scholarly journals Symptoms COVID 19 Positive Vapers Compared to COVID 19 Positive Non-vapers

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 215013192110626
Author(s):  
David D. McFadden ◽  
Shari L. Bornstein ◽  
Robert Vassallo ◽  
Bradley R. Salonen ◽  
Mohammed Nadir Bhuiyan ◽  
...  

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to assess and describe the severity of symptoms reported by Covid-19 positive patients who vaped (smoked e-cigarettes) when compared to those who did not vape or smoke at the time of the diagnosis of Covid-19. Methods: Patients from this study are from a well-characterized patient cohort collected at Mayo Clinic between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021; with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis defined as a positive result on reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assays from nasopharyngeal swab specimens. Among the 1734 eligible patients, 289 patients reported current vaping. The cohort of vapers (N = 289) was age and gender matched to 1445 covid-19 positive patients who did not vape. The data analyzed included: date of birth, gender, ethnicity, race, marital status, as well as lifestyle history such as vaping and smoking and reported covid-19 symptoms experienced. Results: A logistic regression analysis was performed separately for each symptom using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with robust variance estimates in order to account for the 1:5 age, sex, and race matched set study design. Patients who vaped and developed Covid-19 infection were more likely to have chest pain or tightness (16% vs 10%, vapers vs non vapers, P = .005), chills (25% vs 19%, vapers vs non vapers, P = .0016), myalgia (39% vs 32%, vapers vs non vapers, P = .004), headaches (49% vs 41% vapers vs non vapers, P = .026), anosmia/dysgeusia (37% vs 30%, vapers vs non vapers, P = .009), nausea/vomiting/abdominal pain (16% vs 10%, vapers vs non vapers, P = .003), diarrhea (16% vs 10%, vapers vs non vapers, P = .004), and non-severe light-headedness (16% vs 9%, vapers vs non vapers, P < .001). Conclusion: Vapers experience higher frequency of covid-19 related symptoms when compared with age and gender matched non-vapers. Further work should examine the impact vaping has on post-covid symptom experience.

Author(s):  

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) is a novel coronavirus identified for the first time in Wuhan (China) in 2019, responsible of the current pandemic infection known as Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19). Wide range of clinical presentation of COVD -19 has been observed, from asymptomatic carriers to ARDS. The common signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection include fever, fatigue, dry cough, and dyspnoea; the severity of the disease is due to the impairment of the respiratory function. The radiological findings include a large variety of lesions; bilateral interstitial pneumonia is the most concerning presentation of COVID-19. Pleural involvement has been described in a minority of cases: pleural thickening had been observed in 32% of cases whereas pleural effusion is uncommon being described in only 5%. Furthermore, pleural involvement has been significantly associated with a worse prognosis. Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), beyond the nasopharyngeal swab, has been detected in other samples; up to now, data about RT-PCR specific results in the pleural fluid of patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 5 (COVID-19) are very limited. The current gold standard for diagnosis is nucleic acid detection by real time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in nasopharyngeal swab. In this report, a case of a positive RT-PCR for Sars-Cov-2 in the pleura fluid and in the naso- pharyngeal swab of a patient affected by bilateral interstitial pneumonia and severe respiratory failure is described. As the presence of SARS-Cov-2 in the pleural fluid seems to be associated to a poor prognosis, physicians should carry out the specific RT-PCR assay both in the nasopharyngeal swab and in the pleural sample also when the fluid amount is very scarce and not recognizable in the chest X ray. Furthermore, the analysis of multiple samples allows to increase the test reliability.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maulin Patel ◽  
Junad Chowdhury ◽  
Matthew Zheng ◽  
Osheen Abramian ◽  
Steven Verga ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionCurrently the main diagnostic modality for COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease-2019) is reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) via nasopharyngeal swab which has high false negative rates. We evaluated the performance of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging in the diagnosis of suspected COVID-19 infection compared to RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab alone in patients hospitalized for suspected COVID-19 infection.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 324 consecutive patients admitted to Temple University Hospital. All hospitalized patients who had RT-PCR testing and HRCT were included in the study. HRCTs were classified as Category 1, 2 or 3. Patients were then divided into four groups based on HRCT category and RT-PCR swab results for analysis.ResultsThe average age of patients was 59.4 (±15.2) years and 123 (38.9%) were female. Predominant ethnicity was African American 148 (46.11%). 161 patients tested positive by RT-PCR, while 41 tested positive by HRCT. 167 (52.02%) had category 1 scan, 63 (19.63%) had category 2 scan and 91 (28.35%) had category 3 HRCT scans. There was substantial agreement between our radiologists for HRCT classification (κ = 0.64). Sensitivity and specificity of HRCT classification system was 77.6 and 73.7 respectively. Ferritin, LDH, AST and ALT were higher in Group 1 and D-dimers levels was higher in Group 3; differences however were not statistically significant.ConclusionDue to its high infectivity and asymptomatic transmission, until a highly sensitive and specific COVID-19 test is developed, HRCT should be incorporated into the assessment of patients who are hospitalized with suspected COVID-19.Key PointsKey QuestionCan High Resolution CT chest (HRCT) improve diagnostic accuracy of current Nasopharyngeal swab in suspected COVID-19 patients?Bottom LineIn this retrospective analysis, our novel HRCT classification identified 20% of all COVID-19 patients who had negative nasopharyngeal reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests but had HRCT findings consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. These patients were ruled out for other infections and laboratory markers were similar to other RT-PCR positive patientsWhy Read onOur new HRCT classification when combined with RT-PCR can improve diagnostic accuracy while promptly improving triaging in COVID-19 patients.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0255263
Author(s):  
Victor Arévalos ◽  
Luis Ortega-Paz ◽  
Diego Fernandez-Rodríguez ◽  
Víctor Alfonso Jiménez-Díaz ◽  
Jordi Bañeras Rius ◽  
...  

Background Patients presenting with the coronavirus-2019 disease (COVID-19) may have a high risk of cardiovascular adverse events, including death from cardiovascular causes. The long-term cardiovascular outcomes of these patients are entirely unknown. We aim to perform a registry of patients who have undergone a diagnostic nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 and to determine their long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Study and design This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective registry to be conducted at 17 centers in Spain and Italy (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04359927). Consecutive patients older than 18 years, who underwent a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV2 in the participating institutions, will be included since March 2020, to August 2020. Patients will be classified into two groups, according to the results of the RT-PCR: COVID-19 positive or negative. The primary outcome will be cardiovascular mortality at 1 year. The secondary outcomes will be acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, pulmonary embolism, and serious cardiac arrhythmias, at 1 year. Outcomes will be compared between the two groups. Events will be adjudicated by an independent clinical event committee. Conclusion The results of this registry will contribute to a better understanding of the long-term cardiovascular implications of the COVID19.


Author(s):  
Monita R Patel ◽  
Darin Carroll ◽  
Emily Ussery ◽  
Hilary Whitham ◽  
Christopher A Elkins ◽  
...  

Abstract Among 146 nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swab pairs collected ≤7 days after illness onset, Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction assay for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR) diagnostic results were 95.2% concordant. However, NP swab cycle threshold values were lower (indicating more virus) in 66.7% of concordant-positive pairs, suggesting NP swabs may more accurately detect the amount of SARS-CoV-2.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 502-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Rovira ◽  
Travis Clement ◽  
Jane Christopher-Hennings ◽  
Bob Thompson ◽  
Mark Engle ◽  
...  

Boar studs are continuously monitored for the presence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) by testing different biological samples by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In most cases, samples are run in pools, even though the impact of pooling on the sensitivity of RT-PCR is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using PCR on pooled samples through the estimation of the sensitivity of RT-PCR on different biological samples run individually, in pools of 3 and in pools of 5. Twenty-nine boars were inoculated with a low virulent PRRSV isolate. Serum, blood swab, and semen samples were obtained from each boar every 2 to 3 days for 2 weeks. Each sample was tested by RT-PCR undiluted or diluted 1:3 and 1:5 with negative samples. Eleven of the 29 boars did not appear to get infected from the inoculum, as evidenced by no seroconversion 15 days after inoculation. Data from the other 18 boars showed that serum was the best sample to detect PRRSV during acute infection, with the blood swab sample performing almost as well. Semen samples failed to detect PRRSV infection in most of the cases. Pooling samples at pool sizes of 3 and 5 resulted in a decrease in the sensitivity of RT-PCR. Sensitivity was reduced by 6% and 8%, respectively, when serum or blood swab samples were run in pools of 5. The impact of pooling on the sensitivity of PCR was higher in samples taken during the beginning of the viremic period.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88
Author(s):  
Hany Mahmoud ◽  
Ahmed Radwan ◽  
Amr El Rashidy ◽  
Hesham M. Hefny ◽  
Amal H. Ali ◽  
...  

Objective: The present study aims to evaluate coronavirus shedding in the tears of asymptomatic pediatric COVID-19 positive patients. Methods: A prospective interventional study that included a total of 145 pediatric asymptomatic COVID-19 patients hospitalized from 17th May 2020 to 16th July 2020 in Sohag Tropical Hospital. On admission, all of them were COVID-19 positive detected through nasopharyngeal swab. They were in intimate contact with positive symptomatic COVID-19 patients before testing and admission. Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done for tears samples at an interval of 5 days after admission and twice before discharge. Results: Of the 145 asymptomatic pediatric COVID-19 positive patients, no one showed ocular or systemic manifestations. They were silent carriers. Ten were positive for tears sample on admission. They became negative for nasopharyngeal and tear samples before discharge. Conclusion: Pediatric positive COVID-19 patients can shed coronavirus through their tears. Even among asymptomatic patients, transmission through tears is possible.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (12) ◽  
pp. 2572-2575
Author(s):  
Marlena Kwiatkowska ◽  
Inga Chomicka ◽  
Jolanta Malyszko

Introduction: A novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 RNA, detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was identified as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. It rapidly spread, at first in China, then resulting in an epidemic in other countries throughout the world. One of such controversial topics is the issue of diagnostics and interpretation of test for COVID-19. According to Polish and global guidelines, the basis for diagnosis is molecular testing – real-time reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Taking all these data into consideration, the aim of the study was to compare RT-PCR with serological test in our employees post-exposure. According to Polish and global guidelines, the basis for diagnosis is molecular testing, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The aim: To compare RT-PCR with serological test in our employees post-exposure. Material and methods: 79 employees of the Clinic, 19 men and 60 women in the age range 27-69 years were evaluated. Tests were begun four days after information about the positive test in our „Employee 0” and lasted for 7 days. At first, we made RT-PCR tests on the specimen from nasopharyngeal swab. Then, we accomplished rapid antibodies tests. This test is based on the qualitative assessment of the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies by immunochromatography using a sample of capillary blood from the fingertip. Results: All the tests were negative. No employee developed symptoms during the 7-day follow-up after the end of the tests. Conclusions: As routine tests for patients have been implemented widely, but similar solutions for employees have not gained popularity. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. facemask and shields, transparent screens, disposable medical uniforms, minimalization the contact time, increasing distance from both colleagues and patients (if possible), and strictly follow sanitary procedures largely contributed to the absence of illness in the surveyed group of employees.


Author(s):  
Sayyed Reza Ahmadi ◽  
Saeideh Anvari Ardakani ◽  
Navid Kalani ◽  
Seyed Reza Habibzadeh ◽  
Elnaz Vafadar Moradi ◽  
...  

Introduction: While our knowledge is limited about COVID-19 immunity, recent cases of reinfection have raised concerns. Case presentation: Here, we report a case of COVID-19 reinfection after three months from recovery in a healthcare worker with negative IgM and IgG at the second infection and positive nasopharyngeal swab Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test despite being discharged with two negative RT-PCR tests at the first admission. Symptoms at first admission were fever, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting and got changed to myalgia and anosmia. Conclusion: The strength of this case report is the long period (three months) between the infection and reinfection while other cases reported in literature were reinfected less than one month after their first infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. e15-e16 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L Smalley ◽  
Patricia M Cisarik ◽  
James Grantham ◽  
William Cloud ◽  
R Brock Neil ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective During the current pandemic, COVID-19 has been detected in patients using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) that confirms the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The demand for increased testing, particularly for asymptomatic individuals required alternative approaches to single-patient RT-PCR testing, such as pooling. Methods This study explored the impact of dilution on the detectability of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic patients using RT-PCR and demonstrated that pooling can be effective in low prevalence populations. Results The RT-PCR results for the 3:1, 5:1, and 7:1 aliquot samples showed little differences in CT values, confirming detection capability at these dilutions. Conclusion Based on the results of the present study, a pooled approach with up to 5:1 sample aliquots and using the current RT-PCR methodology likely will detect SARS CoV2 RNA among asymptomatic patients.


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