Severe Lung Involvement Research Articles

COVID-19 associated pulmonary embolism: clinical, biochemical and CT imaging findings.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection represented a disruptive pathology that emerged in late 2019 with profound implications ranging from individual health to health systems and world economy. Our study aimed to evaluate clinical, biochemical and computerized tomography (CT) parameters values in determining the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE) associated with COVID-19. We performed an observational cohort study evaluating demographic, clinical, biochemical, coagulation markers, as well as CT imaging parameters. In our study on 186 patients with COVID-19, we found that 31 patients (16,66%) had pulmonary embolism. Significant correlations for the patients with PE were detected in C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin, IL-6, serum myoglobin, NT-proBNP, D-dimers, serum proteins, transaminases as well as white cell blood counts. Patients with pulmonary embolism had a more severe lung involvement, with thrombi distribution mainly involving the lower lobes. Early identification of PE is an important step for timely and efficient treatment in the intensive care management of COVID-19 patients. Our study showed that high plasmatic values of lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, IL-6, white blood cells and D-dimers and low proteins serum levels are strongly linked with COVID-19-associated pulmonary embolism.

Significance of Systemic Scleroderma-Specific Autoantibodies in Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia.

Objective Patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) often test positive for systemic scleroderma-specific autoantibodies (SSc-Ab), even if they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for systemic scleroderma (SSc). However, the significance of SSc-Ab in IIP is unknown. Methods We retrospectively studied the medical records of all patients suspected of interstitial lung disease (ILD) who visited our center between January 2016 and December 2021. We evaluated the association between SSc-Ab subtypes and clinical characteristics, prognosis, and incidence of acute exacerbation (AE) of IIP. Among 571 patients suspected of having IIP and SSc-Ab measured, we excluded cases with clear causes of ILD or those diagnosed with other diseases and analyzed 386 cases diagnosed as IIP. Results Among 386 IIP patients, 48 were SSc-Ab positive (platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) in 0, Th/To in 10, anti-nucleolar organizer region 90 antibodies (NOR90) in 12, fibrillarin in five, RP155 in 14, RP11 in three, CENP A in seven, CENP B in 10, and Scl-70 in six). There was no significant difference in survival rate or incidence of AE between patients with or without SSc-Ab. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and malignancy were significant risk factors for death, whereas age, male sex, and anti-fibrillarin antibodies were significant risk factors for AE of IIP. Conclusion None of the SSc-Abs were associated with the risk of mortality, and anti-fibrillarin antibodies, along with age and male sex may contribute to the risk of AE of IIP, predicting severe lung involvement and warranting multidisciplinary treatment and careful follow-up.

Plasmapheresis in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis with Active Kidney Involvement in the United States (2016-2020): A Cross-Sectional Study.

Plasmapheresis is currently recommended when antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) presents with severe kidney and/or lung involvement. This cross-sectional study aimed at describing characteristics of hospitalized patients diagnosed with AAV with severe kidney involvement undergoing plasmapheresis in the US. We defined the study population as adults hospitalized for active kidney involvement with a new diagnosis of AAV (by subtype or unspecified). We established the cohort from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample by ICD-10-CM codes. In this cross-sectional study, we described demographic and clinical characteristics, associated inpatient procedures, lengths of stay, hospital costs, and disposition at discharge comparing patients treated and not treated with plasmapheresis. We identified a total of 975 cases of hospitalized AAV with acute kidney involvement in the US treated by plasmapheresis over the 5-year period. Demographic characteristics of patients who received plasmapheresis were similar to those in patients who did not (n=5670). There were no regional differences in the proportion of patients who received plasmapheresis; however, plasmapheresis was deployed more frequently among patients admitted to urban teaching hospitals relative to rural and non-teaching hospitals. Cases treated with plasmapheresis were more likely to have had acute kidney injury (AKI) (96% vs. 90%, p=0.0007), AKI requiring dialysis (52% vs 16%, p<0.001), hypoxia (40% vs. 16%, p<0.0001), and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (13% vs. 3%, p=0.0003). During 2016-2020, plasmapheresis was deployed in approximately 20% of patients being admitted for AAV and acute kidney involvement in the US. As standards of care and practice evolve, the role of plasmapheresis in the management of AAV with acute kidney involvement will require further study.

The Effect of Plasma Exchange on Recovery of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Plasma Exchange (PE) in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive pneumonia patients. Method: This study was a case series conducted at a referral hospital. Twenty SARS-CoV-2-positive patients had an oxygen saturation of 80-90%, and the respiratory rate above 30 per minute. These symptoms started 1 week after the onset of the disease. All patients had less than 90% oxygen saturation and needed respiratory support (oxygen therapy) treated with plasma exchange on 3-5 consecutive days during hospitalization. We followed the amount of oxygen saturation, which was in the form of increasing the patient's oxygen saturation above 90% without oxygen supply and above 92% without oxygen, improving shortness of breath and improving patients' clinical symptoms. Results: Our study included a total of 20 COVID-19 patients with an overall mean age of 48.9 ± 12.1 years (range: 39–58 years); 60% (n=12) were males, 34.5% of whom benefited from TPE sessions. On the third day after the treatment, shortness of breath improved in these patients. Oxygen saturation of any twenty patients increased before the procedure of plasma exchange. Clinical symptoms of all patients were decreasing shortness of breath and improving patients' clinical symptoms after the procedure. Conclusion: According to our observations, plasma exchange could not show a significant therapeutic effect in COVID-19 patients with severe lung involvement.

Evaluation of a Lung Ultrasound Score in Hospitalized Adult Patients with COVID-19 in Barcelona, Spain.

Background/Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic and the burden on hospital resources, the rapid categorization of high-risk COVID-19 patients became essential, and lung ultrasound (LUS) emerged as an alternative to chest computed tomography, offering speed, non-ionizing, repeatable, and bedside assessments. Various LUS score systems have been used, yet there is no consensus on an optimal severity cut-off. We assessed the performance of a 12-zone LUS score to identify adult COVID-19 patients with severe lung involvement using oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio as a reference standard to define the best cut-off for predicting adverse outcomes. Methods: We conducted a single-centre prospective study (August 2020-April 2021) at Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain. Upon admission to the general ward or intensive care unit (ICU), clinicians performed LUS in adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. Severe lung involvement was defined as a SpO2/FiO2 ratio <315. The LUS score ranged from 0 to 36 based on the aeration patterns. Results: 248 patients were included. The admission LUS score showed moderate performance in identifying a SpO2/FiO2 ratio <315 (area under the ROC curve: 0.71; 95%CI 0.64-0.77). After adjustment for COVID-19 risk factors, an admission LUS score ≥17 was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death (OR 5.31; 95%CI: 1.38-20.4), ICU admission (OR 3.50; 95%CI: 1.37-8.94) and need for IMV (OR 3.31; 95%CI: 1.19-9.13). Conclusions: Although the admission LUS score had limited performance in identifying severe lung involvement, a cut-off ≥17 score was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. and could play a role in the rapid categorization of COVID-19 pneumonia patients, anticipating the need for advanced care.

High prevalence of anti-Strongyloides antibody in SARS-CoV-2-infected human sera in a Thai hospital: Rapid serological screening

COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can stimulate a systemic inflammatory response with severe lung involvement, multisystem dysfunction, and death in some cases. Immunosuppressive treatments have been proposed for management of COVID-19 patients, but these bring the risk of flare-up of pre-existing infections. Strongyloidiasis can become severe or fatal in immunocompromised individuals. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of anti-Strongyloides IgG antibody in sera collected from SARS-CoV-2 infected persons in a tertiary-care Thai hospital from January 2021 to January 2022. The survey was conducted using a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) kit based on a recombinant antigen of Strongyloides stercoralis known to be IgG-immunoreactive. High prevalence of anti-Strongyloides IgG antibody was found. Out of 297 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients 117 (39.4 %, 95 % CI 33.8–45.2 %) were positive for S. stercoralis according to the ICT kit. In areas where strongyloidiasis is endemic, we suggest using this point-of-care ICT kit for routine rapid screening in seriously ill COVID-19 patients who will be subjected to immunosuppressive treatment. Prompt anthelminthic treatment should be administered to prevent serious systemic strongyloidiasis in at-risk patients.

#3033 IgA vasculitis: a unexpected diagnosis of pulmonary renal syndrome

Abstract Background IgA vasculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels that poses a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. Characterized by the deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) on vessel walls, this pathology can manifest in various ways, presenting a broad and sometimes complex clinical spectrum. Ninety percent of cases occur in the pediatric age group. Severe lung involvement, such as pulmonary hemorrhage, is rare in patients with IgAV. We present a case of a 33-year-old patient with pulmonary renal syndrome and without purpura, an atypical presentation of IgA vasculitis. Case Report We describe the case of a 33-year-old patient with no relevant medical history or regular medication, who presented to the emergency department in November 2022 with symptoms of hemoptysis, fatigue, myalgias, and pallor. On physical examination, the patient was conscious, cooperative, normotensive, tachycardic, afebrile, with bilateral axillary adenopathies, and scattered crackles on lung auscultation. Laboratory tests revealed anemia with a hemoglobin level of 5.8 g/dL, non-oliguric acute kidney injury with a creatinine level of 2.25 mg/dL, microscopic hematuria (&amp;gt;50/hpf), and proteinuria (UPCR of 2.8 mg/mg and UACR of 1.6 mg/mg). A chest CT scan showed bilateral and scattered ground-glass opacities consistent with alveolar hemorrhage. The patient was admitted to the Nephrology service, underwent 3 sessions of plasma exchange, and started therapy with methylprednisolone 1000 mg for 3 days. A renal biopsy revealed 24 glomeruli, with 3 showing segmental sclerosis and 1 with fibrocellular crescents, mild interstitial nephritis; immunofluorescence showed IgA+++, C3++, IgM, and IgG+- Oxford Classification: M1 E0 S1 T0 C1. Bronchofibroscopy showed a rosy bronchoalveolar lavage and macrophages with hemosiderin pigment deposition. The patient continued with prednisolone at 1 mg/kg. In January 2023 (after two months), there was a &amp;gt;25% reduction in albuminuria with resolution of acute kidney injury. A gradual reduction of prednisolone was initiated, and it was definitively discontinued in October 2023. In the last outpatient visit in January 2024, the patient maintained normal renal function, with no hematuria, UPCR of 100 mg/g, UACR of 70 mg/g, and no further episodes of alveolar hemorrhage. Conclusion This case stands out for its atypical presentation: an adult with alveolar hemorrhage and without other more classical manifestations of IgA vasculitis, such as purpura. This is yet another case that emphasizes the importance of the broad spectrum of diagnoses that a nephrologist should consider in the face of acute kidney injury.

Vaccination and Its Impact on Lung Involvement in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study in India.

Background COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, led to a global pandemic necessitating urgent vaccine development and deployment. By the end of 2020, several vaccines had reached their clinical trial endpoints. India, leveraging its pharmaceutical prowess, developed two primary vaccines: CoviShield® and Covaxin®. Despite the availability of these vaccines, vaccine hesitancy became a notable challenge. This study aimed to assess the correlation between vaccination status and lung involvement in COVID-19 patients, aiming to fortify trust in vaccines and enhance vaccine uptake in India. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 272 patients treated at a designated COVID-19 Care Center in Chennai, India, from May to July 2021. Patients were divided into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, with vaccinated individuals further categorized based on the type and dose of vaccine received (CoviShield® or Covaxin®). Lung involvement was assessed through CT chest scans, and statistical analyses were performed to compare the severity of lung involvement across different groups. Results The vaccinated group demonstrated significantly lower mean lung involvement (28%) compared to the unvaccinated group (34.8%). Within vaccinated individuals, no significant differences were observed between different vaccine types and doses, suggesting a generalized protective effect of COVID-19 vaccination against severe lung involvement. Conclusion Vaccination against COVID-19 significantly reduces the severity of lung involvement among patients, irrespective of the vaccine brand or dose. This study reinforces the importance of vaccination in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and supports ongoing vaccination efforts.

P140 IgG Autoantibodies with Increased Affinity for Epithelial Cells in Severe Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract Background/Aims In health IgG immunoglobulins form a network through interaction with cell surface proteins and controlled by regulatory cells, whereas in autoimmune diseases IgG responses become skewed towards higher affinity and potentially damaging responses against self-antigens. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated activation of the epithelial layer of skin in systemic sclerosis (SSc), implicating keratinocytes as a target of the autoimmune process. We investigated the presence of plasma IgG autoantibodies directed against keratinocytes and sought correlation with clinical parameters in well-characterized patients. Methods Diffuse SSc (dcSSc), limited SSc (lcSSc) and healthy control (HC) plasma samples (each n = 30), were assayed in an anti-epithelial cell antibody assay (AEpCA), using fixed keratinocytes to evaluate binding of IgG . Clinical characteristics of patients with positive versus negative AEpCA were compared. The capacity for SSc IgG to activate epithelial cells was assessed using keratinocytes in vitro. Results Preliminary serial dilution assay of SSc and HC plasma (n = 10) showed enhanced affinity of SSc IgG for keratinocytes (ANOVA p &amp;lt; 0.001 for overall effect SSc vs HC IgG p &amp;lt; 0.0048 for dose effect)(Figure 1A). Dilution of 1/80 gave optimal differential binding in the AEpCA assay (corrected p &amp;lt; 0.027 for SSc vs HC at 1/80). Further HC, dcSSc, and lcSSc plasma samples (each n = 30) were screened, demonstrating increased AEpCA titre in SSc (Figure 1B) (Kruskall-Wallace test p &amp;lt; 0.014 for lcSSc vs HC, p &amp;lt; 0.041 for dcSSc vs HC). SSc patients with positive AEpCA had higher skin scores (mRSS) (AEPCA neg 5(0-24); AEpCA pos 9(0-40) p &amp;lt; 0.0032), higher frequency of ATA antibody (AEpCA neg ATA pos 6/30; AEpCA pos ATA pos 13/30, chi squared p = 0.052) more interstitial lung disease (AEPCA neg 7/30, AEpCA pos 13/30, p NS)(Figure 1C) and trend towards higher use of immunosuppression. SSc but not HC IgG activated keratinocytes in vitro, triggering IL-1α release. Conclusion In this study, we have shown evidence of IgG autoantibodies with increased affinity for keratinocytes in the plasma of SSc patients. Positive testing for the AEpCA was associated with more severe skin disease and lung involvement. The perturbed IgG network in such patients could be activating through common epithelial cells antigens in the skin and lung. Disclosure C. Moezinia: None. V. Wong: None. J. Watson: None. L. Nagib: None. S. Lopez Garces: None. H. Lopez: None. G. Martin: None. S. Zhang: None. B. Ahmed Abdi: None. C. Denton: None. D. Abraham: None. R.J. Stratton: None.

Fulminant myocarditis induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection without severe lung involvement: insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection often leads to pulmonary complications. Cardiovascular sequelae, including myocarditis and heart failure, have also been reported. Here, the study presents two fulminant myocarditis cases infected by SARS-CoV-2 exhibiting remarkable elevation of cardiac biomarkers without significant pulmonary injury, as determined by imaging examinations. Immunohistochemical staining reveals the viral antigen within cardiomyocytes, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 could directly infect the myocardium. The full viral genomes from respiratory, anal, and myocardial specimens are obtained via next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses of the whole genome and spike gene indicate that viruses in the myocardium/pericardial effusion and anal swabs are closely related and cluster together yet diverge from those in the respiratory samples. In addition, unique mutations are found in the anal/myocardial strains compared to the respiratory strains, suggesting tissue-specific virus mutation and adaptation. These findings indicate genetically distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants have infiltrated and disseminated within myocardial tissues, independent of pulmonary injury, and point to different infection routes between the myocardium and respiratory tract, with myocardial infections potentially arising from intestinal infection. These findings highlight the potential for systemic SARS-CoV-2 infection and the importance of a thorough multi-organ assessment in patients for a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Differentiating Viral from Bacterial Pneumonia in Children: The Diagnostic Role of Lung Ultrasound-A Prospective Observational Study.

This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing and managing pediatric respiratory infections, specifically focusing on viral, bacterial, and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Conducted over a period of 1 year and 8 months, this research involved 85 pediatric patients (showcasing a median age of 14 months) recruited based on specific criteria, including age, confirmed infection through multiplex PCR tests, and willingness to undergo LUS imaging. This study employed a 12-area scoring system for LUS examinations, utilizing the lung ultrasound score (LUSS) to evaluate lung abnormalities. The PCR examination results reveal diverse respiratory pathogens, with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and bacterial co-infections being prominent among the cases. As an observational study, this study was not registered in the registry. Distinct LUS patterns associated with different pathogens were identified, showcasing the discriminatory potential of LUS in differentiating between viral and bacterial etiologies. Bacterial infections demonstrated more severe lung involvement, evident in significantly higher LUSS values compared with viral cases (p < 0.0001). The specific abnormalities found in bacterial superinfection can be integrated into diagnostic and management protocols for pediatric respiratory infections. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into optimizing LUS as a diagnostic tool in pediatric pneumonia, facilitating more informed and tailored healthcare decisions.

SARS COV-2 Infection in an Allergic Asthma Patient Taking Omalizumab: A Case Report

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus affecting the respiratory tract. Comorbid diseases with severe lung involvement were defined for this infection. Due to its multifactorial pathophysiology, asthma has become one of the most curious, researched, and controversial diseases with comorbidity. The relationship between viral load and disease symptoms of biological agents, which are becoming more important and increasingly used in treating chronic diseases, is being investigated. Omalizumab is a human anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody approved for asthma and chronic urticaria use. We present the course of COVID-19 disease in a 20-year-old patient with allergic asthma whose asthma symptoms were under control with omalizumab for one year. Our patient had an outpatient course for COVID-19 without developing a cough or other asthma attack symptoms and without hospitalization. By presenting this case, we would like to emphasize that omalizumab treatment during COVID-19 disease does not affect the course of the disease.

Elevated hyaluronic acid levels in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in the post-COVID-19 era.

Human identical sequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) promoted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) progression by upregulating hyaluronic acid (HA) via NamiRNA-enhancer network, based on previous experimental research. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of HA for the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the post-COVID-19 era. A total of 217 consecutive patients with COVID-19 were enrolled at Beijing Ditan Hospital between July 2023 and October 2023. HA levels were analyzed using biochemical detector. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent factors for severe COVID-19. The predictive performance of HA for severe infection was assessed by ROC curve. Furthermore, the relationship between HA levels and COVID-19 severity was investigated using multivariate logistic regression models after adjustment for potential confounders. According to the cut-off value of HA, COVID-19 patients were divided into HA < 90 ng/mL group (80 cases) and HA ≥ 90 ng/mL group (137 cases). High HA levels were positively associated with the severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, including elevated inflammatory indicators, severe lung involvement, prolonged clinical course, and higher incidence of respiratory failure and death (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that HA was an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 (OR = 4.540, 95% CI = 2.105-9.790, P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of HA for severe infection was 0.724. HA levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 cases compared to the healthy population (123.9 (82.6, 174.1) vs. 50.5 (37.8, 66.8), P < 0.001), but similar to those with non-SARS-CoV-2 lung infection (121.6 (78.5, 175.6) vs. 106.0 (66.5, 149.7), P = 0.244). We also found that the first COVID-19 infections had higher HA levels (118.8 (79.5, 174.3) vs. 85.0 (61.1, 128.8), P < 0.001) and a higher proportion of severe infection (37.1% vs. 21.3%, P = 0.043) than re-infections. However, HA expression failed to fully return to normal levels with infection recovery (204.7 (152.9, 242.2) vs. 97.0 (69.3, 137.3), P < 0.001). HA was associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and could be used as a novel serum biomarker to predict the risk of COVID-19 progression in the post-COVID-19 era.

Effectiveness of BBV152 vaccine and ChAdOx1-S vaccine in preventing severe disease among vaccinated patients admitted to a designated COVID-19 hospital in India.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly formidable disease. Globally, multiple vaccines have been developed to prevent and manage this disease. However, the periodic mutations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants cast doubt on the effectiveness of commonly used vaccines in mitigating severe disease in the Indian population. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the BBV152 vaccine and ChAdOx1-S vaccine in preventing severe forms of the disease. This retrospective study, based on hospital records, was conducted on 204 vaccinated COVID-19 patients using a consecutive sampling approach. Data on their vaccination status, comorbidities, and high-resolution computed tomography lung reports' computed tomography severity scores were extracted from their medical records. Fisher's exact test and binomial logistic regression analysis were employed to assess the independent associations of various factors with the dependent variables. Of the 204 records, 57.9% represented males, with a mean age of 61.5±9.8 years. Both vaccines demonstrated effective protection against severe illness (90.2%), with BBV152 offering slightly better protection compared to ChAdOx1-S. Male gender, partial vaccination, comorbid conditions, and the type of vaccine were identified as independent predictors of severe lung involvement. This study indicates that both vaccines were highly effective (90%) in preventing severe forms of the disease in fully vaccinated individuals. When comparing the two vaccines, BBV152 was slightly more effective than ChAdOx1-S in preventing severe COVID-19.

Antibiotic Use in Patients With COVID-19

Abstract Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to public health. The ongoing antimicrobial resistance pandemic has been fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We analyzed patients 15 years or older with COVID-19 who were admitted to a teaching hospital in Mashhad, Iran, during the period between the third and fourth COVID-19 waves. COVID-19 was diagnosed if the SARS-COV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) polymerase chain reaction test was positive in patients with compatible clinical syndromes. Results Overall, 532 episodes of COVID-19 were diagnosed. The median age of patients was 61 years (interquartile range, 48–73). One hundred twenty-five patients (23.4%) with COVID-19 died, and 165 (31%) experienced major complications. Over the study period, 134 DDD (defined daily dose) per 100 hospital bed days of antibacterial were used. Glycopeptides, third-generation cephalosporins, and carbapenems were the antibacterials most frequently used, based on the DDD per 100 hospital bed days. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with antibacterial prescription in COVID-19 patients were lung involvement of greater than 50% (odds ratio [OR], 14.6), C-reactive protein of greater than 100 mg/L (OR, 3.35), and hypoxia (OR, 3.06). Univariate but not multivariate analysis showed that antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients was associated with 4 times increase in the chance of death (OR, 4.23). Conclusion Our study highlights a high rate of antibacterial use in COVID-19 patients. Hypoxia, C-reactive protein of greater than 100 mg/L, and severe lung involvement were associated with a higher rate of antibacterial prescription. The patients who received antibiotics died 4.23 times more often than patients treated without antibiotics. These findings emphasize the need for integrating antimicrobial stewardship programs as an integral part of the pandemic response and the need for improving diagnostic tests for early detection of bacterial coinfections in COVID-19 patients.

Pediatric pulmonary multisystem langerhans cell histiocytosis: does lung lesion severity affect the outcome?

BackgroundThe pediatric pulmonary multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PPM LCH) is associated with either low risk or high risk organ(s). The nodulo-cystic lung lesions although pathognomonic, yet are very variable in severity and remain a source of controversy in certifying pulmonary LCH diagnosis. The study aimed to examine the prognostic value of clinical respiratory manifestations and radiological lung lesions severity. This is through associating a CT chest triad of bilateral, extensive and diffuse lesions. It is a retrospective study of 350 LCH patients who received systemic treatment at Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt during the period from 2007 to 2020.ResultsSixty-seven patients (67/350–19.1%) had PPM LCH at presentation. Severe lung lesions were present in 24 of them. The median follow-up period was 61 months (IQR: 3.4–8.3). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) was 89% and 56.6% respectively. The EFS, for severe radiological lesions triad was 38% ± 20.7 versus 66% ± 16.2 for non-severe lesions triad p 0.002, while for presence of chest X-ray changes 27% ± 22.344 versus absence of chest X ray changes 66% ± 14.7 p 0.001, for clinical respiratory manifestations 13% ± 13.9 versus none 62% ± 22.9 p < 0.001, for RO− with severe lung lesions 47% ± 30.4 versus RO− without severe lung lesions 69% ± 5.9 p 0.04. There was a tendency for the independent prognostic impact of severe lung involvement; aHR = 1.7 (95% CI 0.92–3.13, p = 0.09).ConclusionAlthough the lung is a low -risk organ per se in LCH, our study demonstrates a non negligeable prognostic impact of severe lung involvement in the risk stratification of pediatric LCH. This warrants further study and external validation.

Cluster features in fibrosing interstitial lung disease and associations with prognosis.

Clustering is helpful in identifying subtypes in complex fibrosing interstitial lung disease (F-ILD) and associating them with prognosis at an early stage of the disease to improve treatment management. We aimed to identify associations between clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with F-ILD. Retrospectively, 575 out of 926 patients with F-ILD were eligible for analysis. Four clusters were identified based on baseline data using cluster analysis. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared among the groups. Cluster 1 was characterized by a high prevalence of comorbidities and hypoxemia at rest, with the worst lung function at baseline; Cluster 2 by young female patients with less or no smoking history; Cluster 3 by male patients with highest smoking history, the most noticeable signs of velcro crackles and clubbing of fingers, and the severe lung involvement on chest image; Cluster 4 by male patients with a high percentage of occupational or environmental exposure. Clusters 1 (median overall survival [OS] = 7.0 years) and 3 (OS = 5.9 years) had shorter OS than Clusters 2 (OS = not reached, Cluster 1: p < 0.001, Cluster 3: p < 0.001) and 4 (OS = not reached, Cluster 1: p = 0.004, Cluster 3: p < 0.001). Clusters 1 and 3 had a higher cumulative incidence of acute exacerbation than Clusters 2 (Cluster 1: p < 0.001, Cluster 3: p = 0.014) and 4 (Cluster 1: p < 0.001, Cluster 3: p = 0.006). Stratification by using clusters also independently predicted acute exacerbation (p < 0.001) and overall survival (p < 0.001). The high degree of disease heterogeneity of F-ILD can be underscored by four clusters based on clinical characteristics, which may be helpful in predicting the risk of fibrosis progression, acute exacerbation and overall survival.

Association of anti-Ro52 autoantibody with interstitial lung disease in autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important manifestation of autoimmune diseases that can lead to morbidity and mortality. Although several autoantibodies have been linked with ILD presentation and adverse outcomes,...

Abnormalities of brain imaging in COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem disease, manifested by several symptoms of various degrees. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect the central nervous system (CNS) through several mechanisms and brain imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and evaluation of the neurological involvement of COVID-19. Moreover, brain imaging of patients with COVID-19 would result in a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 neuro-pathophysiology. In this study, we evaluated the brain imaging findings of patients with COVID-19 in Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, and observational study. The hospital records and chest and brain computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with confirmed COVID-19 were reviewed. Results: 161 patients were included in this study (39.1% women, mean age: 60.84). Thirteen patients (8%) had ischemic strokes identified by brain CT. Subdural hematoma, subdural effusion, and subarachnoid hemorrhage were confirmed in three patients. Furthermore, there were four cases of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Patients with and without abnormal brain CTs had similar average ages. The rate of brain CT abnormalities in both genders did not differ significantly. Moreover, abnormal brain CT was not associated with increased death rate. There was no significant difference in lung involvement (according to lung CT scan) between the two groups. Conclusion: Our experience revealed a wide range of imaging findings in patients with COVID-19 and these findings were not associated with a more severe lung involvement or increased rate of mortality.

The effect of the visceral adiposity index on the severity of COVID-19 disease: results of a cross-sectional study.

Obesity has been identified as a contributing factor that exacerbates the severity of COVID-19 and is associated with an increased risk of mortality among hospitalized patients. Assessing visceral adipose tissue cannot be solely determined by obesity and body mass index (BMI) alone. In our study, we investigated the relationship between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and the clinical severity of COVID-19. A total of 315 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were included in the study. The cohort consisted of 146 male patients, and the median age was 60 (48-74) years. Comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate gender-based differences in VAI levels and the impact of VAI on the extent of radiological lung involvement. The median VAI level was significantly higher in women compared to men (6.1 vs. 4.0, p<0.001). Furthermore, patients with radiologically severe lung involvement demonstrated a higher median VAI level compared to those with mild involvement (5.7 vs. 4.2, p=0.003). This difference was particularly notable among male patients, where the median VAI level was significantly higher. Logistic regression analysis revealed that each integer increase in the median VAI value was associated with a 1.1-fold (1.01-1.14) increase in the severity of radiological lung involvement (p=0.011). Our study highlights a significant correlation between VAI and the clinical severity of COVID-19, particularly among male patients. The findings suggest that VAI, as an indicator of visceral adiposity, holds potential as a valuable tool for assessing COVID-19 severity and identifying high-risk individuals, particularly males.