Epidemiology Of COVID-19 Infection Research Articles

Clinical and Laboratory Profile, Management and Outcome of Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Infection Admitted at the Philippine General Hospital

Background. The Philippines has recorded over 470,000 COVID-19 cases in children, with over 1,500 deathsduring the same period. Although a Philippine online pediatric COVID-19 registry exists, this only relies on passive surveillance. Objectives. This study determined the clinical and laboratory profile, risk factors for severe COVID-19, and mortality, management, and outcome of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from April 2020 to June 2022 to fill in knowledge gaps on the epidemiology of COVID-19 infection in children. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric COVID-19 cases admitted at the PGH, a designatedCOVID referral center during the study period. Demographic and clinical profile, risk factors, comorbidities, laboratory and radiologic findings, management, and outcomes across different disease severity states were gathered by chart review and the data were analyzed using STATA 17. Results. There were 448 pediatric patients admitted and diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period. Most patients belonged to the 1-5-year age group (25.9%), had no known exposure to a COVID-19 case (65.4%), were mild cases (37.3%%), and did not receive any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (96.7%). The most common presenting symptoms across all disease categories were fever (44.4%), cough (28.6%), and shortness of breath (26.6%). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) presented with fever (100%) and rash (53.9%). The risk factors for severe disease were the presence of a congenital anomaly lung disease, and elevated procalcitonin. Most patients with MIS-C were previously well with no comorbidities. Laboratory findings which were markedly elevated among severe and critical cases were ESR, CRP, D-dimer, LDH, and IL-6. Ferritin, procalcitonin (PCT) and IL-6 were elevated only in severe to critical COVID-19 cases and remained within normal for the other disease categories. As to treatment, asymptomatic, mild, and moderate cases were given supportive medications (zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C), while investigational drugs particularly corticosteroids, IVIG, and remdesivir, were used in severe cases. Antibiotics were given to 71.7% of patients at the outset.As to the outcomes, 89% recovered, while 8.9% died. The case fatality rate from COVID-19 infection was at2.2%. Conclusion. Admitted pediatric COVID-19 cases are generally mild but admission is due to underlying illnessor comorbidities. Those with severe to critical cases have underlying comorbidities and had either progression or complications due to COVID disease. D-dimer, LDH, IL-6, ferritin and procalcitonin were elevated among severe and critical cases which can be utilized as inflammatory markers.

Epidemiological state, patient’s characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccination levels in Algeria

Since the global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19 disease, has been declared a “public health emergency of international concern” by the World Health Organization, epidemiological plans of control and investigation were established. In this study we aim to identify the epidemiological situation, mortality rates, and vaccination response in the population of Oum el Bouaghi, Algeria from March 2021 to March 2022. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 confirmed cases, and vaccination data were collected from the Health and Population Directorate (HPD), as well as the COVID-19 unit in the Mohemed Boudiaf Public Hospital Establishment. The epidemiological profiles of the COVID-19 patients, along with cumulative number of people vaccinated depending on vaccine’s type were reported by numbers, percentages, curves and graphic histograms. The epidemiology of Covid-19 infection in Oum el Bouaghi, was similar to that recorded in many countries during the study period. It experienced two peaks, in August 2021 and in January 2022 which coincided with Delta and Omicron variants respectively. A total of 2068 COVID-19 cases were reported, with the average age of 54 and a female predominance (57%). Furthermore, people beyond the age of 40, especially over 65 years were the most hospitalized category (43% and 31% respectively), and presented the highest rate of morality (36% and 56% respectively).Among the 1510 hospitalized cases 169 (11%) patients passed away. They had a high profile of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases (high blood pressure/heart disease) 48% and diabetes 43%.Of a total of 84.047 people vaccinated, 59% were men, and 77% preferred Sinovac. People over 65 years had the highest vaccination rate (42%). People with chronic diseases accounted for 74% of the vaccinated population, clinicians and health professionals 7% and the rest of the population presented only 19%.In conclusion, People above 65 years with comorbidities appeared to be more susceptible to present the severe form of the infection. The quarantine adopted by Algeria and the strict precautionary measures has allowed the return to stability and a gradual reduction of positive cases. Additionally OEB had a medium participation in vaccination, with a dominance of people with chronic diseases. This perfectly meets the mechanism of COVAX and the indications of the Algerian High Authority of Health.

COVID-19 infection and the broader impacts of the pandemic on healthcare workers.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease or COVID-19 pandemic is associated with more than 230 million cases and has challenged healthcare systems globally. Many healthcare workers (HCWs) have acquired the infection, often through their workplace, with a significant number dying. The epidemiology of COVID-19 infection in HCWs continues to be explored, with manifold exposure risks identified, leading to COVID-19 being recognised as an occupational disease for HCWs. The physical illness due to COVID-19 in HCWs is similar to the general population, with some HCWs experiencing a long-term illness, which may impact their ability to return to work. HCWs have also been affected by the immense workplace and psychosocial disruption caused by the pandemic. The impacts on the psychological well-being of HCWs globally have been profound, with high prevalence estimates for mental health symptoms, including emotional exhaustion. Globally, governments, healthcare organisations and employers have key responsibilities, including: to be better prepared for crises with comprehensive disaster response management plans, and to protect and preserve the health workforce from the physical and psychological impacts of the pandemic. While prioritising HCWs in vaccine rollouts globally has been critical, managing exposures and outbreaks occurring in healthcare settings remains challenging and continues to lead to substantial disruption to the health workforce. Safeguarding healthcare workforces during crises is critical as we move forward on the new path of 'COVID normal'.

COVID-19 Infection in Vaccinated Adult Patients with Hematological Malignancies. Preliminary Results from Epicovideha (Epidemiology of COVID-19 infection in patients with hematological malignancies: A European Haematology Association Survey)

COVID-19 Infection in Vaccinated Adult Patients with Hematological Malignancies. Preliminary Results from Epicovideha (Epidemiology of COVID-19 infection in patients with hematological malignancies: A European Haematology Association Survey)

Epidemiology of COVID-19 Infection in Hospitalized End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients in a Predominantly African-American Population

Background: End-stage kidney disease patients on dialysis are particularly susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to comorbidities, age, and logistic constraints of dialysis making social distancing difficult. We describe our experience with hospitalized dialysis patients with COVID-19 and factors associated with mortality. Methods: From March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020, all dialysis patients admitted to 4 Emory Hospitals and tested for COVID-19 were identified. Sociodemographic information and clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the medical record. Death was defined as an in-hospital death or transfer to hospice for end-of-life care. Patients were followed until discharge or death. Results: Sixty-four dialysis patients with COVID-19 were identified. Eighty-four percent were African-American. The median age was 64 years, and 59% were males. Four patients were on peritoneal dialysis, and 60 were on hemodialysis for a median time of 3.8 years, while 31% were obese. Fever (72%), cough (61%), and diarrhea (22%) were the most common symptoms at presentation. Thirty-three percent required admission to intensive care unit, and 23% required mechanical ventilation. The median length of stay was 10 days, while 11 patients (17%) died during hospitalization and 17% were discharged to a temporary rehabilitation facility. Age >65 years (RR 13.7, CI: 1.9–100.7), C-reactive protein >100 mg/dL (RR 8.3, CI: 1.1–60.4), peak D-dimer >3,000 ng/mL (RR 4.3, CI: 1.03–18.2), bilirubin >1 mg/dL (RR 3.9, CI: 1.5–10.4), and history of peripheral vascular disease (RR 3.2, CI: 1.2–9.1) were associated with mortality. Dialysis COVID-19-infected patients were more likely to develop thromboembolic complications than those without COVID-19 (RR 3.7, CI: 1.3–10.1). Conclusion: In a predominantly African-American population, the mortality of end-stage kidney disease patients admitted with COVID-19 infection was 17%. Age, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, bilirubin, and history of peripheral vascular disease were associated with worse survival.

Overview of the First 6 Months of Clinical Trials for COVID-19 Pharmacotherapy: The Most Studied Drugs.

SARS-CoV-2 rapidly spread from China until it was defined a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. Related scientific papers have rapidly extended information regarding the diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of COVID-19 infection. To date, no vaccine or definitive treatment is available to defeat the virus and therapies are mainly based on existing drugs used to treat other conditions. Existing therapies used in several clinical trials work by affecting the biology of COVID-19 and/or counteracting the harmful host excessive immune response. Here, we have reviewed 526 ongoing clinical trials for COVID-19 to provide a perspective on the first 6 months of global efforts to identify an effective therapy. The drugs most actively tested in various centers include hydroxychloroquine, ritonavir, azithromycin, tocilizumab, lopinavir chloroquine and ivermectin. Our analysis shows that most clinical trials focus on a small number of candidate drugs (namely hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine representing 25% of total clinical trials) while underestimating the potential of other promising drugs. A global coordination in clinical trial management could avoid duplications and increase the effectiveness of the response to the global challenge.

Outcomes and epidemiology of COVID-19 infection in the obstetric population

As of June 19, 2020 there are more than 8.6 million COVID-19 cases worldwide with over 450,000 deaths. Providing obstetrical care in the setting of the pandemic poses challenges to the healthcare system in that, in comparison to many other medical specialties, obstetrical care cannot be deferred. Pregnant patients represent a high risk population for exposure and infection with respiratory pathogens and, as they require multiple points of contact with the healthcare system, are especially vulnerable. The purpose of this review is assess current epidemiology and outcomes research related to COVID-19 with a focus on obstetric patients. This review covers the global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, symptomatology, modes of transmission, and current knowledge gaps related to epidemiology and outcomes for the obstetric population.