scholarly journals Long COVID symptoms and duration in SARS-CoV-2 positive children — a nationwide cohort study

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise Borch ◽  
Mette Holm ◽  
Maria Knudsen ◽  
Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽  
Soeren Hagstroem
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
Joint Pain ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Respiratory Problems

AbstractMost children have a mild course of acute COVID-19. Only few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size have evaluated long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate symptoms and duration of ‘long COVID’ in children. A nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children aged 0–17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection (response rate 44.9%) and a control group of 78,037 children (response rate 21.3%). An electronic questionnaire was sent to all children from March 24th until May 9th, 2021. Symptoms lasting > 4 weeks were common among both SARS-CoV-2 children and controls. However, SARS-CoV-2 children aged 6–17 years reported symptoms more frequently than the control group (percent difference 0.8%). The most reported symptoms among pre-school children were fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04–0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01–0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01–0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00–0.01). Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12–0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09–0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05–0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03–0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02–0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01–0.02) and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01–0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1–5 months.Conclusions: Long COVID in children is rare and mainly of short duration. What is Known:• There are increasing reports on ‘long COVID’ in adults.• Only few studies have evaluated the long-term recovery from COVID-19 in children, and common for all studies is a small sample size (median number of children included 330), and most lack a control group. What is New:• 0.8% of SARS-CoV-2 positive children reported symptoms lasting >4 weeks (‘long COVID’), when compared to a control group.• The most common ‘long COVID’ symptoms were fatigue, loss of smell and loss of taste, dizziness, muscle weakness, chest pain and respiratory problems.• These ‘long COVID’ symptoms cannot be assigned to psychological sequelae of social restrictions.• Symptoms such as concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain as well as nausea are not ‘long COVID’ symptoms.• In most cases ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolve within 1-5 months.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Symptoms and Duration of Post Acute Effects in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Children – a Nationwide Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise Borch ◽  
Mette Holm ◽  
Maria Knudsen ◽  
Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽  
Soeren Hagstroem
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
School Children ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Risk Difference ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Danish Health ◽  
Registration Number

Abstract Background: Most children have a mild course of acute COVID-19, but only a few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size, have evaluated the long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (‘long COVID’).Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children age 0-17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection and a control group of 78,037 randomly selected children. An electronic questionnaire was sent to both groups of children from March 24th until May 9th 2021.Results: Long COVID symptoms were reported by 12-51% of SARS-CoV-2 infected children. Among pre-school children, fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04-0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00-0.01) were statistically significant symptoms of ‘long COVID’.Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12-0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09-0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05-0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03-0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02-0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01-0.02), and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than the SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1-5 months.Conclusions: This study provides new evidence of ‘long COVID’ symptoms in children.Trial registration number: The study was approved by The Danish Health Data Authority and registered at Central Denmark region (# 1-16-02-621-20).

scholarly journals Long Term Effect of Phonetic Instruction on the Production of /p/ by EFL Arab Learners: an Exploratory Study

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Ghazi Algethami
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Term Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pronunciation Instruction ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Phonetic Instruction

Most previous studies, that have examined the effect of explicit pronunciation instruction on foreign language speech, have focused on the short term effect of explicit pronunciation instruction, usually measured immediately after instruction. For this reason, it is not yet clear whether the attested benefit from pronunciation instruction can be sustained for a long time after instruction. The current study attempted to explore the long term effect of phonetic instruction on the production of the English bilabial voiceless stop /p/ by Arab learners of English as foreign language (EFL, henceforth). Nine Arab EFL learners were assigned to two groups, control and experimental. The experimental group received phonetic instruction on how to produce the English sound /p/, whereas the control group did not. The production of the English sound /p/ was elicited from all the learners in both groups, once before the instruction and once after 11 weeks of the instruction. Two experienced native English instructors were asked to judge whether the students produced /p/ or /b/. The results generally showed no benefit from the phonetic instruction on the delayed production of /p/ by the EFL Arab learners. Although the results do not seem encouraging for pronunciation instruction, it is difficult to reach a conclusion with regard to pronunciation instruction due to the small sample size used in the current exploratory study, and to the difficulty to generalize the results on /p/ to all other sounds. Future studies may use larger sample sizes and include more sounds in their instruction methods.

Outcome of children with Shiga toxin-associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome treated with eculizumab: a matched cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 2147-2153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Monet-Didailler ◽  
Audrey Chevallier ◽  
Astrid Godron-Dubrasquet ◽  
Lise Allard ◽  
Yahsou Delmas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Shiga Toxin ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Renal Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Matched Cohort ◽  
Matched Cohort Study

Abstract Background Treatment with eculizumab in Shiga toxin–associated haemolytic and uraemic syndrome (STEC-HUS) remains controversial despite its increasing utilization. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of children treated with eculizumab for STEC-HUS in a single-centre matched cohort study. Methods Data were retrospectively collected from medical records of children diagnosed with STEC-HUS. The outcomes of patients treated with eculizumab for STEC-HUS were compared with those of a control group of untreated patients matched for age, sex and severity of acute kidney injury with a 1:2 matching scheme. Results Eighteen children (median age 40.6 months) with STEC-HUS treated with eculizumab were compared with 36 matched control patients (median age 36.4 months) who did not receive eculizumab. All patients survived in the two groups. Within 1 month of HUS onset, the evolution of haematological and renal parameters did not differ between the two groups. At 12 months of follow-up, renal outcome was not significantly different between the two groups. At the last follow-up, the prevalence of decreased glomerular filtration rate in the eculizumab group (27%) was not statistically different from that in controls (38%), as was the prevalence of proteinuria and high blood pressure. Children who received eculizumab more often had extrarenal sequelae during follow-up. Eculizumab treatment appeared to be safe in children with STEC-HUS. Conclusion The benefit of eculizumab on renal and extrarenal outcomes in STEC-HUS could not be established based on our findings. However, efficacy and safety are not best assessed by the observational design and small sample size of our study. Randomized controlled trials are thus required to determine the efficacy of eculizumab in this indication.

scholarly journals Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽  
Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽  
Pawel Kapelski ◽  
Natalia Lepczynska ◽  
Joanna Pawlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Depressed Group

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.

ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 521-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Hustig ◽  
R. Onilov
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Antipsychotic Agents ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Notes ◽  
Symptom Profiles ◽  
Pharmacological Response ◽  
Maintenance Ect

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our naturalistic-observational study was to determine the efficacy and utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical population of individuals with schizophrenia where pharmacological response was suboptimal.MethodsThe cohort comprised 27 patients suffering from schizophrenia with refractoriness to antipsychotic agents and with severe, disabling symptoms. They only interventional assessing tool was clinical global impression (CGI-S) performed at the baseline and at the end of the treatment.ResultsThe administration of ECT resulted in overall clinical improvement reflected in CGI scales and descriptions in clinical notes. On 12 months follow-up period, 10 patients (37.1%) maintained improvement and were able to continue with pharmacological therapy only, suggesting its rekindling effect, especially with Clozapine. Conversely, 17 patients (62.9%) deteriorated and required an additional course of ECT to maintain improvement. In some cases, maintenance ECT treatment was required. The group who engaged in self-harming behaviour at baseline demonstrated they were more likely to relapse into psychosis at the end of the first course of ECT, their self-harming behaviour abated, especially when maintenance ECT was undertaken.ConclusionsAlthough limited by lack of control group, small sample size, heterogeneous symptom profiles and various concurrent neuroleptic agents, the ECT proved as valuable and safe augmentative procedure when unsatisfactory response to pharmacological interventions had been demonstrated prior to interventions. This effect was evident despite the chronicity of the illness.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Acetaminophen-Related Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies in Vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Yiwen Zhang ◽  
Jiajun Zhong ◽  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Shuisheng Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Liver Injury ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cell ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group

Objective: The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in acetaminophen-induced liver injury has been investigated in animal experiments, but individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies to explore the potential of using MSCs in acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Methods: Eight databases were searched for studies reporting the effects of MSCs on acetaminophen hepatoxicity. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and STATA/SE 16.0 software. Results: Eleven studies involving 159 animals were included according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (standardized mean difference (SMD) − 2.58, p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD − 1.75, p = 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD 3.7, p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 1.86, p = 0.022), interleukin 10 (IL-10) (SMD 5.14, p = 0.0002) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD − 4.48, p = 0.011) compared with those in the control group. The subgroup analysis showed that the tissue source of MSCs significantly affected the therapeutic efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis results demonstrate that MSCs could be a potential treatment for acetaminophen-related liver injury.

scholarly journals An experimental study on the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1337-1344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra C Jones ◽  
Lisa Kervin
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Children's Magazines ◽  
Food Advertisements ◽  
Effects On Children

AbstractObjectiveThe present study sought to determine the feasibility of an experimental research design to investigate the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices.DesignChildren were randomized to read either a magazine with food advertisements or a magazine with no food advertisements. They then chose two food items from the intervention ‘store’ to eat after the session. Data were also collected on attitudes to advertising and snack food preferences. Finally, participants’ parents were provided with a self-completion survey on food choices and other variables (n24).SettingThree vacation care centres in regional New South Wales, Australia.SubjectsChildren aged 5–12 years (n47).ResultsChildren in the experimental condition were more likely to choose advertised foods than those in the control group. Interestingly, the majority reported taste and healthiness as the most important factors in snack food choices; however, when faced with the actual food choice, they predominantly chose unhealthy foods (eighty-two unhealthy and only twelve healthy items were chosen).ConclusionsThis was the first study to assess the effects on children of exposure to food advertising within the context of reading a child-targeted magazine. Importantly, even with the small sample size and venue limitations, we found that exposure to magazine advertising influenced food choices. Children's magazines are an under-researched and poorly regulated medium, with considerable potential to influence children's food choices. The present study shows that the methodology is feasible, and future studies could replicate this with larger samples.

scholarly journals Waning Humoral Response 3 to 6 Months after Vaccination with the SARS-COV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine in Dialysis Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Noa Berar-Yanay ◽  
Sarit Freiman ◽  
Maʹanit Shapira ◽  
Amer Saffoury ◽  
Ameer Elemy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Humoral Response ◽  
Albumin Level ◽  
High Response Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Antibody Levels

Background and objectives: The short-term reported antibody response to SARS-COV-2 vaccination in dialysis patients is high, with a seroconversion response rate up to 97%. Data on the long-term durability of this response are scarce. Our objective was to characterize the long-term anti-spike antibody level in dialysis patients. Design, setting, participants, and measurements: In an observational study, we measured SARS-COV-2 anti-spike antibody levels in dialysis patients who completed 2 doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA SAR S-COV-2 vaccine at 1, 3 and 6 months after the second vaccine dose. We compared the response to dialysis patients who were infected with COVD-19 and to a control group of healthcare-employees. Results: One hundred and forty-two dialysis patients who had been vaccinated (ages 64 ± 11.9 years, 61% male), 33 dialysis patients who had COVID-19 infection (ages 54 ± 14.3 years, 55% male) and 104 individuals in the control group (ages 50 ± 12.2 years, 44% male) were included. The response rate in the vaccinated dialysis patients was 94%, 78% and 73% at 1, 3 and 6 months after the second vaccine dose. In the COVID-19 infected dialysis group and in the control group, the response rate remained at 100% over 6 months. The percentage of change in antibody levels between one and 6 months was −66% in the vaccinated dialysis group, −28% in the control group (p < 0.001) and +48% in dialysis patients who had been infected with COVID-19 (p < 0.001). A non-responder status at 6 months was associated with a lower albumin level. No serious adverse events following vaccination were reported. In conclusion: the initially high response rate to the BNT162b2 vaccine in dialysis patients decreases rapidly. Our results indicate that an early booster (3rd) dose, at three months after the second dose, may be advised for this population to preserve the humoral immunity.

scholarly journals O-225 Effects of SARS-Corona virus 2 on IVF treatment parameters: A cohort study of post COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Kabalkin ◽  
M Gil ◽  
E Lifshitz ◽  
A Moav ◽  
M Kabessa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
P Values ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Study question Does recovery from SARS–Corona virus 2 (SARS–CoV-2) infection negatively effect IVF cycle parameters? Summary answer Female IVF treatment parameters were comparable to the pre-Covid-19 infection cycle performance. Sperm concentration and motility demonstrated lower mean counts following Covid-19 infection. What is known already Corona-virus disease-19 (Covid-19) is a global pandemic caused by SARS–Corona virus 2 (SARS–CoV-2). The virus primarily affects the respiratory system, but other systemic and immune mediated effects have been reported. The spikes of SARS-CoV-2 have strong affinity for the Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 receptor, leading to an increased Angiotensin II (Ang II) mediated pro-inflammatory response. ACE2 receptors exist in the human reproductive tract (more in males) and pose a regulatory role together with Ang II. So far, reports have been inconsistent regarding testicular effects. Other implications involving fertility and fertility treatment post infection are scarce. Study design, size, duration In this retrospective cohort study, IVF cycle performance was compared before and after Corona-virus disease-19. Patients were included only in cases where an IVF cycle was initiated within 3 months of Covid-19 recovery, between March 2020-December 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study was conducted in a University affiliated IVF unit. Post Covid- 19 cycle parameters were compared to previous cycles of the same individual prior to infection. If previous cycles were not available, parameters were compared to non-exposed patients of same age, same treatment and identical indication. Sperm concentration and motility were compared before and after infection. Non exposure was defined by a lack of past Covid-19 diagnosis and a negative PCR throughout the treatment. Main results and the role of chance All together, including the matched cycles, we compared 40 cycles which started within 3 months of recovery: 26 fresh stimulation cycles and 14 frozen thawed transfer cycles. In 28 of these cycles the patient could serve as its own control. Mean age for the female partner was 33.2 years ±6.5 years. Eight male partners presented post infection and provided fresh samples for a cycle involving fertilization. We compared stimulation parameters including maximal Estradiol level, stimulation length, FSH dosage, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, number of embryos created, high quality embryo number and endometrial thickness. All of these were comparable to non-exposed cycles (generalized estimating equations, p values &gt;0.1). No complications were recorded, specifically no thromboembolic events or respiratory complications. A total of 8 patients conceived: 1 was a chemical pregnancy, 1 extra-uterine pregnancy, 3 miscarriages and 3 ongoing, of those 1 was complicated by early bleeding. Male sperm analyses showed a trend towards lower post disease parameters, not reaching a statistical significance: 23mil/ml compared to 13.6 and 20.7% progressive motility compared to 12.3% (p values 0.09 and 0.17, respectively). Limitations, reasons for caution Current results are based on a small sample size, still insufficient for deducing definite conclusions or guidelines. Pregnancy outcome following IVF treatment in Covid-19 recoverees should further be studied. By the time of the conference, the number of cases is expected to be significantly higher. Wider implications of the findings This study provides preliminary data regarding the effects of SARS-COV-2 infection on IVF treatment outcomes. Despite the small sample size, treatment parameters seem unaffected, however, sperm performance seems to be compromised. Health policy and patients’ decisions regarding whether or not to postpone IVF procedures necessitates additional data. Trial registration number Not applicable - retrospective

scholarly journals Congenital Micropenis: Aetiology And Management

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna Rita Stancampiano ◽  
Kentaro Suzuki ◽  
Stuart O’Toole ◽  
Gianni Russo ◽  
Gen Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Penile Length ◽  
Appearance Quality ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In the newborn, penile length is determined by a number of androgen dependent and independent factors. The current literature suggests that there are inter-racial differences in stretched penile length in the newborn and although congenital micropenis should be defined as a stretched penile length of less than 2.5SDS of the mean for the corresponding population and gestation, a pragmatic approach would be to evaluate all boys with a stretched penile length below 2 cm, as congenital micropenis can be a marker for a wide range of endocrine conditions. However, it remains unclear as to whether the state of micropenis, itself, is associated with any long-term consequences. There is a lack of systematic studies comparing the impact of different therapeutic options on long-term outcomes, in terms of genital appearance, quality of life and sexual satisfaction. To date, research has been hampered by a small sample size and inclusion of a wide range of heterogeneous diagnoses; for these reasons, condition specific outcomes have been difficult to compare between studies. Lastly, there is a need for a greater collaborative effort in collecting standardized data so that all real-world or experimental interventions performed at an early age can be studied systematically into adulthood.

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