scholarly journals Early risk markers for severe clinical course and fatal outcome in German patients with COVID-19

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0246182
Author(s):  
Paul Balfanz ◽  
Bojan Hartmann ◽  
Dirk Müller-Wieland ◽  
Michael Kleines ◽  
Dennis Häckl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Risk Markers ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Early Risk ◽  
Increased Risk

Background Some patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) develop a severe clinical course with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and fatal outcome. Clinical manifestations and biomarkers in early stages of disease with relevant predictive impact for outcomes remain largely unexplored. We aimed to identify parameters which are significantly different between subgroups. Design 125 patients with COVID-19 were analysed. Patients with ARDS (N = 59) or non-ARDS (N = 66) were compared, as well as fatal outcome versus survival in the two groups. Key results ARDS and non-ARDS patients did not differ with respect to comorbidities or medication on developing a fatal outcome versus survival. Body mass index was higher in patients with ARDS versus non-ARDS (p = 0.01), but not different within the groups in survivors versus non-survivors. Interleukin-6 levels on admission were higher in patients with ARDS compared to non-ARDS as well as in patients with fatal outcome versus survivors, whereas lymphocyte levels were lower in the different subgroups (all p<0.05). There was a highly significant 3.5-fold difference in fever load in non-survivors compared to survivors (p<0.0001). Extrapulmonary viral spread was detected more often in patients with fatal outcome compared to survivors (P = 0.01). Further the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in serum showed a significantly more severe course and an increased risk of death (both p<0.05). Conclusions We have identified early risk markers for a severe clinical course, like ARDS or fatal outcome. This data might help develop a strategy to address new therapeutic options early in patients with COVID-19 and at high risk for fatal outcome.

CLINIC AND COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE WITH PATHOGENESIS ELEMENTS

2020 ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
I. V. Аndrusovich
Keyword(s):  
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract

The longer the COVID−19 coronavirus pandemic lasts, the more information about its clinical manifestations is accumulated. The incubation period of COVID−19 ranges from 2 to 14 days, rarely up to 3 weeks, but in a significant number of cases an infection is not accompanied with the appearance of clinical symptoms. Currently, the following variants of the clinical course of COVID−19 can be identified as follows: viral load; subclinical; slight; uncomplicated with damage to only the upper respiratory tract; mild pneumonia, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, etc. The clinical course of COVID−19 depends on the severity, the criteria of which are the intoxication manifestation, the degree of fever and the dominant syndrome. Mild / moderate forms are manifested by frequent increase in body temperature up to 38 ° C, respiratory symptoms, headache, myalgias, palpitations and general malaise. Patients stop distinguishing smells and feel the taste of food. Approximately from the 7th to the 9th days of the disease there are problems with breathing, which indicates the impairment of the lower respiratory tract and the beginning of the second phase of the disease, and its course is regarded as severe. Severe forms of the disease can also be manifested by impaired coordination of movements, slurred speech. In 1 to 4 % of patients there is developed the psychosis in the form of hallucinations. In the elderly, COVID−19 may be accompanied by delirium, lowering blood pressure. The risks of adverse disease are associated with somatic diseases: cardiovascular and nervous systems, respiratory tract, hormonal disorders, etc. Otitis, sinusitis, sepsis, bronchopulmonary infection, thrombosis, myocarditis etc. can be the complications of COVID−19. Computer tomography is an instrumental test that demonstrates the damage of lungs with coronavirus and allows to assess its severity. Key words: coronavirus infection, COVID−19, clinical variants, severity, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome.

scholarly journals Herpes Zoster in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Series of Three Cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramy M. Hanna ◽  
Farid Abd-El-Malak ◽  
Ammar Alnaser ◽  
Rumi Cader ◽  
Julie M. Yabu
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Zoster ◽  
Kidney Transplant ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Kidney Transplant Recipients ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Organ Rejection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Disseminated Disease

Kidney transplant recipients require lifelong immunosuppression to prevent organ rejection. The need for this intervention, however, leads to decreased cellular immunity and, in turn, increased risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ) from reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus. HZ commonly presents as a painful rash in a dermatome presentation followed by post-herpetic neuralgia. In immunosuppressed individuals, the presentation can be atypical and vary in severity depending on degree of immunosuppression and host immune response. We present the clinical course of 3 kidney transplant recipients who developed HZ after transplantation at different times post-transplant with varying clinical manifestations. The balance between maintaining immunosuppression and preventing or subsequently treating disseminated disease is discussed.

Outcome of Acute Hypoxaemic Respiratory Failure. Insights from the Lung Safe Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 2003317
Author(s):  
Tài Pham ◽  
Antonio Pesenti ◽  
Giacomo Bellani ◽  
Gordon Rubenfeld ◽  
Eddy Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Pulmonary Involvement ◽  
Positive End Expiratory Pressure ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Current Incidence

BackgroundThe current incidence and outcome of patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit are unknown, especially for patients not meeting criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).MethodsAn international, multicentre, prospective cohort study of patients presenting with hypoxemia early in the course of mechanical ventilation, conducted during four consecutive weeks in the winter of 2014 in 459 ICUs from 50 countries (LUNG SAFE). Patients were enrolled with PaO2/FiO2 ≤300 mmHg, new pulmonary infiltrates and need for mechanical ventilation with a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of at least 5 cm H2O. ICU prevalence, causes of hypoxemia, hospital survival, factors associated with hospital mortality were measured. Patients with unilateral versus bilateral opacities were compared.Findings12 906 critically ill patients received mechanical ventilation and 34.9% with hypoxaemia and new infiltrates were enrolled, separated into ARDS (69.0%), unilateral infiltrate (22.7%) and congestive heart failure (8.2%, CHF). The global hospital mortality was 38.6%. CHF patients had a mortality comparable to ARDS (44.1%versus 40.4%). Patients with unilateral-infiltrate had lower unadjusted mortality but similar adjusted mortality than ARDS. The number of quadrants on chest imaging was associated with an increased risk of death. There was no difference in mortality comparing patients with unilateral-infiltrate and ARDS with only 2 quadrants involved.InterpretationMore than one third of the patients receiving mechanical ventilation have hypoxaemia and new infiltrates with an hospital mortality of 38.6%. Survival is dependent on the degree of pulmonary involvement whether or not ARDS criteria are reached.

scholarly journals Treatment of Patients in the Vulnerable Phase (at Discharge or Early after Discharge)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri M. Lopatin ◽  
Giuseppe MC Rosano
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Discharge Outcomes ◽  
Socioeconomic Burden

The clinical course of heart failure includes a period in which the patient is at increased risk of death or rehospitalisation for HF. This period is termed the “vulnerable phase” and occurs during the peri-acute HF phase, due to microenvironmental changes in the cardiovascular system. Typically, the vulnerability phase starts from the onset of an acute HF event leading to admission, continues through a peri-discharge period and lasts up to 6 months after discharge.These poor post-discharge outcomes also represent a significant socioeconomic burden. This articles reviews treatments that are beneficial in this important phase.

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics and outcomes of adult patients admitted with COVID-19 in East London: a retrospective cohort analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl Oswald Cheng ◽  
Claire Jacqueline Calderwood ◽  
Erik Wilhelm Skyllberg ◽  
Adam Denis Jeremy Ainley
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Male Sex

AbstractBackgroundDescriptions of clinical characteristics of patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), their clinical course and short-term in- and outpatient outcomes in deprived urban populations in the United Kingdom are still relatively sparse. We describe the epidemiology, clinical course, experience of non-invasive ventilation and intensive care, mortality and short-term sequalae of patients admitted to two large District General Hospitals across a large East London NHS Trust during the first wave of the pandemic.MethodsA retrospective analysis was carried out on a cohort of 1,946 patients with a clinical or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, including descriptive statistics and survival analysis. A more detailed analysis was undertaken of a subset of patients admitted across three Respiratory Units in the trust.ResultsIncreasing age, male sex and Asian ethnicity were associated with worse outcomes. Increasing severity of chest X-ray abnormalities trended with mortality. Radiological changes persisted in over 50% of cases at early follow up (6 weeks). Ongoing symptoms including hair loss, memory impairment, breathlessness, cough and fatigue were reported in 67% of survivors, with 42% of patients unable to return to work due to ongoing symptoms.ConclusionsUnderstanding the acute clinical features, course of illness and outcomes of COVID-19 will be vital in preparing for further peaks of the pandemic. Our initial follow up data suggest there are ongoing sequalae of COVID-19 including persistent symptoms and radiological abnormalities. Further data, including longer term follow up data, are necessary to improve our understanding of this novel pathogen and associated disease.Section 1: What is already known on this topicPrevious studies have reported that increasing age, male sex, Black and Asian ethnicity increased risk of death for patients admitted to hospital with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is little published literature regarding the follow up of patients with COVID-19.Section 2: What this study addsOur study is one of the first with follow up data for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. We show that radiological abnormality persisted at 6 weeks in over 50% of patients, as well as significantly increased breathlessness in patients without baseline dyspnoea. Our study confirms that increasing age, male sex and Asian ethnicity increased risk of death for patients, but also in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population in East London.

scholarly journals How I treat early-relapsing follicular lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (14) ◽  
pp. 1540-1547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Casulo ◽  
Paul M. Barr
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Poor Survival ◽  
Early Disease ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patients At Risk

Abstract Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most frequently occurring indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with generally favorable outcomes but a variable clinical course. Recent studies have elucidated the consistent and reproducible frequency of early disease progression in FL, occurring in ∼20% of patients. Relapse of FL within 24 months of chemoimmunotherapy (POD24) is now established as a robust marker of poor survival, leading to increased risk of death. Currently, there is no established method of identifying patients at risk for early disease progression at the time of their FL diagnosis. However, numerous studies worldwide are investigating clinical, pathologic, and radiographic biomarkers to help predict POD24, thereby improving subsequent outcomes and adapting therapy based on individual risk. There is also a paucity of standardized treatments for patients with POD24, but investigations are ongoing testing novel targeted therapies and autologous stem cell transplantation strategies. This review provides an overview of early-relapsing FL and our approach to patient management based on recent available data.

scholarly journals Revisiting the Safety of Vaccination against the Flu in Elderly Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 155-161
Author(s):  
O. N. Tkacheva ◽  
A. P. Pereverzev ◽  
N. K. Runikhina ◽  
Yu. V. Kotovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Influenza Vaccines ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Potential Risks

Abstract. Elderly patients are at higher risk of developing infectious diseases that might have more severe progression than those of younger age groups, accompanied by an increased risk of death. These medical conditions in elderly may also present difficulties for diagnosis due to a «blurred» clinical picture. By WHO recommendations the vaccination against influenza is one of the most effective ways to prevent this type of infection in elderly patients. However the use of vaccines may be associated with a risk of adverse drug reactions. In most cases, they have subclinical manifestations and/or non-severe clinical manifestations (adverse reactions), but in a relatively small percentage of cases, the use of vaccines may be associated with a risk of developing serious post-vaccination complications (anaphylaxis, Guillain-Barre syndrome etc.). This article represents data on the safety of influenza vaccines in patients over 60 years old, with due regard to immunosenescence. According to the authors opinion, this will improve the safety of vaccination against influenza patients 60 years and older. At the end of the article, the authors conclude that despite the potential risks, the by the benefits of the use of influenza vaccines continue to overweight potential risks and vaccination of elderly people is effective and safe way to prevent influenza. To improve the effectiveness of vaccination of patients 60 years and older the use of high dose vaccines and adjuvants can be recommended.

Novel heterozygous PIK3CD mutation presenting with only laboratory markers of combined immunodeficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-55
Author(s):  
Amarilla B. Mandola ◽  
Harjit Dadi ◽  
Brenda Reid ◽  
Chaim M. Roifman
Keyword(s):  
Newborn Screening ◽  
Catalytic Domain ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Phenotypic Variability ◽  
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Combined Immunodeficiency ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Increased Risk

Introduction: Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Delta (PIK3CD) is one part of a heterodimer forming the enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), found primarily in leukocytes. PIK3CD generates phosphatidyl-inositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), and is involved in cell growth, survival, proliferation, motility, and morphology. An increasing number of patients have been described with heterozygous PIK3CD gain-of-function (GOF) mutations, leading to combined immunodeficiency with both B- and T-cell dysfunction. Patients suffer recurrent respiratory infections, often associated with bronchiectasis and ear and sinus damage, as well as severe recurrent or persistent infections by herpesviruses, including EBV-induced lymphoproliferation. Aim: To present the clinical phenotypic variability of a novel PI3KCD mutation within a family. Methods: Patient information was collected prospectively and retrospectively from medical records. Comprehensive immune work up, genetic, and signaling evaluation was performed. Results: We describe here 2 patients, daughter and mother, with heterozygous PIK3CD mutation identified by whole exome sequencing and Sanger confirmation. The child was screen-positive by newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Cellular assays revealed an increase in the baseline phosphorylation of T cells in the patient. Furthermore, both patients had hyper-activation of the catalytic domain, resulting in increased phosphorylation of AKT upon activation. Discussion: GOF mutations affecting the PIK3CD gene are associated with an increased risk for lymphoproliferation leading to Activated PIK3-delta syndrome (APDS). The clinical course of APDS is highly variable, ranging from combined immunodeficiency with recurrent infections, autoimmune complications, and requiring stem cell transplantation, through isolated antibody deficiency, to asymptomatic adults. Our patient is the first to be identified by newborn screening for SCID. Surprisingly, the clinical course has so far been unremarkable, as well, the mother appears to be completely asymptomatic. Nevertheless, the persistent lymphopenia indicates PIK3CD dysfunction. Because of the wide gap between laboratory findings and clinical manifestations, this kindred poses both a diagnostic as well treatment challenge. Statement of novelty: We report here a novel PIK3CD mutation diagnosed due to abnormal newborn screen for SCID.

scholarly journals EP09 COVID-19 and rheumatic disease clinical characteristics and outcomes of rheumatic disease patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a single centre experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Myrto Cheila ◽  
Ali Elrashid ◽  
Nicola Erb ◽  
Karen Douglas ◽  
Christos Koutsianas
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Rheumatic Disease ◽  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Previous History ◽  
True Incidence ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

Abstract Case report - Introduction There is limited evidence on the outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases. Since severe COVID-19 is characterised by hyperinflammation, the effects of a pre-existing inflammatory state and immunomodulatory treatments on the disease’s course are of great interest. Even though patients in this group are perceived of being at higher risk for severe disease, most of the relevant observational studies have had controversial results. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with a history of rheumatic disease and COVID-19 related admission in our centre. Case report - Case description We conducted a retrospective observational study of COVID-19 RT-PCR positive admissions of patients coded as having rheumatic disease in the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust between April 1st and June 24th, 2020. Data were extracted from the patient clinical notes and electronic medical records and were captured and analysed on MS Excel. Among 613 COVID-19 related admissions, 19 (3.1%) patients were coded as having comorbid rheumatic disease. 8 cases were excluded from further analysis as, upon records review, they had osteoarthritis or a history of gout. Thus, the true incidence of comorbid rheumatic disease among COVID-19 related hospitalisations was even lower at 11/613 (1.8%). The mean age of the patients was 80.5 ± 8.06 years, 9/11 (81.8%) were female and 8/11 (73%) were Caucasian. In the vast majority the diagnosis was that of Rheumatoid Arthritis (9/11, 81.8%), while one patient had Polymyalgia Rheumatica and another Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Only a quarter of the patients had moderate (2, 18%) or high (1, 9%) disease activity on their most recent outpatient visit. In terms of antirheumatic medication, 5 (45%) patients were on regular Prednisolone (20% &lt;5mg, 80% 5-10mg), 8 (72%) were on cs DMARDs and only 1 (9%) on bDMARDs. A substantial proportion of the patient cohort also suffered with other comorbidities. 8/11 (72.7%) patients had arterial hypertension, 5 (45.4%) had a history of cardiovascular disease, 3 (27.3%) obesity (BMI 30+), 3 (27.3%) previous history of cancer, 2 (18.2%) COPD, 2 (18.2%) CKD, 1 (9%) Interstitial lung disease, 1 (9%) Diabetes, 1 (9%) Cerebrovascular disease and 1 (9%) immunodeficiency. During their admission, 7 (63.6%) patients required supplemental oxygen therapy. Unfortunately, 5/11 (45.5%) patients had a fatal outcome. Case report - Discussion In our cohort, the percentage of patients with rheumatic diseases among inpatients with confirmed COVID-19 infection was low (∼1.8%). Potential explanations for this observation could be a beneficial effect of concomitant antirheumatic treatment (steroids and/or DMARDs) in controlling hyperinflammation, but also rheumatic disease patients’ increased risk awareness and thus increased compliance with viral spread mitigation measures (‘shielding’) as per Government guidelines. We also note the low rate of biologic DMARD use with only 1 (9%) inpatient having received Rituximab for RA. Case report - Key learning points The incidence of rheumatic disease among COVID-19 related admissions in our centre was exceptionally low. Per recently published reports from worldwide registries, older age and multiple comorbidities appear to drive the risk for hospitalisation, need for oxygen supplementation and fatal outcome. Better understanding of the effect of DMARDs on COVID-19 severity requires further investigation, perhaps with SARS-CoV-2 antibody studies, but our observations appear to be reassuring.

scholarly journals The prevalence and clinical features of pulmonary embolism in patients with AE-COPD: A meta-analysis and systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256480
Author(s):  
Xiaofang Fu ◽  
Yonghong Zhong ◽  
Wucheng Xu ◽  
Jiangang Ju ◽  
Min Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Confidence Intervals ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Copd Patients ◽  
Increased Risk

Background The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) is highly controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the epidemiology and characteristics of PE with AE-COPD for current studies. Methods We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for studies published prior to October 21, 2020. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals were used as effect measures for dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively. Results A total of 17 studies involving 3170 patients were included. The prevalence of PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in AE-COPD patients was 17.2% (95% CI: 13.4%-21.3%) and 7.1% (95% CI: 3.7%-11.4%%), respectively. Dyspnea (OR = 6.77, 95% CI: 1.97–23.22), pleuritic chest pain (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 2.06–5.12), lower limb asymmetry or edema (OR = 2.46, 95% CI:1.51–4.00), higher heart rates (MD = 20.51, 95% CI: 4.95–36.08), longer hospital stays (MD = 3.66, 95% CI: 3.01–4.31) were associated with the PE in the AE-COPD patients. Levels of D-dimer (MD = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.80–2.23), WBC counts (MD = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.14–2.70) were significantly higher and levels of PaO2 was lower (MD = -17.20, 95% CI: -33.94- -0.45, P<0.05) in the AE-COPD with PE group. The AE-COPD with PE group had increased risk of fatal outcome than the AE-COPD group (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.43–3.50). Conclusions The prevalence of PE during AE-COPD varies considerably among the studies. AE-COPD patients with PE experienced an increased risk of death, especially among the ICU patients. Understanding the potential risk factors for PE may help clinicians identify AE-COPD patients at increased risk of PE. Prospero registration number CRD42021226568.

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