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Margaret MS, Melrose J. Impaired instructive and protective barrier functions of the endothelial cell glycocalyx pericellular matrix is impacted in COVID-19 disease. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e70033. [PMID: 39180511 PMCID: PMC11344469 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.70033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to review the roles of endothelial cells in normal tissue function and to show how COVID-19 disease impacts on endothelial cell properties that lead to much of its associated symptomatology. This places the endothelial cell as a prominent cell type to target therapeutically in the treatment of this disorder. Advances in glycosaminoglycan analytical techniques and functional glycomics have improved glycosaminoglycan mimetics development, providing agents that can more appropriately target various aspects of the behaviour of the endothelial cell in-situ and have also provided polymers with potential to prevent viral infection. Thus, promising approaches are being developed to combat COVID-19 disease and the plethora of symptoms this disease produces. Glycosaminoglycan mimetics that improve endothelial glycocalyx boundary functions have promising properties in the prevention of viral infection, improve endothelial cell function and have disease-modifying potential. Endothelial cell integrity, forming tight junctions in cerebral cell populations in the blood-brain barrier, prevents the exposure of the central nervous system to circulating toxins and harmful chemicals, which may contribute to the troublesome brain fogging phenomena reported in cognitive processing in long COVID disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Smith Margaret
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research LaboratoryKolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health DistrictSt. LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Arthropharm Australia Pharmaceuticals Pty LtdBondi JunctionSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research LaboratoryKolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health DistrictSt. LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Sydney Medical SchoolNorthern, The University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of Sydney, Royal North Shore HospitalSt. LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
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Okazaki E, Barion BG, da Rocha TRF, Di Giacomo G, Ho YL, Rothschild C, Fatobene G, de Carvalho Moraes BDG, Stefanello B, Villaça PR, Rocha VG, Orsi FA. Persistent hypofibrinolysis in severe COVID-19 associated with elevated fibrinolysis inhibitors activity. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2024; 57:721-729. [PMID: 38523179 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-024-02961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Hypercoagulability and reduced fibrinolysis are well-established complications associated with COVID-19. However, the timelines for the onset and resolution of these complications remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a cohort of COVID-19 patients, changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic activity through ROTEM assay at different time points during the initial 30 days following the onset of symptoms in both mild and severe cases. Blood samples were collected at five intervals after symptoms onset: 6-10 days, 11-15 days, 16-20 days, 21-25 days, and 26-30 days. In addition, fibrinogen, plasminogen, PAI-1, and alpha 2-antiplasmin activities were determined. Out of 85 participants, 71% had mild COVID-19. Twenty uninfected individuals were evaluated as controls. ROTEM parameters showed a hypercoagulable state among mild COVID-19 patients beginning in the second week of symptoms onset, with a trend towards reversal after the third week of symptoms. In severe COVID-19 cases, hypercoagulability was observed since the first few days of symptoms, with a tendency towards reversal after the fourth week of symptoms onset. A hypofibrinolytic state was identified in severe COVID-19 patients from early stages and persisted even after 30 days of symptoms. Elevated activity of PAI-1 and alpha 2-antiplasmin was also detected in severe COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, both mild and severe cases of COVID-19 exhibited transient hypercoagulability, reverted by the end of the first month. However, severe COVID-19 cases sustain hypofibrinolysis throughout the course of the disease, which is associated with elevated activity of fibrinolysis inhibitors. Persistent hypofibrinolysis could contribute to long COVID-19 manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Okazaki
- University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Gomes Barion
- University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Tania Rubia Flores da Rocha
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Di Giacomo
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Yeh-Li Ho
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Rothschild
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - Bianca Stefanello
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Paula Ribeiro Villaça
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Vanderson Geraldo Rocha
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Andrade Orsi
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Paulo da USP, 255 - Cerqueira César, Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.
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Plasek J, Dodulik J, Gai P, Hrstkova B, Skrha J, Zlatohlavek L, Vlasakova R, Danko P, Ondracek P, Cubova E, Capek B, Kollarova M, Furst T, Vaclavik J. Mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: Effects of treatment options (vitamin D, anticoagulation, isoprinosine, ivermectin) assessed by propensity score matching, retrospective analysis. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2024; 168:35-43. [PMID: 38050692 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2023.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in hospitalized high-risk patients. We aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment options (vitamin D, anticoagulation, isoprinosine, ivermectin) on hospital mortality in non-vaccinated patients during the 2021 spring wave in the Czech Republic. METHODS Initially, 991 patients hospitalized in the period January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021, with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory infection in two university and five rural hospitals were included in the study. After exclusion of patients with an unknown outcome, a total of 790 patients entered the final analysis. The effects of different treatments were assessed in this cohort by means of propensity score matching. RESULTS Of the 790 patients, 282 patients died in the hospital; 37.7% were male and 33.3% were female. Age, sex, state of the disease, pneumonia, therapy, and several comorbidities were matched to simulate a case-control study. For anticoagulation treatment, 233 cases (full-dose) vs. 233 controls (prophylactic dose) were matched. The difference in mortality was significant in 16 of the 50 runs. For the treatment with isoprinosine, ivermectin, and vitamin D, none of the 50 runs led to a significant difference in hospital mortality. CONCLUSION Prophylactic-dose anticoagulation treatment in our study was found to be beneficial in comparison with the full dose. Supplementation with vitamin D did not show any meaningful benefit in terms of lowering the hospital mortality. Neither ivermectin nor, isoprinosine was found to significantly decrease hospital mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Plasek
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Center for Research on Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Dodulik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Gai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hrstkova
- Clinic for Infectious diseases, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Skrha
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital, Prague
| | - Lukas Zlatohlavek
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital, Prague
| | - Renata Vlasakova
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital, Prague
| | - Peter Danko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Havirov Regional Hospital, Havirov, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Ondracek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bilovec Regional Hospital, Bilovec, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Cubova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fifejdy Ostrava City Hospital, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Bronislav Capek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Associated Medical Facilities, Krnov, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Kollarova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Trinec Regional Hospital, Trinec, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Furst
- Department of Mathematical Analysis and Application of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vaclavik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Center for Research on Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
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Yoshida K, Nakajima M, Kaszynski RH, Horino M, Higo T. Association Between Head Computed Tomography Findings and In-Hospital Mortality in COVID-19 Patients. Cureus 2024; 16:e54339. [PMID: 38500925 PMCID: PMC10945282 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the association between head computed tomography (CT) findings and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Specifically, we focused on low-density lesions identified on head CT screenings. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study based on data obtained from the medical charts of inpatients admitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2021. We focused on the basal ganglia--a representative anatomical region for assessing routine head CT in patients with COVID-19. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of low-density lesions in the basal ganglia. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was the length of hospital stay. We performed multivariable regression analyses for outcomes to adjust for patients' background and disease severity. RESULTS During the study period, 1,906 COVID-19 patients were admitted to our facility. Among them, 1,203 patients underwent head CT evaluations and were included in this study. The median age was 56 years (interquartile range: 43-76 years) and 725 patients (60.3%) were male. A total of 235 (19.5%) patients required oxygen therapy on admission and 1,051 (87.4%) patients had pneumonia. Crude in-hospital mortality was 6.1% and the median length of hospital stay was 10 days (interquartile range: 8-14 days). The multivariate regression analyses showed that low-density lesions in the basal ganglia were significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality and prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS The presence of ischemic changes in the basal ganglia denoted by low-density findings may be a promising prognostic factor in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensaku Yoshida
- Neurological Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Mikio Nakajima
- Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, Tokyo University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Richard H Kaszynski
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Masayoshi Horino
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Takuma Higo
- Neurological Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
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Stróż S, Kosiorek P, Stasiak-Barmuta A. The COVID-19 inflammation and high mortality mechanism trigger. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:15-25. [PMID: 38063879 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01326-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lasted from March 2020 to May 2023, infecting over 689 million and causing 6.9 million deaths globally. SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells via the spike protein binding to ACE2 receptors, leading to viral replication and an exaggerated immune response characterized by a "cytokine storm." This review analyzes the COVID-19 pathogenesis, strains, risk factors for severe disease, and vaccine types and effectiveness. A systematic literature search for 2020-2023 was conducted. Results show the cytokine storm underlies COVID-19 pathogenesis, causing multiorgan damage. Key viral strains include Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, differing in transmissibility, disease severity, and vaccine escape. Risk factors for severe COVID-19 include older age, obesity, and comorbidities. mRNA, viral vector, and inactivated vaccines effectively prevent hospitalization and death, although new variants exhibit some vaccine escape. Ongoing monitoring of emerging strains and vaccine effectiveness is warranted. This review provides updated information on COVID-19 pathogenesis, viral variants, risk factors, and vaccines to inform public health strategies for containment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Stróż
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089, 1 Jana Kilińskiego Str., Białystok, Poland.
| | - Piotr Kosiorek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089, 1 Jana Kilińskiego Str., Białystok, Poland
- Department of Emergency, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Bialystok Oncology Centre, 15-027, 12 Ogrodowa Str., Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna Stasiak-Barmuta
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089, 1 Jana Kilińskiego Str., Białystok, Poland
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Ishida T, Takagi K, Wang G, Tanahashi N, Kawanokuchi J, Takagi H, Guo Y, Ma N. A Greater Increase in Complement C5a Receptor 1 Level at Onset and a Smaller Decrease in Immunoglobulin G Level after Recovery in Severer Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A New Analysis of Existing Data with a New Two-Tailed t-Test. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1176. [PMID: 37759576 PMCID: PMC10525237 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: It is our purpose to identify the differences in the changes in Complement C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) levels showing the degree of inflammation at onset and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels showing the extent of survival of the virus fragments after recovery between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pneumonia coronavirus disease (non-COVID-19) for saving patients' lives. (2) Methods: First, the studies showing these markers' levels in individual patients before and after the passage of time were selected from the PubMed Central® databases with the keywords (((COVID-19) AND individual) NOT review) AND C5a/IgG. Then, no changes in these markers' levels with conventional analyses were selected from the studies. Finally, the no changes were reexamined with our new two-tailed t-test using the values on the regression line between initial levels and changed levels instead of the mean or median of changed levels as the expected values of changed levels. (3) Results: Not conventional analyses but our new t-test suggested a greater increase in C5aR1-levels at onset and a smaller decrease in IgG-levels after recovery in COVID-19 patients than non-COVID-19 patients. (4) Conclusion: Our new t-test also should be used in clinics for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torao Ishida
- Project for Advanced Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 510-0293, Japan
| | - Ken Takagi
- Project for Advanced Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 510-0293, Japan
| | - Guifeng Wang
- Project for Advanced Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 510-0293, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Tanahashi
- Project for Advanced Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 510-0293, Japan
| | - Jun Kawanokuchi
- Project for Advanced Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 510-0293, Japan
| | - Hisayo Takagi
- Project for Advanced Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 510-0293, Japan
| | - Yi Guo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Project for Advanced Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 510-0293, Japan
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Ali A, Liang W, Abdelhafiz AS, Saleh MM, Salem H, Moazen EM, Elmazny MI, Rakha MA, Elfeky SEF. Elevation of D-dimer levels are associated with early need for mechanical ventilation support in patients with COVID-19. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:283. [PMID: 37537520 PMCID: PMC10401731 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe COVID-19 disease is typically associated with an urgent need for supplemental oxygen therapy that may be successfully delivered through conventional methods or require invasive mechanical ventilation. Early prediction of the need for invasive mechanical ventilation could significantly improve outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Plasma levels of D-dimer and a number of inflammatory markers as well as values of complete blood counts, all measured in the first two days of hospital admission of COVID-19 patients, were evaluated for their significance as predictors of the eventual need for invasive mechanical ventilation support as well as their values as predictors of post-ventilation morbidly and mortality. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single center and included data pertaining to 200 patients with previously confirmed moderate to severe COVID-19 disease in the period between May 2021 and the end of December 2022. Data were retrieved from medical records for further analysis. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of patients stood at 59 (14) years of age, and with a majority of patients being male (77%). About 18% of cases, all of significantly older age, had been connected to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Total leucocytic count (TLC), as well as levels of urea, creatinine, D-dimer, ferritin, and CRP in IMV patients were significantly higher than non-ventilated patients (p < 0.01 for all). In contrast, lymphocytic count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count were significantly lower in IMV patients (p < 0.001, 0.04, and 0.002, respectively). The mortality rate was significantly higher in IMV patients (p < 0.001). D-dimer independently predicted IMV demand (OR = 1, p = 0.001 in adjusted and unadjusted models). The utility of D-dimer was excellent; and the cutoff level of above 1415 µ/L showed sensitivity and specificity of about 92% and 76%, respectively. Also, the D-dimer level was very effective in predicting post-IMV survival; the AUC = 0.86, p = 0.02, and a cutoff value below 4558 µ/L was associated with 100% and 66% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS High D-dimer levels independently correlated with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Low levels of this marker could evidently predict post-IMV survival of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Measuring D-dimer levels during routine follow up of those patients would thus be useful in predicting patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Ali
- Department of laboratory medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Department of pulmonary medicine, Abbassia Chest Hospital, MOH, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of respiratory allergy, Al-Rashed Allergy Centre, MOH, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Wu Liang
- Department of laboratory medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Ahmed Samir Abdelhafiz
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al-Aini Street, from El-Khalig Square, Cairo, 11796, Egypt.
| | - Mai M Saleh
- Department of chest disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Heba Salem
- Department of chest disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Eman M Moazen
- Department of chest disease, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maram I Elmazny
- Department of anesthesia, intensive care and pain, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Sanekommu H, Taj S, Kilada C, Ravilla J, Ramirez C, Gonzalez PE, Imburgio S, Johal A, Sun X, Shah PN, Hossain M. Fulminant Presentation of Budd-Chiari Syndrome Secondary to COVID-19 Infection. ACG Case Rep J 2023; 10:e01114. [PMID: 37601303 PMCID: PMC10435036 DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare condition characterized by the obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100,000 people worldwide. In cases of new BCS, inherited and acquired hypercoagulability states must be evaluated. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can induce a hypercoagulable state because of its extensive inflammatory response, and while it has been reported to cause portal vein thrombosis, it rarely causes BCS. This article presents a case of a 22-year-old man who developed fulminant symptoms and was subsequently diagnosed with BCS and portal vein thrombosis secondary to COVID-19 infection, after ruling out other inherited and acquired causes of BCS. In addition, a literature review is provided to understand the presentation and management of such patients. Although most patients improve with medical management, this article emphasizes the consideration of liver transplant for patients who do not improve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sobaan Taj
- Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, NJ
| | - Catherine Kilada
- School of Medicine, Saint George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Jayasree Ravilla
- Department of Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Avenue Long Branch, NJ
| | - Claudia Ramirez
- Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, NJ
| | | | - Steven Imburgio
- Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, NJ
| | - Anmol Johal
- Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, NJ
| | - Xiu Sun
- Department of Pathology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, NJ
| | - Pranav N. Shah
- Department of Radiology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, NJ
| | - Mohammad Hossain
- Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune City, NJ
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9
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Agudo M, Moura P, Santos F, Robalo C, Carvalho A, Serra S. Pulmonary Embolism of COVID-19: A Year of Reflection. Cureus 2023; 15:e40638. [PMID: 37476132 PMCID: PMC10355338 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about significant changes in the medical field. While primarily characterized as a respiratory syndrome, COVID-19 is also associated with vascular events, particularly thrombotic complications. These events can manifest as initial presentations or develop as complications during the course of the disease, predominantly driven by immune-mediated mechanisms. Methods Patients with thrombotic complications followed in the post-COVID-19 thrombosis consult of 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and assessed for predisposing factors for pulmonary embolism (PE), including thrombophilias. Patients underwent reassessments over a minimum six-month period following diagnosis to evaluate vascular reperfusion and the potential discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy. Results All patients with PE exhibited segmental or subsegmental PE. Pulmonary CT angiography revealed that only one patient did not show complete reperfusion after six months of anticoagulant therapy alone. There were no instances of recurrent thrombotic events observed during this observation period. Among the studied patients, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity were identified as the most prevalent predisposing factors. No patients were diagnosed with thrombophilias or other relevant factors. Despite extensive research on the predisposing mechanisms of this complication in recent years, limited data exist regarding patients with this specific complication. Discussion and conclusion Continued research into COVID-19 patients and their complications is crucial for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors associated with these complications. The findings of this study support the existence of a multifactorial mechanism, with a significant pro-inflammatory component exacerbated by pre-existing risk factors, rather than a purely prothrombotic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Agudo
- Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, Setúbal, PRT
| | - Pedro Moura
- Medicine, Centro Hospitalar do Médio Ave, Vila Nova de Famalicão, PRT
| | | | - Carolina Robalo
- Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, Setúbal, PRT
| | - Adriano Carvalho
- Radiology, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, PRT
| | - Sónia Serra
- Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal, Setúbal, PRT
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10
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Missense Variants of von Willebrand Factor in the Background of COVID-19 Associated Coagulopathy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030617. [PMID: 36980889 PMCID: PMC10048626 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 associated coagulopathy (CAC), characterized by endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulability, evokes pulmonary immunothrombosis in advanced COVID-19 cases. Elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels and reduced activities of the ADAMTS13 protease are common in CAC. Here, we aimed to determine whether common genetic variants of these proteins might be associated with COVID-19 severity and hemostatic parameters. A set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vWF (rs216311, rs216321, rs1063856, rs1800378, rs1800383) and ADAMTS13 genes (rs2301612, rs28729234, rs34024143) were genotyped in 72 COVID-19 patients. Cross-sectional cohort analysis revealed no association of any polymorphism with disease severity. On the other hand, analysis of variance (ANOVA) uncovered associations with the following clinical parameters: (1) the rs216311 T allele with enhanced INR (international normalized ratio); (2) the rs1800383 C allele with elevated fibrinogen levels; and (3) the rs1063856 C allele with increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and creatinine levels. No association could be observed between the phenotypic data and the polymorphisms in the ADAMTS13 gene. Importantly, in silico protein conformational analysis predicted that these missense variants would display global conformational alterations, which might affect the stability and plasma levels of vWF. Our results imply that missense vWF variants might modulate the thrombotic risk in COVID-19.
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Volod O, Bunch CM, Miller J, Moore EE, Moore HB, Kwaan HC, Patel SS, Wiarda G, Aboukhaled M, Thomas SG, Fulkerson D, Erdman L, Tincher A, Walsh MM. Reply to Bareille et al. Are Viscoelastometric Assays of Old Generation Ready for Disposal? Comment on "Volod et al. Viscoelastic Hemostatic Assays: A Primer on Legacy and New Generation Devices. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 860". J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020478. [PMID: 36675408 PMCID: PMC9862366 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We are pleased to see that Bareille et al. have written a Commentary: "Are viscoelastometric assays of old generation ready for disposal?" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Volod
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Connor M. Bunch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48402, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA
| | - Joseph Miller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48402, USA
| | - Ernest E. Moore
- Department of Surgery, Ernest E. Moore Shock Trauma Center at Denver Health, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Hunter B. Moore
- Department of Surgery, Ernest E. Moore Shock Trauma Center at Denver Health, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Hau C. Kwaan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shivani S. Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA
| | - Grant Wiarda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA
| | - Michael Aboukhaled
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA
| | - Scott G. Thomas
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Memorial Leighton Trauma Center, Beacon Health System, South Bend, IN 46601, USA
| | - Daniel Fulkerson
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Memorial Leighton Trauma Center, Beacon Health System, South Bend, IN 46601, USA
| | - Lee Erdman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA
| | - Anna Tincher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA
| | - Mark M. Walsh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA
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12
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Boussetta A, Abida N, Jellouli M, Garagah T. Spontaneous hemothorax in a 10-year-old boy with COVID-19. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6613. [PMID: 36415710 PMCID: PMC9675363 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous hemothorax occurs in the absence of trauma or iatrogenic causes. Etiologies of spontaneous hemothorax in children include connective tissue disease, neoplasia and coagulopathy, which is associated with thromboembolic events. We present the case of a 10-year-old chronic hemodialysis patient with spontaneous hemothorax with a concurrent COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Boussetta
- Pediatric DepartmentCharles Nicolle HospitalTunisTunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar‐Faculty of Medicine of TunisTunisTunisia
- Research Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunology of Renal Transplantation (LR03SP01)Charles Nicolle Hospital of TunisTunisTunisia
| | - Nesrine Abida
- Pediatric DepartmentCharles Nicolle HospitalTunisTunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar‐Faculty of Medicine of TunisTunisTunisia
| | - Manel Jellouli
- Pediatric DepartmentCharles Nicolle HospitalTunisTunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar‐Faculty of Medicine of TunisTunisTunisia
- Research Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunology of Renal Transplantation (LR03SP01)Charles Nicolle Hospital of TunisTunisTunisia
| | - Tahar Garagah
- Pediatric DepartmentCharles Nicolle HospitalTunisTunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar‐Faculty of Medicine of TunisTunisTunisia
- Research Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunology of Renal Transplantation (LR03SP01)Charles Nicolle Hospital of TunisTunisTunisia
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13
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van de Berg TW, Mulder MMG, Alnima T, Nagy M, van Oerle R, Beckers EAM, Hackeng TM, Hulshof AM, Sels JWEM, Henskens YMC, van der Horst ICC, ten Cate H, Spronk HMH, van Bussel BCT. Serial thrombin generation and exploration of alternative anticoagulants in critically ill COVID-19 patients: Observations from Maastricht Intensive Care COVID Cohort. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:929284. [PMID: 36277784 PMCID: PMC9582511 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.929284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 associated coagulopathy (CAC) is associated with an increase in thromboembolic events. Current guidelines recommend prophylactic heparins in the management of CAC. However, the efficacy of this strategy in the intensive care population remains uncertain. Objective We aimed to measure thrombin generation (TG) to assess CAC in intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH). In addition, we performed statistical modeling to link TG parameters to patient characteristics and clinical parameters. Lastly, we studied the potency of different anticoagulants as an alternative to LMWH treatment in ex vivo COVID-19 plasma. Patients/Methods We included 33 patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted at the ICU. TG was measured at least twice over the course of 6 weeks after admission. Thrombin generation parameters peak height and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were compared to healthy controls. Results were subsequently correlated with a patient characteristics and laboratory measurements. In vitro spiking in TG with rivaroxaban, dabigatran, argatroban and orgaran was performed and compared to LMWH. Results Anti-Xa levels of all patients remained within the therapeutic range throughout follow-up. At baseline, the mean (SE) endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was 1,727 (170) nM min and 1,620 (460) nM min for ellagic acid (EA) and tissue factor (TF), respectively. In line with this we found a mean (SE) peak height of 353 (45) nM and 264 (96) nM for EA and TF. Although fluctuating across the weeks of follow-up, TG parameters remained elevated despite thromboprophylaxis. In vitro comparison of LMWHs and direct thrombin inhibitors (e.g., agratroban, dabigatran) revealed a higher efficacy in reducing coagulation potential for direct thrombin inhibition in both ellagic acid (EA) and tissue factor (TF) triggered TG. Conclusion In a sub-group of mechanically ventilated, critically ill COVID-19 patients, despite apparent adequate anti-coagulation doses evaluated by anti-Xa levels, thrombin generation potential remained high during ICU admission independent of age, sex, body mass index, APACHE II score, cardiovascular disease, and smoking status. These observations could, only partially, be explained by (anti)coagulation and thrombosis, inflammation, and multi-organ failure. Our in vitro data suggested that direct thrombin inhibition compared with LMWH might offer an alternate, more effective anticoagulant strategy in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom W. van de Berg
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mark M. G. Mulder
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Mark M. G. Mulder
| | - Teba Alnima
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Magdolna Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rene van Oerle
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Erik A. M. Beckers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tilman M. Hackeng
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marije Hulshof
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jan-Willem E. M. Sels
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Yvonne M. C. Henskens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Iwan C. C. van der Horst
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Hugo ten Cate
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Thrombosis Expertise Centre Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Henri M. H. Spronk
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bas C. T. van Bussel
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands,Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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14
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Liver Injury in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: Possible Role of Therapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020192. [PMID: 35214651 PMCID: PMC8880796 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 show a high prevalence of liver injury. The pattern of this liver damage is still not fully understood. Different etiopathogenetic factors may concur; from a direct cytopathic effect, once the virus binds to the ACE-2 receptors, to the immune-mediated collateral damage, due to cytokine storm. The presence of pre-existing chronic liver disease is a contributing factor for acute organ damage during SARS-CoV2 infection. Last but not least, treatments probably play a role, also, in determining hepatotoxicity: many of the drugs we have used or are still using to treat COVID-19, combined with non-invasive ventilation, are known to sometimes determine acute liver injury. Although liver damage associated with COVID-19 is often transient and can resolve without any special treatment, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms, particularly to better treat its more severe forms.
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