Lower Lymphocyte Percentage Research Articles

Prevalence and determinants of reticular pseudodrusen in the Russian Ural Eye and Medical Study.

To assess the prevalence of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) and their determinants. The Population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study conducted in Bashkortostan/Russia included 5899 participants aged 40+ years. Presence of RPDs was assessed on conventional colour fundus photographs, red-free fundus images and optical coherence tomographic images. The study included 4914 (83.3%) individuals (mean age: 58.5 ± 10.5 years; range: 40-94 years). Using two age limits (>55 years and 40+ years) for the definitions of RPD and AMD (age-related macular degeneration), RPD prevalence was 186/4914 (3.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.3, 4.3) and 246/4914 (5.0%, 95% CI: 4.4, 5.6), respectively, and the prevalence of any AMD without RPD was 182/4914 (3.7%: 95% CI: 3.2, 4.2) and 224/4914 (4.6%; 95% CI: 4.0, 5.1) respectively. Within the subgroup of early AMD, intermediate AMD and late AMD, RPD prevalence (age limit: 40+ years) was 55.1% (95% CI: 49.5, 60.8), 42.9% (95% CI: 33.8, 51.9) and 33.3% (95% CI: 16.4, 50.3) respectively. In multivariable analysis, higher RPD prevalence (age limit 40+ years) was associated with higher age (odds ratio (OR): 1.08; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.10; p < 0.001), rural region of habitation (OR: 3.81; 95% CI: 2.76, 5.24; p < 0.001) and lower percentage of lymphocytes on leukocyte counts (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.97; p < 0.001). Higher prevalence of any AMD without RPD was associated with urban region (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.11; p = 0.002), lower diabetes prevalence (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.90; p = 0.02) and shorter axial length (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.98; p = 0.03), after adjusting for age. Reticular pseudodrusen (mean prevalence: 3.8% (age limit >55 years); 5.0% (age limit 40+ years)) differs from AMD without RPD in its association with urban region (AMD without RPD: rural region), lower lymphocyte percentage (AMD without RPD: no association) and a lack of associations with axial length (AMD without RPD: shorter axial length) and with diabetes prevalence (AMD without RPD: lower diabetes prevalence).

Lymphocyte percentage as a valuable predictor of prognosis in lung cancer.

Lymphocytes and neutrophils are involved in the immune response against cancer. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lymphocyte percentage/neutrophil percentage and the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients, and to explore whether they could act as valuable predictors to ameliorate lung cancer prognosis. A total of 1312 patients were eligible to be recruited. Lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil percentage were classified based on their reference ranges. Survival curves were determined using Kaplan–Meier method, and univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were performed to identify the significant predictors. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical benefit. The results of both training and validation cohorts indicated that lymphocyte percentage exhibited high correlation with clinical characteristics and metastasis of lung cancer patients. Both lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil percentage were closely associated with survival status (all p < 0.0001). Low lymphocyte percentage could act as an indicator of poor prognosis; it offered a higher clinical benefit when combined with the clinical characteristic model. Our findings suggested that pretreatment lymphocyte percentage served as a reliable predictor of lung cancer prognosis, and it was also an accurate response indicator in lung adenocarcinoma and advanced lung cancer. Measurement of lymphocyte percentage improved the clinical utility of patient characteristics in predicting mortality of lung cancer patients.

Early mortality in patients with kidney failure starting chronic dialysis in Zambia: a retrospective cohort analysis

Introduction: Dialysis is the primary kidney replacement therapy for patients with kidney failure in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the rates and predictors of early mortality in Zambian patients starting chronic dialysis. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients who started chronic haemodialysis (HD) or peritonealdialysis (PD) between 1 January 2017 and 31 August 2020 at the three largest public dialysis centres in Zambia. Data on clinical, laboratory and dialysis characteristics were extracted from medical records. The primary outcome of interest was the mortality rate at 90 days. Results: A total of 154 patients were included in the study; 43.5% were female and 32% were 50 years or older.The main causes of kidney failure were hypertension (59%), glomerulonephritis (10%), HIV/AIDS (10%) andunknown (8%). The mortality rate at 90 days was 12.3%. Of these, 42% were cardiovascular-related mortalities and 32% died of infection related to central venous catheters. The lymphocyte percentage of total white blood cells was lower in patients who died compared to survivors (12.7 vs 20.8%) and was an independent predictor of early mortality (OR 0.914, 95% CI 0.850–0.983; P = 0.015). Conclusions: Early mortality was high in Zambian patients starting dialysis, and a low lymphocyte percentage was a predictor of mortality. Keywords: kidney replacement therapy, dialysis, Zambia, mortality

Trends of variation of the laboratory parameters during the course of COVID-19 Illness

Background: The coronavirus pandemic which had its origin in the Wuhan China has been spreading across the globe with far reaching complications and a variable clinical course. A variation of the laboratory parameters during the disease course remains a constant parameter to monitor the disease course and progression. Since the laboratory parameters are standardized globally, these may also act as uniform guidelines for the patients monitoring and treatment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to serial charting of the laboratory parameters in the recovered and expired patients of COVID-19 and to determine an associated prognostic significance. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study from the laboratory and medical records was conducted on the patients admitted from March 17, 2020, to May 31, 2020, at the tertiary care center dedicated to the treatment of RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 positive patients. Results: The group of parameters showing a poor prognosis include a rising WBC count, high neutrophilic percentage, low lymphocyte percentage (&lt;10) an NLR &gt; 15, low lymphocyte monocyte ratio &lt; 3, rising blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine levels, and serum electrolyte levels. The liver function tests variation reflecting a poor metabolic activity of the liver, namely, a low serum albumin and albumin globulin ratio, rising SGOT levels, and total bilirubin levels. A highly significant variation in the acute phase reactants showing an exponential rise such as the serum lactate dehydrogenase levels, serum ferritin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and IL 6 levels an increased level of D Dimer (&gt;3) and a prolongation of the APTT. Conclusion: The variation of the laboratory parameters acts as a fair marker for the disease progression. Since the disease shows a variable progression with a sudden worsening of the clinical symptoms, a comprehensive monitoring of the laboratory parameters serves to diagnose and treat the disease progression.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Third- and Twelfth-Month Mortality in Patients with Hip Fractures Aged 80 Years and Older.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors that are related with mortality at third and twelfth months after hip fractures in a large population of patients aged 80 years and older. 605 patients were evaluated in terms of the localization of the fracture, gender, age, side of the fracture, the type of applied procedure, anesthesia type, hospitalization time, time to operation, comorbidities, ASA score, the values of preoperative hemoglobin, lymphocyte and neutrophil percentage, white blood cell, albumin, sodium levels. The state mortality system was used to investigate whether patients are alive or died. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the important factors on third- and twelfth-month mortality. Male gender, neurologic-cardiac-chronic obstructive pulmonary (COP) diseases, preoperative hemoglobin level < 10g/dL, arthroplasty and external fixator groups, ASA grade ≥ 3, delaying the surgery more than 4days, longer hospitalization time, lower albumin levels and advanced age were found to be statistically significant factors for 3-month mortality (p values were; 0.01, 0.02, 0.01, 0.01, 0.047, 0.01, 0.02, 0.002, < 0.001, 0.002 and 0.01, respectively). Male gender, hypertension-neurologic-cardiac diseases, preoperative hemoglobin level < 10g/dL, delaying the surgery more than 4days, longer hospitalization time, lower lymphocyte percentage, lower albumin levels and advanced age were found to be statistically significant factors for 12-month mortality (p values were; < 0.001, 0.01, 0.01, 0.01, 0.03, 0.01, < 0.001, 0.01, 0.004 and < 0.001, respectively). COP, advanced age, and heart disease were the most important factors in 3-month mortality. Long hospitalization time, male gender and advanced age were the most important factors affecting the 12-month mortality.Level of Evidence Prognostic level IV.

Investigation of the relationship between lymphocyte subsets and intestinal parasites

We analyzed the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of cancer patients infected with intestinal parasites, with an aim to find out the relationship between the levels of different types of lymphocytes with the prognosis of patients. 201 cancer patients aged 18 and over were included. Stool samples of the patients were examined using native-lugol, trichrome, modified trichrome (Weber's Trichrome stain), and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium parvum were investigated at the genus and species levels using PCR. Lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry in blood samples. One or more parasite species were detected in 115 (56.7%) patients. The most common parasite species were Microsporidia, Blastocystis and Entamoeba coli, respectively. The frequency of parasites was high in patients with low lymphocyte percentage, CD3+ T cell and CD3+ CD4+ T (Th) cell levels in blood samples studied by flow cytometry. Microsporidia infection was significantly higher in patients with low lymphocyte percentage and Th cell levels. Similarly, C. parvum infection was found to be significantly higher in patients with low T lymphocyte percentage and Th cell level. Finally, Blastocystis infection was significantly higher in patients with low lymphocyte percentage and CD4/CD8 ratio higher than 1. The decrease in lymphocyte percentage, CD3+ T cell and Th cell count, and low CD4/CD8 ratio in cancer patients increase the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections. Based on these results, lymphocyte subsets may help identify cancer patients at high risk of opportunistic parasites. We suggest that opportunistic parasitic infections affecting the clinical course of the disease should be considered by clinicians during the follow-up and treatment of patients.

Intravascular emboli relates to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and predicts prognosis in stage III colorectal cancer.

Background: Stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience varying degrees of prognosis even if receiving standard therapeutic regimes. Intravascular emboli (IVE), a type of vascular invasion, impacts the clinical outcome in CRC. In this study, we confirmed the role of IVE in predicting the prognosis of stage III CRC patients and characterized the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC with IVE.Methods: Data from 220 consecutive patients (cohort 1) with stage III CRC undergoing radical surgery was collected retrospectively between January 2009 to December 2014. According to the presence of IVE, which was confirmed by two independent pathologists, patients were classified into two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relation of IVE presence to patients’ prognosis. The association between IVE and clinicopathological factors was also analyzed. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) were performed to describe features of the TME based on microarray data consisting of 6 patients. Tumor tissues from a separate cohort of 73 patients with stage III CRC (cohort 2) collected between June 2014 and December 2015 were used to analyze tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.Results: IVE was observed in 126 (57.3%) patients and could serve as an unfavorable independent prognostic predictor (P < 0.001) as well as lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05) and tumor location (P < 0.05). Additionally, patients with IVE had a higher neutrophil percentage (P = 0.002) and lower lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.002) relative to those without IVE. CRC with IVE had a significantly different profile of DEGs compared to CRC without IVE, and GSEA showed chronic inflammatory and immunosuppressive TME may promote IVE development. In cohort 2, tumors with IVE had fewer CD3+ TILs in the stromal region, as well as fewer CD8+ TILs in both stromal and tumoral regions relative to those without IVE.Conclusion: IVE, which was related closely to a chronic inflammatory and immunosuppressive TME, forecasted a worse prognosis of stage III CRC patients and may be taken into consideration when a therapeutic strategy is decided upon.

Sex-based clinical and immunological differences in COVID-19

BackgroundMales and females differ in their immunological responses to foreign pathogens. However, most of the current COVID-19 clinical practices and trials do not take the sex factor into consideration.MethodsWe performed a sex-based comparative analysis for the clinical outcomes, peripheral immune cells, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) specific antibody levels of 1558 males and 1499 females COVID-19 patients from a single center. The lymphocyte subgroups were measured by Flow cytometry. The total antibody, Spike protein (S)-, receptor binding domain (RBD)-, and nucleoprotein (N)- specific IgM and IgG levels were measured by chemiluminescence.ResultsWe found that male patients had approximately two-fold rates of ICU admission (4.7% vs. 2.7% in males and females, respectively, P = 0.005) and mortality (3% vs. 1.4%, in males and females, respectively, P = 0.004) than female patients. Survival analysis revealed that the male sex is an independent risk factor for death from COVID-19 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–3.6, P = 0.003). The level of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood was higher in males during hospitalization. The renal (102/1588 [6.5%] vs. 63/1499 [4.2%], in males and females, respectively, P = 0.002) and hepatic abnormality (650/1588 [40.9%] vs. 475/1499 [31.7%], P = 0.003) were more common in male patients than in female patients. By analyzing dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets after symptom onset, we found that the percentage of CD19+ B cells and CD4+ T cells was generally higher in female patients during the disease course of COVID-19. Notably, the protective RBD-specific IgG against SARS-CoV-2 sharply increased and reached a peak in the fourth week after symptom onset in female patients, while gradually increased and reached a peak in the seventh week after symptom onset in male patients.ConclusionsMales had an unfavorable prognosis, higher inflammation, a lower percentage of lymphocytes, and indolent antibody responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery. Early medical intervention and close monitoring are important, especially for male COVID-19 patients.

Administration Timing and Efficacy of Tocilizumab in Patients With COVID-19 and Elevated IL-6.

BackgroundTocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antibody, has previously been used for treating patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but there is a lack of data regarding the administration timing of TCZ.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the timing and efficacy of TCZ in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.MethodsLaboratory-confirmed patients with COVID-19 with an elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) level (>10 pg/ml) were offered TCZ intravenously for compassionate use. Clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and chest imaging before and after the administration of TCZ were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of 58 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria and with no compliance to the exclusion criteria were included. Of these 58 patients, 39 patients received TCZ treatment, and 19 patients who declined TCZ treatment were used as the control cohort. In the TCZ-treatment group, 6 patients (15.4%) were in mild condition, 16 (41.0%) were in severe condition, and 17 (43.6%) were in critical condition. After TCZ treatment, the condition of 27 patients (69.2%) improved and 12 (30.8%) died. Compared with the improvement group, patients in the death group had higher baseline levels of IL-6 (P = 0.0191) and procalcitonin (PCT) (P = 0.0003) and lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM) (P = 0.0059). Patients receiving TCZ treatment had better prognoses than those without TCZ treatment (P = 0.0273). Furthermore, patients with a baseline IL-6 level of ≥100 pg/ml in the TCZ-treatment group had poorer clinical outcomes than those with an IL-6 level of <100 pg/ml (P = 0.0051).ConclusionThe administration of TCZ in an early stage of cytokine storm (IL-6 level < 100 pg/ml) may effectively improve the clinical prognosis of patients with COVID-19 by blocking the IL-6 signal pathway.

Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Neonatal Outcomes of Pregnant Women with SARS-COV-2 Infection.

SummaryThis retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with SARS-COV-2 in Wuhan Children’s Hospital and further suggested a possible management strategy for infected pregnant women under epidemic situation. In this study, 8 pregnant women with SARS-COV-2 who were admitted into Wuhan Children’s Hospital, China from February 1, 2020 to March 30, 2020 and the clinical features, laboratory data, maternal and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. The mean age of the women at the time of admission was 30.6 years. The mean gestational age of the women was 37 weeks+4 days, and one woman presented with dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancy. Except for one woman who was febrile, others had no typical clinical symptoms. For all pregnant women, the count of white blood cells and lymphocytes appeared normal, but 6 had a lower percentage of lymphocytes. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were normal for all the women. One neonate was tested positive for the coronavirus IgG and IgM antibodies. The clinical symptoms of the pregnant women with SARS-COV-2 were mild, and the laboratory data showed similar characteristics to those of non-infected pregnant women. Since one neonate was tested positive for coronavirus, there is a possibility of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Prompt and efficient screening, triage, and isolation of pregnant women are effective management strategies to reduce nosocomial infection during the SARS-COV-2 epidemic.

Blood parameters, symptoms at presentation and adverse in-hospital outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with hypertension

Background: We aimed to explore the association of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 pneumonia, blood parameters on admission, and anti-hypertensive drugs with in-hospital outcomes, including length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, receiving mechanical ventilation, degree of lung injury, and in-hospital death among patients with hypertension. Material and methods: This retrospective study conducted in patients with newly diagnosed COVID-19 pneumonia from August 20, 2020 to September 25, 2020. Results: A total of 182 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the present study. The patients were categorized into those with hypertension (n = 82) or without hypertension (n = 100). Patients on angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) showed no significant increase in the risk for all in-hospital outcomes. Old age [0.6 (0.5–2) p &lt; 0.00], fever [0.3 (0.2–1.8), p &lt; 0.00] and low lymphocytes percentage [0.3 (0.2–1.2), p &lt; 0.00] were associated with increased risk for extensive lung injury. Old age [0.4 (0.1 = 0.7) p &lt; 0.01], high neutrophil count [0.3 (0.2–2), p = 0.02] and low lymphocyte percentage [0.3 (0.1–0.7), p = 0.01] were associated with prolonged hospital stay while low lymphocytes percentage [0.7 (0.6–0.9), p &lt; 0.00], old age [1.2 (1–1.4), p = 0.01] and fatigue [2 (1–4), p = 0.04] showed significant association with prolonged length of ICU stay. Low lymphocytes percentage [0.7 (0.6–1), p &lt; 0.00], old age [1.1 (1–1.2), p = 0.01] and fatigue [2 (1.7–4), p = 0.02] were associated with increased risk for receiving mechanical ventilation. Risk for in-hospital death was associated with increased neutrophil percentage [1.2 (1–1.5), p = 0.01] and old age [1.1 (1–1.2), p = 0.03]. Conclusions: ARBs and ACEIs showed no significant association with adverse in-hospital outcomes. Old age, low lymphocytes percentage and high neutrophils percentage on admission were independent predictors for increased risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity among COVID-19 pneumonia patients with hypertension.

Exploring alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters, enzyme activities and serum cortisol in Besnoitia besnoiti naturally infected dairy cattle

BackgroundBesnoitia besnoiti is an Apicomplexan protozoa causative of bovine besnoitiosis, a chronic and debilitating disease of cattle, with a variety of pathological findings that could alter some laboratory parameters. A study was conducted in a bovine besnoitiosis endemically infected dairy herd located in Italy characterized by high intra-herd seroprevalence and cattle with clinical signs of the disease. In the study, alterations in laboratory parameters, i.e. hematological and biochemical parameters, enzyme activities and serum cortisol levels, in Besnoitia besnoiti naturally infected cows were investigated in depth.MethodsLaboratory parameters in 107 cows, of which 61 were seronegative and 46 were seropositive to B. besnoiti, including 27 with clinical signs of bovine besnoitiosis, were compared. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effect of Besnoitia infection on the considered laboratory parameters.ResultsHematological analyses revealed that B. besnoiti infection determined a significant alteration to the leukocyte differential, with a higher percentage of granulocytes and a lower percentage of lymphocytes in seropositive and clinically affected animals (Mann–Whitney U-test, P = 0.022); erythrocyte and platelet counts did not show any difference between the considered groups of cows. Biochemistry tests evidenced that the parasite infection influenced serum protein values in seropositive cows and glutamate dehydrogenase values in clinically affected animals. No or only slight differences were revealed for all of the other biochemical and enzyme activity parameters in B. besnoiti-infected animals. In addition, despite the lack of statistical significance, seropositive and clinically affected cows evidenced higher concentrations of serum cortisol values compared to seronegative animals.ConclusionsAlthough physiological, pathological and farm-related factors could have influenced the results in investigated animals, further studies involving more animals from different farms would be advisable to infer the role of B. besnoiti on these alterations, since laboratory parameters could help veterinarians in the diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis in cattle.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from perinatal tissues for treatment of critically ill COVID-19-induced ARDS patients: a case series

BackgroundAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fatal complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are a few reports of allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential treatment for ARDS. In this phase 1 clinical trial, we present the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of the multiple infusions of high dose MSCs, which originated from the placenta and umbilical cord, in critically ill COVID-19-induced ARDS patients.MethodsA total of 11 patients diagnosed with COVID-19-induced ARDS who were admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of two hospitals enrolled in this study. The patients were critically ill with severe hypoxemia and required mechanical ventilation. The patients received three intravenous infusions (200 × 106 cells) every other day for a total of 600 × 106 human umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs; 6 cases) or placental MSCs (PL-MSCs; 5 cases).FindingsThere were eight men and three women who were 42 to 66 years of age. Of these, six (55%) patients had comorbidities of diabetes, hypertension, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and cardiomyopathy (CMP). There were no serious adverse events reported 24–48 h after the cell infusions. We observed reduced dyspnea and increased SpO2 within 48–96 h after the first infusion in seven patients. Of these seven patients, five were discharged from the ICU within 2–7 days (average: 4 days), one patient who had signs of acute renal and hepatic failure was discharged from the ICU on day 18, and the last patient suddenly developed cardiac arrest on day 7 of the cell infusion. Significant reductions in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α; P < 0.01), IL-8 (P < 0.05), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.01) were seen in all six survivors. IL-6 levels decreased in five (P = 0.06) patients and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels decreased in four (P = 0.14) patients. Four patients who had signs of multi-organ failure or sepsis died in 5–19 days (average: 10 days) after the first MSC infusion. A low percentage of lymphocytes (< 10%) and leukocytosis were associated with poor outcome (P = 0.02). All six survivors were well with no complaints of dyspnea on day 60 post-infusion. Radiological parameters of the lung computed tomography (CT) scans showed remarkable signs of recovery.InterpretationWe suggest that multiple infusions of high dose allogeneic prenatal MSCs are safe and can rapidly improve respiratory distress and reduce inflammatory biomarkers in some critically ill COVID-19-induced ARDS cases. Patients that develop sepsis or multi-organ failure may not be good candidates for stem cell therapy. Large randomized multicenter clinical trials are needed to discern the exact therapeutic potentials of MSC in COVID-19-induced ARDS.

Identification of risk factors for in-hospital death of COVID - 19 pneumonia -- lessions from the early outbreak

BackgroundTo examine the clinical characteristics and identify independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia.MethodsA total of 156 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia at the Central Hospital of Wuhan from January 29, 2020, to March 20, 2020, and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled in this single-centered retrospective study. The epidemiological parameters, clinical presentations, underlying diseases, laboratory test results, and disease outcomes were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe median age of all enrolled patients was 66 years. At least one underlying disease was identified in 101 COVID-19 patients, with hypertension being the most common one, followed by cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The most common symptoms identified upon admission were fever, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. Compared to survival cases, patients who died during hospitalization had higher plasma levels of D-dimer, creatinine, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate, and lower percentage of lymphocytes (LYM [%]), platelet count and albumin levels. Most enrolled patients received antibiotics and anti-viral treatment. In addition, 60 patients received corticosteroids, and 51 received intravenous immunoglobulin infusion. Forty-four patients received noninvasive ventilation and 19 received invasive ventilation. Respiratory failure was the most frequently observed complication (106 [67.9%]), followed by sepsis (103 [66.0%]), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (67 [42.9%]), and septic shock (50 [32.1%]).Multivariable regression suggested that advanced age (OR [odds ratio] = 1.098, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.006–1.199, P = 0.037), shorter duration from onset to admission (OR = 0.853, 95% CI: 0.750–0.969, P = 0.015) and elevated lactate level upon admission (OR = 2.689, 95% CI: 1.044–6.926, P = 0.040) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, increased LYM (%) at admission (OR = 0.787, 95% CI: 0.686–0.903, P = 0.001) indicated a better prognosis.ConclusionsIn this study, we discovered that age, duration from onset to admission, LYM (%), and lactate level upon admission were independent factors that affecting the in-hospital mortality rate.

HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN PREDICTION OF DISEASE SEVERITY AND MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response of the body caused by a severe infection. The aim of this study was to examine the importance of hematological parameters and c-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of sepsis, assessment of disease severity, and prediction of final outcome of these patients. The prospective study included 106 hospitalized patients with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis. Haematological parameters and CRP correlated with sepsis stage, and using ROC (Receiver operating characteristic) analysis were evaluated in the prediction of the final outcome of these patients. Among haematological parameters, patients with sepsis had a significantly higher proportion of total unsegmented neutrophil granulocytes, a lower percentage of lymphocytes, as well as a lower total platelet count (p&lt;0.05 for all measurements). An excellent positive correlation was found between serum CRP concentration and disease stage (r=0.77). The best predictive value for the presence of sepsis was shown by CRP at the cut- off value of 165 mg/L (AUC 0.98), followed by the percentage of unsegmented neutrophil granulocytes for the cut-off value of 15.5 (AUC 0.67), and the percentage of lymphocytes less than 9.9 (AUC 0.66), platelets lower than 118x109/L (AUC 0.63). At the CRP cut-off value of 294.7 mg/L (AUC 0.84; 95% CI 0.74-0.93), death could be predicted in 80.95% of patients with sepsis, with the sensitivity of 43.75% and the specificity of 89.71% (p&lt;0.0001). By monitoring changes in haematological parameters and CRP concentration in combination with other clinical and laboratory indicators, disease severity and final outcome in patients with sepsis can be predicted. Key words: CRP, lymphocytes, platelets, SIRS, sepsis

The population characteristics of the main leukocyte subsets and their association with chronic diseases in a community-dwelling population: a cross-sectional study.

To analyse the characteristics of the main leukocyte subsets and elucidate their distributions amongst the natural population. We wanted to determine whether leukocyte subsets are potential biomarkers to evaluate the risk of common chronic diseases. The peripheral blood leukocyte count is a routine exam performed to detect pathogen infections. Recently, subsets of white blood cells and their homeostasis have shown strong associations with some chronic diseases. Therefore, studies aiming to discover whether the distribution of leukocyte counts and its subsets are useful for predicting health conditions are worthwhile. This cross-sectional study analysed 10564 residents from the basic public health service project of the Health Checkup Program performed by the BaiYun Community Health Service Center. Data on demographic information, physical measurements, medical history, and routine blood examination parameters were collected using questionnaires and health check-ups. Restricted cubic spline incorporated into logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between subsets of leukocytes and common chronic diseases. The counts of leukocytes and their subsets in males were higher than those in females amongst all age groups, yet the percentages of lymphocytes and neutrophils did not present sex-specific differences. A low lymphocyte count and percentage were associated with old age. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with hypertension was higher than that in the non-hypertensive population. The risk of NLR in the top quartiles was 1.17-fold higher than that in people in the lowest quartiles. The distributions of the white blood cell count and percentage were associated with age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). In addition to the immune barrier for pathogens, the NLR or monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) may be potentially used to indicate the risk of some chronic non-communicable diseases. Homeostasis of subsets of leukocytes may be an important biomarker for body health conditions.

Outcomes of COVID-19 Among Hospitalized Patients With Non-dialysis CKD.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus 2 has generated significant impact on global health worldwide. COVID-19 can cause pneumonia and organ injury. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with increased mortality in previous epidemics, but there is a paucity of data regarding actual risks for non-dialysis CKD patients with COVID-19.Methods: Multicenter, observational cohort study including 136 non-dialysis CKD patients and 136 age- and sex-matched controls that required hospitalization due to COVID-19. Patients with end-stage renal disease, a kidney transplant or without registered baseline glomerular filtration rate prior to COVID-19 infection were excluded. CKD and acute kidney injury (AKI) were defined according to KDIGO criteria.Results: CKD patients had higher white blood cell count and D-dimer and lower lymphocyte percentage. No differences were found regarding symptoms on admission. CKD was associated with higher rate of AKI (61 vs. 24.3%) and mortality (40.4 vs. 24.3%). Patients with AKI had the highest hazard for death (AKI/non-CKD HR:7.04, 95% CI:2.87–17.29; AKI/CKD HR:5.25, 95% CI: 2.29–12.02), followed by CKD subjects without AKI (HR:3.39, 95% CI:1.36–8.46). CKD status did not condition ICU admission or length of in-hospital stay.Conclusions: CKD patients that require hospitalization due to COVID-19 are exposed to higher risk of death and AKI.

Prognostic value of bedside lung ultrasound score in patients with COVID-19

BackgroundBedside lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a useful and non-invasive tool to detect lung involvement and monitor changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical significance of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19.MethodThe LUS protocol consisted of 12 scanning zones and was performed in 280 consecutive patients with COVID-19. The LUS score based on B-lines, lung consolidation and pleural line abnormalities was evaluated.ResultsThe median time from admission to LUS examinations was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3–10). Patients in the highest LUS score group were more likely to have a lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM%); higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive troponin I and creatine kinase muscle-brain; more invasive mechanical ventilation therapy; higher incidence of ARDS; and higher mortality than patients in the lowest LUS score group. After a median follow-up of 14 days [IQR, 10–20 days], 37 patients developed ARDS, and 13 died. Patients with adverse outcomes presented a higher rate of bilateral involvement; more involved zones and B-lines, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation; and a higher LUS score than event-free survivors. The Cox models adding the LUS score as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.02 ~ 1.08; P < 0.001; Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 272; C-index = 0.903) or as a categorical variable (HR 10.76, 95% CI 2.75 ~ 42.05; P = 0.001; AIC = 272; C-index = 0.902) were found to predict poor outcomes more accurately than the basic model (AIC = 286; C-index = 0.866). An LUS score cut-off > 12 predicted adverse outcomes with a specificity and sensitivity of 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively.ConclusionsThe LUS score devised by our group performs well at predicting adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and is important for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.

Factors associated with length of hospital stay among dialysis patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen: a retrospective observational study.

Nontraumatic acute abdomen (NTAA) in dialysis patients is a challenging issue. The aetiologies of NTAA vary considerably depending on the renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality. Although haematological parameters and contributing factors have been reported to be associated with outcomes for dialysis patients, their clinical effect on the length of hospital stay (LOS) remains unknown. We retrospectively analysed 52 dialysis patients (peritoneal dialysis [PD], n = 33; haemodialysis [HD], n = 19) and 30 non-dialysis patients (as controls) between January 2011 and December 2014. To attenuate the selection bias, non-dialysis patients with NTAA were matched to cases at a ratio of 1:1 by age, gender and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus and hypertension). Their demographic characteristics, laboratory data, clinical assessment scores and LOS were analysed. The PD group exhibited a significantly higher neutrophil percentage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR); longer LOS; and lower lymphocyte percentage and absolute lymphocyte count than the control group. After multivariate analysis adjustment, female gender, longer RRT duration and higher intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were associated with a lower probability of being discharged home. In the dialysis group, a higher iPTH level (> 313 μg/mL) was positively correlated with longer LOS. iPTH level combined with NLR can be used as a surrogate marker for predicting longer LOS (p < 0.001). NTAA dialysis patients with female gender, longer RRT duration and higher iPTH levels are prone to experiencing longer LOS. In addition, the combination of iPTH and NLR is a significant determinant for LOS in NTAA dialysis patients.

Dynamic changes in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery from COVID-19

Deciphering the dynamic changes in antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is essential for understanding the immune response in COVID-19 patients. Here we analyze the laboratory findings of 1,850 patients to describe the dynamic changes of the total antibody, spike protein (S)-, receptor-binding domain (RBD)-, and nucleoprotein (N)-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) levels during SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery. The generation of S-, RBD-, and N-specific IgG occurs one week later in patients with severe/critical COVID-19 compared to patients with mild/moderate disease, while S- and RBD-specific IgG levels are 1.5-fold higher in severe/critical patients during hospitalization. The RBD-specific IgG levels are 4-fold higher in older patients than in younger patients during hospitalization. In addition, the S- and RBD-specific IgG levels are 2-fold higher in the recovered patients who are SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative than those who are RNA positive. Lower S-, RBD-, and N-specific IgG levels are associated with a lower lymphocyte percentage, higher neutrophil percentage, and a longer duration of viral shedding. Patients with low antibody levels on discharge might thereby have a high chance of being tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA after recovery. Our study provides important information for COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development.