scholarly journals Asymptomatic COVID-19 in the elderly: dementia and viral clearance as risk factors for disease progression.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Ignacio Esteban ◽  
Georgina Bergero ◽  
Camila Alves ◽  
Micaela Bronstein ◽  
Valeria Ziegler ◽  
...  

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals ≥60 years old have the highest hospitalization rates and represent >80% fatalities. Within this population, those in long-term facilities represent >50% of the total COVID-19 related deaths per country. Among those without symptoms, the rate of pre-symptomatic illness is unclear, and potential predictors of progression for symptom development are unknown. Our objective was to delineate the natural evolution of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in elders and identify determinants of progression. Methods: We established a medical surveillance team monitoring 63 geriatric institutions. When an index COVID-19 case emerged, we tested all other eligible asymptomatic elders ≥75 or >60 years old with at least 1 comorbidity. SARS-CoV-2 infected elders were followed for 28 days. Disease was diagnosed when any COVID-19 manifestation occurred. SARS-CoV-2 load at enrollment, shedding on day 15, and antibody responses were also studied. Results: After 28 days of follow-up, 74/113(65%) SARS-CoV-2-infected elders remained asymptomatic. 21/39(54%) pre-symptomatic patients developed hypoxemia and ten pre-symptomatic patients died(median day 13.5,IQR 12). Dementia was the only clinical risk factor associated with disease(OR 2.41(95%CI=1.08, 5.39). In a multivariable logistic regression model, dementia remained as a risk factor for COVID-19 severe disease. Furthermore, dementia status showed a statistically significant different trend when assessing the cumulative probability of developing COVID-19 symptoms(log-rank p=0.027). On day 15, SARS-CoV-2 was detectable in 30% of the asymptomatic group while in 61% of the pre-symptomatic(p=0.012). No differences were observed among groups in RT-PCR mean cycle threshold at enrollment(p=0.391) and in the rates of antibody seropositivity(IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein). Conclusions: In summary, 2/3 of our cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected elders from vulnerable communities in Argentina remained asymptomatic after 28 days of follow-up with high mortality among those developing symptoms. Dementia and persistent SARS-CoV-2 shedding were associated with progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic infection.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Lind ◽  
Johan Sundström ◽  
Johan Ärnlöv ◽  
Ulf Risérus ◽  
Erik Lampa

AbstractThe impact of most, but not all, cardiovascular risk factors decline by age. We investigated how the metabolic syndrome (MetS) was related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) during 40 years follow-up in the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM, 2,123 men all aged 50 at baseline with reinvestigations at age 60, 70, 77 and 82). The strength of MetS as a risk factor of incident combined end-point of three outcomes (CVD) declined with ageing, as well as for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and heart failure when analysed separately. For CVD, the risk ratio declined from 2.77 (95% CI 1.90–4.05) at age 50 to 1.30 (95% CI 1.05–1.60) at age 82. In conclusion, the strength of MetS as a risk factor of incident CVD declined with age. Since MetS was significantly related to incident CVD also at old age, our findings suggest that the occurrence of MetS in the elderly should not be regarded as innocent. However, since our data were derived in an observational study, any impact of MetS in the elderly needs to be verified in a randomized clinical intervention trial.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sainan Chen ◽  
Wenjing Gu ◽  
Min Wu ◽  
Chuangli Hao ◽  
Canhong Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Infants with bronchiolitis have an increased risk of developing recurrent wheezing and asthma. However, the risk factors for the development of recurrent wheezing after bronchiolitis remains controversial. Our study was to investigate risk factors of post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing. Methods Infants with bronchiolitis were enrolled from November 2016 through March 2017. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained for detection of respiratory viruses which were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and direct immunofluorescent assay. Serum cytokines including TSLP, IL2, IL13, TIMP-1, MMP-9, IL33, IL5, IL4, IL25, TNF- α and MIP-1α were measured by flow cytometry. Patients were followed up every 3 months for a duration of 2 years by telephone or at outpatient appointments. Results We enrolled 89 infants, of which 81 patients were successfully followed up. In total, 22.2% of patients experienced recurrent wheezing episodes. The proportion of patients with history of eczema, systemic glucocorticoid use and patients with moderate-to-severe disease were significantly higher in the recurrent wheezing group than the non-recurrent wheezing group (83.3% vs 52.4%; 66.7% vs 36.5%; 61.1% vs 33.3%, respectively, all P < 0.05); There were no significant differences between patients with and without recurrent wheezing episodes in the levels of TSLP, IL2, IL13, TIMP-1, MMP-9, IL33, IL5, IL4, IL25, TNF- α and MIP-1α (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that history of eczema was an independent risk factor for post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing (odds ratio [OR] = 5.622; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–24.9; P = 0.023). Conclusion The incidence of recurrent wheezing among infants after contracting bronchiolitis was 22.2% during a 2-year follow-up. History of eczema was the only independent risk factor identified and no correlation was found between the specific virus and disease severity in children with post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoyuki Kabutoya ◽  
Satoshi Hoshide ◽  
Yukiyo Ogata ◽  
Kazuo Eguchi ◽  
Kazuomi Kario

Introduction: The integrated flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) response was shown to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors, but the association between the integrated FMD response and consequent cardiovascular events has been unclear. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that the integrated FMD response predicts consequent cardiovascular events. Methods: We enrolled 575 patients who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or smoking). We measured the FMD magnitude of the percentage change in peak diameter (ΔFMD), and we measured the integrated FMD response calculated as the area under the dilation curve during a 120-sec dilation period (FMD-AUC 120 ) using a semiautomatic edge-detection algorithm. The primary outcome was defined as any cardiovascular event (a composite of cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure). Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 35±22 months (range: 1-74 months). During the follow-up period, 34 cardiovascular events were recorded. Among the elderly patients (age[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]≥[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]65 yrs, n[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]=[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]281), the patients with the lowest tertile of FMD-AUC 120 (FMD-AUC 120 <[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]5.6) suffered a higher incidence of cardiovascular events compared with the patients with the higher two tertiles (FMD-AUC 120 ≥[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]5.6) (log rank 4.16, p=0.041). The association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender and office systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio 1.25, p=0.039). In the younger patients (age[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]<[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]65 yrs, n[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]=[[Unable to Display Character: &#8201;]]294), cardiovascular events were similar among the patients with the lowest tertile and those with the higher two tertiles of FMD-AUC 120 . Cardiovascular events were also similar in the patients with the lowest tertile and the higher two tertiles of ΔFMD in both the elderly and younger patients. Conclusions: The integrated FMD response, but not ΔFMD, predicted cardiovascular events in elderly patients with a cardiovascular risk factor.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sainan Chen ◽  
Wenjing Gu ◽  
Min Wu ◽  
Chuangli Hao ◽  
Canhong Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Infants with bronchiolitis have an increased risk of developing recurrent wheezing and asthma. However, the risk factors for the development of recurrent wheezing after bronchiolitis remains controversial.Objective: To investigate the incidence of post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing and associated risk factors.Methods: Infants with bronchiolitis were enrolled from November 2016 through March 2017. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained for detection of respiratory viruses which were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and direct immunofluorescent assay. Serum cytokines including TSLP, IL2, IL13, TIMP-1, MMP-9, IL33, IL5, IL4, IL25, TNF- α and MIP-1α were measured by flow cytometry. Patients were followed every 3 months for a duration of 2 years by telephone or at outpatient appointments.Results: We enrolled 89 infants, of which 81 patients were successfully followed up. In total, 22.2% of patients experienced recurrent wheezing episodes. The proportion of patients with history of eczema, systemic glucocorticoid use and patients with moderate-to-severe disease were significantly higher in the recurrent wheezing group than the non-recurrent wheezing group (83.3% vs 52.4%; 66.7% vs 36.5%; 61.1% vs 33.3%, respectively, all P<0.05); There were no significant differences between patients with and without recurrent wheezing episodes in the levels of TSLP, IL2, IL13, TIMP-1, MMP-9, IL33, IL5, IL4, IL25, TNF- α and MIP-1α (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that history of eczema was an independent risk factor for post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing (odds ratio [OR]=5.622; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–24.9; P=0.023).Conclusion: The incidence of recurrent wheezing among infants after contracting bronchiolitis was 22.2% during a 2-year follow-up. History of eczema was the only independent risk factor identified and no correlation was found between the specific virus and disease severity in children with post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sainan Chen ◽  
Wenjing Gu ◽  
Min Wu ◽  
Chuangli Hao ◽  
Canhong Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Infants with bronchiolitis have an increased risk of developing recurrent wheezing and asthma. However, the association between bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing remains controversial.Objective: To investigate the incidence of post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing and associated risk factors.Methods: Infants with bronchiolitis were enrolled from November 2016 through March 2017. We also enrolled 24 healthy children with no history of wheezing from the department of children's health prevention as a control group. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained for detection of respiratory viruses which were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and direct immunofluorescent assay. Serum cytokines including TSLP, IL2, IL13, TIMP-1, MMP-9, IL33, IL5, IL4, IL25, TNF- α and MIP-1α were measured by flow cytometry. Patients were followed every 3 months for a duration of 2 years by telephone or at outpatient appointments.Results: We enrolled 89 infants, of which 81 patients were successfully followed up. In total, 22.2% of patients experienced recurrent wheezing episodes. The proportion of patients with eczema, systemic glucocorticoid use and patients with moderate-to-severe disease were significantly higher in the recurrent wheezing group than the non-recurrent wheezing group (83.3% vs 52.4%; 66.7% vs 36.5%; 61.1% vs 33.3%, respectively, all P<0.05); The serum level of TNF‑ α was lower in the recurrent wheezing group (P<0.05), and the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-25, IL-33 were significantly higher among patients without recurrent wheezing (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that eczema was an independent risk factor for post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing (odds ratio [OR]=7.488; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.447–38.759; P=0.016). Conclusion: The incidence of recurrent wheezing among infants after contracting bronchiolitis was 22.2% during a 2-year follow-up. Eczema was the only independent risk factor identified and no correlation was found between the specific virus and disease severity in children with post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. e29.3-e30
Author(s):  
T Valenzuela ◽  
D Fellows ◽  
M Zaben ◽  
D Shastin ◽  
P Leach

ObjectivesAntithrombotics use in the elderly is widespread and is seen as a risk factor for intracranial complications following TBI. Antithrombotics are commonly discontinued on admission, with little guidance on when or how to restart them. This study aims to establish current national practices with restarting antithrombotic medications following TBI and review available evidence identifying areas for further research.DesignAn online survey and a literature review.SubjectsSBNS members.MethodsA SBNS Academic Committee approved survey with five TBI scenarios dealing with different antithrombotics. Respondents were asked to indicate when they would restart the medications for each scenario and what drives their decision.ResultsPreliminary results included responses from 22 consultants. The most common practice was to restart antithrombotics after two weeks; however, less than 50% agreed on each individual option. About 50% had the same approach to everything and 1/3 believed single antiplatelet can be resumed earlier than dual antiplatelets. Other deciding factors included size of intracranial bleed, patient’s neurological recovery, and follow up imaging. Some advocated involving the physicians. Final results following a repeat dissemination of the survey will be presented at the meeting.ConclusionsThere is obvious discrepancy in how the problem of restarting antithombotics following TBI is approached nationally. Further research is needed to help decision making with this everyday clinical problem.


1991 ◽  
Vol 158 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian L. Cook ◽  
George Winokur ◽  
Michael J. Garvey ◽  
Vickie Beach

A prospective study of male in-patients over 55 years old who met Feighner criteria for non-bipolar depression was performed to determine if a previous history of alcoholism significantly influenced treatment or response to treatment. Among 58 subjects with complete follow-up information, the 16 who had a history of alcoholism had a presentation at index which differed from that of the non-alcoholics, and on follow-up they clearly had more chronic illness. This elderly sample with alcoholism resembles ‘neurotic-reactive’ depressives described in younger samples, and supports a past history of alcoholism as being a risk factor for chronicity of depression on follow-up in the elderly population.


Haemophilia ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Godreuil ◽  
R. Navarro ◽  
P. Quittet ◽  
L. Landreau ◽  
J-F. Schved ◽  
...  

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