scholarly journals Sociodemographic Factors, Cycle Threshold Values, and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s18-s19
Author(s):  
Frida Rivera ◽  
Cameron Gmehlin ◽  
Liliana Pezzin ◽  
Ann B. Nattinger ◽  
Ryan Hanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Load Cycle ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Area Deprivation ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cycle Threshold

Background: The gold standard for diagnosis of COVID-19 has been SARS-CoV-2 detection by reverse-transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), which provides a semiquantitative indicator of viral load (cycle threshold, Ct). Our research group previously described how African American race and poverty were associated with an increased likelihood of hospitalization due to COVID-19. We sought to characterize the relationship between Ct values and clinical outcomes while controlling for sociodemographic factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2–positive patients admitted to Froedtert Health between March 16 and June 1, 2020. Ct values were obtained by direct interrogation of either cobas SARS-CoV-2 or Cepheid Xpert Xpress platforms. Patient demographics, comorbidities, symptoms at admission, health insurance, and hospital course were collected using electronic medical records. A proxy for socioeconomic disadvantage, area-deprivation index (ADI), was assigned using ZIP codes. Multivariate models were performed to assess associations between Ct values and clinical outcomes while controlling for ADI, race, and type of insurance. Results: Overall, 302 patients were included. The mean age was 60.89 years (SD, 18.2); 161 (53%) were men, 177 (58%) were African Americans; and 156 (51%) had Medicaid or were uninsured. Of the 302 inpatients, 158 (52%) required admission to the ICU, 199 (65.9%) were discharged to home, 49 (16.2%) were discharged to a nursing home, and 54 (17.9%) died. Lower Ct values (higher viral load) were associated with Medicaid or lack of insurance (coefficient, −2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.96 to −0.79, P = .007) and age >60 years old (coefficient, −2.98, 95% CI −4.87 to −1.08, P = .002). Contrary to what was expected, higher CT values (lower viral load) were associated with higher ADI scores (coefficient, 2.62, 95% CI, 0.52–4.85; P = .017). However, when patients were stratified into low, medium, and high ADI, those with Medicaid or no insurance had the lowest mean Ct values (23.3, 25.9, and 27.6, respectively) compared to Medicare or other insurance (Figure 1). Body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.07; P = .001) and male sex (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.28–3.60; P = .004) were independently associated with ICU admission. Every increase of a CT point (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.95; p <0.001) and age >60 years old (OR 2.62, 95% CI; 1.14-6.04; p=0.023) was associated with death. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study of adults tested for COVID-19 in a large midwestern academic health system, lower Ct values were independently associated with poverty and age >60 years old.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Investigation of Viral Load Cycle Threshold Values in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Associated Pneumonia with Real-Time PCR Method

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 1408-1414
Author(s):  
Ayfer Bakir ◽  
Tugrul Hosbul ◽  
Ferhat Cuce ◽  
Cumhur Artuk ◽  
Gurhan Taskin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Load Cycle ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cycle Threshold ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Ct Value

Introduction: In this study, we aimed investigate the relationship of SARS-CoV-2 viral load cycle threshold (Ct) values with pneumonia. Methodology: A total of 158 patients in whom SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in upper respiratory tract (URT) samples with molecular method and who had computed tomography (CT) of the chest, between April 2020 and June 2020 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Results: Mean age of 158 PCR positive patients was 45.22 ± 17.89 and 60.8% of them were male. Pneumonia was detected in 40.5% of the patients on their chest CT. A weak but significant correlation was found between SARS-CoV-2 Ct value detected with PCR in analysis of oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal (OP/NP) samples and chest CT score (Pearson’s r: 0.197, p = 0.01). No correlation was found between the first detected viral load Ct value and age, gender and mortality. There was no significant correlation between chest CT score and mortality. While the areas remaining under ROC curve for Ct value in analysis of OP/NP samples in prediction of chest CT score ≥ 1, ≥ 5 and ≥ 10 were 0.564, 0.640 and 0.703 respectively. Conclusions: We found that the amount of SARS-CoV-2 viral load (inverse relationship with Ct) detected in OP/NP samples of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia did not reflect the increasing severity of pulmonary lesions on chest CT. Although primary target of SARS-CoV-2 is all epithelial cells of the respiratory tract we believe studies comparing viral loads in lower respiratory tract samples are needed to determine the severity of pulmonary disease.

Factors associated with HIV care and treatment cascade in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2014–2017: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242097594
Author(s):  
Guilherme B Shimocomaqui ◽  
Craig S Meyer ◽  
Maria L Ikeda ◽  
Elson Romeu Farias ◽  
Tonantzin R Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Care And Treatment

In 2018, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) had some of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in Brazil, and we did not find any studies about the HIV care and treatment cascade (HCTC) related to this state. We aimed to estimate the indicators of HCTC of RS, Brazil, and associated factors. A cross-sectional study with all people living with HIV (PLWH) in RS between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017 was conducted using a national database which registers all HIV notifications, CD4 and viral load laboratory data and antiretroviral therapy (ART) usage in the public health system. We considered sex, age, education, race, year of HIV diagnosis, and health region as predictor factors, and defined linkage to care, retention to care, being on ART, and having undetectable viral load as the HCTC indicators. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed using Stata 15.2. A total of 116,121 PLWH were diagnosed, 79,959 were linked to care, 72,117 retained in care, 69,219 on ART, and 54,857 had undetectable viral load from 2014 to 2017. We observed greatest attrition for younger age, non-white, and lower education in all HCTC indicators. Women are more likely to have undetectable viral load (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), even though they are less likely to be retained to care (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.89–0.96) and on ART (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.78–0.86). Although all HCTC indicators have increased over the period and the “test and treat” policy indicates improvements in ART and in undetectable viral load outcomes, evidence suggests specific attrition and disparities such as those related to HIV healthcare facilities should be addressed. These findings may be used by researchers, health professionals, and policymakers in order to investigate and implement interventions to better engage PLWH across the HCTC.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6234
Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

scholarly journals Impact of Coffee/Green Tea/Soft Drink Consumption on the Risk of Hyperuricemia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7299
Author(s):  
Joong Seob Lee ◽  
Tae Jun Kim ◽  
Sung Kwang Hong ◽  
Chanyang Min ◽  
Dae Myoung Yoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Soft Drink Consumption ◽  
Increased Risk

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between hyperuricemia and the frequency of coffee, tea, and soft drink consumption, based on data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) (2004–2016). We used the KoGES health examinee data, obtained from urban residents aged ≥ 40 years. Information on the participants’ medical history, nutrition (total calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake), frequency of alcohol consumption, smoking status, household income, and frequency of coffee/green tea/soft drink intake was collected. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the participant’s age and sex. Among 173,209 participants, there were 11,750 and 156,002 individuals with hyperuricemia and non-hyperuricemia controls, respectively. In an adjusted model, frequent coffee and green tea consumption did not increase the risk of hyperuricemia, compared to the “no intake” reference group. However, an adjusted odds ratio of hyperuricemia was 1.23 (95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.35, p < 0.001) for participants who reported consuming soft drinks ≥ 3 times per day, compared to the respective “no drink” reference group. Even after adjusting for nutritional and sociodemographic factors, frequent soft drink intake was associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia. Meanwhile, neither coffee nor green tea intake was associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia.

scholarly journals High levels of viral load monitoring and viral suppression under Treat All in Rwanda – a cross‐sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Ross ◽  
Muhayimpundu Ribakare ◽  
Eric Remera ◽  
Gad Murenzi ◽  
Athanase Munyaneza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Load Monitoring ◽  
Load Monitoring ◽  
Treat All

scholarly journals An exploration of sensory processing patterns and their association with demographic factors in healthy adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-16
Author(s):  
Tawanda Machingura ◽  
Gurjeet Kaur ◽  
Chris Lloyd ◽  
Sharon Mickan ◽  
David Shum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sensory Processing Patterns

Purpose Previous research has provided limited evidence on whether and how demographic factors associate with sensory processing patterns (SPP) in adults. This paper aims to examine relationships between SPPs and sociodemographic factors of age, sex, education and ethnicity in healthy adults. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 71 adult participants was recruited from the community, using convenience sampling. Each participant completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales – short version (DASS-21). Demographic information on age, sex, education and ethnicity was collected. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA). Findings SPPs, as measured by the AASP, were significantly correlated to demographic factors of age and education after controlling for emotional distress using the DASS-21. A statistically significant multivariate effect was found across the four dependent variables (low registration, seeking, sensitivity and avoiding) for the age category, F = 6.922, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.145, in the presence of a covariate DASS. The education category showed significance only in the seeking domain (p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.10) after controlling for DASS. There was no significant correlation between SPPs and gender or ethnicity. Results also indicated that mean scores of participants in this study were “similar to most people” as standardised in the AASP. Research limitations/implications This was a cross-sectional study with limitations including that the study used a relatively small sample and was based on self-reported healthy participants. Practical implications SPPs may correlate with healthy adults’ age and to a lesser extent education. This suggests that it might be helpful to consider such demographic factors when interpreting SPPs in clinical populations, although further research in larger samples is needed to reach firmer conclusions about possible implications of demographic variables. Originality/value The findings in this paper add to the growing evidence that suggest that SPPs vary with sociodemographic factors.

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