Incident infection during the first year of treatment – A comparison of clozapine and paliperidone palmitate long-acting injection

Background: To examine the risk of infection in patients prescribed clozapine compared with patients prescribed paliperidone palmitate long-acting injection (PPLAI). Method: A retrospective, 1-year, cohort study conducted on events occurring in eligible patients beginning treatment for the first time with clozapine or PPLAI between June 2017 and June 2019 in a UK mental health trust providing in-patient and out-patient services. Results: The study included 64 patients starting clozapine and 120 patients starting PPLAI. Incidence of infection was greater in clozapine starters than in PPLAI starters (28% vs 6%; p = 0.001; adjusted odds ratio 5.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.15–15.76, p = 0.001). Infectious episodes in clozapine patients were not related to changes in neutrophil counts. Incident infection in the clozapine group was highest in the first 3 months of treatment. The most commonly reported infection in the clozapine group was chest infection; however, the majority of infections were non-chest-related. Conclusion: Patients starting clozapine showed a substantially increased likelihood of infection compared with patients starting PPLAI.

COVID-19 related outcomes among individuals with neurodegenerative diseases: a cohort analysis in the UK biobank

Background An increased susceptibility to COVID-19 has been suggested for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, but data are scarce from longitudinal studies. Methods In this community-based cohort study, we included 96,275 participants of the UK Biobank who had available SARS-CoV-2 test results in Public Health England. Of these, 2617 had a clinical diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases in the UK Biobank inpatient hospital data before the outbreak of COVID-19 (defined as January 31st, 2020), while the remaining participants constituted the reference group. We then followed both groups from January 31st, 2020 to June 14th, 2021 for ascertainment of COVID-19 outcomes, including any COVID-19, inpatient care for COVID-19, and COVID-19 related death. Logistic regression was applied to estimate the association between neurogenerative disease and risks of COVID-19 outcomes, adjusted for multiple confounders and somatic comorbidities. Results We observed an elevated risk of COVID-19 outcomes among individuals with a neurodegenerative disease compared with the reference group, corresponding to a fully adjusted odds ratio of 2.47 (95%CI 2.25–2.71) for any COVID-19, 2.18 (95%CI 1.94–2.45) for inpatient COVID-19, and 3.67 (95%CI 3.11–4.34) for COVID-19 related death. Among individuals with a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2, individuals with neurodegenerative diseases had also a higher risk of COVID-19 related death than others (fully adjusted odds ratio 2.08; 95%CI 1.71–2.53). Conclusion Among UK Biobank participants who received at least one test for SARS-CoV-2, a pre-existing diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease was associated with a subsequently increased risk of COVID-19, especially COVID-19 related death.

Endogenous Deoxyribonuclease Activity and Cell-Free Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cohort Study

Background and Purpose: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and endogenous deoxyribonuclease activity are opposing mediators and might influence the inflammatory response following acute ischemic stroke. In this cohort study, we investigated the relation between these markers, circulating inflammatory mediators and clinical course including occurrence of stroke-associated infections (SAI) in patients with acute stroke. Methods: Ninety-two patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion undergoing mechanical thrombectomy were prospectively recruited at Hannover Medical School from March 2018 to August 2019. Deoxyribonuclease activity, cfDNA, damage-associated molecular patterns, and circulating cytokines were measured in venous blood collected immediately before mechanical thrombectomy and 7 days later. Reperfusion status was categorized (sufficient/insufficient). Clinical outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale after 90 days, where a score of 3 to 6 was considered unfavorable. To validate findings regarding SAI, another stroke cohort (n=92) was considered with blood taken within 24 hours after stroke onset. Results: Patients with unfavorable clinical outcome had higher cfDNA concentrations. After adjustment for confounders (Essen Stroke Risk Score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and sex), 7-day cfDNA was independently associated with clinical outcome and especially mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 3.485 [95% CI, 1.001–12.134] and adjusted odds ratio: 9.585 [95% CI, 2.006–45.790]). No association was found between reperfusion status and cfDNA or deoxyribonuclease activity. While cfDNA concentrations correlated positively, deoxyribonuclease activity inversely correlated with distinct biomarkers. Baseline deoxyribonuclease activity was lower in patients who developed SAI compared with patients without SAI. This association was confirmed after adjustment for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio: 0.447 [95% CI, 0.237–0.844]). In cohort 2, differences of deoxyribonuclease activity between patients with and without SAI tended to be higher with higher stroke severity. Conclusions: The interplay of endogenous deoxyribonuclease activity and cfDNA in acute stroke entails interesting novel diagnostic and potential therapeutic approaches. We confirm an independent association of cfDNA with a detrimental clinical course after stroke due to large vessel occlusion. This study provides first evidence for lower endogenous deoxyribonuclease activity as risk factor for SAI after severe stroke.

Invasive Candidiasis in Hospitalized Patients with Major Burns

Background: Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a major cause of morbidities and mortality in patients hospitalized with major burns. This study investigated the incidence of IC in this specific population and analyzed the possible risk factors. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. We identified 3582 patients hospitalized with major burns on over 20% of their total body surface area (TBSA) during 2000–2013; we further analyzed possible risk factors. Result: IC was diagnosed in 452 hospitalized patients (12.6%) with major burns. In the multivariate analysis, patients older than 50 years (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–2.82), those of female sex (adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.03–1.72), those with burns on the head (adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.02–1.73), and those with burns over a greater TBSA had higher risks of IC. Conclusion: Treating IC is crucial in healthcare for major burns. Our study suggests that several risk factors are associated with IC in patients hospitalized with major burns, providing reliable reference value for clinical decisions.

Intervention and in-hospital pharmacoterapies in octogenarian with acute coronary syndrome: a 10-year retrospective analysis of the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Database (NCVD) registry

Background Octogenarians and beyond have often been neglected in the populational study of disease despite being at the highest point of non-modifiable disease risk burden and the fastest-growing age group for the past decade. This study examined the characteristics and in-hospital management of octogenarian patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a multi-ethnic, middle-income country in South East Asia. Method This retrospective study utilised the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Disease- ACS (NCVD-ACS) registry. Consecutive patient data of those ≥80 years old admitted with ACS at 24 participating hospitals from 2008 to 2017 (n = 3162) were identified. Demographics, in-hospital intervention, and evidence-based pharmacotherapies over the 10-years were examined and compared across groups of interests using the Chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio of receiving individual therapies according to patients’ characteristics. Results Octogenarians made up 3.8% of patients with ACS in the NCVD-ACS registry (mean age = 84, SD ± 3.6) from 2008 until 2017. The largest ethnic group was Chinese (44%). Most octogenarians (95%) have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, with hypertension (82%) being the main. Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) predominated (38%, p < 0.001). Within the 10-year, there were positive increments in cardiovascular intervention and pharmacotherapies. Only 10% of octogenarians with ACS underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the majority being STEMI patients (17.5%; p < 0.05). More than 80% were prescribed aspirin (91.3%) either alone or combined, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (83.3%), anticoagulants (89.7%) and statins (89.6%), while less being prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (47.6%) and beta-blockers (43.0%). Men were more likely to receive PCI than women (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.698; 95% CI: 0.490–0.993). NSTEMI (aOR = 0.402, 95% CI: 0.278–0.583) and unstable angina (UA) (aOR = 0.229, 95% CI: 0.143–0.366) were less likely to receive PCI but more likely given anticoagulants (NSTEMI, aOR = 1.543, 95% CI: 1.111–2.142; UA, aOR = 1.610, 95% CI: 1.120–2.314) than STEMI. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities influences management. Conclusion Octogenarians with ACS in this country were mainly treated with cardiovascular pharmacotherapies. As the number of octogenarians with ACS will continue to increase, the country needs to embrace the increasing use of PCI in this group of patients.

Does Disease Activity After Induction Treatment With Biologics Predict Short-Term Outcome in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?

Background Secondary loss of response to biological therapy is a challenge when treating Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Currently, no single marker has been found to be valid as a prognostic indicator of response to biologic therapy in patients with CD and UC. In this study, we aimed to assess whether disease activity after 14 weeks of biologic therapy has a prognostic impact on surgery and steroid-free remission during 6 months following completion of induction therapy. Methods In an unselected cohort study based on data from 4 national Danish health registries, we identified 493 patients with UC and 620 patients with CD who completed induction therapy with biologics from 2016 to 2019. Following induction therapy with biologics, we defined disease activity based on C-reactive protein and clinical scores of disease activity. The composite endpoint, “not being well treated,” included surgery or use of corticosteroid within 6 months following induction therapy. Results In patients with UC with disease activity following induction therapy, the adjusted odds ratio for surgery or steroid treatment during 6 months of follow-up was 3.9 (95% CI, 1.6-9.3) compared with patients without disease activity, and in patients with CD, the adjusted odds ratio was 3.6 (95% CI, 1.7-7.6). Conclusions A positive treatment response to biologic treatment after induction therapy (measured by C-reactive protein and clinical scores) predicts a better short-term outcome in patients with CD and UC.

Disclosure status of HIV-positive children and associated factors among children in public health facilities in East Arsi zone, Oromia regional state, South Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study aims to assess the disclosure status of HIV-positive children and its associated factors in selected hospitals in East Arsi zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 410 sample size. Four hospitals were randomly selected among hospitals that currently gave service. Data were collected from caregivers/biological parents by interviewing from 30 July 2020 to 30 August 2020 using the systematic random sampling technique. In logistic regression analysis, the variables which had independent correlations with dependent variable were identified based on adjusted odds ratio and a p value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was claimed as statistically significant. Results: Disclosure status of HIV-positive children was 59.8%, 95% confidence interval (54.9, 64.1). Children diagnosed at the age of <5 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (0.126, 0.49)), antiretroviral therapy follow-up for 6–15 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (1.013, 4.29)), children diagnosed at the appropriate age of ⩾12 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (1.09, 3.49)), and children diagnosed at the age of <11 years (adjusted odds ratio = 4.5, 95% confidence interval (3.45, 8.38)) were positively associated factors to disclose status. Conclusion: The disclosure status of HIV-positive children was low in this study. Antiretroviral therapy follow-up for 6–15 years, children diagnosed at the appropriate age of ⩾12 years, children diagnosed at the age of <5 years, and children who aged below 11 years were positively associated with disclosure status. Thus, we recommended, health care providers and all stakeholders should give age-appropriate counseling regarding when and why to disclose their status.

The level of Community-Based Essential Newborn Care utilization and associated factors among rural women in Southern Ethiopia, 2020: Based on the updated Community-Based Essential Newborn Care guideline

Background: A Community-Based Essential Newborn Care is a national initiative that incorporates a newborn care program into the continuum of maternal and child health care through enhancing community participation to reduce child morbidity and mortality and encourage healthy growth and development. This study aimed at assessing the level of Community-Based Essential Newborn Care service uptake and its associated factors among rural women in the Guraghe zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural districts of Southern Ethiopia, from 1 to 31 May 2020. A multistage sampling technique was applied. Using a systematic random sampling technique, a total of 818 respondents were selected. The data collected by a pretested structured questionnaire were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version 23) for analysis. To identify significant predictors of Community-Based Essential Newborn Care utilization, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the strength of associations, and statistical significance was declared at a p value <0.05. Results: One-third, 269 (33.1%) (95% confidence interval = 30.0–36.2), of women and their newborns got the entire packages of the Community-Based Essential Newborn Care program. Desire on the last pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 2.66, 95% confidence interval = 1.56–4.51), birth preparedness and complication readiness plan (adjusted odds ratio = 4.82, 95% confidence interval = 3.26–7.12), timing of the postpartum visit (adjusted odds ratio = 3,56, 95% confidence interval = 2.00–6.34), attending monthly pregnant women conference (adjusted odds ratio = 3.01, 95% confidence interval = 1.99–4.57), and being a certified model household (adjusted odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.24–2.85) were identified as key predictors of Community-Based Essential Newborn Care utilization. Conclusion: The uptake of the full Community-Based Essential Newborn Care packages in the study area was low. Health care providers at the health institution and community level should give due emphasis to improve contraceptive service delivery. Besides, health extension workers at the community level should work on providing immediate postpartum visits, creating model households, and strengthening pregnant women conferences.

Knowledge about vertical transmission of HIV and associated factors among women living with HIV or AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy clinic, Western Ethiopia

Background: The United Nations Program on HIV or AIDS has committed to eliminating the vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. However, significant number of newborn and children are acquiring HIV every year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge of mother on vertical transmission of HIV and associated factors among non-pregnant women receiving antiretroviral therapy in the West Wollega, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was used on a sample of 422 non-pregnant women attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in West Wollega from 26 February to 26 March 2019. Systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and telephone interview were used to collect the data. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the knowledge of mother on vertical transmission of HIV. Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p-value less than 0.05. Result: Out of total participants, 94.1% (95% confidence interval: (91.7%, 96.2%)) of them were knowledgeable about vertical transmission of HIV. Urban resident (adjusted odds ratio: 2.36, 95% confidence interval: (1.27, 4.39)), primary school (adjusted odds ratio: 2.94, 95% confidence interval: (1.11, 7.83)), secondary school (adjusted odds ratio: 3.39, 95% confidence interval: (1.53, 7.55)), being on antiretroviral therapy for greater than 2 years (adjusted odds ratio: 2.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 6.99)), and having child living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: (1.07, 3 .83)) were significantly associated with the knowledge of mother on vertical transmission of HIV. Conclusion: The study indicated that 5.9% of the women lack knowledge about vertical transmission of HIV. This knowledge associated with sociodemographic factors, such as residence, educational status, experiences of having child living with HIV, and being on antiretroviral therapy for greater than 2 years. Thus, interventions toward the elimination of new newborn HIV infections should consider these factors.

Determinants of wasting among South Sudanese 6- to 59-month-old children in Okugo refugee camp, Gambella Region, South-Western Ethiopia: Unmatched case–control study

Introduction: Wasting among refugee children continues to be a serious public health problem particularly in conflict and in situations when people are displaced. Evidence of risk factors in the refugee context is crucial to successfully prevent malnutrition and its consequences. However, little information is known about the determinants of wasting in a refugee setting. Hence, this study was aimed to identify determinants of wasting among South Sudanese 6- to 59-month-old children in Okugo refugee camp, South-Western Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional-based unmatched case–control study was conducted on 99 acute malnutrition children (cases) and 297 children who are not malnourished (control) from 6 April to 2 May 2019. The study participant was selected by systematic random sampling and data on exposure variables were collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and was exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable analyses were done to compute summary statistics and to identify determinants of wasting. Result: The mean age of the cases and controls with standard deviation (SD) was 13.8 (±6.9) and 19.2 (±8.7) months, respectively. Multi-variable analysis revealed that mothers who were unable to read and write (adjusted odds ratio = 3.26, 95% confidence interval (1.07–7.93)), fathers only decision-maker to use donations items in the household (adjusted odds ratio = 3.75, 95% confidence interval (1.28–10.85)), not used all donated refugee food and non-food items (adjusted odds ratio = 2.57; 95% confidence interval (1.17–5.66)), the incidence of diarrhea 2 weeks preceding the survey (adjusted odds ratio = 5.28, 95% confidence interval (2.31–12.04)), and mother’s smoking habit (adjusted odds ratio = 2.98, 95% confidence interval (1.19–7.44)) were significant determinants of wasting. Conclusion: The finding shows that mothers who are unable to read and write, father only decision-maker, parents’ smoking habit, not using all donated refugee food items, and diarrheal disease were found to be independent determinants of wasting. Hence, interventions on acute malnutrition which are focused on empowering women through training and strengthening their control over the household assets, proper utilization of donated food, and non-food items will play a paramount role.