Annals of medicine
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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the relocation of huge financial resources to departments dedicated to infected patients, at the expense of those suffering from other pathologies. ⋯ In the early stages of the COVID pandemic, our centre noted no statistical difference in unadjusted in-hospital mortality between COVID and non-COVID patients. Non-COVID patients had higher Charlson Comorbidity Scores, reflecting a greater disease burden in this population.Key MessagesIn March 2020, the COVID-19 disease was declared a pandemic, with enormous consequences for the organization of health systems and in terms of human lives; this has caused the relocation of huge financial resources to departments dedicated to infected patients, at the expense of those suffering from other pathologies.Few published reports have compared COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pneumonia. In our study, performed in a geographic area with a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we found few statistically significant differences in terms of clinical characteristics between the two groups analyzed.In the early stages of the COVID pandemic, our centre noted no statistical difference in unadjusted in-hospital mortality between COVID and non-COVID patients. Non-COVID patients had higher Charlson Comorbidity Scores, reflecting a greater disease burden in this population.
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Studies have demonstrated the diagnostic efficiency of antibody testing in COVID-19 infection. There is limited data on the IgM/IgG changes in asymptomatic and discharged patients with reoccurring positive nucleic acid test (RPNAT). This study aims to investigate these IgM/IgG changes. ⋯ Serum SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM/IgG antibody levels remained at a low level during hospitalisation for asymptomatic patients. Elevated IgM levels may have implications in the identification of RPNAT patients before discharge. Key messages This study determined the IgM/IgG changes in asymptomatic and RPNAT patients. The rate of serum SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM/IgG antibody levels increase in the asymptomatic group was lower than in the symptomatic group during hospitalisation. The IgM level did not decrease significantly at discharge in the RPNAT patients, and was higher than that of the Non-RPNAT group on discharge. These results highlight the importance of timely monitoring of IgM levels to identify RPNAT patients before discharge.
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Observational Study
Prediabetes as a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events.
Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is a proinflammatory process and a known risk factor for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The same inflammatory markers may be present in prediabetes (pDM); however, the relationship between pDM by HbA1c and MACE is not well studied. We sought to see if pDM increases one's risk for MACE. ⋯ Prediabetes is a risk factor for MACE. Normalization of HbA1c values appears to decrease the adjusted risk for MACE and should be the goal in patients with pDM.KEY MESSAGESPatients with prediabetes (pDM) are at increased risk for major cardiovascular events.Normalization of HbA1c in pDM patients may have a clinically significant benefit, in terms of lowering the MACE risk.Prediabetes patients who progress into diabetes mellitus may represent a particularly high-risk group.
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The current COVID-19 global pandemic continues to impact healthcare services beyond those directly related to the management of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and disease. We reviewed the published literature to assess the pandemic impact on existing global immunization activities and how the impact may be addressed. Widespread global disruption in routine childhood immunization has impacted a majority of regions and countries, especially in the initial pandemic phases. ⋯ Disruption to mass vaccination campaigns increase risk of VPD resurgence. Catch-up campaigns are necessary to limit existing shortfalls in vaccine uptake. Guidance to mitigate these effects continues to evolve.
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Taking into account the possibility of myelin-associated proteins having a role in brain tumour development, the study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of myelin-associated proteins (Nogo-A, MAG, OMgp) released into extracellular space in patients with brain tumours. ⋯ Our results indicated the potential usefulness of CSF Nogo-A and serum MAG evaluation as circulating biomarkers of primary brain tumours. Because blood is relatively easy to obtain, future research should be conducted to explicitly indicate the value of serum MAG concentration evaluation as a brain tumour biomarker.Key messagesMyelin-associated proteins may be circulating brain tumour biomarkers.Nogo-A and MAG proteins seem to be the most useful in brain tumour diagnosis.Decreased CSF Nogo-A concentration is an adverse prognostic factor for patients' survival.