scholarly journals Cigarette Smoking Status, Cigarette Exposure, and Duration of Abstinence Predicting Incident Dementia and Death: A Multistate Model Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 1013-1023
Author(s):  
Adrienne L. Johnson ◽  
Naomi C. Nystrom ◽  
Megan E. Piper ◽  
Jessica Cook ◽  
Derek L. Norton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Competing Risks ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
Smoking Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
State Models ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
The Impact

Background: To fully characterize the risk for dementia associated with cigarette smoking, studies must consider competing risks that hinder the observation of dementia or modify the chance that dementia occurs (i.e., death). Extant research examining the competing risks fails to account for the occurrence of death following dementia, limiting our understanding of the relation between smoking and dementia. Objective: Examine the impact of smoking status, lifetime smoking exposure, and duration of abstinence on incident dementia, death following dementia, and death without dementia. Methods: Multi-state models estimated hazard ratios (HR) for 95% confidence interval (CI) of 10,681 cognitively healthy adults for transition from baseline to dementia, baseline to death, and dementia to death based on smoking status, lifetime cigarette exposure, and abstinence duration. Results: Compared to never smokers, current smokers had increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.66; 95% CI 1.18– 2.32; p = 0.004), and death from baseline (HR = 2.98; 95% CI 2.24– 3.98; p < 0.001) and incident dementia (HR = 1.88; 95% CI 1.08– 3.27; p = 0.03). Pack years increased risk of death from baseline (HR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.00– 1.01; p < 0.001), but not dementia risk (HR = 1.00; 95% CI 1.00– 1.00; p = 0.78) or death following dementia (HR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.00– 1.01; p = 0.05). Recent quitters (quit < 10 years), compared to never smokers, had increased risk of death after baseline (HR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.55– 3.43; p < 0.001), but not dementia (HR = 1.17; 95% CI 0.73– 1.88; p = 0.52) or death following dementia (HR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.42– 2.41; p = 0.99). Conclusion: Current smoking increases the risk for dementia and death, but dementia is better attributed to smoking recency than lifetime exposure. Smoking cessation at any age might reduce these risks for cognitively healthy individuals.

Abstract 10: Cigarette Smoking and the Risk of Adverse Events in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Sandesara ◽  
Wesley O’Neal ◽  
Sanjay Venkatesh ◽  
Laurence Sperling
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Current Smoking ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Never Smokers

Background: Cigarette smoking predisposes individuals to the development of cardiovascular disease by promoting inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and accelerated atherosclerosis. However, the association between smoking and outcomes in HFpEF remains unclear. Objectives: To examine the relationship between smoking and outcomes in patients with HFpEF. Methods: This analysis included 1,717 (mean age=71±10 years; 50% male; 78% white) patients with HFpEF enrolled in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) Trial from the Americas. Smoking was ascertained by self-reported history and was categorized as never, former, or current. Multivariable cox regression was used to examine the risk of hospitalization, hospitalization for heart failure, death, and cardiovascular death across smoking categories. Results: There were 116 (7%), 871 (51%), and 729 (42%) patients whose smoking status was classified as current, former, or never. Current smoking was associated with an increased risk for hospitalization (never: HR=1.0; former: HR=1.14, 95%CI=0.99, 1.31; current: HR=1.38, 95%CI=1.05, 1.80), hospitalization for heart failure (never: HR=1.0; former: HR=1.25, 95%CI=0.99, 1.57; current: HR=1.68, 95%CI=1.08, 2.61), death (never: HR=1.0; former: HR=1.02, 95%CI=0.81, 1.29; current: HR=1.82, 95%CI=1.19, 2.78), and cardiovascular death (never: HR=1.0; former: HR=1.00, 95%CI=0.74, 1.35; current: HR=1.85, 95%CI=1.09, 3.24) compared with former or never smokers in a multivariable model adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. The cumulative incidence estimates for hospitalization for heart failure across smoking categories are shown in Figure 1 (log-rank p=0.0029). Similar effect estimates were observed for smoking categories and the outcomes examined when further adjusted for quantity of cigarette use. Conclusion: Current smoking is associated an increased risk for adverse outcomes in HFpEF, including hospitalization for heart failure. Smoking cessation possibly has role to reduce the risk for hospital admission and death in these high-risk patients.

scholarly journals Association of cigarette smoking with a past history and incidence of herpes zoster in the general Japanese population: the SHEZ Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (6) ◽  
pp. 1270-1275 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. BAN ◽  
Y. TAKAO ◽  
Y. OKUNO ◽  
Y. MORI ◽  
H. ASADA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Herpes Zoster ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Past History ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
History Of ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARYFew studies have examined the impact of cigarette smoking on the risk for herpes zoster. The Shozu Herpes Zoster (SHEZ) Study is a community-based prospective cohort study over 3 years in Japan aiming to clarify the incidence and predictive and immunological factors for herpes zoster. We investigated the associations of smoking status with past history and incidence of herpes zoster. A total of 12 351 participants provided valid information on smoking status and past history of herpes zoster at baseline survey. Smoking status was classified into three categories (current, former, never smoker), and if currently smoking, the number of cigarettes consumed per day was recorded. The participants were under the active surveillance for first-ever incident herpes zoster for 3 years. We used a logistic regression model for the cross-sectional study on the association between smoking status and past history of herpes zoster, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model for the cohort study on the association with risk of incidence. The multivariable adjusted odd ratios (95% CI) of past history of herpes zoster for current vs. never smokers were 0·67 (0·54–0·80) for total subjects, 0·72 (0·56–0·93) for men and 0·65 (0·44–0·96) for women. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) of incident herpes zoster for current vs. never smokers were 0·52 (0·33–0·81) for total subjects, 0·49 (0·29–0·83) for men and 0·52 (0·19–1·39) for women. Smoking status was inversely associated with the prevalence and incidence of herpes zoster in the general population of men and women aged ⩾50 years.

scholarly journals Is There an Interplay between Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Thromboprophylactic Treatments and Thromboembolic Events? Mechanisms and Impact in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Federico Nichetti ◽  
Francesca Ligorio ◽  
Emma Zattarin ◽  
Diego Signorelli ◽  
Arsela Prelaj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Antiplatelet Drugs ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

PD-1 pathway blockade has been shown to promote proatherogenic T-cell responses and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, preclinical evidence suggests a potential synergy of antiplatelet drugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We conducted an analysis within a prospective observational protocol (APOLLO study) to investigate the rates, predictors, and prognostic significance of thromboembolic events (TE) and thromboprophylaxis in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs. Among 217 patients treated between April 2014 and September 2018, 13.8% developed TE events. Current smoking status (HR 3.61 (95% CI 1.52–8.60), p = 0.004) and high (>50%) PD-L1 (HR 2.55 (95% CI 1.05–6.19), p = 0.038) resulted in being independent TE predictors. An increased risk of death following a diagnosis of TE (HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.59–5.42; p = 0.0006) was observed. Patients receiving antiplatelet treatment experienced longer progression-free survival (PFS) (6.4 vs. 3.4 months, HR 0.67 (95% CI 0.48–0.92), p = 0.015) and a trend toward better OS (11.2 vs. 9.6 months, HR 0.78 (95% CI 0.55–1.09), p = 0.14), which were not confirmed in a multivariate model. No impact of anticoagulant treatment on patients’ outcomes was observed. NSCLC patients treated with ICIs bear a consistent risk for thrombotic complications, with a detrimental effect on survival. The impact of antiplatelet drugs on ICIs efficacy deserves further investigation in prospective trials.

scholarly journals Alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, and esophageal adenocarcinoma survival: a molecular pathology epidemiology cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
R. Stephen McCain ◽  
Damian T. McManus ◽  
Stephen McQuaid ◽  
Jacqueline A. James ◽  
Manuel Salto-Tellez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Glut 1 ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Abstract Purpose To investigate the association between cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and esophageal adenocarcinoma survival, including stratified analysis by selected prognostic biomarkers. Methods A population-representative sample of 130 esophageal adenocarcinoma patients (n = 130) treated at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre between 2004 and 2012. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate associations between smoking status, alcohol intake, and survival. Secondary analyses investigated these associations across categories of p53, HER2, CD8, and GLUT-1 biomarker expression. Results In esophageal adenocarcinoma patients, there was a significantly increased risk of cancer-specific mortality in ever, compared to never, alcohol drinkers in unadjusted (HR 1.96 95% CI 1.13–3.38) but not adjusted (HR 1.70 95% CI 0.95–3.04) analysis. This increased risk of death observed for alcohol consumers was more evident in patients with normal p53 expression, GLUT-1 positive or CD-8 positive tumors. There were no significant associations between survival and smoking status in esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Conclusions In esophageal adenocarcinoma patients, cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption was not associated with a significant difference in survival in comparison with never smokers and never drinkers in fully adjusted analysis. However, in some biomarker-selected subgroups, ever-alcohol consumption was associated with a worsened survival in comparison with never drinkers. Larger studies are needed to investigate these findings, as these lifestyle habits may not only be linked to cancer risk but also cancer survival.

scholarly journals Cigarette Smoking and Incident Stroke in Blacks of the Jackson Heart Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adebamike A. Oshunbade ◽  
Wondwosen K. Yimer ◽  
Karen A. Valle ◽  
Donald Clark ◽  
Daisuke Kamimura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Jackson Heart Study ◽  
Smoking Intensity ◽  
Heart Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Dose Dependent

Background Blacks are disproportionately affected by stroke compared with whites; however, less is known about the relationship between stroke and cigarette smoking in blacks. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between cigarette smoking and all incident stroke in the JHS (Jackson Heart Study). Methods and Results JHS participants without a history of stroke (n=4410) were classified by self‐reported baseline smoking status into current, past (smoked at least 400 cigarettes/life), or never smokers at baseline (2000–2004). Current smokers were further classified by smoking intensity (number of cigarettes smoked per day [1–19 and ≥20]) and followed up for incident stroke (through 2015). Hazard ratios (HRs) for incident stroke for current and past smoking compared with never smoking were estimated with adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, the risk for stroke in current smokers was significantly higher compared with never smokers (HR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.60–3.83) but there was no significant difference between past smokers and never smokers (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.74–1.64). There was a dose‐dependent increased risk of stroke with smoking intensity (HR, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.38–3.86] and HR, 2.78 [95% CI, 1.47–5.28] for current smokers smoking 1–19 and ≥20 cigarettes/day, respectively). Conclusions In a large cohort of blacks, current cigarette smoking was associated with a dose‐dependent higher risk of all stroke. In addition, past smokers did not have a significantly increased risk of all stroke compared with never smokers, which suggests that smoking cessation may have potential benefits in reducing the incidence of stroke in blacks.

scholarly journals Proposal for the Inclusion of Tobacco Use in Suicide Risk Scales: Results of a Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6103
Author(s):  
Iván Echeverria ◽  
Miriam Cotaina ◽  
Antonio Jovani ◽  
Rafael Mora ◽  
Gonzalo Haro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Smoker ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Smoking Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Never Smokers

There is an association between smoking and suicide, even though the direction and nature of this relationship remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between smoking and suicidal behaviours (ideation, planning, suicide attempts, and death by suicide). On 24 August 2020, we searched the PubMed, Cochrane library, Scopus, Web of Science, TRIP, and SCIENCE DIRECT databases for relevant articles on this topic. Twenty prospective cohort studies involving 2,457,864 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with never smokers, former and current smokers had an increased risk of death by suicide (relative risk [RR] = 1.31; 95% CI [1.13, 1.52] and RR = 2.41; 95% CI [2.08, 2.80], respectively), ideation (RR = 1.35; 95% CI [1.31, 1.39] and RR = 1.84; 95% CI [1.21, 2.78]), and attempted suicide (RR = 1.27; 95% CI [0.56, 2.87] and RR = 1.71; 95% CI [0.73, 3.97]). Moreover, compared to never smokers, current smoker women (RR = 2.51; 95% CI [2.06–3.04] had an increased risk of taking their own life (Q = 13,591.53; p < 0.001) than current smoker men (RR = 2.06; 95% CI [1.62–2.62]. Furthermore, smoking exposure (former and current smokers) was associated with a 1.74-fold increased risk (95% CI [1.54, 1.96]) of suicidal behaviour (death by suicide, ideation, planning, or attempts). Thus, because of the prospective relationship between smoking and suicidal behaviours, smoking should be included in suicide risk scales as a useful and easy item to evaluate suicide risk.

scholarly journals Association between Intraoperative Blood Transfusion and Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent G. Glance ◽  
Andrew W. Dick ◽  
Dana B. Mukamel ◽  
Fergal J. Fleming ◽  
Raymond A. Zollo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Noncardiac Surgery ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Severe Anemia ◽  
Thromboembolic Complications ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background The impact of intraoperative erythrocyte transfusion on outcomes of anemic patients undergoing noncardiac surgery has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to examine the association between blood transfusion and mortality and morbidity in patients with severe anemia (hematocrit less than 30%) who are exposed to one or two units of erythrocytes intraoperatively. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the association of blood transfusion and 30-day mortality and 30-day morbidity in 10,100 patients undergoing general, vascular, or orthopedic surgery. We estimated separate multivariate logistic regression models for 30-day mortality and for 30-day complications. Results Intraoperative blood transfusion was associated with an increased risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.62). Patients receiving an intraoperative transfusion were more likely to have pulmonary, septic, wound, or thromboembolic complications, compared with patients not receiving an intraoperative transfusion. Compared with patients who were not transfused, patients receiving one or two units of erythrocytes were more likely to have pulmonary complications (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.48-2.09), sepsis (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.21-1.68), thromboembolic complications (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.32-2.38), and wound complications (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.47-2.37). Conclusions Intraoperative blood transfusion is associated with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity in surgical patients with severe anemia. It is unknown whether this association is due to the adverse effects of blood transfusion or is, instead, the result of increased blood loss in the patients receiving blood.

scholarly journals Associations between smoking and blood-group, and the risk of dyslipidaemia amongst French women

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. MacDonald ◽  
A. L. Madika ◽  
G. Severi ◽  
A. Fournier ◽  
M. C. Boutron-Ruault
Keyword(s):  
Blood Group ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Effect Modification ◽  
Blood Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cardio Vascular Disease ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
Cardio Vascular ◽  
Incident Cases

AbstractDyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardio-vascular disease, as it promotes atherosclerosis. While cross-sectional studies have identified higher serum cholesterol amongst individuals with the A blood group, there is less evidence from prospective studies whether this translates into a higher risk of dyslipidaemia that requires treatment, nor if this genetic factor interacts with smoking status. This study aimed to prospectively determine potential associations between smoking, ABO blood groups, and risk of incident dyslipidaemia requiring treatment, and to assess associations over strata of blood ABO group. We assessed associations between blood ABO group, smoking and dyslipidaemia in 74,206 women participating in the E3N cohort. We included women who did not have cardiovascular disease at baseline. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between ABO group, smoking and prevalent dyslipidaemia at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models were then used to determine if blood ABO group and smoking were associated with the risk of incident dyslipidaemia, amongst women free of dyslipidaemia at baseline. At baseline 28,281 women with prevalent dyslipidaemia were identified. Compared to the O-blood group, the non-O blood group was associated higher odds of with prevalent dyslipidaemia (ORnon-O = 1.09 [1.06: 1.13]). Amongst the women free of dyslipidaemia at baseline, 6041 incident cases of treated dyslipidaemia were identified during 454,951 person-years of follow-up. The non-O blood groups were associated with an increased risk of dyslipidaemia when compared to the O-group (HRnon-O = 1.16 [1.11: 1.22]), specifically the A blood-group (HRA = 1.18 [1.12: 1.25]). Current smokers were associated with an increased risk of incident dyslipidaemia (HR smokers = 1.27 [1.16: 1.37]), compared to never-smokers. No evidence for effect modification between smoking and ABO blood group was observed (p-effect modification = 0.45), although the highest risk was observed among AB blood group women who smoked (HR = 1.76 [1.22: 2.55]). In conclusion, the non-O blood groups, specifically the A group were associated with an increased risk of dyslipidaemia. Current smokers were associated with a 30% increased risk of dyslipidaemia. These results could aid in personalised approaches to the prevention of cardiovascular risk-factors.

Gastrostomy Tubes Placed in Children With Neurologic Impairment: Associated Morbidity and Mortality

2021 ◽  
pp. 088307382110001
Author(s):  
Jody L. Lin ◽  
Joseph Rigdon ◽  
Keith Van Haren ◽  
MyMy Buu ◽  
Olga Saynina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Tube Placement ◽  
Composite Outcome ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard ◽  
Neurologic Impairment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement for children with neurologic impairment with dysphagia has been suggested for pneumonia prevention. However, prior studies demonstrated an association between G-tube placement and increased risk of pneumonia. We evaluate the association between timing of G-tube placement and death or severe pneumonia in children with neurologic impairment. Methods: We included all children enrolled in California Children’s Services between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2014, with neurologic impairment and 1 pneumonia hospitalization. Prior to analysis, children with new G-tubes and those without were 1:2 propensity score matched on sociodemographics, medical complexity, and severity of index hospitalization. We used a time-varying Cox proportional hazard model for subsequent death or composite outcome of death or severe pneumonia to compare those with new G-tubes vs those without, adjusting for covariates described above. Results: A total of 2490 children met eligibility criteria, of whom 219 (9%) died and 789 (32%) had severe pneumonia. Compared to children without G-tubes, children with new G-tubes had decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.55) but increased risk of the composite outcome (HR 1.21, CI 1.14-1.27). Sensitivity analyses using varied time criteria for definitions of G-tube and outcome found that more recent G-tube placement had greater associated risk reduction for death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. Conclusion: Recent G-tube placement is associated with reduced risk of death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. Decisions to place G-tubes for pulmonary indications in children with neurologic impairment should weigh the impact of severe pneumonia on quality of life.

scholarly journals Routine use of immunosuppressants is associated with mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 204209862098569
Author(s):  
Phyo K. Myint ◽  
Ben Carter ◽  
Fenella Barlow-Pay ◽  
Roxanna Short ◽  
Alice G. Einarsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Attention ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Whilst there is literature on the impact of SARS viruses in the severely immunosuppressed, less is known about the link between routine immunosuppressant use and outcome in COVID-19. Consequently, guidelines on their use vary depending on specific patient populations. Methods: The study population was drawn from the COPE Study (COVID-19 in Older People), a multicentre observational cohort study, across the UK and Italy. Data were collected between 27 February and 28 April 2020 by trained data-collectors and included all unselected consecutive admissions with COVID-19. Load (name/number of medications) and dosage of immunosuppressant were collected along with other covariate data. Primary outcome was time-to-mortality from the date of admission (or) date of diagnosis, if diagnosis was five or more days after admission. Secondary outcomes were Day-14 mortality and time-to-discharge. Data were analysed with mixed-effects, Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models using non-users of immunosuppressants as the reference group. Results: In total 1184 patients were eligible for inclusion. The median (IQR) age was 74 (62–83), 676 (57%) were male, and 299 (25.3%) died in hospital (total person follow-up 15,540 days). Most patients exhibited at least one comorbidity, and 113 (~10%) were on immunosuppressants. Any immunosuppressant use was associated with increased mortality: aHR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.69 (time to mortality) and aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.01–2.88 (14-day mortality). There also appeared to be a dose–response relationship. Conclusion: Despite possible indication bias, until further evidence emerges we recommend adhering to public health measures, a low threshold to seek medical advice and close monitoring of symptoms in those who take immunosuppressants routinely regardless of their indication. However, it should be noted that the inability to control for the underlying condition requiring immunosuppressants is a major limitation, and hence caution should be exercised in interpretation of the results. Plain Language Summary Regular Use of Immune Suppressing Drugs is Associated with Increased Risk of Death in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 Background: We do not have much information on how the COVID-19 virus affects patients who use immunosuppressants, drugs which inhibit or reduce the activity of the immune system. There are various conflicting views on whether immune-suppressing drugs are beneficial or detrimental in patients with the disease. Methods: This study collected data from 10 hospitals in the UK and one in Italy between February and April 2020 in order to identify any association between the regular use of immunosuppressant medicines and survival in patients who were admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Results: 1184 patients were included in the study, and 10% of them were using immunosuppressants. Any immunosuppressant use was associated with increased risk of death, and the risk appeared to increase if the dose of the medicine was higher. Conclusion: We therefore recommend that patients who take immunosuppressant medicines routinely should carefully adhere to social distancing measures, and seek medical attention early during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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