needed nasal CPAP (one term infant and four premature infants of 32, 33, and 34 weeks gestational age). There was a high prematurity rate (89.36%) and a high C-section delivery rate (74.4%). Conclusions. In conclusion, the results of our study have shown the direct impact of maternal COVID-19 infection on neonates, irrespective of whether the SARS-CoV-2 test was positive or negative.

Neuroimaging Correlates of Post-COVID-19 Symptoms: A Functional MRI Approach

Backgrounds and Purpose: Post-COVID syndrome is characterized by persistent symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive impairment. These symptoms may be experienced by up to 80% of patients. We aimed to identify possible patterns of brain activation underlying post-COVID fatigue. Methods: The study used functional MRI (Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma 3T scanner with a specially created protocol) of the brain in 30 patients with post-COVID fatigue syndrome and 20 healthy volunteers. Task functional MRI (fMRI) was performed using a cognitive paradigm (modified Stroop test). Eligible patients included adults aged 18–50 years with a &gt;12 weeks before enrolment (less than 12 months) prior history of documented COVID-19 with symptoms of fatigue not attributable to any other cause, and with MFI-20 score &gt; 30 and MoCA at first visit. Healthy control participants had no prior history of COVID-19 and negative tests for severe acute coronavirus respiratory syndrome with MFI-20 score &lt; 30 and MoCA at first visit. Task fMRI data were processed using the SPM12 software package based on MATLAB R2022a. Results: Cognitive task fMRI analysis showed significantly higher activation in the post-COVID group versus healthy volunteers’ group. Between-group analysis showed significant activation differences. Using a threshold of T &gt; 3 we identified eight clusters of statistically significant activation: supramarginal gyri, posterior cingulate cortex, opercular parts of precentral gyri and cerebellum posterior lobe bilaterally. Conclusions: Post-COVID fatigue syndrome associated with subjective cognitive impairment could show changes in brain functional activity in the areas connected with information processing speed and quality.

Loneliness in the Republic of Srpska: advocating for social prescribing.

This study explores the potential implementation of social prescribing in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the approach is non-existent, and supporting structures are underdeveloped despite a recognized need for intervention. As social prescribing gains global recognition for improving health, the study investigates its feasibility in an uncharted area. The research assesses the necessity for social prescribing by examining loneliness rates and healthcare utilization in the Republic of Srpska, a region seldom studied in public health literature. Data from 1231 individuals aged 16-86 were collected in May 2021, marking the first initiative to gather information on loneliness and healthcare usage in the country. Loneliness rates in the Republic of Srpska were comparable to the UK. Using a negative binomial model, the study establishes significant links between loneliness, chronic health conditions, age, and healthcare service utilization. Loneliness, chronic health conditions, and age predict the use of general practitioner services. In the 44-54 and 65+ age groups, loneliness predicts accident and emergency service use. Specialist healthcare services are positively predicted by loneliness, having one chronic health condition, and being above 44 years of age. Notably, a COVID-19 diagnosis negatively predicts the use of all healthcare services. Gender and place of residence do not significantly impact healthcare service utilization. The study concludes that observed loneliness rates and correlated healthcare usage patterns in the Republic of Srpska indicate a need for social prescribing. The paper discusses the feasibility of implementing social prescribing in this particular case.

Pro-Resolving Inflammatory Effects of a Marine Oil Enriched in Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) Supplement and Its Implication in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS).

This study aimed to evaluate the eicosanoid and pro-resolutive parameters in patients with Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) during a 12-week supplementation with a marine oil enriched in specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). This study was conducted on 53 adult patients with PCS. The subjects included must have had a positive COVID-19 test (PCR, fast antigen test, or serologic test) and persistent symptoms related to COVID-19 at least 12 weeks before their enrolment in the study. The following parameters were evaluated: polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA, DHA, ARA, and DPA; specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), 17-HDHA, 18-HEPE, 14-HDHA, resolvins, maresins, protectins, and lipoxins. The eicosanoids group included prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. The development of the clinical symptoms of fatigue and dyspnea were evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale. Three groups with different intake amounts were evaluated (daily use of 500 mg, 1500 mg, and 3000 mg) and compared to a control group not using the product. In the serum from patients with PCS, an increase in 17-HDHA, 18-HEPE, and 14-HDHA could be observed, and a decrease in the ratio between the pro-inflammatory and pro-resolutive lipid mediators was detected; both differences were significant (p < 0.05). There were no differences found between the three treatment groups. Fatigue and dyspnea showed a trend of improvement after supplementation in all groups. A clear enrichment in the serum of the three monohydroxylated SPMs could be observed at a dosage of 500 mg per day. Similarly, a clear improvement in fatigue and dyspnea was observed with this dosage.

Resilience as a protective factor in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients hospitalised for COVID-19

Introduction and objective: Both the illness itself and hospitalisation due to COVID-19 are potentially traumatic experiences, especially when the course of the disease is severe. Resilience has been identified as a crucial factor in the process of successfully coping with traumatic events and may protect against the development of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the role of resilience in the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19. Materials and methods: A total of 138 patients (59 women, 79 men; mean age: 52.34 years; standard deviation, SD = 12.46) hospitalised at the University Hospital in Krakow were included in the study, which was conducted 7–8 months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Resilience Measurement Scale (SPP-25) were administered, and stepwise multiple regression analysis was used in the predictive models. Results: A total of 31 participants (22.5%) met the criteria for probable post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The study participants were characterised by a moderate level of resilience (5th sten), with women exhibiting lower levels than men. Higher levels of resilience were associated with lower severity of PTSD symptoms. A significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms was “Tolerance for failure and treating life as a challenge”. Conclusions: Resilience has an impact on the severity of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, the dimension of “Tolerance” within resilience appears to be an important protective factor against post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after hospitalisation for COVID-19. Patients hospitalised with severe course of COVID-19 exhibit a moderate level of resilience, with men demonstrating higher resilience levels than women.

Depression and inflammation in COVID-19 patients during and after hospitalisation – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: The severity of depression symptoms in COVID-19 patients differs among populations investigated and changes over time. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis about the involvement of inflammation in the development of depression. Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis of the cross-sectional and cohort studies published between 2019 and 2023 were conducted according to the PRISMA criteria. The outcomes of interest were the proportions of mild, moderate, and severe depression symptoms during and after hospitalisation, and associations between depression and inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Results: Thirty articles were included in the systematic review. In the quantitative meta-analysis, the overall proportions of moderate-to-severe and mild-to-severe depression were estimated at 0.21 (95% CI: 0.13–0.31) and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.23–0.48), respectively. The fixed effects model of the meta-analysis of inflammatory markers showed a difference between COVID-19 patients with and without depression, with higher concentrations of both C-reactive protein and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio detected among people suffering mood disturbances. However, in random effects models, findings for C-reactive protein lost significance, and for neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were on the boundary of significance (p = 0.053). Conclusions: According to the study results, the proportion of depression decreases over time after a COVID-19 diagnosis. The relationship between depression and inflammation is still uncertain and requires further research.