Articles: sars-cov-2.
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The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, has the potential to induce the formation of antibodies that target self-antigens. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), the most common type of autoantibody, in both healthy individuals and those recovered from COVID-19. ⋯ One in every two to three individuals with COVID-19 exhibited ANA positivity, indicating that the SARS-CoV-2 virus poses a significant risk regarding autoimmunity. Furthermore, the incidence of ANA in healthy individuals was observed to be higher than the literature average.
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Since April 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has caused a notable increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases in Taiwan. During the acute phase of infection, some children required admissions to pediatric intensive care units (PICU). This study aimed to analyze their clinical presentations and outcomes while exploring associated factors. ⋯ Without available vaccinations and suitable treatment guidelines, children with COVID-19 tended to have more severe illness and prolonged LOS in the PICU. These observations highlight the importance of vaccinations and familiarity of medical providers with adequate management of this newly-emerging infectious disease.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2025
Shock prediction with dipeptidyl peptidase-3 and renin (SPiDeR) in hypoxemic patients with COVID-19.
Plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-3 (DPP3) and renin levels are associated with organ dysfunction and mortality. However, whether these biomarkers are associated with the subsequent onset of shock in at-risk patients is unknown. ⋯ In patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and hypoxemia without baseline hypotension, higher baseline plasma levels of DPP3 but not renin were associated with increased risk of subsequent shock and death.
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Observational Study
Assessing the impact of comorbidities on disease severity in COVID-19 patients requires consideration of age.
Older age and comorbidities are risk factors for increased coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, but few studies have explored their interaction. This study aimed to assess the actual impacts of these factors on disease severity in COVID-19. The enrolled COVID-19 patients were divided into 4 age subgroups (≤44, 45-59, 60-74, and ≥75 years). ⋯ When comorbidities alone were used to predict disease severity, only the predictions were consistent with real outcomes in patients aged ≥75 years, compared with the predictions of high-risk comorbidities mentioned in World Health Organization and Chinese guidelines (Kappa 0.106, P < .05). Although older age and comorbidities were risk factors for severe COVID-19, their effects on disease severity varied across age groups. Additionally, comorbidities had a greater impact on COVID-19 severity in younger patients.