Risk Of Severe COVID-19 Infection Research Articles

D-Dimer As A Parameter Of Disease And Death Of Covid-19 Patients In Islamic Hospital, Surabaya

Background: Previous studies of Community Associated Pneumonia (CAP) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), patients have shown that D-Dimer increases higher in severe cases and can be used as a prognostic biomarker and whilst D-Dimer> 1 mcg/ ml tends to be death for hospitalized adult patient with a diagnosis of Covid-19. However, D-Dimer's role in Covid-19 patients has not been fully studied. We aim to conduct research on D-Dimer as a parameter of Clinical Severity and Death of Covid-19 Patients in Islamic Hospital, in Surabaya. Methods: This type of research is an analytic observational study with a retrospective approach. The population in this study were all patient’s data retrieved from the Dahlia Room’s database from June to July 2020 which were taken through EMR (an Electrical Medical Records) from a total of 189 patients with the total sample of 82 patients. Data analysis in this study used chi-square (X2) with a significant value of p <0.05. Results: Age over 60 years is associated with a higher risk of severe Covid-19 infection (P<0.05). A history of hypertension significantly affects the severity of Covid-19 infection (P < 0.05). The proportion of recoveries (53.7%) was higher than the number of deaths (46.3%), although the majority of patients experienced severe clinical severity (39%). Laboratory parameters, such as D-dimer values, correlated significantly with patient age (P = 0.027, <0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of factors such as age and history of comorbid diseases in predicting the severity of Covid-19 infection. A better understanding of these risk factors can help in more effective management and management of Covid-19 patients.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Stem Cell Transplant Patients during the COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the outcomes of stem cell transplant (SCT) patients during the COVID-19 era. Pooled event rates (PER) were calculated, and meta-regression was performed. A random effects model was utilized. In total, 36 eligible studies were included out of 290. The PER of COVID-19-related deaths and COVID-19-related hospital admissions were 21.1% and 55.2%, respectively. The PER of the use of hydroxychloroquine was 53.27%, of the receipt of immunosuppression it was 39.4%, and of the use of antivirals, antibiotics, and steroids it was 71.61%, 37.94%, and 18.46%, respectively. The PER of the time elapsed until COVID-19 infection after SCT of more than 6 months was 85.3%. The PER of fever, respiratory symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms were 70.9, 76.1, and 19.3%, respectively. The PER of acute and chronic GvHD were 40.2% and 60.9%, respectively. SCT patients are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection and mortality. The use of dexamethasone improves the survival of hospitalized SCT patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen or ventilation. The SCT patient group is a heterogeneous group with varying characteristics. The quality of reporting on these patients when infected with COVID-19 is not uniform and further prospective or registry studies are needed to better guide clinical care in this unique setting.

Clinical features and treatment strategy for patients with multiple myeloma during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background. In March 2020, doctors faced the problem of severe COVID-19 coronavirus infection in patients with multiple myeloma. This required a review of issues related to the selection of patients, the development of new preventive and therapeutic tactics aimed at treating infectious and immunological complications in patients of this category, depending on the nature and status of the underlying disease and the timing of treatment.Aim. To assess the severity of multiple myeloma, the most common complications and features of the COVID-19 course in patients with multiple myeloma at different therapy stages (disease onset, remission, maintenance therapy, progression/refractory disease).Materials and methods. From March 2020 to May 2022, 89 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma and coronavirus infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus were hospitalized at City Clinical Hospital No. 52 (Moscow). After assessing the severity, a decision was made on patient management, and if necessary, according to indications, the patient received specific antitumor therapy for multiple myeloma and treatment of coronavirus infection simultaneously.Results. Treatment for coronavirus infection was carried out in accordance with the clinical recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Health at that time. It included antiviral, anticoagulant therapy, transfusions of fresh frozen convalescent plasma with a high titer of antibodies, genetically engineered biological drugs and monoclonal antibodies; if necessary, patients received antibacterial and antifungal, hormonal therapy. Specific chemotherapy was also administered according to indications.Conclusion. Patients with multiple myeloma are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Today, the problem of developing adequate therapeutic tactics for managing patients with multiple myeloma and coronavirus infection still remains relevant. It is necessary to develop an optimal protocol for the management of such patients, including an assessment of prognostic factors, identification of clearly defined indications and contraindications for chemotherapy, and a description of supportive therapy.

Management of COVID-19 in a Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on global healthcare systems, causing severe cases with acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death. Survivors of the virus may also experience long-term health problems. Sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited red blood cell disorder, is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, vascular occlusion, and organ deterioration. SCD primarily affects African Americans, and common symptoms include acute and chronic pain, as well as severe conditions like acute chest syndrome and stroke. METHODS: We present the case of a 19-year-old female with sickle cell anemia who presented with symptoms of illness, jaundice, and no fever after receiving intravenous paracetamol. They were stable overall, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15/15 and no abnormal chest sounds. The patient had red, soft stools for two days and reduced bowel movements. Bowel sounds were normal, and they had sufficient urine output but experienced lower limb edema without joint swelling. Blood pressure was 107/62 mm Hg, mean arterial pressure was 72 mm Hg, pulse rate was 104 beats per minute, respiratory rate was 21 breaths per minute, and random blood glucose level was 102.5 mg/dL. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. Laboratory results revealed low hemoglobin (6.8 g/dL), red blood cell count (2.16 x 10^6/micL), and high white blood cell count (22.4 x 10^3/micL) with 75.4% neutrophils. Hematocrit was 18.5%, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 85.7 pictogram/cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was 31.4, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was 36.7 g/dL, and platelet count was 215/micL. Other laboratory findings included urea (8 mg/dL), total protein (6.8 g/L), total bilirubin (2.15 mg/dL), direct bilirubin (0.98 mg/dL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (107 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (30 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (178 IU/L), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (48 mg/L). The patient's management plan involved intravenous dextrose and sodium chloride infusion, ceftriaxone (Samixon®), warfarin as needed, paracetamol as needed, folic acid once daily, vitamin C and zinc supplementation, levofloxacin once daily, Enema (Enemax) as needed, Pantoprazole (pantodac) (40 mg), nebulized hypertonic saline solution three times daily, diclofenac sodium (vortex) (75 mg) twice daily, and rivaroxaban (15 mg) twice daily. The patient received two blood transfusions during their hospital stay, with the first occurring on the first day of admission. CONCLUSION: Sickle cell anemia patients are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection and associated complications. Early detection and treatment of complications are crucial. Blood transfusion, particularly red blood cell exchange transfusion, may be beneficial in managing these patients, reducing respiratory distress and the need for intensive care. However, more research is needed to establish optimal management strategies. This case report provides valuable insights into the presentation and management of sickle cell anemia patients with COVID-19. Clinicians should consider the examination findings and laboratory investigations for diagnosis and management. Limitations of this report include the lack of baseline information and long-term follow-up data, emphasizing the need for further research to generalize the findings.

PB0072 Thrombin Generation Potential and the Risk of Severe COVID-19 Infection

PB0072 Thrombin Generation Potential and the Risk of Severe COVID-19 Infection

A COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children aged 12-17 years in Curacao.

This study aimed to describe and critically evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination program for high-risk children in Curacao and provide information about important factors such as parents' vaccination hesitancy and effective strategies for communicating and delivering information about vaccination. This was a cross-sectional study. It was important to identify children aged 12-17 years who were at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection because of the limited medical facilities on the island; children considered to be at high risk were those with diseases such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes mellitus type 2. These children or their caregivers were invited by their pediatricians to be vaccinated as part of a program run by the Public Health Department of Curacao. These high-risk patients were vaccinated between 30 May 2021 and 25 February 2022 in designated child-friendly spaces, with a pediatrician present for guidance and reassurance. Children received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the recommended dose for their age. The primary outcome was a description and evaluation of the attendance for vaccination. The secondary outcomes were side effects after vaccination for the age groups 12-15 years and 16-17 years. Reasons for refusal or nonadherence were also registered. Altogether 51% (24/47) of those aged 16-17 years who were invited were vaccinated compared with 42% (26/69) of those aged 12-15 years who were invited. Altogether, 46% of these high-risk children were vaccinated compared with 48% of children aged 12-17 years without risk factors. In our population, most patients did not experience any side effects and if they did, the side effects were mild. No cases of myocarditis or pericarditis were observed. A lack of trust in the vaccine and a lack of prioritization of vaccination when scheduling daily activities were important factors in refusal and nonadherence. To organize a successful vaccination program in a small community with limited resources for treating high-risk children it is crucial for medical professionals to provide reliable information. Public health initiatives should focus on assuaging parents' fears about vaccines. In addition, ensuring there is good cooperation between doctors and the Public Health Department can help to make implementation successful. Finally, involving pediatricians and using dedicated areas for vaccinating children can help build trust with parents and caregivers.

Impact of Serum Pro-calcitonin Level Among SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients: Emphasizing on A Medullary Thyroid Cancer Survivor in Kolkata, India

The coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive sense single stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus that first appeared in China and has spread throughout the world since late 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes a mild to severe respiratory infection that affects not just the lungs but also pancreas and other endocrine glands, as well as responsible for ischemic stroke and sexual dysfunctions. Serum pro-calcitonin (PCT) levels have been linked to the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in several investigations. According to our studies, high PCT levels are linked to a greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection in patients, as well as its involvement and role in a COVID-19 infected cancer survivor. This is the first study we are aware of from India that shows COVID-19 infected people should have regular PCT screening may help clinicians to plan intensive care unit (ICU) placement and detect any recurrence of past illness if any.

The Relationship between Socio-Demographic Factors, Preventive Health Behaviors and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine among Israeli Pregnant Women during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease led the World Health Organization to publish recommendations regarding preventive health behaviors (PHB). Pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection and adherence to these recommendations is critical. There are little data regarding PHB among pregnant women. The current study aims to evaluate the contribution of socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 vaccinations in predicting PHB among pregnant women. 202 pregnant Israeli women (mean age = 30.8 years) participated in an online survey in 2021. 88% of the women were vaccinated and few had been infected. Of the women, 75.2% reported wearing face masks in closed spaces, while 12.4% reported wearing masks outdoors; 63.9% of the women did not travel abroad for fear of infection by the virus and 51% avoided crowded events. A simultaneous regression analysis to predict PHB indicated that pregnancy week and Coronavirus vaccination significantly and positively predicted PHB, but religious status was a negative predictor. Age, number of children, and level of education were not associated with PHB. These findings can be helpful as a preliminary evidence base for policy-making at present and for future epidemics regarding guidelines on PHB adjusted for pregnant women.

Immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia who pause their BTKi therapy.

Patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection and have poor immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination. This study assessed whether a closely monitored pause in Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy might result in an improved humoral response to a 3rd COVID-19 vaccine dose. Improved response was observed in WM patients who paused their BTKi, compared to a group who did not pause their BTKi. However, the response was attenuated after BTKi recommencement. This data contributes to our understanding of vaccination strategies in this patient group and may help inform consensus approaches in the future.

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients: Big data convergence study in Korea (K-COV-N cohort)

ObjectivesThe risk of severe COVID-19 in children with a solid organ transplant (SOT) is not well established. We compare the relative risk of severe COVID-19 infection between pediatric SOT and non-SOT children. MethodsThe newly constructed K-COV-N cohort (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID-19-National Health Insurance Service) was used. Children with COVID-19 (<18 years old) who underwent SOT between January 2008 to January 2022 were included. Non-SOT children with COVID-19 were selected in a ratio of 1:4 using propensity score matching. Three definitions of severe COVID-19 were established based on their requirement for respiratory support: severe I (requiring respiratory support above a high-flow nasal cannula or prolonged hospitalization ≥6 days), severe II (requiring any oxygen supplement), and severe III (requiring any oxygen supplement or prolonged hospitalization ≥6 days). ResultsAmong 2,957,323 children with COVID-19, 206 pediatric SOT recipients (SOTRs) were identified and included in the analysis along with 803 matched non-SOT children. Most infections (96.6%) occurred during the Omicron period; no cases of mortality were reported. Pediatric SOTR had a 3.6-fold (95% confidence interval = 1.1-11.7, P = 0.03) higher risk of severe I, and a 4.9-fold (95% confidence interval = 1.6-15.0, P = 0.006) higher risk of severe III than non-SOT children. No cases of severe II occurred in the non-SOT children. Although not statistically significant, no severe COVID-19 cases were reported in the vaccinated SOT group (0.0% vs 5.7%, P = 0.09 in severe III). ConclusionPediatric SOTRs have a significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 than non-SOT children. Our findings support the need for tailored strategies for these high-risk children.

#3767 THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMICS ON THE OUTCOME OF 24 CHINESE PATIENTS DIAGNOSED OF MEMBRANOUS NEPHROPATHY RECEIVING RITUXIMAB THERAPY

Abstract Background and Aims Rituximab has been considered as the first-line immunosuppressive therapy in membranous nephropathy. Anti-CD20 depleting therapy is associated with prolonged B-cell depletion and has been reported to increase risk of severe COVID-19 infection in several rheumatic and neurologic diseases. However, few studies reported the impact of COVID-19 infection on membranous nephropathy in the status of B-cell depletion. Our study aimed to describe the impact of prior rituximab therapy on clinical outcomes of a group of Chinese membranous nephropathy within 6-month follow-up during COVID-19 pandemics. Method We prospectively conducted a cohort study of adult patients diagnosed of membranous nephropathy receiving rituximab therapy from Aug 1st to Nov 30th in 2022, in one tertiary hospital, in Beijing. Patients’ baseline characteristics (including demographic data, serum albumin, serum creatinine, 24-hour proteinuria, serum IgG level, peripheral lymphocyte subsets, medications, past medical history, prior COVID-19 vaccination history), clinical outcomes were recorded. We followed up all the patient regularly until Jan 31st, 2023. Results We included 24 patients with median age of 55 (27, 83) years old. 13 (54.2%) patients were on chronic immunosuppression with corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and/or mycophenolate mofetil. We followed up the patients within median 4.6 months since last rituximab infusion at the dose of 1 gram. During follow-up, 18 (75%) patients got COVID-19 infection including 16 non-severe cases and two severe cases requiring hospitalization and receiving intravenous dexamethasone. The overall COVID-19 vaccination rate was 33%. In subgroup analysis, the baseline characteristics were comparable between COVID-19 infection group and non-infection group. Vaccination rate in COVID-19 infection group was lower than that in non-infection group insignificantly (28% vs 50%, P=0.362), and the two cases of severe infection were unvaccinated with severe hypoimmunoglobulinemia. Circulating natural killer cell counts were significantly different between the two groups (365(63, 745) vs 194(23, 928)/μl, P=0.019), while neither CD4+T cells nor CD8+T cells counts showed statistically difference between the counterparts (CD4+T cells: 632 (227, 1231) vs 407 (230, 571)/μl, P=0.05; CD8+T cells: 496 (134, 1815) vs 306 (127, 728)/μl, P=0.179). No relapse of membranous nephropathy was observed after infection during follow-up. Conclusion COVID-19 infection was common in Chinese membranous nephropathy receiving recent administration of rituximab during COVID-19 pandemics. Low vaccination rate and prolonged B-cell depletion after rituximab infusion in this population may attenuate the protective effect of COVID-19 vaccine. Nature killer cells may play a key role in antiviral immunity. Patients should continue to maintain a high adherence to preventive measures against COVID-19.

How Reactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in Astronauts with Dysregulated Immune Systems Can Negatively Affect the Odds of Success in Future Space Missions.

We have previously reported that during future space missions the risk of severe COVID-19 infection will be a cardinal issue that needs careful attention. Our studies show that even with the most reliable pre-mission screening and quarantine strategies, astronauts with a latent (hidden, inactive, or dormant) SARS-CoV-2 infection might be sent to space. Given this consideration, an asymptomatic individual with dormant SARS-CoV-2 infection may successfully pass all the pre-launch medical tests. Then during a space mission such as a journey to Mars or beyond, when the immune system of these astronauts starts to weaken, the dormant infection may progress to a severe infection that possibly affects the chance of the mission's success. The effects of microgravity and the elevated space radiation are two key factors that should be evaluated. Furthermore, the limited size of the spacecraft, the proximity of crew members during flight operations, spacecraft atmospheric composition, limited exercise capability, effects of viral response to space radiation, and uncertainty in the likelihood of the virus to mutate and evolve during a space mission merit additional study.

Associations between obstructive sleep apnea and COVID-19 infection and hospitalization among U.S. adults.

Medical comorbidities increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection. In some studies, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified as a comorbid condition that is associated with an increased prevalence of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, but few have investigated this association in a general population. This study aimed to answer the following research question: in a general population, is OSA associated with increased odds of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization and are these altered with COVID-19 vaccination? This was a cross-sectional survey of a diverse sample of 15,057 U.S. adults. COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates in the cohort were 38.9% and 2.9% respectively. OSA or OSA symptoms were reported in 19.4%. In logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, socio-economic and comorbid medical conditions, OSA was positively associated with COVID-19 infection (aOR: 1.58, 95%CI: 1.39-1.79) and COVID-19 hospitalization (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.17-2.05). In fully adjusted models, boosted vaccination status was protective against both infection and hospitalization. Boosted vaccination status attenuated the association between OSA and COVID-19 related hospitalization, but not infection. Participants with untreated or symptomatic OSA were at greater risk for COVID-19 infection; those with untreated, but not symptomatic OSA were more likely to be hospitalized. In a general population sample, OSA is associated with a greater likelihood of having had a COVID-19 infection and a COVID-19 hospitalization with the greatest impact observed among persons experiencing OSA symptoms or who were untreated for their OSA. Boosted vaccination status attenuated the association between OSA and COVID-19 related hospitalization.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates, perceptions, and attitudes among dialysis patients: Experience across a national sample.

Dialysis patients are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection making vaccination a priority. We explored COVID-19 vaccine uptake and perceptions in our dialysis population, associated COVID-19 infection, and hospitalization rates. This is a single-center retrospective study using telephone questionnaires and hospital records to investigate COVID-19 vaccine uptake and attitudes behind vaccination status. A total of 230 patients were interviewed. Vaccine uptake was 97.8% (two doses) and 86.6% (booster dose), with 79.5% vaccinated at Renal Unit. Most (58.5%) cited healthcare worker advice as a contributing factor and 54% sought protection through vaccination. COVID-19 hospitalization was higher in unvaccinated and patients vaccinated with one dose, compared to two doses (63.2% vs. 20%, p=0.05) and booster dose (63.2% vs. 22.2%, p=0.02). Our dialysis population recognized the importance of COVID-19 vaccination. Intensive patient education and easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine may have facilitated vaccine uptake in these patients.

Associations of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination During Pregnancy With Pregnancy Outcomes

(JAMA. 2022;327:1469–1477) While pregnant patients are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, many may still be concerned about the safety of receiving the vaccines during pregnancy. There is evidence supporting the safety of the approved vaccines from the surveillance systems by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a few small studies, and data from unplanned pregnancies in the phase 3 vaccination trials. This study used data from Sweden and Norway to examine risk of adverse outcomes following COVID vaccination during pregnancy.

Nosocomial outbreak in a respiratory ward caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA 5.2.1 subvariant associated with non-severe illness in vaccinated patients.

In this short report, we describe an outbreak of COVID-19 caused by Omicron subvariant BA.5.2.1 in highly vaccinated patients in a respiratory ward in a large acute general hospital in North West London, United Kingdom. The attack rate was high (14/33 (42%)) but the clinical impact was relatively non-severe including in patients who were at high risk of severe COVID-19. Twelve of fourteen patients had COVID-19 vaccinations. There was only one death due to COVID-19 pneumonitis. The findings of this outbreak investigation suggest that while the transmissibility of Omicron BA.5.2.1 subvariant is high, infections caused by this strain are non-severe in vaccinated patients, even if they are at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Vaccination Attitudes on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

Individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be at increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia since COPD is associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection. We hypothesized that the AlphaNet disease management program would lower COVID-19 burdens. We evaluated the prevalence of COVID-19 infection, severe COVID-19, interruptions in augmentation therapy, and intention to vaccinate. Data regarding COVID-19 were collected monthly from March 2020 through February 2022. Responses from 8019 individuals were analyzed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 infections, interruptions in AATD care, and the likelihood of vaccination. By the end of 2020, 4% of patients reported a positive COVID-19 test. Of those, 35.3% were hospitalized, with 8.6% admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). By February 2022, the prevalence of COVID-19 infections had increased to 18.6%, with hospitalization rates of 22.1% and ICU admissions at 4.7%. Attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination assessed in December 2020 before the vaccine was widely available suggested 10.3% of patients would definitely not get the vaccine. Notably, 38.2% of those subsequently self-reported receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine. The prevalence of COVID-19 infections in patients with AATD was lower than the prevalence in the general U.S. population during 2020, although with a higher hospitalization rate. This health-managed population has a high vaccination intent. Those with an initially low vaccination intent changed their minds over time. We interpret these results as showing that most AlphaNet individuals with AATD had success at navigating the COVID-19 pandemic with lower case rates than the general U.S. population.

Long COVID outcomes in an asthmatic cohort and its implications for asthma control

Long COVID outcomes in an asthmatic cohort and its implications for asthma control

COVID-19 effect on patients with noncommunicable diseases: A narrative review.

On March 11, 2020, the WHO has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, affecting our day-to-day lives. Physical distancing and lockdown made significant obstacles to populations, particularly healthcare systems. Most healthcare workers were reallocated to COVID-19 facilities. Noncommunicable disease patients were given low priority and are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, which disrupted the treatment and disease management of these patients. This review aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 on different types of noncommunicable diseases and the severity it may cause to patients. We have conducted a review of the literature on COVID-19 and noncommunicable diseases from December 2019 until January 2022. The search was done in PubMed and Cochrane for relevant articles using variety of searching terms. Data for study variables were extracted. At the end of the selection process, 46 papers were selected for inclusion in the literature review. The result from this review found that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the efficiency of the patient's treatment indirectly by either delaying or canceling sessions, which solidified the need to rely more on telemedicine, virtual visits, and in-home visits to improve patient education and minimize the risk of exposure to the patients. The major and most common types of noncommunicable diseases are known to be related to the severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection. It is strongly recommended to prioritize these patients for vaccinations against COVID-19 to provide them with the protection that will neutralize the risk imposed by their comorbidities. We recommend conducting more studies with larger population samples to further understand the role of noncommunicable diseases(NCDs) in this pandemic. However, this pandemic has also affected the efficiency of NCDs treatment indirectly by delaying or canceling sessions and others.

COVID-19 and Sickle Cell Disease in the Province of Quebec, Canada: Outcomes after Two Years of the Pandemic.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are considered at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection. However, morbidity and mortality rates are variable among countries. To date, there are no published reports that document outcomes of SCD patients with COVID-19 in Canada. A web-based registry was implemented in June 2020 capturing outcomes of SCD patients with COVID-19 from March 2020 to April 2022 and comparing them to the general population of Quebec, Canada. After 24 months of the pandemic, 185 SCD patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the registry. Overall, the population was young (median age 12 years old) and had few comorbidities. No deaths were reported. Risk of hospitalization and admission to intensive care unit (ICU) because of COVID-19 was higher in patients with SCD than in the general population (relative risks (RR) 5.15 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.84-6.91), p ˂ 0.001 and 4.56 (95% CI 2.09-9.93) p ˂ 0.001). A history of arterial hypertension or acute chest syndrome in the past 12 months was associated with a higher risk of severe disease (RR = 3.06 (95% CI 1.85-5.06) p = 0.008 and 2.27 (95% CI 1.35-3.83) p = 0.01). Hospitalized patients had lower hemoglobin F than non-hospitalized patients (12% vs. 17%, p = 0.02). For those who had access to vaccination at the time of infection, 25 out of 26 patients were adequately vaccinated and had mild disease. The SCD population is at higher risk of severe disease than the general population. However, we report favorable outcomes as no deaths occurred. Registries will continue to be critical to document the impact of novel COVID-19 specific therapy and vaccines for the SCD population.