Positive Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Research Articles

COVID-19-associated cerebral microbleeds in the general population

Abstract Cerebral microbleeds are frequent incidental findings on brain MRI and have previously been shown to occur in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cohorts of critically ill patients. We aimed to determine the risk of having microbleeds on medically indicated brain MRI and compare non-hospitalized COVID-19-infected patients with non-infected controls. In this retrospective case-control study, we included patients over 18 years of age, having an MRI with a susceptibility-weighted sequence, between 1 January 2019 and 1 July 2021. Cases were identified based on a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2 and matched with three non-exposed controls, based on age, sex, body mass index and comorbidities. The number of cerebral microbleeds on each scan was determined using artificial intelligence. We included 73 cases and 219 matched non-exposed controls. COVID-19 was associated with significantly greater odds of having cerebral microbleeds on MRI [odds ratio 2.66 (1.23–5.76, 95% confidence interval)], increasingly so when patients with dementia and hospitalized patients were excluded. Our findings indicate that cerebral microbleeds may be associated with COVID-19 infections. This finding may add to the pathophysiological considerations of cerebral microbleeds and help explain cases of incidental cerebral microbleeds in patients with previous COVID-19.

Lesions and viral antigen distribution in bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls naturally infected with H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

An epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) began in North America in the winter of 2021. The introduced Eurasian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus subsequently reassorted with North American avian influenza strains. This postmortem study describes the lesions and influenza A virus antigen distribution in 3 species of raptors, including bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, n = 6), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis, n = 9), and great horned owls (Bubo virginianus, n = 8), naturally infected with this virus strain based on positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and sequencing results from oropharyngeal swabs. The birds presented with severe neurologic signs and either died or were euthanized because of the severity of their clinical signs and suspected influenza virus infection. Gross lesions were uncommon and included forebrain hemorrhages in 2 eagles, myocarditis in 1 hawk, and multifocal pancreatic necrosis in 3 owls. Histological lesions were common and included encephalitis, myocarditis, multifocal pancreas necrosis, multifocal adrenal necrosis, histiocytic splenitis, and anterior uveitis in decreasing frequency. Influenza A viral antigen was detected in brain, heart, pancreas, adrenal gland, kidney, spleen, liver, and eye. In conclusion, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls infected with the HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b virus strain and showing neurological signs of illness may develop severe or fatal disease with histologically detectable lesions in the brain that are frequently positive for viral antigen.

A comparison of Delta and Omicron waves of COVID-19 pandemic: An observation from a tertiary care center from North India

Objectives: The impact of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was very low as compared to the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) in North India. Very few studies are there highlighting the clinical parameters associated with disease outcomes among coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients during the Delta and Omicron waves of the pandemic. This study was conducted to observe various clinical parameters associated with disease outcomes among COVID-19 patients during Delta and Omicron waves. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted during the Delta wave (March 2021 to June 2021) and Omicron wave (December 2021 to March 2022) on patients with positive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) admitted during the study period. The patient characteristics and outcome measures including demographic, baseline clinical, disease severity, intensive care unit admissions, and hospital mortality were recorded. Results: Out of total of 1731 patients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) by RT-PCR, 16 patients were admitted during the omicron wave and 878 were admitted during the Delta wave. The majority of admitted patients during the Delta wave were in the age groups of 21–40 and 41–60 years, with significantly less number of admissions in the age group of <20 years during the Omicron wave. The admissions were significantly lower during the Omicron wave (P < 0.001). Patients without a previous history of COVID-19 and unvaccinated status were having significantly higher admissions (P < 0.001). During Delta and Omicron waves 71.4% and 18.75% of the patients, respectively, were having no comorbidities. Conclusion: Hospital admissions were higher during the Delta wave in comparison to the Omicron wave. During the Delta wave, the degree of severity and number of deaths were also very high.

Computed Tomography Chest Findings in COVID-19 Patients.

COVID-19 which has caused significant morbidity and mortality around the world has been declared by the World Health Organization to be a global health emergency. Our objective was to find out the lung parenchymal patterns commonly evident in high resolution Computed Tomography in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary multi-specialty hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. With ethical clearance from the institutional review board, a total of 235 patients with positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 and having respiratory symptoms were included in the study. High Resolution Computed Tomography images of chest were retrieved from picture archiving and communication systems retrospectively and studied for the findings commonly attributed to COVID-19 pneumonia. The data was then analyzed using Stata version 14 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA). Descriptive statistics were presented as mean and median while chi-square test was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics and CT severity indices. Out of 235 patients, 174 (74.0%) were males and 61(26%) were females with a mean age of 54.8±14.5 years. The most commonly encountered pattern of pulmonary changes was bilateral involvement in 222 (94.5%) patients followed by ground-glass opacities in 218 (92.8%) patients and peripheral predominance of ground-glass opacities in 211 (89.8%) patients. Chest Computed Tomography abnormalities are common in COVID-19 positive patients with respiratory symptoms. These findings can guide in the assessment of the severity of the disease as well as patient management.

Pattern of Lung Involvement in Predicting Severity and Sequelae in Patients With COVID-19.

Background During the COVID pandemic, high-resolution CT scan has played a pivotal role in detecting lung involvement and severity based on the segments of the lung involved. The pattern of involvement was not considered, and our aim is to observe the pattern of lung involvement in predicting severity and guiding management protocol in patients with COVID-19. Methodology It was a prospective observational study conducted with 151 patients admitted with COVID-19with a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR)in a single tertiary care hospital in south India. Patients with pre-existing lung pathologies were excluded from the study. Eligible patients were then divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest was done, findings of which were then categorized based on lung involvement; into ground glass opacities (GGO), interstitial involvement and mixture of both. These were then analyzed to determine their importance with respect to the duration of stay and severity of the disease. Results The data collected was analyzed by IBM SPSS software version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The study population included 114 males (75.5%) and 37 females (24.5%). HRCT chest was done which showed 62.3% of patients had GGO, 14.6% had interstitial lung involvement, 18.5% had a mixture of both and 4.6% had normal lung findings. These findings, when compared to clinical categories of severity, showed a significant co-relation between pattern of involvement of the lung and the severity of the disease. It also showed significant co-relation with the duration of stay. Conclusion HRCT chest has proven to be useful in the determination of patient's severity and can guide with management. We suggest earlier initiation of steroids and anticoagulants in patients with interstitial involvement even for the patients not on oxygen therapy yet. It can be used as a triage modality for screening due to the advantage of presenting with immediate results as opposed to RT-PCR which might take hours and can delay treatment which can prevent worsening.

ODP205 Hepatic steatosis induced by Nicotine plus Coca Cola is prevented by Nicotinamide riboside (NR) that increases mitochondrial NAD+

Abstract Type 2 diabetes has emerged as an important risk factor for poor prognosis in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hyperglycemia can independently predispose the patients with SARS-CoV-2 to adverse outcomes, irrespective of the diagnosis of diabetes.1 Despite the accentuated risk, there is limited evidence about the complex interplay of undiagnosed diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia on the clinical outcomes. We propose to investigate the cardiovascular events and clinical outcomes in patients with undiagnosed and type 2 diabetes hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Methods This retrospective study included patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia between March 7, 2020, through March 30, 2021. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia required a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2, presence of new or worsening pulmonary infiltrates on computed tomography scan or chest X-ray, and at least one of the following: new or increased cough, a temperature of >37.8 °C or dyspnea. The diagnosis of undiagnosed diabetes was determined in patients with no previous history of diabetes and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or an admission serum glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL (≥ 11.1 mmol/mol). The outcomes included in-hospital cardiovascular events, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for association of undiagnosed diabetes and type 2 diabetes for individual outcomes. Results Among the 1,645 adults hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, 107 (10.8%) patients were identified with undiagnosed diabetes and 634 (39%) had established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Patients with undiagnosed diabetes had increased odds of developing cardiovascular events (OR: 1.73, 95% CI 1. 07, 2.80), ICU admissions (OR: 1.61, 95% CI 1.10, 2.34), and mortality (OR: 1.77, 95% CI 1. 02, 3. 07), compared to patients type 2 diabetes and no diabetes. A prior history of type 2 diabetes was not significantly associated with primary study outcomes. Conclusions Patients with undiagnosed diabetes hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications and overall poor clinical outcomes compared to patients with type 2 diabetes and no diabetes. Implementation of healthcare-wide strategies for screening and early intervention of prediabetes and diabetes are needed to improve the disease outcomes in the current pandemic and future public health threats. References Khunti, K., et al., COVID-19, Hyperglycemia, and New-Onset Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2021. 44(12): p. 2645-2655. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

ODP633 Impact of Undiagnosed Diabetes on Cardiovascular Events and Clinical outcomes in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 Pneumonia

Abstract Type 2 diabetes has emerged as an important risk factor for poor prognosis in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hyperglycemia can independently predispose the patients with SARS-CoV-2 to adverse outcomes, irrespective of the diagnosis of diabetes 1. Despite the accentuated risk, there is limited evidence about the complex interplay of undiagnosed diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia on the clinical outcomes. We propose to investigate the cardiovascular events and clinical outcomes in patients with undiagnosed and type 2 diabetes hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Methods This retrospective study included patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia between March 7, 2020, through March 30, 2021. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia required a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2, presence of new or worsening pulmonary infiltrates on computed tomography scan or chest X-ray, and at least one of the following: new or increased cough, a temperature of >37.8 °C or dyspnea. The diagnosis of undiagnosed diabetes was determined in patients with no previous history of diabetes and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or an admission serum glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL (≥ 11.1 mmol/mol). The outcomes included in-hospital cardiovascular events, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for association of undiagnosed diabetes and type 2 diabetes for individual outcomes. Results Among the 1,645 adults hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, 107 (10.8%) patients were identified with undiagnosed diabetes and 634 (39%) had established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Patients with undiagnosed diabetes had increased odds of developing cardiovascular events (OR: 1.73, 95% CI 1. 07, 2.80), ICU admissions (OR: 1.61, 95% CI 1.10, 2.34), and mortality (OR: 1.77, 95% CI 1. 02, 3. 07), compared to patients type 2 diabetes and no diabetes. A prior history of type 2 diabetes was not significantly associated with primary study outcomes. Conclusions Patients with undiagnosed diabetes hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications and overall poor clinical outcomes compared to patients with type 2 diabetes and no diabetes. Implementation of healthcare-wide strategies for screening and early intervention of prediabetes and diabetes are needed to improve the disease outcomes in the current pandemic and future public health threats. References Khunti, K., et al., COVID-19, Hyperglycemia, and New-Onset Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2021. 44(12): p. 2645-2655. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Clinical and Inflammatory Profile of COVID-19 Infection at a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern Part of Tamil Nadu - A Retrospective Study.

Introduction The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has incurred high costs for the entire planet. The complex interactions between the host, virus, and environment have resulted in various clinical outcomes. It is crucial to comprehend sickness severity and outcome predictors to provide early preventative measures for a better outcome. The current study aimed to determine the association of clinical and inflammatory profiles with the outcome of COVID-19 infection in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods This retrospective study was done in patients admitted to intensive care units for COVID-19 with a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) assay. A total of 125 patients above 18 years were included in the study. The patient's age, gender, and co-morbidities like type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, respiratory illness, and coronary artery disease were noted. The patient's symptomatology, vital signs, oxygen saturation (Spo2), need for inotropes, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilator support (NIPPV) were observed. Computed tomography severity score (CTSS) and hematological and inflammatory parameters at the time of admission were noticed. Patient's management and treatment outcomes as survivors and non-survivors were noted. Results The mean age was significantly greater in non-survivors. The common symptoms were fever, respiratory distress, cough, muscle pain, and sore throat. The leucocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), urea, creatinine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were greater, and platelet counts were lower significantly in the non-survivors group. On multivariable logistic regression, CT severity score, NIPPV, and IL-6 had an odds ratio of 1.17, 0.052, and 1.03, respectively. IL-6 had a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 81.8% with a cut-off value of 37.5. Conclusion Vigilant monitoring of leucocyte count, CRP, urea, creatinine, IL-6, LDH, platelet count, and CT severity score is essential for managing COVID-19 infection. IL-6 was found to be a significant marker as a predictor of outcome in our study.

MO696: Characteristics and Survival Results of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Suffering from Covid-19 in Turkey: A Multicenter National Study

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although existing data suggest an increased mortality rate, data about the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, its short- and long-term effects on the patient and technique survival are limited. Moreover, specific factors associated with increased risk of death have not been clearly defined yet. Therefore, we aimed to study the characteristics of PD patients with COVID-19, determine the short-term mortality and other medical complications, and delineate the factors associated with COVID-19 outcome. METHOD This national multicenter study included all PD patients who had confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection based on positive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction testing of a nasopharyngeal swab recorded in this database from the attending 27 PD centers. The demographic data, comorbidities, medications used, PD-related data were recorded as well as clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of COVID-19 and outcomes at the end of the first month were recorded. RESULTS We enrolled 142 COVID-19 patients (median age: 52 years). A total of 58.2% of patients had mild disease at diagnosis, lung involvement was detected in 60.8% of patients. A total of 83 (58.4%) patients were hospitalized, 31 (21.8%) patients were admitted to intensive care unit and 24 needed mechanical ventilation. A total of 15 (10.5%) patients were switched to hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration was performed for 4 (2.8%) patients. Persisting pulmonary symptoms (n = 27), lower respiratory system infection (n = 12), rehospitalization for any reason (n = 24), malnutrition (n = 6), hypervolemia (n = 13), peritonitis (n = 7), ultrafiltration failure (n = 7) and in PD modality change (n = 8) were reported in survivors. During the 1 month from the diagnosis of COVID-19, 26 patients (18.31%) died. The non-survivor group was older and comorbidities were more prevalent. Fever, dyspnea, cough, serious-vital disease at presentation, bilateral pulmonary involvement and pleural effusion were more frequent among non-survivors. Age (OR:1.102; 95% CI: 1.032–1.117; P:0.004), moderate–severe clinical disease at presentation (OR:26.825; 95% CI: 4.578–157.172; P < 0.001) and CRP levels (OR:1.008; 95% CI; 1.000–1.016; P:0.040) were associated with increased first-month mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Early mortality rate and medical complications are quite high in PD patients with COVID-19. Age, clinical severity of COVID-19 and baseline CRP level are the independent parameters associated with mortality.

Comparison of Patients Infected With Delta Versus Omicron COVID-19 Variants Presenting to Paris Emergency Departments : A Retrospective Cohort Study.

At the end of 2021, the B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 variant (Omicron) wave superseded the B.1.617.2 variant (Delta) wave. To compare baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection with the Delta variant versus the Omicron variant in the emergency department (ED). Retrospective chart reviews. 13 adult EDs in academic hospitals in the Paris area from 29 November 2021 to 10 January 2022. Patients with a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result for SARS-CoV-2 and variant identification. Main outcome measures were baseline clinical and biological characteristics at ED presentation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality. A total of 3728 patients had a positive RT-PCR test result for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period; 1716 patients who had a variant determination (818 Delta and 898 Omicron) were included. Median age was 58 years, and 49% were women. Patients infected with the Omicron variant were younger (54 vs. 62 years; difference, 8.0 years [95% CI, 4.6 to 11.4 years]), had a lower rate of obesity (8.0% vs. 12.5%; difference, 4.5 percentage points [CI, 1.5 to 7.5 percentage points]), were more vaccinated (65% vs. 39% for 1 dose and 22% vs. 11% for 3 doses), had a lower rate of dyspnea (26% vs. 50%; difference, 23.6 percentage points [CI, 19.0 to 28.2 percentage points]), and had a higher rate of discharge home from the ED (59% vs. 37%; difference, 21.9 percentage points [-26.5 to -17.1 percentage points]). Compared with Delta, Omicron infection was independently associated with a lower risk for ICU admission (adjusted difference, 11.4 percentage points [CI, 8.4 to 14.4 percentage points]), mechanical ventilation (adjusted difference, 3.6 percentage points [CI, 1.7 to 5.6 percentage points]), and in-hospital mortality (adjusted difference, 4.2 percentage points [CI, 2.0 to 6.5 percentage points]). Patients with COVID-19 illness and no SARS-CoV-2 variant determination in the ED were excluded. Compared with the Delta variant, infection with the Omicron variant in patients in the ED had different clinical and biological patterns and was associated with better in-hospital outcomes, including higher survival. None.

Comparison of clinical characteristics in adult patients under 65 years of age with and without Covid-19 pneumonia.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause asymptomatic, mild upper respiratory tract symptoms and pneumonia in young persons. How the disease will progress in each patient is still unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prognostic markers of the development of pneumonia and the clinical characteristics of patients under 65 years with COVID-19 confirmed by a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test. In this retrospective study, a total of 271 patients admitted in our unit were included. The patients were divided into two groups, those who did and those who did not develop pneumonia. Their clinical features, treatment protocols, and laboratory parameters were recorded retrospectively. Pneumonia developed in 67.9% (n = 184) of the cases. The age in the pneumonia group was higher than that in the non-pneumonia group (p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, the symptom and co-morbidity status were examined according to the presence of pneumonia; hypertension (HT) (OR: 4525, 95% CL: 1,494-13,708) was the most important risk factor for pneumonia. When age and laboratory values were examined according to the presence of pneumonia, advanced age (OR: 1.042, 95% CL: 1.01-1.073), low albumin (OR: 0.917, 95% CL: 0.854-0.986), and high troponin (OR: 1.291, 95% CL: 1.044-1.596) were identified as risk factors for pneumonia. In this article, HT (22.3%, P < 0.001) has been considered as an important risk factor, whereas association of diabetes mellitus (21.2%, P 0.029) and smoking (25.0%, P 0.038) was also significant. The median age of the group was 51 (41.5-58) in the group developing pneumonia and 41 (30-48) in the non-developing group. Young patients with these predictive factors should be more carefully evaluated by further diagnostic procedures, such as thoracic computed tomography.

Efficacy of intravenous vitamin C in management of moderate and severe COVID-19: A double blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

To study the efficacy of intravenous vitamin C in management of moderate and severe COVID-19. To determine the efficacy of intravenous vitamin C in reducing in-hospital mortality in moderate and severe cases of COVID-19. Parallel, double-blinded randomized controlled trial with placebo. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethics committee, AIIMS Patna. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry - India (registration number- CTRI/2020/11/029230.). A tertiary care centre in Bihar, India. All patients above the age of 18 years both males and females, admitted in ICU with a diagnosis of moderate and severe COVID-19 (on the basis of a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) report) at our facility during the study period (01/10/2020-31/12/2020) not having any of the exclusion criteria. The patients in the intervention arm were given 1 gram (2 ampoules of 2 ml each containing 500 mg of vitamin C mixed in 100 ml normal saline) intravenous vitamin C 8 hourly for four days. The patients in the placebo arm received similar looking ampoules (2 ampoules of 2 ml sterile water for injection mixed in 100 ml normal saline) intravenously 8 hourly for four days. The rest of the treatment was given as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the institute with adjustments as per treating team's judgement. Primary outcome was reduction in in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were improvement in qSOFA score, pO2/fiO2 ratio, fall in inflammatory markers, need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. Regarding primary outcome, 10 (33.3%) patients died in intervention group compared to 13 (43.3%) in placebo. Worth noting from baseline characteristics is that 86.7% in intervention arm were of severe category compared to 66.7% severe category patients in placebo group. Though number of severe cases were more in intervention arm there has been comparatively less mortality in this group. Regarding secondary outcomes, amongst 30 patients in vitamin C group, 11 (36.7%) required invasive mechanical ventilation compared to 14 (46.7%) out of 30 in placebo group but the difference was not statistically significant. Although there were a greater number of moderate cases in placebo group, invasive ventilation requirement (and NIV requirement) was more in this group, thus it could be considered that vitamin C might have a role in reducing the severity of disease. The need for vasopressor therapy was higher in intervention arm 33.3% compared to 26.7% in placebo but not significant statistically. The secondary outcomes of the study such as improvement in organ failure score (qSOFA Score), fall in level of inflammatory markers, improvement in respiratory index (pO2/fiO2 ratio), need for mechanical ventilation and need for vasopressors also shown encouraging results but not up to the statistically significant level due to moderate dosage of the drug and small sample size. In the current study, by the observations and results of the double-blind placebo controlled randomised trial, we concluded that as the primary outcome of the study, there was reduction in In-hospital mortality and need for mechanical ventilation in the vitamin C intervention group compared to placebo, although these results did not reach statistical significance due to small sample size and use of moderate dose of IV vitamin C. The secondary outcomes of the study such as improvement in organ failure score (qSOFA Score), fall in level of inflammatory markers, improvement in respiratory index (pO2/fiO2 ratio), need for mechanical ventilation and need for vasopressors also shown encouraging results but not up to the statistically significant level due to moderate dosage of the drug and small sample size. In summary, high dose of intravenous vitamin C may reduce inflammatory reaction, improve oxygen support status, and reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients, without adverse events. High dose intravenous vitamin C may be a promising therapy for patients of moderate to severe COVID-19.

Efficacy of montelukast in the management of COVID-19: double blind randomized placebo controlled trial

Background: Objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of montelukast in reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms using a double blinded randomized controlled trial.Methods: Parallel, double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) with placebo as comparison to montelukast. All patients above the age of 14 years both males and females, admitted with a diagnosis of mild or moderate COVID-19 (on the basis of a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) report) at our facility during the study period from 01 September 2020-31 January 2021) and excluding those having adverse reaction to montelukast or those not willing to participate, and pregnant and lactating females. Patients in the intervention arm were given tablet montelukast 10 mg OD HS from the day of admission for 10 days. The patients in the placebo group were given an identical appearing placebo at bedtime for 10 days from the day of admission. The rest of the treatment was given as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the institute with minor adjustments as per the treating team’s judgement. Primary outcome was progression of the disease to severe grade and secondary outcomes were discharge on or before day 10 from admission, admission to ICU, need for mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality.Results: A total of 94 patients were enrolled for the study. 90 patients, 45 in each arm were included in the final analysis. The baseline characteristics of the two arms including age, sex, comorbidities, severity at admission and treatment given apart from montelukast or placebo, were comparable with respect to these variables. This study did not find any improvement in primary outcome of progression to severe disease and secondary outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality or need of mechanical ventilation, discharge on or by day 10 with the use of montelukast as compared to placebo in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.Conclusions: There was no difference in primary or secondary outcomes with the use of Montelukast compared to placebo.

A Case Report of Confirmed COVID-19 In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Childhood

Introduction: Confirmed COVID-19 case is defined as positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests of viral RNA in person with or without clinical symptoms. Patients with leukemia may be at a higher risk to developing COVID-19 infection associated with their underlying disease and chemotherapy treatment, and also also developed severe disease more rapidly compared with healthy person. The aim of this case report is to describe an 11-year-old girl with confirmed COVID-19 and comorbidities of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Case Presentation: A girl 11 years 10 months old was clinically diagnosed as confirmed COVID-19 and Acute Lymphobalstic Leukimia (ALL) based on positive RT-PCR SARS CoV2 swab test and bone marrow puncture (BMP). The main complaint was weakness since 2 days ago, she had slight anosmia and dry cough since 1 days. The history of fever, dyspnoea, and spontaneous bleeding were absent. She had normal urination and defecation. Hepatosplenomegaly was found on physical examination. The laboratory result found the complete blood count (CBC) slightly leukopenia, antibody of COVID-19 test was reactive IgG and positive swab RT-PCR SARS CoV2 test. The first BMP result was ALL FAB L2. From the chest x-ray showed infiltrates in both of lungs. Conclusion: This is a case reported of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with confirmed COVID-19 in a girl 11 years 10 months old and diagnostic approach based on RT-PCR SARS CoV2 and BMP.

Statins and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Results of a Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study of 469749 Adults From 2 Canadian Provinces.

BackgroundSmall observational studies have suggested that statin users have a lower risk of dying with COVID‐19. We tested this hypothesis in a large, population‐based cohort of adults in 2 of Canada’s most populous provinces: Ontario and Alberta.Methods and ResultsWe examined reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction swab positivity rates for SARS‐CoV‐2 in adults using statins compared with nonusers. In patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, we compared 30‐day risk of all‐cause emergency department visit, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, or death in statin users versus nonusers, adjusting for baseline differences in demographics, clinical comorbidities, and prior health care use, as well as propensity for statin use. Between January and June 2020, 2.4% of 226 142 tested individuals aged 18 to 65 years, 2.7% of 88 387 people aged 66 to 75 years, and 4.1% of 154 950 people older than 75 years had a positive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction swab for SARS‐CoV‐2. Compared with 353 878 nonusers, the 115 871 statin users were more likely to test positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 (3.6% versus 2.8%, P<0.001), but this difference was not significant after adjustment for baseline differences and propensity for statin use in each age stratum (adjusted odds ratio 1.00 [95% CI, 0.88–1.14], 1.00 [0.91–1.09], and 1.06 [0.82–1.38], respectively). In individuals younger than 75 years with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, statin users were more likely to visit an emergency department, be hospitalized, be admitted to the intensive care unit, or to die of any cause within 30 days of their positive swab result than nonusers, but none of these associations were significant after multivariable adjustment. In individuals older than 75 years with SARS‐CoV‐2, statin users were more likely to visit an emergency department (28.2% versus 17.9%, adjusted odds ratio 1.41 [1.23–1.61]) or be hospitalized (32.7% versus 21.9%, adjusted odds ratio 1.19 [1.05–1.36]), but were less likely to die (26.9% versus 31.3%, adjusted odds ratio 0.76 [0.67–0.86]) of any cause within 30 days of their positive swab result than nonusers.ConclusionsCompared with statin nonusers, patients taking statins exhibit the same risk of testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 and those younger than 75 years exhibit similar outcomes within 30 days of a positive test. Patients older than 75 years with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test and who were taking statins had more emergency department visits and hospitalizations, but exhibited lower 30‐day all‐cause mortality risk.

Complications with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 during hospital admissions in patients with pneumonia

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is an infectious disease that has caused significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. COVID-19 is known to cause complications, such as myocardial damage, acute coronary syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arrhythmia, heart failure, acute ischemic stroke, liver damage, cytokine storms, ischemia-reperfusion damage and side effects of drug treatments. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the complications that developed during hospitalizations in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 related pneumonia who were hospitalized in our COVID-19 service. &#x0D; Material and Method: This study included patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 pneumonia with a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test who were treated in our COVID-19 service between November 2020 and January 2021. Their demographic characteristics, treatment regimens, baseline laboratory values and complications during their hospitalization were retrospectively recorded.&#x0D; Results: The study group had a mean age of 62.92± 14.60 years and 40.6% (n= 55) were female. Approximately 35.3% (n= 48) of the patients developed complications due to COVID-19 during their follow-up period. Of the patients with complications, 63.8% (n: 30) were male, most common complications were elevated liver enzymes (47.9%) and pulmonary thromboembolism (20.8%). Of those patients with complications, the most common comorbidities were hypertension (40.4% [n= 19]), diabetes mellitus (25.5% [n=12]) and cardiovascular disease (23.4% [n=11]). There were no significant relationships between the presence of complications and age, sex or comorbid diseases (p&gt;0.05 for each). &#x0D; Conclusion: There are more underlying conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease in hospitalized patients with moderate-to-severe pneumonia compared to outpatients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Complications develop, especially in the management of COVID-19 pneumonia, which affect the treatment process and patient mobilization.

New coronavirus infection in children in the Moscow region: clinical, epidemiological and treatment aspects

Aim: To assess clinical and epidemiological characteristics, as well as treatment results in COVID-19 pediatric patients hospitalized to the Department of infectious disease in the Moscow region. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 124 pediatric patients aged from 1 month to 17 years with confirmed (63.7%) and highly probable (proven epidemiological association with the infection source) COVID-19 infection. The children were hospitalized from March 25, 2020 to August 11, 2020. Among patients that were hospitalized during this time period, 43% had pneumonia and 30% had acute respiratory disorders. All cases of pneumonia were confirmed by computed tomography. The children were treated according to the standard Russian guidelines.Results: The children had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 mostly from family members (75%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 66.4-82.3). In the families of the children with pneumonia, the number of pneumonia cases in their relatives was higher than in the families of the children with acute respiratory infections (1.7 ±1.0 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5 respectively; р &lt; 0.001). The mean age of the hospitalized children was 8 years (7.4-9.6), with an even age distribution. The main COVID-19 signs and symptoms were as follows: fever (75.8%; 95% CI 67.3-83.0), cough (66.1%; 95% CI 57.1-74.4]), fatigues (38.7%; 95% CI 30.1-47.9), and hyposmia (33.9%; 95% CI 25.6-42.9). The severe disease course was rare (2.4%; 95% CI 0.5-6.9). The rates of positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests for SARS-CoV-2 were rapidly decreased at repeated tests: at day 3, 63.7% of the tests were positive, at day 7, 21.8% and at day 14, 5.6% (р &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of pneumonia was 56.4% without any age differences, with mostly minimal areas of lung abnormalities (78.6%). The severity of pneumonia and duration of clinical manifestations in the patients treated with a III generation cephalosporin or its combination with a macrolide were similar. Cough duration in those, who were treated with ipratropium bromide / fenoterol inhalations including their combination with budesonide, was higher than in those who did not use inhalation treatment. Pyrexia of &gt; 5 days duration can be a predictor of pneumonia in a pediatric patient with COVID-1 9 (odds ratio 4.55 (2.1-9.9), sensitivity 61.4%, specificity 74.1%).Conclusion: The results obtained are important to develop further treatment strategies for children with COVID-1 9.

Comparison of ventricular repolarization parameters of Covid-19 patients diagnosed with chest CT and RT-PCR

Background and objectives The aim of the comparison is to evaluate the marker of ventricular repolarization parameters such as QT, QTc, cQT, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, Tp-e/JT and Tp-e/JTc ratios and the risk of ventricular arrhtythmias in patients with newly diagnosed Covid-19. Methods The study included 2 separate groups. The first one consisted of 96 positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Covid-19 patients and the second one of 106 patients with negative PCR but positive chest computed tomography (CT) findings consistent with Covid-19. We measured QTmax, QTmin, QRS, JT and Tp-e intervals and estimated Tp-e/QT max, Tp- e/QTc max, Tp-e/JT and Tp-e/JTc rates and QTc max, QTc min, cQTd and JTc intervals. Results QT max, QT min, JT, cQTd, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT max, Tp-e/QTc max, Tp-e/JT, Tp-e/JTc values were significantly higher in RT-PCR Covid-19 patient group. Conclusion Positive RT-PCR Covid-19 patients should be followed more closely, in terms of high ventricular repolarization parameters and preventing ventricular arrhythmias that may develop due to this.

Hormonal intervention for the treatment of veterans with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization (HITCH): a multicenter, phase 2 randomized controlled trial of best supportive care vs best supportive care plus degarelix: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTherapeutic targeting of host-cell factors required for SARS-CoV-2 entry is an alternative strategy to ameliorate COVID-19 severity. SARS-CoV-2 entry into lung epithelium requires the TMPRSS2 cell surface protease. Pre-clinical and correlative data in humans suggest that anti-androgenic therapies can reduce the expression of TMPRSS2 on lung epithelium. Accordingly, we hypothesize that therapeutic targeting of androgen receptor signaling via degarelix, a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist, will suppress COVID-19 infection and ameliorate symptom severity.MethodsThis is a randomized phase 2, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial in 198 patients to compare efficacy of degarelix plus best supportive care versus placebo plus best supportive care on improving the clinical outcomes of male Veterans who have been hospitalized due to COVID-19. Enrolled patients must have documented infection with SARS-CoV-2 based on a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction result performed on a nasopharyngeal swab and have a severity of illness of level 3–5 (hospitalized but not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation). Patients stratified by age, history of hypertension, and severity are centrally randomized 2:1 (degarelix: placebo). The composite primary endpoint is mortality, ongoing need for hospitalization, or requirement for mechanical ventilation at 15 after randomization. Important secondary endpoints include time to clinical improvement, inpatient mortality, length of hospitalization, duration of mechanical ventilation, time to achieve a normal temperature, and the maximum severity of COVID-19 illness. Exploratory analyses aim to assess the association of cytokines, viral load, and various comorbidities with outcome. In addition, TMPRSS2 expression in target tissue and development of anti-viral antibodies will also be investigated.DiscussionIn this trial, we repurpose the FDA approved LHRH antagonist degarelix, commonly used for prostate cancer, to suppress TMPRSS2, a host cell surface protease required for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. The objective is to determine if temporary androgen suppression with a single dose of degarelix improves the clinical outcomes of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04397718. Registered on May 21, 2020

Conundrum of re-positive COVID-19 cases: A systematic review of case reports and case series

BackgroundThe systematic review was conducted to summarize and synthesize evidence from all available case series and case reports published on re-positive COVID-19 cases. MethodsThe systematic review was registered with Prospero (CRD42020210446). PRISMA guidelines were followed for conducting the systematic review. Inclusion criteria for studies included case reports and case series which have documented cases of positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after a period of clinical improvement or a negative RT-PCR report. Reviews, opinions, and animal studies were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using the modified Murad scale. ResultsA total of 30 case reports/case series were included in the study, wherein a total of 219 cases were included. In re-positive cases, the age range varied from 10 months to 91 years. The pooled proportion of positive cases after follow-up using random-effects was 12% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 09%–15%). Among the re-positives, a total of 57 cases (26%) had comorbidities. A total of 51 (23.3%) and 17 (7.8%) re-positive cases had been treated with antivirals and corticosteroids, respectively. Only a few studies have confirmed the presence of antibodies after the first episode. Studies that included contact tracing of re-positives did not find any positive cases among close contacts of re-positive cases. ConclusionThe systemic review found that reinfection is a possibility within 123 days of a negative RT-PCR test in a small number of cases of COVID-19. This has wider ramifications in framing clinical, preventive, and public health policy guidelines.