جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « coronavirus disease » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

Dear Editor, Coronavirus disease (COVID‑19), a terrifying pandemic that has plagued the world for more than 2 years and continues to infect and kill people, mutations in its spheres, especially the omicron sphere, has accelerated the incidence of infection and death. According to the World Health Organization on February 25, 2022, more than 5 million COVID‑19 deaths were reported worldwide.

This study aimed to identify the clinical features and predictors of mortality in patients hospitalized with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in southern Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on patients with COVID-19 admitted to Ali Asghar Hospital in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021. All patients with a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. The required information was extracted from the patient's medical records. In this study, 619 patients with COVID-19 were included. Sixty-four patients (10.3%) died due to COVID-19, and 555 (89.7%) patients recovered. The clinical signs of breath shortness, muscle pain, low Oxygen saturation, and intubation were statistically significant between the two groups (P<0.05). The results of the multivariate logistic model showed that age >52 years, diabetes, and SaO2 level less than 90% significantly increased the risk of death in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The results of the study showed that patients with SaO2 levels less than 90% and over the age of 52 and those with diabetes had a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. Therefore, identifying COVID-19 risk factors and deaths will have important implications for clinical management and disease reduction strategies.

Background &  Endometriosis, a common disease of the female reproductive system, could affect many aspects of women’s lives. Along with many other diseases, COVID-19 has affected the diagnostic or treatment approaches towards endometriosis. This systematic review aims to investigate COVID-19 in endometriosis patients in terms of prognosis, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life during the pandemic.Materials &  Relevant studies were identified through searching for endometriosis and COVID-19 in different databases, including PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, on 17 January 2022. Peer-reviewed published articles evaluating COVID-19 and endometriosis written in English were included. Out of 115 articles, 9 manuscripts met our criteria. Endometriosis does not intensify the risk of COVID-19 infection. However, COVID-19 has changed the health care of endometriosis patients. COVID-19 has affected endometriosis patients’ life in many aspects, including their job, lifestyle, and health care. Further studies are recommended to evaluate how the pandemic has affected endometriosis patients.

Death anxiety is common in disease with a high mortality rate. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is considered a crucial factor with remarkable impact on community different age groups' mental health.

The present study aimed to determine the relationship between death anxiety and happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic among the undergraduate students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan-Iran, in 2021.

This correlational-descriptive study was conducted on 395 undergraduate students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences using convenience sampling method. Data was collected through a three-part questionnaire including demographic characteristics, Templers’s Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI). For data analysis Spearman, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in SPSS software version 26.

The results indicated that the mean (SD) scores of death anxiety and happiness were 34.04 (8.30) and 51.98 (14.43), and their median scores were 34 and 53, respectively. The death anxiety of 70.7% of the studied students was average, while the level of happiness of 40.8% of the students was average and 47.3% was high. A significant weak, inverse relationship was observed between the two variables of death anxiety and happiness (r=- 0.155, P=0.002).

The results of the study indicated a slight decrease in happiness in students with higher death anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. But considering the high prevalence of death anxiety among students, especially female and non-native ones, it is necessary to pay particular attention to decreasing death anxiety in undergraduate medical students.

To evaluate the epidemiologic pattern of intravitreal injections (IVIs) during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19) pandemic.

The records of patients receiving IVIs in two 12‑month periods immediately before and after the beginning of the COVID‑19 epidemic were included. Age, province of residency, indication, number of injections, and number of operating room (OR) visits were analyzed.

Compared to pre‑COVID period, a 37.6% decrease in the number of patients receiving IVI in COVID period was seen (10518 vs. 6569). There was a parallel decrease in the number of OR visits(25590 vs. 15010: 41.4%) and injections(34508 vs. 19879: 42.4%). Regarding IVI indication, age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) showed the highest decrease in IVI rate (46.3%) which was significantly higher than decrease in other indications (P < 0.001). Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) patients showed no change after epidemic. Mean overall age in AMD group was the highest (67.7 ± 13.2 years) compared to other indication groups (excluding ROP) (P < 0.001); while the mean age of the other indications was not significantly different from each other (excluding ROP).

COVID pandemic decreased the number of IVIs significantly. While previous studies suggested that the AMD patients had the highest risk of visual loss due to failure to receive IVIs in a timely manner, this very same group showed the highest decrease in the IVI number after pandemic. The health systems should devise strategies to protect this most vulnerable group of patients in future similar crises.

There is scarce information about the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pregnant women. The present study aimed to evaluate pregnancy’s clinical characteristics and outcomes in women with COVID-19 and their babies.

We conducted a case series study, from April 15 to May 30, 2021, including 24 cases with COVID-19 infection and their babies with a 30-day follow-up after delivery. The patients’ mean (SD) age of was 31.50 (5.69) years, and all the deliveries were in the third trimester. Fever and myalgia were the most prevalent clinical symptoms in women. Positive RTPCR test results [in 20 pateints (83.33%)], and CT scan findings [in four patients (16.67%)] confirmed the diagnosis. Moreover, 66.66% of pregnant women with COVID-19 underwent Cesarean section. Performing a Cesarean section was mostly due to obstetric indications or the mother’s request. None of the babies were positive PCR. Out of eight preterm infants, seven were admitted to the intensive care unit (NICU) for reasons other than COVID-19.

The most common obstetric outcomes were high rates of premature delivery and Cesarean section. Additionally, the most prevalent neonatal consequences were prematurity and low birth weight. There was; however, no evidence of intrauterine vertical transmission.

Severe disease onset of COVID-19 may result in alveolar injury and respiratory failure. Apoptosis and inflammation are the main causes of respiratory distress syndrome. Berberine is used in medicine as an analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral. In the current investigation, the effect of berberine on COVID-19 outpatients was studied. The present clinical trial was performed on 40 outpatients who were randomly assigned to berberine (300 mg, TID, 2 weeks) (n=19) or placebo groups (n=21). Both groups received standard therapy and they were monitored on days 3, 7, and 14 after the beginning of the therapy for clinical symptoms’ improvement, quantitative CRP, lymphopenia, CBC, and SpO2. The severity and frequency of these symptoms and the level of the parameters were statistically compared between the two groups. On days (0, 3, 7, and 14, there was no significant difference between the berberine and placebo groups in the improvement of clinical symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of smell and taste, diarrhea, dizziness, sore throat, stomachache, body aches, and body temperature), quantitative CRP, lymphopenia, WBC, neutrophils, platelets, or SpO2. Berberine (300 mg, TID, two weeks) is ineffective in treating COVID-19. More research with a larger sample size is needed to investigate different berberine dosages in other pharmaceutical formulations.

Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptor (T2Rs or TAS2Rs) found on ciliated epithelial cells and solitary chemosensory cells have a role in respiratory tract immunity. T2Rs have shown protection against SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing the innate immune response. The purpose of this review is to outline the current sphere of knowledge regarding this association.

A narrative review of the literature was done by searching (T2R38 OR bitter taste receptor) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2) keywords in PubMed and google scholar.

T2R38, an isoform of T2Rs encoded by the TAS2R38 gene, may have a potential association between phenotypic expression of T2R38 and prognosis of COVID-19. Current studies suggest that due to different genotypes and widespread distributions of T2Rs within the respiratory tract and their role in innate immunity, treatment protocols for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases may change accordingly. Based on the phenotypic expression of T2R38, it varies in innate immunity and host response to respiratory infection, systemic symptoms and hospitalization.

This review reveals that patients’ innate immune response to SARS-COV- 2 could be influenced by T2R38 receptor allelic variations.

 SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the recent pandemic. Although children are less affected by the virus, they can present with various presentations ranging from asymptomatic or fatigue and fever to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

 In this case report, we presented a case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with bilateral deep vein thromboses (DVTs) of the femoral and iliac veins as his main presentation of MIS-C, which occurred following a COVID-19 infection. A complete history was taken from the patient, and then a series of tests, including complete blood counts (CBCs), liver function tests (LFTs), and D-dimer, were performed. Bilateral doppler sonography to confirm the event and its location, as well as a decent follow-up method, were performed. Levels of anti-Xa assays followed the toxic levels of enoxaparin. The child was treated with a regimen of enoxaparin and corticosteroids, with a dosage of 1 mg/kg/12 h for both. The child was in the hospital for two weeks, after which he got better and was managed as an out-patient with a regularly scheduled appointment. Finally, once the radiologic evidence of DVTs was cleared, the patient tapered off his enoxaparin over the course of three weeks.

 Thrombotic events following COVID-19-associated MIS-C are an unlikely yet deadly event, especially in children. Prompt treatment with anticoagulants and corticosteroids alongside monitoring the patients are strongly advised.

Hospital‑onset coronavirus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19) infection has been reported and is probably linked to ineffective implementation of infection prevention and control measures. Contaminated surfaces and air are considered a key part of the transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, influenza, and other organisms in hospitals. This study aimed to assess the extent and persistence of surface contamination with COVID‑19.

It was a hospital‑based cross‑sectional study conducted for a period for 2 weeks from December 03, 2020, to December 16, 2020, in Kathua district of J and K, India. The environmental samples were taken from the patient care area that included COVID isolation ward and intensive care unit (ICU) as per the guidelines of WHO Protocol “Surface sampling of COVID‑19: A practical “how to” protocol for health care and public health professionals after seeking copyright permission from the WHO. Universal standard precautions were strictly followed. Descriptive analysis was done using the MS‑Excel and expressed in numbers and percentages.

A total of 140 surface samples were taken, 70 each from the COVID ICU and isolation ward. The results of ten samples from the ICU turned out to be positive and 20 samples were positive from the isolation ward. Eleven (78.6%) out of the 14 samples taken from the corners of the ICU and isolation ward were found to be positive.

Our study revealed surface contamination in the hospital setting both in COVID ICU and isolation ward particularly from the corners of the COVID ICU and isolation ward followed by the samples taken from the linen. Strict adherence to COVID appropriate behavior, increased frequency of disinfection in high‑risk areas, and sensitization of the staff are mandatory to minimize the infection risk.

Coronavirus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19) pandemic can aggravate the health problems in slum areas. The present study intends to examine the challenges of health protection of slum’s residences during the COVID‑19 pandemic with the Social Determinants of Health perspective, in Kerman city in Iran.

The present study was a qualitative content analysis. Data were collected by purposeful sampling in‑depth and semi‑structured interviews with 16 people. The interviews were conducted (from October to December 2020) with the local representatives of the slum’s residents, health‑care workers, managers of facilitation offices, and welfare social service centers that are located in slum areas (Interview’s guide is attached). The textual material from the interviews was entered into the MAXQDA software and directed content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Data analysis led to the identification of 4 categories (Sociocultural, Situational, Economical, and Physical environment) and 12 subcategories: Sociocultural: lack of awareness, begging culture, low trust in disease control programs, low bottom‑up planning, and increasing violence; Situational: decreasing donors’ activities and canceling important meetings; Economical: unemployment, decreasing in income, and increasing limitations of many institutions in providing resources; and Physical environment: inadequate space and inappropriate conditions in some houses and alleys for people protection against Corona viruses.

Slum residents have faced many challenges during the COVID‑19 pandemic. These challenges can affect the health of slum and other urban dwellers. Multidisciplinary thinking and actions are needed. Increase awareness and engagement slum residents in control disease programs should be considered.

To identify the psychological impact of coronavirus disease on ophthalmologists practicing in Iran between August and December 2020.

In this cross-sectional online survey, a standard Patient Health Questionnaire9 (PHQ- 9) was completed by 228 ophthalmologists who were practicing in Iran. The PHQ- 9 questionnaire was revised by adding two additional questions specifically applicable for the assessment of the psychological impact of coronavirus disease on the Iranian ophthalmologists. An organized classification regarding the assessment of different depression severities identified as no (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), or severe (15–21) was then considered for data analysis.

The mean age of our participants was 49.0 ± 15.61 years and the majority of them (67.1%) were male. Depression was discovered in 73.68% (n = 168) with different severities ranging from mild (n = 61, 26.75%), moderate (n = 63, 27.63%), and severe (n = 44, 19.3%). It was found that participants with depression were older as compared to those without depression (P = 0.038). Higher percentages of severe depression were noticed in the high-risk regions contaminated with corona virus as compared to the other low-risk regions (P = 0.003). Based on multivariable models, we determined that ophthalmologists who were somewhat concerned about their training/ profession (OR: 0.240; 95% CI: 0.086–0.672; P = 0.007) and those with no concerns about their income had lower association with depression (OR: 0.065; 95% CI: 0.005–0.91; P = 0.042).

High prevalence of depression was observed among older aged Iranian ophthalmologists living in high-risk contaminated regions who possessed serious concerns with respect to their training/profession and income. It is recommended that the health policymakers of Iran pay more attention to the ophthalmologists who experience the aforementioned factors.

More than a year after the onset of the coronavirus disease pandemic in 2019, the disease remains a major global health issue. During this time, health organizations worldwide have tried to provide integrated treatment guidelines to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at different levels. However, due to the novel nature of the disease and the emergence of new variants, medical teams' updating medical information and drug prescribing guidelines should be given special attention. This version is an updated instruction of the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD) in collaboration with a group of specialists from Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran, which is provided to update the information of caring clinicians for the treatment and care of COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

The healthcare system in India collapsed during the secondwave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A fungal epidemic was announced amid the pandemic with several cases of COVID-associated mucormycosis and pulmonary aspergillosis being reported. However, there is limited data regarding mixed fungal infections in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, we present a series of ten consecutive COVID-19 patients with mixed invasive fungal infections (MIFIs).

Among COVID-19 patients hospitalized in May 2021 at atertiary care center in North India, 10 cases of microbiologically confirmed COVID-19-associated mucormycosis-aspergillosis (CAMA) were evaluated.

All patients had diabetes and the majority of them were infected with severeCOVID-19 pneumonia (6/10, 60%) either on admission or in the past month while twowere each of moderate (20%) and mild (20%) categories of COVID-19; and were treatedwith steroid and cocktail therapy. The patients were managed with amphotericin-B along with surgical intervention. In total, 70% of all CAMA patients (Rhizopus arrhizus with Aspergillus flavus in seven and Aspergillus fumigatus complex in three patients)survived.

The study findings reflected the critical importance of a high index ofclinical suspicion and accurate microbiological diagnosis in managing invasive dualmolds and better understanding of the risk and progression of MIFIs among COVID-19patients. Careful scrutiny and identification of MIFIs play a key role in theimplementation of effective management strategies.