scholarly journals The effect of Hydroxychloroquine use due to rheumatic disease on the risk of Covid-19 infection and its course

Author(s):  
Tanzer Korkmaz ◽  
Aslı Şener ◽  
Vedat Gerdan ◽  
İlker Kızıloglu

Introduction COVID-19 virus continues to spread and die worldwide. Some studies examining hydroxychloroquine as a prophylactic agent reported that its efficiency and reliability have not been proven so that it must not be used for prophylaxis other than clinical researches. However we think that the results of this study we conducted in a local area will contribute to the literature data. Methods The study was designed as adult patients who were in follow-up taking HC due to their chronic diseases were included. 384 patients who were taking hydroxychloroquine regularly and 299 patients who were not taking hydroxychloroquine were included. The primary outcome of this study is to detect a positive PCR result in patients who received a PCR test and to determine the incidence rate and its course of the disease among those who were taking HC and those who were not taking hydroxychloroquine. Results The majority of the patients (median age: 51.8- range 17-89) were women and housewives. In the patient group using hydroxychloroquine, 22 patients were tested for PCR and only 2 positive patients were found. Covid-19 was detected in 24 (8.02%) of 65 (21.73%) patients who underwent PCR test at Control group (n = 299). PCR positivity was statistically lower in the HK group (n = 2, 0.52%, n = 24, 8.02%, respectively, p = 0.0001). Conclusions Our study supported the fact that there is a lower PCR positivity and symptoms are milder among patients who are using HC regularly, as compared to those who are not using hydroxychloroquine.

2021 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2021-017341
Author(s):  
Devin V Bageac ◽  
Blake S Gershon ◽  
Jan Vargas ◽  
Maxim Mokin ◽  
Zeguang Ren ◽  
...  

BackgroundMost conventional 0.088 inch guide catheters cannot safely navigate intracranial vasculature. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of stroke thrombectomy using a novel 0.088 inch guide catheter designed for intracranial navigation.MethodsThis is a multicenter retrospective study, which included patients over 18 years old who underwent thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusions. Technical outcomes for patients treated using the TracStar Large Distal Platform (TracStar LDP) or earlier generation TRX LDP were compared with a matched cohort of patients treated with other commonly used guide catheters. The primary outcome measure was device-related complications. Secondary outcome measures included guide catheter failure and time between groin puncture and clot engagement.ResultsEach study arm included 45 patients. The TracStar group was non-inferior to the control group with regard to device-related complications (6.8% vs 8.9%), and the average time to clot engagement was 8.89 min shorter (14.29 vs 23.18 min; p=0.0017). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to other technical outcomes, including time to recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2B). The TracStar was successfully advanced into the intracranial internal carotid artery in 33 cases (73.33%); in three cases (6.67%), it was swapped for an alternate catheter. Successful reperfusion (mTICI 2B-3) was achieved in 95.56% of cases. Ninety-day follow-up data were available for 86.67% of patients, among whom 46.15% had an modified Rankin Score of 0–2%, and 10.26% were deceased.ConclusionsTracstar LDP is safe for use during stroke thrombectomy and was associated with decreased time to clot engagement. Intracranial access was regularly achieved.


Author(s):  
A V Sotnikov ◽  
V M Melnikov ◽  
R V Almadi ◽  
G N Gorbunov

The aim of this study was to reduce incidence of sternal deep wound infection (DWI) in patients following cardiac surgery. An experience of cardiac surgery by sternotomy access in 429 consecutive patients was presented. Perioperative intravenous injections of cefazolin were used in 225 patients (control group). Combination of perioperative intravenous injections with local retrosternal irrigation of cefazolin before sternum closure was used in 204 patients (study group). In control group sternal DWI occurred in 10 patients (4.4%), and in 4 patients a resternotomy sanation required. There were no deaths in this group due to infection or sepsis. In follow-up period (3 years), instability of sternum occurred in 3 patients (1.3%), and in 1 (0.4%) sternum reosteosynthesis required. In studied group the sternal DWI did not occur (p<0.01). Sternum instability and/or indications for sternum reosteosynthesis were not determined in follow-up period (2 years). It was concluded, that combination of intravenous and local usage of cefazolin in cardiac surgery patients is a simple and effective approach to prevent sternal DWI. Application of this method significantly (p<0.01) reduces the incidence rate of mediastinitis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Kondo ◽  
Teru Okitsu ◽  
Kayo Waki ◽  
Toshimasa Yamauchi ◽  
Masaomi Nangaku ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Mobile health interventions, a more cost-effective approach compared to traditional methods of delivering lifestyle coaching in person, have been shown to improve physical parameters and lifestyle behavior among overweight populations. It is useful to know the efficacy of mobile apps in treating abdominal obesity, as it is a known risk factor for metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether a mobile self-management app (DialBeticsLite) could be used by patients with abdominal obesity to achieve a reduction in visceral fat area (VFA) and other physical parameters. METHODS This study was an open-label, 2-arm parallel-design randomized controlled trial. We recruited 122 people in September 2017, and randomly assigned them into either the intervention group or the control group. All participants attended an educational group session, which delivered information regarding diet and exercise. Additionally, participants in the intervention group were asked to use DialBeticsLite for 3 months. DialBeticsLite facilitated the daily recording of several physical parameters and lifestyle behavior, and provided feedback to encourage an improvement in behavior. The primary outcome was the change in VFA from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included changes in both physical and metabolic parameters, from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. Welch t test was conducted to analyze the effects of DialBeticsLite on both the primary outcome and the secondary outcomes. RESULTS Out of the 122 participants recruited, 75 participants were analyzed due to 47 participants being excluded: 37 due to ineligibility and 10 due to withdrawal of consent. The mean age was 49.3 (standard deviation: SD 6.1) in the intervention group (n=41) and 48.5 (SD 5.3) in the control group (n=34), and all participants were male, though unintentionally. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the intervention and control group, except for VFA. The averaged change of VFA was -23.5cm2 (SD 20.6) in the intervention group and +1.9cm2 (SD 16.2) in the control group (P<.001). Statistically significant differences were also found for the change of body weight, BMI and waist circumference. These findings did not change after adjusting for VFA at baseline. The intervention had no significant effect on any of the metabolic parameters. An exploratory analysis showed significant associations between the change in VFA and steps per day, and between the change in VFA and calorie intake per day within the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that although unsuccessful in improving metabolic parameters, a mobile health intervention facilitating the daily monitoring of several physical parameters and lifestyle behavior, can be highly effective in inducing visceral fat loss and weight loss among adults with abdominal obesity. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000042045 Retrospectively Registered; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000046495&type=summary&llanguag=J


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Karataş ◽  
B E Temiz ◽  
S Mumusoglu ◽  
H Yarali ◽  
G Bozdag

Abstract Study question Does utilization of dienogest make any impact on the size of cyst and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) concentration in patients with endometrioma throughout 12-months? Summary answer Although dienogest makes a gradual reduction in the size of endometrioma cyst throughout 12-months, a significant drop in AMH serum concentration was also noticed. What is known already According to recent studies, pre-operative serum AMH levels might be illusively increased with parallel to the size of endometrioma which will be a misleading factor while deciding to operate the patient via cystectomy. Although dienogest is one of the medical options that might be commenced in patients with endometrioma cyst, there is limited data about its effect on the size of the endometrioma and hence serum AMH concentration throughout 12 months of follow up. Study design, size, duration The current observational cohort study was conducted among patients with endometrioma those treated with dienogest from January 2017 to January 2020. The primary outcome was alteration in diameter of endometrioma cyst at 6th and 12th months of treatment. Secondary outcome was alteration in serum AMH concentration in the same period. Of 104 patients treated with dienogest, 44 patients were excluded due to being treated with any type of surgical intervention during follow up period. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 60 patients were recruited for the final analysis. Of them, primary symptom was dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and menstrual irregularity in 16 (26.7%), 25 (41.7%) and 8 (13.3%) patients, respectively. Eighteen patients (30%) were asymptomatic. As 21 patients had bi-lateral endometrioma, size of the leading cyst was considered to be analyzed for the primary outcome measure. Paired-t test was used for comparison of numerical values and p ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistical significance. Main results and the role of chance The mean age was 31.5±8.0 years. In the time point when dienogest was started, the mean size of the endometrioma was 46.3±17.4 mm. The mean serum AMH concentration was 3.6±2.4 ng/ml. After 6 months of treatment, the mean size of the endometrioma decreased to 38.6±14.0 mm which corresponds to a mean difference of 7.8 mm (95% CI: 3.0 to 12.6; p: 0.003). The respective figure for AMH was 3.3±2.7 ng/ml which corresponds to a mean difference of 0.3 ng/ml (95% CI: –0.2 to 0.8; p: 0.23) at 6 months. After 12 months of treatment, the mean size of the endometrioma was 37.5±15.7 mm which corresponds to a mean difference of 8.9 mm (95% CI: 2.9 to 14.9; p: 0.005) at the end of 12 months. The respective figure for AMH was 2.7±1.9 ng/ml which corresponds to a mean difference of 0.9 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.1 to 1.7; p: 0.045) at the end of 12 months. The mean diameter of endometrioma and AMH concentration did not differ throughout the time period between 6th and 12th months of the treatment. Limitations, reasons for caution Although herein we present the largest data that depicts the alteration of endometrioma cyst and AMH concentration with the application of dienogest, the lack of control group is a limitation that avoids to perform any comparison. Wider implications of the findings: A shrinkage after commencement of treatment suggest that dienogest might present improvement in patients with endometrioma with respect to radiological findings, but further studies are required whether a decline in AMH concentration after 12 months refers to a genuine decrease in ovarian reserve or resolution of misleading high pre-treatment levels. Trial registration number not available


CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S89-S89
Author(s):  
D. Lewis ◽  
K. Leech-Porter ◽  
F. Milne ◽  
J. Fraser ◽  
S. Hull ◽  
...  

Introduction: Patients with chronic diseases are known to benefit from exercise. Such patients often visit the emergency department (ED). There are few studies examining prescribing exercise in the ED. We wished to study if exercise prescription in the ED is feasible and effective. Methods: In this pilot prospective block randomized trial, patients in the control group received routine care, whereas the intervention group received a combined written and verbal prescription for moderate exercise (150 minutes/week). Both groups were followed up by phone at 2 months. The primary outcome was achieving 150 min of exercise per week. Secondary outcomes included change in exercise, and differences in reported median weekly exercise. Comparisons were made by Mann-Whitney and Fishers tests (GraphPad). Results: Follow-up was completed for 22 patients (11 Control; 11 Intervention). Baseline reported median (with IQR) weekly exercise was similar between groups; Control 0(0-0)min; Intervention 0(0-45)min. There was no difference between groups for the primary outcome of 150 min/week at 2 months (Control 3/11; Intervention 4/11, RR 1.33 (95%CI 0.38-4.6;p=1.0). There was a significant increase in median exercise from baseline in both groups, but no difference between the groups (Control 75(10-225)min; Intervention 120(52.5-150)min;NS). 3 control patients actually received exercise prescription as part of routine care. A post-hoc comparison of patients receiving intervention vs. no intervention, revealed an increase in patients meeting the primary target of 150min/week (No intervention 0/8; Intervention 7/14, RR 2.0 (95%CI 1.2-3.4);p=0.023). Conclusion: Recruitment was feasible, however our study was underpowered to quantify an estimated effect size. As a significant proportion of the control group received the intervention (as part of standard care), any potential measurable effect was diluted. The improvement seen in patients receiving intervention and the increase in reported exercise in both groups (possible Hawthorne effect) suggests that exercise prescription for ED patients may be beneficial.


2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 600-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia R Franco ◽  
Catherine Sherrington ◽  
Anne Tiedemann ◽  
Leani S Pereira ◽  
Monica R Perracini ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Older people’s participation in structured exercise programs to improve balance and mobility is low. Senior Dance is an alternative option, as it may provide a safe and fun way of targeting balance. Objective The aim was to investigate the effect of Senior Dance on balance, mobility, and cognitive function compared with a control intervention. Design The study was a randomized controlled trial. Setting/Patients Eighty-two community-dwelling older people aged 60 years or over and cognitively intact were recruited in Brazil. Intervention Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: Dance plus education (intervention group) and education alone (control group). The Senior Dance program consisted of 12 weeks of twice-weekly group-based dance classes. Participants in both groups attended a single 1-hour educational session on prevention of falls. Measurements The primary outcome was single-leg stance with eyes closed. Secondary outcomes were timed sit-to-stand test, standing balance test, timed 4-m walk, and cognitive function tests, for example, Trail Making Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results Of the 82 participants randomized, 71 (87%) completed the 12-week follow-up. Single-leg stance with eyes closed (primary outcome) improved in the Senior Dance group (mean difference [MD] = 2.3 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 3.6) compared with the control group at follow-up. Senior Dance group performed better in the standing balance tests (MD = 3.7 seconds, 95% CI = 0.6 to 6.8) and were faster in the sit-to-stand test (MD = − 3.1 seconds, 95% CI = −4.8 to −1.4) and 4-m walk test (MD = −0.6 seconds, 95% CI = −1.0 to −0.1). There were no significant between-group differences for cognitive function tests. Limitations Participants and therapists were not blinded. Conclusion Senior Dance was effective in improving balance and mobility but not cognitive function in community-dwelling older people.


2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Romana Spinelli ◽  
Ennio Giulio Favalli ◽  
Cristina Garufi ◽  
Martina Cornalba ◽  
Serena Colafrancesco ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Little is known about the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (RMD). We evaluated the occurrence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in RMD patients and heathy subjects who received anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Methods We performed a telephone interview collecting any adverse event (AE) following immunization (AEFI) that occurred in RMD patients and healthy controls after the two doses of mRNA vaccine including common local reactogenicity and systemic events (for example, fever, fatigue/malaise, joint and muscle pain). We also investigated the onset of new signs or symptoms of the RMD after the vaccination. Results We evaluated 126 patients with RMDs [105 females and 19 males, median age 51(IQR 17)] and 85 controls [62 females and 23 males, (median age 49 (20)]. Seventy patients (55.6%) were taking immunosuppressants, conventional synthetic (n=31, 43.3%) and/or biological [TNF inhibitors (n=49, 68.6%)], and 30 (23.8%) were taking hydroxychloroquine; treatment remained unchanged in 77% of patients. Eleven out of 126 patients and none of the 85 controls previously contracted COVID-19. The median follow-up from the completion of vaccination was 15 (3) weeks both in patients and controls. We reviewed 5 suspected cases confirming mild articular flares in 3 women (2.8) with inflammatory arthritis (2 psoriatic arthritis and 1 rheumatoid arthritis) while no disease reactivation was recorded in patients with connective tissue diseases; the incidence rate of RMD reactivation was 0.007 person/month. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed similar frequencies of local and systemic AEFI in patients and controls with no effect of therapies or previous COVID-19. Local reaction—pain in the injection site—was the most frequently reported AEFI both in RMD and controls (71% and 75% of all the AEFI, respectively) after the first dose. Overall, up to 66% of patients experienced at least one AEFI at the second dose and up to 62% in the control group. Most of AEFI occurred within 2 days of vaccine administration. Two RMD patients developed pauci-symptomatic COVID-19 after the first dose of vaccine. Conclusion The low incidence rate of disease reactivation and the similar AEFI occurrence compared to controls should reassure on mRNA vaccine safety in RMD patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
X H Huo ◽  
H M K Krumholz ◽  
X B Bai ◽  
E S S Spatz ◽  
Q D Ding ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mobile health interventions hold the prospect to support risk factor and lifestyle modification and are readily scalable in healthcare systems. Purpose We aim to assess whether text messaging program can improve glycemic control in high-risk patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods The study was a multi-centre randomised clinical trial conducted at 34 clinics in China. 502 individuals with both CHD and DM were recruited and randomly assigned to either the text messaging intervention (n=251) or control group (n=251). The control group received 2 thank-you messages per month in addition to usual care. The intervention group received 6 messages per week for 6 months. Messages provided educational and motivational information related to glucose monitoring, BP control, physical activity and lifestyle recommendations. The primary outcome was change in glycemic hemoglobin (HbA1C) from baseline to 6 months. Results Follow-up rate was 99%. At 6 months, HbA1C was significantly lower in intervention group compared to control group (mean HbA1C 6.7% vs. 7.2%, P<0.001), with a mean change of −0.2% and 0.1% from baseline, respectively (mean absolute change −0.3% [95% CI −0.5 to 0.1]; P=0.003). Significantly more participants in intervention group achieved a HbA1c<7% (69.3% vs. 52.6%; P=0.004), and change in FBG was larger in intervention group (−0.5 vs. 0.1 mmol/L; P=0.011). No differences in SBP, LDL-C, BMI and physical activity were observed. Almost all patients reported messages to be easy to understand (97.1%) and useful (94.1%). Table 1. Primary and Secondary Outcomes Analyses at 6 Month Follow-up Parameter Intervention (N=251) Control (N=251) Mean Difference in Change P value for Baseline 6 Months Mean Change Baseline 6 Months Mean Change (95% CI) Difference in Change Primary Outcome HbA1C level, %, mean (SD) 6.9 (1.4) 6.7 (1.3) −0.2 (1.0) 7.1 (1.4) 7.2 (1.5) 0.1 (1.1) −0.3 (−0.5, −0.1) 0.003 Secondary Outcomes HbA1C level<7%, No. (%) 155 (62.0%) 174 (69.3%) – 139 (56.1%) 132 (52.6%) – 1.2 (1.1, 1.3)a 0.004   FBG, mmol/L, mean (SD) 8.1 (2.7) 7.5 (2.7) −0.5 (2.5) 8.5 (3.0) 8.6 (3.3) 0.1 (3.1) −0.6 (−1.1, −0.2) 0.011   SBP, mmHg, mean (SD) 135.9 (18.4) 134.7 (18.7) −1.4 (17.1) 135.9 (18.1) 132.2 (17.7) −3.5 (17.8) 2.4 (−0.8,5.5) 0.144   LDL-C, mmol/L, mean (SD) 2.6 (0.8) 2.5 (0.7) −0.1 (0.7) 2.6 (0.8) 2.5 (0.8) −0.1 (0.7) 0 (−0.1, 0.1) 0.828   BMI, mean (SD) 26.4 (3.2) 26.3 (3.5) −0.1 (2.1) 26.3 (3.2) 26.0 (3.4) −0.4 (2.5) 0.3 (−0.1, 0.7) 0.213   Physical activity (MET min/wk), 1386 1386 177 1386 1386 322 −70.7 0.784     median (IQR) (693–3066) (918–3612) (2840) (693–3066) (693–3002) (2635) (−574.9, 433.5) Conclusion Use of a simple, culturally sensitive mobile text-messaging program could be an effective and scalable way to improve disease self-management among patients with CHD and DM. Acknowledgement/Funding Research Special Fund for Public Welfare Industry of Health (201502009) from the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4628-4628
Author(s):  
Cem Kurt ◽  
Ilgen Sasmaz ◽  
Bulent Antmen ◽  
Yurdanur Kilinc ◽  
Sadi Kurdak ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4628 Aim In this study we evaluated to pulmonary functions and determined relations of these findings with clinical parameters in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) who were at follow up in our pediatric heamatology clinic. Materials and Methods 24 children with sickle cell anemia and 9 healthy children as control group include to the study. Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis and biochemical values were eveluated for both groups. At pulmonology department, the carbonmonoxide diffusion test performing for both groups. At the same day spirometric respiratory function evaluation and exercise test performed both groups at department of sports physiology. The data recieved are compared statistics. Results HbS, HbF, SGPT, ferritin, total bilirubine, direkt bilirubine and Fe++ values were high at patient group (p<0.05). Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were low at patient group according to control group as expected (p<0.05). The number of SCA patient who had one-three venoocclusive crises (VOC) were 14 (58.3%), patient who had three or more VOC were 7 (29.2%) and patient who had no VOC were 3 (12.5%). The number of patient who had acute chest syndrome (ACS) were 5 (20.9%) and 19 patients had no ACS (79.1%). Ýmpaired isole carbonmonoxide diffusion test was established at the 62.5% of the patient's. At patient group, spirometric FEV1 and MEF25 measurement were found lower than the control group (p<0.05). At exercise test VO2/HR rate were lower for patient group (p<0.05). VE/VO2 rate (p=0.023) and R (p=0.016) measurement were found higher. Conclusion Pulmonary gas transfer was found difficult in patients with SCA. Respiratory airways established obstructed in spirometric evaluation. Obstructive defficiensies have to be follow up. Oxygen pulse and respiratory exchange rates were determined low and more oxygen usage was observed for aerobic metabolic activity. With these results, ýt can be say that chronic inflamation process at lung due to oxygen radicals and hipoksemia in sickle cell patients, the aerobic respiratory load was increased. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1182-1190
Author(s):  
Lee Seng Khoo ◽  
Cheng-I Yen ◽  
Chun-Shin Chang ◽  
Hung-Chang Chen ◽  
Chih-Jung Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Silicone-polytetrafluoroethylene composite implants are fast gaining popularity in Asian rhinoplasty. Nonetheless, implant displacement, erythematous reactions, and infections still occur in the authors’ patient group during long-term follow-up. Objectives The authors reported successful experience of combining the utilization of silicone-polytetrafluoroethylene composite implants with onlay temporal fascial grafts to circumvent these complications. Methods Sixty-four patients of Asian ethnicity underwent augmentation rhinoplasty utilizing an I-shaped composite implant with an onlay fascial graft from January 2015 to June 2018, with a mean follow-up period of 13.5 months. This patient group was compared with a control group of 177 Asian patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty utilizing the same composite implant but without the addition of a fascial graft; the control group was treated from February 2012 to June 2015, with a mean follow-up of 42.0 months. Complications were compared between these 2 patient groups, specifically focusing on malposition/deviations, erythema, and infections. Results There was a marked decrease in complication rates with the addition of an onlay temporal fascial graft to cover the composite implant in augmentation rhinoplasty (7.8% vs 14.7%) as well as the rate of erythematous reactions (0% vs 6.2%, P = 0.04), infection (1.6% vs 1.1%), and implant malposition/deviation (0% vs 4.5%). Harvesting the temporal fascia and fashioning the onlay graft added an additional 33 minutes on average per procedure. No donor site morbidity was encountered. Conclusions Although the operative time increased, the benefits of adding onlay fascial grafts to silicone-polytetrafluoroethylene implants in alloplastic augmentation rhinoplasty outweigh the drawbacks, as evidenced by the decrease in erythematous reactions. Level of Evidence: 4


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