scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine for COVID-19: A systematic review

Author(s):  
Sonal Singh ◽  
Thomas J Moore

BACKGROUND: Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are widely used to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients primarily based on antiviral activity in in vitro studies. Our objective was to systematically evaluate their efficacy and safety in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We systematically reviewed PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Medrxviv for studies of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in COVID-19 hospitalized patients on April 26, 2020. We evaluated the quality of trials and observational studies using the Jadad criteria and Newcastle Ottawa Scale, respectively. RESULTS: After a review of 175 citations, we included 5 clinical trials (total of 345 patients), 9 observational studies (n = 2529), and 6 additional studies (n = 775) reporting on the QT interval. Three studies reported treatment benefits including two studies reporting benefit on virologic outcomes, which was statistically significant in one study, and another reported significant improvement on cough symptoms. Three studies reported that treatment was potentially harmful, including an significantly increased risk of mortality in two studies and increased need for respiratory support in another. Eight studies were unable to detect improvements on virologic outcomes (n = 3) or pneumonia or transfer to ICU/death (n = 5). The proportion of participants with critical QTc intervals of ≥ 500 ms or an increase of ≥ 60 ms from baseline ranged from 8.3% to 36% (n = 8). One clinical trial and six observational studies were of good quality. The remaining studies were of poor quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review of reported clinical studies did not identify substantial evidence to support the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and raises questions about potential harm from QT prolongation and increased mortality.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gollapalle L Viswanatha ◽  
CH K V L S N Anjana Male ◽  
Hanumanthappa Shylaja

AbstractBackgroundThis systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in treating severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsThe electronic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Google scholar to identify the retrospective observational reports. The studies published from 01 January 2020 to 30th September 2020. Participants were hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Interventions included tocilizumab versus placebo/standard of care. The comparison will be between TCZ versus standard of care (SOC)/placebo. Inconsistency between the studies was evaluated with I2 and quality of the evidences were evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa scale.ResultsBased on the inclusion criteria there were 24 retrospective studies involving 5686 subjects were included. The outcomes of the meta-analysis have revealed that the TCZ has reduced the mortality (M-H,RE-OR −0.11(−0.18 to −0.04) 95% CI, p =0.001, I2 =88%) and increased the incidences of super-infections (M-H, RE-OR 1.49(1.13 to 1.96) 95% CI, p=0.004, I2=47%). However, there is no significant difference in ICU admissions rate (M-H, RE-OR −0.06(−0.23 to 0.12), I2=93%), need of MV (M-H, RE-OR of 0.00(−0.06 to 0.07), I = 74%), LOS (IV −2.86(−0.91 to 3.38), I2=100%), LOS-ICU (IV: −3.93(−12.35 to 4.48), I2=100%), and incidences of pulmonary thrombosis (M-H, RE-OR 1.01 (0.45 to 2.26), I2=0%) compared to SOC/control.ConclusionBased on cumulative low to moderate certainty evidence shows that TCZ could reduce the risk of mortality in hospitalized patients. However, there is no statistically significant difference observed between the TCZ and SOC/control groups in other parameters.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (22) ◽  
pp. 2474-2479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisson Diego Machado ◽  
Gustavo Rosa Gentil Andrade ◽  
Jéssica Levy ◽  
Sara Silva Ferreira ◽  
Dirce Maria Marchioni

Background: Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) is considered an important cardiovascular risk factor. There is evidence that CAC is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, coronary events and cardiovascular mortality. Inflammation is one of the factors associated with CAC and despite the interest in antioxidant compounds that can prevent CAC, its association with antioxidants remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the association between vitamins and minerals with antioxidant effects and CAC in adults and older adults. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using PubMed for articles published until October 2018. We included studies conducted in subjects aged 18 years and older with no previous cardiovascular disease. Studies involving animal or in vitro experiments and the ones that did not use reference methods to assess the CAC, dietary intake or serum levels of vitamin or mineral were excluded. Results: The search yielded 390 articles. After removal of duplicates, articles not related to the review, review articles, editorials, hypothesis articles and application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 articles remained. The results of the studies included in this systematic review suggest that magnesium is inversely associated with CAC and results on the association between CAC and vitamin E have been conflicting. Conclusion: Additional prospective studies are needed to elucidate the role of these micronutrients on CAC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6196
Author(s):  
Anna Pieniazek ◽  
Joanna Bernasinska-Slomczewska ◽  
Lukasz Gwozdzinski

The presence of toxins is believed to be a major factor in the development of uremia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Uremic toxins have been divided into 3 groups: small substances dissolved in water, medium molecules: peptides and low molecular weight proteins, and protein-bound toxins. One of the earliest known toxins is urea, the concentration of which was considered negligible in CKD patients. However, subsequent studies have shown that it can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induce insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo, as well as cause carbamylation of proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Other uremic toxins and their participation in the damage caused by oxidative stress to biological material are also presented. Macromolecules and molecules modified as a result of carbamylation, oxidative stress, and their adducts with uremic toxins, may lead to cardiovascular diseases, and increased risk of mortality in patients with CKD.


Author(s):  
Giovanni Vinti ◽  
Valerie Bauza ◽  
Thomas Clasen ◽  
Kate Medlicott ◽  
Terry Tudor ◽  
...  

Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is needed along with new approaches. We conducted a systematic review of recently published literature to update and expand the epidemiological evidence on the association between MSW management practices and resident populations’ health risks. Studies published from January 2005 to January 2020 were searched and reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible MSW treatment or disposal sites were defined as landfills, dumpsites, incinerators, waste open burning, transfer stations, recycling sites, composting plants, and anaerobic digesters. Occupational risks were not assessed. Health effects investigated included mortality, adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, cancer, respiratory conditions, gastroenteritis, vector-borne diseases, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies reporting on human biomonitoring for exposure were eligible as well. Twenty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria of our protocol, assessing health effects only associated with proximity to landfills, incinerators, and dumpsites/open burning sites. There was some evidence of an increased risk of adverse birth and neonatal outcomes for residents near each type of MSW site. There was also some evidence of an increased risk of mortality, respiratory diseases, and negative mental health effects associated with residing near landfills. Additionally, there was some evidence of increased risk of mortality associated with residing near incinerators. However, in many cases, the evidence was inadequate to establish a strong relationship between a specific exposure and outcomes, and the studies rarely assessed new generation technologies. Evidence gaps remain, and recommendations for future research are discussed.


Thorax ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. thoraxjnl-2020-215322
Author(s):  
Hyun Woo Lee ◽  
Chang-Hwan Yoon ◽  
Eun Jin Jang ◽  
Chang-Hoon Lee

BackgroundThe association of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) with disease severity of patients with COVID-19 is still unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate if ACEI/ARB use is associated with the risk of mortality and severe disease in patients with COVID-19.MethodsWe searched all available clinical studies that included patients with confirmed COVID-19 who could be classified into an ACEI/ARB group and a non-ACEI/ARB group up until 4 May 2020. A meta-analysis was performed, and primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and severe disease.ResultsACEI/ARB use did not increase the risk of all-cause mortality both in meta-analysis for 11 studies with 12 601 patients reporting ORs (OR=0.52 (95% CI=0.37 to 0.72), moderate certainty of evidence) and in 2 studies with 8577 patients presenting HRs. For 12 848 patients in 13 studies, ACEI/ARB use was not related to an increased risk of severe disease in COVID-19 (OR=0.68 (95% CI=0.44 to 1.07); I2=95%, low certainty of evidence).ConclusionsACEI/ARB therapy was not associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality or severe manifestations in patients with COVID-19. ACEI/ARB therapy can be continued without concern of drug-related worsening in patients with COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
pp. 120347542199377
Author(s):  
Evan Tang ◽  
Talha Maqbool ◽  
Megan Lam ◽  
Gaelen P. Adam ◽  
Mina Tadrous ◽  
...  

Background Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are common among older adults (≥65 years old), but clinical trials often exclude that population. Objective To synthesize evidence from observational studies on the safety of systemic therapies (conventional or biologic) for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis among older adults in a systematic review. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (inception to October 31, 2019) and included observational studies reporting adverse events among older people treated with systemic therapy for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Outcomes were death, hospitalization, emergency department visits, infections, major cardiovascular events, renal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and cytopenias. We assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results We included 22 studies on treatment for psoriasis and 2 for atopic dermatitis. Most studies were small and non-comparative and 20 of 24 were low quality. Studies comparing safety between medications or medication classes or between older and younger adults did not show apparent differences but had wide confidence intervals around relative effect estimates. Heterogeneity of study design and reporting precluded quantitative synthesis. Conclusions There is scant evidence on the safety of conventional systemic and biologic medications for older adults with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis; older adults and their clinicians should be aware of this evidence gap.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Al Bahhawi ◽  
A Aqeeli ◽  
S L Harrison ◽  
D A Lane ◽  
I Buchan ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Pregnancy-related complications have been previously associated with incident cardiovascular disease. However, data are scarce on the association between pregnancy-related complications and incident atrial fibrillation (AF). This systematic review examines associations between pregnancy-related complications and incident AF. Methods A systematic search of the literature utilising MEDLINE and EMBASE (Ovid) was conducted from 1990 to 6 April 2020. Observational studies examining the association between pregnancy-related complications including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes, placental abruption, preterm birth, low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age and stillbirth, and incidence of AF were included. Screening and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Inverse-variance random-effects models were used to pool hazard ratios. Results: Six observational studies met the inclusion criteria one case-control study and five retrospective cohort studies, with four studies eligible for meta-analysis.  Sample sizes ranged from 1,839-1,303,365. Mean/median follow-up for the cohort studies ranged from 7-36 years. Most studies reported an increased risk of incident AF associated with pregnancy-related complications. The pooled summary statistic from four studies reflected a greater risk of incident AF for HDP (hazard ratio (HR) 1.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.18-1.84; I2 = 84%) and from three studies for pre-eclampsia (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.41-2.06; I2 = 64%; Figure). Conclusions The results of this review suggest that pregnancy-related complications particularly pre-eclampsia appear to be associated with higher risk of incident AF. The small number of included studies and the significant heterogeneity in the pooled results suggest further large-scale prospective studies are required to confirm the association between pregnancy-related complications and AF. Abstract Figure.


2022 ◽  
pp. 2101634
Author(s):  
Jeanne-Marie Perotin ◽  
Gabrielle Wheway ◽  
Kamran Tariq ◽  
Adnan Azim ◽  
Robert A Ridley ◽  
...  

BackgroundSevere asthma is associated with multiple co-morbidities, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) which can contribute to exacerbation frequency and poor quality of life. Since epithelial dysfunction is an important feature in asthma, we hypothesised that in severe asthma the bronchial epithelium is more susceptible to the effects of acid reflux.MethodsWe developed an in vitro model of GORD using differentiated bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) from normal or severe asthmatic donors exposed to a combination of pepsin, acid pH, and bile acids using a multiple challenge protocol (MCP-PAB). We also analysed bronchial biopsies and undertook RNA-sequencing of bronchial brushings from controls and severe asthmatics without or with GORD.ResultsExposure of BECs to the MCP-PAB caused structural disruption, increased permeability, IL-33 expression, inflammatory mediator release and changes in gene expression for multiple biological processes. Cultures from severe asthmatics were significantly more affected than those from healthy donors. Analysis of bronchial biopsies confirmed increased IL-33 expression in severe asthmatics with GORD. RNA-sequencing of bronchial brushings from this group identified 15 of the top 37 dysregulated genes found in MCP-PAB treated BECs, including genes involved in oxidative stress responses.ConclusionsBy affecting epithelial permeability, GORD may increase exposure of the airway submucosa to allergens and pathogens, resulting in increased risk of inflammation and exacerbations. Clinical implication: These results suggest the need for research into alternative therapeutic management of GORD in severe asthma.


2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 310-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Santamaria ◽  
Wei Guang Bi ◽  
Line Leduc ◽  
Negar Tabatabaei ◽  
Prévost Jantchou ◽  
...  

AbstractIn this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, we aimed to estimate the associations between prenatal vitamin D status and offspring growth, adiposity and metabolic health. We searched the literature in human studies on prenatal vitamin D status and offspring growth in PubMed, up to July 2017. Studies were selected according to their methodological quality and outcomes of interest (anthropometry, fat mass and diabetes in offspring). The inverse variance method was used to calculate the pooled mean difference (MD) with 95 % CI for continuous outcomes, and the Mantel–Haenszel method was used to calculate the pooled OR with 95 % CI for dichotomous outcomes. In all, thirty observational studies involving 35 032 mother–offspring pairs were included. Vitamin D status was evaluated by circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level. Low vitamin D status was based on each study’s cut-off for low 25(OH)D levels. Low prenatal vitamin D levels were associated with lower birth weight (g) (MD −100·69; 95 % CI −162·25, −39·13), increased risk of small-for-gestational-age (OR 1·55; 95 % CI 1·16, 2·07) and an elevated weight (g) in infant at the age of 9 months (g) (MD 119·75; 95 % CI 32·97, 206·52). No associations were observed between prenatal vitamin D status and other growth parameters at birth, age 1 year, 4–6 years or 9 years, nor with diabetes type 1. Prenatal vitamin D may play a role in infant adiposity and accelerated postnatal growth. The effects of prenatal vitamin D on long-term metabolic health outcomes in children warrant future studies.


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