Positive Polymerase Chain Reaction Test Research Articles

Comparison of the computed tomography COVID-19 pneumonia severity scores in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals without comorbidities

Aims: The aim of this study to investigate the effect of vaccines on pneumonia severity by comparing the computed tomography pneumonia scores of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19 without known comorbidities. Methods: Between January 2020 and January 2022. A total of 270 patients, 133 vaccinated and 137 unvaccinated, with positive polymerase chain reaction test and without any significant co-morbidity were included in the study. Computed tomography pneumonia scores, demographic characteristics, and vaccination information were evaluated through the hospital’s electronic registry system. Results: Mean pneumonia scores of individuals vaccinated for 1 dose were higher than individuals vaccinated for 2 or more doses. The shortest duration of infection after vaccination was determined in the group with 1 dose of vaccine, and the longest in the group with 2 doses of vaccine. There was no significant difference between mean pneumonia scores of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (P > 0.05). Pneumonia scores were found to be significantly lower in individuals over 70 years of age in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated individuals. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the age of the patients and the pneumonia scores (Rho = 0.293). Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the pneumonia scores of vaccinated and unvaccinated Covid 19 pneumonia patients without comorbidities, except for patients over 70 years of age. There is a significant correlation between pneumonia score and age.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, Prognosis, and Management of Pericardial Effusion in COVID-19.

Background: There is limited data in the literature about the clinical importance and prognosis of pericardial effusion (PE) in patients discharged after recovering from COVID-19, but large-scale studies have yet to be available. This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, prognosis, late clinical outcomes, and management of PE in COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Between August 2020 and March 2021, 15,689 patients were followed up in our pandemic hospital due to COVID-19. Patients with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results and PE associated with COVID-19 in computed tomography (CT) were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups according to PE size (mild, moderate, and large). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) records, laboratory data, clinical outcomes, and medical treatments of patients discharged from the hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Results: According to the PE size (mild, moderate, large) of 256 patients with PE at admission or discharge, the mean age was 62.17 ± 16.34, 69.12 ± 12.52, and 72.44 ± 15.26, respectively. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 25.2 ± 5.12 months. Of the patients in the study population, 53.5% were in the mild group, 30.4% in the moderate group, and 16.1% in the large group. PE became chronic in a total of 178 (69.6%) patients at the end of the mean three months, and chronicity increased as PE size increased. Despite the different anti-inflammatory treatments for PE in the acute phase, similar chronicity was observed. In addition, as the PE size increased, the patients' frequency of hospitalization, complications, and mortality rates showed statistical significance between the groups. Conclusions: The clinical prognosis of patients presenting with PE was quite poor; as PE in size increased, cardiac and noncardiac events and mortality rates were significantly higher. Patients with large PE associated with COVID-19 at discharge should be monitored at close intervals due to the chronicity of PE and the increased risk of tamponade.

Gallstone Ileus; the Radiographic Findings in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, Ivermectin has been proposed as an alternative for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 infection despite the lack of evidence and clinical trials recommending its use. In this study, we report the case of a 52-year old Filipino male with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus who developed a subacute history of fever, cough and generalized weakness, causing him to self-medicate with supratherapeutic doses of Ivermectin and thereafter subsequently developed decrease in sensorium, restlessness and complex visual hallucinations. Significant laboratory examinations showed hyperglycemia, mild hyponatremia, positive SARS-CoV2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test and bilateral pneumonia on chest radiograph. He was subsequently started on antibiotics, high flow nasal cannula and given two doses of activated charcoal. During the first 24 hours of hospital admission, there was significant improvement in the patient’s sensorium with resolution of restlessness and visual hallucinations. During the rest of the hospitalization, his respiratory symptoms had improved and he was subsequently discharged. Clinical outcome in our patient after administration of activated charcoal and completion of antibiotics showed an overall improvement in symptoms and without any neurologic sequelae.

Management of Anesthesia in Pre-Eclamptic Patients with Covid 19 Infection

Background: Pregnant women with immunological and cardiopulmonary system abnormalities may experience more severe symptoms from respiratory virus infections. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the management of anesthesia in pre eclamptic patients with covid 19 infection. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Anaesthesia, Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, during October 2020 to September 2021. A total of 50 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and had positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 with nasopharyngeal swabs were included in the study irrespective of age and patients who were not willing to participate were and who were clinically suspected (such as a clinical situation or travel history) but tested negative for COVID-19 excluded from this study. Statistical analyses of the results were be obtained by using window based Microsoft Excel and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-22), where required. Results: The mean age of the patients was 26± 2.0 years. 36% patients were within 26-31 weeks of gestational age, 40% patients were within 32-36 weeks of gestational age, 20% patients were within 37-42 weeks of gestational age, and only 4% had more than 42 weeks of gestational age. About 60% patients had mild pre-eclampsia and 40% had severe pre-eclampsia. 98% patients had given spinal anesthesia and 2% had given epidural type of anesthesia. The indication for caesarian section was 50% for severe pre-eclampsia, 25% for uterine rupture in pre-eclampsia and 25% for previous caesarean section. The mean Hemoglobin was 12.17 ± 1.70, mean Aspartate aminotransferase was 28.05 ± 21.11, mean Alanine aminotransferase, was 17.06 ± 12.98, mean Creatine was 0.68 ± 0.71, mean C-reactive protein was 2.10 ± 2.33 and mean D-Dimer was 3.00 ± 2.26. About 60% of the patients were fit to discharge within 4 days and 40% within 5 days. Conclusion: Preeclampsia as one of pregnancy related complications is a notable burden of adverse health. Regional anaesthesia is not considered to be prohibited by the diagnosis of COVID-19 alone. In conclusion, COVID-19-infected pregnant women should be managed by specialised teams in a multidisciplinary facility, and all medical personnel involved in the caesarean section should be careful to use Level-3 PPE equipment. Due to the increased risk of infection and morbidity in general anaesthesia in pregnant women with COVID-19, regional anaesthesia becomes more prevalent. We also noted that there is no umbilical chord transmission from mother to child.

Frequency of Positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing for Borrelia burgdorferi on Whole Blood Samples That Tested Positive for Babesia microti by PCR from an Endemic Area for Both Infections in New York State.

Because both Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi can be transmitted by the bite of a single coinfected Ixodes scapularis tick, an attempt was made to determine the frequency with which whole blood samples that tested positive for B. microti infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) would also test positive by PCR for B. burgdorferi infection. Over a 7-year period from 2013 to 2019, 119 different patients tested positive for B. microti infection by PCR on at least one blood sample. Among the 118 patients with a positive B. microti PCR blood sample that could also be tested by a qualitative PCR for B. burgdorferi, only one patient tested positive (0.85%, 95% CI 0.02 to 4.6%). Routine PCR testing of every B. microti PCR-positive blood specimen to detect B. burgdorferi coinfection appears to have a low yield, even in a highly endemic geographic area for both of these infections.

General Hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit-Related Factors of COVID-19 Patients in Northeastern Colombia: Baseline Characteristics of a Cohort Study.

Objective This study aims to describe demographic and clinical characteristics and the factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 general hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) care of patients who consulted in a third-level hospital in Santander, Colombia. Methods We used baseline data from an ambidirectional cohort study. We included all patients with positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19 who came to the emergency room (ER) for respiratory symptoms related to COVID-19. Information regarding patients' baseline characteristics and symptoms was collected through telephone interviews and review of medical records. Vital signs were extracted from medical records as well. Results We enrolled 3,030 patients, predominantly men, with a median age of 60(interquartile range (IQR): 44-73). Symptoms of the acute phase varied between men and women. Men presented with more respiratory symptoms, and women had general symptoms. Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes were common risk factors for hospital admission. Antibiotic consumption may also play a role in hospital admission. Conclusions Male sex, older age,hypertension, obesity, prior thrombotic events, and self-medicated antibiotics were associated with general hospitalization. Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cancer were associated with ICU admission. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) is a powerful tool for evaluate the impact of pre-existing health conditions on COVID-19 hospital admission. We highlight the importance of these findings as possible predictors in our region.

Risk of autoimmune diseases following COVID-19 and the potential protective effect from vaccination: a population-based cohort study

Case reports suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection could lead to immune dysregulation and trigger autoimmunity while COVID-19 vaccination is effective against severe COVID-19 outcomes. We aim to examine the association between COVID-19 and development of autoimmune diseases (ADs), and the potential protective effect of COVID-19 vaccination on such an association. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Hong Kong between 1 April 2020 and 15 November 2022. COVID-19 was confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test. Cox proportional hazard regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting was applied to estimate the risk of incident ADs following COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccinated population was compared against COVID-19 unvaccinated population to examine the protective effect of COVID-19 vaccination on new ADs. The study included 1,028,721 COVID-19 and 3,168,467 non-COVID individuals. Compared with non-COVID controls, patients with COVID-19 presented an increased risk of developing pernicious anaemia [adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 1.72; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.12-2.64]; spondyloarthritis [aHR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.03-1.69)]; rheumatoid arthritis [aHR: 1.29 (95% CI: 1.09-1.54)]; other autoimmune arthritis [aHR: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.33-1.54)]; psoriasis [aHR: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.13-1.78)]; pemphigoid [aHR: 2.39 (95% CI: 1.83-3.11)]; Graves' disease [aHR: 1.30 (95% CI: 1.10-1.54)]; anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome [aHR: 2.12 (95% CI: 1.47-3.05)]; immune mediated thrombocytopenia [aHR: 2.1 (95% CI: 1.82-2.43)]; multiple sclerosis [aHR: 2.66 (95% CI: 1.17-6.05)]; vasculitis [aHR: 1.46 (95% CI: 1.04-2.04)]. Among COVID-19 patients, completion of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine shows a decreased risk of pemphigoid, Graves' disease, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune arthritis. Our findings suggested that COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of developing various ADs and the risk could be attenuated by COVID-19 vaccination. Future studies investigating pathology and mechanisms would be valuable to interpreting our findings. Supported by RGC Collaborative Research Fund (C7154-20GF).

Hematological and Extra-Hematological Manifestations of Parvovirus B19 Disease

Abstract Objective Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a virus that can present with many hematological and extra-hematological findings. Its prognosis is relatively good in immunocompetent patients, but severe disease may develop in immunocompromised patients. We retrospectively reviewed a series of children who presented with PVB19 during a 6-year period at our institution. Methods Nine children with positive polymerase chain reaction and serological test results for PVB19 were studied. Their demographic data, atypical clinical and laboratory findings, treatment regiments, clinical course, and prognosis were noted. Results The hematological abnormalities associated with PVB19 were anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, and the extra-hematological abnormalities were systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and acute kidney injury. All patients had good outcomes with no significant sequelae. Conclusion This case review suggests that clinicians should not consider PVB19 only as a cause of hematological events; they should also be alert to the possibility that it may cause extra-hematological diseases.

Abdominal Imaging Findings in Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (CO-VID-19) is known to predominantly present with respiratory symptoms; however, a significant proportion of patients present with digestive symptoms. These symptoms are often non-specific and as such prompt the treating physician to request further imaging evaluation. Understanding the abdominal imaging findings in COVID-19 and their possible associations is thus crucial to direct patient care and prevent misdiagnosis.The aim of this study was to describe abdominal imaging findings on both computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound scans in cases with positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests performed at our institution, and also, to evaluate the reason for requesting these imaging studies, and to correlate these findings with patients' demographics. A retrospective observational study was conducted at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain, between February 2021 and March 2022. We examinedthe abdominal CT and ultrasound data for PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients. The demographic data, reason for requesting imaging and imaging findings were gathered by reviewing the hospital's electronic health records and picture archiving and communicating system (PACS). The study included 97 patients, with the majority being male (57.7%). The most common reason for imaging was abdominal pain, as seen in over half of the patients (60.8%), followed by deranged liver enzymes (18.6%). More than 75% of imaging studies showed positive abdominal findings with the majority (19.6%) showing non-specific inflammatory findings, followed by gallbladder disease (13.4%). The CT studies were more likely to yield positive findings as compared to ultrasound, with only 7 (11.3%) CT scans yielding normal findings (χ2 = 14.65; P < 0.01). To our knowledge, the research conducted on the abdominal manifestations of COVID-19 is still limited, especially in our region. Our study showed that there are variable presentations of abdominal organ involvement in COVID-19 cases, and as such more data is required to direct choice of imaging study, protocol, and interpretation of findings to better guide patient management.

Myocardial Function in Fetuses with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate myocardial deformation of left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in fetuses with and without congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Methods: This was a prospective single-center study. Vertical transmission was defined by a positive CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the amniotic fluid or on the neonate’s urine. Fetuses were divided into group 1 and group 2 if CMV-PCR was positive or negative, respectively. LV and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) values were obtained and adjusted for gestational age by calculating Z-scores. Univariate analysis was carried out to compare cardiac indices between group 1 and group 2. Results: Fetuses from group 1 (n = 11) had a significantly lower LV myocardial shortening than those from group 2 (n = 32). GLS was −20.7 ± 5.2% and −26.3 ± 4.1%, respectively (p = 0.001). Similarly, GLS Z-score was lower (0.02 ± 0.72) in group 1 than in group 2 (−0.80 ± 0.59) (p = 0.001). Similarly, RV GLS Z-score was significantly impaired in group 1 compared to group 2 (−0.44 ± 1.03 vs. −1.04 ± 0.71, p = 0.041). Conclusion: Fetuses with congenital CMV showed subclinical biventricular myocardial dysfunction. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential role of 2D-STE in identifying fetuses with congenital CMV at risk of postnatal cardiovascular morbidities.

The effect of hemoperfusion on treatment outcomes in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure: a prospective study

Introduction: COVID-19 emerged as a global clinical threat following an outbreak in China in late 2019. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of hemoperfusion in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure. Patients and Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 98 patients over the age of 18 with the positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test were investigated. The patients were divided into two groups; a control group consisting of 47 patients who did not receive hemoperfusion, and an exposed group consisting of 51 patients who met the criteria for hemoperfusion. Various parameters including complete blood cell counts, serum bilirubin, creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were evaluated in all patients. Results: The results of our study revealed a statistically significant difference in intensive care unit (ICU) admission between the two groups. Hospitalization time (19.941±1.75 versus 14.615±1.39, P=0.021) and ICU time (14.98±1.30 versus 9.62±1.15; P=0.003) were significantly higher in patients who received hemoperfusion. Regarding the mortality rate, only 36.7% of the patients survived; however, there was no significant difference observed between the two groups (P=0.34). Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of our study indicate that hemoperfusion in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure led to a significant increase in hospital stay and ICU stay compared to those without hemoperfusion. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing and frequency of hemoperfusion to improve treatment outcomes in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in patients with autoimmune bullous diseases in China.

Patients with autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are considered to be immunocompromised and, consequently, they may be more susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and have poorer outcomes. However, the risk and repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with AIBDs have not been fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with AIBDs. From December 2022 to January 2023, all patients with AIBDs who visited our clinic were enrolled in this study. Meanwhile, web-based questionnaires and telesurveys were used as supplements. Information about patients' demographics, comorbidities, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and vaccination, as well as AIBD status and treatments were collected and analyzed. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was based on a positive polymerase chain reaction test, and/or an antigen test, or the presence of typical symptoms in conjunction with an epidemiological history. Finally, 95 patients with AIBDs were enrolled, including 47 cases of pemphigus and 48 cases of pemphigoid cases, and 73 had symptoms consistent with coronavirus disease 2019. Common symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection were fever (80.8%), fatigue (75.0%), cough (71.2%), muscle/joint pain (49.3%), and sore throat (45.2%). No significant differences were found between SARS-CoV-2-infected and asymptomatic patients. Patients who had hypertension (p = 0.034), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.017), or more than two comorbidities (p = 0.011) were more likely to develop pneumonia after infection. Patients with pemphigus who did not achieve disease control (p = 0.045) or had an oral corticosteroid dose ≥15 mg/day (p = 0.024) and patients with pemphigoid with a disease duration ≥2 years (p = 0.037) were more prone to AIBDs aggravation. In conclusion, patients with AIBDs are generally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals with newly diagnosed AIBDs, uncontrolled disease, and a higher corticosteroid dose are more susceptible to disease exacerbation.

Evaluation of the association between clinical parameters and ADAM33 and ORMDL3 asthma gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms with the severity of COVID-19

BackgroundCoronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients had varying clinical symptoms and disease severity (mild, moderate, severe, and critical). Several risk factors, including genetic polymorphisms, have been reported to be associated with disease risk and severity. This study aimed to investigate the association of two polymorphisms in the orosomucoid1-like 3 (ORMDL3) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) asthma-related genes with the severity of COVID-19. Material and methodsThe study included 116 COVID-19 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. 58 patients with moderate symptoms, 28 patients with severe symptoms, and 30 outpatients with mild symptoms. Genotyping of rs7216389 in the ORMDL3 and rs2280091 in ADAM33 genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Furthermore, records of patients were studied for hematological profiles and biochemical markers. ResultsNo significant association was found between rs7216389 and rs2280091 and the severity of COVID-19 between different groups of COVID-19 patients. The serum levels of RBC and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly increased; the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and Aspartate transaminase (SGOT) were significantly decreased during treatment in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The serum levels of red blood cells, Platelets, Urea, Alkaline phosphatase, ESR, Alanine transaminase (SGPT), and SGOT were significantly increased during treatment in hospitalized patients. The serum levels of inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and Ferritin at the time of admission, were significantly higher in patients admitted to the ICU patients compared to the other group of patients. ConclusionThe two polymorphisms studied in this research are not suitable markers for predicting the severity of COVID-19. However, there are significant differences in the amounts of some blood factors in different groups of COVID-19 patients (P < 0.05) and these factors can be used as a marker for the disease severity prediction.

Identifying the Toxidrome of Ivermectin Toxicity

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, Ivermectin has been proposed as an alternative for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 infection despite the lack of evidence and clinical trials recommending its use. In this study, we report the case of a 52-year old Filipino male with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus who developed a subacute history of fever, cough and generalized weakness, causing him to self-medicate with supratherapeutic doses of Ivermectin and thereafter subsequently developed decrease in sensorium, restlessness and complex visual hallucinations. Significant laboratory examinations showed hyperglycemia, mild hyponatremia, positive SARS-CoV2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test and bilateral pneumonia on chest radiograph. He was subsequently started on antibiotics, high flow nasal cannula and given two doses of activated charcoal. During the first 24 hours of hospital admission, there was significant improvement in the patient’s sensorium with resolution of restlessness and visual hallucinations. During the rest of the hospitalization, his respiratory symptoms had improved and he was subsequently discharged. Clinical outcome in our patient after administration of activated charcoal and completion of antibiotics showed an overall improvement in symptoms and without any neurologic sequelae.

Symptoms and quality of life before, during, and after a SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive or negative test: data from Lifelines

This study evaluates to what extent symptoms are present before, during, and after a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and to evaluate how the symptom burden and quality of Life (QoL) compares to those with a negative PCR test. Participants from the Dutch Lifelines COVID-19 Cohort Study filled-out as of March 2020 weekly, later bi-weekly and monthly, questions about demographics, COVID-19 diagnosis and severity, QoL, and symptoms. The study population included those with one positive or negative PCR test who filled out two questionnaires before and after the test, resulting in 996 SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and 3978 negative participants. Nearly all symptoms were more often reported after a positive test versus the period before the test (p < 0.05), except fever. A higher symptom prevalence after versus before a test was also found for nearly all symptoms in negatives (p < 0.05). Before the test, symptoms were already partly present and reporting of nearly all symptoms before did not differ between positives and negatives (p > 0.05). QoL decreased around the test for positives and negatives, with a larger deterioration for positives. Not all symptoms after a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test might be attributable to the infection and symptoms were also common in negatives.

Musculoskeletal corticosteroid injections were used safely in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: Studies have highlighted that corticosteroid use can cause immunocompromise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, caution was advised on corticosteroid injections (CSIs) use and the possibility of increasing patients’ susceptibility to COVID-19. CSI is commonly used to manage pain, which is increasingly important with prolonged waiting lists. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of COVID-19 infection following the administration of CSI for musculoskeletal pain. Methods: A prospective cohort study of patients receiving CSI for musculoskeletal conditions through the COVID-19 pandemic was followed. It monitored post-injection through clinical review and telephone follow-up as to whether they were diagnosed with COVID-19 or had its symptoms. Patients were administered either half or full-dose corticosteroids as per guidance at the time. Patients were followed up at 8 weeks, 3 and 6 months. Results: One hundred and ninety-six patients were included (100 males and 96 females). One hundred and fourteen patients received 40 mg of Depo-Medrone, and 90 received 20 mg of Depo-Medrone. No patients suffered COVID-19 symptoms or had positive viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests by 3-month follow-up. By the 6-month follow-up, four of the cohort had mild symptoms and a positive PCR test for COVID-19. None required hospitalization. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated only a 2% incidence of COVID-19 infection following the administration of CSI for musculoskeletal pain within the 6-month follow-up, despite a high local prevalence for infection. We observed no correlation between CSI and COVID-19 acquisition and noted no clear increase in risk. We would therefore endorse CSI use if required for patients after careful patient selection and shared decision-making.

Investigating the prevalence of and predictive and risk factors for pulmonary embolism in patients with COVID-19 in Nemazee Teaching Hospital.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a significant contributing factor to vascular diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pulmonary thromboembolism and its predisposing factors in patients with COVID-19. This cross-sectional study included 284 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Nemazee Teaching Hospital (Shiraz, Iran) between June and August 2021. All patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 by a physician based on clinical symptoms or positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. The collected data included demographic data and laboratory findings. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was a significant difference in the mean age between the PTE group and non-PTE group (P=0.037). Moreover, the PTE group had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (36.7% vs. 21.8%, P=0.019), myocardial infarction (4.5% vs. 0%, P=0.006), and stroke (23.9% vs. 4.9%, P=0.0001). Direct bilirubin (P=0.03) and albumin (P=0.04) levels significantly differed between the PTE and non-PTE groups. Notably, there was a significant difference in the partial thromboplastin time (P=0.04) between the PTE and non-PTE groups. A regression analysis indicated that age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00‒1.004; P=0.005), blood pressure (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.12‒3.85; P=0.02), heart attack (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.28‒6.06; P=0.009), and albumin level (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16‒0.97; P=0.04) were all independent predictors of PTE development. Regression analysis revealed that age, blood pressure, heart attack, and albumin levels were independent predictors of PTE.

The prevalence of and factors related to reinfection with COVID-19 in Ahvaz, Iran: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Reinfection with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus may be as serious as the first infection, exposing people to risks such as admission to hospital or even death. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and the factors related to reinfection in Ahvaz, Iran. This was a comparative cross-sectional study that was conducted on 200 reinfected individuals and 200 people who had once been infected with COVID-19. Infection with COVID-19 was confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and those with reinfection had to have a negative PCR test after recovery from the first infection and a positive PCR test for COVID-19 > 90 days after the first infection. Data was collected using a questionnaire and a checklist. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, and logistic regression test. Around 7000 reinfections were observed in this study, and the prevalence of reinfection was 0.59% in Ahvaz City. A large proportion of the participants in the control group, 133 (66.5%) received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines compared with 110 (55%) in the reinfected group (p = 0.003), and 43 (21.5%) of reinfected participants did not receive any vaccine. Older people were 0.982 times more likely to get reinfected with COVID-19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.966-0.997). Also, those receiving vaccination once or twice were 2.311 and 2.498 times less likely to get reinfected with COVID-19, respectively (95% CI: 1.093-4.887 and 1.281-4.872, respectively). The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of reinfection among people in Ahvaz City was 0.59%. Older individuals, those without vaccination or with suboptimal vaccination, and people with comorbidities were at a higher risk for reinfection. Health policymakers should pay more attention to factors related to reinfection with COVID-19.

Evaluation of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in predicting mortality in older patients with COVID-19 in the AgeBru cohort

To determine whether the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) on hospital admission was associated to an increased 14-day and 12-month mortality-risk in older inpatients with COVID-19. Cohort study of consecutive inpatients admitted with COVID-19 in a university hospital (20/03/2020-11/05/2021). age over 65 years and positive polymerase chain reaction test. missing data for weight, height, and/or albumin, hospital-acquired COVID-19, or patients transferred to other health facilities. all-cause mortality at 14-day and 12-month follow-up. GNRI [1.489× albumin (g/L)]+[41.7 (weight/ideal body weight)] was assessed at admission; scores ≤98 indicated risk of malnutrition. Cox-proportional hazards models assessed the association between the admission GNRI and 14-day and 12-month mortality-risk, after adjusting by demographic and clinical variables, including inflammation (C-reactive protein). Of the 570 eligible patients, 224 (mean age 78 years; 52.2% women) met inclusion criteria and 151 (67.4%) were classified at risk of malnutrition. Twenty patients died during the 14-day and 42 during the 12-month follow-up. The risk of 14-day mortality was nearly 10 times higher in patients with GNRI scores ≤98 (HR=9.6 [95%CI 1.3-71.6], P=0.028); this association was marginally significant in the adjusted model (HR=6.73 [95%CI 0.89-51.11], P=0.065)]. No association between GNRI and the 12-month mortality-risk was found. The GNRI may play a role in the short-term prognosis of older inpatients with COVID-19. Further studies are required to confirm the short-term predictive validity of the GNRI within this population (Clinicaltrials.gov_NCT05276752).

The Impact of COVID-19 on Preterm Birth Among Pregnant Women in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Pregnant women are regarded as a unique group due to the distinct immunological condition that pregnancy produces, which makes pregnant women more susceptible to respiratory infections like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its consequences. During pregnancy, many viral infections have been recognized to increase the risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes such as preterm delivery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection on preterm birth in pregnant women in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between December 2019 to October 2021. The target subjects were pregnant women with live singleton gestations who underwent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 infection during their delivery hospitalization. Data gathered included patient demographic information, clinical characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes. Data were analyzed using R version 4.1.1 (R Core Team (2021); R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). A total of 381 pregnant women were included. The median maternal age of women was 31.0 years (IQR: 27.0, 35.0) and the median BMI value was 30.5 kg/m2 (IQR: 26.9, 34.8). The most common comorbidities were diabetes (7.1%) and asthma (4.5%). A known history of preterm birth was prevalent among 2.9%. Of the participants,13.6% had a prenatal COVID-19 infection, of whom 57.7% had their infections resolved. The prevalence of positive PCR testing was 13.6%. Preterm birth occurred in 46 women (12.1%, 95%CI 9.1-15.9). Preterm birth was significantly associated with having a maternal age of ≥35 years, having high frequencies of parity, and having a past history of preterm birth, as well as having a history of hypertension and diabetes. Preterm birth was not significantly associated with having a confirmed COVID-19 infection at delivery. It was shown that preterm birth is evident among women with COVID-19 infection. Preterm birth is significantly associated with old age, multiparity, and a history of preterm delivery. Preterm birth is not significantly associated with having a confirmed COVID-19 infection at delivery. More research regarding infection-related adverse effects is advised and should be highlighted.