Does Ibuprofen Worsen COVID-19?

A real-world disproportionality analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system events for ibuprofen

INTRODUCTION

Ibuprofen is commonly used as an over-the-counter (OTC) antipyretic and analgesic. As the frequency of its use has increased, there has been a corresponding increase in reports of associated adverse events (AEs). However, these events have not been systematically reported in the literature. Meanwhile, the importance of effective pharmacovigilance in evaluating the benefits and risks of drugs is being recognized.

METHODS

The data was obtained indirectly from FAERS using the OpenVigil 2 database, lexically mapped using software such as MySQL, Microsoft Excel, and the R language, and then subjected to four more rigorous algorithms to detect risk signals associated with ibuprofen AEs.

RESULTS

By analyzing data from the past 18 years, 878 ibuprofen-related AEs were identified as primary AEs. Notably, unexpected reproductive system and breast diseases, etc., which were unexpected, were observed as important system organ classes (SOCs) associated with ibuprofen. Among the 651 preferred terms (PTs) that simultaneously satisfy the four arithmetic methods, renal tubular acidosis and lip oedema are proposed as new signals for ibuprofen AEs.

CONCLUSION

This study explores the important and valuable potential AEs and ADRs of ibuprofen at the SOC and PT levels, respectively. To provide a reference on decision-making for ibuprofen to promote rational clinical dosing.

Wastewater surveillance of pharmaceuticals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City and the Mezquital Valley: A comprehensive environmental risk assessment

This study tracked five pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in Mexico City's sewage, namely, famotidine, indomethacin, dexamethasone, azithromycin, and ivermectin, which were used to treat COVID-19. The monitoring campaign was carried out over 30 months (May 2020 to November 2022), covering the five COVID-19 waves in Mexico. In the Central Emitter, the main sewage outflow, famotidine displayed levels of 132.57 ± 28.16 ng L-1 (range from < LOQ to 189.1 ng L-1), followed by indomethacin (average 672.46 ± 116.4 ng L-1, range from 516.7 to 945.2 ng L-1), dexamethasone (average 610.4 ± 225.7 ng L-1, range from 233.4 to 1044.5 ng L-1), azithromycin (average 4436.2 ± 903.6 ng L-1, range from 2873.7 to 5819.6 ng L-1), and ivermectin (average 3413.3 ± 1244.6 ng L-1, range from 1219.8 to 4622.4 ng L-1). The concentrations of dexamethasone, azithromycin and ivermectin were higher in sewage from a temporary COVID-19 care unit, by a factor of 3.48, 3.52 and 2.55, respectively, compared with those found in municipal wastewater. In the effluent of the Atotonilco Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWWTP), which treats near 60 % of the Mexico City's sewage, famotidine was absent, while concentrations of indomethacin, dexamethasone, azithromycin and ivermectin were 78.2 %, 76.7 %, 74.4 %, and 88.1 % lower than those in the influent, respectively. The occurrence of PhACs in treated and untreated wastewater resulted in medium to high environmental risk since Mexico City's wastewater is reused for irrigation in the Mezquital Valley. There, PhACs were found in irrigation canals at lower levels than those observed in Mexico City throughout the monitoring. On the other hand, famotidine, indomethacin, and dexamethasone were not found in surface water resulting from the infiltration of wastewater through soil in Mezquital Valley, while azithromycin and ivermectin sporadically appeared in surface water samples collected through 2021. Using an optimized risk assessment based on a semi-probabilistic approach, the PhACs were prioritized as ivermectin > azithromycin > dexamethasone > famotidine > indomethacin.

The Abuse and Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medicines During COVID-19

The abuse and misuse of OTC medicines is a common problem in community pharmacies and is expected to escalate during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited research on the patterns, causes, and consequences of these incidents during the pandemic. This article aims to provide evidence-based insights into the potential impact of COVID-19 on the abuse and misuse of OTC medicines, and suggest strategies for reducing these occurrences for pharmacy practitioners and healthcare managers.

Ibuprofen, other NSAIDs and COVID-19: a narrative review

At the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March 2020), there was speculation that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, used to manage some of the symptoms of COVID-19, could increase the susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and negatively impact clinical outcomes. In the absence of any robust mechanistic and clinical evidence, this speculation led to confusion about the safety of ibuprofen, contributing to the so-called 'infodemic' surrounding COVID-19. A wealth of evidence has been generated in subsequent years, and this narrative review aims to consider the body of in vitro and in vivo research, observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, in COVID-19. Overall, the direction of evidence supports that NSAIDs do not increase susceptibility to infection, nor worsen disease outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Neither do they impact the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines. There is no basis to limit the use of NSAIDs, and doing so may deprive patients of effective self-care measures to control symptoms.

Effects of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Gastroprotective NSAIDs on the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Narrative Review

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. However, their use is often associated with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) side effects due to the inhibition of both cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymes, leading to a decrease in gastroprotective prostaglandins (PG). To minimize these adverse effects, various approaches have been explored, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, NO-NSAIDs (nitric oxide-releasing NSAIDs), and dual COX/LOX (lipoxygenase) NSAIDs. However, the effects of these gastroprotective NSAIDs on the GIT and their efficacy remains uncertain. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the effects of traditional NSAIDs and gastroprotective NSAIDs on GIT. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of GIT damage caused by NSAIDs, including mucosal injury, ulceration, and bleeding, and the potential of gastroprotective NSAIDs to mitigate these effects. We also summarize recent studies on the efficacy and safety of various gastroprotective NSAIDs and highlight the limitations and challenges of these approaches. The review concludes with recommendations for future research in this field.

Characterization of Potential Intoxications with Medicines in a Regional Setting

The Portuguese Poison Information Center (from Portuguese—CIAV) is a call center that offers medical assistance in case of possible intoxication with any kind of product, including medicines. This center´s main goal is to inform and guide the general public and health professionals. This work aimed to analyze and compare data corresponding to the telephone calls from the Algarve region (South of Portugal), received by CIAV during 2019 and 2020, regarding potential intoxications with medicines. To this end, data provided by CIAV on possible cases of medication intoxication in the Algarve region were collected, including the number of calls received, the place of origin of the call, the age group and sex of the intoxicated individual, the route of exposure to the drug, the circumstances of contact with the substance, the existence of symptoms, and the drug or drugs involved in the potential intoxication. The results showed that the number of cases slightly decreased in 2020 (n = 1261) compared with 2019 (n = 1340), with a high number of cases of intoxication in children between one and four years old in both years (21.2%; n = 152 in 2019; 16.4%; n = 115 in 2020). The drugs belonging to the locomotor system group (paracetamol and ibuprofen) were the main drugs involved, followed by the central nervous system pharmacotherapeutic group, namely benzodiazepines (diazepam and alprazolam). Paracetamol was the main drug responsible for the calls to CIAV (n = 71 in 2019; n = 63 in 2020), while for the remaining drugs there were fluctuations in their positions between both years. In some cases, this swinging may be explained by the possible changes in therapy due to potential interactions with drugs used for the treatment of symptoms of COVID-19 or perhaps related to misleading information released by the media about the use of some drugs, such as ibuprofen, during lockdown periods. Although there has been a decrease in calls to report possible drug intoxication in the Algarve region, the profile of calls was very similar. Paracetamol was the drug with the highest number of reported cases and the group of psychotropic drugs showed the largest increase between 2019 and 2020.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Viral Infections Disease, Specially COVID-19

During the current SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, some reports were presented based on those nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids may exacerbate symptoms in COVID-19 patients. According to this, we aimed to collate information available in published articles to identify any evidence behind these statements with the aim of helping clinicians on how best to treat patients. We could not find published conclusive evidence for or against the use of NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, there appeared to be some evidence that corticosteroids may be beneficial if utilized in the early acute phase of infection, however, conflicting WHO (World Health Organization) evidence surrounding corticosteroid use in certain viral infections means this evidence is not conclusive. Given the current availability of literature, caution should be exercised until further evidence emerges surrounding the use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients. However, the availability of reliable information for clinicians and patients is paramount.

Effect of the Duration of NSAID Use on COVID-19

Background and Objectives: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control pain and fever. However, their effect on COVID-19 infected patients has not been fully studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of the duration of NSAIDs use on COVID-19 infection and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: In South Korea, 25,739 eligible patients who received COVID-19 testing between 1 January and 31 July 2020, were included in this retrospective observational cohort analysis. Based on the date of the first COVID-19 test for each patient, NSAID prescription dates were used to separate patients into two groups (short-term group: <2 weeks; long-term group: 8−12 weeks). COVID-19 infectivity and clinical outcomes were analyzed. We used the propensity score-matching (PSM) method. Results: Of the 580 patients who had taken NSAIDs before the date of COVID-19 test, 534 and 46 patients were grouped in the short- and long-term NSAID-use groups, respectively. We did not find a statistically significant increased risk of COVID-19 infection (adjustment for age and sex, p = 0.413; adjustment for age, sex, region of residence, comorbidity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and current use of medication, p = 0.259) or change in clinical outcomes, including conventional oxygen therapy, admission of intensive care unit, artificial ventilation, or death, between the two groups in which the PSM method was applied. Conclusions: The duration of NSAIDs use did not have a statistically significant effect on COVID-19 infectivity or clinical outcomes. However, further studies looking at clinical presentation and laboratory test results in a large number of people should be performed.

Prostaglandins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Covid-19

In response to different viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and bioactive lipids are released from infected and immune cells. One of the most critical bioactive lipids is prostaglandins (PGs) which favor perseverance of inflammation leading to chronic inflammation as PGs act as cytokine amplifiers. PGs trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activate Th cells, recruit immune cells, and increase the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Therefore, PGs may induce acute and chronic inflammations in various inflammatory disorders and viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. PGs are mainly inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes (COXs), which involve PG synthesis. NSAIDs reduce inflammation by selective or non-selective blocking activity of COX2 or COX1/2, respectively. In the Covid-19 era, there is a tremendous controversy regarding the use of NSAIDs in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection. As well, the possible role of PGs in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is not well-defined. Thus, the objective of the present study is to review the potential role of PGs and NSAIDs in Covid-19 in a narrative review regarding the preponderance of assorted views.

Connecting the dots between inflammatory cascades of obesity and COVID-19 in light of mortal consequences-a review

Obesity is a term that has recently been referred to describe a condition in which a person has become a diseased vessel. Obesity's internal pathology is too mysterious as it has a close resemblance with fatal diseases pathology. Obesity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are simultaneous epidemics declared by many organizations after observing their rampage in the recent world. Oxidative stress, cytokine storm, interleukin, and their contribution to the internal adipocyte environment implicated in the cascades of inflammatory pathology are portrayed here. Major determinants like angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) axis are highly sensitive molecular factors. Data from various countries suggested a clinical overview of how greater body mass index (BMI) is related to greater COVID-19 risk. It also gives insight into how obese individuals are obligately getting admitted and combating COVID-19 in intensive care unit including children less than 13 years of age under ultimate therapeutic options. There are numerous studies currently taking place for finding a cure for obesity which are mainly focused on natural resources and novel therapies like photobiomodulation (PBM) consisting of laser treatment, infrared treatment, etc. as current pharmacological treatments are reported to have fatal adverse effects. Finally, it is discussed how attenuating obesity will be a solution for future combat strategy. This review gives light on the areas of coagulation, inflammatory parameters, cardiometabolic complications, endothelial dysfunctions, immunological infirmity due to COVID-19 in obese individuals. A conceptual outline about correlation between the inflammatory pathophysiological steps triggering the aggravation of fatal consequences has been drawn in this review.

Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Degradations of Analgesic, Mucolytic and Anti-Biotic/Viral/Inflammatory Drugs Widely Used in Controlling SARS-CoV-2

The COVID-19 pandemic has been transformed into one of the main worldwide challenges, in recent years. For controlling symptoms that are caused by this disease (e.g., chills or fever, shortness of breath and/or difficulty in breathing, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, the new loss of tastes and/or smells, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea), lots of medicines including analgesics, mucolytics, and anti-biotic/viral/inflammatory drugs have been frequently prescribed. As these medicines finally contaminate terrestrial and aquatic habitats by entering surface waterways through pharmaceutical production and excreting trace amounts of waste after human usage, they have negative impacts on wildlife’s health and ecosystem. Residual drugs in water have the potential to harm aquatic creatures and disrupt their food chain as well as the breeding cycle. Therefore, proper degradation of these broadly used medicines is highly crucial. In this work, the use of nanomaterials applicable in photocatalytic degradations of analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), mucolytics (e.g., ambroxol), antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin and quinolones including hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine phosphate), anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids (e.g., dexamethasone and cortisone acetate), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine), anthelmintics (e.g., praziquantel), and finally antivirals (e.g., ivermectin, acyclovir, lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir, nitazoxanide, and remdesivir) which widely used in controlling/treating the coronavirus have been reviewed and discussed.

Antiinflammation Derived Suzuki-Coupled Fenbufens as COX-2 Inhibitors: Minilibrary Construction and Bioassay

A small fenbufen library comprising 18 compounds was prepared via Suzuki Miyara coupling. The five-step preparations deliver 9–17% biphenyl compounds in total yield. These fenbufen analogs exert insignificant activity against the IL-1 release as well as inhibiting cyclooxygenase 2 considerably. Both the para-amino and para-hydroxy mono substituents display the most substantial COX-2 inhibition, particularly the latter one showing a comparable activity as celecoxib. The most COX-2 selective and bioactive disubstituted compound encompasses one electron-withdrawing methyl and one electron-donating fluoro groups in one arene. COX-2 is selective but not COX-2 to bioactive compounds that contain both two electron-withdrawing groups; disubstituted analogs with both resonance-formable electron-donating dihydroxy groups display high COX-2 activity but inferior COX-2 selectivity. In silico simulation and modeling for three COX-2 active—p-fluoro, p-hydroxy and p-amino—fenbufens show a preferable docking to COX-2 than COX-1. The most stabilization by the p-hydroxy fenbufen with COX-2 predicted by theoretical simulation is consistent with its prominent COX-2 inhibition resulting from experiments.

Drugs Modulating Renin-Angiotensin System in COVID-19 Treatment

A massive worldwide vaccination campaign constitutes the main tool against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, drug treatments are also necessary. Antivirals are the most frequently considered treatments. However, strategies targeting mechanisms involved in disease aggravation may also be effective. A major role of the tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathophysiology and severity of COVID-19 has been suggested. The main link between RAS and COVID-19 is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a central RAS component and the primary binding site for SARS-CoV-2 that facilitates the virus entry into host cells. An initial suggestion that the susceptibility to infection and disease severity may be enhanced by angiotensin type-1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) because they increase ACE2 levels, led to the consideration of discontinuing treatments in thousands of patients. More recent experimental and clinical data indicate that ACEIs and, particularly, ARBs can be beneficial for COVID-19 outcome, both by reducing inflammatory responses and by triggering mechanisms (such as ADAM17 inhibition) counteracting viral entry. Strategies directly activating RAS anti-inflammatory components such as soluble ACE2, Angiotensin 1-7 analogues, and Mas or AT2 receptor agonists may also be beneficial. However, while ACEIs and ARBs are cheap and widely used, the second type of strategies are currently under study.

Ibuprofen, Flurbiprofen, Etoricoxib or Paracetamol Do Not Influence ACE2 Expression and Activity In Vitro or in Mice and Do Not Exacerbate In-Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection

SARS-CoV-2 uses the human cell surface protein angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the receptor by which it gains access into lung and other tissue. Early in the pandemic, there was speculation that a number of commonly used medications—including ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—have the potential to upregulate ACE2, thereby possibly facilitating viral entry and increasing the severity of COVID-19. We investigated the influence of the NSAIDS with a range of cyclooxygenase (COX)1 and COX2 selectivity (ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, etoricoxib) and paracetamol on the level of ACE2 mRNA/protein expression and activity as well as their influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection levels in a Caco-2 cell model. We also analysed the ACE2 mRNA/protein levels and activity in lung, heart and aorta in ibuprofen treated mice. The drugs had no effect on ACE2 mRNA/protein expression and activity in the Caco-2 cell model. There was no up-regulation of ACE2 mRNA/protein expression and activity in lung, heart and aorta tissue in ibuprofen-treated mice in comparison to untreated mice. Viral load was significantly reduced by both flurbiprofen and ibuprofen at high concentrations. Ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, etoricoxib and paracetamol demonstrated no effects on ACE2 expression or activity in vitro or in vivo. Higher concentrations of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro.

Bridging-BPs: a novel approach to predict potential drug-target interactions based on a bridging heterogeneous graph and BPs2vec

Predicting drug-target interactions (DTIs) is a convenient strategy for drug discovery. Although various computational methods have been put forward in recent years, DTIs prediction is still a challenging task. In this paper, based on indirect prior information (we term them as mediators), we proposed a new model, called Bridging-BPs (bridging paths), for DTIs prediction. Specifically, we regarded linkage process between mediators and DTs (drugs and proteins) as 'bridging' and source (drug)-mediators-destination (protein) as bridging paths. By integrating various bridging paths, we constructed a bridging heterogeneous graph for DTIs. After that, an improved graph-embedding algorithm-BPs2vec-was designed to capture deep topological features underlying the bridging graph, thereby obtaining the low-dimensional node vector representations. Then, the vector representations were fed into a Random Forest classifier to train and score the probability, outputting the final classification results for potential DTIs. Under 5-fold cross validation, our method obtained AUPR of 88.97% and AUC of 88.63%, suggesting that Bridging-BPs could effectively mine the link relationships hidden in indirect prior information and it significantly improved the accuracy and robustness of DTIs prediction without direct prior information. Finally, we confirmed the practical prediction ability of Bridging-BPs by case studies.

Databases, DrugBank, and virtual screening platforms for therapeutic development

The upsurge of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has turned into a global health disaster. Many remodeled medications were suggested for treatment in the early stages of this pandemic, but these dosages afterward came across with distinct offshoots. Thus, these consequences compelled the scientists to develop new drugs using various antiviral, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and phytochemical compounds. A handful of drugs have been scrutinized in silico, in vitro, plus through human trials such as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents and made available as various databases by various scientific communities. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic databases are designed to allay difficulties associated with this scenario. Some of the popular databases are GESS (global evaluation of SARS-CoV-2/HCoV-19 sequences) which gives a thorough study of data based on tenfold of thousands of complete coverage and quality of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, CORona Drug InTERactions (CORDITE) database for SARS-CoV-2 which profoundly combines the understanding of potential drugs and make it available for scientists and medicos. SARSCOVIDB set one’s sights to merge all differential gene expression data, at mRNA and protein levels, helping to accelerate analysis and research on the molecular impact of covid-19. This chapter aims to provide a piece of complete information about the SARS-CoV-2 virus databases, potentially available drugs, and virtual screening methods. And also provides a different webserver to reach out for information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its future.

Evaluation of Jordan's citizens' awareness of the emerging Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease: A mixed analysis of the symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures

This study aimed to evaluate Jordan citizens' awareness, knowledge, and practice concerning Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) symptoms, routes of transmission, and preventive measures. An online self-administered questionnaire was filled out completely by participants (N = 328) from mainly four major cities in Jordan during the period beginning of May-end of September 2020. Participants' main sources of knowledge about COVID-19 were the government websites (87.8%), social media (87.5%), and Television (TV) (81.1%). The majority of participants valued the drizzle of cough from infected individuals (96.3%), direct contact with contaminated surfaces (91.5%), and direct contact with infected individuals (84.5%) as the highest rates of the route of transmission. The highest rates chosen as symptoms of COVID-19 viral infections were high-grade fever (99.1%), troublesome breathing (96.6%), coughing (92.7%), headache (91.2%), and loss of smell and taste (80.8%). The majority of participants (>92%) strongly agreed on the behavioral protective measures such as no face touching, wearing a mask, the use of alcoholic hand disinfectants, and the need for self-isolation. This study showed that the Jordanian citizens were aware of the epidemiology of COVID-19 and related infection preventive measures. This agrees well with the efforts done by the Ministry of health and governmental organizations to spread the necessary information about the virus among citizens.

Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 entry, inflammation and new therapeutics in human lung tissue cells

The development of physiological models that reproduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary human cells will be instrumental to identify host-pathogen interactions and potential therapeutics. Here, using cell suspensions directly from primary human lung tissues (HLT), we have developed a rapid platform for the identification of viral targets and the expression of viral entry factors, as well as for the screening of viral entry inhibitors and anti-inflammatory compounds. The direct use of HLT cells, without long-term cell culture and in vitro differentiation approaches, preserves main immune and structural cell populations, including the most susceptible cell targets for SARS-CoV-2; alveolar type II (AT-II) cells, while maintaining the expression of proteins involved in viral infection, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147 and AXL. Further, antiviral testing of 39 drug candidates reveals a highly reproducible method, suitable for different SARS-CoV-2 variants, and provides the identification of new compounds missed by conventional systems, such as VeroE6. Using this method, we also show that interferons do not modulate ACE2 expression, and that stimulation of local inflammatory responses can be modulated by different compounds with antiviral activity. Overall, we present a relevant and rapid method for the study of SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 chez les patients atteints de rhumatismes inflammatoires chroniques en France : caractéristiques cliniques, facteurs de risque et maintien thérapeutique

Objectif

Évaluer comment les patients présentant un rhumatisme inflammatoire chronique ont fait face à l’épidémie de COVID-19 concernant leur maladie et identifier des facteurs de risque d’infection à SARS-CoV-2 chez ces patients.

Méthodes

Les patients suivis dans un service de rhumatologie français ou inscrits sur la plateforme sécurisée d’e-médecine Spondy+ ont été invités à remplir un questionnaire portant sur la présence de symptômes du COVID-19, sur les résultats des tests diagnostiques et les modifications de traitement durant la période de confinement. Les réponses au questionnaire ont été rapportées à l’aide de statistiques descriptives. Les facteurs associés au risque de COVID-19 et à un arrêt de traitement à visée rhumatologique ont été évalués à l’aide d’une régression logistique.

Résultats

Sur les 2081 questionnaires envoyés, nous avons obtenu 655 réponses provenant de 474 patients atteints de spondyloarthrite (SpA), 129 de polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR) et 52 de rhumatisme psoriasique (RP). La moyenne d’âge était de 51 ans ± 13,4 ans avec une prédominance féminine (61,8 %). L’incidence de COVID-19 était de 6,9 % (IC 95 % : 5,1–9,2 %), avec 12 cas confirmés par PCR et 33 fortes suspicions. Cinq patients ont nécessité une hospitalisation dont un en unité de soins intensifs et aucun décès n’a été constaté. Les facteurs indépendamment associés à un risque d’infection étaient une notion de contage au SARS-CoV-2, un jeune âge, et l’absence d’intoxication tabagique. Plus de 30 % des patients rapportaient avoir suspendu ou arrêté au moins un traitement de leur rhumatisme inflammatoire durant la période de confinement, la plupart par peur d’une contamination (79,3 %). Parmi ceux-ci, 63,4 % ont rapporté une majoration de l’activité de leur maladie.

Conclusion

Notre étude ne montre pas d’augmentation de l’incidence ou de la sévérité de COVID-19 chez les patients présentant un rhumatisme inflammatoire chronique. Elle apporte des arguments en faveur de la sécurité des traitements anti-rhumatismaux en période épidémique.

Drug-based therapeutic strategies for COVID-19-infected patients and their challenges

Emerging epidemic-prone diseases have introduced numerous health and economic challenges in recent years. Given current knowledge of COVID-19, herd immunity through vaccines alone is unlikely. In addition, vaccination of the global population is an ongoing challenge. Besides, the questions regarding the prevalence and the timing of immunization are still under investigation. Therefore, medical treatment remains essential in the management of COVID-19. Herein, recent advances from beginning observations of COVID-19 outbreak to an understanding of the essential factors contributing to the spread and transmission of COVID-19 and its treatment are reviewed. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion on the epidemiological aspects, clinical symptoms and most efficient medical treatment strategies to mitigate the mortality and spread rates of COVID-19 is presented.

Home pharmacological therapy in early COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization and reduce mortality: Time for a suitable proposal

The COVID‐19 pandemic is a highly dramatic concern for mankind. In Italy, the pandemic exerted its major impact throughout the period of February to June 2020. To date, the awkward amount of more than 134,000 deaths has been reported. Yet, post‐mortem autopsy was performed on a very modest number of patients who died from COVID‐19 infection, leading to a first confirmation of an immune‐thrombosis of the lungs as the major COVID‐19 pathogenesis, likewise for SARS. Since then (June–August 2020), no targeted early therapy considering this pathogenetic issue was approached. The patients treated with early anti‐inflammatory, anti‐platelet, anticoagulant and antibiotic therapy confirmed that COVID‐19 was an endothelial inflammation with immuno‐thrombosis. Patients not treated or scarcely treated with the most proper and appropriate therapy and in the earliest, increased the hospitalization rate in the intensive care units and also mortality, due to immune‐thrombosis from the pulmonary capillary district and alveoli. The disease causes widespread endothelial inflammation, which can induce damage to various organs and systems. Therapy must be targeted in this consideration, and in this review, we demonstrate how early anti‐inflammatory therapy may treat endothelia inflammation and immune‐thrombosis caused by COVID‐19, by using drugs we are going to recommend in this paper.

A Review of Platelet-Activating Factor As a Potential Contributor to Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Severe COVID-19

The precise mechanisms of pathology in severe COVID-19 remains elusive. Current evidence suggests that inflammatory mediators are responsible for the manifestation of clinical symptoms that precedes a fatal response to infection. This review examines the nature of platelet activating factor and emphasizes the similarities between the physiological effects of platelet activating factor and the clinical complications of severe COVID-19.

Utilization of drugs with reports on potential efficacy or harm on COVID-19 before, during, and after the first pandemic wave

PURPOSE

Conflicting information on potential benefits of drugs as well as reports on hypothetical harm of commonly used drugs in COVID-19 treatment have challenged clinicians and healthcare systems. We analyzed the change in ambulatory drug utilization before, during, and after the first wave of the pandemic in 2020.

METHODS

We explored dispensing data of nearly 19 000 pharmacies at the expense of the statutory health insurance funds covering 88% of Germany's population. We analyzed utilization of publicly discussed drugs with conflicting information. Drug utilization as number of packages dispensed per week from January to June 2020, reflecting 314 million claims, was compared with 2019.

RESULTS

Utilization of hydroxychloroquine increased +110% during March 2020 and then slightly decreased until week April 13-19. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and simvastatin/atorvastatin increased, +78% and +74%, respectively, and subsequently decreased below 2019 levels. Utilization of azithromycin and all systemic antibiotics decreased continuously from March 2-8 until June to levels considerably lower compared to 2019 (June 22-28: azithromycin: -55%, all systemic antibiotics: -27%). Pneumococcal vaccines utilization initially increased +373%, followed by supply shortages. Paracetamol utilization showed an initial increase of +111%, mainly caused by an increase of over-the-counter dispensings.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from the pandemic itself, the data suggest that dissemination of misinformation and unsound speculations as well as supply shortages influenced drug prescribing, utilization, and purchasing behavior. The findings can inform post-pandemic policy to prevent unfounded over- and underprescribing and off-label use as well as drug shortages during a public health crisis.

Pharmacotherapeutic approach toward urological medications and vaccination during COVID-19: a narrative review

One year after the prevalence of the novel coronavirus pandemic, some aspects of the physiopathology, treatment and progression of coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) have remained unknown. Since no comprehensive study on the use of urological medications in patients with COVID-19 has been carried out, this narrative review aimed to focus on clinically important issues about the treatment of COVID-19 and urologic medications regarding efficacy, modifications, side effects and interactions in different urologic diseases. In this review, we provide information about the pharmacotherapeutic approach toward urologic medications in patients with COVID-19 infection. This study provides an overview of medications in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, impotence and sexual dysfunction, urolithiasis, kidney transplantation and hypertension as the most frequent diseases in which the patients are on long-term medications. Also, the effect of urologic drugs on the efficacy of vaccination is briefly discussed.

How can real-world evidence aid decision making during the life cycle of nonprescription medicines?

Real-world evidence (RWE) is an emerging scientific discipline which is being increasingly utilized for decision making on prescription-only medicines. However, there has been little focus to date on the application of RWE within the nonprescription sector. This paper reviews the existing and potential applications of RWE for nonprescription medicines, using the nonprescription medicine life cycle as a framework for discussion. Relevant sources of real-world data (RWD) are reviewed and compared with those available for prescribed medicines. Existing life-cycle data gaps are identified where RWE is required or where use of RWE can complement data from randomized controlled trials. Published RWE examples relating to nonprescription medicines are summarized, and potential relevant future sources of RWD discussed. Challenges and limitations to the use of RWE on nonprescription medicines are discussed, and recommendations made to promote optimal and appropriate use of RWE in this sector. Overall, RWE currently plays a key role in specific phases of the nonprescription medicine life cycle, including reclassification and postmarketing safety surveillance. The increasing availability of patient-generated health data is likely to further increase the utilization of RWE to aid decision making on nonprescription medicines.

NSAIDs and COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been discouraged for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, fearing that they could increase the risk of infection or the severity of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Original studies providing information on exposure to NSAIDs and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes were retrieved and were included in a descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis with Cochrane Revue Manager (REVMAN 5.4), using inverse variance odds ratio (OR) with random- or fixed-effects models.

Results

Of 92,853 papers mentioning COVID-19, 266 mentioned NSAIDs and 61 mentioned ibuprofen; 19 papers had analysable data. Three papers described NSAID exposure and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity, five papers described the risk of hospital admission in positive patients, 10 papers described death, and six papers described severe composite outcomes. Five papers studied exposure to ibuprofen and death. Using random-effects models, there was no excess risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity (OR 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–1.05). In SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, exposure to NSAIDs was not associated with excess risk of hospital admission (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80–1.17), death (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80–0.98), or severe outcomes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.90–1.44). With ibuprofen, there was no increased risk of death (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78–1.13). Using a fixed-effect model did not modify the results, nor did the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The theoretical risks of NSAIDs or ibuprofen in SARS-CoV-2 infection are not confirmed by observational data.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40264-021-01089-5.

Abnormal Liver Biochemistry Tests and Acute Liver Injury in COVID-19 Patients: Current Evidence and Potential Pathogenesis

Globally, millions of persons have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) over the past several months, resulting in significant mortality. Health care systems are negatively impacted including the care of individuals with cancers and other chronic diseases such as chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There are various probable pathogenic mechanisms that have been presented to account for liver injury in COVID-19 patients such as hepatotoxicity cause by therapeutic drugs, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection of the bile duct cells and hepatocytes, hypoxia and systemic inflammatory response. Liver biochemistry tests such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are deranged in COVID-19 patients with liver injury. Hepatocellular damage results in the elevation of serum AST and ALT levels in early onset disease while a cholestatic pattern that develops as the disease progress causes higher levels of ALP, GGT, direct and total bilirubin. These liver biochemistry tests are prognostic markers of disease severity and should be carefully monitored in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a systematic review of abnormal liver biochemistry tests in COVID-19 and the possible pathogenesis involved. Significant findings regarding the severity, hepatocellular pattern, incidence and related clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients are highlighted.

Comparative Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Salix Cortex Extracts and Acetylsalicylic Acid in SARS-CoV-2 Peptide and LPS-Activated Human In Vitro Systems

The usefulness of anti-inflammatory drugs as an adjunct therapy to improve outcomes in COVID-19 patients is intensely discussed in this paper. Willow bark (Salix cortex) has been used for centuries to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. Its main active ingredient, salicin, is metabolized in the human body into salicylic acid, the precursor of the commonly used pain drug acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Here, we report on the in vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy of two methanolic Salix extracts, standardized to phenolic compounds, in comparison to ASA in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 peptide challenge. Using SARS-CoV-2 peptide/IL-1β- or LPS-activated human PBMCs and an inflammatory intestinal Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture, Salix extracts, and ASA concentration-dependently suppressed prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), a principal mediator of inflammation. The inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity, but not protein expression was observed for ASA and one Salix extract. In activated PBMCs, the suppression of relevant cytokines (i.e., IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10) was seen for both Salix extracts. The anti-inflammatory capacity of Salix extracts was still retained after transepithelial passage and liver cell metabolism in an advanced co-culture model system consisting of intestinal Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells and differentiated hepatocyte-like HepaRG cells. Taken together, our in vitro data suggest that Salix extracts might present an additional anti-inflammatory treatment option in the context of SARS-CoV-2 peptides challenge; however, more confirmatory data are needed.

Targeting cyclooxygenase enzyme for the adjuvant COVID-19 therapy

Despite vigorous efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the global health. The contemporary therapeutic regime focused on the viral spike proteins, viral 3CL protease enzyme, immunomodulation, inhibition of viral replication, and providing a symptomatic relief encouraged the repurposing of drugs to meet the urgency of treatment. Similarly, the representative drugs that proved beneficial to alleviate SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, HIV, ZIKV, H1N1, and malarial infection in the past presented a sturdy candidature for ameliorating the COVID-19 therapeutic doctrine. However, most of the deliberations for developing effective pharmaceuticals proved inconsequential, thereby encouraging the identification of new pathways, and novel pharmaceuticals for capping the COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 contagion encompasses a burst release of the cytokines that increase the severity of the infection mainly due to heightened immunopathogenicity. The pro-inflammatory metabolites, COX-2, cPLA2, and 5-LOX enzymes involved in their generation, and the substrates that instigate the origination of the innate inflammatory response therefore play an important role in intensifying and worsening of the tissue morbidity related to the coronavirus infection. The deployment of representative drugs for inhibiting these overexpressed immunogenic pathways in the tissues invaded by coronaviruses has been a matter of debate since the inception of the pandemic. The effectiveness of NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Indomethacin, Diclofenac, and Celecoxib in COVID-19 coagulopathy, discouraging the SARS viral replication, the inflammasome deactivation, and synergistic inhibition of H5N1 viral infection with representative antiviral drugs respectively, have provided a silver lining in adjuvant COVID-19 therapy. Since the anti-inflammatory NSAIDs and COXIBs mainly function by reversing the COX-2 overexpression to modulate the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, these drugs present a robust treatment option for COVID-19 infection. This commentary succinctly highlights the various claims that support the status of immunomodulatory NSAIDs, and COXIBs in the adjuvant COVID-19 therapy.

Management of COVID-19 in patients with seizures: Mechanisms of action of potential COVID-19 drug treatments and consideration for potential drug-drug interactions with anti-seizure medications

In regard to the global pandemic of COVID-19, it seems that persons with epilepsy (PWE) are not more vulnerable to get infected by SARS-CoV-2, nor are they more susceptible to a critical course of the disease. However, management of acute seizures in patients with COVID-19 as well as management of PWE and COVID-19 needs to consider potential drug-drug interactions between antiseizure drugs and candidate drugs currently assessed as therapeutic options for COVID-19. Repurposing of several licensed and investigational drugs is discussed for therapeutic management of COVID-19. While for none of these approaches, efficacy and tolerability has been confirmed yet in sufficiently powered and controlled clinical studies, testing is ongoing with multiple clinical trials worldwide. Here, we have summarized the possible mechanisms of action of drugs currently considered as potential therapeutic options for COVID-19 management along with possible and confirmed drug-drug interactions that should be considered for a combination of antiseizure drugs and COVID-19 candidate drugs. Our review suggests that potential drug-drug interactions should be taken into account with drugs such as chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir while remdesivir and tocilizumab may be less prone to clinically relevant interactions with ASMs.

Population-level interest in anti-rheumatic drugs in the COVID-19 era: insights from Google Trends

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE

The general public may utilize online information through search engines for implications and risks of some anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs have been used in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and associated inflammatory sequelae or cytokine storm of infection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the population-level interest in anti-rheumatic drugs during the COVID-19 era, by analyzing changes in Google search frequency data.

METHOD

To obtain the relative search volume (RSV) of anti-rheumatic drugs, we queried Google Trends for 78 search terms representing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, antigout agents, conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunosuppressants, biologics, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors within the USA. Three 8-week periods in 2020 (March 15-May 9), (May 10-July 4), and (July 5-August 29) representing the initial- and short-term periods were compared to overlapping periods of the preceding 3 years (2017-2019).

RESULTS

We found statistically significant increases in RSV for colchicine, hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab (and its brand name-Actemra), and anakinra, and statistically significant decreases among brand names of immunosuppressive agents (i.e., mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, cyclosporine) during both the initial- and short-term COVID-19 periods as compared to overlapping periods of the preceding 3 years.

CONCLUSION

There were significant increases in RSV of colchicine, hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, and anakinra during both initial- and short-term COVID-19 periods when compared to overlapping periods of the preceding 3 years reflecting a heightened level of information-seeking on these drugs during the pandemic. Rheumatologists should address this increase in informational demand. Further research assessing medium- and long-term interest in anti-rheumatic drugs is required to increase our knowledge on this new pandemic. Key Points •This study was aimed to investigate the population-level interest in anti-rheumatic drugs in the COVID-19 era, by analyzing changes in Google search frequency data. •Significant increases were seen in relative searches for colchicine, hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, and anakinra during both initial and short-term COVID-19 periods when compared to similar periods of 2017-2019 reflecting a heightened level of information-seeking on these drugs during the pandemic. •Rheumatologists should address this increase in informational demand for colchicine, hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, and anakinra.

Rationales and uncertainties for aspirin use in COVID-19: a narrative review

Objectives

To review the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease, potential aspirin targets on this pathogenesis and the potential role of aspirin in patients with COVID-19.

Design

Narrative review.

Setting

The online databases PubMed, OVID Medline and Cochrane Library were searched using relevant headlines from 1 January 2016 to 1 January 2021. International guidelines from relevant societies, journals and forums were also assessed for relevance.

Participants

Not applicable.

Results

A review of the selected literature revealed that clinical deterioration in COVID-19 is attributed to the interplay between endothelial dysfunction, coagulopathy and dysregulated inflammation. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory effects, antiplatelet aggregation, anticoagulant properties as well as pleiotropic effects on endothelial function. During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-dose aspirin is used effectively in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee replacement, prevention of pre-eclampsia and postdischarge treatment for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Prehospital low-dose aspirin therapy may reduce the risk of intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation in hospitalised patients with COVID-19, whereas aspirin association with mortality is still debatable.

Conclusion

The authors recommend a low-dose aspirin regimen for primary prevention of arterial thromboembolism in patients aged 40–70 years who are at high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, or an intermediate risk with a risk-enhancer and have a low risk of bleeding. Aspirin’s protective roles in COVID-19 associated with acute lung injury, vascular thrombosis without previous cardiovascular disease and mortality need further randomised controlled trials to establish causal conclusions.

Indomethacin: Can It Counteract Bradykinin Effects in COVID-19 Patients?

COVID-19 represents the biggest health challenge. Although the mortality rate of COVID-19 is low, the high numbers of infected people and those with post-COVID-19 symptoms represent a real problem for the health system. A high number of patients with COVID-19 or people recovered from COVID-19 suffer from a dry cough and/or myalgia. Interestingly, an imbalance in bradykinin was observed in COVID-19 patients, which might be due to the accumulation of bradykinin as a result of a reduction in the degradation of bradykinin. This finding inspired the idea of possible similitude between the dry cough that is induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and the COVID-19-induced dry cough. Both of these types of cough are mediated, at least partially, by bradykinin. They both manifested as a persistent dry cough that is not responded to traditional dry cough remedies. However, several drugs were previously investigated for the treatment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced dry cough. Here, we hypothesized that such treatment might be useful in COVID-19-induced dry cough and other bradykinin-related symptoms such as generalized pain and myalgia. In this article, evidence was presented to support the use of indomethacin as a potential treatment of COVID-19-induced dry cough. The choice of indomethacin was based on its ability to suppress the cyclooxygenase enzyme while also lowering the level of the inflammatory mediator bradykinin. Furthermore, indomethacin has been shown to be effective in treating angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced dry cough. Moreover, indomethacin is a long-established, low-cost, effective, and readily available medication.

Platforms for Personalized Polytherapeutics Discovery in COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic entered its third and most intense to date wave of infections in November 2020. This perspective article describes how combination therapies (polytherapeutics) are a needed focus for helping battle the severity of complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection. It outlines the types of systems that are needed for fast and efficient combinatorial assessment of therapeutic candidates. Proposed are micro-physiological systems using human iPSC as a format for tissue-specific modeling of infection, the use of gene-humanized zebrafish and C. elegans for combinatorial drug screens due to the animals being addressable in liquid multi-well formats, and the use of engineered pseudo-typing systems to safely model infection in the transgenic animals and engineered tissue systems.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen): A familiar drug with an unexplained mechanism of action

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is undoubtedly one of the most widely used drugs worldwide. As an over-the-counter medication, paracetamol is the standard and first-line treatment for fever and acute pain and is believed to remain so for many years to come. Despite being in clinical use for over a century, the precise mechanism of action of this familiar drug remains a mystery. The oldest and most prevailing theory on the mechanism of analgesic and antipyretic actions of paracetamol relates to the inhibition of CNS cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activities, with conflicting views on the COX isoenzyme/variant targeted by paracetamol and on the nature of the molecular interactions with these enzymes. Paracetamol has been proposed to selectively inhibit COX-2 by working as a reducing agent, despite the fact that in vitro screens demonstrate low potency on the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2. In vivo data from COX-1 transgenic mice suggest that paracetamol works through inhibition of a COX-1 variant enzyme to mediate its analgesic and particularly thermoregulatory actions (antipyresis and hypothermia). A separate line of research provides evidence on potentiation of the descending inhibitory serotonergic pathway to mediate the analgesic action of paracetamol, but with no evidence of binding to serotonergic molecules. AM404 as a metabolite for paracetamol has been proposed to activate the endocannabinoid and the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) systems. The current review gives an update and in some cases challenges the different theories on the pharmacology of paracetamol and raises questions on some of the inadequately explored actions of paracetamol. List of Abbreviations: AM404, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide; CB1R, Cannabinoid receptor-1; Cmax, Maximum concentration; CNS, Central nervous system; COX, Cyclooxygenase; CSF, Cerebrospinal fluid; ED50, 50% of maximal effective dose; FAAH, Fatty acid amidohydrolase; IC50, 50% of the maximal inhibitor concentration; LPS, Lipopolysaccharide; NSAIDs, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; PGE2, Prostaglandin E2; TRPV1, Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1.

SARS-CoV-2 early infection signature identified potential key infection mechanisms and drug targets

Background

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has caused devastating mortality and posed a significant threat to public health worldwide. Despite the severity of this illness and 2.3 million worldwide deaths, the disease mechanism is mostly unknown. Previous studies that characterized differential gene expression due to SARS-CoV-2 infection lacked robust validation. Although vaccines are  now available, effective treatment options are still out of reach.

Results

To characterize the transcriptional activity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, a gene signature consisting of 25 genes was generated using a publicly available RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) dataset of cultured cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. The signature estimated infection level accurately in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy and infected patients (mean 0.001 vs. 0.958; P < 0.0001). These signature genes were investigated in their ability to distinguish the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a single-cell RNA-Sequencing dataset. TNFAIP3, PPP1R15A, NFKBIA, and IFIT2 had shown bimodal gene expression in various immune cells from severely infected patients compared to healthy or moderate infection cases. Finally, this signature was assessed using the publicly available ConnectivityMap database to identify potential disease mechanisms and drug repurposing candidates. Pharmacological classes of tricyclic antidepressants, SRC-inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and drugs such as atorvastatin, ibuprofen, and ketoconazole showed strong negative associations (connectivity score < − 90), highlighting the need for further evaluation of these candidates for their efficacy in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions

Thus, using the 25-gene SARS-CoV-2 infection signature, the SARS-CoV-2 infection status was captured in BALF cells, PBMCs and postmortem lung biopsies. In addition, candidate SARS-CoV-2 therapies with known safety profiles were identified. The signature genes could potentially also be used to characterize the COVID-19 disease severity in patients’ expression profiles of BALF cells.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07433-4.

Serious infectious events and ibuprofen administration in pediatrics: a narrative review in the era of COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose of review

Despite its recognized efficacy and tolerability profile, during the last decade a rise of adverse events following ibuprofen administration in children has been reported, including a possible role in worsening the clinical course of infections. Our aim was to critically evaluate the safety of ibuprofen during the course of pediatric infectious disease in order to promote its appropriate use in children.

Recent findings

Ibuprofen is associated with severe necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) during chickenpox course. Pre-hospital use of ibuprofen seems to increase the risk of complicated pneumonia in children. Conflicting data have been published in septic children, while ibuprofen in the setting of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) exacerbations is safe and efficacious. No data is yet available for ibuprofen use during COVID-19 course.

Summary

Ibuprofen should not be recommended for chickenpox management. Due to possible higher risks of complicated pneumonia, we suggest caution on its use in children with respiratory symptoms. While it remains unclear whether ibuprofen may have harmful effects during systemic bacterial infection, its administration is recommended in CF course. Despite the lack of data, it is seems cautious to prefer the use of paracetamol during COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome in children.

Early use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in COVID-19 might reverse pathogenesis, prevent complications and improve clinical outcomes

The pathogenesis of Coronavirus disease 2019 is still obscure and the need for exploration of possible mechanisms to suggest drugs based on knowledge should never be delayed. In this manuscript, we present a novel theory to explain the pathogenesis of COVID-19; lymphocyte distraction theory upon which the author has used, in a preprinted protocol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); diclofenac potassium, ibuprofen and ketoprofen, successfully to treat COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we agree with a recommendation that glucocorticoids should not be used routinely for COVID-19 patients and suggested to be beneficial only for patients with late acute respiratory distress syndrome. A clinical proof of ibuprofen safety in COVID-19 has been published by other researchers and we suggest that early administration of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, in COVID-19 is not only safe but it might also prevent COVID-19 complications and this manuscript explains some of the suggested associated protective mechanisms.

Challenges and Opportunities from Targeting Inflammatory Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that continues to sweep across the world, posing an urgent need for effective therapies and prevention of the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome related to coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). A major hypothesis that is currently guiding research and clinical care posits that an excessive and uncontrolled surge of pro-inflammatory cytokines (the so-called “cytokine storm”) drives morbidity and mortality in the most severe cases. In the overall efforts made to develop effective and safe therapies (including vaccines) for COVID-19, clinicians are thus repurposing ready-to-use drugs with direct or indirect anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Speculatively, there are many opportunities and challenges in targeting immune/inflammatory processes in the evolving settings of COVID-19 disease because of the need to safely balance the fight against virus and aggressive inflammation versus the suppression of host immune defenses and the risk of additional harms in already compromised patients. To this end, many studies are globally underway to weigh the pros and cons of tailoring drugs used for inflammatory-driven conditions to COVID-19 patient care, and the next step will be to summarize the growing clinical trial experience into clean clinical practice. Based on the current evidence, anti-inflammatory drugs should be considered as complementary approaches to anti-viral drugs that need to be timely introduced in the management of COVID-19 according to disease severity. While drugs that target SARS-CoV-2 entry or replication are expected to confer the greatest benefits at the early stage of the infection, anti-inflammatory drugs would be more effective in limiting the inflammatory processes that drive the worsening of the disease.

Survey-reported medication changes among older adults during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

Background

Speculation on benefits and harms of prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medications has been widespread during the SARS-CoV-2 (or COVID-19) pandemic. This community-based survey assessed self-reported changes in medications including those stopped, started, or if access had been impacted.

Methods

A survey was collected via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). The survey was advertised in the community through social media, email lists, websites, and post-cards. Survey responses were collected between 5/21/2020 and 6/24/2020. Variables included demographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, marital status, education, employment, income, and community type. Questions related to medication changes included: “Have you started any medication due to COVID-19?”, “Have you stopped any medication due to COVID-19?” and “Have you had issues getting your prescription medications?”. Respondents aged 50 years or older were included.

Results

There were N = 1397 responses of which 1169 were older adults ≥50 years-old. Of these, 1141 responded to the medication changes survey questions and 28 had missing responses and were excluded from the survey sample for this analysis. Among these, 31 (2.7%) reported a medication change included 5 (0.4%) reported stopping a medication, 18 (1.6%) reported starting a medication, and 8 (0.7%) reported trouble obtaining medications. Medications started included mostly vitamins or other supplements including zinc (n = 9), vitamin C (6), and other supplements (3). Among prescription medications, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications (4) were reported as well as aspirin (1), losartan (1), and low dose naltrexone (1). One respondent reported unidentified homeopathy. There were no significant differences between those with medication changes and those with none.

Conclusions

In this community-based survey sample of over one thousand older adults, only a small percentage (2.7%; n = 31) reported any changes to medications during the pandemic. As essential workers during this crisis, pharmacists have played a critical role in providing medication information and continued access.

COVID-19 in French patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases: Clinical features, risk factors and treatment adherence

OBJECTIVE

To explore how patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) coped with their disease during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify possible predictive factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population.

METHODS

Patients followed in a single rheumatology department in France or registered on the Spondy+ platform, a secure e-health platform for spondyloarthritis patients, were invited to complete a questionnaire focused on their experiences around COVID19 symptoms, testing and medications access during the lockdown period. Descriptive statistics were used to report questionnaire's results. Factors associated with COVID-19 or with treatment discontinuation were assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

We obtained 655 answers from the 2,081 contacted patients: 474 with spondyloarthritis, 129 with rheumatoid arthritis and 52 with psoriatic arthritis. The population was predominantly female (61.8%) with a mean age of 51.0±13.4 years. Incidence of COVID-19 was 6.9% (95%CI: 5.1-9.2%), including 12 confirmed and 33 highly suspicious cases. No death was observed and five patients needed to be hospitalized. Factors independently associated with an increased risk of infection were SARS-CoV-2 exposure, younger age and non-smoking. More than 30% of the patients suspended or decreased the dosage of one of their drugs during the lockdown period. This was followed in 63.4% of them by increased disease activity. Modifications were mostly motivated by fear of contagion (79.3%).

CONCLUSION

We did not observe any increase of incidence or severity of COVID-19 in patients suffering of the 3 most common CIRDs. This survey also adds evidence of the safety of anti-rheumatic drugs use regarding COVID-19.

Association Between Prescribed Ibuprofen and Severe COVID-19 Infection: A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study

Recommendations regarding ibuprofen use in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been conflicting. We examined the risk of severe COVID-19 between ibuprofen-prescribed and non-ibuprofen patients with COVID-19 in a nationwide register-based study of patients with COVID-19 in Denmark between the end of February 2020 and May 16, 2020. Patients with heart failure (n = 208), < 30 years (n = 575), and prescribed other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 57) were excluded. Patients with ibuprofen prescription claims between January 1, 2020, and before COVID-19 diagnosis or April 30, 2020 (last available prescription) were compared with patients without ibuprofen prescription claims. Outcome was a 30-day composite of severe COVID-19 diagnosis with acute respiratory syndrome, intensive care unit admission, or death. Absolute risks and average risk ratios comparing outcome for ibuprofen vs. non-ibuprofen patients standardized to the age, sex, and comorbidity distribution of all patients were derived from multivariable Cox regression. Among 4,002 patients, 264 (6.6%) had ibuprofen prescription claims before COVID-19. Age, sex, and comorbidities were comparable between the two study groups. Standardized absolute risks of the composite outcome for ibuprofen-prescribed vs. non-ibuprofen patients were 16.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.1-20.6) vs. 17.0% (95% CI 16.0-18.1), P = 0.74. The standardized average risk ratio for ibuprofen-prescribed vs. non-ibuprofen patients was 0.96 (95% CI 0.72-1.23). Standardized absolute risks of the composite outcome for patients with ibuprofen prescription claims > 14 days before COVID-19 vs. ≤ 14 days of COVID-19 were 17.1% (95% CI 12.3-22.0) vs. 14.3% (95% CI 7.1-23.1). In conclusion, in this nationwide study, there was no significant association between ibuprofen prescription claims and severe COVID-19.

Paracetamol-Induced Glutathione Consumption: Is There a Link With Severe COVID-19 Illness?

COVID-19 pandemic is posing an unprecedented sanitary threat: antiviral and host-directed medications to treat the disease are urgently needed. A great effort has been paid to find drugs and treatments for hospitalized, severely ill patients. However, medications used for the domiciliary management of early symptoms, notwithstanding their importance, have not been and are not presently regarded with the same attention and seriousness. In analogy with other airways viral infections, COVID-19 patients in the early phase require specific antivirals (still lacking) and non-etiotropic drugs to lower pain, fever, and control inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol (PAC) are widely used as non-etiotropic agents in common airways viral infections and hence are both theoretically repurposable for COVID-19. However, a warning from some research reports and National Authorities raised NSAIDs safety concerns because of the supposed induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) levels (the receptor used by SARS-CoV2 to enter host airways cells), the increased risk of bacterial superinfections and masking of disease symptoms. As a consequence, the use of NSAIDs was, and is still, discouraged while the alternative adoption of paracetamol is still preferred. On the basis of novel data and hypothesis on the possible role of scarce glutathione (GSH) levels in the exacerbation of COVID-19 and of the GSH depleting activity of PAC, this commentary raises the question of whether PAC may be the better choice.

COVID-19: Current Developments and Further Opportunities in Drug Delivery and Therapeutics

SARS-CoV-2 has affected people from all age groups, races and ethnicities. Given that many infected individuals are asymptomatic, they transmit the disease to others unknowingly, which has resulted in the spread of infection at an alarming rate. This review aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiology, preventive measures to reduce the disease spread, therapies currently in use, an update on vaccine development and opportunities for vaccine delivery. The World Health Organization has advised several precautions including social distancing, hand washing and the use of PPE including gloves and face masks for minimizing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. At present, several antiviral therapies previously approved for other infections are being repositioned to study their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. In addition, some medicines (i.e., remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine) have received emergency use authorisation from the FDA. Plasma therapy has also been authorised for emergency use for the treatment of COVID-19 on a smaller scale. However, no vaccine has been approved so far against this virus. Nevertheless, several potential vaccine targets have been reported, and development of different types of vaccines including DNA, mRNA, viral vector, inactivated, subunit and vaccine-like particles is in process. It is concluded that a suitable candidate delivered through an advanced drug delivery approach would effectively boost the immune system against this coronavirus.

ACEIs, ARBs, ibuprofen originally linked to COVID-19: the other side of the mirror

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a correspondence, published at the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, that linked angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and ibuprofen to a higher risk of SARS CoV-2 infection and complications, has influenced, when adopted by official health authorities, the practical management of COVID-19 with regard to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that were avoided in all COVID-19 management protocols all over the world. This manuscript discusses, from a pharmacological point of view, the points of weakness in the mentioned correspondence and it also lists some important contradictory review articles as well as clinical results that refuted its claims. The author chose to argue against each claim represented in the mentioned correspondence to confirm that ACEIs, ARBs and NSAIDs including ibuprofen should not be considered hazardous to be administered for COVID-19 patients and to warn against any future adoption of such unproved claims.

Can Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Alleviate COVID-19 Pain? A Case Study

Among the symptoms of COVID-19 fever, general malaise, pain and aches, myalgia, fatigue, and headache can affect the quality of life of patients, even after the end of the acute phase of the infection and can be long lasting. The current treatment of these symptoms, also because COVID-19 patients have been asked not to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in particular ibuprofen are often unsatisfactory. Among the above mentioned symptoms malaise and fatigue seem the most difficult to treat. In this case report we describe the use of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) by a patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection. What we observed was a fast and sustained relieve of the above mentioned symptoms.