scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Gastrointestinal Infection Prolongs the Time to Recover From COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijie Xu ◽  
Meiwen Tang ◽  
Ping Chen ◽  
Hongyu Cai ◽  
Fei Xiao

Objectives: We previously reported that SARS-CoV-2 infects the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of SARS-CoV-2 GI infection on clinical outcomes of COVID-19.Materials and Methods: For this retrospective cohort study, 104 patients with COVID-19 were classified into a SARS-CoV-2 GI infection group and a non-infection group. The primary endpoint was the time of negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory tract samples. The secondary outcome was the time of hospitalization for COVID-19.Results: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 GI infection had a longer duration of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory tract samples (median 12.0 days [95% CI: 10.0–13.2] vs. 9.0 days [95% CI: 7.5–10.5]; HR 0.575 [95% CI: 0.386–0.857]; P = 0.003) and hospitalization (median 28.0 days [95% CI: 23.2–32.8] vs. 15.0 days [95% CI: 13.6–16.4]; HR 0.149 [95% CI: 0.087–0.252]; P < 0.001) than patients without SARS-CoV-2 GI infection. Subgroup analyses for sex, age, epidemiological history, clinical classification and antiviral treatment showed consistent results.Conclusion: Our study indicates that SARS-CoV-2 GI infection prolongs the duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding and hospitalization in the patients with COVID-19. More attention should be paid to SARS-CoV-2 GI infection of COVID-19 and fecal SARS-CoV-2 RNA test should be completed in time.

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-144
Author(s):  
Alexandru-Ioan Ulmeanu ◽  
◽  
Carmen Zapucioiu ◽  
Maria Dorina Craciun ◽  
Coriolan Ulmeanu ◽  
...  

Introduction. Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide in children under 5 years. In practice, viral detection using multiplex PCR is becoming increasingly used, it is most useful to understand the epidemiology and impact of viruses on the pediatric population but there are still many debates regarding the influence of viral detection on patient care. Objectives. In this study we aimed to analyze the impact of viral etiology determination on the duration of hospitalization and on the administered treatment. Material and methods. The selection criteria was: children between 0-5 years with severe lower respiratory tract infection. We have analyzed three groups of patients: a group with specified viral infection, a second group with unspecified viral infection and a third group with bacterial infection. Results. In the analyzed period 72 children under 5 years of age who have shown signs of acute respiratory failure have been diagnosed with a specific viral infection, only 2% of the total viral infections. The main etiology was represented by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 73.5% of cases, followed by Influenza 11%, Parainfluenza 4.2%, metapneumovirus (hMPV), Rhinovirus, Adenovirus and Bocavirus all with 2.8%. Within the unspecified viral infection group antibiotics were used in 85.5% (n = 53) of the cases. Within the specified viral infection group although viral etiology was firmly established antibiotics usage rate was higher 92% (n = 57). Duration of hospital stay was 2,5 days higher in the viral specified group compared with the unspecified one. Thus we found that although the diagnosis of viral infection was certainly given because of severe clinical picture and young age of children the expenses were 30% higher. Conclusions. In our study, RSV is the most common virus involved in the etiology of viral LRTI and is encountered in the most severe forms of the disease especially in young infants and prematures. Antibiotics are commonly used in the severe forms of LRTI, even if the viral etiology is certain and the groups of antibiotics used are similar. Determination of viral etiology has not reduced hospitalization, nor has led to changing of physician therapeutic approach.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e045975
Author(s):  
Elissa McNamara ◽  
Leanne Saxon ◽  
Katherine Bond ◽  
Bruce CV Campbell ◽  
Jo Douglass ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe threat of a pandemic, over and above the disease itself, may have significant and broad effects on a healthcare system. We aimed to describe the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (during a relatively low transmission period) and associated societal restrictions on presentations, admissions and outpatient visits.DesignWe compared hospital activity in 2020 with the preceding 5 years, 2015–2019, using a retrospective cohort study design.SettingQuaternary hospital in Melbourne, Australia.ParticipantsEmergency department presentations, hospital admissions and outpatient visits from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2020, n=896 934 episodes of care.InterventionIn Australia, the initial peak COVID-19 phase was March–April.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSeparate linear regression models were fitted to estimate the impact of the pandemic on the number, type and severity of emergency presentations, hospital admissions and outpatient visits.ResultsDuring the peak COVID-19 phase (March and April 2020), there were marked reductions in emergency presentations (10 389 observed vs 14 678 expected; 29% reduction; p<0.05) and hospital admissions (5972 observed vs 8368 expected; 28% reduction; p<0.05). Stroke (114 observed vs 177 expected; 35% reduction; p<0.05) and trauma (1336 observed vs 1764 expected; 24% reduction; p<0.05) presentations decreased; acute myocardial infarctions were unchanged. There was an increase in the proportion of hospital admissions requiring intensive care (7.0% observed vs 6.0% expected; p<0.05) or resulting in death (2.2% observed vs 1.5% expected; p<0.05). Outpatient attendances remained similar (30 267 observed vs 31 980 expected; 5% reduction; not significant) but telephone/telehealth consultations increased from 2.5% to 45% (p<0.05) of total consultations.ConclusionsAlthough case numbers of COVID-19 were relatively low in Australia during the first 6 months of 2020, the impact on hospital activity was profound.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049574
Author(s):  
Sonya Davey ◽  
Surbhi Grover ◽  
Warren B Bilker ◽  
Dipho I Setlhako ◽  
Tlotlo B Ralefala ◽  
...  

ObjectiveCancer drug stockouts occur at high frequencies globally, however, their effects on treatment are understudied in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to determine whether causes of suboptimal cancer treatment prescriptions differed between periods of stockout and full treatment supply.DesignA retrospective cohort study of systemic therapy prescriptions for patients diagnosed with the twelve most common solid tumour cancers treated in 2016.SettingPrincess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana.ParticipantsPatients in the retrospective cohort who experienced any suboptimal treatment events, defined as ≥7 days delay or switch from guideline-concordant initiated therapy.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFrequency of delays and patterns of prescription changes for specific regimens and cancer types.Results167/378 patients contributed to 320 suboptimal events (115 therapy switches, 167 delays and 38 events with both), over 1452 total chemotherapy cycles received. Events during stockout were 43% delays, 43% switches and 14% both during stockout periods and 67.2% delays, 24.4% switches and 8.4% both during non-stockout periods (p<0.001). Majority of switches involved de-escalation of initially prescribed guideline-recommended regimens in patients with breast cancer, Kaposi sarcoma and patients with colorectal cancer, which occurred more frequently during periods of drug stockouts. Among patients with breast cancer, substitution of docetaxel for paclitaxel event occurred exclusively during paclitaxel drug stockout. Delays of ≥7 days events were most frequent in breast cancer patients receiving paclitaxel during stockout, and combination doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide even during periods of non-stockout.ConclusionsThe aetiology of suboptimal events differed during stockout and non-stockout periods. Prescription patterns that involved de-escalation of initiated therapy and substitution of paclitaxel with docetaxel occurred frequently during periods of drug stockout. Further research needs to be conducted to understand the impact of stockout on survival and barriers to maintaining essential cancer medicines supplies in SSA, and the factors driving frequent delays in therapy delivery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 441-453
Author(s):  
Ana Vazquez-Pagan ◽  
Rebekah Honce ◽  
Stacey Schultz-Cherry

Pregnant women are among the individuals at the highest risk for severe influenza virus infection. Infection of the mother during pregnancy increases the probability of adverse fetal outcomes such as small for gestational age, preterm birth and fetal death. Animal models of syngeneic and allogeneic mating can recapitulate the increased disease severity observed in pregnant women and are used to define the mechanism(s) of that increased severity. This review focuses on influenza A virus pathogenesis, the unique immunological landscape during pregnancy, the impact of maternal influenza virus infection on the fetus and the immune responses at the maternal–fetal interface. Finally, we summarize the importance of immunization and antiviral treatment in this population and highlight issues that warrant further investigation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Leon-Justel ◽  
Jose I. Morgado Garcia-Polavieja ◽  
Ana Isabel Alvarez-Rios ◽  
Francisco Jose Caro Fernandez ◽  
Pedro Agustin Pajaro Merino ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a major and growing medical and economic problem, with high prevalence and incidence rates worldwide. Cardiac Biomarker is emerging as a novel tool for improving management of patients with HF with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods This is a before and after interventional study, that assesses the impact of a personalized follow-up procedure for HF on patient’s outcomes and care associated cost, based on a clinical model of risk stratification and personalized management according to that risk. A total of 192 patients were enrolled and studied before the intervention and again after the intervention. The primary objective was the rate of readmissions, due to a HF. Secondary outcome compared the rate of ED visits and quality of life improvement assessed by the number of patients who had reduced NYHA score. A cost-analysis was also performed on these data. Results Admission rates significantly decreased by 19.8% after the intervention (from 30.2 to 10.4), the total hospital admissions were reduced by 32 (from 78 to 46) and the total length of stay was reduced by 7 days (from 15 to 9 days). The rate of ED visits was reduced by 44% (from 64 to 20). Thirty-one percent of patients had an improved functional class score after the intervention, whereas only 7.8% got worse. The overall cost saving associated with the intervention was € 72,769 per patient (from € 201,189 to € 128,420) and €139,717.65 for the whole group over 1 year. Conclusions A personalized follow-up of HF patients led to important outcome benefits and resulted in cost savings, mainly due to the reduction of patient hospitalization readmissions and a significant reduction of care-associated costs, suggesting that greater attention should be given to this high-risk cohort to minimize the risk of hospitalization readmissions.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e039211
Author(s):  
Triasih Djutaharta ◽  
Nachrowi Djalal Nachrowi ◽  
Aris Ananta ◽  
Drajat Martianto

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of cigarette price and smoking environment on allocation of household expenditure and its implication on nutrition consumption.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2014 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS), the 2014 Village Potential Survey (PODES) and the 2013 Basic National Health Survey (RISKESDAS). SUSENAS and PODES data were collected by the Central Bureau of Statistics. RISKESDAS was conducted by National Institute of Health Research and Development (Balitbangkes), Indonesian Ministry of Health (MOH).Setting and participantsThe sample covered all districts in Indonesia; with sample size of 285 400 households. These households are grouped into low, medium and high smoking prevalence districts.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe impact of cigarette price and smoking environment on household consumption of cigarette, share of eight food groups, as well as calorie and protein intake.Result1% increase in cigarette price will increase the cigarette budget share by 0.0737 points and reduce the budget share for eggs/milk, prepared food, staple food, nuts, fish/meat and fruit, from 0.0200 points (eggs/milk) up to 0.0033 points (fruit). Reallocation of household expenditure brings changes in food composition, resulting in declining calorie and protein intake. A 1% cigarette price increase reduces calorie and protein intake as much as 0.0885% and 0.1052%, respectively. On the other hand, existence of smoke-free areas and low smoking prevalence areas reduces the household budget for cigarettes.ConclusionA pricing policy must be accompanied by non-pricing policies to reduce cigarette budget share.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e049089
Author(s):  
Marcia C Castro ◽  
Susie Gurzenda ◽  
Eduardo Marques Macário ◽  
Giovanny Vinícius A França

ObjectiveTo provide a comprehensive description of demographic, clinical and radiographic characteristics; treatment and case outcomes; and risk factors associated with in-hospital death of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Brazil.DesignRetrospective cohort study of hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID-19.SettingData from all hospitals across Brazil.Participants522 167 hospitalised patients in Brazil by 14 December 2020 with severe acute respiratory illness, and a confirmed diagnosis for COVID-19.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence of symptoms and comorbidities was compared by clinical outcomes and intensive care unit (ICU) admission status. Survival was assessed using Kaplan Meier survival estimates. Risk factors associated with in-hospital death were evaluated with multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsOf the 522 167 patients included in this study, 56.7% were discharged, 0.002% died of other causes, 30.7% died of causes associated with COVID-19 and 10.2% remained hospitalised. The median age of patients was 61 years (IQR, 47–73), and of non-survivors 71 years (IQR, 60–80); 292 570 patients (56.0%) were men. At least one comorbidity was present in 64.5% of patients and in 76.8% of non-survivors. From illness onset, the median times to hospital and ICU admission were 6 days (IQR, 3–9) and 7 days (IQR, 3–10), respectively; 15 days (IQR, 9–24) to death and 15 days (IQR, 11–20) to hospital discharge. Risk factors for in-hospital death included old age, Black/Brown ethnoracial self-classification, ICU admission, being male, living in the North and Northeast regions and various comorbidities. Age had the highest HRs of 5.51 (95% CI: 4.91 to 6.18) for patients≥80, compared with those ≤20.ConclusionsCharacteristics of patients and risk factors for in-hospital mortality highlight inequities of COVID-19 outcomes in Brazil. As the pandemic continues to unfold, targeted policies that address those inequities are needed to mitigate the unequal burden of COVID-19.


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