scholarly journals Asymptomatic people with SARS-CoV-2 as unseen carriers of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopiram Syangtan ◽  
Shrijana Bista ◽  
Prabin Dawadi ◽  
Binod Rayamajhee ◽  
Lok Bahadur Shrestha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 can act as an unseen carrier for magnifying the transmission of COVID-19. Aims This study was designed to appraise the burden of asymptomatic individuals and estimate their occurrence among different age groups and gender by reviewing the existing published data on asymptomatic people with COVID-19. Methods Three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search studies as per the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the search was limited to English language. The study population of this review includes asymptomatic individuals infected by COVID-19. All original articles which have reported cases of the COVID-19 patients with no symptoms until 31 April 2020 were included in the study. Random effects model was applied to analyze pooled data on the prevalence of symptomless cases among total COVID-19 infected patients and also on different age groups and gender. Results In the meta-analysis of 16 studies, comprising 2,788 COVID-19 infected patients, the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic cases was 48.2% (95% CI, 30%-67%). Among the asymptomatic patients, 55.5% (95% CI, 43.6%-66.8%) were female and 49.6% (95% CI, 20.5%-79.1%) were children. Conclusion About half of the COVID-19 infected patients were asymptomatic cases. Children and females were more apparent to be asymptomatic patient of COVID-19 and could act as unseen carrier of SARS-CoV-2. Symptom based screening only, might fail to identify all SARS-CoV-2 infections escalating the threat of global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, mass surveillance system tracking asymptomatic cases is a pressing need of public health, paying special attention to female and young children, which could aid in prevention and containment of this unprecedented pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopiram Syangtan ◽  
Shrijana Bista ◽  
Prabin Dawadi ◽  
Binod Rayamajhee ◽  
Lok Bahadur Shrestha ◽  
...  

Asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 can be unknown carriers magnifying the transmission of COVID-19. This study appraised the frequency of asymptomatic individuals and estimated occurrence by age group and gender by reviewing the existing published data on asymptomatic people with COVID-19. Three electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (WoS), were used to search the literature following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The study population for this review included asymptomatic individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported in original articles published up to 30 April 2020. A random effects model was applied to analyze pooled data on the prevalence of asymptomatic cases among all COVID-19 patients and also by age and gender. From the meta-analysis of 16 studies, comprising 2,788 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, the pooled prevalence according to the random effect size of asymptomatic cases was 48.2% (95% CI, 30–67%). Of the asymptomatic cases, 55.5% (95% CI, 43.6–66.8%) were female and 49.6% (95% CI, 20.5–79.1%) were children. Children and females were more likely to present as asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and could act as unknown carriers of SARS-CoV-2. Symptom-based screening might fail to identify all SARS-CoV-2 infections escalating the threat of global spread and impeding containment. Therefore, a mass surveillance system to track asymptomatic cases is critical, with special attention to females and children.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Lorenzi ◽  
Mayur Amonkar ◽  
Jacky Zhang ◽  
Shivani Mehta ◽  
Kai-Li Liaw

Background. Given limited data on the epidemiology of MSI-H and dMMR across solid tumors (except colorectal cancer (CRC)), the current study was designed to estimate their prevalence. Materials and Methods. A structured literature review identified English language publications that used immunohistochemistry (IHC) or polymerase chain replication (PCR) techniques. Publications were selected for all tumors except CRC using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases and key congresses; CRC and pan-tumor genomic publications were selected through a targeted review. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence of MSI-H/dMMR across all solid tumors and for selected tumor types. Where possible, prevalence within tumor types was estimated by disease stages. Results. Of 1,176 citations retrieved, 103 and 48 publications reported prevalence of MSI-H and dMMR, respectively. Five pan-tumor genomic studies supplemented the evidence base. Tumor types with at least 5 publications included gastric (n = 39), ovarian (n = 23), colorectal (n = 20), endometrial (n = 53), esophageal (n = 6), and renal cancer (n = 8). Overall MSI-H prevalence (with 95% CI) across 25 tumors was based on 90 papers (28,213 patients) and estimated at 14% (10%–19%). MSI-H prevalence among Stage 1/2 cancers was estimated at 15% (8%–23%); Stages 3 and 4 prevalence was estimated at 9% (3%–17%) and 3% (1%–7%), respectively. Overall, dMMR prevalence across 13 tumor types (based on 54 papers and 20,383 patients) was estimated at 16% (11%–22%). Endometrial cancer had the highest pooled MSI-H and dMMR prevalence (26% and 25% all stages, respectively). Conclusions. This is the first comprehensive attempt to report pooled prevalence estimates of MSI-H/dMMR across solid tumors based on published data. Prevalence determined by IHC and PCR was generally comparable, with some variations by cancer type. Late-stage prevalence was lower than that in earlier stages.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sintayehu Ambachew ◽  
Aklilu Endalamaw ◽  
Belete Biadgo ◽  
Abebaw Worede ◽  
Mulugeta Melku

Abstract Background: The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of hyperglycemia/insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and all-cause mortality. The burden of metabolic syndrome is emerging alarmingly in low-and middle income countries like Ethiopia. This is the protocol to determine the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopian population.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis will include original articles of observational studies published in the English language. Searches will be carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journals up to April 2019. A Fixed/Random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopia. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I² statistic. Sub-group analysis will also be conducted based on sex, study subjects, and methodological differences. Funnel plots and egger’s and Begg’s test will be used to asses publication bias.Ethics and dissemination: The review is based on published data; therefore, ethical approval is not required. The systematic review and meta-analysis will summarize the existing data on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopian population. This provides the empirical evidence necessary for researchers, policy-makers, and public health stakeholders to derive health-promoting policies, allocate resources, and set priorities for monitoring future trends. The final result will be presented at annual scientific meetings, conferences, and seminars. Moreover, it will also be published in the peer-reviewed reputable journal. We also plan to review every 5 years to provide updated information.Protocol registration number: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42018090944)


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Andreas Hartanto Santoso ◽  
Caesar Rio Julyanto Putra ◽  
Josephine Rasidi ◽  
Hoo Felicia Davina Hadi Gunawan ◽  
Joshua Henrina Sundjaja ◽  
...  

Introduction: Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) score may give information in cardiovascular risk stratification asymptomatic individuals. Profiles and distribution of CAC scores are still scarce in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of CAC based on age and gender in asymptomatic patients. Methods: Subjects were asymptomatic Asian above 40 years-old undergoing cardiovascular check-up, including Computed Tomography (CT) CAC at Siloam Heart Institute, from April 2018 to August 2019. Data were obtained retrospectively and analyzed statistically with IBM SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 1640 patients were enrolled, with males slightly more than half. The mean age was 55,6 ± 9,6 years, with age group of 50-59 years as the majority (35,9%). Almost half of the subjects had zero CAC score. Around two-thirds of females, particularly below 50 years old, had zero CAC scores. CAC scores >400 were more prevalent in males across all age groups. The majority of healthy males had a CAC score between 0-99. There was a positive correlation between age and CAC scores in both genders. Females with CAC score >400 were found mostly after 70 years old, ten years older than males. CAC score >1000 was more prevalent in older males compared to females. Conclusion: The distribution of CAC score is remarkably affected by age and gender. Zero CAC score is found predominant in our subjects. CAC scores of ≥400 are common in males across all age groups. CAC score >1000 is more exclusively found in the elderly male


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962110029
Author(s):  
Mira Merashli ◽  
Alessia Arcaro ◽  
Maria Graf ◽  
Matilde Caruso ◽  
Paul R. J. Ames ◽  
...  

The relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and sickle cell disease (SCD) has never been systematically addressed. Our aim was to evaluate potential links between SCD and aPL in all age groups. EMBASE/PubMed was screened from inception to May 2020 and Peto odds ratios for rare events were calculated. The pooled prevalence (PP) of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) was higher in individuals with SCD than in controls (27.9% vs 8.7%, P < 0.0001), that of IgM aCL was similar in the two groups (2.9% vs 2.7%); only individuals with SCD were positive for lupus anticoagulant (LA) (7.7% vs 0%, P < 0.0001). The PP of leg ulcers was similar between aPL positive and negative individuals (44% vs 53%) and between patients in acute crisis and stable patients (5.6% vs 7.3%). Reporting of aPL as a binary outcome and not as a titer precluded further interpretation. The results indicate that a prospective case-control study with serial measurements of a panel of aPL in SCD patients might be warranted, in order to understand further the possible pathogenic role of aPL in SCD.


2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 292-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Hirsch ◽  
Nathalie Jette ◽  
Alexandra Frolkis ◽  
Thomas Steeves ◽  
Tamara Pringsheim

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Epidemiological studies on the incidence of PD are important to better understand the risk factors for PD and determine the condition's natural history. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the incidence of PD and its variation by age and gender. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for epidemiologic studies of PD from 2001 to 2014, as a previously published systematic review included studies published until 2001. Data were analyzed separately for age group and gender, and meta-regression was used to determine whether a significant difference was present between groups. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis of international studies showed rising incidence with age in both men and women. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the 80+ group, which may be explained by methodological differences between studies. While males had a higher incidence of PD in all age groups, this difference was only statistically significant for those in the age range 60-69 and 70-79 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PD incidence generally increases with age, although it may stabilize in those who are 80+.


Author(s):  
Satinderjit Singh ◽  
Ravjit Kaur Sabharwal ◽  
Jagminder Kaur Bajaj ◽  
Indira R. Samal ◽  
Megha Sood

Background: Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease, associated with a variety of metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological complications. Prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, more so in the developing countries. It is affecting both sexes and all age groups. Body mass index BMI along with presence and severity of obesity associated complications are used to identify, successively increasing stages of obesity. The present study aims to study prevalence of overweight, obesity (stage 0,1,2) and morbid obesity in adult residents of Punjab state in an effort to determine burden of this lifestyle disorder in different age groups and sexes, so that a comprehensive action plan can be designed to target appropriate group with specific preventive measures .Methods: 1000 subjects were surveyed and labelled as non-obese, overweight, obese or morbid obese based on their BMI, presence and severity of obesity related complications. Point prevalence amongst different age groups of both sexes were determined and compared.Results: In study population 41.5% subjects were non-obese, 15.9% were overweight, 29.4% were obese and 13.2% were morbidly obese. The prevalence of all the 3 conditions (overweight, obesity and morbid obesity) increased with increasing age in both sexes. The prevalence was more among females of all age groups than males for ‘overweight’ and ‘obesity’. But gender based difference narrowed down with increasing severity of disease, such that female to male ratio reversed (<1) for morbid obesity. Moreover, peak prevalence of overweight and obesity were attained little later in females as compared to males. However, for morbid obesity peak prevalence is seen in same age group (40-49 years) in both sexes.Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are more prevalent among females of all age groups than males with peak prevalence achieved little later in females as compared to males. However, gender based differences in prevalence decreased as severity increased and morbid obesity was more prevalent among males than females.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Taklo Simeneh Yazie ◽  
Belayneh Kefale ◽  
Mulugeta Molla

Background. The prevalence and incidence rate of epilepsy were found to be higher in low- and middle-income countries. Uncontrolled epilepsy has a high risk of disability, stigma, discrimination, human rights violations, and premature death. The available studies of controlled seizure in Ethiopia have showed inconsistent results which calls for systematic review and meta-analysis. Therefore, this review intended to show the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure among people with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs at outpatient department. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Hinnarri databases, and Google Scholar for grey literatures. Data were extracted with structured format prepared using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata/MP 16.0 software for analyses. The I 2 test was used to check the heterogeneity between primary studies with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. A total of 23 primary studies were included in the review showing the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure to be 46% (95% CI: 35, 56). A subgroup analysis of the primary studies showed a considerable variation in magnitude of seizure freedom by study regions, age groups, and seizure-free period. The highest prevalence was found in Addis Ababa 52% (95% CI: 29, 75), pediatric patients 77% (95% CI: 71, 83), and a seizure-free period of less than six months 58% (95% CI: 32, 83). On the other hand, the lowest prevalence of controlled seizure was found in Tigray 27% (95% CI: 11, 65), adult patients 43% (95% CI: 32, 54), and a seizure-free period of six or more 41% (95% CI: 32, 51). Higher frequency of seizure before treatment (2.23, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.31) and medication nonadherence (2.7, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.15) had statistically significant association with uncontrolled seizure. Conclusion. In this review, the prevalence of controlled seizure was found to be low. This warrants that clinicians should give more focus to epileptic patients regarding monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcome of epilepsy and factors that affect seizure control in routine clinical services. The use of standardized definition of controlled seizure, designing strategies to identify pharmacoresistant epilepsy and its treatment, and increasing medication adherence are recommended in Ethiopia. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42021215302.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salam Vatandost ◽  
Marzieh Jahani ◽  
Ali Afshari ◽  
Mohammad Reza Amiri ◽  
Rashid Heidarimoghadam ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the Iranian community is very high. Women and older people are at the higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran by combining the results of various studies. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Separate strategies were developed for search in national databases (Irandoc, Magiran, SID) and international databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) using the keywords of “vitamin D deficiency,” “Iran,” and “prevalence.” The titles and abstracts of the articles were screened and related full texts were appraised. Those articles that met inclusion criteria were selected for meta-analysis. The heterogeneity of the articles was assessed via the Chi-square test. They were combined using the random-effect approach. In addition, the groups were categorized and analyzed in terms of age and gender. Results: Of 639 articles, 30 articles with a sample size of 26,042 people were included for data analysis. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was reported as 0.56. Subgroup analysis showed that 0.64 of women and 0.44 of men were suffering from vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the age groups under 20, 20–50, and over 50 years was 0.56.4, 0.72.4, and 0.59.8, respectively. Conclusions: The Iranian Ministry of Health is expected to design strategies to improve the status of vitamin D at the national level.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 107602962096708
Author(s):  
Belayneh Kefale ◽  
Gobezie T. Tegegne ◽  
Amsalu Degu ◽  
Melaku Tadege ◽  
Desalegn Tesfa

Emerging evidence shows that the recent pandemic of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is characterized by coagulation activation and endothelial dysfunction. This increases the risk of morbidity, mortality and economic loss among COVID-19 patients. Therefore, there was an urgent need to investigate the extent and risk factors of thromboembolism among COVID-19 patients. English-language based databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, and Cochrane library) were exhaustively searched to identify studies related to prevalence of thromboembolism among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of thromboembolism. The pooled prevalence of thrombotic events was computed using STATA 16.0 software. Heterogeneity analysis was reported using I2. A total of 19 studies with 2,520 patients with COVID-19 were included. The pooled prevalence of thrombotic events of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was 33% (95% CI: 25-41%, I2 = 97.30%, p < 0.001) with a high degree of heterogeneity across studies. Elevated D-dimer hospitalized in the intensive care unit and being under mechanical ventilation were the most frequently associated factors for the development of thrombotic events. The pooled prevalence of thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients was 33%. The prevalence of thrombotic event is variables on the basis of study design and study centers. Several risk factors such as, elevated D-dimer, hospitalized in the intensive care unit and being under mechanical ventilation, were the most frequently reported risk factors identified. Therefore, healthcare professionals should consider these risk factors to optimally manage thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients.


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