Infection
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Multicenter Study
First results of the "Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients (LEOSS)".
Knowledge regarding patients' clinical condition at severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection is sparse. Data in the international, multicenter Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients (LEOSS) cohort study may enhance the understanding of COVID-19. ⋯ The LEOSS cohort identified age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and male sex as risk factors for complicated disease stages at SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, thus confirming previous data. Further data regarding outcomes of the natural course of COVID-19 and the influence of treatment are required.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Gender differences and influenza-associated mortality in hospitalized influenza A patients during the 2018/19 season.
In this study we analyzed gender differences in the clinical presentation of patients with molecular confirmed influenza A. Additionally, we tried to identify predictors of influenza-associated mortality. ⋯ Gender is associated with differences in clinical presentation and complications of influenza A virus infection. Women with acute heart failure or aged > 75 years have an increased risk of influenza associated in-hospital mortality, while ICU admission and any malignancy are predictors for male patients. Mortality rates in patients > 75 years are 5-10 times higher compared to their non-hospitalized influenza-negative Austrian counterparts.
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According to the European Public Health Authority guidance for ending isolation in the context of COVID-19, a convalescent healthcare worker (HCW) can end their isolation at home and resume work upon clinical improvement and two negative RT-PCR tests from respiratory specimens obtained at 24-h intervals at least 8 days after the onset of symptoms. However, convalescent HCWs may shed SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA for prolonged periods. ⋯ We recommend lifting isolation if the RT-PCR Ct-value of a naso- or oropharyngeal swab sample is over 30. Positive results obtained from genes targeted with Ct-values > 30 correspond to non-viable/noninfectious particles that are still detected by RT-PCR. In case of Ct-values lower than 30, a blood sample from the patient should be tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies. If positive, non-infectiousness can also be assumed.
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The aim of our study was to assess respiratory function at the time of clinical recovery and 6 weeks after discharge in patients surviving to COVID-19 pneumonia. ⋯ These findings suggest that COVID-19 pneumonia may result in clinically relevant alterations in pulmonary function tests, with a mainly restrictive pattern.