scholarly journals Comparison between Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone Therapy in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia Admitted to Non-Intensive Medical Units

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 5812
Author(s):  
Roberta Buso ◽  
Francesco Cinetto ◽  
Alessandro Dell’Edera ◽  
Nicola Veneran ◽  
Cesarina Facchini ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Data on different steroid compounds for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) patients are still limited. The aim of this study was to compare COVID-19 patients admitted to non-intensive units and treated with methylprednisolone or dexamethasone. (2) Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study that included consecutive patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in medical wards during the second wave of the pandemic. Thirty-day mortality and the need for intensive or semi-intensive care were the main clinical outcomes analyzed in patients receiving methylprednisolone (60 mg/day) compared with dexamethasone (6 mg/day). Secondary outcomes included complication rates, length of hospital stay, and time to viral clearance. (3) Results: Two-hundred-forty-six patients were included in the analysis, 110 treated with dexamethasone and 136 with methylprednisolone. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of patients regarding 30-day mortality (OR 1.35, CI95% 0.71–2.56, p = 0.351) and the need for intensive or semi-intensive care (OR 1.94, CI95% 0.81–4.66, p = 0.136). The complication rates, length of hospital stay, and time to viral clearance did not significantly differ between the two groups. (4) Conclusions: In patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in non-intensive units, the choice of different steroid compounds, such as dexamethasone or methylprednisolone, did not affect the main clinical outcomes.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Won Lee ◽  
So Young Kim ◽  
Sung Yong Moon ◽  
In Kyung Yoo ◽  
Eun-Gyong Yoo ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Basic studies suggest that statins as add-on therapy may benefit patients with COVID-19; however, real-world evidence of such a beneficial association is lacking. OBJECTIVE We investigated differences in SARS-CoV-2 test positivity and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 (composite endpoint: admission to intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, or death) between statin users and nonusers. METHODS Two independent population-based cohorts were analyzed, and we investigated the differences in SARS-CoV-2 test positivity and severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19, such as admission to the intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, or death, between statin users and nonusers. One group comprised an unmatched cohort of 214,207 patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing from the Global Research Collaboration Project (GRCP)-COVID cohort, and the other group comprised an unmatched cohort of 74,866 patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-COVID cohort. RESULTS The GRCP-COVID cohort with propensity score matching had 29,701 statin users and 29,701 matched nonusers. The SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate was not associated with statin use (statin users, 2.82% [837/29,701]; nonusers, 2.65% [787/29,701]; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.97; 95% CI 0.88-1.07). Among patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the GRCP-COVID cohort, 804 were statin users and 1573 were matched nonusers. Statin users were associated with a decreased likelihood of severe clinical outcomes (statin users, 3.98% [32/804]; nonusers, 5.40% [85/1573]; aRR 0.62; 95% CI 0.41-0.91) and length of hospital stay (statin users, 23.8 days; nonusers, 26.3 days; adjusted mean difference –2.87; 95% CI –5.68 to –0.93) than nonusers. The results of the NHIS-COVID cohort were similar to the primary results of the GRCP-COVID cohort. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that prior statin use is related to a decreased risk of worsening clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and length of hospital stay but not to that of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S380-S381
Author(s):  
J Xin Liao ◽  
Vrishali Lopes ◽  
Aisling Caffrey

Abstract Background Remdesivir is approved for use in the United States for treatment of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. Real-world data on trends in remdesivir use may elucidate its benefits and place in therapy. Methods Hospitalized Veterans with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that were treated with remdesivir at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center from May 2020 to April 2021 were included. Monthly trends in remdesivir treatment, as well as patient characteristics and clinical outcomes among patients treated with remdesivir, were assessed with joinpoint regression to calculate average monthly percent change and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 30,333 Veterans were hospitalized with a positive PCR test over the study period, and 13,639 were treated with remdesivir (45%). Throughout the study period, the proportion of Veterans treated with remdesivir increased significantly (4.5% per month, 95% CI 0.5%-8.6%) and median time to remdesivir initiation decreased significantly (12% per month, 95% CI -15.8% to -8.0%). Though demographic characteristics of Veterans treated with remdesivir remained stable, including age, race, and obesity, improvement in clinical outcomes were observed, including median length of hospital stay which decreased by 6.5% per month (95% CI -9.1% to -3.8%), intensive care admissions which decreased by 4.6% per month (95% CI -6.3% to -2.8%) and inpatient mortality which decreased by 6.3% per month (95% CI -9.4% to -3.1%). By April 2021, most patients initiated remdesivir on the day of admission, and the inpatient mortality rate decreased to 7.9% from 19.2% in May 2020. Conclusion Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilization of remdesivir increased while initiation of remdesivir occurred earlier in the hospital admission, with concurrent reductions in length of hospital stay, intensive care admissions, and inpatient mortality. Disclosures Aisling Caffrey, PhD, Merck (Research Grant or Support)Pfizer (Research Grant or Support)Shionogi, Inc (Research Grant or Support)


10.2196/29379 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e29379
Author(s):  
Seung Won Lee ◽  
So Young Kim ◽  
Sung Yong Moon ◽  
In Kyung Yoo ◽  
Eun-Gyong Yoo ◽  
...  

Background Basic studies suggest that statins as add-on therapy may benefit patients with COVID-19; however, real-world evidence of such a beneficial association is lacking. Objective We investigated differences in SARS-CoV-2 test positivity and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 (composite endpoint: admission to intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, or death) between statin users and nonusers. Methods Two independent population-based cohorts were analyzed, and we investigated the differences in SARS-CoV-2 test positivity and severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19, such as admission to the intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, or death, between statin users and nonusers. One group comprised an unmatched cohort of 214,207 patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing from the Global Research Collaboration Project (GRCP)-COVID cohort, and the other group comprised an unmatched cohort of 74,866 patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-COVID cohort. Results The GRCP-COVID cohort with propensity score matching had 29,701 statin users and 29,701 matched nonusers. The SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate was not associated with statin use (statin users, 2.82% [837/29,701]; nonusers, 2.65% [787/29,701]; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.97; 95% CI 0.88-1.07). Among patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the GRCP-COVID cohort, 804 were statin users and 1573 were matched nonusers. Statin users were associated with a decreased likelihood of severe clinical outcomes (statin users, 3.98% [32/804]; nonusers, 5.40% [85/1573]; aRR 0.62; 95% CI 0.41-0.91) and length of hospital stay (statin users, 23.8 days; nonusers, 26.3 days; adjusted mean difference –2.87; 95% CI –5.68 to –0.93) than nonusers. The results of the NHIS-COVID cohort were similar to the primary results of the GRCP-COVID cohort. Conclusions Our findings indicate that prior statin use is related to a decreased risk of worsening clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and length of hospital stay but not to that of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amr Nady Abdelrazik ◽  
Ahmad Sameer Sanad

Abstract Background To investigate the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery on length of hospital stay, pain management, and complication rate. Results The length of hospital stay was reduced in ERAS groups when compared with the control groups (3.46 days vs 2.28 days; P < 0.0001; CI − 1.5767 to − 0.7833 for laparotomy groups and 2.18 vs 1.76 days; P = 0.0115; CI − 0.7439 to − 0.0961 for laparoscopy groups respectively). Intraoperative fluid use was reduced in both ERAS groups compared to the two control groups (934 ± 245 ml and 832 ± 197 ml vs 1747 ± 257 ml and 1459 ± 304 respectively; P < 0.0001) and postoperative fluid use was also less in the ERAS groups compared to the control groups (1606 ± 607 ml and 1210 ± 324 ml vs 2682 ± 396 ml and 1469 ± 315 ml respectively; P < 0.0001). Pain score using visual analog scale (VAS) on postoperative day 0 was 4.8 ± 1.4 and 4.1 ± 1.2 (P = 0.0066) for both laparotomy control and ERAS groups respectively, while in the laparoscopy groups, VAS was 3.8 ± 1.1 and 3.2 ± 0.9 (P = 0.0024) in control and ERAS groups respectively. Conclusion Implementation of ERAS protocols in gynecologic surgery was associated with significant reduction in length of hospital stay, associated with decrease intravenous fluids used and comparable pain control without increase in complication rates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Hoon Hyun ◽  
Moo Hyun Kim ◽  
Yujin Sohn ◽  
Yunsuk Cho ◽  
Yae Jee Baek ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and corticosteroids have been considered as possible therapeutic agents for this disease. However, there is limited literature on the appropriate timing of corticosteroid administration to obtain the best possible patient outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including patients with severe COVID-19 who received corticosteroid treatment from March 2 to June 30, 2020 in seven tertiary hospitals in South Korea. We analyzed the patient demographics, characteristics, and clinical outcomes according to the timing of steroid use. Twenty-two patients with severe COVID-19 were enrolled, and they were all treated with corticosteroids. Results Of the 22 patients who received corticosteroids, 12 patients (55%) were treated within 10 days from diagnosis. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics. The initial PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 168.75. The overall case fatality rate was 25%. The mean time from diagnosis to steroid use was 4.08 days and the treatment duration was 14 days in the early use group, while those in the late use group were 12.80 days and 18.50 days, respectively. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio, C-reactive protein level, and cycle threshold value improved over time in both groups. In the early use group, the time from onset of symptoms to discharge (32.4 days vs. 60.0 days, P = 0.030), time from diagnosis to discharge (27.8 days vs. 57.4 days, P = 0.024), and hospital stay (26.0 days vs. 53.9 days, P = 0.033) were shortened. Conclusions Among patients with severe COVID-19, early use of corticosteroids showed favorable clinical outcomes which were related to a reduction in the length of hospital stay.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 3783-3791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Jolley ◽  
Daniel Lomelin ◽  
Anton Simorov ◽  
Carl Tadaki ◽  
Dmitry Oleynikov

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Sérgio da Silva Santos ◽  
Bernardo da Fonseca Orcina ◽  
Rafael Rahal Guaragna Machado ◽  
Fabiano Vieira Vilhena ◽  
Lucas Marques da Costa Alves ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The risk of contamination and dissemination by SARS-CoV-2 has a strong link with nasal, oral and pharyngeal cavities. Recently, our research group observed the promising performance of an anionic phthalocyanine derivative (APD) used in a mouthwash protocol without photoexcitation; this protocol improved the general clinical condition of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The present two-arm study evaluated in vitro the antiviral activity and cytotoxicity of APD. Additionally, a triple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 41 hospitalized patients who tested positive for COVID-19. All the included patients received World Health Organization standard care hospital treatment (non-intensive care) plus active mouthwash (experimental group AM/n=20) or nonactive mouthwash (control group NAM/n=21). The adjunct mouthwash intervention protocol used in both groups consisted one-minute gargling/rinsing / 5 times/day until hospital discharge. Groups were compared considering age, number of comorbidities, duration of symptoms prior admission and length of hospital stay (LOS). The associations between group and sex, age range, presence of comorbidities, admission to Intensive care unit (ICU) and death were also evaluated. Results: The in vitro evaluation demonstrated that APD compound was highly effective for reduction of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the 1.0 mg/mL (99.96%) to 0.125 mg/mL (92.65%) range without causing cytotoxicity. Regarding the clinical trial, the median LOS of the AM group was significantly shortened (4 days) compared with that of the NAM group (7 days) (p=0.0314). Additionally, gargling/rinsing with APD was very helpful in reducing the severity of symptoms (no ICU care was needed) compared to not gargling/rinsing with APD (28.6% of the patients in the NAM group needed ICU care, and 50% of this ICU subgroup passed way, p=0.0207). Conclusions: This study indicated that the mechanical action of the protocol involving mouthwash containing a compound with antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 may reduce the symptoms of the patients and the spread of infection. The use of APD in a mouthwash as an adjuvant the hospital COVID-19 treatment presented no contraindication and reduced the hospital stay period. Trial Registration: The clinical study was registered at REBEC - Brazilian Clinical Trial Register (RBR-58ftdj).


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Wolf ◽  
Carolin Rhein ◽  
Katharina Geschke ◽  
Andreas Fellgiebel

ABSTRACTObjectives:Dementia and cognitive impairment are associated with higher rates of complications and mortality during hospitalization in older patients. Moreover, length of hospital stay and costs are increased. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated the frequency of hospitalizations caused by ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs), for which proactive ambulatory care might prevent the need for a hospital stay, in older patients with and without cognitive impairments.Design:Prospective cohort study.Setting:Eight hospitals in Germany.Participants:A total of 1,320 patients aged 70 years and older.Measurements:The Mini-Cog test has been used to assess cognition and to categorize patients in the groups no/moderate cognitive impairments (probably no dementia) and severe cognitive impairments (probable dementia). Moreover, lengths of hospital stay and complication rates have been assessed, using a binary questionnaire (if occurred during hospital stay or not; behavioral symptoms were adapted from the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory). Data have been acquired by the nursing staff who received a special multi-day training.Results:Patients with severe cognitive impairments showed higher complication rates (including incontinence, disorientation, irritability/aggression, restlessness/anxiety, necessity of Tranquilizers and psychiatric consults, application of measures limiting freedom, and falls) and longer hospital stays (+1.4 days) than patients with no/moderate cognitive impairments. Both groups showed comparably high ACSC-caused admission rates of around 23%.Conclusions:The study indicates that about one-fourth of hospital admissions of cognitively normal and impaired older adults are caused by ACSCs, which are mostly treatable on an ambulatory basis. This implies that an improved ambulatory care might reduce the frequency of hospitalizations, which is of particular importance in cognitively impaired elderly due to increased complication rates.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 810-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basile Pache ◽  
Jonas Jurt ◽  
Fabian Grass ◽  
Martin Hübner ◽  
Nicolas Demartines ◽  
...  

IntroductionEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines in gynecologic surgery are a set of multiple recommendations based on the best available evidence. However, according to previous studies, maintaining high compliance is challenging in daily clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of compliance to individual ERAS items on clinical outcomes.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database of 446 consecutive women undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery (both open and minimally invasive) within an ERAS program from 1 October 2013 until 31 January 2017 in a tertiary academic center in Switzerland. Demographics, adherence, and outcomes were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression was performed, with adjustment for confounding factors. Main outcomes were overall compliance, compliance to each individual ERAS item, and impact on post-operative complications according to Clavien classification.ResultsA total of 446 patients were included, 26.2 % (n=117) had at least one complication (Clavien I–V), and 11.4 % (n=51) had a prolonged length of hospital stay. The single independent risk factor for overall complications was intra-operative blood loss > 200 mL (OR 3.32; 95% CI 1.6 to 6.89, p=0.001). Overall compliance >70% with ERAS items (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.66, p=0.12) showed a protective effect on complications. Increased compliance was also associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.435 to 0.93, p=0.001).ConclusionsCompliance >70% with modifiable ERAS items was significantly associated with reduced overall complications. Best possible compliance with all ERAS items is the goal to achieve lower complication rates after gynecologic oncology surgery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2959
Author(s):  
Jiwon Han ◽  
Young-Tae Jeon ◽  
Ah-Young Oh ◽  
Chang-Hoon Koo ◽  
Yu Kyung Bae ◽  
...  

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used as opioid alternatives for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). However, their use after nephrectomy has raised concerns regarding possible nephrotoxicity. This study compared postoperative renal function and postoperative outcomes between patients using NSAID and patients using opioids for PCA in nephrectomy. In this retrospective observational study, records were reviewed for 913 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy from 2015 to 2017. After propensity score matching, 247 patients per group were analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) percentages (postoperative value divided by preoperative value), blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratios, and serum creatinine percentages were compared at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery between users of NSAID and users of opioids for PCA. Additionally, postoperative complication rates, postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) incidences, postoperative pain scores, and lengths of hospital stay were compared between groups. Postoperative GFR percentages, BUN/creatinine ratios, and serum creatinine percentages were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications, incidences of AKI, and pain scores at 30 min, 6 h, 48 h, or 7 days postoperatively. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the NSAID group than in the opioid group. This study showed no association between the use of NSAID for PCA after laparoscopic nephrectomy and the incidence of postoperative renal dysfunction.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document