scholarly journals COVID-19 symptoms at time of testing and association with positivity among outpatients tested for SARS-CoV-2

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260879
Author(s):  
David A. Wohl ◽  
Amir H. Barzin ◽  
Sonia Napravnik ◽  
Thibaut Davy-Mendez ◽  
Jason R. Smedberg ◽  
...  

Introduction Symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection remain incompletely understood, especially among ambulatory, non-hospitalized individuals. With host factors, symptoms predictive of SARS-CoV-2 could be used to guide testing and intervention strategies. Methods Between March 16 and September 3, 2020, we examined the characteristics and symptoms reported by individuals presenting to a large outpatient testing program in the Southeastern US for nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA RT-PCR testing. Using self-reported symptoms, demographic characteristics, and exposure and travel histories, we identified the variables associated with testing positive using modified Poisson regression. Results Among 20,177 tested individuals, the proportion positive was 9.4% (95% CI, 9.0–9.8) and was higher for men, younger individuals, and racial/ethnic minorities (all P<0.05); the positivity proportion was higher for Hispanics (26.9%; 95% CI. 24.9–29.0) compared to Blacks (8.6%; 95% CI, 7.6–9.7) or Whites (5.8%; 95% CI, 5.4–6.3). Individuals reporting contact with a COVID-19 case had the highest positivity proportion (22.8%; 95% CI, 21.5–24.1). Among the subset of 8,522 symptomatic adults who presented for testing after May 1, when complete symptom assessments were performed, SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR was detected in 1,116 (13.1%). Of the reported symptoms, loss of taste or smell was most strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection with an adjusted risk ratio of 3.88 (95% CI, 3.46–4.35). The presence of chills, fever, cough, aches, headache, fatigue and nasal congestion also significantly increased the risk of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA, while diarrhea or nausea/vomiting, although not uncommon, were significantly more common in those with a negative test result. Symptom combinations were frequent with 67.9% experiencing ≥4 symptoms, including 19.8% with ≥8 symptoms; report of greater than three symptoms increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. Conclusions In a large outpatient population in the Southeastern US, several symptoms, most notably loss of taste or smell, and greater symptom burden were associated with detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Persons of color and those with who were a contact of a COVID-19 case were also more likely to test positive. These findings suggest that, given limited SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity, symptom presentation and host characteristics can be used to guide testing and intervention prioritization.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kataoka ◽  
BJ Venn ◽  
SM Williams ◽  
Lisa Te Morenga ◽  
IM Heemels ◽  
...  

Aims: Diabetes rates are especially high in China. Risk of Type 2 diabetes increases with high intakes of white rice, a staple food of Chinese people. Ethnic differences in postprandial glycaemia have been reported. We compared glycaemic responses to glucose and five rice varieties in people of European and Chinese ethnicity and examined possible determinants of ethnic differences in postprandial glycaemia. Methods: Self-identified Chinese (n = 32) and European (n = 31) healthy volunteers attended on eight occasions for studies following ingestion of glucose and jasmine, basmati, brown, Doongara® and parboiled rice. In addition to measuring glycaemic response, we investigated physical activity levels, extent of chewing of rice and salivary α-amylase activity to determine whether these measures explained any differences in postprandial glycaemia. Results: Glycaemic response, measured by incremental area under the glucose curve, was over 60% greater for the five rice varieties (P < 0.001) and 39% greater for glucose (P < 0.004) amongst Chinese compared with Europeans. The calculated glycaemic index was approximately 20% greater for rice varieties other than basmati (P = 0.01 to 0.05). Ethnicity [adjusted risk ratio 1.4 (1.2-1.8) P < 0.001] and rice variety were the only important determinants of incremental area under the glucose curve. Conclusions: Glycaemic responses following ingestion of glucose and several rice varieties are appreciably greater in Chinese compared with Europeans, suggesting the need to review recommendations regarding dietary carbohydrate amongst rice-eating populations at high risk of diabetes. © 2012 Diabetes UK.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e044208
Author(s):  
Amalie Lykkemark Moeller ◽  
Elisabeth Helen Anna Mills ◽  
Helle Collatz Christensen ◽  
Filip Gnesin ◽  
Stig Nikolaj Fasmer Nikolaj Blomberg ◽  
...  

ObjectiveCurrently effective symptom-based screening of patients suspected of COVID-19 is limited. We aimed to investigate age-related differences in symptom presentations of patients tested positive and negative for SARS-CoV-2.DesignSettingCalls to the medical helpline (1-8-1-3) and emergency number (1-1-2) in Copenhagen, Denmark. At both medical services all calls are recorded.ParticipantsWe included calls for patients who called for help/guidance at the medical helpline or emergency number prior to receiving a test for SARS-CoV-2 between April 1st and 20th 2020 (8423 patients). Among these calls, we randomly sampled recorded calls from 350 patients who later tested positive and 250 patients tested negative and registered symptoms described in the call.OutcomeResultsAfter exclusions, 544 calls (312 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 232 negative) were included in the analysis. Fever and cough remained the two most common of COVID-19 symptoms across all age groups and approximately 42% of SARS-CoV-2 positive and 20% of negative presented with both fever and cough. Symptoms including nasal congestion, irritation/pain in throat, muscle/joint pain, loss of taste and smell, and headache were common symptoms of COVID-19 for patients younger than 60 years; whereas loss of appetite and feeling unwell were more commonly seen among patients over 60 years. Headache and loss of taste and smell were rare symptoms of COVID-19 among patients over 60 years.ConclusionOur study identified age-related differences in symptom presentations of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients calling for help or medical advice. The specific symptoms of loss of smell or taste almost exclusively reported by patients younger than 60 years. Differences in symptom presentation across age groups must be considered when screening for COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 2850-2859
Author(s):  
Cassandra Roeca ◽  
Rachel L Johnson ◽  
Tracy Truong ◽  
Nichole E Carlson ◽  
Alex J Polotsky

Abstract STUDY QUESTION For donor oocyte recipients, are birth outcomes superior for fresh versus frozen embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER Among fresh donor oocyte recipients, fresh embryos are associated with better birth outcomes when compared with frozen embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Frozen embryo transfer (ET) with vitrification has been associated with improved pregnancy rates, but also increased rates of large for gestational age infants. Donor oocyte recipients represent an attractive biological model to attempt to isolate the impact of embryo cryopreservation on IVF outcomes, yet there is a paucity of studies in this population. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective cohort of the US national registry, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System, of IVF cycles of women using fresh donor oocytes resulting in ET between 2013 and 2015. Thawed oocytes were excluded. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Good obstetric outcome (GBO), defined as a singleton, term, live birth with appropriate for gestational age birth weight, was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included live birth, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, multiple births and gestational age-adjusted weight. Outcomes were modeled using the generalized estimating equation approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Data are from 25 387 donor oocyte cycles, in which 14 289 were fresh and 11 098 were frozen ETs. A GBO was 27% more likely in fresh ETs (26.3%) compared to frozen (20.9%) (adjusted risk ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.35; P &lt; 0.001). Overall, fresh transfer was more likely to result in a live birth (55.7% versus 39.5%; adjusted risk ratio 1.21; 95% CI 1.18–1.26; P &lt; 0.001). Among singleton births, there was no difference in gestational age-adjusted birth weight between groups. LIMITATION, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our cohort findings contrast with data from autologous oocytes. Prospective studies with this population are warranted. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Among donor oocyte recipients, fresh ETs may be associated with better birth outcomes. Reassuringly, given its prevalent use, modern embryo cryopreservation does not appear to result in phenotypically larger infants. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.


2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 709-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naouale Maataoui ◽  
Céline Langendorf ◽  
Fatou Berthe ◽  
Jumamurat R Bayjanov ◽  
Willem van Schaik ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Routine amoxicillin for children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition raises concerns of increasing antibiotic resistance. We performed an ancillary study nested within a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Niger testing the role of routine 7 day amoxicillin therapy in nutritional recovery of children 6 to 59 months of age with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition. Methods We screened 472 children for rectal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) as well as their household siblings under 5 years old, at baseline and Week 1 (W1) and Week 4 (W4) after start of therapy, and characterized strains by WGS. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01613547. Results Carriage in index children at baseline was similar in the amoxicillin and the placebo groups (33.8% versus 27.9%, P = 0.17). However, acquisition of ESBL-E in index children at W1 was higher in the amoxicillin group than in the placebo group (53.7% versus 32.2%, adjusted risk ratio = 2.29, P = 0.001). Among 209 index and sibling households possibly exposed to ESBL-E transmission, 16 (7.7%) had paired strains differing by ≤10 SNPs, suggesting a high probability of transmission. This was more frequent in households from the amoxicillin group than from the placebo group [11.5% (12/104) versus 3.8% (4/105), P = 0.04]. Conclusions Among children exposed to amoxicillin, ESBL-E colonization was more frequent and the risk of transmission to siblings higher. Routine amoxicillin should be carefully balanced with the risks associated with ESBL-E colonization.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan M. Millar ◽  
Joanne W. Elena ◽  
Lisa Gallicchio ◽  
Sandra L. Edwards ◽  
Marjorie E. Carter ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Central cancer registries are often used to survey population-based samples of cancer survivors. These surveys are typically administered via paper or telephone. In most populations, web surveys obtain much lower response rates than paper surveys. This study assessed the feasibility of web surveys for collecting patient-reported outcomes via a central cancer registry. Methods Potential participants were sampled from Utah Cancer Registry records. Sample members were randomly assigned to receive a web or paper survey, and then randomized to either receive or not receive an informative brochure describing the cancer registry. We calculated adjusted risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals to compare response likelihood and the demographic profile of respondents across study arms. Results The web survey response rate (43.2%) was lower than the paper survey (50.4%), but this difference was not statistically significant (adjusted risk ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.72, 1.07). The brochure also did not significantly influence the proportion responding (adjusted risk ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.85, 1.25). There were few differences in the demographic profiles of respondents across the survey modes. Older age increased likelihood of response to a paper questionnaire but not a web questionnaire. Conclusions Web surveys of cancer survivors are feasible without significantly influencing response rates, but providing a paper response option may be advisable particularly when surveying older individuals. Further examination of the varying effects of brochure enclosures across different survey modes is warranted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S820-S820
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Scaria ◽  
Ryan Powell ◽  
Jen Birstler ◽  
Oguzhan Alagoz ◽  
Daniel Shirley ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and recurs in up to 30% of patients, often requiring readmission. Socioeconomic factors, such as living in a disadvantaged neighborhood may impact readmission but have not been studied. Methods We examined the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage, as measured by the Singh validated area deprivation index (ADI), and 30-day all-cause readmission risk in patients with an index hospital stay with CDI. We analyzed a random 20% sample of national Medicare claims for patients’ initial index hospitalization with a CDI diagnosis in 2014 (n = 19,528) that included each patient’s neighborhood ADI national percentile. The most disadvantaged neighborhoods were categorized as those in the upper 35 percentile, while the least disadvantaged was defined as those in the bottom 65% of national ADI rankings. We evaluated the relationship between ADI percentile and 30-day readmission risk using multivariate logistic regression, controlling for key patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital/stay characteristics. Results A total of 19,528 patients had an index stay with CDI, 4,899 were readmitted within 30 days. Patients from the most disadvantaged neighborhoods had a higher average rate of readmission compared with those living in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods (28% vs. 24% rate; unadjusted risk ratio = 1.16 [1.10, 1.21]). This relationship held after controlling for confounders. After adjustment, being a resident in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods was associated with a 10% increased risk of readmission (adjusted risk ratio = 1.10 [1.05, 1.16]), which was similar to the effect sizes associated with dual Medicaid-Medicare enrollment status (adjusted risk ratio = 1.09 [1.03, 1.15]) and renal failure (adjusted risk ratio = 1.14 [1.08, 1.21]). Conclusion Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with an increased 30-day readmission risk similar in magnitude to Medicaid status and renal failure in patients with index hospitalizations of CDI. Future studies should examine whether interventions such as post discharge support and care coordination for patients in disadvantaged neighborhoods may reduce readmissions in this patient population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2264
Author(s):  
Yan-Yan Mao ◽  
Liu Yang ◽  
Min Li ◽  
Jun Liu ◽  
Qian-Xi Zhu ◽  
...  

It is unclear whether periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation decreases the risk of spontaneous abortion (SA). The impact of supplementation initiation timing has not been ascertained. This cohort study aimed to investigate the association between maternal periconceptional FA supplementation and risk of SA, with due consideration of the supplementation initiation timing. Through the National Free Pre-conception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP), we identified 65,643 pregnancies on FA supplementation in Chongqing, China between 2010 and 2015. After adjusting for covariates, maternal periconceptional FA supplementation was associated with a lower risk of SA (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48–0.56). Pregnant women with FA supplementation initiated at least 3 months before conception had a 10% lower risk of SA (aRR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.42–0.50) than those with FA supplementation initiated 1–2 months before conception (aRR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.50–0.62) or after conception (aRR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.51–0.61). These associations might not thoroughly account for FA supplementation, and to some extent our findings confirm the role of the utilization of healthcare in preventing SAs. Women who initiated healthcare, including taking FA earlier during the periconceptional period, could have a lower risk of SA.


BMJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. l430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junichi Izawa ◽  
Sho Komukai ◽  
Koichiro Gibo ◽  
Masashi Okubo ◽  
Kosuke Kiyohara ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To determine survival associated with advanced airway management (AAM) compared with no AAM for adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Design Cohort study between January 2014 and December 2016. Setting Nationwide, population based registry in Japan (All-Japan Utstein Registry). Participants Consecutive adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, separated into two sub-cohorts by their first documented electrocardiographic rhythm: shockable (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) and non-shockable (pulseless electrical activity or asystole). Patients who received AAM during cardiopulmonary resuscitation were sequentially matched with patients at risk of AAM within the same minute on the basis of time dependent propensity scores. Main outcome measures Survival at one month or at hospital discharge within one month. Results Of the 310 620 patients eligible, 8459 (41.2%) of 20 516 in the shockable cohort and 121 890 (42.0%) of 290 104 in the non-shockable cohort received AAM during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After time dependent propensity score sequential matching, 16 114 patients in the shockable cohort and 236 042 in the non-shockable cohort were matched at the same minute. In the shockable cohort, survival did not differ between patients with AAM and those with no AAM: 1546/8057 (19.2%) versus 1500/8057 (18.6%) (adjusted risk ratio 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.07). In the non-shockable cohort, patients with AAM had better survival than those with no AAM: 2696/118 021 (2.3%) versus 2127/118 021 (1.8%) (adjusted risk ratio 1.27, 1.20 to 1.35). Conclusions In the time dependent propensity score sequential matching for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in adults, AAM was not associated with survival among patients with shockable rhythm, whereas AAM was associated with better survival among patients with non-shockable rhythm.


Author(s):  
Megan G Hofmeister ◽  
Jian Xing ◽  
Monique A Foster ◽  
Ryan J Augustine ◽  
Cole Burkholder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Since 2016, the United States has experienced person-to-person hepatitis A outbreaks unprecedented in the vaccine era. The proportion of cases hospitalized in these outbreaks exceeds historical national surveillance data. Methods We described the epidemiology, characterized the reported increased morbidity, and identified factors associated with hospitalization during the outbreaks by reviewing a 10% random sample of outbreak-associated hepatitis A cases in Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia—3 heavily affected states. We calculated descriptive statistics and conducted age-adjusted log-binomial regression analyses to identify factors associated with hospitalization. Results Participants in the random sample (n = 817) were primarily male (62.5%) with mean age of 39.0 years; 51.8% were hospitalized. Among those with available information, 73.2% reported drug use, 14.0% were experiencing homelessness, 29.7% were currently or recently incarcerated, and 61.6% were epidemiologically linked to a known outbreak-associated case. Residence in Michigan (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.8), being a man who has sex with men (aRR = 1.5), noninjection drug use (aRR = 1.3), and homelessness (aRR = 1.3) were significantly (P &lt; .05) associated with hepatitis A-related hospitalization. Conclusions Our findings support current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations to vaccinate all persons who use drugs, men who have sex with men, and persons experiencing homelessness against hepatitis A.


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