International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2020
Observational StudyCOVID-19: Poor outcomes in patients with zinc deficiency.
Zinc is a trace element with potent immunoregulatory and antiviral properties, and is utilized in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, we do not know the clinical significance of serum Zinc levels in COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical significance of serum zinc in COVID-19 patients and to establish a correlation with disease severity. ⋯ The study data clearly show that a significant number of COVID-19 patients were zinc deficient. These zinc deficient patients developed more complications, and the deficiency was associated with a prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2020
Case ReportsCT scan does not make a diagnosis of Covid-19: A cautionary case report.
Here, we report the clinical case of a 12-year-old girl presenting with flu-like symptoms, cough, anosmia, ageusia, breathing difficulties, and patchy ground glass opacities on TDM chest scan who turned out to be Coronavirus 229E-infected. This case draws attention to the risk of false COVID-19 diagnosis when over-relying on CT scan imaging.
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To compare the mental health burden before and during the COVID-19 outbreak and identify the vulnerable groups by sociodemographic factors. ⋯ Hong Kong had a mental health emergency even with no lockdown and well-managed outbreaks. Older and under-privileged people will suffer most. Public mental health interventions are urgently needed particularly for the older adults and individuals with primary or lower education attainment.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2020
Meta AnalysisA meta-analysis of the incidence of venous thromboembolic events and impact of anticoagulation on mortality in patients with COVID-19.
The incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients with COVID-19 is generally high but varies markedly. However, the relationship between anticoagulation and mortality in patients with COVID-19 is still unclear. ⋯ In conclusion, the incidence of VTE among hospitalised COVID-19 patients was high. Clinical trials are urgently needed to evaluate the roles of prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation in COVID-19.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2020
Observational StudyRisk factors for non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: A retrospective study within a multidisciplinary approach.
To investigate risk factors for non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support (NI/I-VS) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ Temperature >38 °C, LDH > 250 U/l, and d-dimer >1000 ng/mL were found to be independent risk factors for NI/I-VS in COVID-19 patients. In order to quickly identify patients likely at risk of developing a critical illness, inflammatory markers should be assessed upon hospital admission.