scholarly journals Low rate of daily smokers in patients with symptomatic COVID-19

Author(s):  
Makoto Miyara ◽  
Florence Tubach ◽  
Valérie Pourcher ◽  
Capucine Morélot-Panzini ◽  
Julie Pernet ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundIdentification of prognostic factors in COVID-19 remains a global challenge. The role of smoking is still controversial.ObjectiveTo evaluate the rate of daily smokers in patients with COVID-19.MethodsCOVID-19 in-and outpatients from a large French university hospital were systematically interviewed for their smoking status, use of e-cigarette and nicotinic substitutes. The rates of daily smokers in in-and outpatients were compared to those in the 2019 French general population, after standardization for sex and age.ResultsThe inpatient group was composed of 340 patients, median age 66 years: 203 men (59.7%) and 137 women (40.3%), median age for both 66 years, with a daily smokers rate of 4.1 % CI95% [2.3–6.9] (5.4% of men, 2.2% of women). The outpatient group was composed of 139 patients, median age 44 years: 62 men (44.6%, median age 43 years), and 77 women (55.4%, median age 44 years). The daily smoker rate was 6.1 % CI 95% [2.7 - 11.6] (5.1% of men, 6.8% of women). In the 2019 French population, the daily smoker rate was 24.0% (27.5% of men, 20.7% of women). Among inpatients, daily smokers represented 2.2% and 3.4% of the 45 dead patients and of the 29 patients transferred to ICU, respectively.The rate of daily smokers was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients, as compared to that in the French general population after standardization by age and sex, with Standardized Incidence Ratios of 0.24 [0.12-0.48] for outpatients and 0.24 [0.14-0.40] for inpatients.ConclusionDaily smokers rate in patients with symptomatic COVID-19 is lower as compared to the general population

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Miyara ◽  
Florence Tubach ◽  
Valérie Pourcher ◽  
Capucine Morélot-Panzini ◽  
Julie Pernet ◽  
...  

Background: Identification of prognostic factors in COVID-19 remains a global challenge. The role of smoking is still controversial.Methods: PCR-positive in- and outpatients with symptomatic COVID-19 from a large French University hospital were systematically interviewed for their smoking status, use of e-cigarette, and nicotinic substitutes. The rates of daily smokers in in- and outpatients were compared using the same smoking habit questionnaire to those in the 2019 French general population, after standardisation for sex and age.Results: The inpatient group was composed of 340 patients, median age of 66 years: 203 men (59.7%) and 137 women (40.3%), median age of both 66 years, with a rate of 4.1% daily smokers (CI 95% [2.3–6.9]) (5.4% of men and 2.2% of women). The outpatient group was composed of 139 patients, median age of 44 years: 62 men (44.6%, median age of 43 years) and 77 women (55.4%, median age of 44 years). The daily smoker rate was 6.1% (CI 95% [2.7–11.6], 5.1% of men and 6.8% of women). Amongst inpatients, daily smokers represented 2.2 and 3.4% of the 45 dead patients and of the 29 patients transferred to ICU, respectively. The rate of daily smokers was significantly lower in patients with symptomatic COVID-19, as compared to that in the French general population after standardisation by age and sex, with standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) of 0.24 [0.12–0.48] for outpatients and 0.24 [0.14–0.40] for inpatients.Conclusions: Daily smoker rate in patients with symptomatic COVID-19 is lower as compared to the French general population


Author(s):  
Antti Huuskonen ◽  
Risto Kesävuori ◽  
Peter Raivio

Abstract Background The optimal treatment strategy for intravenous drug users (IVDU) with infective endocarditis (IE) is controversial. We therefore sought to investigate outcomes among IVDUs after surgery for IE. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all 192 consecutive patients who underwent an operation for IE between 2005 and 2016 in the Helsinki University Hospital. Forty-seven patients (24.5%) were IVDUs and 145 (75.5%) were non-IVDUs. Mortality and reinfection and reoperation rates were evaluated. Results IVDUs were younger (29.9 vs. 63.8 years, p < 0.001) and had less cardiovascular risk factors and lower EuroSCORE II (4.3 vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001), but Staphylococcus aureus infection (66.0 vs. 23.4%, p < 0.001), tricuspid valve endocarditis (34.0 vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001), and liver disease (63.8 vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001) occurred more often in IVDUs than in non-IVDUs. Thirty-day mortality of IVDUs was 8.5% and that of non-IVDUs was 6.9% (p = 0.711). Survival of IVDUs at 5 years was 70.8 ± 7.4% and survival of non-IVDUs was 67.9 ± 4.7% (p = 0.678). Relative to an age- and sex-matched general population, IVDUs had 58.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.7–101.9; p < 0.001) and non-IVUD 4.4 (95% CI: 3.1–6.2; p < 0.001) standardized mortality ratio. IVDUs had a higher reinfection rate at 5 years (25.8 ± 7.7% vs. 3.0 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001) and a higher early reoperation rate than non-IVDUs (10.6 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.003). Conclusions IVDUs and non-IVDUs had comparable survival at 5 years, but IVDUs had a very significantly increased risk of death in comparison to an age- and sex-matched general population. IVDUs had higher reinfection and early reoperation rates. Survival was poor after medically treated reinfection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-67
Author(s):  
Amanat Ali ◽  
Noura S.M. Al-Alawi ◽  
Muhammad Athar Sadiq   ◽  
Mostafa I. Waly

Objective: To assess the role of various dietary and lifestyle modifications in the secondary prevention of biomarkers of plaque recurrence in Omani coronary revascularized patients.Methods: Seventy-two patients, from the outpatient cardiology clinic of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent. In a questionnaire-based study, we collected data about four lifestyle modifications; physical activity, weight reduction, dietary intake and healthy eating patterns and smoking or non-smoking status, in personal interviews. A modified previously validated study questionnaire, which comprised of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, was used to assess the demographic information, eating patterns, diet quality index score, and daily dietary intake of study participants. The data about patient’s baseline characteristics, revascularization information and biochemical laboratory tests was harvested from the SQUH’s electronic record system. The statistical analysis of data was made using R-studio v.7 and Microsoft excel v.7.Results: The males had higher educational level as compared to females and were more active than females. The data indicated that 16% males and females were diabetic, 10% males and 21% females were hypertensive, and 30% males and 42% females had both diabetes and hypertension. Forty eight percent males and 63% females had body mass index (BMI) >30. However, no significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in the BMI, diabetes and hypertension status in males and females. Both genders had poor nutritional knowledge. Although the LDL-C and HDL-C values in males and females differed, they were within the normal therapeutic limits. The HbA1c and C-reactive protein values were above the normal ranges with no significant (P < 0.05) difference in both males and females. The average daily energy intake in males (2694 kcalories) was significantly higher compared to females (1603 kcalories). The proportionate contribution of energy from macronutrients was within the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges. Omani diet score for males (75.5) and females (74.6) didn’t differ significantly (P < 0.05), indicating their adherence to healthy dietary patterns.Conclusions: The results suggest that dietary and lifestyle modifications play significant role in the secondary prevention of biomarkers of plaque recurrence in Omani coronary revascularized patients. Behavioral counseling to promote healthy modifications in dietary and lifestyle factors are therefore recommended in the secondary prevention of risk of plaque recurrence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 494-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adalberto STUDART-NETO ◽  
Bruno Fukelmann GUEDES ◽  
Raphael de Luca e TUMA ◽  
Antonio Edvan CAMELO FILHO ◽  
Gabriel Taricani KUBOTA ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: More than one-third of COVID-19 patients present neurological symptoms ranging from anosmia to stroke and encephalopathy. Furthermore, pre-existing neurological conditions may require special treatment and may be associated with worse outcomes. Notwithstanding, the role of neurologists in COVID-19 is probably underrecognized. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the reasons for requesting neurological consultations by internists and intensivists in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, a 900-bed COVID-19 dedicated center (including 300 intensive care unit beds). COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed by SARS-CoV-2-RT-PCR in nasal swabs. All inpatient neurology consultations between March 23rd and May 23rd, 2020 were analyzed. Neurologists performed the neurological exam, assessed all available data to diagnose the neurological condition, and requested additional tests deemed necessary. Difficult diagnoses were established in consensus meetings. After diagnosis, neurologists were involved in the treatment. Results: Neurological consultations were requested for 89 out of 1,208 (7.4%) inpatient COVID admissions during that period. Main neurological diagnoses included: encephalopathy (44.4%), stroke (16.7%), previous neurological diseases (9.0%), seizures (9.0%), neuromuscular disorders (5.6%), other acute brain lesions (3.4%), and other mild nonspecific symptoms (11.2%). Conclusions: Most neurological consultations in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital were requested for severe conditions that could have an impact on the outcome. First-line doctors should be able to recognize neurological symptoms; neurologists are important members of the medical team in COVID-19 hospital care.


Author(s):  
George Sakellaris ◽  
Dimitra Dimopoulou ◽  
Maria Niniraki ◽  
Anastasia Dimopoulou ◽  
Athanasios Alegakis ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Ayse Filiz Gokmen Karasu ◽  
Seda Ates ◽  
Tugba Gurbuz ◽  
Nurhan Sahin ◽  
Taha Takmaz ◽  
...  

<p><strong>Objective:</strong> We aimed to determine the frequency of endometrial pathologies of patients who presented to our outpatient clinic with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) and asymptomatic menopausal patients with a finding of thickened endometrium on transvaginal ultrasonography.</p><p><strong>Study Design:</strong> This study was performed at Bezmialem University Hospital. Women who presented to our clinic from January 2015 to January 2017 were analyzed. Patients were divided to two groups. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz probe. Endometrial sampling was performed by either blind D&amp;C (dilatation &amp; curettage) or pipelle sampling. We excluded patient specimens that were obtained by hysteroscopy.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Electronic records of a total of 368 patients in menopause were inspected. Out of these patients; 287 (78%) underwent endometrium sampling indicated by bleeding. Eighty-one patients (22%) were asymptomatic; however, a thickened endometrium echo on TVUSG examination (≥ 5 mm) was suspected. The median age was 57 (42-85). In both groups the two leading causes of endometrial pathology was; endometrial polyps followed by proliferative endometrium. The frequency of endometrial cancer was 9.4 % for the PMB group and 1.2 % in the asymptomatic patient group</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Evaluation of PMB as soon as possible is essential for diagnosing endometrial pathologies. Role of endometrial thickness is decisive in detecting patients at high risk for malignancy especially with comorbid conditions. Histopathological evaluation is mandatory for ruling out malignancy.</p>


Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
Pål Ketil Botvar

The Norwegian National Day (17 May, also referred to as Constitution Day) stands out as one of the most popular National Day celebrations in Europe. According to surveys, around seven out of every 10 Norwegians take part in a public celebration during this day. This means that the National Day potentially has an impact on the way people reflect upon national identity and its relationship to the Lutheran heritage. In this paper, I will focus on the role religion plays in the Norwegian National Day rituals. Researchers have described these rituals as both containing a significant religious element and being rather secularized. In this article, I discuss the extent to which the theoretical concepts civil religion and religious nationalism can help us understand the role of religion, or the absence of religion, in these rituals. Based on surveys of the general population, I analyze both indicators of civil religion and religious nationalism. The two phenomena are compared by looking at their relation to such items as patriotism, chauvinism, and xenophobia. The results show that civil religion explains participation in the National Day rituals better than religious nationalism.


Open Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 769-772
Author(s):  
ChunMiao Bao ◽  
BinBin Li ◽  
YuFeng Zhou

Abstract Objective A triple combination of interferon (IFN) α-2b, lopinavir tablets, and umifenovir was used to treat COVID-19 patients. It is important to explore whether the benefit of this therapy is time dependent. Methods A cohort of moderate COVID-19 patients (n = 54) was admitted for hospitalization. The demographic (age, gender, and smoking status) and clinical characteristics (epidemiological trace and comorbidity) were collected from the digital medical records. The length of hospital stay (LOS) and the viral shedding time (VST) were set as the outcomes for COVID-19 cases. Results After control for age, sex, epidemiological trace, smoking, and comorbidity, the time of treatment start had null effect on VST (IRR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.91–1.30; p = 0.33) or LOS (IRR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.94–1.28; p = 0.23). Conclusion There is no convincing evidence to support a pivotal role of the timing of the therapy in the prognosis of moderate COVID-19 cases.


Author(s):  
Janne Kinnunen ◽  
Jarno Satopää ◽  
Mika Niemelä ◽  
Jukka Putaala

Abstract Background The role of coagulopathy in patients with traumatic brain injury has remained elusive. In the present study, we aim to assess the prevalence of coagulopathy in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, their clinical features, and the effect of coagulopathy on treatment and mortality. Methods An observational, retrospective single-center cohort of consecutive patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage treated at Helsinki University Hospital between 01 January and 31 December 2010. We compared clinical and radiological parameters in patients with and without coagulopathy defined as drug- or disease-induced, i.e., antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication at a therapeutic dose, thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 E9/L), international normalized ratio > 1.2, or thromboplastin time < 60%. Primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Logistic regression analysis allowed to assess for factors associated with coagulopathy and mortality. Results Of our 505 patients (median age 61 years, 65.5% male), 206 (40.8%) had coagulopathy. Compared to non-coagulopathy patients, coagulopathy patients had larger hemorrhage volumes (mean 140.0 mL vs. 98.4 mL, p < 0.001) and higher 30-day mortality (18.9% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.003). In multivariable analysis, older age, lower admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, larger hemorrhage volume, and conservative treatment were independently associated with mortality. Surgical treatment was associated with lower mortality in both patients with and without coagulopathy. Conclusions Coagulopathy was more frequent in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage presenting larger hemorrhage volumes compared to non-coagulopathy patients but was not independently associated with higher 30-day mortality. Hematoma evacuation, in turn, was associated with lower mortality irrespective of coagulopathy.


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