SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with multiple sclerosis; A cross-sectional study

AbstractBackgroundNeurological disability associated with multiple sclerosis and immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy which is administered for it may increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its morbidity/mortality.ObjectiveIn this study, we evaluated the infection rate and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)MethodsOne thousand and three hundred and sixty one MS patients from Fars province, south of Iran, were interviewed by phone from April 3 to June 20, 2020. Basic demographic data, information about MS disease and any symptoms or laboratory results relevant to COVID-19 were gathered and reviewed by treating neurologist and MS nurses. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis.Results68 (5%) of MS patients were suspected cases and 8 (0.58%) of all patients with positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or chest CT were in the confirmed group. 5 cases of the confirmed group needed hospitalization. Two patients died while both of them had PPMS and were taking rituximab. The frequency rate of suspected cases with RRMS was 57 (87.7%), followed by PPMS 5 (7.7%) and CIS 2(3.1%). In the confirmed group 37.5% had RRMS, 50% had PPMS, 25% use corticosteroid drug, and 50% were on rituximab. 62.5% of confirmed cases had high disability level and need assistance to walk. 36.8% of suspected and 25% of the confirmed cases were on IFN-β1; eventually all of them recovered well from COVID-19 infection.ConclusionThe present study showed that rate of developing COVID-19 in MS patients are similar to the general population and the frequency of PPMS phenotype, rituximab therapy and corticosteroid therapy were higher in the confirmed group.

Download Full-text

Effectivity Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Nasopharyngeal Swab Rapid Testing Kits in Pakistan: A Scenario of Inadequate COVID-19 Diagnosis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-315851/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Umar Saeed ◽

Sara Rizwan Uppal ◽

Zahra Zahid Piracha ◽

Aftab Ahmad Khan ◽

Azhar Rasheed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gold Standard ◽

Rapid Detection ◽

International Health ◽

Time Frame ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

International Health Organizations ◽

Polymerase Chain

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic has urged the need of rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in limited time frame. To cope with current, COVID-19 expanding scenario, accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 should be ensured by both national and international health organizations. Sporadic marketing of SARS-CoV-2 rapid detection kits raises questions regarding quality control and assurance. To aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab based rapid detection kits, in comparison to gold standard USFDA approved triple target real-time polymerase chain reaction. A cross-sectional study of 1500 suspected COVID-19 patients was conducted. 100 RT-PCR confirmed patients nasopharyngeal swabs were evaluated for RDT. The COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 NSP based RDT analysis showed 78% reactivity. Among RT-PCR confirmed negative subjects, 49.3% showed false positivity. The positive predictive analysis revealed 67.82% values, while the negative predictive vales of were 64.40%. The NSP RDTs showed limited sensitivities and specificities compared to gold standard RT-PCR. Accurate surveillance of COVID-19 is dependent upon authentic and validated SARS-CoV-2 detection nation-wide, which needs to be monitored by higher authorities. This study is critical for designing adequate measures by several COVID-19 strategic organizations to prevent future viral epidemics.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Demographic, Clinical and Beyond Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Rafsanjan City, Iran

Internal Medicine And Medical Investigation Journal ◽

10.24200/imminv.v2i2.61 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 63

Author(s):

Amir Moghaddamahmadi ◽

Pouria Yazdian-Anari ◽

Siamak Kazemisufi ◽

Alireza Vakilian ◽

Aliasghar Ranjbartotoei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Mcdonald Criteria ◽

Male Female Ratio ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

The Mean

Background and objectives: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that causes motor and sensory impairment and physical disability in patients. This study was conducted to determine the demographic, clinical, and beyond clinical characteristics in patients with multiple sclerosis to help identify common disabilities and better understand of the specific needs of these ones.Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 MS patients in Rafsanjan, Iran. A definitive diagnosis has been done according to neurologist and McDonald criteria. The neurologist conducted examinations. The demographic data were recorded using questionnaire. MRI images were analyzed with the help of radiologist and all data were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: The mean age was 33.81±8.38 years and male/female ratio was 7/42. According to data, 66.7% of the patients were suffering from relapsing-remitting type (RR) disease, and most lesions on MRI in these patients were observed in pyramidal and JuxtaCortical areas. The mean EDSS scores of patients was 1.46. The duration of disease and the number of attacks had a significant correlation with educational level (P<0.05); age was significantly associated with pyramidal, mental and sphincter symptoms (P<0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that the prevalence of MS in women is higher than in men, especially among housekeeper women. Relapsing and remitting disease showed higher frequency.

Download Full-text

Association of Myeloid Aberrant Antigens and the Presence of BCR-ABL Gene Re-arrangements in ALL Patients

Haematology Journal of Bangladesh ◽

10.37545/haematoljbd202060 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 13-15

Author(s):

Md. Shafiul Azam ◽

Khaza Amirul Islam ◽

Sharmin Mafruha ◽

Mirza Golam Sarwar ◽

Md. Salahuddin Shah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukaemia ◽

Selection Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Genetic Abnormality ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Made In

Background: BCR-ABL translocation is the most common genetic abnormality associated with adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) with poor outcome. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the association of myeloid aberrant antigens and the presence of BCR-ABL gene rearrangements in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients in our context. Method: A total of 38 ALL patients were included in this cross-sectional study from August 2018 to July 2019 according to selection criteria. BCR-ABL was detected by Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The median age at diagnosis was 27.5 years with male (76.3%) predominance. Aberrant myeloid markers, e.g.CD13 was present in 9(64.3%) patients who were BCR-ABL positive which was statistically significant (p:<0.05). Conclusion: Early suspicion about BCR-ABL positivity can be made in ALL patients who show aberrant myeloid expression.

Download Full-text

Detection of blaVIM and blaIMP Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Clinical Samples in Iran

International Journal of Medical Laboratory ◽

10.18502/ijml.v8i3.7324 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari

Keyword(s):

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Clinical Samples ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

High Level

Background and Aims: The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains has been recently reported worldwide. Therefore, accurate and rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing isolates is essential. So, this study aimed to detect blaVIM and blaIMP carbapenemase-producing strains using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, P. aeruginosa strains were collected from clinical samples (blood, urine, wound, and other liquids body) in Firoozgar and Shahid Motahari Hospitals in Tehran and Velayat Hospital in Rasht Province, from May to December 2018. After identifying the isolates using the standard microbial tests, carbapenemase-producing strains were isolated by the modified hodge test. After that, the detection of blaVIM and blaIMP genes was performed by RT-PCR technique. Results: One hundred P. aeruginosa were isolated from different clinical samples. Among these, 74 (74%) isolates were considered as carbapenemase positive using MHT. The frequencies of blaVIM and blaIMP genes were obtained as 83% and 11%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a high level of resistance to most of the antibiotics tested and a high prevalence of blaVIM gene in P. aeruginosa strains.

Download Full-text

Headache associated with COVID-19: Frequency, characteristics and association with anosmia and ageusia

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102420966770 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 40 (13) ◽

pp. 1443-1451 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Pedro Augusto Sampaio Rocha-Filho ◽

João Eudes Magalhães

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Severe Intensity ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Polymerase Chain

Objectives To assess the frequency and characteristics of headache in patients with COVID-19 and whether there is an association between headache and anosmia and ageusia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Consecutive patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, were assessed by neurologists. Results Seventy-three patients were included in the study, 63% were male; the median age was 58 years (IQR: 47–66). Forty-seven patients (64.4%) reported headaches, which had most frequently begun on the first day of symptoms, were bilateral (94%), presenting severe intensity (53%) and a migraine phenotype (51%). Twelve patients (16.4%) presented with headache triggered by coughing. Eleven (15%) patients reported a continuous headache. Twenty-eight patients (38.4%) presented with anosmia and 29 (39.7%) with ageusia. Patients who reported hyposmia/anosmia and/or hypogeusia/ageusia experienced headache more frequently than those without these symptoms (OR: 5.39; 95% CI:1.66–17.45; logistic regression). Patients with anosmia and ageusia presented headache associated with phonophobia more often compared to those with headache without these complaints (Chi-square test; p < 0.05). Headache associated with COVID-19 presented a migraine phenotype more frequently in those experiencing previous migraine ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Headaches associated with COVID-19 are frequent, are generally severe, diffuse, present a migraine phenotype and are associated with anosmia and ageusia.

Download Full-text

Underestimation of COVID-19 cases in Japan: an analysis of RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 among 47 prefectures in Japan

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcaa209 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 113 (8) ◽

pp. 551-555 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

T Sawano ◽

Y Kotera ◽

A Ozaki ◽

A Murayama ◽

T Tanimoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Analysis ◽

Multiple Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Geographical Differences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bidirectional Association ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Increasing Demand

Summary Background Under the unique Japanese policy to restrict reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a nationwide number of its confirmed cases and mortality remains to be low. Yet the information is lacking on geographical differences of these measures and their associated factors. Aim Evaluation of prefecture-based geographical differences and associated predictors for the incidence and number of RT-PCR tests for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Design Cross-sectional study using regression and correlation analysis. Methods We retrieved domestic laboratory-confirmed cases, deaths and the number of RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 from 15 January to 6 April 2020 in 47 prefectures in Japan, using publicly available data by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. We did descriptive analyses of these three measures and identified significant predictors for the incidence and RT-PCR testing through multiple regression analyses and correlates with the number of deaths through correlation analysis. Results The median prefectural-level incidence and number of RT-PCR testing per 100 000 population were 1.14 and 38.6, respectively. Multiple regression analyses revealed that significant predictors for the incidence were prefectural-level population (P < 0.001) and the number of RT-PCR testing (P = 0.03); and those for RT-PCR testing were the incidence (P = 0.025), available beds (P = 0.045) and cluster infections (P = 0.034). Conclusion Considering bidirectional association between the incidence and RT-PCR testing, there may have been an underdiagnosed population for the infection. The restraint policy for RT-PCR testing should be revisited to meet the increasing demand under the COVID-19 epidemic.

Download Full-text

Expanded access to multiple sclerosis teleneurology care following the COVID-19 pandemic

Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical ◽

10.1177/2055217321997467 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 205521732199746

Author(s):

Marisa P McGinley ◽

Shauna Gales ◽

William Rowles ◽

Zhini Wang ◽

Wan-Yu Hsu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Quality ◽

Group Differences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Median Distance ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Remote Care ◽

Perception Of Care ◽

Disability Level

Background Teleneurology for multiple sclerosis (MS) care was considered feasible, but utilization was limited. Objective To describe how the existing teleneurology populations at two academic MS Centers changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we captured all in-person and teleneurology visits at two academic MS Centers between January 2019 and April 2020. We compared group differences between the Centers, and COVID-related changes using T-, chi-squared Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests. Results 2268 patients completed 2579 teleneurology visits (mean age 48.3 ± 13.3 years, 72.9% female). Pre-COVID, the Centers’ teleneurology populations were similar for age, sex, MS type, and disability level (all p > 0.1), but differed for race (96.5% vs 80.7% white, p ≤ 0.001), MS treatment (49.1% vs 32.1% infusible, p ≤ 0.001), and median distance from Center (72 vs 186 miles, p ≤ 0.001). Post-COVID, both Centers’ teleneurology populations had more black (12.7% vs 4.37%, p ≤ 0.001) and local (median 34.5 vs 102 miles, p ≤ 0.001) patients. Conclusion Teleneurology visits in 2019 reflected the organizational and local teleneurology reimbursement patterns of our Centers. Our post-COVID-19 changes illustrate the potential for payors and policy to change disparities in access to, or utilization of, remote care. Patients’ perception of care quality and value following this shift warrants study.

Download Full-text

Loss of Sense of Smell and Taste among Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction Positive COVID-19 Patients of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Birat Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.3126/bjhs.v6i2.40359 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 1561-1564

Author(s):

Rajeev Shah ◽

Bipin Koirala ◽

Sangya Gyawali

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care Hospital ◽

Strong Association ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Taste And Smell

Results: A total of 166 patients were included in the study. The age of the patients ranged from 10 to 84 years with a mean age of 44.34 ± 23.059 years. Out of the 166 RT-PCR positive patients 103 (62%) had a loss of taste while 114 (68.7%) had a loss of smell. Nearly half of the subjects about 99 (51.6%) had dysfunction in both taste and smell. Conclusions: The present study shows the strong association between the olfactory and gustatory dysfunction with that of COVID infection. Patients with loss of taste and smell should be evaluated properly at the time of COVID pandemic. Olfactory and Gustatory dysfunction can be the early and only manifestation of COVID infection. The prevalence of loss of smell and taste was similar to other studies done in similar settings.

Download Full-text

Ocular manifestations of multiple sclerosis in patients from three countries: A Web-based survey

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/11206721211069457 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112067212110694

Author(s):

Run-Ze Zhao ◽

Guo-Xun Zhang ◽

Wen-Ting Zhang ◽

Wen-Jin Yu ◽

Lu Du ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ocular Manifestations ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

Objective This study evaluates the epidemiological characteristics, ophthalmological manifestations, and different therapeutic options available for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in China, Spain, and Cuba. Methods A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct a comparable descriptive cross-sectional study on patients with MS. The survey included patients' demographic data, ocular manifestations related to MS, and treatment methodology followed in the three countries. The online survey was designed using the Wenjuanxing survey platform, and a survey link was circulated through WhatsApp, WeChat, and emails. Quantitative data were expressed as mean and standard deviation, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for non-parametric variables. Qualitative data were expressed as numerical and percentage. The chi-square test (χ2) was used to compare the group's response categories. The statistical difference was considered significant when p < 0.05. Results The female-to-male ratio in all the three countries was 2-3:1, and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) was the most frequent in all three countries. Vision loss was slow and progressive in half of the patients from the three countries, with no significant differences ( p = 0.524). A higher percentage of steroid treatment was observed in Chinese patients in comparison with the patients from other two countries ( p < 0.001), and a similar trend was seen in the use of traditional medicines. Almost one-third of patients who did not receive any treatment recovered spontaneously in all the three countries ( p = 0.097). Conclusions MS occurs more frequently in the relapsing-remitting clinical form and there is a clear female predominance. The first ocular crisis or clinical debut of MS is characterized by slow and progressive visual impairment, increasing and adding to other ocular manifestations during its evolutionary course. Spontaneous recovery of vision after an attack of optic neuritis in the course of MS is possible.

Download Full-text

Molecular Detection of Sapovirus in Children Under Five Years with Acute Gastroenteritis in Mansoura, Egypt between January 2019 and February 2020

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.29991.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 123

Author(s):

Maysaa El Sayed Zaki ◽

Raghdaa Shrief ◽

Rasha H. Hassan

Keyword(s):

Acute Gastroenteritis ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Winter Season ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Culture Methods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽

Immune Assays

Background: Sapovirus has emerged as a viral cause of acute gastroenteritis. However, there is limited data on sapovirus in Egypt. . The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of sapovirus in children with acute gastroenteritis <5 years in Mansoura, Egypt from January 2019 to February 2020 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Methods: The cross-sectional study enrolled a 100 children <5 years who presented with acute gastroenteritis at an outpatient clinic in Mansoura, Egypt between January 2019 and February 2020. Clinical data, demographic data and a stool sample was collected from each child. Stools were screened by microscopy for parasites and culture methods for bacteria and excluded from the study if positive for either. Specimens were also screened for rotavirus by enzyme immune assays (EIA) and sapovirus by reverse transcription PCR. Results: The most frequently detected virus was rotavirus by ELISA 25% (25/100). RT-PCR detected sapovirus in 7% (7/100) of the stool samples. The children with sapovirus were all from rural regions and presented mainly during the winter season in Egypt 42.9% (3/7). The main presenting symptoms were fever 71.4% (5/7) and vomiting 57.1% (4/7). None of the children with sapovirus had dehydration. Rotavirus was significantly associated with sapovirus infections in five samples (5/7) , 71.4%, P=0.01. Conclusion: The present study highlights the emergence of sapovirus as a frequent pathogen associated with acute gastroenteritis in children. There is a need for a national survey program for the study of sapovirus among other pathogens associated with acute gastroenteritis for better management of such infection.

Download Full-text