The American journal of the medical sciences
-
Editorial Review
An Historical Perspective of Healthcare Disparity and Infectious Disease in the Native American Population.
The incidence and severity of COVID-19 infections have been disproportionately high in Native American populations. Native Americans are a high-risk group for COVID-19 because of a variety of healthcare disparities. Historically, these populations suffered excessively during previous epidemics in the United States (US). ⋯ Other infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis A and hepatitis C are more also common. Diabetes, alcoholism and cardiovascular diseases, all risk factors for severity and mortality in COVID-19 infection, are also more common in this group. Addressing the root causes of enhanced risk in Native American populations will improve outcomes from COVID-19 and future pandemics.
-
COVID-19 is an evolving systemic inflammatory pandemic disease, predominantly affecting the respiratory system. Associated cardiovascular comorbid conditions result in severe to critical illness with mortality up to 14.8 % in octogenarians. ⋯ This review may provide further light on proper laboratory tests and therapeutic implications needed for better management of patients. The main objective of the study is to understand the pathophysiology of COVID-19 with respect to the role of endothelium so that more additional relevant treatment may be incorporated in the management protocol.